How to Check if You’re Overpaying for Microsoft, Google, and Apple Services
If you’ve ever opened your credit card statement and wondered what exactly am I paying Google $9.99 for—you’re not alone.
Many of our members discover they’re subscribed to multiple overlapping services from Apple, Google, and Microsoft—and in some cases, both spouses are paying separately for the same features. Cloud storage, document editing tools, premium email, family photo backups… these services all sound essential. But here’s the catch: they often come bundled with one another.
Imagine this: One household, two people, six accounts—all offering cloud storage, email, video calling, photo backup, and document editing. Sound familiar?
It happens all the time. Wealthy retirees often accumulate multiple tech subscriptions over the years—one for work, one for the iPad, one for the grandkids’ photos, and another just because it was easier than resetting a password. Before you know it, you’re paying for the same service from Apple, Google, and Microsoft… multiplied by two.
Let’s break this down—and help you figure out what you actually need.
🎯 Start Here: What Are You Paying For?
The biggest overlaps typically come from:
- Cloud storage (OneDrive, iCloud, Google Drive)
- Email and calendars (Gmail, Outlook, iCloud Mail)
- Productivity apps (Word, Excel, Docs, Notes)
- Photo storage (Google Photos, iCloud Photos, OneDrive Photos)
- Video calls (FaceTime, Zoom, Google Meet, Teams)
Most people don’t realize that all three major tech companies—Apple, Google, and Microsoft—offer nearly identical services. And many of us subscribe to all three.
Here’s a quick comparison of what each offers:
| Feature | Apple (iCloud+) | Google (Google One) | Microsoft (Microsoft 365) |
|---|---|---|---|
| iCloud Mail | Gmail | Outlook | |
| Cloud Storage | 200GB or more w/ iCloud+ | 100GB or more w/ Google One | 1TB OneDrive |
| Docs & Spreadsheets | Notes, Pages, Numbers | Google Docs & Sheets | Word, Excel, PowerPoint |
| Video Calling | FaceTime | Google Meet | Microsoft Teams / Skype |
| Photo Storage | iCloud Photos | Google Photos | OneDrive Photos |
| Price (monthly) | ~$2.99–$9.99 | ~$1.99–$9.99 | ~$6.99 (per user) |
Now imagine this:
💸 Real-World Overlap: The $432 Problem
Let’s say a couple each has:
- A Microsoft 365 subscription
- An Apple iCloud+ plan
- A Google One plan
That’s 6 separate subscriptions—three per person.
| Service | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost per Person | Annual Cost (Couple) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft 365 | $6.99 | $83.88 | $167.76 |
| Google One | $2.99 | $35.88 | $71.76 |
| Apple iCloud+ | $2.99 | $35.88 | $71.76 |
| Total | $155.64 | $311.28 |
And that’s if you’re only on the basic plans. Upgrade for more storage or features and it’s easy to reach $432/year or more.
🤯 What’s the Bigger Problem? Confusion.
Having all these services means:
- You forget where you saved that photo
- Files are split across platforms
- Logins get confusing—some use your Apple ID, some Google, some a Microsoft account
- Two-step verifications become a guessing game
- You lose time trying to find what you already have
🧭 What You Can Do About It
Here’s your action plan:
- Take Inventory
Make a list of your active subscriptions. Include Apple, Google, Microsoft, Dropbox, Zoom, etc. - Ask: What Do I Actually Use?
If you use Gmail every day and never open OneDrive, you probably don’t need both. - Consolidate
Choose one “ecosystem” and cancel or downgrade the rest. Stick with what feels easiest for you to use. - Go Family Plan
Many services offer family sharing. One account can cover multiple people at a lower price. - Get Help (That’s What We’re For)
At Tech Caddie, we help you untangle the mess. We’ll map out your accounts, help you cancel extras, and show you how to get the most out of what you already pay for.
🏌️♂️ Final Thought from Your Tech Caddie
Simplifying your tech life isn’t just about saving money—it’s about peace of mind. When your digital world is clean and easy to navigate, everything just works better. Don’t let duplicate subscriptions and confusing logins get in the way of enjoying your time. We’ll help you clear the clutter, one account at a time