Alphabet subscription bets are beginning to pay off.
Google One, Tech Giant’s consumer subscription service for cloud storage and AI tools, has surpassed 150 million subscribers worldwide, the company told Reuters. This is 50% jump since February 2024, when it reached the 100 million mark six years after its release.
“Alphabet’s Google One Subscription Service has recently exceeded 150 million subscribers, claiming consumers for cloud storage and artificial intelligence capabilities,” Reuters reported.
A boost occurred shortly after Google launched its $19.99/month plan with premium AI features. Unlike the basic storage tier, this new plan gives paid users access to tools that are not touched by free users. According to Shimrit Ben-Yair, Google’s vice president Shimrit Ben-Yair, he oversees the subscription business.
Google’s $19.99 AI plan drives millions of new subscriptions to one of Google
Google One’s growth gives it a potential cushion as Alphabet is looking for revenue beyond advertising. As AI products such as ChatGpt and its own Gemini are beginning to change how people interact with search, Alphabet’s traditional cash cows face serious pressure.
That shift is already happening. Last week, Apple executives testified that Safari had for the first time reduced Google searches and criticised AI. Of course, Apple has built its own AI-powered search option, and on the same day it sent Alphabet’s inventory into a $150 billion slide.
Searches are always easy to monetize with advertising. AI chat interface? Not that much. Instead of advertising, tech companies are leaning hard towards paid subscriptions and usage-based pricing. This includes Google piloting the same path to AI push.
“As we saw on YouTube, we give people choice over time,” CEO Sundar Pichai said in February in a revenue call. “You think this year we’re focusing on the direction of subscriptions.”
Shifts can take some time, but people are happy to pay if Google’s momentum is any indication, especially if AI is part of the transaction. The numbers are big, but what exactly is Google’s? Why do so many people pay for it?
What is Google’s?
Google One is Google’s all-in-one subscription, bundles additional cloud storage with several perks for users living within the Google ecosystem. Expand storage across Gmail, Google Drive and Google Photos, starting at 100 GB and scaling to 30 TB. You can share your plans with up to five families, making it a practical option for households juggling multiple devices and accounts.
But Google isn’t just about storage. Some plans include access to Google experts for Tech Support, a built-in VPN for safer browsing (in some regions), and additional features within Google Photos. The high-rise plans include monthly Google Store credits, premium workspace tools, and even a Nest Aware subscription for smart home monitoring.
In the US, pricing starts at $1.99 per month for 100 GB. It goes up from there depending on how much space you need and whether you need AI and security extras.
Google One Plan
What are the perks of Google Photos?
For Google One plan users, especially those who are above Basic Tier, Google Photos unlocks some additional tools that are not available to users for free. This includes advanced editing features such as Magic Eraser, Enhanced Portrait Light and Blur, HDR effects, and other AI-powered image enhancements. These upgrades are useful for casual users and amateur photographers who want sophisticated results without paying for third-party photo editing apps.
How does Google stack up with its competitors?
Google One competes with other large cloud storage and productivity bundles.
Apple Icloud+: It offers similar storage options starting at $0.99 a month for 50 GB, but is firmly tied to Apple’s ecosystem. Higher Tier includes features such as iCloud Private Relay (a service like a VPN) and HomeKit Secure Video.
Microsoft 365: Starting at $6.99 a month, it includes 1TB of OneDrive storage plus full access to office apps such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. If productivity tools are your priority, this is a stronger choice.
Dropbox: 2TB starts at $11.99 per month, with a focus on file storage and sharing. It does not offer the same ecosystem perks or AI/photo tools as Google or Apple.
Amazon Prime Photos: Included with Prime membership, it offers unlimited photo storage and 5 GB for videos. It’s more like a photo backup service than a full storage suite.
Google One stands out for users already deep in the Google ecosystem, especially those who use Android, Google Photos, or Gmail every day. It’s not the cheapest or most productive-focused option, but the mix of storage, AI capabilities and family sharing makes it a solid value for many.
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