Filen vs Dropbox
Last updated October 2026
Looking for a European alternative to Dropbox? Here's how Filen compares, on EU hosting, GDPR and what it does.
Our pick for a European buyer: Filen. We weight data residency, GDPR and EU jurisdiction above everything else — that is the constraint this directory exists to solve.
What it is
Open-source, zero-knowledge cloud storage hosted exclusively in the EU, developed in Germany.
Cloud storage and file synchronization service for teams and individuals.
Headquarters
🇩🇪 DE
🇺🇸 US · 2007
EU data residency
Yes, for all customers
Available on some plansEU data residency available on Enterprise plans or by request.
DSGVO / GDPR
Yes
Yes
Certifications
No
ISO 27001, ISO 27017, ISO 27018, ISO 27701, ISO 22301
Price from
€1.99/mo
$9.99/user/mo
Free plan
Yes
Yes
Open Source
Yes
No
Integrations
TypeScript SDK, Rust SDK, Go SDK, CLI (Unix-like systems), WebDAV protocol +2
Slack, Zoom, Trello, Asana, Adobe Creative Cloud +6
Where each one wins
Filen
Strengths
- +Zero-knowledge, end-to-end client-side encryption ensures files are encrypted before upload and only the user holds decryption keys
- +Affordable pricing with lifetime plans and competitive paid options
- +Modern, clean, and intuitive user interface resembling familiar file explorers for easy navigation
- +Customizable sync profiles with one-way and two-way sync options for specific folders
- +Responsive and helpful customer support addressing issues promptly
- +Generous free plan offering 10GB of storage, expandable via referrals
- +Cross-platform availability with functional apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, web, and CLI
- +File preview and playback support for multiple file types, including videos and documents, directly in the browser
Limitations
- −Sync reliability issues, including files disappearing, unexpected deletions, and sync inconsistencies
- −Slow download speeds, particularly for large folders, which often hang or fail
- −Lack of advanced collaboration tools, third-party integrations, and WebDAV/API support
Dropbox
Strengths
- +Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- +Reliable file synchronization across devices
- +Strong collaboration features with Dropbox Paper
- +Seamless integrations with third-party apps
Limitations
- −Limited free storage (2 GB)
- −Higher-tier plans can be expensive for small teams
- −Occasional sync delays reported by users
- −Advanced features locked behind higher-priced plans
Data residency & compliance
Filen
Dropbox
EU data residency
Yes, for all customers
Available on some plansEU data residency available on Enterprise plans or by request.
Transfer mechanism
Not required — data stays in the EU
Standard Contractual Clauses
Certifications
No
ISO 27001, ISO 27017, ISO 27018, ISO 27701, ISO 22301
Pricing
Filen
- Free Free forever10 GiB storage · No credit card required · All core features included
- Pro I €1.99 per month200 GiB storage · Unlimited bandwidth and uploads · Network drive and Smart Sync
- Pro II €3.99 per month500 GiB storage · All Pro I features included
- Pro III €8.99 per month2 TiB storage · All Pro I features included
- Pro X €39.99 per month10 TiB storage · Stackable plans (e.g., 2x Pro X for 20 TiB) · All Pro I features included
All paid plans include every feature; no hidden fees. Prices refer to monthly billing.
Dropbox
- Basic Free per user/month2 GB storage · Limited file sharing · Basic collaboration tools
- Plus $9.99 per user/month2 TB storage · Advanced sharing controls · Priority email support
- Professional $16.58 per user/month3 TB storage · Full-text search · 180-day file recovery
- Standard $15 per user/month (min 3 users)5 TB shared storage · Team management tools · Admin console for user management
- Advanced $25 per user/month (min 3 users)Unlimited storage · Advanced security controls · Audit logs
- Enterprise On request CustomUnlimited storage · Enterprise-grade security · Dedicated support
Pricing varies by region and plan. Enterprise pricing is custom and requires contacting sales.
Features
Filen
- Security & Privacy
- Zero-knowledge end-to-end encryption (AES 256-bit), Client-side encryption: provider has no access to data, Fully GDPR-compliant, hosted in Germany, Open-source applications for transparency
- File Management & Access
- Flexible list and grid views for file overview, Network drive feature: access cloud storage like a local hard disk (Smart Sync), Five sync modes for cross-device backup and syncing, Unlimited uploads and bandwidth, no speed restrictions
- Collaboration
- Unlimited encrypted notes with rich text, code, markdown, and checklists, Share notes with other users for secure collaboration, End-to-end encrypted chats for communication and file sharing
- Developer & Advanced Tools
- TypeScript, Rust, and Go SDKs for developers, Fully-featured CLI for Unix-like command management, Network drive mounting on Windows, macOS, and Linux, WebDAV and S3 protocol support with encryption-compatible self-hosting
- Usability & Support
- Intuitive design for beginners and IT professionals, 24/7 customer support, No speed limits on uploads or downloads
Dropbox
- File Management
- Store and sync files across devices, Version history and file recovery, Large file transfers via shared links, Granular access permissions
- Security & Compliance
- Two-factor authentication (2FA), Encryption at rest and in transit, Compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, and others, Audit logs for enterprise plans
- Collaboration
- Real-time co-editing in Dropbox Paper, Commenting and task assignments, Team folders for shared access, Integration with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
- Administration
- User and group management, Device approval and remote wipe, Single sign-on (SSO) support, Custom branding for enterprise
- Integrations
- Slack, Zoom, Trello, Asana