tech-from-europe

The best European Cloud Storage

Business cloud storage moves files off local servers and into remote data centres, letting teams access, share and sync documents from any device. What separates options is not just capacity or price, but where the data lives: inside or outside the EU. Many European providers now match the sync speed and app integrations of global names, while keeping metadata and file contents on servers governed by EU data-sovereignty rules.

For EU-based companies, an EU-hosted solution removes the legal uncertainty of cross-border data transfers. DSGVO compliance is built in, not bolted on, and server locations are disclosed down to the city. This matters for public-sector contracts, law firms and any business that handles personal data—where the physical location of storage is a core compliance requirement.

Providers

Nextcloud🇩🇪 DE

Open-source collaboration suite with EU hosting and end-to-end encryption, built in Germany.

EU hostedGDPROpen sourceFree planISO 27001
Tresorit🇨🇭 CH

Swiss end-to-end encrypted cloud storage with EU-only data processing and ISO 27001 certification.

EU hostedGDPRISO 27001:2022
Koofr🇸🇮 SI

Slovenian cloud storage with EU-only servers and no tracking — connects to Google Drive, Dropbox and OneDrive.

EU hostedGDPRFree planISO 27001
CloudMe🇸🇪 SE

Swedish cloud storage with EU-only servers and end-to-end encryption for GDPR-sensitive teams.

EU hostedGDPRFree planISO 27001
Proton Drive🇨🇭 CH

Swiss end-to-end encrypted cloud storage that keeps keys on the user's device.

GDPROpen sourceFree plan
Infomaniak kDrive🇨🇭 CH

Swiss open-source cloud storage with OnlyOffice, hosted in Geneva data centres

GDPROpen sourceFree planISO 27001
Filen🇩🇪 DE

Open-source, zero-knowledge cloud storage hosted exclusively in the EU — developed in Germany.

EU hostedGDPROpen sourceFree plan
Icedrive🇬🇧 GB

Zero-knowledge cloud storage that mounts like a local drive—hosted in the EU, encrypted with Twofish.

EU hostedGDPRFree planISO 27001
pCloud🇨🇭 CH

Swiss cloud storage with client-side encryption and EU data residency in Luxembourg.

EU hostedGDPRFree planISO 27001:2013
Scaleway🇫🇷 FR

French cloud infrastructure with EU-only hosting, open-source tooling and HDS-certified health-data storage.

EU hostedGDPROpen sourceFree planISO/IEC 27001
Exoscale🇨🇭 CH

Swiss cloud infrastructure with EU data centres, ISO 27001 and predictable pricing from €0.018/GB/month.

EU hostedGDPRISO 27001
Cubbit🇮🇹 IT

Zero-knowledge object storage, S3-compatible and hosted exclusively in EU data centres.

EU hostedGDPRFree planISO 9001:2015
Internxt🇪🇸 ES

Open-source, EU-hosted cloud storage with post-quantum encryption for teams that handle sensitive data.

EU hostedGDPROpen sourceFree planISO 27001

What to look for

Server location

Many European tools disclose the exact city where data is stored. This lets buyers match storage to internal policies or client contracts that require data to remain within national borders.

DSGVO compliance

EU-hosted providers typically include DSGVO-ready data-processing agreements, encryption at rest and in transit, and clear audit trails. Look for ISO 27001 or BSI C5 certification as additional signals.

Sync performance

European tools now match the sync speed of global names, but latency can still vary depending on the distance between the user and the data centre. Test with real-world file sizes before committing.

App ecosystem

Check for native integrations with the tools your team already uses—Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Slack or industry-specific software. Some European providers offer open APIs for custom workflows.

Frequently asked questions

Do European cloud storage tools work with Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace?

Most European providers offer native integrations for both suites, allowing users to open, edit and save files directly from Word, Excel or Google Docs. Some also support real-time co-editing, though feature depth can vary compared to the built-in storage of the suites themselves.

How do EU-hosted tools handle data encryption?

EU-hosted cloud storage typically encrypts data both at rest and in transit, with keys managed either by the provider or the customer. Some offer client-side encryption, meaning files are encrypted before they leave the user’s device, giving the provider zero access to the content.

Can I keep using Dropbox or Google Drive if my company is based in the EU?

Legally, yes—but only if you implement additional safeguards like standard contractual clauses and conduct a data-transfer impact assessment. Many EU-based companies switch to EU-hosted alternatives to avoid the administrative overhead and legal uncertainty of cross-border data flows.

What happens to my data if I cancel my subscription?

Most European providers allow you to export your data in standard formats before deletion. Some retain files for a short grace period, while others delete them immediately. Always check the provider’s data-retention policy and test the export process before signing up.