Box vs Google Workspace

Google Drive

OneDrive

Google Drive is a cloud storage and backup platform to access files, docs, photos & more, store them in a safe place, and collaborate with other people

Google Workspace

Google Workspace is a suite of applications from Google which offers a number of tools to communicate and collaborate with colleagues, store files, and manage data from all devices.

OneDrive is a secure access, sharing, and file storage solution which enables users to store and share photos, videos, documents, and more at anytime, via any device.

Box is a modern content management platform that transforms how organizations work and collaborate to achieve results faster

Access Controls/Permissions

Activity Dashboard

Activity Tracking

Alerts/Notifications

Annotations

Approval Process Control

Archiving & Retention

Asset Categorization

Asset Library

Asset Lifecycle Management

Asset Sharing

Assignment Management

Audio File Management

Audit Management

Audit Trail

Authentication

Automatic Backup

Backup and Recovery

Brainstorming

Campaign Management

CMS Integration

Collaboration Tools

Commenting/Notes

Communication Management

Compliance Management

Compliance Tracking

Configurable Workflow

Contact Management

Content Library

Content Management

Content Publishing Options

Cost Estimating

Customizable Branding

Customizable Forms

Customizable Templates

Dashboard

Dashboard Creation

Data Import/Export

Data Migration

Data Recovery

Data Security

Data Storage Management

Data Synchronization

Deadline Management

Digital Asset Management

Discussions/Forums

Document Automation

Document Capture

Document Classification

Document Editing

Document Generation

Document Management

Document Review

Document Storage

Document Templates

Drag & Drop

Electronic Forms

Electronic Signature

Employee Activity Monitoring

Encryption

Engagement Tracking

File Conversion

File Management

File Sharing

File Transfer

Filtering

Forms Management

For Nonprofits

Full Text Search

HIPAA Compliant

Historical Reporting

Image Library

Information Governance

Meeting Management

@mentions

Messaging

Metadata Extraction

Metadata Management

Mobile Access

Mobile App

Mobile Capture

Monitoring

Multimedia Support

Multiple Projects

Offline Access

Password Management

Prioritization

Progress Tracking

Projections

Project Management

Project Planning

Project Planning/Scheduling

Project Templates

Project Tracking

Q&A Management

Real-Time Data

Real Time Editing

Real-Time Monitoring

Real-Time Notifications

Reviews for Box come from a wide variety of industries, including Information Technology and Services (9% of reviewers), Computer Software (8%), and Marketing and Advertising (6%). The most frequent use case for Box cited by reviewers is document management (53% of reviewers).

Users and use cases

Reviewers indicate Box offers good value for money due to its features, security, and flexible plans, and they appreciate the free plan and discounts. However, some users report pricing is high, confusing, and less competitive for growing teams.

Value for money

The Box integrations most frequently cited by reviewers are: Microsoft 365 (a document management product rated 4.4 out of 5 for its integration with Box), Slack (a team communication product, 4.6), and Zoom Workplace (a video conferencing product, 4.1).

Integrations

Box is a file sharing tool with key features that include secure data storage, file sharing, document storage, document management, access controls and permissions, backup and recovery, and more.

Web-based

iPad

Android

Windows

iPhone

Dropbox Business

MEGA

pCloud Business

Egnyte

Microsoft SharePoint

Progress ShareFile

Google Docs

Google Cloud Storage

iCloud

Nextcloud

Dropbox Sign

Microsoft Teams

Business

Business Plus

Enterprise 

Enterprise Plus 

 Enterprise Advanced

Limited and ineffective search

Chief Financial Officer

There are circumstantial problems which derive from specific situations within this product, for example, if you store photos in your organization, there are problems when searching for metadata since the option simply does not exist, so it is not the ideal product for this type of records.

Director of Development

If you don't know what "folder" a document is in - or even its exact document name, the search tool can be very difficult, and almost useless.

47% of reviewers feel negative about Box’s search functionality. Reviewers report difficulty finding files, especially when they don’t remember exact names or locations. They say the search tool often returns irrelevant or incomplete results, lacks advanced filtering, and does not support searching within file contents or metadata. Some users mention that the interface for searching is unintuitive and that organizing large volumes of files becomes tedious without reliable search capabilities, leading to wasted time and frustration.

Slow uploads and lag issues

70% of reviewers feel negative about Box’s performance and speed. Reviewers indicate that uploading and downloading large files can be slow, especially with unstable or slow internet connections. Some users say the platform may lag or become unresponsive during high-traffic periods or when handling many files. They report that syncing, loading, and previewing documents can be sluggish, and that offline access limitations further impact workflow. These speed issues are particularly frustrating for users working with large datasets or under tight deadlines.

High and confusing costs

Systems Analyst

Its pricing, on the other hand, can be expensive, and the mobile app might not be as responsive or have as intuitive of a UI.

48% of reviewers feel negative about Box’s pricing. Reviewers say the subscription fees are higher than some competitors, making it less attractive for small businesses or individuals on tight budgets. Some users find the pricing structure complex and difficult to understand, with per-user charges adding up quickly for teams. They mention that certain features or storage upgrades require additional payments, and that the value may not always justify the cost, especially when compared to other cloud storage solutions offering similar services at lower prices.

Unreliable and slow syncing

41% of reviewers feel negative about Box’s file syncing. Reviewers indicate that syncing between devices is often delayed, incomplete, or buggy, resulting in outdated files or duplicates. Some users say conflicts arise when multiple people edit the same document, and that the sync process can be confusing to set up or manage. They report that sync issues disrupt collaboration, require manual intervention, and sometimes lead to lost or missing files, making it difficult to maintain consistent and up-to-date information across platforms.

Universal multi-device access

Graduate Student

Now I keep all the files I am currently working on in the Box, it allows me to access the latest version of the files anywhere in the world on any device.

91% of reviewers feel positive about Box’s file access. Reviewers say they can access files from any device or location, which is crucial for remote work and travel. They appreciate features like Box Sync and mobile apps, allowing seamless access to the latest versions of documents without needing to download files repeatedly. Some users mention that cross-platform compatibility and integrations with other software make it easy to retrieve, edit, and share files on the go, supporting productivity regardless of where they are working.

Streamlined daily operations

journaliste

the use is super simple and suitable for all kinds of companies.

Freelance Graphic Designer

I was looking for a sharing software that I can use in my business and I love how easy and straightforward it is to use.

95% of reviewers feel positive about Box’s ease of use. Reviewers indicate the platform is intuitive and straightforward, allowing them to quickly adapt and manage their tasks efficiently. They appreciate that Box simplifies organization, saves changes automatically, and is accessible across different platforms and devices. Some users say it is easy to learn, even for those less tech-savvy, and that it makes daily work processes smoother. Reviewers find the interface clear and the learning curve manageable, enabling both individuals and teams to operate productively without extensive training.

Enhanced real-time collaboration

Product Manager

you can have real-time editing and commenting, which enhance teamwork and streamline workflows, and you can do all that from your mobile phone through their dedicated app, allowing users to manage files and collaborate from anywhere.

Project Manager

The collaboration tools, such as real-time editing and commenting, have significantly improved teamwork and productivity within projects.

93% of reviewers feel positive about Box’s team collaboration features. Reviewers appreciate the ability to co-edit documents, leave comments, and track changes in real time, which they say improves teamwork and communication. Some users report that Box’s collaboration tools—such as task management, versioning, and integration with productivity apps—help teams stay organized and productive, even when working remotely. They find that having all project files accessible to multiple team members streamlines workflows and reduces miscommunication, making cross-departmental and external collaboration more efficient.

Reliable and scalable storage

Intern 

With its robust cloud storage capabilities, users can securely store, organize, and access their files from anywhere, on any device.

IT Engineer

Box is best place for cloud storage with built-in editing feature, task manager, integration with third party apps, easy file syncing between the devices, easy sharing between the people.

88% of reviewers feel positive about Box’s cloud storage. Reviewers appreciate the generous storage options, including free tiers and scalable plans for businesses. They say Box supports a wide range of file types and offers secure, centralized storage that reduces reliance on physical hardware. Some users report that cloud storage with Box saves space on local devices, improves data backup, and enables quick retrieval from anywhere. Reviewers also value the ability to organize, manage, and collaborate on files within a secure cloud environment.

IT Administrator Salesforce Administrator

Box integration into Salesforce is one of the best features. With the ability to auto create folders based on record creation, it simplifies so many processes.

Data Visualization

An optimal choice for cloud storage, the one stop place for collaborating on various documentation (including versioning). While I'm using Box both within the organization, and also for personal usage, I find it suitable and easy to use  for document management, for accessing older versions when needed, and for syncing with local Box Drive.

Software Engineer Intern

I do not like how image/video storage works on box and the latency. If you are storing and sharing images and videos through box, it will take you a lot of time if you are looking for a specific image/video and clicking on each image, it takes so much time to load even with a very high speed internet.

Medical Assistance Specialist

Box has enabled me to organize and share sensitive medical records, which is essential when making arrangements with providers, partners, and internal teams.

ENGINEER

It's an excellent complementary tool in my digital toolkit for managing the business side of engineering projects, but it falls short of handling the high-performance demands and intricacies of iterative 3D design work.

Owner

It’s a dependable platform for storing and sharing files, particularly in professional settings where security and collaboration are important.

Some potential sync issues, depending on which side you create first a folder - local machine or on Box website - but probably fixed with the latest updates.

Team Lead Engineering

A very convenient and secure solution for managing and submitting professional documents, making workflows smoother and more reliable.

IT Support Administrator

GB limit and the need for splitting apart larger files can be difficult at times, but it's easily solved with some minor terminal commands.

More importantly, Box lacks the specialized tools I rely on in dedicated Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems like Teamcenter or Windchill.

This provides a clear audit trail and prevents the common issue of team members working off of outdated files.

My overall experience with Box is positive, with the understanding that it is a tool for secure file sharing and collaboration, not a replacement for a dedicated engineering PLM solution.

VP Product

Box Sign is a very useful tool for digital signature and approval, especially for remote clients and internal employees.

The system sometimes demands too many permission approvals and authorization processes, reducing efficiency and interrupting smooth work.

Chief Executive Officer

They also offer robust compliance certifications like HIPAA, GDPR, and FedRAMP, which is crucial for large enterprises.

Executive chief

I love that Box allows me to send big files, including to non-collaborators, securely through specifically designated access levels.

Health Educator

I also liked that you can save large sized files and different formatted files in the BOX.

Box vs Google Workspace Comparison (2026)

Box

Google Workspace

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives