When to choose OneDrive, Microsoft Teams, or SharePoint Online
Microsoft 365 storage limits are changing in June. For more information, please see Microsoft 365 storage quotas and information.
Table Of Contents:
Quick comparison: SharePoint Online vs. Teams
SharePoint Online | Teams |
---|---|
Better for layered permissions structure | Better for simple membership management |
Better for focused usage of few tools | Better for contextual usage of multiple tools in real-time |
Better for advanced document structure with custom options | Better for file sharing and collaboration on focused topics |
OneDrive vs. Teams vs. SharePoint Online
Tool | What is it | Focus | Important considerations |
---|---|---|---|
OneDrive | Microsoft online storage solution for individual accounts | Storing and managing personal working files and content |
|
Teams | Communications and file collaboration platform encouraging group member interaction | Communication and sharing |
|
SharePoint Online | A file and information management tool | Document creation and sharing |
|
Comparison guide on file storage: OneDrive vs Teams vs SharePoint Online
OneDrive, Microsoft Teams and SharePoint Online
Note: MS Teams stores files in a SharePoint Online site.
Which tool should I use to store my files?
| OneDrive | MS Teams | SharePoint Online |
---|---|---|---|
What can it be used for? |
|
|
|
Who has access? |
|
|
|
Where do I go to access my files? |
|
|
|
How do I use these tools?
| How it’s done in | How it’s done in Teams | How it’s done in SharePoint Online |
---|---|---|---|
Saving files |
Has an AutoSave feature for Excel, Word, and PowerPoint files |
Has an AutoSave feature Excel, Word, and PowerPoint files |
Has an AutoSave feature Excel, Word, and PowerPoint files |
Working on files with other people |
Supports real-time collaborative editing |
Supports real-time collaborative editing |
Supports real-time collaborative editing |
Managing multiple versions of the same file |
|
|
|
Accessing your drive/files from another computer |
Can be accessed without connecting to VPN |
Can be accessed without connecting to VPN |
Can be accessed without connecting to VPN |
Sharing files with other people |
|
|
|
Restoring deleted files |
Restore can be undone |
Restore can be undone |
Restore can be undone |
Freeing up storage space |
Can free up space without deleting files; all files can be stored in OneDrive Online |
Offers a large amount of storage that would not require users to delete files in order to free up space |
Offers a large amount of storage that would not require users to delete files in order to free up space |
Related training material |
Related articles
Need Help?
Contact the IST Service Desk online or 519-888-4567 ext. 44357.
Article feedback
If you’d like to share any feedback about this article, please let us know.