Google Drive review (2026): features, pros and cons, pricing
Google's file storage inside Google Workspace, sold as pooled storage per user across Workspace plans.
Verdict at a glance
Google Drive is Google's file storage inside Google Workspace, sold as pooled storage per user across plans. It suits teams already on Workspace email and Docs, but Starter, Standard and Plus plans stop at 300 users.
What is Google Drive?
Google's file storage inside Google Workspace, sold as pooled storage per user across Workspace plans. It is built for teams already on Google Workspace email and Docs and small organizations (plans up to 300 users) wanting low per-user cost.
Category: Cloud Storage and File Sharing
Google Drive key features
| Feature | What we found |
|---|---|
| Storage per user and limits | 30 GB (Starter), 2 TB (Standard), 5 TB (Plus) pooled per user. |
| Desktop sync quality | Drive for desktop on every plan. |
| Security and encryption | 2-step verification and Advanced Protection Program on all plans; S/MIME, DLP, context-aware access on Enterprise. |
| Compliance certifications | Enterprise data regions on Enterprise. |
Google Drive pricing
Drive is priced per user per month through the Workspace edition. Starter gives 30 GB pooled per user at 6.80 euros, Standard gives 2 TB at 13.60, and Plus gives 5 TB at 21.10, all on an annual plan. Enterprise starts at 5 TB and is quoted, with no user limit. A one-year commitment saves 16 percent, and flexible monthly billing is available. Prices exclude tax. At list price before promotions, 20 users on Standard annual cost 3,264 euros per year. Google also showed a 50 percent intro promo for the first 20 users for 12 months.
| Plan | Price | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | 6.80 | per user/month, annual | 30 GB pooled per user; up to 300 users |
| Standard | 13.60 | per user/month, annual | 2 TB pooled per user; up to 300 users |
| Plus | 21.10 | per user/month, annual | 5 TB pooled per user; up to 300 users |
| Enterprise | Contact sales | custom | 5 TB or more on request; no user limit |
The vendor site showed an intro promo of 50% off for the first 20 users for 12 months (Nov 7 2026 to Feb 7 2027). Prices exclude tax and are shown in EUR; no USD price published on the vendor site.
Who Google Drive is best for
Best for
- Teams already on Google Workspace email and Docs.
- Small organizations (plans up to 300 users) wanting low per-user cost.
Not ideal for
- Teams wanting Drive without the rest of Workspace.
- Organizations above 300 users on Starter, Standard or Plus (must move to Enterprise)
Google Drive alternatives
Microsoft OneDriveOrganizations already on Microsoft 365 and Entra ID.
Dropbox BusinessSmall teams (Standard is available from 1 user) wanting simple sync and sharing.
BoxRegulated organizations needing FedRAMP Moderate or HIPAA (Enterprise tier)
Zoho WorkDriveTeams already on Zoho Workplace or Zoho apps.
NextcloudPublic sector and EU organizations that need on-premises control.
EgnyteMid-size firms wanting governance and ransomware detection on file storage.
What Google Drive really costs
- Per seat per month
- Standard 13.60 per user/month on annual plan (EUR)
- Billing
- Monthly (flexible) and annual.
- Annual discount
- 16% with 1-year commitment (pricing page)
- 20 users per year
- Standard annual: 20 x 13.60 x 12 = 3,264 per year at list price before intro promo.
Questions to ask about price
- Is there a minimum number of seats or a minimum annual spend?
- Which features we need sit in add-ons or a higher plan, and what do they cost?
- How much can the price rise at renewal, and is the increase capped in the contract?
- Are there one-time costs for implementation, onboarding or data migration?
Is Google Drive worth the price?
Drive is good value for teams already on Workspace email and Docs, and for small organizations under 300 users that want a low per-user cost with pooled storage. It is awkward for teams that want Drive without the rest of Workspace, and for organizations above 300 users on Starter, Standard or Plus, who must move to Enterprise. Data regions, DLP and S/MIME also appear only on Enterprise.
Worth it if
- Teams already on Google Workspace email and Docs.
- Small organizations (plans up to 300 users) wanting low per-user cost.
Look elsewhere if
- Teams wanting Drive without the rest of Workspace.
- Organizations above 300 users on Starter, Standard or Plus (must move to Enterprise)
Pricing details most reviews leave out
- Storage is pooled across the organization, so a 30 GB Starter user can use more if others use less.
- Starter, Standard and Plus cap at 300 users.
- Enterprise data regions, DLP and S/MIME appear only on Enterprise.
- Annual commitment saves 16% per the pricing page.
Google Drive compared
Our verdict on Google Drive
Google Drive is sold as pooled file storage inside Google Workspace, not as a standalone product. Google's site shows prices in euros: Starter is 6.80 per user per month on an annual plan, Standard is 13.60, Plus is 21.10, and Enterprise is quote-based. No USD price is published on the vendor site. There is no free business plan, so you pay for the Workspace seat.
The cost is low per user, and storage is pooled, so a Starter user can use more than 30 GB if colleagues use less. The limits to know are the cap of 300 users on Starter, Standard and Plus, and the fact that you cannot buy Drive without the rest of Workspace.
Google Drive FAQ
What is Google Drive used for?
Google Drive is Google's file storage inside Google Workspace, sold as pooled storage per user across plans. It suits teams already on Workspace email and Docs, but Starter, Standard and Plus plans stop at 300 users. It suits teams already on Google Workspace email and Docs.
How much does Google Drive cost for 20 users?
On Standard with an annual plan at 13.60 euros per user per month, 20 users cost 3,264 euros per year at list price, before any intro promotion. Starter and Plus are priced lower and higher respectively.
Does Google Drive have a free business plan?
No free business plan is listed. Drive is included in paid Workspace plans, starting at 6.80 euros per user per month on Starter with an annual commitment.
How much storage do I get per user?
Starter gives 30 GB pooled per user, Standard 2 TB and Plus 5 TB. Enterprise offers 5 TB or more on request.
Sources
Every fact on this page comes from Google Drive's own pricing, product or documentation pages, G2 and company records, checked on October 24, 2026. Unknown values are left out instead of estimated.