If Gmail warnings are piling up or Drive is full of video projects, Google One is the easiest fix. Below is a no-nonsense breakdown of the three most-picked tiers – 100GB, 200GB, and 2TB – plus how Google’s newer AI Pro plan compares, and a quick framework to choose the right one.
Quick snapshot: current core plans (US pricing)
Prices vary by country and taxes. Use the “Annual” toggle on the plans page to see discounted yearly rates (Google says you can “save up to 16%”).
| Plan | Storage | Monthly price* | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | 100 GB | $1.99/mo | Share with up to 5 family members; storage works across Drive, Photos & Gmail. |
| Standard | 200 GB | $2.99/mo | Same sharing + more headroom; in some regions Google doesn’t foreground this tier in the picker, but it still exists. |
| Premium | 2 TB | $9.99/mo | 10% back on Google Store purchases (region-dependent), Workspace premium features, family sharing. |
*US prices shown. Google periodically adjusts pricing in certain countries (e.g., increases announced for multiple markets effective Feb 18–Mar 21, 2025). Always check your local price in the Google One app/site.
What about Google AI Pro (formerly “AI Premium”)?
If you’re eyeing Gemini’s advanced features, Google AI Pro bundles 2TB storage plus AI extras for $19.99/mo in the US. It includes the Gemini app with 2.5 Pro access, limited access to Veo via Flow/Whisk, 1,000 monthly AI credits, NotebookLM with higher limits, and Gemini in Gmail/Docs/Vids, on top of all 2TB Premium benefits. Family sharing applies.
Note: Google has been evolving AI benefits and names; the current branding is Google AI Pro.
What actually uses your storage?
All three plans cover storage shared across Drive, Photos, and Gmail. That includes:
- Original-quality Photos & videos; “Storage saver” Photos/videos uploaded after June 1, 2021; Gmail (including Spam/Trash); most Drive files; and Docs/Sheets/Slides edited after June 1, 2021.
FYI: Many Google Photos AI editing tools rolled out to all users in 2024 (so they’re no longer a Google One paywall).
Family sharing: stretch your plan further
From Basic (100GB) upward you can share storage with up to 5 family members (6 people total including you). Each person’s files remain private; they just draw from the shared pool. You can also see which member is using what.
Picking your tier: simple decision guide
- How much do you store today?
Open the Google One storage manager and check your current usage split (Drive vs. Photos vs. Gmail). If you’re under ~12GB and growing slowly, you might squeeze more life out of the free 15GB by cleaning up. Otherwise, pick a paid tier. (Google highlights cleanup and over-quota behaviors in help docs.) - Choose by profile
- 100GB – Basic (light users, students, side projects):
Great when your Gmail is clogging up and you keep PDFs, schoolwork, scans, and a modest photo library. If you mainly upload compressed images (“Storage saver”), 100GB goes a long way. - 200GB – Standard (small households or solo creators):
The sweet spot for families sharing storage, or anyone backing up phone libraries from multiple devices. If you routinely shoot 1080p/4K clips but aren’t archiving raw video, 200GB provides breathing room at minimal cost. This tier exists even if it’s not front-and-center in every region’s picker. - 2TB – Premium (photography/video, freelancers, families of 3–6):
For 4K videos, RAW photo shoots, or large collaborative Drives. Adds Google Store 10% back (where available) and Workspace premium features. If you’re bouncing off the 200GB ceiling, 2TB is a stress-free step. - AI Pro (2TB + AI) (power users of Gemini/NotebookLM/creative tools):
Choose this if you actively want Gemini Advanced capabilities in Gmail/Docs and the monthly AI credits, not just storage.
- Annual vs. monthly
If you’re settled on a tier long-term, flip to Annual billing to save (Google advertises “up to 16%”).
How much media fits? (rule-of-thumb)
- 100GB ≈ ~25–30k smartphone photos (at ~3–4MB each) or ~15–25 hours of 1080p video (highly variable).
- 200GB ≈ double the above.
- 2TB ≈ ~10× the 200GB tier – roomy for multi-year photo/video libraries and several shared users.
(Actual capacity varies widely by file type, camera settings, and compression.)
Are there plans above 2TB?
Yes – Google offers larger add-on tiers (e.g., 5TB, 10TB, up to 30TB) in select countries; availability and annual billing options vary, and some higher tiers are only for current subscribers. Check the Google One site/app in your region for what’s currently offered.
Important recent changes & gotchas
- Google One VPN: “VPN by Google One” was discontinued on June 20/21, 2024. Some Pixel models have a separate Pixel VPN; the old One perk no longer applies. Don’t pick a tier expecting the One VPN.
- Regional price changes: Google announced 2025 price increases in a number of countries (e.g., AU, JP, PK, PH, TR, etc.). Confirm your local total at checkout.
- Photos policy: Since June 1, 2021, new uploads (even “Storage saver”) count toward your quota. Older “High quality” uploads from before that date don’t.
FAQs
Is 100GB enough?
If you mainly need Gmail headroom + Docs + a modest photo library, yes. For multi-device backups or regular video, 200GB is safer.
Where did the 200GB plan go on my picker?
Google has, at times, de-emphasized the 200GB tier on the public picker. It still exists in many regions – look for “Standard (200GB)” or switch the language/region on the plans page.
What’s the real difference between 2TB Premium and AI Pro?
Both include 2TB + family sharing. AI Pro adds Gemini Advanced features (Gemini in Gmail/Docs, NotebookLM higher limits, AI credits, etc.). If you won’t use those AI perks, 2TB Premium is cheaper.
Can I share my plan with family?
Yes – up to 5 additional family members (6 total). Everyone’s files remain private.
which plan fits you?
- Choose 100GB if you’re a light user who mostly needs to stop Gmail bounces and keep Docs tidy.
- Choose 200GB if you back up one or two phones’ Photos libraries or share storage in a small household.
- Choose 2TB if you shoot lots of video/RAW photos, collaborate via Drive, or want Store perks.
- Choose AI Pro if you explicitly need Gemini’s advanced features alongside 2TB storage.
When in doubt, start lower – you can upgrade instantly if you hit the ceiling. To see your exact local pricing and benefits, visit the official plans page in your region.
