Google One
$19.99/year
Google One is a cloud storage and backup service that integrates seamlessly with Google Drive, offering expanded storage and additional features like family sharing and expert support.
Our take
An ideal choice for Google users needing more storage.
So, Google One, huh? At its core, it's basically extra cloud storage and some perks, but let's dig in. You start off with 15GB free with your Google account, which is decent. But if you're like me and hoard photos and emails, you’ll need more space eventually. That’s where the paid plans come in. There’s a range from 100GB to a whopping 30TB. The sweet spot for most folks is probably the 100GB or 200GB plan. It’s pretty affordable for the extra peace of mind knowing your stuff is backed up and accessible anywhere.
Now, the whole family sharing thing can be a game changer. With Google One, you can share your storage with up to five people. This is perfect if your family or group of friends are all in the Google ecosystem. Just make sure you trust them, because everyone will be dipping into the same storage pool. If you're tired of reminding your folks to free up space on their devices, this is a simple fix. But hey, if you're not super close with them, maybe think twice about sharing.
One perk I didn’t expect to find useful was the Google Experts. You get access to these folks for tech support, and they’re actually pretty helpful. It’s not a 24/7 hotline, but when you’re stuck, it’s nice to have someone knowledgeable to chat with. These experts are way better than scouring forums for hours, especially if you’re not super tech-savvy. But if you're already a tech whiz, this might not be a selling point for you.
Then there's the VPN feature, which is included in some plans. It’s like a little security blanket for your online activity. If you’re big on privacy or just want that extra layer when you’re on public Wi-Fi, this is a neat addition. It’s not a full-blown security suite, but it’s great for everyday browsing protection. Just remember, if you’re looking for a super robust VPN with all the bells and whistles, this might not fully cut it for you.
Lastly, let’s talk about those occasional discounts and perks—like the Google Play credits or hotel discounts. They’re nice-to-haves but not something to base your buying decision on. Think of them as little bonuses rather than core features. If you’re already planning on using Google One for storage, then these are just the cherry on top. But if you’re expecting them to justify the cost alone, you might be setting yourself up for disappointment.
