Leaving Google Drive? Here's everything you need
Compare 5 EU alternatives side-by-side. Find the right fit based on migration difficulty, pricing, and privacy features.
Your data may be subject to US surveillance laws
Google Drive is headquartered in the US. Under the CLOUD Act and FISA Section 702, US authorities can access your data without your knowledge. Switch to an EU alternative to keep your data protected under GDPR.
All EU Alternatives at a Glance
| Alternative | Country | Pricing | Difficulty | Time Estimate | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Proton DriveRecommended Proton Drive is a robust cloud storage service designed to meet the needs of individuals and businesses seeking secure and reliable file hosting. Based in Switzerland, Proton Drive ensures that your data is stored under some of the world's strictest privacy laws. This service is particularly beneficial for users within the European Union, as it guarantees EU-hosted data storage, aligning with GDPR compliance and data sovereignty requirements. Key features of Proton Drive include end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only you have access to your files, and seamless file sharing capabilities that maintain privacy. The platform is ideal for privacy-conscious users, businesses handling sensitive information, and anyone looking to store their data within the EU. Proton Drive offers a transparent pricing model with various plans to accommodate different storage needs, making it accessible for both personal and professional use. By choosing Proton Drive, users benefit from the peace of mind that their data is protected by Swiss privacy laws and hosted within the EU, ensuring compliance with GDPR standards. | 🇨🇭Switzerland | Free plan available | Medium | 2-3 days | |
pCloud pCloud is a file hosting service from Switzerland with good prices and with apps for many platforms. | 🇨🇭Switzerland | Free plan available | Medium | 2-3 days | |
Tresorit Tresorit is a Swiss-Hungarian end-to-end encrypted cloud storage and collaboration platform founded in 2011 by Istvan Lam, Szilveszter Szebeni, and Gyorgy Szilagyi. Headquartered in Zurich and acquired by Swiss Post in 2021 (while remaining independently operated), Tresorit uses zero-knowledge RSA-4096 encryption — meaning even Tresorit staff cannot access your files. The platform serves businesses that handle sensitive data: legal firms, healthcare, finance, and government. Beyond basic cloud storage, Tresorit offers secure data rooms (Tresorit Engage), electronic signatures (eSign), and email encryption. Pricing starts with a free Basic plan, with paid plans from around EUR11/month for individuals and EUR14/user/month for business teams. | 🇨🇭Switzerland | Free plan available | Medium | 3-5 days | |
Nextcloud Nextcloud is a self-hosted cloud storage solution designed to provide secure and compliant data management for individuals and organizations. It offers end-to-end encryption for files, ensuring that your data remains private and protected. With GDPR-compliant data processing, Nextcloud is an ideal choice for those prioritizing data sovereignty and privacy, especially within the European Union. Key features include version control for file revisions, collaborative document editing, and two-factor authentication support, making it a robust tool for both personal and professional use. The platform is extensible with third-party apps, allowing users to customize their experience according to their needs. Nextcloud is suitable for businesses, educational institutions, and privacy-conscious individuals who require a reliable and secure cloud storage solution. With cross-platform mobile and desktop apps, users can access their data anytime, anywhere. Pricing varies based on the deployment model, with options for both free and enterprise-level support. By hosting data within the EU, Nextcloud ensures compliance with stringent data protection regulations, offering peace of mind to its users. | 🇩🇪Germany | Free plan available | Medium | 3-5 days | |
Infomaniak kDrive Infomaniak kDrive is a robust cloud storage solution designed to meet the needs of individuals and teams seeking secure and efficient file management. With its GDPR-compliant data handling and end-to-end encryption, kDrive ensures that your files are stored safely within EU-based data centers, offering peace of mind regarding data sovereignty and privacy. Key features include version history for easy file recovery, collaboration tools for seamless teamwork, and automatic file backups to prevent data loss. kDrive supports cross-platform synchronization, allowing users to access their files from any device, anywhere. Secure sharing links with expiration dates further enhance the safety of shared documents. Ideal for businesses, freelancers, and anyone prioritizing data privacy, kDrive provides a reliable and secure environment for storing and managing files. The pricing model is flexible, catering to different storage needs without compromising on security or compliance. With its focus on privacy and EU hosting, kDrive stands out as a trustworthy choice for those who value data protection and regulatory adherence. | 🇨🇭Switzerland | Subscription | Medium | 2-3 days including data export time |
Our Top Picks
Best for Privacy
Nextcloud is a self-hosted cloud storage solution designed to provide secure and compliant data management for individuals and organizations. It offers end-to-end encryption for files, ensuring that your data remains private and protected. With GDPR-compliant data processing, Nextcloud is an ideal choice for those prioritizing data sovereignty and privacy, especially within the European Union. Key features include version control for file revisions, collaborative document editing, and two-factor authentication support, making it a robust tool for both personal and professional use. The platform is extensible with third-party apps, allowing users to customize their experience according to their needs. Nextcloud is suitable for businesses, educational institutions, and privacy-conscious individuals who require a reliable and secure cloud storage solution. With cross-platform mobile and desktop apps, users can access their data anytime, anywhere. Pricing varies based on the deployment model, with options for both free and enterprise-level support. By hosting data within the EU, Nextcloud ensures compliance with stringent data protection regulations, offering peace of mind to its users.
Certifications:
Best Free Option
Proton Drive is a robust cloud storage service designed to meet the needs of individuals and businesses seeking secure and reliable file hosting. Based in Switzerland, Proton Drive ensures that your data is stored under some of the world's strictest privacy laws. This service is particularly beneficial for users within the European Union, as it guarantees EU-hosted data storage, aligning with GDPR compliance and data sovereignty requirements. Key features of Proton Drive include end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only you have access to your files, and seamless file sharing capabilities that maintain privacy. The platform is ideal for privacy-conscious users, businesses handling sensitive information, and anyone looking to store their data within the EU. Proton Drive offers a transparent pricing model with various plans to accommodate different storage needs, making it accessible for both personal and professional use. By choosing Proton Drive, users benefit from the peace of mind that their data is protected by Swiss privacy laws and hosted within the EU, ensuring compliance with GDPR standards.
- GDPR compliance ensures EU data protection standards.
- End-to-end encryption on all plans enhances security.
- Open source allows for transparency and trust.
Migration difficulty data is being enriched for these alternatives.
Detailed Comparison of Each Alternative
Proton Drive is a robust cloud storage service designed to meet the needs of individuals and businesses seeking secure and reliable file hosting. Based in Switzerland, Proton Drive ensures that your data is stored under some of the world's strictest privacy laws. This service is particularly beneficial for users within the European Union, as it guarantees EU-hosted data storage, aligning with GDPR compliance and data sovereignty requirements. Key features of Proton Drive include end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only you have access to your files, and seamless file sharing capabilities that maintain privacy. The platform is ideal for privacy-conscious users, businesses handling sensitive information, and anyone looking to store their data within the EU. Proton Drive offers a transparent pricing model with various plans to accommodate different storage needs, making it accessible for both personal and professional use. By choosing Proton Drive, users benefit from the peace of mind that their data is protected by Swiss privacy laws and hosted within the EU, ensuring compliance with GDPR standards.
Advantages
- GDPR compliance ensures EU data protection standards.
- End-to-end encryption on all plans enhances security.
- Open source allows for transparency and trust.
- Swiss hosting offers strong privacy laws.
Trade-offs
- Migration from Google Drive can be time-consuming.
- Lacks real-time collaboration features.
- Limited integration with non-Proton apps.
pCloud is a file hosting service from Switzerland with good prices and with apps for many platforms.
Advantages
- EU-hosted data centers ensure GDPR compliance
- Client-side encryption for enhanced data security
- Lifetime storage plans reduce long-term costs
- File sharing with password protection adds security
Trade-offs
- Migration from Google Drive can be time-consuming
- Lacks real-time collaboration on documents
- Learning curve for new interface and features
Tresorit is a Swiss-Hungarian end-to-end encrypted cloud storage and collaboration platform founded in 2011 by Istvan Lam, Szilveszter Szebeni, and Gyorgy Szilagyi. Headquartered in Zurich and acquired by Swiss Post in 2021 (while remaining independently operated), Tresorit uses zero-knowledge RSA-4096 encryption — meaning even Tresorit staff cannot access your files. The platform serves businesses that handle sensitive data: legal firms, healthcare, finance, and government. Beyond basic cloud storage, Tresorit offers secure data rooms (Tresorit Engage), electronic signatures (eSign), and email encryption. Pricing starts with a free Basic plan, with paid plans from around EUR11/month for individuals and EUR14/user/month for business teams.
Advantages
- Zero-knowledge encryption ensures file privacy.
- GDPR compliance for EU data protection standards.
- ISO 27001:2022 certified for security management.
- Granular access controls with link expiration.
Trade-offs
- Migration from Google Drive can be complex.
- No real-time document collaboration feature.
- Learning curve for new Tresorit users.
Nextcloud is a self-hosted cloud storage solution designed to provide secure and compliant data management for individuals and organizations. It offers end-to-end encryption for files, ensuring that your data remains private and protected. With GDPR-compliant data processing, Nextcloud is an ideal choice for those prioritizing data sovereignty and privacy, especially within the European Union. Key features include version control for file revisions, collaborative document editing, and two-factor authentication support, making it a robust tool for both personal and professional use. The platform is extensible with third-party apps, allowing users to customize their experience according to their needs. Nextcloud is suitable for businesses, educational institutions, and privacy-conscious individuals who require a reliable and secure cloud storage solution. With cross-platform mobile and desktop apps, users can access their data anytime, anywhere. Pricing varies based on the deployment model, with options for both free and enterprise-level support. By hosting data within the EU, Nextcloud ensures compliance with stringent data protection regulations, offering peace of mind to its users.
Advantages
- Self-hosted: Full control over data location
- GDPR compliant: Meets EU privacy regulations
- End-to-end encryption: Optional for sensitive files
- Open source: Customizable with community support
Trade-offs
- Migration pain: Manual data transfer required
- Learning curve: New interface and features
- Missing features: No native Google Workspace integration
Infomaniak kDrive is a robust cloud storage solution designed to meet the needs of individuals and teams seeking secure and efficient file management. With its GDPR-compliant data handling and end-to-end encryption, kDrive ensures that your files are stored safely within EU-based data centers, offering peace of mind regarding data sovereignty and privacy. Key features include version history for easy file recovery, collaboration tools for seamless teamwork, and automatic file backups to prevent data loss. kDrive supports cross-platform synchronization, allowing users to access their files from any device, anywhere. Secure sharing links with expiration dates further enhance the safety of shared documents. Ideal for businesses, freelancers, and anyone prioritizing data privacy, kDrive provides a reliable and secure environment for storing and managing files. The pricing model is flexible, catering to different storage needs without compromising on security or compliance. With its focus on privacy and EU hosting, kDrive stands out as a trustworthy choice for those who value data protection and regulatory adherence.
Advantages
- GDPR compliance ensures strict data protection
- End-to-end encryption secures all stored files
- EU-based servers offer data sovereignty
- Secure links with expiration for shared files
Trade-offs
- Migration from Google Drive can be time-consuming
- Fewer third-party app integrations than Google
- Learning curve for users familiar with Google Workspace
Before You Switch
Export your data from Google Drive before you start the migration. This ensures you have a backup and makes the transition smoother.
How to Export
takeout.google.com → Deselect all → Check "Drive" → All Drive data included → Export once → .zip → 2GB size
Export Format
Original formats preserved in ZIP
Time Required
1-2 days for large drives
Import Notes
Upload ZIP contents directly or sync folder
Settings Path
drive.google.com → Settings (gear)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best EU alternatives to Google Drive?
There are 5 European alternatives to Google Drive. Proton Drive, pCloud, Tresorit are among the top-rated options. All are GDPR-compliant and store your data in European data centers.
How long does it take to switch from Google Drive?
Migration time varies by alternative. Most migrations can be completed in under an hour with our step-by-step guides. We provide detailed migration guides for each alternative.
Can I export my data from Google Drive?
Yes. takeout.google.com → Deselect all → Check "Drive" → All Drive data included → Export once → .zip → 2GB size The exported data comes in Original formats preserved in ZIP format. Upload ZIP contents directly or sync folder
Is switching from Google Drive to an EU alternative safe?
Yes, switching is safe when done correctly. We recommend: 1) Export your data from Google Drive first, 2) Set up the new EU service, 3) Import your data, 4) Run both services in parallel for a transition period, 5) Update any linked accounts or integrations, and 6) Cancel your Google Drive subscription only after verifying everything works.
Why should I switch from Google Drive to an EU alternative?
EU alternatives provide stronger privacy protection under GDPR, keep your data in European data centers, and are not subject to US surveillance laws like the CLOUD Act or FISA Section 702. By switching, you gain true data sovereignty and support European tech innovation.