CyberAdvises editors independently select and review products. When you purchase through affiliate links on our site, we may earn a commission, which supports our product testing efforts.
Proton Drive: The Ultimate Secure Cloud Storage Solution
Proton Drive is a secure cloud storage service designed for users who prioritize privacy, security, and data control. Developed by Proton, the company behind Proton Mail and Proton VPN, Proton Drive ensures end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for all files, meaning only you can access your data. Unlike mainstream cloud storage services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive, Proton Drive does not track, scan, or monetize user data.
Headquartered in Switzerland, Proton Drive benefits from strict Swiss privacy laws, ensuring that your files are never subject to government surveillance or corporate data mining. Whether you’re looking for a Google Drive alternative, a secure document storage solution, or a privacy-focused cloud service, Proton Drive offers best-in-class security with full data sovereignty.
This review covers Proton Drive’s features, security, usability, storage options, pricing, pros and cons, and how it compares to competitors.
Who is Proton Drive For?
Proton Drive is an excellent choice for users who value privacy and security. It is particularly suited for:
- Users looking for a Google Drive alternative without data tracking – Unlike Big Tech cloud storage providers, Proton Drive does not scan files, track activity, or monetize data.
- Privacy-conscious individuals – Proton Drive is designed for users who don’t want corporations or governments accessing their files.
- Professionals handling confidential information – Lawyers, healthcare providers, and financial professionals can store sensitive documents without third-party access.
- Businesses needing secure cloud storage – Proton Drive offers encrypted document storage with zero-knowledge architecture, meaning not even Proton can see your files.
With Proton Drive, your data is always private, secure, and protected from external access.
Security and Encryption
Proton Drive sets itself apart with industry-leading security features designed to protect user data from surveillance, breaches, and unauthorized access.
- End-to-End Encryption (E2EE): All files are encrypted before leaving your device, and only you hold the decryption key.
- Zero-Knowledge Architecture: Proton cannot access, read, or decrypt your stored files.
- AES-256 Encryption: Uses military-grade encryption to protect data from brute-force attacks.
- Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS): Prevents attackers from decrypting past communications even if future keys are compromised.
- Swiss Jurisdiction: Protected by Swiss privacy laws, which are among the strongest in the world.
Proton Drive ensures your files remain 100% private, even in the event of a data breach or legal request.
Supported Platforms and Usability
Proton Drive is available across multiple platforms, providing seamless access and secure file management.
- Web App – Full access via a secure browser interface.
- Desktop Apps – Available for Windows and macOS with automatic sync options.
- Mobile Apps – Dedicated iOS and Android apps for managing files on the go.
The interface is clean, intuitive, and optimized for usability, making it easy to upload, manage, and share files securely.
Key Features and Benefits
Proton Drive offers a range of privacy-focused features designed to provide a secure and seamless cloud storage experience without the risks associated with mainstream providers.
Secure File Sharing
Files can be shared without compromising security or privacy. Users can generate password-protected links to ensure that only authorized recipients have access. Shared links can also have expiration dates, automatically revoking access after a specified period. Proton Drive follows a zero-knowledge encryption model, meaning only the sender and intended recipient can decrypt shared files.
Automatic Device Syncing
The Proton Drive desktop app enables seamless syncing of files across multiple devices, ensuring that users always have access to the latest version of their documents. Offline access is also available, allowing files to be viewed even without an internet connection.
Cross-Platform Availability
Proton Drive is accessible via Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, making it easy to manage files across different devices. The web-based interface provides a straightforward way to upload, organize, and retrieve documents from any browser.
No Ads or Data Tracking
Unlike many cloud storage providers, Proton Drive does not monetize user data. Files are never scanned, analyzed, or used for targeted advertising. No third parties have access to stored content, ensuring complete privacy and data sovereignty.
Proton Drive vs. Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive
Proton Drive sets itself apart from mainstream cloud storage services by offering true end-to-end encryption, zero-knowledge storage, and strict privacy protection. Unlike Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive, which operate under US jurisdiction and are subject to data collection practices, Proton Drive is based in Switzerland, ensuring stronger privacy laws and better data protection.
Key Differences
- End-to-End Encryption – Proton Drive encrypts files on the device before uploading, ensuring that only the user can access them. Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive do not provide true end-to-end encryption, meaning stored files can be accessed or scanned by the provider.
- Zero-Knowledge Storage – Proton Drive follows a zero-knowledge approach, meaning the service itself cannot access or decrypt files. Mainstream providers retain control over user data and may scan files for various purposes, including content moderation and advertising.
- Swiss Privacy Laws – As a Swiss-based company, Proton Drive benefits from some of the world’s strongest privacy regulations, unlike Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive, which are subject to US surveillance laws such as the CLOUD Act.
- No Ads or Tracking – Proton Drive does not collect, sell, or analyze user data, whereas major cloud storage providers monetize user information for targeted advertising and data insights.
- Secure File Sharing – All Proton Drive file-sharing options are fully encrypted, offering password protection and expiration dates. Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive provide file-sharing functionality, but without full encryption, leaving shared files vulnerable to interception.
Proton Drive is one of the few cloud storage services that prioritize privacy and encryption, making it a superior choice for users who value security and data sovereignty.
Storage Plans and Pricing
Proton Drive Free
-
5 GB of encrypted cloud storage
-
Secure storage for files, photos, and documents
-
Online document editor
Proton Drive Plus
-
All Free features
-
200 GB of encrypted cloud storage
-
Restore previous file versions
Proton Drive Unlimited
-
All Plus features
-
500 GB of encrypted cloud storage
-
Up to 15 custom email addresses
-
Ultra-fast and private VPN
-
Encrypted password manager
-
Advanced account protection
Proton Drive Duo
-
All Unlimited Features
-
1 TB of encrypted cloud storage
-
Up to 30 custom email addresses
-
Ultra-fast and private VPN
-
Encrypted password manager
-
Advanced account protection
-
Supports up to 2 users
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
- Reliable performance with consistent file syncing – Proton Drive offers stable download and upload speeds, ensuring smooth performance across devices while maintaining top-level encryption.
- Zero-knowledge architecture for complete privacy – Your files are never scanned, indexed, or analyzed, making Proton Drive one of the few cloud services that offer genuine data sovereignty.
- No ads, no tracking, no data monetization – Unlike Google Drive and Dropbox, Proton Drive does not rely on advertising revenue and does not collect or sell user data, ensuring a completely private experience.
- Seamless multi-platform access – Available on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, Proton Drive ensures that users can access their files securely from any device, with an intuitive and user-friendly interface.
- No third-party access to your data – Since Proton Drive does not rely on third-party infrastructure like Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Google Cloud, it provides greater data independence and control over stored files.
- Swiss-based security for better privacy protection.
- Limited free storage compared to mainstream providers – While Proton Drive offers 5 GB for free, services like Google Drive provide 15 GB at no cost. Users who need more storage must upgrade to a paid plan, which may be a consideration for those looking for a completely free solution.
- No built-in real-time collaboration tools – Unlike Google Drive, which allows multiple users to edit documents simultaneously, Proton Drive does not yet offer live document collaboration, making it less convenient for teams that require shared editing and real-time updates.
Final Verdict: Is Proton Drive Worth It?
Proton Drive is one of the most secure cloud storage solutions available today. With full end-to-end encryption, zero-knowledge storage, and Swiss privacy laws, it is an excellent alternative for users seeking a cloud storage service that does not compromise security. Unlike mainstream providers, Proton Drive ensures that user data remains private at all times. It is an ideal choice for privacy-conscious individuals, professionals handling sensitive data, and businesses requiring secure document storage.
