Google One soars to 150 million subscribers after launching AI-powered plan
Daniel Levi
Posted On May 16, 2025
Alphabet’s subscription bet is starting to pay off.
Google One, the tech giant’s consumer subscription service for cloud storage and AI tools, has crossed 150 million subscribers globally, the company told Reuters. That’s a 50% jump since February 2024, when it hit the 100 million mark, six years after launch.
“Alphabet’s Google One subscription service, which charges consumers for cloud storage and artificial intelligence features, recently crossed 150 million subscribers,” Reuters reported.
The boost came shortly after Google rolled out a $19.99/month plan packed with premium AI features. Unlike the basic storage tiers, this new plan gives paying users access to tools that free users can’t touch. Millions have signed up for it, according to Shimrit Ben-Yair, VP at Google overseeing the subscription business.
Google’s $19.99 AI Plan Drives Millions of New Subscriptions to Google One
Google One’s growth gives Alphabet a potential cushion as it looks for revenue beyond ads, which still make up more than 75% of its $350 billion in annual sales. As AI products like ChatGPT and even its own Gemini start to shift how people interact with search, Alphabet’s traditional cash cow is facing serious pressure.
That shift is already happening. Last week, an Apple exec testified that Safari saw a drop in Google searches for the first time ever, blaming AI. Apple, of course, is building its own AI-powered search options, which sent Alphabet’s stock into a $150 billion slide that same day.
Search has always been easy to monetize with ads. AI chat interfaces? Not so much. Instead of ads, tech companies are leaning harder into paid subscriptions or usage-based pricing. That includes Google, which is steering its AI push through the same path.
“Just like you’ve seen with YouTube, we’ll give people options over time,” CEO Sundar Pichai said in February during an earnings call. “For this year, I think you’ll see us be focused on the subscription direction.”
The shift may take time, but if Google One’s momentum is any indication, people are willing to pay, especially if AI is part of the deal. The numbers are big, but what exactly is Google One—and why are so many people paying for it?
What is Google One?
Google One is Google’s all-in-one subscription that bundles extra cloud storage with a handful of perks for users living inside the Google ecosystem. It expands your storage across Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos, starting at 100 GB and scaling up to a hefty 30 TB. You can share your plan with up to five family members, making it a practical option for households juggling multiple devices and accounts.
But Google One isn’t just about storage. Some plans come with access to Google experts for tech support, a built-in VPN for safer browsing (in select regions), and extra features inside Google Photos. Higher-tier plans may also include monthly Google Store credits, premium Workspace tools, and even Nest Aware subscriptions for smart home monitoring.
In the U.S., pricing starts at $1.99/month for 100 GB. It goes up from there depending on how much space you need and whether you want the AI and security extras.
Google One Plan
What are the perks in Google Photos?
For users on a Google One plan, especially those beyond the basic tier, Google Photos unlocks a few extra tools that aren’t available to free users. That includes advanced editing features like Magic Eraser, enhanced portrait light and blur, HDR effects, and other AI-powered image enhancements. These upgrades are handy for casual users and amateur photographers who want polished results without paying for third-party photo editing apps.
How does Google One stack up against competitors?
Google One competes with other big cloud storage and productivity bundles, most notably:
-
Apple iCloud+: Offers similar storage options starting at $0.99/month for 50 GB, but ties tightly into Apple’s ecosystem. Higher tiers include features like iCloud Private Relay (VPN-like service) and HomeKit Secure Video.
-
Microsoft 365: Starts at $6.99/month and includes 1 TB of OneDrive storage, plus full access to Office apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. It’s a stronger pick if productivity tools are a priority.
-
Dropbox: Focuses on file storage and sharing, with 2 TB starting at $11.99/month. It doesn’t offer the same ecosystem perks or AI/photo tools as Google or Apple.
-
Amazon Prime Photos: Included with a Prime membership, it gives unlimited photo storage and 5 GB for video. It’s more of a photo backup service than a full storage suite.
Google One stands out for users already deep in the Google ecosystem, especially those using Android, Google Photos, or Gmail daily. While it’s not the cheapest or the most productivity-focused option, the mix of storage, AI features, and family sharing makes it a solid value for many.
🚀 Want Your Story Featured?
Get in front of thousands of founders, investors, PE firms, tech executives, decision makers, and tech readers by submitting your story to TechStartups.com.
Get Featured
