The best alternatives to Google Drive
You’ve hit the point where Google’s habit of scanning every file for ad targeting, or the thought of a US subpoena landing on your shared customer contracts, feels like a deal-breaker. The free plan looked generous until you realised it’s split across Gmail, Drive and Photos, and the next jump requires paid annual plans with no lifetime option. What actually changes if you switch? Your files stay encrypted before they leave your device, sync clients behave predictably, and you can hand out share links that expire or require a password without jumping through hoops.
European alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Why switch from Google Drive to a European alternative?
Google Drive scans files for ad targeting and stores data in US data centres, which are subject to the CLOUD Act and Patriot Act. This can conflict with GDPR requirements, especially for businesses handling sensitive data. European alternatives often offer zero-knowledge encryption, meaning only you hold the encryption keys, and host data exclusively in the EU or Switzerland, reducing legal exposure.
How do I migrate my files from Google Drive to a European provider?
Most European alternatives provide step-by-step guides or desktop apps that sync your Google Drive files directly. pCloud, for example, offers a Google Drive importer that keeps folder structures intact. Before you start, check the maximum file size allowed by the new provider and whether any Google-specific formats (like Google Docs) need to be exported as Office files first.
Are European Google Drive alternatives more expensive?
Not necessarily. While Google Drive’s entry price is low, many European providers offer lifetime plans that work out cheaper over time. pCloud, for instance, sells 2 TB for a one-time payment. Others, like Infomaniak kDrive, start at günstige Pro-Nutzer-Preise for 2 TB, which is comparable to Google’s per-user pricing for 2 TB in a business plan.
Which European alternative offers the best file-sharing controls?
Tresorit and Proton Drive are known for granular sharing options: you can set expiry dates, password-protect links, and revoke access at any time. Both also log every access attempt, which is useful for compliance. If you need self-hosting, Nextcloud gives you full control over sharing rules but requires more technical setup.
Do any European alternatives support real-time collaboration like Google Docs?
Nextcloud and Infomaniak kDrive integrate with OnlyOffice or Collabora, which offer real-time document editing similar to Google Docs. The experience is close, though not identical, expect slightly fewer formatting options and a smaller user base for simultaneous editing. For teams already using Microsoft 365, some providers also support Office Online integration.
What’s the best European alternative for personal use?
For personal use, pCloud stands out with its lifetime plans and strong encryption. It offers a free 10 GB tier, and its desktop and mobile apps are intuitive. If you prefer open-source, Filen is a privacy-focused option with a clean interface, though it has a smaller feature set.