The best alternatives to OneDrive
You’ve hit the wall with OneDrive’s encryption model. Microsoft holds the keys, scans files for policy violations, and, under the CLOUD Act, can hand data to US authorities without telling you. For EU teams that means GDPR compliance is always one subpoena away from becoming a legal headache. The alternatives below keep your encryption keys on European soil, so the only person who can decrypt your files is you.
European alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Why switch from OneDrive to a European alternative?
OneDrive’s encryption is not zero-knowledge: Microsoft can access your files, and US law can compel disclosure. European providers like pCloud or Tresorit store data on EU servers, apply end-to-end encryption, and are not subject to the CLOUD Act. For GDPR-sensitive data, that removes the legal uncertainty.
How do I migrate my files from OneDrive to a European provider?
Most European cloud storages offer a desktop sync client that can pull files directly from OneDrive. pCloud, for example, lets you link your OneDrive account and copy files in bulk. For large datasets, use the provider’s import tool or a third-party migration app like rclone. Check the new provider’s documentation for step-by-step instructions.
Are European OneDrive alternatives more expensive?
Not necessarily. kDrive offers günstige monatliche Preise für 2 TB, while OneDrive charges a yearly rate (≈ per-month pricing) for 1 TB. pCloud offers a lifetime 2 TB plan for a one-time payment. Pricing varies by storage tier and features, so compare based on your actual needs.
Which European alternative is best for teams?
For teams, Tresorit and Nextcloud are strong options. Tresorit offers end-to-end encrypted team folders, granular access controls, and Swiss hosting. Nextcloud is self-hostable, giving full control over data and compliance. Both integrate with common productivity tools like Outlook and Teams.
Do European alternatives support OneDrive’s collaboration features?
Most European providers support real-time document editing and sharing, but the feature set differs. pCloud and kDrive offer Office integrations (OnlyOffice, Collabora), while Tresorit focuses on secure file sharing with password protection and expiry dates. Check the provider’s documentation for specifics on co-editing and versioning.
Is there a European alternative with zero-knowledge encryption for free?
Filen offers a free tier with 10 GB storage and zero-knowledge encryption. Proton Drive also has a free plan, but with only 1 GB storage. Both are EU-based and GDPR-compliant, but free tiers often lack advanced features like team folders or priority support.