European File Hosting Services

Big Tech’s grip on our personal data is tightening — and more people are starting to notice. While Google Drive is undeniably convenient, it comes with a trade-off: your files, metadata, and usage patterns feed into one of the world’s largest data collection machines. For many users, that’s no longer an acceptable deal.

The good news is that Europe has quietly built a strong ecosystem of privacy-respecting cloud storage services — all operating under strict GDPR regulations and, in some cases, even stricter national privacy laws. Whether you’re an individual looking for a simple Google Drive swap or a business that needs a full collaboration platform, there’s a European option for you. If you’re interested in the broader landscape, check out our overview of European Alternatives for Tech, Cloud and Software.

Why Choose a European Cloud Storage Provider?

It’s not just about GDPR compliance. European providers tend to be more transparent about how they handle your data, where it’s stored, and who can access it. Many are smaller companies that have built their entire business model around trust — not advertising revenue. By choosing one of these services, you’re also supporting companies that put ethics ahead of growth-at-all-costs.

1. Proton Drive — Switzerland

Website: Visit Proton Drive

If privacy is your top priority, Proton Drive is probably the first name you’ll come across — and for good reason. Built by the same team behind Proton Mail, this Swiss-based service offers end-to-end encryption on everything you store. That means not even Proton can see your files — which is exactly how it should be.

What makes Proton Drive particularly compelling is how well it fits into a broader privacy ecosystem. Alongside Drive, Proton offers Mail, VPN, Calendar, and more — all under one account. We’ve covered the sustainability and ethics behind Proton in detail, and it’s one of the few tech companies that genuinely walks the talk. You can also check out our Proton Calendar review and Proton Sheets review if you’re considering switching your entire workflow.

The free plan gives you up to 5 GB of storage, which is modest but functional. The interface is clean and the codebase is open-source, so security researchers can verify the claims independently. The main downside is that collaboration features are still catching up to what you’d expect from Google Drive — but it’s improving fast. If you want to save money on a paid plan, we also track the latest Proton discounts and promo codes.

• ✅ Full end-to-end encryption
• ✅ Part of the broader Proton privacy ecosystem (Mail, VPN, Calendar)
• ✅ Swiss privacy law — one of the strongest in the world
• ✅ Open-source and independently audited
• ❌ Free tier is limited (1–5 GB)
• ❌ Collaboration tools still maturing

2. Tresorit — Switzerland / Hungary

Website: Visit Tresorit

Tresorit has been one of the most respected names in secure cloud storage for years, and it remains a top-tier choice for professionals and businesses. Like Proton Drive, it uses end-to-end encryption — but it extends that protection to shared folders as well, which is a crucial feature for teams handling sensitive data.

The focus here is squarely on business users. Tresorit offers a polished interface, solid admin controls, and the kind of compliance certifications that enterprise IT departments require. It’s not the cheapest option, but for organizations that treat data security as a non-negotiable, it’s well worth the investment. A limited free option is available for personal use.

• ✅ End-to-end encryption including shared folders
• ✅ Strong focus on business and enterprise users
• ✅ Swiss-based with EU data handling standards
• ❌ Higher pricing compared to competitors
• ❌ Not open-source

3. Nextcloud — Germany (Open-Source)

Website: Visit Nextcloud

Nextcloud takes a fundamentally different approach: instead of offering a hosted service, it gives you the software to run your own cloud. You can deploy it on your own server or choose from a range of trusted European hosting partners who will manage the infrastructure for you.

This makes Nextcloud the ultimate choice for maximum control. You decide where your data lives, who has access, and how long it’s retained. The platform is fully open-source and comes with a growing library of plugins — from document editing and video calls to calendar sync and project management. It’s more technical to set up than a typical SaaS product, but for organizations and privacy-conscious power users, it’s hard to beat. If you’re also looking at alternatives for Microsoft’s ecosystem, our piece on European alternatives to Microsoft covers how Nextcloud fits into a broader office migration.

• ✅ Fully self-hostable — complete data sovereignty
• ✅ Open-source with an extensive plugin ecosystem
• ✅ Can be run via European hosting partners
• ❌ Requires technical know-how to set up and maintain
• ❌ No managed free tier out of the box

4. Internxt — Spain

Website: Visit Internxt

Internxt is the newcomer on this list, but it’s been making waves with a clear, no-nonsense mission: build a cloud storage service that respects users’ privacy by design. Based in Spain and fully subject to EU law, Internxt uses end-to-end encryption and has open-sourced much of its code for public review.

The interface is modern and approachable, and the service already includes secure file sharing and photo storage alongside standard cloud storage. It’s still growing and some features are less mature than established competitors, but for privacy-minded users who want to support a rising European alternative, Internxt is genuinely promising.

• ✅ End-to-end encryption
• ✅ Open-source approach and transparency-focused
• ✅ Modern interface with a free tier available
• ❌ Younger platform — some features still in development

5. pCloud — Switzerland

Website: Visit pCloud

pCloud stands out for one specific reason: it’s one of the few cloud storage providers that offers lifetime storage plans. Pay once and keep your storage forever — no monthly subscription required. That alone makes it an attractive option for users who are tired of recurring fees.

Storage is based in Switzerland, and pCloud complies with Swiss privacy law. However, it’s worth noting that end-to-end encryption isn’t enabled by default — it’s available as a paid add-on called Crypto. If you store sensitive files, you’ll want to factor in that extra cost. For general file storage and backup, though, pCloud is flexible, fast, and well-designed. Monthly and annual subscription plans are also available if you prefer that model.

• ✅ Unique lifetime storage option (one-time payment)
• ✅ Swiss-based with strong privacy foundations
• ✅ Free tier available
• ❌ Client-side encryption requires a paid Crypto add-on
• ❌ Not open-source

6. Infomaniak kDrive — Switzerland

Website: Visit Infomaniak

Infomaniak is a Swiss company with a long track record in web hosting and cloud services, and their kDrive product is a solid Google Drive alternative that often flies under the radar. Data is stored exclusively in Switzerland, the company is employee-owned, and they are certified carbon-neutral — a rare combination in the cloud hosting industry.

kDrive supports real-time collaborative document editing, file sharing, and team folders, making it a genuinely viable workspace alternative. Pricing is competitive, and Infomaniak also offers Swiss-based email, calendar, and video conferencing tools under the same umbrella. If you want a privacy-respecting productivity suite from a company that’s been doing this quietly and reliably for decades, Infomaniak deserves serious consideration.

• ✅ Data stored exclusively in Switzerland
• ✅ Employee-owned, carbon-neutral company
• ✅ Includes collaborative editing tools and full productivity suite
• ✅ Competitive pricing
• ❌ Less well-known internationally
• ❌ Not end-to-end encrypted by default

Quick Comparison

Which One Should You Choose?

The right answer depends on what you actually need. Here’s a quick way to think about it:

• You want the simplest, most private Google Drive alternative: Go with Proton Drive. It’s clean, trustworthy, and integrates with a full suite of privacy tools.
• You need a business-grade solution with airtight security: Tresorit is purpose-built for professional environments.
• You want total control over your data: Nextcloud is the only real answer here.
• You’re budget-conscious and want a one-time payment: pCloud‘s lifetime plan is hard to argue with.
• You want a full Swiss productivity suite from an ethical company: Infomaniak is a hidden gem worth exploring.
• You want to support an emerging European privacy startup: Keep an eye on Internxt.

Switching away from Google Drive doesn’t have to mean compromising on usability or features. The services listed here prove that privacy and convenience can coexist — and that you don’t need to hand your files over to a US tech giant to get reliable cloud storage. Explore the full landscape of European cloud and tech providers to find even more alternatives that align with your values. You might also find our roundup of European alternatives to AWS useful if you’re making broader infrastructure decisions.