Microsoft OneDrive is a cloud storage and file synchronization service included with Microsoft 365 and Windows, offering 1TB of storage per Microsoft 365 user and 5GB free for personal accounts. It integrates natively into Windows Explorer, making file sync seamless for Windows users, and connects to Office apps for real-time collaborative editing of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files. OneDrive is the default cloud storage for organizations using Microsoft 365.
Microsoft OneDrive
Microsoft's cloud storage service for syncing, sharing and backing up files, sold inside Microsoft 365 subscriptions for individuals.
Best for: People already using Windows or Microsoft 365 who want file sync and backup bundled with the Office apps
- Free trial
- $19.99/year or $1.99/month
4.0/5 ratingEditorial score 75/100Last reviewed Oct 16, 2026microsoft.com
Starts at
$19.99/year or $1.99/month
Start free trial
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Editorial score75/100
The editorial note
What to know about Microsoft OneDrive
Is it right for you?
Who Microsoft OneDrive suits
Choose it if
- People already using Windows or Microsoft 365 who want file sync and backup bundled with the Office apps
Look elsewhere if
- Non-Windows or non-Microsoft ecosystems — Google Drive provides better cross-platform support for macOS, Linux, and teams using non-Microsoft tools
What you get
Key features
- 1TB cloud storage (per M365 user)
- Windows File Explorer integration
- Real-time Office collaboration
- SharePoint team files integration
- Mobile apps (iOS, Android)
- Personal Vault security
- Version history and recovery
- External sharing and permissions
Works with
Integrations8
What it costs
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft 365 Basic | $19.99/year or $1.99/monthBilled yearly | 100 GB of cloud storage for one person, plus 100 GB mailbox storage. |
| Microsoft 365 Personal | $99.99/year or $9.99/monthBilled yearly | 1 TB of storage for one person, with Microsoft 365 desktop apps and Copilot features. |
| Microsoft 365 Family | $129.99/year or $12.99/monthBilled yearly | 2 TB of shared storage for up to six people; AI features for the subscription owner only. |
| Microsoft 365 Premium | $199.99/year or $19.99/monthBilled yearly | Up to 6 TB (1 TB per person) for up to six people, with extensive Copilot usage and agents. |
Prices are recorded from the vendor's public pricing page and can change. Check before you buy.
The trade-off
Pros and cons
Pros
- 1TB storage included with Microsoft 365 subscription at no extra cost
- Native Windows integration with File Explorer sync makes cloud storage seamless
- Real-time co-authoring in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint directly from OneDrive
- Granular sharing permissions and SharePoint integration for team document management
- Personal Vault feature provides extra security layer for sensitive documents
Cons
- Sync client has historically been buggy on macOS — worse than Google Drive on Apple devices
- Less suitable for non-Microsoft ecosystems and Linux users
- SharePoint complexity creates confusion between OneDrive personal and team storage
- 5GB free tier is smaller than Google Drive's 15GB for non-Microsoft 365 users
Quick read
At a glance
- Category
- Business & Productivity
- Pricing model
- Subscription
- Entry plan
- $19.99/year or $1.99/month
- Free plan
- Not listed
- Free trial
- Available
- Platforms
- macOS, Web, Windows, iOS, Android
- Website
- microsoft.com
- Last reviewed
- Oct 16, 2026
Not the right fit?
Alternatives to Microsoft OneDrive
Google Drive
Google's cloud storage and collaboration platform with 15GB free — the backbone of the Google Workspace ecosystem.
Why instead: Google's cloud storage, tightly tied to Google Workspace instead of Microsoft 365.
4.6/5 ratingScore 88/100
- Free plan
Dropbox
Cloud storage and file sync platform with smart workspace features — trusted by 700 million registered users.
Why instead: A storage-first service that works across ecosystems.
4.4/5 ratingScore 78/100
- Free plan
The verdict
Our take on Microsoft OneDrive
OneDrive is the natural choice if you already live in Windows and the Office apps and want storage and backup included in the same subscription. If you only want a simple storage plan or have business needs, compare it against dedicated storage services first.
Use cases
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Platforms
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