Cloud Storage
European alternatives to Google Drive, Dropbox and OneDrive – secure, private and GDPR compliant.
Why US cloud services are risky
The CLOUD Act requires US companies to share data with US authorities – even if servers are located in Europe. Google Drive, Dropbox and OneDrive are affected. European providers are not subject to this regulation.
Quick Switch
Which US service do you want to move away from?
All Providers in Detail
Hand-picked European cloud storage services – verified and compared.
Proton Drive
Open SourceCloud storage with zero-knowledge architecture and EU data centers
- End-to-end encryption of all files
- Open source and audited
- Servers located in Switzerland
- Free tier available
pCloud
Cloud storage with one-time payment and EU server locations
- Lifetime plans: pay once, use indefinitely
- Optional EU server location selectable
- Client-side encryption with pCloud Crypto
- Automatic photo backup
Tresorit
Enterprise cloud storage with zero-knowledge encryption
- Zero-knowledge end-to-end encryption
- File sharing with password protection and expiry date
- GDPR-compliant, HIPAA-ready
- Data control for enterprises
Internxt
Open SourceDecentralized cloud storage with open-source architecture
- Zero-knowledge encryption – no one but the user has access
- Open source and externally audited
- Decentralized storage architecture
- Lifetime plans: pay once, use indefinitely
Filen
Open SourceEnd-to-end encrypted cloud storage from Germany
- End-to-end encryption – zero-knowledge
- Open source – all apps available on GitHub
- Integrated encrypted notes (Filen Notes)
- Affordable lifetime plan from 19.99 €
Jottacloud
Platform-independent cloud storage from Norway
- Unlimited storage in the Unlimited plan
- Servers exclusively in Norway
- Automatic photo backup
- Family plan for up to 5 users
Nextcloud
Open SourceSelf-hosted collaboration suite with complete control
- 100% open source & self-hosted
- Full data sovereignty
- Calendar, contacts, video chat included
- Extensive plugin ecosystem
Quick Compare
| Provider | Country | Open Source | Alternative To | Price (From) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proton Drive | 🇨🇭 Switzerland | Yes | instead of Google Drive | Free (1 GB) · Proton Free / Plus from 3.99 €/month · Unlimited from 7.99 €/month |
| pCloud | 🇨🇭 Switzerland | No | instead of Dropbox | From 4.99 €/month · Lifetime 500 GB one-time 199 € · 2 TB one-time 399 € |
| Tresorit | 🇭🇺 Hungary / Switzerland | No | instead of Box / OneDrive for Business | Personal from 12 €/month · Business on request · 14-day free trial |
| Internxt | 🇪🇸 Spain | Yes | instead of Google Drive | Free (10 GB) · 200 GB from 4.49 €/month · 2 TB from 9.99 €/month · Lifetime plans available |
| Filen | 🇩🇪 Germany | Yes | instead of Google Drive | Free (10 GB) · 200 GB from 1.99 €/month · 2 TB from 8.99 €/month · Lifetime 100 GB one-time 19.99 € |
| Jottacloud | 🇳🇴 Norway | No | instead of iCloud | Free (5 GB) · Unlimited from 9.91 €/month (annual) · Home 1 TB from 5.75 €/month (annual) |
| Nextcloud | 🇩🇪 Germany | Yes | instead of Google Drive / Dropbox | Free (open source, self-hosted) · Managed hosting from approx. 3 €/month via third-party providers |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CLOUD Act and why is it relevant?
The Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data (CLOUD) Act allows US authorities to force US companies to hand over data – regardless of where it is stored. Even if Google operates servers in Germany, the US government can demand access to your data.
Which provider is the most secure?
For maximum security, we recommend Proton Drive or Tresorit – both offer true end-to-end encryption. If you want full control, consider Nextcloud on your own European server.
Are there free options?
Proton Drive offers 1 GB free. Nextcloud is completely free but requires your own server infrastructure or a managed hosting provider from about €3/month.
Are European providers as user-friendly?
Yes – all providers listed here offer modern apps for all platforms, synchronization and file sharing. The quality matches US services.