Key Takeaways

• Google One offers increased storage, extra video calling features, and a VPN for Google Drive users who want to upgrade.
• Users can also access Gemini and use the AI-powered tool in Docs, Gmail, and other Google programs.
• Other benefits of Google One include premium subscription access and enhanced web security.

Google's One subscription service is packed with features and offers extra storage, AI tools, and integration with other Google apps. There are a few different plans you can choose from, too, which gives you plenty of options, and there will be a plan that suits almost every potential subscriber.

I've been using Google One for a long time now, and there are plenty of reasons why you should start using it, too.

What Is Google One?

Google One is a subscription service that launched in May 2018. The service has over 100 million subscribers as of March 2024 and significantly increases your Google Cloud storage. But beyond that, upgrading to Google One offers you access to the following tools:

• Gemini AI (what is Google's AI project Gemini?)
• Extra video calling features in Google Meet
• Editing tools in Google Photos
• Google VPN

A Google One subscription also gives you several other benefits, such as exclusive offers (we'll talk more about these later).

How Much Does Google One Cost?

If you want to upgrade to Google One, you can get Basic, Premium, or AI Premium subscriptions. The prices for these are below:

Besides extra cloud storage, Google One Premium offers access to Google Workspace Premium tools and 10% back in the Google Store. Meanwhile, AI Premium lets you use Gemini in Gmail, Google Docs, Meet, and Slides.

Why Should You Use Google One?

Google One has several advantages, such as increased storage and better online security. However, there are also benefits that you might not have thought about.

1. Use AI With a Google One Subscription

You can use Gemini (formerly known as Bard) in several ways, and Google One allows you to test its best features. After upgrading to an AI Premium plan, you can use Gemini to write new articles and summarize existing text in your documents. Moreover, you can refine and write emails in Gmail without a plugin.

Whether you upgrade to Google One or not, you may want to consider looking at the best AI Gmail extensions.

2. Share Storage With Others Thanks to Google One

Google One users can share their storage plan with up to five additional family members by creating a family group or sharing a plan with an existing group.

Another advantage of family storage is that while the storage space is shared by multiple users, other users can't gain access to your files stored within the cloud unless you share them yourself.

3. Improve Online Privacy With a Selection of Features

Google One users get access to Google One's exclusive VPN on desktop and mobile. If you regularly use public Wi-Fi networks and also require a lot of storage, a Google One subscription could represent better value for money than a standard VPN.

Even if you don't use public Wi-Fi, you should still consider using a VPN. Benefits include saving money on holidays, improving internet speed, and safely using peer-to-peer (P2P) networks.

Besides the Google One VPN, Google One also has a dark web monitor. So you can protect your information and monitor it if any of your details find their way there.

4. Access Exclusive Offers and Features With Google One

Google One also offers access to several exclusive features and offers that normal Google Cloud subscribers don't have. For example, if you're interested in fitness, you can get a Fitbit Premium subscription with Google One (without paying extra).

When you upgrade to Google One, you can also get a Nest Aware subscription if you use Google Nest. And if you're thinking about getting one, here are some really useful and fun things you can do with a Google Nest hub.

How to Sign Up to Google One

Signing up for Google One is very easy. Follow these instructions to do that:

1. Go to Google One, select the best plan for you, and select Get Started.
2. Sign into your Google account if you haven't already done so.
3. Enter your payment details. You'll gain instant access once you've verified the payment.

Download: Google One for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)

How to Use Gemini With Google One

To use Gemini, go to the Gemini website and sign into your Google account. Enter whichever prompts you want.

If you want to use Gemini within Gmail, Docs, etc., follow these steps instead.

1. Go to the document or program you want to use Gemini within.
2. Select the Help me write icon if you want to write something from scratch. Otherwise, you can use the pen and star icon to help you rewrite sections and offer other suggestions.

How to Use the Google One VPN

To use Google One's VPN, you'll need to download the app for your computer or use the Google One mobile app. Let's start by walking through how to use Google One VPN on your computer:

1. Go to your Google One VPN Benefits tab and navigate to VPN for multiple devices > View details.
2. Select Download app.
3. Open the .pkg download and install Google One VPN on your device.
4. Open the Google One VPN app, select Get started, and log in to your Google account when redirected to the webpage.
5. Choose whether you want the VPN to automatically start when you turn your computer on.
6. Toggle Use VPN on.

If you want to use Google One VPN on your smartphone or tablet, follow these instructions instead.

1. Download the Google One app.
2. Go to VPN > Set up.
3. Tap Enable VPN.

How to Use Google One's Features in Google Photos

You can use AI photo editing in Google Photos with Google One, in addition to adding HDR and doing much more. Accessing these features is very simple:

1. Go to Google Photos on your computer or mobile device.
2. Choose the picture you want to edit and select the icon with sliders.
3. Edit your images however you feel is necessary.

There are a variety of editing tools, styles, and more to choose from.

How to Sign Up for Dark Web Alerts in Google One

You can easily sign up for dark web alerts by going to your Google One account's Benefits tab and doing the following:

1. Go to Dark web report and select Set up.
2. Click on Start monitoring.
3. Set up your monitoring profile by adding your name, date of birth, address, and phone number. Then, select Done.

Google One is much more than a cloud storage solution. You can use a VPN, access exclusive offers, and even use AI in your emails and documents. Using Google One is very easy once you've signed up, and you can access many of its features on mobile and desktop.