Our verdict: Box Drive is a solid client if your school or employer already uses Box, since it puts the whole account in File Explorer without downloading everything. As a personal cloud the free Individual plan is weak: 10 GB is fine, but the 250 MB upload limit per file and a single file version rule out videos and backups.
About Box Drive
Box Drive adds a Box folder to File Explorer that streams files from the cloud on demand, so your account does not take up disk space until you open something. Folders can be marked for offline use, and files can be shared with a link, including with people who have no Box account.
The free Box Individual plan includes 10 GB of storage, a 250 MB upload limit per file, one version of each file and five Box Sign e-signature requests per month. Shared-link downloads are capped at 10 GB per month on Individual plans. Personal Pro raises storage to 100 GB with a 5 GB file limit; Business plans are aimed at teams.
What it does well
- Files in File Explorer. Your Box account appears as a drive-like folder in File Explorer.
- Streaming on demand. Files download only when you open them, saving disk space.
- Offline folders. Mark folders to keep them available without a connection.
- Shared links. Share a file or folder with a link, including with people without Box.
- Box Sign. Send up to five documents for e-signature per month on the free plan.
Who it is for
Good fit
Students and employees whose organization stores files in Box.
Look elsewhere
Anyone who wants to store videos or large backups for free, given the 250 MB per-file limit.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Does not use disk space until you open files
- Good for organizations that already use Box
- Free e-signature requests
Cons
- 250 MB per-file upload limit on the free plan
- No file version history on the free plan
- Shared-link downloads capped at 10 GB per month
How to install Box Drive
On the official downloads page, pick Box Drive for Windows; it is a 64-bit MSI installer for Windows 10 and 11. Sign in with your Box account after installation; the Box folder then appears in File Explorer. Box Drive updates itself afterwards, so you do not need to download new versions by hand.
Questions about Box Drive
Is Box Drive free?
Yes. The app is free and works with the free Box Individual plan, which includes 10 GB of storage and a 250 MB file upload limit.
Does Box Drive download all my files?
No. Files are streamed from the cloud when you open them unless you mark a folder for offline use.
What is the difference between Box Drive and Box Sync?
Box Sync copied selected folders to your PC and is being retired; Box Drive shows the whole account and streams files on demand.
