OneDrive vs. Dropbox

Overview

This article is designed to act as a tool in order to help you to decide between using Microsoft Office's OneDrive and Dropbox. Both services provide cloud-based storage solutions with associated software applications for desktops/laptops and mobile devices in order to facilitate work and collaboration within designated groups.

General Features

Availability

Feature OneDrive Dropbox
Account Types All UO faculty, staff, and students have the same access. All UO faculty, staff, and students have the same access.

Compatibility

Feature OneDrive Dropbox
Can be used via web browser Go to office.uoregon.edu Go to dropbox.com
Can install app on macOS and iOS Yes Yes
Can install app on Windows and Android Yes Yes

Files

Feature OneDrive Dropbox

File creation

  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft OneNote
  • Microsoft Forms
  • URLs
  • Dropbox Paper
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
File preview View the list View the list

Capacity

Feature OneDrive Dropbox
Storage capacity 1 TB per user 100 GB per user

Content Sharing

Feature OneDrive Dropbox
Sharing files with colleagues Yes Yes
Creating group folders for focus collaboration

Yes*

*Can be done in conjunction with Microsoft Teams and SharePoint as well

Yes*

*Can be done using user-managed team folders (created and managed by users) and university-managed team folders (created and managed by service admins) 

Data security

For more comprehensive information about the suitability of various UO collaboration tools for handling data at different risk levels, please consult the data security classification on the UO Information Security Office website.

Note: For any high-risk or HIPAA-related materials, please consult the Information Security Office before proceeding at infosec@uoregon.edu
Compliance OneDrive Dropbox
FERPA Yes Yes
HIPAA Yes At a later date

Integrations

Service OneDrive Dropbox
Office 365 Yes Not configured
Canvas No No
Outlook Yes No
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Details

Article ID: 117785
Created
Tue 10/6/20 4:09 PM
Modified
Thu 9/5/24 12:55 PM

Related Articles (2)

Get started using UO's Dropbox service.
Information about team collaboration through OneDrive.

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Services that facilitate institutional communication and collaboration needs.