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Cloud Storage Alternatives

Privacy-respecting alternatives to Google Drive, OneDrive, iCloud, and Dropbox.

Cloud storage

Proton Drive Free tierFrom $3.99/month
Replaces: Google Drive, OneDrive, iCloud Drive Privacy: End-to-end encrypted; files private even from Proton Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, desktop

Honest tradeoff: Smaller storage on free tier than Google; newer and still building features

Cryptomator Free tier$14.99 one-time (mobile)
Replaces: Google Drive, Dropbox, any cloud provider Privacy: Client-side encryption layer for any cloud; you control the encryption key Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android

Honest tradeoff: Adds a layer of setup complexity; the vault must be unlocked before accessing files

Nextcloud Free tierFree (self-hosted)
Replaces: Google Drive, OneDrive Privacy: Self-hosted; you control the server; zero third-party involvement Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, desktop

Honest tradeoff: Requires your own server hardware or a hosting provider; more setup than commercial cloud

Synology NAS $200–500 hardware (one-time)
Replaces: Google Photos, iCloud, Google Drive Privacy: Local storage on your hardware; nothing leaves your home Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, desktop

Honest tradeoff: One-time hardware cost; electricity; no off-site backup unless configured

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