You probably started using Proton Drive for the same reason most people do: privacy.
It’s secure and simple. But as your work grew, so did your needs.
Maybe you’ve run into roadblocks, such as limited sharing options in Proton Calendar, no real-time collaboration, or clunky syncing across devices with Proton Mail.
If that sounds like you, it’s time to explore other options.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the best Proton Drive alternatives that offer more control, smarter features, and a smoother workflow. 🎯
10 Top-Rated Proton Drive Alternatives for Teams
- What Should You Look for In Proton Drive Alternatives?
- The 10 Best Proton Drive Alternatives At A Glance
- The 10 Best Proton Drive Alternatives
- 1. ClickUp (Best for smart file management with powerful search)
- 2. Nextcloud (Best for building a self-hosted cloud with full control)
- 3. MEGA (Best for sending large encrypted files with ease)
- 4. Filen (Best for automatic, end-to-end encrypted backups)
- 5. Internxt Drive (Best for zero-knowledge file storage across platforms)
- 6. Tresorit (Best for enterprise-grade compliance and secure collaboration)
- 7. Box (Best for integrating file storage with business workflows)
- 8. pCloud (Best for lifetime storage with built-in media playback)
- 9. Sync.com (Best for secure team sharing with granular permissions)
- 10. Cryptee (Best for private document and photo storage)
- Frequently Asked Questions
Summarize this article for me pleaseWhat Should You Look for In Proton Drive Alternatives?
So, Proton Drive isn’t quite checking all your boxes, and now you’re on the hunt for something that fits just right.
Before you start using a new digital platform, consider these things. 👀
- Security and privacy: Look for strong encryption (ideally end-to-end), multi-factor authentication, and compliance with standards like GDPR or HIPAA if your data is sensitive
- Speed and performance: Go for a service provider with low latency and globally distributed data centers if you work with large files or need quick access
- Long-term storage capacity: Ensure the provider offers scalable options, so you won’t have to switch again with growing storage needs
- Data backup and redundancy: Search for services that automatically replicate your data across different regions, which is super helpful in case of hardware failures or unexpected issues
- File management features: Look for handy extras like version control, file sharing, and automatic backups that significantly affect how smoothly things run
- Integrations and accessibility: Consider if it will work across all your devices. Can it plug into your tools (like CRMs, project management apps, or productivity suites)?
💡 Pro Tip: Embrace zero-trust models—every file access request, even from internal users, gets verified. It’s like a security check at every door.
Summarize this article for me pleaseThe 10 Best Proton Drive Alternatives At A Glance
Here’s a quick summary of the 10 best Proton Drive alternatives. ⚒️
| Proton Drive alternative | Best for | Key features | Pricing * |
| ClickUp | Smart file management with powerful search | AI-powered automation, real-time collaboration, centralized knowledge management | Free |
| Nextcloud | Building a self-hosted cloud with full control | End-to-end encryption, workflow automation, and secure communication tools | Starts at $77/year per user |
| MEGA | Sending large encrypted files with ease | Zero-knowledge encryption, real-time sync, and password manager | Free |
| Filen | Automatic, end-to-end encrypted backups | Client-side encryption, real-time sync, and markdown support | Starts at $2.26/month per user |
| Internxt Drive | Zero-knowledge file storage across platforms | Decentralized storage, cross-platform support | Free |
| Tresorit | Enterprise-grade compliance and secure collaboration | GDPR/HIPAA compliance and granular permissions | Starts at $5.99/month per user |
| Box | Integrating file storage with business workflows | Workflow automation, integrations with business tools | Free |
| pCloud | Lifetime storage with built-in media playback | One-time payment for lifetime plans, media streaming | Starts at $19.99/month per user |
| Sync.com | Secure team sharing with granular permissions | Version history, secure file sharing | Starts at $5/month per user (billed annually) |
| Cryptee | Private document and photo storage | Encrypted storage for documents and photos | Free |
How we review software at ClickUp
Our editorial team follows a transparent, research-backed, and vendor-neutral process, so you can trust that our recommendations are based on real product value.
Here’s a detailed rundown of how we review software at ClickUp.
Summarize this article for me pleaseThe 10 Best Proton Drive Alternatives
Let’s explore the top 10 picks for Proton Drive alternatives. 💁
1. ClickUp (Best for smart file management with powerful search)
Proton Drive gives you a place to store files—but what about your projects, tasks, notes, and communication?
When everything lives in separate tools, work becomes slow, siloed, and scattered—you’re fighting work sprawl.
ClickUp solves this. As the everything app for work that combines project, knowledge, and chat in one place, all powered by AI, it helps you work faster and smarter.
Start with ClickUp Brain, the AI engine that understands your workspace. Ask it questions like ‘What are the security protocols for client data?’ and it finds answers from Tasks, Docs, or wikis—even if the info lives deep inside a checklist or comment thread.
While Proton Drive is designed for privacy and file storage, ClickUp Brain takes knowledge management further with AI-powered automation. Instead of uploading a doc and forgetting it, you can:
- Auto-summarize lengthy files, articles, or meeting notes
- Trigger smart automations like creating tasks or documents based on content, deadlines, or conversation updates
- Extract data from external sources or existing documents to build reports, guides, or onboarding materials faster
- Translate content into multiple languages to support global collaboration
- Integrate with your tools through API connections for automated file handling and multi-tool workflows
But getting an answer only works when information is actually organized. ClickUp AI Knowledge Management takes over here.
You can group resources into wikis, SOP libraries, or team playbooks. Each one can link back to relevant tasks, updates, and Docs, so information isn’t floating in isolation. Best part? AI Agents in ClickUp can run the show here with little to no hand-holding. 👇🏼
Once you’ve got that structure in place, ClickUp Docs brings collaboration into the mix. They’re living, collaborative spaces fully integrated into your tasks, projects, and workflows. You can turn AI-generated insights into detailed briefs, SOPs, or meeting notes. Then, link them directly to tasks, assign contributors, and leverage real-time collaboration in one place.
Of course, your team likely already stores files in other tools. ClickUp Integrations connect platforms like Google Drive, OneDrive, iCloud Drive, and Dropbox directly into your workflow. You can link or preview these files inside tasks and Docs without switching tabs or losing version control.
Finally, ClickUp Enterprise Search ties everything together. It makes context-aware discovery effortless by connecting various parts of your workflow, allowing you to quickly locate the specific doc, a comment from a team lead, or a task update from three months ago.
📌 Example: An associate uses the intelligent search system to quickly locate a comment from the content manager about the blog post deadline. They can also find related task updates from the designer about graphic revisions. Everything is connected to the original ‘Q2 Campaign Strategy’ Doc, making it easy to access, no matter when or where it was created.
ClickUp best features
- Collaborate in real time: Keep wikis up to date with live editing, in-document comments, and task assignments for cross-functional teamwork
- Find everything in Docs Hub: Centralize all knowledge in one place with verified wikis, customizable templates, and easy search, sort, and filter options
- Launch tasks with ease: Use Command Center shortcuts to open apps, access clipboard history, or create content in a click
- Access search anywhere: Start searching from the Command Center, Global Action Bar, or your desktop—whatever fits your flow
ClickUp limitations
- The platform’s extensive feature set and customization options can be overwhelming for new users
ClickUp pricing
free forever
Best for personal use
Free Free
Key Features:
60MB Storage
Unlimited Tasks
Unlimited Free Plan Members
unlimited
Best for small teams
$7 $10
Everything in Free Forever plus:
Unlimited Storage
Unlimited Folders and Spaces
Unlimited Integrations
business
Best for mid-sized teams
$12 $19
Everything in Unlimited, plus:
Google SSO
Unlimited Teams
Unlimited Message History
enterprise
Best for many large teams
Get a custom demo and see how ClickUp aligns with your goals.
Everything in Business, plus:
White Labeling
Conditional Logic in Forms
Subtasks in Multiple Lists
* Prices when billed annually
The world's most complete work AI, starting at $9 per month
ClickUp Brain is a no Brainer. One AI to manage your work, at a fraction of the cost.
ClickUp ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (9,000+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (4,000+ reviews)
What are real-life users saying about ClickUp?
Here’s what a G2 reviewer had to say about ClickUp:
💟 Bonus: Tired of juggling emails, files, and tasks across different apps? Meet Brain MAX—your AI-powered desktop companion that keeps work from sprawling across 10+ apps.
While Proton is great for secure email and storage, Brain MAX goes way beyond: it brings all your work—messages, docs, projects, and more—into one unified space. Just speak your thoughts or to-dos, and Brain MAX captures and organizes everything with voice-first AI.
2. Nextcloud (Best for building a self-hosted cloud with full control)
Nextcloud is an open-source platform that lets you build your private cloud for file storage, syncing, and collaboration. Unlike Proton Drive, a closed system hosted by a single provider, the platform gives you complete data ownership.
You can host it on your server or a trusted provider, making it ideal for individuals, teams, or large enterprises that care about digital sovereignty and data privacy.
What sets Nextcloud apart is its deep focus on compliance, customization, and integration. It’s HIPAA- and GDPR-ready, supports end-to-end encryption, and connects with everything from Microsoft tools to local network drives. With apps like Nextcloud Talk, Files, and Assistant, it’s built for people who want more than storage.
Nextcloud best features
- Share, sync, and edit documents with team members using integrated tools to enhance team collaboration
- Automate workflows with Nextcloud Flow to streamline approvals, file tagging, notifications, and other routine processes
- Secure communication with Nextcloud Talk and host encrypted video calls, webinars, and chats without any third-party tracking or vendor lock-in
- Use the built-in AI assistant to summarize discussions, translate messages, and speed up writing
Nextcloud limitations
- New version updates can break functionality or render specific plugins and apps incompatible
- Difficult to use for non-technical users when trying to configure security settings properly, user permissions, and integrations
Nextcloud pricing
- Nextcloud Files
- Standard: €67.89/year per user (approximately $77)
- Premium: €99.99/year per user (approximately $113.59)
- Ultimate: €195/year per user (approximately $221.52)
- Nextcloud Talk
- Standard: Starting at €40/year per user (approximately $45.44)
Nextcloud ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.4/5 (120+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (440+ reviews)
What are real-life users saying about Nextcloud?
A user review says:
3. MEGA (Best for sending large encrypted files with ease)
If you’re looking for a cloud storage platform that takes privacy seriously, you can trust Mega. It was launched in 2013 as the spiritual successor to the infamous Megaupload and has made a name for itself by leaning hard into end-to-end encryption.
That means your files are encrypted and decrypted only on your device, not on MEGA’s servers.
Even the platform itself can’t access your content, which is a big plus for privacy-conscious users. One standout is MEGA Pass, a built-in password manager that lets you generate, autofill, and audit strong passwords with ease.
Mega best features
- Manage unlimited S3-compatible object data with no hidden fees for API usage
- Secure up to five devices with a fast, WireGuard-based VPN and no logging policy included in most paid plans
- Send files or folders to anyone, add passwords, set link expiry dates, and manage access levels without requiring recipients to sign up
- Back up data across devices, sync folders in real time, and retain full privacy with zero-knowledge encryption
Mega limitations
- It doesn’t integrate into a broader ecosystem like Google or Microsoft, which can make workflows more tedious
- If you forget your password, recovering access is extremely difficult and you risk losing access to all stored files
Mega pricing
- Free
- Pro I: $11.70/month per user
- Pro II: $23.40/month per user
- Pro III: $35.11/month per user
- Business: $17.55/month per user
Mega ratings and reviews
- G2: Not enough reviews
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (150+ reviews)
What are real-life users saying about Mega?
Here’s a Capterra reviewer’s take on Mega:
📮 ClickUp Insight: Knowledge workers spend an average of 25 messages daily searching for information, with nearly 1 in 5 employees sending over 50 messages.
That’s not collaboration, that’s chaos.
ClickUp brings everything in one centralized, searchable workspace. Tasks, comments, docs, project briefs, SOPs, it’s all there, connected, and easy to find, especially with ClickUp Brain to the rescue.
4. Filen (Best for automatic, end-to-end encrypted backups)
Filen is a clean, capable cloud storage solution designed for anyone who wants a smooth, secure way to manage files without unnecessary clutter. It offers client-side encryption so your data stays safe, but beyond that, it’s just an easy, efficient tool for organizing, syncing, and sharing digital content.
Plus, there are no bandwidth limits or hidden feature walls to worry about.
Built in Germany and open-source by design, Filen brings transparency and solid data handling without overcomplicating things. You can even host your own WebDAV server or run a local instance, which is great if you like having more control over your workflow.
Filen best features
- Access and organize digital files like they’re on your computer using Filen’s network drive with Smart Sync
- Choose from one-way, two-way, or custom sync across devices without losing encryption
- Use markdown, checklists, or source code blocks and collaborate in real time
- Generate secure public links or collaborate privately inside the platform
Filen limitations
- As of now, Filen has not undergone an independent security audit, which may be a concern for users prioritizing verified security measures
- The iOS mobile app requires manual initiation for photo and video backups, lacking automatic backup functionality
Filen pricing
- Pro I: €1.99/month per user (approximately $2.26)
- Pro II: €.399/month per user (approximately $4.53)
- Pro III: €8.99/month per user (approximately $10.21)
- Pro X: €39.99/month per user (approximately $45.43)
Filen ratings and reviews
- G2: Not enough reviews
- Capterra: Not enough reviews
What are real-life users saying about Filen?
A user review says:
5. Internxt Drive (Best for zero-knowledge file storage across platforms)
Internxt is a sleek cloud storage option that makes it easy to store, sync, and share client information across all your devices. It keeps things secure behind the scenes, but what you’ll notice most is how smooth and simple it feels to use.
The tool also offers features like cross-device access, smart backups, and a command-line interface for those who like to customize their workflow a bit more.
Internxt best features
- Protect long-term data against emerging quantum threats using advanced encryption
- Send files with custom download permissions and never expose sensitive links
- Automate tasks with CLI and WebDAV support by using command-line tools to script backups, file operations, and remote syncs
- Back up local folders for version-safe storage to automatically save critical directories and keep a synced copy in the cloud
Internxt limitations
- The maximum storage limit is 2 TB, which may be insufficient for enterprise users or creative professionals with large files
- No thumbnails or previews for media files, which slows down file navigation and selection
Internxt pricing
- Free
- Essential: $1.50/month per user (billed annually)
- Premium: $3/month per user (billed annually)
- Ultimate: $4.50/month per user (billed annually)
Internxt ratings and reviews
- G2: Not enough reviews
- Capterra: 4.1/5 (20 reviews)
What are real-life users saying about Internxt?
Let’s look at what a Capterra reviewer said about Internxt:
6. Tresorit (Best for enterprise-grade compliance and secure collaboration)
Tresorit is a secure cloud collaboration platform built for professionals who need secure file storage, sharing, and collaboration.
From sensitive contracts to confidential project data, everything is protected with encryption at rest, in transit, and on-device. Teams can work together across locations while complying with strict data protection requirements.
You control who sees what, how it’s shared, and where it’s stored, which is especially helpful if you work in a regulated industry.
Tresorit best features
- Set passwords, expiry dates, watermarks, download limits, and more to manage external file sharing with complete control
- Add secure, qualified digital signatures that meet EU eIDAS standards, eliminating the need for third-party signature apps
- Protect sensitive information and attachments with one click using built-in encrypted email workflows
- Choose from 12+ global data centers to store content where local regulations require it, down to user level
Tresorit limitations
- Unstable performance on Mac, including app freezes and full system crashes
- Sync issues with files containing special characters (e.g., ‘|’)
Tresorit pricing
- Personal Lite: $5.99/month per user
- Personal Essential: $13.99/month per user
- Personal Pro: $33.99/month per user
- Business: $24/month per user
Tresorit ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.5/5 (230+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.8/5 (120+ reviews)
What are real-life users saying about Tresorit?
A user review says:
🔍 Did You Know? The knowledge management software market size is projected to reach $38.7 billion by 2030. This means it’ll grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.3% during the forecast period (2024-2030).
7. Box (Best for integrating file storage with business workflows)
Box is an intelligent content management platform for teams with unstructured data, such as contracts, onboarding documents, research files, and sales presentations.
Its tools, like Box Shield, connected by AI, offer threat detection and smart access controls, while Box Governance ensures regulatory compliance with legal holds, retention schedules, and defensible disposition.
Plus, Box Zones allows organizations to meet data residency requirements by storing content in specific global regions, and Box KeySafe gives you control of your encryption keys.
Box best features
- Collaborate on documents with internal and external teams while keeping full control over permissions, access, and version history
- Automatically capture key data points from files like invoices, contracts, and reports using Box Relay, Forms, and Doc Gen
- Use drag-and-drop tools to create dedicated portals, dashboards, or views that simplify how users find and interact with documents
- Use AI-driven security to flag anomalies, prevent malware, and apply content classification and access controls at scale
Box limitations
- Features like Tags sometimes malfunction or disappear temporarily, impacting workflow
- Users reported slower file uploads compared to other storage tools like OneDrive
Box pricing
- Individual: Free
- Starter: $5/month per user
- Personal Pro: $10/month per user
- Business: $20/month per user
- Business Plus: $25/month per user
- Enterprise: $35/month per user
Box ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.2/5 (4,900+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.4/5 (5,500+ reviews)
What are real-life users saying about Box?
Here’s what a G2 user said:
💡 Pro Tip: Set files to auto-expire with temporary access links. One-time downloads mean less risk and more peace of mind.
8. pCloud (Best for lifetime storage with built-in media playback)
pCloud is a secure cloud content and knowledge management system built to streamline document handling, support custom business processes, and enable seamless internal and external collaboration. With native e-signatures, granular access permissions, and content governance, it creates a complete content operations hub.
The platform lets you recover previous file versions and deleted content with up to 365 days of Extended File History. You can also access a built-in media player to preview and stream audio or video files directly from your cloud storage.
pCloud best features
- Organize files and folders in structured hierarchies with detailed permission settings for each team member or external partner
- Mount your cloud storage as a virtual drive with pCloud Drive to work without using local disk space
- Customize file sharing with branded download links, logos, and messages for a polished client experience
- Filter stored content quickly using built-in smart sorting for documents, images, audio, video, and archives
pCloud limitations
- Lacks playback speed options (e.g., 1.25x, 1.75x) in its native video player, especially on mobile
- Military-grade encryption (pCloud Crypto) requires an additional fee; only server-side encryption is included by default
pCloud pricing
- Ultra 10 TB: $19.99/month per user
- Premium Plus 2 TB: $9.99/month per user
- Premium 500 GB: $4.99/month per user
pCloud ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.2/5 (150+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (150+ reviews)
What are real-life users saying about pCloud?
A user review says:
🧠 Fun Fact: The first known documents weren’t digital or even paper! Ancient Sumerians recorded medical recipes on clay tablets as early as 2400 BCE. Meanwhile, Egyptians used papyrus scrolls to treat migraines and manage mental health.
9. Sync.com (Best for secure team sharing with granular permissions)
Sync is a cloud collaboration tool that centralizes file sharing across internal and external users with granular permissions, file link security, and branded client portals.
Real-time backup, file version recovery, and desktop integration ensure teams stay operational and protected, even during ransomware or accidental loss. Files can be restored instantly, rolled back to earlier versions, or archived long-term with no user-side data loss.
What’s more, it works seamlessly on desktop and mobile and integrates with platforms like Microsoft Office.
Sync.com best features
- Control access using role-based permissions, remote wipe, password protection, and expiration dates for files
- Share files through a branded client portal with logo display, custom messaging, and full analytics
- Free up local storage with on-demand file access using Sync CloudFiles for Windows and macOS
- Onboard and manage teams using an admin dashboard with 2FA enforcement, usage tracking, and centralized billing
Sync.com limitations
- While Sync.com supports Windows and Mac, Linux users are limited to using the web version, which lacks full functionality
- Limited personalization options for icons or interface colors within the app
Sync.com pricing
- Personal: $5/month per user (billed annually)
- Teams: $6/month per user (billed annually)
- Solo: $8/month per user (billed annually)
- Teams Unlimited: $18/month per user
- Professional: $24/month per user
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Sync.com ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.0/5 (30+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.4/5 (50+ reviews)
What are real-life users saying about Sync.com?
Here’s what a Capterra reviewer says:
🤝 Friendly Reminder: Don’t just assume everyone knows how to share files safely. Host a quick security refresher every quarter—it goes a long way.
10. Cryptee (Best for private document and photo storage)
Cryptee is fully encrypted on your side, meaning only you can access your data, not Cryptee.
Its intuitive interface supports rich text editing, markdown, LaTeX, and even encrypted PDF handling, making it suitable for casual users and professionals. Plus, the platform’s open-source nature ensures transparency, allowing users to verify its security measures.
Cryptee best features
- Create anonymous accounts using just a username, eliminating the need for personal details
- Protect sensitive content with ghost folders, keeping files hidden from unwanted eyes
- Manage unlimited storage for documents, notes, and media without concerns about privacy
Cryptee limitations
- Team members can’t co-edit documents simultaneously
- Lacks features to share folders with different permission levels or collaborate in managed team environments
Cryptee pricing
- 100 MB: Free
- 10 GB: $3/month per user
- 400 GB: $9/month per user
- 2000 GB: $27/month per user
Cryptee ratings and reviews
- G2: Not enough reviews
- Capterra: Not enough reviews
What are real-life users saying about Cryptee?
A user review says:
📖 Also Read: How to Organize Google Docs
Summarize this article for me pleaseStop Your Search and Pick ClickUp
Choosing an alternative to Proton Drive often comes down to the need for more flexibility, collaboration, and control.
While each tool excels in its own area, ClickUp is a no-brainer. It stands out by eliminating siloed workflows and bringing everything—tasks, files, and communication—into one unified platform.
With ClickUp Brain, AI-powered Knowledge Management, and Connected Search, you can access and organize your information efficiently from other devices as well, all while boosting productivity.
Sign up to ClickUp for free today! ✅
Summarize this article for me pleaseFrequently Asked Questions
1. Is Proton Drive as good as Google Drive?
Proton Drive focuses on privacy and security, offering end-to-end encryption for all files. Google Drive provides more collaboration tools, integrations, and larger free storage, but does not offer end-to-end encryption and may analyze your data for advertising or analytics. Proton Drive is ideal for privacy, while Google Drive is better for productivity and collaboration.
2. Is Proton Drive better than Dropbox?
Proton Drive offers end-to-end encryption by default, making it a strong choice for privacy-focused users. Dropbox is known for its user-friendly interface, collaboration features, and third-party integrations, but it does not provide end-to-end encryption by default. Proton Drive is best for privacy, while Dropbox excels in collaboration and integrations.
3. What is safer than ProtonMail?
ProtonMail is one of the most secure email services, with end-to-end encryption and strong privacy protections. Other secure alternatives include Tutanota (open-source and encrypted), Mailfence (encryption and digital signatures), and StartMail (privacy-focused, no tracking). The safest option depends on your specific needs, but ProtonMail and Tutanota are both highly regarded.
4. What is the difference between Proton Drive and pCloud?
Proton Drive provides end-to-end encryption by default and is based in Switzerland, focusing on privacy and security. pCloud, also based in Switzerland, offers more features such as media playback and file sharing, and more storage options. However, full encryption in pCloud is only available as a paid add-on (pCloud Crypto), and not all files are encrypted by default.
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