Google Classroom vs. Google Drive

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Google Classroom
Score 8.2 out of 10
N/A
N/A
$0
per month
Google Drive
Score 8.6 out of 10
N/A
Google Drive is a cloud file storage, synchronization, and collaboration platform and service, that features Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides for document editing and presentation.
$6
per month
Pricing
Google ClassroomGoogle Drive
Editions & Modules
Education Fundamentals
$0
per license/per month
Google Workspace for Education Standard
$3
per student/per year
Teaching and Learning Upgrade
$4
per license/per month
Google Workspace for Education Plus
$5
per student/per year
Basic
$6.00
per month
Business
$12.00
per month
Enterprise
Contact Vendor for Quote
per month
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Google ClassroomGoogle Drive
Free Trial
YesYes
Free/Freemium Version
NoYes
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional DetailsEducation Fundamentals Version - 30-day free trial for qualifying institutions.Discounts are available for students, educators, and non profit organizations.
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Google ClassroomGoogle Drive
Considered Both Products
Google Classroom
Chose Google Classroom
Google Classroom is the best because it is user-friendly and the students can easily find the information and assignments they need. Google Classroom was selected because it interfaces with Google Drive for Education which students used. Students can view other students' work …
Chose Google Classroom
Google Classroom is more intuitive but with fewer options than Canvas.
Chose Google Classroom
Google Classroom is very similar. Had more comparability with other digital learning sites. Links more easily with Epic, discovery education, etc.
Chose Google Classroom
I chose Google Classroom for its diverse range of features, user-friendly interface, and the great value it offers in terms of quality and price.
Chose Google Classroom
To create an instructional space online, Google Classroom is ahead of its competitors. It does precisely what educators need - create a virtual classroom where students can collaborate, post discussions, post their work, and receive immediate feedback. It feels like a real …
Chose Google Classroom
With so many schools using Google apps, Google Classroom becomes an integral part of the classroom learning experience. Overall, Classroom gets the job done. If you are looking for something simple this is it. It isn't a full-blown LMS but it keeps everything organized in one …
Chose Google Classroom
Google Classroom is free and easy for all. It's also easy to integrate other Google platforms with. It helps transfer grades from one place in Google to another. I currently use PowerSchools for grade recording, and have used Infinite Campus in the past. These are great for …
Chose Google Classroom
Edmodo is a great way to integrate technology and get students engaged, as well. However, Google Classroom makes it easy to attach assignments from Google Drive, where I create many of the materials that I use for my students. I love how easy it is to navigate through the …
Chose Google Classroom
Google classroom is by far one of my favorite Google apps. It allows me to ensure that my students will have all the resources, directions and assignments in one place.
Chose Google Classroom
I have used iTunes U, but this is a much stronger platform because it integrates Google Docs very successfully. Itunes U did not have a word processing program that it was directly affiliated with. Also, while the folder creation could be stronger for the students on the Google …
Chose Google Classroom
I have not found Schoology to be user friendly...I have been more productive with google classroom for the needs in my classroom.
Chose Google Classroom
Edmodo's claim to fame is that it is similar to Facebook, but for education. I personally find Edmodo to be clunky and not as streamlined as Google Classroom. With more options it is attractive, however for middle schoolers it can be confusing as to where to turn work in. One …
Chose Google Classroom
Google Classroom is easier overall to manage, but you can only share a single document and not an entire folder.
Google Drive
Chose Google Drive
Google Drive provides more space in comparison to all the other file storage systems available in the market. Also, it provides a 2-way verification system so it is more secure.
Features
Google ClassroomGoogle Drive
Learning Management
Comparison of Learning Management features of Product A and Product B
Google Classroom
7.6
60 Ratings
8% below category average
Google Drive
-
Ratings
Course authoring8.652 Ratings00 Ratings
Course catalog or library7.839 Ratings00 Ratings
Player/Portal7.338 Ratings00 Ratings
Learning content7.641 Ratings00 Ratings
Mobile friendly7.257 Ratings00 Ratings
Progress tracking & certifications7.444 Ratings00 Ratings
Assignments7.558 Ratings00 Ratings
Compliance management7.334 Ratings00 Ratings
Learning administration7.546 Ratings00 Ratings
Learning reporting & analytics7.342 Ratings00 Ratings
Social learning8.551 Ratings00 Ratings
Gamification4.98 Ratings00 Ratings
Single Sign On (SSO) Enabled Learning9.512 Ratings00 Ratings
File Sharing & Management
Comparison of File Sharing & Management features of Product A and Product B
Google Classroom
-
Ratings
Google Drive
8.0
219 Ratings
4% below category average
Versioning00 Ratings8.3193 Ratings
Video files00 Ratings7.2188 Ratings
Audio files00 Ratings7.8182 Ratings
Document collaboration00 Ratings8.8216 Ratings
Access control00 Ratings7.6214 Ratings
File search00 Ratings7.5218 Ratings
Device sync00 Ratings8.9204 Ratings
Cloud Storage Security & Administration
Comparison of Cloud Storage Security & Administration features of Product A and Product B
Google Classroom
-
Ratings
Google Drive
8.3
213 Ratings
4% below category average
User and role management00 Ratings8.6200 Ratings
File organization00 Ratings7.5211 Ratings
Device management00 Ratings8.799 Ratings
Cloud Storage Platform
Comparison of Cloud Storage Platform features of Product A and Product B
Google Classroom
-
Ratings
Google Drive
8.7
212 Ratings
1% above category average
Performance00 Ratings8.9210 Ratings
Reliability00 Ratings8.8212 Ratings
Storage Reports00 Ratings8.587 Ratings
Best Alternatives
Google ClassroomGoogle Drive
Small Businesses
iSpring LMS
iSpring LMS
Score 9.5 out of 10
SugarSync
SugarSync
Score 4.2 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Schoology Learning
Schoology Learning
Score 8.0 out of 10
Druva Security Cloud
Druva Security Cloud
Score 9.4 out of 10
Enterprises
Schoology Learning
Schoology Learning
Score 8.0 out of 10
Druva Security Cloud
Druva Security Cloud
Score 9.4 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
Google ClassroomGoogle Drive
Likelihood to Recommend
8.5
(77 ratings)
8.4
(222 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
10.0
(4 ratings)
10.0
(6 ratings)
Usability
8.5
(8 ratings)
8.5
(52 ratings)
Availability
9.0
(1 ratings)
10.0
(1 ratings)
Performance
9.0
(1 ratings)
9.0
(7 ratings)
Support Rating
1.9
(14 ratings)
1.2
(49 ratings)
In-Person Training
-
(0 ratings)
9.0
(1 ratings)
Implementation Rating
2.0
(2 ratings)
8.0
(3 ratings)
Configurability
-
(0 ratings)
6.0
(1 ratings)
Ease of integration
-
(0 ratings)
5.0
(1 ratings)
Product Scalability
10.0
(1 ratings)
10.0
(1 ratings)
User Testimonials
Google ClassroomGoogle Drive
Likelihood to Recommend
Google
Google Classroom allows teachers to post for daily lessons and assignments. It also allows teachers to be able to communicate with students easily outside of class. Students are able to stay connected and know where to find all information and resources easily in a streamlined manner for all of their classes.
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Google
It is possible to share files and folders with up to 200 email addresses, as well as with persons outside the company.Use the drop-down arrow to select who may see, comment on, or change the file or folder before sending out an invitation.I am very much impressed with this feature
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Pros
Google
  • Student-teacher communication - I love using Classroom for this because my students can always go back and check what was on Classroom by looking through the stream. This way they don't have to go dig through emails to find what they're looking for.
  • Posting to multiple classes - I can post the same announcement or assignment to multiple classes at once without having to repeat the process or send separate emails.
  • Streamlining grading - when students turn work in on Classroom, it all goes to one place and then when I'm grading I can open their documents directly from Classroom or my Drive folder. This way, I'm not looking through emails and Google Doc shared files for their assignment.
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Google
  • Any user with access can store a file using different platforms like Android, IOS, Windows, or Ubuntu (Desktop version)
  • You can share files with any number of different users with different access rights or you can even keep it public by providing the access link and assign different rights for public access
  • You can open Excel/Word files using google software Sheets/Docs in the browser environment without having to install software like Microsoft Office etc on your Windows OS
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Cons
Google
  • The content management of the Classroom is not that good. The sub-section for notes, syllabus, or discussion is missing.
  • It doesn't have parental control feature.
  • It converts the excel output into a normal file. All the formulas and pivots got changed into plain text.
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Google
  • Having a little bit more control and clarity over what is shared and how it is shared would be a useful improvement.
  • Could be more robust and flexible as far as assigning restrictions.
  • Google Sheets could be enhanced because Excel really is not there yet as a product with equal capabilities as there are still quite a few limitations to the functionality.
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Likelihood to Renew
Google
Testing is particularly important in online learning, and Google Classroom falls far short of other learning management systems in this regard. Security is also a concern: while account control is reasonable for the account used with Google Classroom, the person controlling a particular account is often able to, for example, forward or download proprietary materials.
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Google
It's perfect for me. It keeps things saved and is easy to remove items if needed. Also, I very much enjoy the formatting options. Along with the integrations it has for SSO. Overall, this is the most user friendly system I have ever come across.
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Usability
Google
Simple design and seamless integration with Google tools and drive, but missing some key features. However, since it is limited in overall functions and ability to truly personalize / customize, it is quite user friendly and easy to set up and get going, other than sending out the code to your course or dropping students in via their gmail account. Users of Google Forms and sites will find the layout similar in design.
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Google
It's easy enough to use for computer users of all ages and skill levels. I am an advanced user, and I think the hardest part might be showing someone how to download and set up the app on their device if they weren't too familiar with computers, but overall it is very easy to understand.
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Reliability and Availability
Google
We have had very little trouble in accessing Google Classroom. Our issues, if any, have risen from our server and not the Google servers.
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Google
Always available
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Performance
Google
No answers on this topic
Google
The documents load fairly quickly and also update in real time, especially given the fact that multiple people can be using it at once. The "Offline" feature works great to allow the user to make edits and access the document without access to the internet, and then sync changes later once they're back.
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Support Rating
Google
Since this platform is provided by Google, the technical support is better than any others, and we are not required to bother about the space constraints for adding the contents. If we have a good uninterrupted internet facility we can access Google Classroom without any delay or lag. They have app support in both Android and iPhone.
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Google
It takes a few days for customer support to get back to you. Although, I have not had to use support too often. Once you get an email back, they are very thorough and work hard to fix the problem quickly. It is a really great resource and a great way to get the help you need if you're stuck. A phone call also works quickly but you have to call during specific times.
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In-Person Training
Google
No answers on this topic
Google
The effective google workspace using training that my organization received and was conducted by me (as a team lead of the ICT team) was mind-blowing and as a result, our staff is performing well in terms of using the application for their daily jobs than before. Now, in my institution, all teachers and all the administrative personnel are very much interested in cloud storage facilities, in previous my institution was afraid of losing all important documents in the cloud storage. But, after having received the training they are now realized that if anyone has only one google account then he or she can use 15GB of cloud storage freely and they are now happy because now it is not necessary for anyone to carry the traditional pen drive.
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Implementation Rating
Google
It was relatively easy to implement due to the simplicity of the platform. Even our more technology challenged teachers found it easy to get started with Google Classroom.
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Google
It's an extremely easy software to implement, once you sign up for a google account you automatically have access to google drive with a set amount of storage space. The business or Google Suite accounts have more storage space than a regular free account, but setting up and accessing google drive is very easy in both cases
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Alternatives Considered
Google
I haven't tested or evaluated another digital classroom website or application. I feel like Google Classroom is convenient for many reasons such as compatibility to Google docs, slides, etc. I also love the ability to link to YouTube and other sites. I don't know if there would be a site that is easier to maneuver.
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Google
In short, Google Drive is better for independent users who store a normal amount of stuff. OneDrive makes more sense for businesses and teams that are doing heavy-duty storage or large-scale syncing. Realistically, though, most users will fall somewhere in between the two, where either platform would meet their needs.
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Scalability
Google
It is very easy to push out this program across our buildings. Teachers are able to use it without much trouble.
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Google
I have always been able to access
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Return on Investment
Google
  • Students are able to continue learning in a remote environment
  • Parents have a single, consistent organization structure to make it easy to track assignments and progress for multiple children
  • Much better solution than the quickly assembled Zoom-and-gloom of the previous spring when school abruptly went remote with no planning
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Google
  • It has given our operation remote capabilities
  • Easier to access and understand client's need through collaborative enviroment
  • availability to digital resources fast and easy
  • saved our operation hundreds of dollars in physical storage (both investment and maintenance)
  • our operation became easier for new staff to get onboard: small learning curve to use it
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ScreenShots

Google Drive Screenshots

Screenshot of Google Drive PriorityScreenshot of Comment on Microsoft Files in Google DriveScreenshot of Shared drives