Proton Drive review — encrypted cloud storage
Who is this for? Anyone who wants to replace Google Drive or Dropbox with cloud storage that can’t read your files. The most accessible choice within the Proton ecosystem. Need more control? See [Nextcloud](/en/reviews/nextcloud-review/).
Proton Drive review
Who is this for? Anyone who wants to replace Google Drive or Dropbox with cloud storage that can’t read your files. The most accessible choice within the Proton ecosystem. Need more control? See Nextcloud.
Proton Drive is Proton’s cloud storage — end-to-end encrypted, zero-knowledge and integrated into the Proton ecosystem. The alternative to Google Drive and Dropbox if you don’t want the cloud provider to have access to your files.
Zero-knowledge file storage
The core principle: Proton cannot read your files. Files are encrypted on your device before being uploaded. The keys stay with you — Proton’s servers only store encrypted data.
This differs fundamentally from Google Drive, Dropbox and OneDrive, where the provider has full access to your files and actively scans them (for ads, AI training, or on law enforcement requests).
Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Encryption | End-to-end |
| Zero-knowledge | Yes |
| Free storage | 5 GB (shared with Proton Mail) |
| Proton Drive Plus | Paid — 200 GB |
| Proton Unlimited | Paid — 500 GB + all Proton services |
| Desktop sync | Yes (Windows, macOS) |
| Mobile | Android, iOS |
| File sharing | Yes — via encrypted share link |
| Open-source client | Yes |
Desktop synchronisation
Proton Drive has a desktop sync client for Windows and macOS. A selected folder on your computer is automatically synchronised with Proton Drive — similar to Dropbox or Google Drive’s desktop integration.
All files are encrypted before upload. The sync client runs in the background.
File sharing
You can share files and folders via an encrypted link. The recipient doesn’t need a Proton account. You can:
- Set a password for the share link
- Set an expiry date
- Set download restrictions
Proton doesn’t see the contents of shared files — the share token gives access to the encrypted data, which the recipient decrypts.
Comparison with alternatives
| Proton Drive | Google Drive | Tresorit | Cryptomator + Dropbox | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| End-to-end encrypted | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Zero-knowledge | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Open-source | Yes | No | No | Yes (Cryptomator) |
| Free tier | 5 GB | 15 GB | 5 GB | Depends on Dropbox |
| Desktop sync | Yes | Yes | Yes | Manual or via Dropbox |
| Paid price | Paid | Low | High | Depends on sync service |
Tresorit is another privacy-friendly alternative — excellent encryption but more expensive and no open-source client.
Cryptomator + Dropbox is a DIY solution: Cryptomator encrypts files locally, Dropbox synchronises the encrypted result. More control, more manual work.
Integration with Proton ecosystem
If you already use Proton Mail and/or ProtonVPN, Proton Drive shares the same account and storage is combined. The larger Proton bundles give shared storage across multiple Proton services.
Caveats
Free tier small: 5 GB shared with Proton Mail is tight if you want to store many files. Google Drive offers 15 GB free.
Search function limited: Because files are encrypted, Proton cannot search file contents. Search works on file names. Full content search is technically not possible without weakening encryption.
Relatively new: Proton Drive launched later than Proton Mail and ProtonVPN. The desktop sync client has become more stable but is still younger than Dropbox or Google Drive.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Zero-knowledge end-to-end encryption — Proton cannot read your files even under a legal order
- Desktop sync client for Windows and macOS
- File sharing via encrypted links with optional password, expiry date, and download restrictions
- Open-source client — independently auditable
- Integrated with the Proton ecosystem — one account for Mail, VPN, Drive and Calendar
Cons
- Free tier is only 5 GB shared with Proton Mail — Google Drive offers 15 GB free
- Search works on file names only — content search is technically incompatible with the encryption model
- Younger than Dropbox and Google Drive — desktop sync client still maturing
Conclusion
Proton Drive is the logical choice if you’re already in the Proton ecosystem and want cloud storage that nobody can read. For users wanting to replace Google Drive with a privacy-friendly alternative, it is the most complete solution.
For maximum control and open-source, Cryptomator + a self-chosen sync service is technically stronger — but requires more setup.
See also:
- Proton Mail review — encrypted email from the same provider
- ProtonVPN review — VPN from the Proton ecosystem
- Secure laptop guide — Proton Drive as part of a secure desktop environment
- Profile: healthcare worker — patient data and GDPR/WGBO compliance in the cloud