Proton Drive
Beginner RecommendedThe best Google Drive alternative is Proton Drive. End-to-end encrypted cloud storage, integrated with the Proton suite. Simple as Google Drive, private as a vault.
Information verified on July 22, 2026
Description
Proton Drive encrypts your files end-to-end before they leave your device. Even Proton can't read them. The interface looks like Google Drive: folders, link sharing, trash. The free plan includes 5 GB (shared with Proton Mail). Hosted in Switzerland, outside US jurisdiction. Fewer collaborative features than Google Drive, but privacy is total.
My take
I use Proton Drive to share files with the outside world; everything else lives on my NAS. Emptying Google Drive took me two weeks, one folder per evening. My full setup is in chapter 6.
Key features
- End-to-end encryption
- Secure sharing with non-users
- Desktop and mobile apps
- File versioning
- Document preview
- 5 GB free
Strengths
- + Client-side encryption
- + Integrated with Proton Mail and the Proton suite
- + Based in Switzerland
Weaknesses
- − Smaller storage on free plan than Google Drive
- − Fewer collaboration features than Google Drive
Recommended for
- Replacing Google Drive for personal documents
- Backing up sensitive files
- Existing Proton customers
Proton Drive vs Google Drive: the comparison
| Criterion | Proton Drive | Google Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free (5 GB). Drive Plus 200 GB at €3.99/month (annual), included in Proton Unlimited (500 GB). | Free up to 15 GB, then Google One subscription |
| Targeted ads on your data | No | Yes (Google ad profile) |
| Source code | Proprietary | Proprietary |
| Migration difficulty | Easy (2/5) | — |
Comparison
Proton Drive is the simplest for Proton users: E2E encryption, familiar interface. Nextcloud offers far more features but requires a server. Tresorit targets professionals with zero-knowledge encryption.
This topic is chapter 6 of my book
It answers these questions, among others:
- how do you empty Google Drive without losing anything, Google Docs included?
- encrypted cloud, NAS or personal server: which one fits your profile?
- and what does a NAS at home really involve, day to day?
Forthcoming 22/10/2026 from Éditions Eyrolles
Frequently asked questions
How much does Proton Drive cost?
Free (5 GB). Drive Plus 200 GB at €3.99/month (annual), included in Proton Unlimited (500 GB).
How do you switch from Google Drive to Proton Drive?
Estimated difficulty: Easy (2/5). Manual file transfer but intuitive interface. No automatic Google Drive import yet. Allow time if lots of data.
Who is Proton Drive for?
Google Drive or Dropbox users seeking end-to-end encrypted cloud storage. Ideal as complement to Proton Mail.
One spark a week
Every week in The Spark, I break down one tech story through the privacy lens. And what you can do about it, concretely.
Join 400+ readers. Unsubscribe in one click. Your data will never be shared.
Also read
NAS or encrypted cloud: where should you store your files?
A server at home or an encrypted subscription: two ways to leave Google Drive, compared criterion by criterion, with a verdict by profile.
Proton Drive or kDrive: which should you choose?
End-to-end encryption at Proton Drive, big volumes and an office suite at kDrive: the two Swiss clouds compared, with a verdict based on your use.
Tresorit or Proton Drive: which encrypted cloud should you choose?
Tresorit for professionals, Proton Drive for personal use: two Swiss end-to-end encrypted clouds. A point-by-point comparison, with a verdict by profile.
Similar alternatives
Infomaniak kDrive
BeginnerSwiss cloud by Infomaniak. 15 GB free, integrated office suite, hosted in Switzerland.
Tresorit
IntermediateZero-knowledge encrypted cloud for professionals. Your files remain unreadable, even to Tresorit.
Nextcloud (on NAS)
IntermediateNextcloud directly on your NAS. Private cloud, calendar, contacts, all at home.