Cloud Storage

Many of the features of Google Drive and Box are very similar; we recommend you use the tool that is best for your team. Box is strongly recommended for storing and sharing private, confidential, or personally identifiable information (including FERPA data). Google Drive excels at collaborative editing (simultaneous editing by multiple users).

GOOGLE DRIVE        Box

GoogleDrive and Box Comparison

Most of the features of Google Drive, Google Shared drives and Box are very similar; we recommend that you use the tool that is best for your team.

Primary similarities between Google Drive and Box

  • Available to Brandeis community members with a Brandeis username and password
  • Able to view documents online
  • Uses a folder structure
  • Mobile aware
  • A sync tool is available for Windows, Mac and mobile devices
  • Able to limit permissions to individuals or display to everyone (within Brandeis or external)
  • Allows comments/feedback

Primary differences between Google Drive and Box

Feature

Google Drive

Google Shared Drives

Box

Login
(use Brandeis username and password)

https://drive.google.com

https://drive.google.com https://brandeis.box.com

Free storage

Unlimited drive files (Google Drive-specific files)

Unlimited

Store public data

Yes

Store private data

No

 

For certain types of sensitive data only use BOX

Ownership

Creator of document

 

Owner of folder

Real-time editing and collaboration

Yes

 

Box Notes only

Desktop integration Desktop sync only Box edit permits editing of stored docs in native apps without editing

A sync tool available for Mac, Windows, and mobile devices

Yes | Learn More

 

Yes | Learn More

Able to limit permissions

Yes

 

Yes

Google docs can be integrated into Box.com folders

The primary differences between Google Drive and Box are shown in the following table:

Feature

Google Drive

Box

Login

https://drive.google.com

https://brandeis.box.com

Free storage

Unlimited drive files (Google Drive-specific files)

Unlimited

Real-time editing and collaboration

Yes

Box Notes only

Extensive document preview format

No

Yes

Ownership

Creator of document

Owner of folder

Accessibility

Limited. Many features do not work well with standard assistive technologies used by people with disabilities Excellent. HTML preview and dedicated accessible interface (a.box.com)

Desktop sync

Good

Strong

Desktop integration

Desktop sync only Box edit permits editing of stored docs in native apps without downloading

User tutorials

Google Training Videos

Box User Video Library

Assign tasks

Yes

Yes