The free and private MEGA alternative
Store and share your files, docs, and photos with a MEGA alternative that protects your data with end-to-end
encryption and Swiss privacy. No ads, no AI training, no data sharing.
Proton Drive vs MEGA
| |  Proton Drive |  |
| Metadata protected with | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|
| No sharing of your data with | Yes | No |
| Explicitly rules out AI training | Yes | No |
| Verified encryption | Open-source and | Found vulnerable to server- |
| Link expiration and | Free | Paid only |
| Ownership and jurisdiction | Owned and operated in | Operates in Hungary but |
| Free and paid plans | Yes | Yes |
| Easy file sharing | Yes | Yes |
| No limits on file size or | Yes | Yes |
| Files protected with end-to-end | Yes | Yes |
| | |
*A 2022 study(new window) by ETH Zurich found design flaws in MEGA’s end-to-end encryption that could allow the provider (or anyone who gained control of its servers) to decrypt, manipulate,
or insert files into a user’s cloud storage. MEGA has since implemented fixes, though the company did not adopt the full redesign recommended by the researchers.
A MEGA alternative you can trust
At Proton, everything starts with protecting your privacy.
Protect data with end-to-end encryption
Proton Drive keeps your files safe with end-to-end encryption, so only you and the people you choose to share with can see what you upload, store, and send. Not even Proton can access your data.
Stay safe from server-side attacks
An independent study identified flaws in MEGA’s end-to-end-encryption model that could have enabled server-side decryption or tampering. Proton Drive encrypts everything on your device before it ever reaches our servers, so no one but you — and the people you choose to share with — can access or modify your data.
Keep your metadata private
MEGA encrypts file contents but leaves metadata such as file sizes and structure unencrypted. Proton Drive protects both your files and metadata with end-to-end encryption, so no one can infer what you’re storing or piece together information about your activity.
Stop third-party data sharing
MEGA may collect and process usage data (including the email addresses of chat participants) for marketing and may use third-party advertisers. Proton Drive has never shared — and will never share — any information about you with anyone.
Protect your data with Swiss privacy
MEGA is based in Hungary (previously in New Zealand) but owned by a Hong Kong company, leaving some uncertainty over how your data could be handled. Proton Drive is fully based in Switzerland, where strong privacy laws ensure your data is safe from external access.
Use a cloud service that puts you first
At Proton, we have no investors or advertisers, so we answer only to our community which provides 100% of our revenue. Our primary shareholder is the nonprofit Proton Foundation, which ensures our mission to protect your privacy.
Store, share, and collaborate securely
From personal memories to professional projects, Proton Drive is the best MEGA alternative to store,
share, and collaborate without giving up your privacy.
For your personal and family life
Your photos, videos, and family archives deserve to be protected, not scanned, analyzed, or repurposed for advertising or AI training. Proton Drive keeps your memories private, protected from everyone but you and the people you choose to share them with.
For creative professionals
Whether it’s raw footage, edited galleries, design files, or large client deliveries, your work needs space, privacy, and reliability. Proton Drive lets you store and deliver big projects without compression, without limits, and without anyone inspecting your files.
For small businesses
Send reports, contracts, or client documents with confidence. Proton Drive keeps them private under Swiss privacy laws and GDPR, and it meets ISO 27001 and SOC 2 Type II standards.
For tech companies
Your team works with code, documentation, prototypes, and internal assets that must stay private and secure. Proton Drive uses open-source, independently audited encryption to protect your intellectual property, so you don’t have to trust what happens to your data — you can verify it.
Switch to the cloud that can't see your data
Proton Drive gives you complete privacy by design. Your files, folders, and metadata are encrypted
end to end, so only you can access your data.
Stay in control of your files
Decide who sees what
It's easy to lose track of who sees what. Proton Drive lets you choose whether someone can view or edit, send links or invites, and add passwords or expiration dates.
Manage access anytime
Plans change, and your sharing settings may need to change with them. See all your active links in one place and instantly update permissions or turn sharing off completely.
Restore and recover easily
Accidentally deleted a file or overwrote the wrong version? Restore older copies or recover deleted items in seconds with version history and a recoverable trash.
Collect files from anyone
Create private upload links so others can send you files safely — no open upload boxes, no unprotected transfers. All they need is a free Proton Account.
Collaborate in real time
Work together in fully encrypted shared documents and spreadsheets. With Proton Docs and Sheets, you can edit, collaborate, and review changes in real time.
Use it on all your devices
Whether you’re on desktop, mobile, or the web, your files stay up-to-date and easy to access. Work offline, sync automatically, and stay private everywhere.
Proton Drive vs. MEGA: frequently asked questions
- How can I switch from MEGA to Proton Drive?
- Can Proton access my files if I forget my password?
- What else do I get with a Business account?