TL;DR
After a decade using Google Drive as the default Android cloud storage, the author decided to stop using it because of limited sharing controls, weak app security options, clumsy web UX and an unhelpful storage pricing ladder. Competing services such as OneDrive and Proton Drive are cited for offering features Google currently lacks.
What happened
The author says that after roughly ten years of using Google Drive as their primary cloud storage, they reached a breaking point and began migrating away. Although Drive remains tightly integrated with Android and Google apps and starts with a free 15GB tier, several practical gaps motivated the switch. The sharing model lacks intermediate controls like password-protected links or automatic expiry, leaving only direct grants or persistent links. The Drive web app is criticized for an unhelpful Home screen that surfaces irrelevant files and heavy animations that slow the experience. On mobile, the app lacks an Android biometric lock and a truly isolated, extra-secure folder (a Personal Vault), which competitors already provide. The author also objects to Google’s storage tiers — once you exceed 200GB there’s effectively a jump to a costly 2TB option. The move led to cleaner organization, more private sharing and tighter control over sensitive files.
Why it matters
- Limited sharing controls can expose sensitive files through persistent links rather than time‑limited or password‑protected access.
- Missing mobile security features such as biometric locks or a dedicated vault increases the risk of unauthorized access on shared or unlocked devices.
- A sparse set of mid‑tier storage plans may force users into more expensive subscriptions than they need.
- Competitors now offer features (end‑to‑end encryption, biometric vaults, better media views) that address privacy and usability gaps.
Key facts
- Google Drive is the default cloud option for Android users and integrates with other Google apps and services.
- Drive begins with a free 15GB tier before users must upgrade.
- The author found Drive’s sharing options lack password‑protected links and link expiry settings, offering only email‑based grants or direct links.
- The Drive web app’s Home screen is described as surfacing irrelevant files and forcing extra navigation to reach folders.
- Heavy animations on the web interface were reported to slow the user experience.
- The Drive mobile app does not offer a biometric lock for the entire app, according to the author.
- There is no robust Personal Vault implementation in Drive comparable to some rivals, per the article.
- Google’s storage pricing was criticized for jumping from common mid tiers (100–200GB) to a 2TB premium plan with no reasonable mid option.
- OneDrive is noted for a redesigned Android app, a biometric Personal Vault and tighter Windows integration.
- Proton Drive is highlighted for providing end‑to‑end encryption and a privacy‑focused ecosystem of apps and services.
What to watch next
- Whether Google updates Drive to add password‑protected links and expiring links — not confirmed in the source.
- If Google introduces a biometric lock or a properly isolated Personal Vault in the Drive mobile app — not confirmed in the source.
- Adoption trends as users evaluate alternatives such as OneDrive or Proton Drive for privacy and security — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Personal Vault: A storage area within cloud services that requires an additional authentication step to access particularly sensitive files.
- End‑to‑end encryption: A method of encrypting data so that only the sender and intended recipient(s) hold the keys needed to read it, preventing the service provider from accessing the content.
- Biometric lock: A security mechanism that uses fingerprint, face recognition, or other biometric data to unlock an app or device.
- Cloud storage tier: A subscription level offering a specific amount of storage space and features, often priced differently across capacity levels.
- Link expiry: A sharing option that causes a shared link to stop working after a set period of time.
Reader FAQ
Why did the author stop using Google Drive?
They cited limited sharing controls, a cluttered web Home screen, lack of mobile biometric locking and an unfriendly storage pricing structure.
Does Google Drive offer password‑protected links or expiring links?
According to the article, Google Drive did not provide password‑protected links or link expiry options in the author’s experience.
Are there secure alternatives mentioned?
Yes. The author points to OneDrive for its Personal Vault and biometric options, and recommends Proton Drive for end‑to‑end encryption and privacy.
Will Google fix these issues soon?
not confirmed in the source
I'm finally giving up on Google Drive, here's why Credit: Lucas Gouveia / Android Police | Google By Parth Shah Published 24 minutes ago Parth is a technology analyst and writer…
Sources
- I'm finally giving up on Google Drive, here's why
- My Google drive only shows all the folder mapping but …
- I use Google drive on multiple devices. Why do everytime I …
- I need help with google drive: I moved some files around …
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