Sanbila vs Google Drive
A purpose-built editing workflow versus a general-purpose file drive.
Editing platform versus general file storage
Plenty of editors park rushes in Google Drive because it is already there. It works for sharing and backup, but it was never built for editing: there is no proxy layer, no NLE integration, and streaming a 4K original to a timeline means downloading the whole file first. Sanbila is built around the edit, with proxies on your SSD and originals streamed only when you need full quality.
Feature by feature
| Feature | Sanbila | Google Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Built for | Video editing workflows | General file storage |
| Proxy generation | Yes, server-side, 7 presets | No |
| Offline editing | Yes, on local proxies | Full download required |
| NLE integration | Virtual Folder, no plugin | None |
| Stream originals at export | Yes, WebDAV, block-level | No, download whole file |
| Storage | 2 to 25 TB on R2 | Tied to Google One plan |
Pricing in 2026
Google Drive storage comes through Google One, cheap per gigabyte but with no editing features and download-based access. Sanbila Solo is $49 a month for 2 TB plus proxies, streaming, and NLE integration. For pure backup, Drive is cheaper. For editing, Sanbila does the job Drive cannot.
Choose Sanbila when
- •You actually edit from your cloud storage, not just back it up
- •You want proxies and offline cutting without downloading full files
- •You use Premiere, Resolve, Final Cut, or Avid
- •You need to stream originals at export instead of downloading them
Choose Google Drive when
- •You only need to store and share files, not edit from them
- •Your priority is the lowest cost per gigabyte for backup
- •You already live in Google Workspace for documents
Moving from Google Drive to Sanbila
- 1Import rushes from Drive via URL or upload them straight into Sanbila
- 2Generate proxies and build a Virtual Folder for your NLE
- 3Edit offline on proxies while originals stay redundant in the cloud
- 4Stream the originals at export through Smart Relink
Sanbila by the numbers
Real specs from the live Sanbila product, not marketing claims.
Frequently asked
Can I edit directly from Google Drive?+
Not really. Drive has no proxy layer or NLE integration, so reaching a 4K original means downloading the full file before you can cut. Sanbila streams and proxies instead.
Is Google Drive cheaper than Sanbila?+
Per gigabyte of pure storage, often yes. But Drive offers no proxies, no offline editing, and no streaming, so for an editing workflow you would pay for Drive and still lack the features Sanbila includes.
Can I keep using Drive for sharing?+
Yes. Many editors keep Drive for documents and client sharing while editing from Sanbila. The two do different jobs.
Edit from the cloud, do not just store in it
Free plan with 5 GB cloud. Upgrade to Solo for 2 TB and full editing.
Download SanbilaComparison verified on 2026-04-25. Google Drive and other product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Sanbila is not affiliated with Google Drive. This comparison reflects our product analysis; verify pricing and features on the competitor's official website.