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Best for Privacy
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Best for Affordable Encrypted Storage
Best for High-Volume Encrypted Storage
Best for Long-Term Secure Storage
Best for Strict Compliance
Proton Drive is the best overall secure cloud storage provider, thanks to its combination of security, ease of use, and feature set. NordLocker is a good, affordable alternative for encrypted storage. MEGA, pCloud, and Tresorit are also excellent choices that each bring something unique to the table, but for most users, I'd recommend Proton Drive.
A secure cloud storage service is more important than ever these days, given the types of data being stored. In our cloud storage survey, we found that 22% of users are storing passwords or login info, 21% are storing work or business files, and 16% are storing financial documents in the cloud. These types of files call for extra caution, which is where Proton Drive and other secure cloud storage services come in.
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Cloud storage with zero-knowledge, end-to-end encryption, so not even Proton can see your files
Includes Proton Docs and Sheets, encrypted alternatives to Google's document tools
Share files via a secure link with no account required on the recipient's end
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End-to-end encryption included on every plan — even the free tier
Clean, clutter-free interface makes managing files simple and stress-free
Can bundle with NordVPN and NordPass for a fuller security suite
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Scales up to 20 TB with zero-knowledge encryption, so you can store massive libraries without handing over your privacy
Shares files end-to-end encrypted and lets you send the decryption key separately, so a stray link alone can't expose your data
Bundles encrypted extras like chat, video calls, and a VPN, so your privacy reaches beyond just file storage
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Lifetime plans let you pay once and keep your storage for good, so there's no subscription renewing year after year
Optional pCloud Crypto folder adds zero-knowledge, client-side encryption, so only you can open your most sensitive files
Lets you choose U.S. or EU data regions, so you decide which country's privacy laws govern your files
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Zero-knowledge encryption on every plan, so even Tresorit can't read your files no matter which tier you're on
Independently audited and certified, so its security is verified, not just promised
Stores data in Switzerland and the EU, putting your files under strict Swiss and GDPR privacy law rather than U.S. data-request rules
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Proton Drive |
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NordLocker |
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MEGA Cloud |
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pCloud Drive |
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Tresorit Secure Cloud |
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| View deals | Get Proton Drive | Get NordLocker | Get MEGA | Get pCloud | Get Tresorit |
| Best for | Privacy | Affordable encrypted storage | High-volume encrypted storage | Long-term secure storage | Strict compliance |
| Starting price | Starts at $1.00/mo for 200 GB storage | Starts at $2.99/mo for 500 GB storage | Starts at $5.74/mo for 750 GB storage, 12 TB transfer | Starts at $4.99/mo for 500 GB storage | Starts at $11.99/mo for 1 TB storage |
| Free plan | |||||
| Storage space | 5 GB – 3 TB | 3 GB – 2 TB | 20 GB – 20 TB | 10 GB – 10 TB | 3 GB – 15+ TB |
| Encryption type | Zero-knowledge | Zero-knowledge | Zero-knowledge | Zero-knowledge (optional add-on) | Zero-knowledge |
| Independent audit* | Partial | ||||
| Data-center location / jurisdiction | Switzerland | U.S. or Luxembourg | Belgium, Canada, Germany, Japan, Sweden, others | U.S. or Luxembourg | Ireland, Switzerland, global options |
| Local storage | |||||
| Secure sharing | |||||
| Extras | Proton Docs, Proton Sheets, can bundle with other Proton services | Affordable bundle options with other Nord services | Built-in chat and video calling features, bundles with other MEGA services | Built-in photo manager | eSign capabilities, encrypted email integration |
Our team has conducted hands-on testing on cloud storage services by signing up for and installing each one on our own computers and home networks, just as you would. We evaluate real-world usability from setup through day-to-day use.
We evaluate each product across six areas:
To learn more about how we test, read our full testing methodology here.
Most of the best cloud storage providers are reasonably secure — but there's a big difference between reasonably secure and truly secure. Some of the key things that separate genuinely secure cloud storage providers from the rest include:
Cloud storage with zero-knowledge, end-to-end encryption, so not even Proton can see your files
Includes Proton Docs and Sheets, encrypted alternatives to Google's document tools
Share files via a secure link with no account required on the recipient's end
Built from the ground up for privacy: Proton Drive encrypts everything with AES-256, end-to-end and zero-knowledge, so Proton itself can't read your files. During testing, MFA was simple to enable, and the account is further guarded by Proton Sentinel, which combines AI and human monitoring to block unauthorized logins. Account recovery is unusually robust too — recovery phrase, recovery file, and device backup options — so zero-knowledge doesn't mean one wrong move locks you out forever.
Secure document editing: Proton Docs and Proton Sheets are essentially encrypted alternatives to Google Docs and Sheets. I found them easy to use and collaborate in, which makes Proton Drive a rare secure option for people who actually need to work in their files, not just store them.
Easy to use: Setup took me under a minute, and the dashboard is clean and logically laid out. Files sync automatically, and you can mark anything for offline access. As a bonus, link sharing works without forcing the recipient to create an account.
A privacy suite, not just a drive: The higher tiers fold in Proton VPN, Proton Pass, Proton Mail, and custom email aliases. If you're the kind of person choosing Proton for privacy, getting the whole ecosystem under one login is a real draw.
Learn more in our reviews:
Big storage tiers are built for households, not solo users: Proton's storage limits top out at 500 GB for individuals, which is quite a bit less than some competitors. That said, unless you have a huge video library, 500 GB is likely plenty of space. The 2 TB and 3 TB options are really Duo (up to 2 users) and Family (up to 6 users) plans.
You pay a premium per gigabyte: This is where we docked points during testing. The $9.99 Unlimited plan includes just 500 GB and requires an annual commitment, while mainstream services like Google and Apple give 2 TB for the same $9.99 month-to-month. With Proton, you're really paying for privacy and the bundled extras, not raw space.
End-to-end encryption included on every plan — even the free tier
Clean, clutter-free interface makes managing files simple and stress-free
Can bundle with NordVPN and NordPass for a fuller security suite
Serious encryption at a budget price: NordLocker is one of the most affordable ways to get true zero-knowledge encryption. Its paid plans undercut privacy-first rivals like Proton Drive on price per gigabyte, and even the free tier includes the same end-to-end encryption as the paid ones. That means your files are genuinely locked down whether or not you pay. For anyone who wants strong security without a premium price tag, it's the best value in this lineup.
Bundles into an affordable security suite: NordLocker's real edge is the Nord ecosystem — pair it with NordVPN and NordPass for a privacy toolkit that costs less than buying each piece separately. Under the hood, it's serious, combining AES-256, xChaCha20-Poly1305, and Ed25519, all end-to-end and zero-knowledge.
Learn more in our reviews:
Clean and genuinely easy to use: Setup took us about a minute. You just sign up, save your recovery key, and set a password. We found the dashboard to be well organized, with clear tabs for your files and shared files, plus folders and in-app search.
Strong account-level security: Beyond file encryption, NordLocker supports MFA via an authenticator app or a hardware security key, and it can auto-lock and log you out after inactivity. Support was a highlight too. We got a near-instant, helpful reply when asking about secure file deletion.
Price hikes: NordLocker's annual plans tend to rise sharply in price after an introductory period. For example, the 2 TB plan more than doubles after the first 12 months.
Sharing is walled-in: You can only share files with other NordLocker users, and only on paid plans. This is a real limitation if you collaborate with people who don't use it.
No more local storage: NordLocker has phased out local lockers (as of ~July 2025), so it's cloud-only now. The downside is that you can't keep files encrypted solely on your own device. Everything has to live in NordLocker's cloud, which removes an option that privacy purists valued for keeping their most sensitive files off any server entirely.
Scales up to 20 TB with zero-knowledge encryption, so you can store massive libraries without handing over your privacy
Shares files end-to-end encrypted and lets you send the decryption key separately, so a stray link alone can't expose your data
Bundles encrypted extras like chat, video calls, and a VPN, so your privacy reaches beyond just file storage
The most encrypted capacity in the lineup: MEGA Cloud scales up to 20 TB, all end-to-end and zero-knowledge by default. It boasts the highest ceiling of any secure cloud storage provider here, which is exactly why it earns the high-volume designation.
Sharing that stays encrypted end-to-end: Because MEGA is zero-knowledge, files remain encrypted even when shared. You can even send the decryption key separately from the link so the two never travel together. On top of that, you get granular folder permissions (read-only, read-and-write, or full access), password-protected links with expiry dates, and the ability to revoke access at any time. MEGA's "MEGAdrop" feature also lets people upload files straight into a folder you choose without needing a MEGA account of their own.
Open source and encrypted extras: Like Proton, MEGA's apps are open source, so its encryption claims can be independently inspected. It also bundles encrypted chat and video calling (plus MEGA's VPN/Pass on paid tiers), offering privacy beyond just file storage.
Transfer and bandwidth caps: MEGA limits how much data you can move, and the caps are tightest on the free and lower tiers, which blunts the appeal of all that storage if you move files in and out often. You can still access and view your files if the limit is reached, but downloading large files frequently could quickly become a problem.
No independent third-party audit: Unlike Proton Drive and Tresorit, MEGA's encryption hasn't been independently audited. Because MEGA's apps are open source, anyone can inspect the code for flaws — which offers some transparency — but that's not the same as a formal third-party audit verifying the encryption works as claimed in practice. This security oversight gap makes Proton the safer default.
Refunds are the exception, not the rule: MEGA subscriptions are generally non-refundable. The only outs are narrow. You have 30 days to flag a billing error, or just 24 hours to reverse an accidental purchase you haven't used at all. And even then, refunds are granted case by case at MEGA's discretion. Payments made through the Apple App Store can't be refunded by MEGA at all.
Lifetime plans let you pay once and keep your storage for good, so there's no subscription renewing year after year
Optional pCloud Crypto folder adds zero-knowledge, client-side encryption, so only you can open your most sensitive files
Lets you choose U.S. or EU data regions, so you decide which country's privacy laws govern your files
Lifetime plans: Instead of paying a subscription, pCloud has the option to pay one lump sum up front and use the service for life. If you intend to keep it for several years, this can be a great way to save. The break-even point is around four years for most plans.
Optional zero-knowledge encryption for sensitive files: The pCloud Crypto add-on applies client-side, zero-knowledge encryption to a dedicated folder where only you hold the key. This is good for the handful of files that need maximum protection.
Choose your data region: Pick U.S. or EU (Luxembourg) servers, which lets you control which privacy jurisdiction governs your files.
Built-in media management and secure sharing: pCloud includes photo, music, and video tools, plus password-protected share links with expiry dates. These media management tools make organizing and viewing your media easier.
End-to-end encryption costs extra: pCloud is not end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) by default. Instead, this is offered as an optional add-on. Even then, only files within a specific Crypto folder are end-to-end encrypted, while everything outside is stuck with standard encryption. So the upside is flexibility, but the downside is that E2EE isn't universally applied.
The lifetime deal takes years to pay off: The upfront cost is steep, so if you don't keep pCloud for roughly four-plus years, a subscription elsewhere may be cheaper. For example, if you want up to 10 TB, you'd be looking at about $1,200. Meanwhile, you can get 10 TB with Total Drive for only $19.00/first yr.
Zero-knowledge encryption on every plan, so even Tresorit can't read your files no matter which tier you're on
Independently audited and certified, so its security is verified, not just promised
Stores data in Switzerland and the EU, putting your files under strict Swiss and GDPR privacy law rather than U.S. data-request rules
Strong jurisdiction and institutional backing: Tresorit encrypts everything end-to-end with zero-knowledge encryption, so files are unreadable to anyone but you. It keeps data in Switzerland and the EU (Ireland), which are governed by Swiss and GDPR privacy law rather than U.S. data-request rules. It's also owned by Swiss Post, Switzerland's national postal service, which gives it a degree of institutional stability and accountability that most cloud providers can't match.
An audit trail few consumer providers can match: Tresorit has independent penetration tests (Ernst & Young, Computest), ISO 27001 certification, and the Swiss Digital Trust Label, with a 2025 pentest on record.
Heavy compliance focus: Tresorit places a heavy emphasis on compliance with privacy laws like HIPAA and GDPR. These features make it ideal for use in fields where strict security practices are necessary, like law, finance, or healthcare.
Very granular sharing controls: Tresorit features highly granular controls for sharing files. You can set passwords and expiration dates as well as assign specific levels of access to users to ensure only the right people have access to important documents.
Full-strength security on every tier: Tresorit Secure Cloud doesn't reserve its core protections for big spenders. Every personal plan, right down to entry-level Lite, includes end-to-end zero-knowledge encryption, two-factor authentication, granular sharing permissions, remote and local device wipe, file recovery, and GDPR compliance. You get the same security backbone whether you're on 50 GB or 4 TB. What you pay more for is capacity and advanced sharing controls, not baseline safety.
You pay for power most individuals won't use: Tresorit's personal plans are pricier than mainstream cloud storage (up to $27.49/mo), and the entry Lite tier is tight (50 GB, 2 devices, basic link controls). Its most advanced sharing tools — advanced link security, detailed access logs, and file requests — sit on the top Personal Pro tier, while business-grade features like dynamic watermarking, admin management, and EU/US data residency require Business or Enterprise plans. It's genuinely capable, just more than a typical individual needs.
For most people, Proton Drive is the most secure cloud storage worth choosing. It pairs end-to-end, zero-knowledge encryption with independent audits, an easy-to-use interface, and an entire privacy ecosystem — VPN, Pass, and Mail — behind a single login. If you want that same zero-knowledge protection for less, NordLocker delivers it at a lower price point and slots neatly into the Nord tools you may already use.
From there, it comes down to what matters most to you: choose MEGA for the most encrypted storage space, pCloud for a pay-once lifetime plan (with an optional Crypto folder for your most sensitive files), or Tresorit for compliance-grade security if you handle regulated data. Any of the five will keep your files far safer than a mainstream service like Google Drive — but if you're not sure where to start, start with Proton Drive.
Generally speaking, Proton Drive is the most secure cloud storage service. It combines end-to-end encryption and a zero-knowledge architecture with strong privacy practices and a proven track record. One big differentiator is that Proton backs it all up with third-party audits. That said, NordLocker, MEGA, and Tresorit are also solid options with similar security features.
From a privacy and security perspective, end-to-end encryption with a zero-knowledge architecture is the most secure, followed by "plain" end-to-end encryption. Standard encryption is the least secure option.
However, there are tradeoffs. End-to-end encryption often means some features may not work as smoothly (such as search functions or AI features), and zero-knowledge architecture can make things complicated if you get locked out of your data. You'll need a recovery key to get back into your account and will be out of luck if you lose it. Each individual will need to find the right balance of convenience and security for their own needs.
For most people, in most situations, yes — mainstream cloud storage options like Google Drive, iCloud, and Dropbox are secure enough. If you store a lot of sensitive documents (like tax returns or mortgage paperwork), need to ensure compliance with legal regulations, or otherwise need to keep prying eyes off your files, you might want to consider a more secure option, like Proton Drive or NordLocker.
Most cloud storage providers offer free tiers with lower storage amounts. As long as these plans come from reputable companies (like Proton, Nord, or Tresorit), they are perfectly safe to use.
Cloud storage with zero-knowledge, end-to-end encryption, so not even Proton can see your files
Includes Proton Docs and Sheets, encrypted alternatives to Google's document tools
Share files via a secure link with no account required on the recipient's end
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