What is the difference between OneDrive and Box?

OneDrive is best for Microsoft 365 users who need cloud storage, while Box is best for Enterprises needing secure file sharing and collaboration. OneDrive starts at $1.99/mo and Box starts at $15/user/mo.

Is OneDrive or Box cheaper?

OneDrive starts at $1.99/mo with a free tier. Box starts at $15/user/mo with a free tier.

Is there a free alternative to Box?

Both OneDrive and Box offer free tiers.

OneDrive vs Box

OneDrive is cloud storage tightly integrated with Microsoft 365, Windows, and Office apps, while Box is enterprise cloud content management with advanced security, compliance, and workflow automation. OneDrive comes in cheaper, but price alone does not tell the full story. OneDrive is built for microsoft 365 users who need cloud storage, whereas Box targets enterprises needing secure file sharing and collaboration.

At a glance

	OneDrive	Box
Best for	Microsoft 365 users who need cloud storage	Enterprises needing secure file sharing and collaboration
Starting price	$1.99/mo	$15/user/mo
Free tier	✓	✓
Open source	—	—
Free tier available	✓	✓
Open source	—	—
Compliance	—	✓
Enterprise Security	—	✓
File Sync	✓	—
Integrations	—	✓
Office Integration	✓	—
Sharing	✓	—
Versioning	✓	—
Workflows	—	✓

OneDrive

Strengths

Includes Office Integration as a core feature, purpose-built for file storage workflows
Includes File Sync as a core feature, purpose-built for file storage workflows
5 GB free — generous enough for most small teams to get real work done
Established product with 19+ years on the market and a mature ecosystem

Weaknesses

Free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade
Fewer built-in features means you may need additional tools to cover gaps
Syncing large folders can be slow and occasionally causes file conflicts
Mobile experience lags behind the desktop version in features and polish

Try OneDrive → Full review

Box

Strengths

Includes Enterprise Security as a core feature, purpose-built for file storage workflows
Includes Workflows as a core feature, purpose-built for file storage workflows
10 GB free for individuals — generous enough for most small teams to get real work done
Established product with 21+ years on the market and a mature ecosystem

Weaknesses

Free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade
Enterprise-focused design means the interface can feel heavy for smaller teams
Syncing large folders can be slow and occasionally causes file conflicts
Overkill for freelancers or small teams who need something lightweight

Try Box → Full review

The bottom line

Pricing: Both tools offer free tiers, so you can test each before committing. OneDrive's free plan: 5 GB free. Box's free plan: 10 GB free for individuals. When you outgrow the free tier, OneDrive is the cheaper option at $1.99/mo vs. $15/user/mo for Box — roughly 653% less.

Feature gaps: OneDrive offers File Sync, Office Integration and Sharing that Box lacks. Box brings Compliance, Enterprise Security and Integrations that OneDrive does not have.

Team fit: OneDrive is geared toward any size teams, while Box is aimed at enterprise teams. Pick the one that matches where your team is today and where it is headed — migrating tools later is always painful.

Where each tool shines: OneDrive's biggest strengths are: includes office integration as a core feature, purpose-built for file storage workflows. includes file sync as a core feature, purpose-built for file storage workflows. Box's biggest strengths are: includes enterprise security as a core feature, purpose-built for file storage workflows. includes workflows as a core feature, purpose-built for file storage workflows.

Watch out for: With OneDrive, users commonly note that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade. With Box, the main complaint is that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade.

Choose OneDrive if...

You need a tool built for microsoft 365 users who need cloud storage
You want to save on per-user costs — OneDrive is $13.01/user/mo cheaper
You specifically need File Sync and Office Integration
You care about includes file sync as a core feature, purpose-built for file storage workflows
Your team size fits the any size profile OneDrive is designed for

Choose Box if...

You need a tool built for enterprises needing secure file sharing and collaboration
You specifically need Compliance and Enterprise Security
You care about includes workflows as a core feature, purpose-built for file storage workflows
Your team size fits the enterprise profile Box is designed for
The free tier works for you: 10 gb free for individuals