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.
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. It now also includes Proton Docs and Sheets — end-to-end encrypted collaborative document and spreadsheet editors — and mobile photo backup, so it competes with Google Workspace, not just Google Drive.
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 | 2 GB, up to 5 GB after onboarding steps (shared across Proton services) |
| Proton Drive Plus | Paid — 200 GB |
| Proton Unlimited | Paid — 500 GB + all Proton services |
| Desktop sync | Yes (Windows, macOS); Linux via CLI, GUI client announced for late 2026 / early 2027 |
| Mobile | Android, iOS (with photo backup) |
| Docs / Sheets | Yes — end-to-end encrypted collaborative editing |
| 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.
Linux: there is no graphical sync client yet. Proton shipped an official command-line tool (proton-drive CLI) in 2026 that works for scripted backups and manual sync, and in June 2026 confirmed a native GUI client is in development on its new unified SDK, targeted for late 2026 / early 2027.
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 | up to 5 GB | 15 GB | trial only | 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: the free plan starts at 2 GB and reaches 5 GB only after you complete Proton’s onboarding steps, and that pool is shared across Proton services. 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.
Linux and maturity: no graphical Linux client yet (CLI only, GUI announced for late 2026 / early 2027). Proton Drive is now four years old and was rebuilt on a unified SDK in 2025–2026, so the “still catching up to Dropbox” gap is smaller than it was — but sync-conflict handling and large-library performance are still areas where the incumbents are ahead.
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; official Linux CLI
- End-to-end encrypted Proton Docs and Sheets for collaborative editing, plus mobile photo backup
- File sharing via encrypted links with optional password, expiry date, and download restrictions
- Open-source clients — independently auditable
- Integrated with the Proton ecosystem — one account for Mail, VPN, Drive, Calendar and Pass
Cons
- Free tier starts at 2 GB (up to 5 GB after onboarding), shared across Proton services — Google Drive offers 15 GB free
- Search works on file names only — content search is technically incompatible with the encryption model
- No graphical Linux client yet — CLI only, GUI announced for late 2026 / early 2027
- Sync-conflict handling and large-library performance still trail Dropbox and Google Drive
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.
Getting started
1. Create a Proton account
Go to proton.me and create a free account. You start with 2 GB storage (shared across Proton services), rising to 5 GB once you complete the onboarding steps.
2. Install the desktop sync client
Download the Proton Drive desktop client for Windows or macOS from proton.me/drive/download. Sign in and select a folder on your computer to synchronise. Files are automatically encrypted before upload.
3. Use the web interface or mobile app
Via drive.proton.me or the mobile app (Android/iOS) you have access to your files from anywhere. Share files via an encrypted link — the recipient doesn’t need a Proton account.
Next step
Chosen Proton Drive?
- Proton Mail review — combine with encrypted email in the same ecosystem
Similar options
- Nextcloud review — self-hosted cloud for those who want full control and calendar/contacts in one platform
- Tresorit review — pricier alternative focused on business use with professional privilege
Want to go further?
- Secure laptop guide — Proton Drive as part of a privacy-friendly desktop environment