Encrypted Cloud: Proton Drive vs Filen vs Tresorit

Summary

Proton Drive offers zero-knowledge encryption with integration into Proton ecosystem. Filen provides zero-knowledge encryption with competitive pricing. Tresorit offers business-focused encryption with strong security. All three use zero-knowledge encryption, but differ in features, pricing, and focus.

Why Encrypted Cloud Storage Matters

Regular cloud storage providers can: - See your files - Scan content for advertising - Share data with governments - Access files for “service improvement” - Be compromised by hackers

Encrypted cloud storage prevents all of this with zero-knowledge encryption.

Detailed Comparison

Proton Drive

Type: Zero-knowledge cloud storage

Features: - Zero-knowledge encryption - Part of Proton ecosystem - File sharing with encryption - Mobile and desktop apps - Integration with Proton Mail

Privacy: - Zero-knowledge architecture - Switzerland-based - Strong privacy laws - No data access by provider

Pricing: Free (1GB), Paid plans from $5/month

Pros: - Part of Proton ecosystem - Zero-knowledge encryption - Switzerland jurisdiction - Good privacy reputation - Free tier available

Cons: - Smaller storage than competitors - Newer service - Limited features - Requires Proton account

Filen

Type: Zero-knowledge cloud storage

Features: - Zero-knowledge encryption - Competitive pricing - File sharing - Mobile and desktop apps - Good storage amounts

Privacy: - Zero-knowledge architecture - Germany-based - GDPR compliant - Privacy-focused

Pricing: Free (10GB), Paid plans from €3/month

Pros: - Good free tier (10GB) - Competitive pricing - Zero-knowledge encryption - Germany jurisdiction - Privacy-focused

Cons: - Less well-known - Smaller company - Fewer features than Tresorit - Newer service

Tresorit

Type: Business-focused encrypted storage

Features: - Zero-knowledge encryption - Business features - Advanced sharing controls - Compliance features - Strong security

Privacy: - Zero-knowledge architecture - Switzerland/Hungary-based - Strong security - Business-focused

Pricing: Free (3GB), Paid from $10/month

Pros: - Strong security - Business features - Advanced sharing - Compliance support - Established service

Cons: - More expensive - Business-focused - Smaller free tier - Less consumer-friendly

Feature Comparison

Privacy Analysis

Encryption

All three use: - Zero-knowledge encryption - End-to-end encryption - Client-side encryption - Provider cannot decrypt files

Jurisdiction

Proton Drive: Switzerland (excellent privacy laws) Filen: Germany (strong privacy laws, GDPR) Tresorit: Switzerland/Hungary (good privacy laws)

Data Access

All three: - Cannot access your files - Cannot decrypt your data - Zero-knowledge architecture - Privacy-focused

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Proton Drive If:

• You use Proton Mail/ecosystem
• You want Switzerland jurisdiction
• You prefer integrated services
• You want good privacy reputation
• You’re okay with smaller storage

Choose Filen If:

• You want best free tier (10GB)
• You prefer competitive pricing
• You want Germany jurisdiction
• You need good storage amounts
• You want privacy-focused service

Choose Tresorit If:

• You need business features
• You want advanced sharing
• You need compliance features
• You prefer established service
• Budget allows higher pricing

Setup Guide

Proton Drive

1. Create Proton account
2. Access Drive from Proton dashboard
3. Install mobile/desktop apps
4. Start uploading files
5. Files encrypted automatically

Filen

1. Create Filen account
2. Download apps
3. Configure sync
4. Upload files
5. Files encrypted automatically

Tresorit

1. Create Tresorit account
2. Install apps
3. Set up tresors (encrypted folders)
4. Configure sharing
5. Upload files

Best Practices

For All Services:

1. Use strong account passwords
2. Enable 2FA
3. Keep apps updated
4. Backup encryption keys
5. Use secure file sharing

Security:

1. Don’t share encryption keys
2. Use secure passwords
3. Enable 2FA everywhere
4. Keep devices secure
5. Review sharing settings

Common Questions

Q: Can these services see my files? A: No, all three use zero-knowledge encryption, meaning they cannot decrypt or see your files.

Q: Which has the best free tier? A: Filen offers 10GB free, compared to 1GB (Proton) and 3GB (Tresorit).

Q: Are these services secure? A: Yes, all three use strong zero-knowledge encryption and have good security practices.

Q: Can I use for business? A: Tresorit is best for business, with Proton and Filen offering personal/business plans.

Q: Which is most private? A: All three offer excellent privacy with zero-knowledge encryption. Choose based on features and jurisdiction preferences.

Conclusion

All three services—Proton Drive, Filen, and Tresorit—offer excellent zero-knowledge encryption. Proton Drive integrates with Proton ecosystem. Filen offers the best free tier and competitive pricing. Tresorit provides business-focused features.

For most users, Filen offers the best value with 10GB free and competitive pricing. Proton Drive is excellent if you use Proton services. Tresorit is best for business needs.

Choose based on your priorities: ecosystem integration (Proton), value (Filen), or business features (Tresorit). All three protect your files with zero-knowledge encryption.