European alternatives > Cloud storage

European cloud storage providers

Cloud storage holds some of your most sensitive digital files: documents, photos, contracts, backups, invoices, IDs, and shared work folders. Choosing where that data is stored means choosing who you trust with access, security, privacy, and legal protection.

European cloud storage providers offer privacy-focused alternatives to apps like Google Drive, iCloud, OneDrive, and Dropbox, with stronger data protection standards and less reliance on Big Tech — especially if you want to support the European tech ecosystem.

Proton Drive

Based: Geneva, Switzerland

A private cloud storage app that keeps files between you and recipients

Data protected by end-to-end encryption
Secure sharing with password protection and expiration dates
Free, open source, and audited
Aligns with GDPR
Includes editors for documents and spreadsheets
Part of a privacy-first ecosystem

Start with 5 GB free

Internxt

Based: Valencia, Spain

A cloud storage platform that uses zero-knowledge encryption

Post-quantum encryption helps protect your files against future threats
Zero-knowledge architecture limits access to your data
Open-source code supports independent security audits
European data centers operate under strong privacy laws

Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Tresorit

Based: Zurich, Switzerland

A cloud platform built on end-to-end encryption

Files are encrypted on your device before upload
Data residency options let you choose where files are stored
Built-in tools for secure file sharing and collaboration
Encryption keys are managed so the provider cannot access your data

Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Icedrive

Based: Gibraltar

A storage solution that prioritizes security

Twofish encryption offers an alternative to standard AES
Client-side encryption protects files before upload
Zero-knowledge encryption available to limit provider access to your data
Simple interface makes privacy features easier to use.

Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

pCloud

Based: Baar, Switzerland

A secure cloud storage app with flexible file sharing

TLS encryption for data transfers and AES-256 encryption for stored files
End-to-end encryption available as a paid add-on
Secure sharing with password protection and expiration dates
Free plan available

Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆

Proton Drive vs. pCloud

WeTransfer

Based: Milan, Italy (originally Amsterdam, Netherlands)

A popular file transfer service for quickly sending large files without an account

Simple transfer links for large files.
Temporary storage; files are automatically deleted after a set period.
TLS encryption for data transfers and AES-256 encryption for stored files
Free plan available.

Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐☆☆☆

Proton Drive vs. WeTransfer

Why choose European cloud storage providers?

Stronger data protection laws

Many European cloud storage providers, especially those based in the EU or EEA, operate under GDPR — one of the world’s strongest data protection frameworks. GDPR gives you more control over how companies collect, process, store, and share personal information.

Less access to your files

Mainstream cloud storage providers like Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, and iCloud can technically access or scan your files and process them according to their own policies. Privacy-focused European services often use stronger encryption models to limit provider access.

Less exposure to foreign jurisdiction

Choosing Europe-based services means less reliance on Big Tech companies like Google and Microsoft. As American companies, these are subject to US surveillance laws that can allow authorities to access user data without the warrant protections most people assume apply, no matter where you live.

Less reliance on Big Tech

Google Drive, OneDrive, and iCloud are part of much larger data-driven ecosystems spanning email, search, devices, productivity tools, advertising, analytics, and AI. Choosing a European cloud storage provider helps separate your files from those ecosystems and gives you more control over your data.

Which European cloud storage provider is best for you?

Different providers do different things well. The right choice depends on how you balance privacy, storage, and ease of use.

Maximum privacy: Proton Drive, Internxt, and Tresorit use end-to-end encryption to keep files inaccessible to the provider.
Secure file sharing: Proton Drive, pCloud, and Tresorit offer password protection and link controls for sharing files safely.
Simple file transfers: WeTransfer focuses on quickly sending large files without complex setup or long-term storage.
Flexible storage options: pCloud and Icedrive provide a mix of free plans, paid upgrades, and customizable storage tiers.
Beginner-friendly privacy: Icedrive offers strong encryption with a simple interface that is easy to use.
All-in-one ecosystem: Proton Drive includes encrypted storage alongside email, calendar, and other privacy-focused services.

Tips for switching to a European cloud storage provider

Moving to a new storage service takes a bit of planning, especially if you rely on your files every day. These tips help you transfer data smoothly while keeping everything accessible.

Start with important files

Move sensitive or frequently used files first to get immediate value from better privacy protections.

Keep your old storage temporarily

Keeping your previous storage active helps prevent data loss while you transition to a new provider.

Organize files before moving

Cleaning up folders and removing duplicates makes the migration faster and easier to manage.

Use secure sharing features

Proton Drive lets you create secure links with passwords and expiration dates, helping you share files safely with the right people.

Sync across devices

Installing desktop and mobile apps keeps your files accessible wherever you work or store data.

Test it for several days

A short trial helps you understand performance, sharing options, and how the service fits your needs.

Not European, but still not Big Tech cloud storage providers

If you’re open to options outside Europe, there are a few providers with stronger privacy approaches than Big Tech platforms. All these companies are subject to the laws of their respective countries.

Sync.com

Based: Toronto, Canada

A cloud storage provider focused on end-to-end encryption and secure sharing

End-to-end encryption for files and sharing
Zero-knowledge architecture prevents the provider from accessing your data
Secure file sharing with password protection and expiry links
No ads or tracking

Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

SpiderOak One Backup

Based: Kansas, United States

A privacy-focused storage service built around zero-knowledge encryption

Zero-knowledge architecture prevents provider access to your data
Secure file syncing and version history
No ads or tracking

Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

MEGA*

Based: New Zealand, Hungary

A cloud storage platform with built-in encryption and large free storage options

End-to-end encryption for files and communications
Secure sharing with encrypted links
Generous free storage tiers
Open-source cryptography

Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆

Proton Drive vs. MEGA

*A 2022 study by ETH Zurich identified design flaws in MEGA's encryption that could allow server-side decryption or tampering; MEGA has since implemented partial fixes. The service is incorporated in New Zealand but operationally based in Hungary and majority-owned through a Hong Kong holding company, which introduces uncertainty over data handling and jurisdiction.

Frequently asked questions

What is a European cloud storage provider?: A European cloud storage provider is a file storage service developed, operated, or legally based in Europe. Many focus on privacy, encryption, European data protection standards, and reduced dependence on Big Tech platforms.
Are European cloud storage providers more private?: Often, yes — but not always. Many European cloud storage providers operate under strong data protection laws and some use privacy-focused features like end-to-end encryption, zero-knowledge storage, or limited data collection. However, privacy depends on the specific provider, its encryption model, where data is stored, and whether the company can access your files.
Can cloud storage providers access your files?: It depends on the provider. Many cloud storage services encrypt files during transfer and while stored on their servers, but the provider may still be able to access file contents for previews, syncing, scanning, recovery, or legal requests.
Services with end-to-end or zero-knowledge encryption are different: your files are encrypted before they reach the provider’s servers, so the provider cannot read them without your encryption keys.
Is cloud storage the same as backup?: Not exactly. Cloud storage is mainly for saving, syncing, and sharing files across devices. Backup is designed to create a separate copy of your data so you can recover it if something is deleted, damaged, lost, or infected by malware.

Some cloud storage services include backup features, but syncing alone is not a full backup strategy.
What is the best European alternative to Google Drive?: Proton Drive is one of the best European alternatives to Google Drive for privacy-focused users. Based in Switzerland, it offers end-to-end encryption, meaning your files are encrypted before they reach Proton’s servers and cannot be read by Proton.

Explore more European alternatives

Looking beyond cloud storage providers? Find European alternatives for email, browsers, chat apps, maps, search engines, social media, and more.

Browse European alternatives