Some individuals keep their personal and confidential files, such as photos, videos, and papers, on their own devices, where they can access them easily. Others use online storage services, like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Microsoft OneDrive. However, these providers may claim the right to examine, operate, and share your content for marketing purposes and with other entities.
There are privacy-first cloud storage services for those prioritizing data security and privacy. Privacy-first storage sites are cloud storage services that prioritize your data’s security and privacy over other features. They usually use end-to-end encryption, zero-knowledge privacy, and robust authentication methods to protect your data from unauthorized access, hacking, or surveillance. Some examples of privacy-first storage sites not affiliated with major platforms are:
Proton Drive is a secure cloud storage service created by Proton, the company behind Proton Mail, Proton VPN, Proton Pass, and Proton Calendar. Founded by a group of scientists at CERN, Proton puts privacy and security at the heart of all its products.
Benefits
- Proton Drive uses end-to-end encryption to ensure that only you can access your files. Your files and metadata are encrypted on your device before uploading to the cloud, so Proton or anyone else cannot see or access them.
- Proton Drive is based in Switzerland, which has some of the strongest privacy laws in the world. Proton does not collect or share personal data or cooperate with third-party requests unless a Swiss court approves them.
- Proton Drive integrates seamlessly with other Proton products, such as Proton Mail and Proton VPN, to provide a comprehensive suite of privacy tools. You can use your Proton account to access all Proton services with a single login.
Costs
- Proton Drive is in beta and accessible to all Proton users. You can get up to 20 GB of free storage by inviting your friends to join Proton.
- Proton Drive plans to launch paid plans, starting from €4 per month for 100 GB of storage. You can also get discounts by bundling Proton Drive with other Proton services.
Features
- Proton Drive lets you store and share files, such as documents, photos, videos, and music. You can access your files from any device using the web app, the desktop app (Windows, Mac, Linux), or the mobile app (Android, iOS).
- Proton Drive allows you to share your files securely with anyone, even if they don’t have a Proton account. You can create encrypted links that expire after a particular time or number of downloads and protect them with a password or a passphrase.
- Proton Drive supports version history and trash recovery, so you can restore any file to a previous state or recover any deleted file within 30 days.
pCloud is a cloud storage service offering standard and encrypted storage options. You can choose between pCloud Basic, a regular cloud storage service, or pCloud Crypto, a secure vault for sensitive files.
Benefits
- pCloud Crypto uses client-side encryption to protect your files with a zero-knowledge architecture. This means your files are encrypted on your device before uploading them to the cloud, and you only have the key to decrypt them. pCloud or anyone else cannot access your files or your encryption key.
- pCloud offers a unique lifetime subscription option, which lets you pay a one-time fee and get unlimited access to your cloud storage. This can save you much money in the long run, compared to paying monthly or yearly fees.
- pCloud supports various file formats, such as images, videos, audio, documents, and archives. You can preview and stream your files directly from the cloud without downloading them to your device.
Costs
- pCloud Basic is free for up to 10 GB of storage. You can get more free storage by completing specific tasks or inviting your friends to join pCloud.
- pCloud Premium costs $4.99 per month or $47.88 per year for 500 GB of storage, or $9.99 per month or $95.88 per year for 2 TB of storage. You can also get a lifetime subscription for $175 for 500 GB or $350 for 2 TB.
- pCloud Crypto costs an additional $3.99 monthly or $47.88 per year for unlimited encrypted storage. You can also get a lifetime subscription for $125.
Features
- pCloud lets you sync any folder on your computer or mobile device with the cloud. You can also use pCloud Drive, a virtual drive that enables you to access your cloud files without taking up space on your device.
- pCloud allows you to share your files and folders with anyone, even if they don’t have a pCloud account. You can set permissions, expiration dates, and passwords for your shared links. You can also create upload links that let others upload files to your cloud.
- pCloud supports file versioning and trash recovery, so you can restore any file to a previous version or recover any deleted file within 30 days. With a paid plan, you can extend this period to 180 days or 360 days.
Sync is a cloud storage and document collaboration platform that helps teams stay safe, secure, and connected in the cloud. It combines file storage, file sharing, and file backup features with end-to-end encryption and zero-knowledge architecture.
Benefits
- Sync uses end-to-end encryption to ensure that only you and your authorized collaborators can access your files. Your files and metadata are encrypted on your device before uploading to the cloud, and Sync.com or anyone else cannot see or access them.
- Sync is based in Canada, which has strong privacy laws and does not participate in mass surveillance programs. Sync.com does not collect or share personal data or comply with third-party requests unless they are legally valid and enforceable in Canada.
- Sync offers unlimited cloud storage and unlimited data transfer for its paid plans, so you don’t have to worry about running out of space or bandwidth. You can store and share as many files as you want without limits or fees.
Costs
- Sync Basic is free for up to 5 GB of storage. You can get more free storage by referring your friends to Sync.com.
- Sync Solo costs $8 per month or $96 per year for 2 TB of storage, or $20 per month or $240 per year for 6 TB of storage. These plans are for individual users who want more storage and features.
- Sync Teams costs $6 per user per month $60 per user per year for 1 TB of storage per user, $15 per user per month or $180 per user per year for unlimited storage per user. These plans are for teams who want to collaborate and manage their projects in the cloud.
Features
- Sync lets you access your files from any device using the desktop app (Windows, Mac, Linux), the mobile app (Android, iOS), or the web app. You can also use Sync CloudFiles, a virtual drive that lets you browse your cloud files without taking up space on your device.
- Sync lets you share your files and folders with anyone, even if they don’t have a Sync.com account. You can set permissions, expiration dates, and passwords for your shared links. You can also create a custom-branded client portal with your company logo and domain name.
- Sync supports file versioning and trash recovery, so you can restore any file to a previous version or recover any deleted file within 180 days. You can also enable ransomware protection, which lets you roll back your entire account to an earlier state in case of an attack.
Conclusion Proton Drive, pCloud, and Sync.com are among today’s best privacy-focused cloud storage services. They offer end-to-end encryption, zero-knowledge architecture, and robust data protection policies. They also have different benefits, costs, and features that may suit various needs and preferences. Privacy-focused storage providers give you peace of mind; they protect your data from hackers and spies.
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