Security and audits25 of 31
Apps and sync18 of 20
Recovery and sharing18 of 22
Price and plans12 of 27
cloud storage service · Proton
Proton Drive
End-to-end encrypted file storage with open-source apps and 5 GB free.
In short
- The free plan gives 5 GB; Drive Plus (200 GB) costs $3.99 a month billed $47.88 every 12 months, or $4.99 month to month1,2.
- All uploaded files are encrypted by default, including file names2,3.
- Windows, macOS, iOS and Android apps are open source under GPL-3.05,6.
- The cheapest plan with 1 TB or more is Proton Duo (2 TB, up to 2 users) at $14.99 a month billed yearly2.
- A refund is available within 30 days of the first purchase1.
Proton Drive suits people who want all files encrypted by default and apps whose code anyone can read3,5. Drive Plus is $3.99 a month on a yearly plan and adds 10 years of file-version recovery1,2. The catch: the plans with 1 TB or more cost $14.99 a month or more2.
Best for: People who want every file encrypted by default and open-source apps.
Where the points come from
Security and audits 25 of 31 points
| Rule | What is published | Points |
|---|---|---|
| End-to-end encryption | defaultThe security page says every uploaded file is automatically encrypted by default3. | 10 / 10 |
| Independent security test since 2024 | Not publishedSecuritum is named as auditor, but no audit date is given on the security or open-source pages3,4. | 0 / 6 |
| SOC 2 Type II or ISO 27001 | YesProton's business Drive page says Proton Drive is ISO 27001 certified and SOC 2 Type II attested9. | 5 / 5 |
| Open-source apps | YesDrive repositories for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS are public on GitHub under GPL-3.05. | 3 / 3 |
| Security key for two-factor sign-in | YesProton accepts physical U2F or FIDO2 security keys for two-factor sign-in on free and paid plans8. | 4 / 4 |
| Public bug bounty | YesProton's company bug bounty publishes rewards, up to USD 100,000; it does not name Drive, and reports go by email, not a bounty platform7. | 3 / 3 |
Apps and sync 18 of 20 points
| Rule | What is published | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Apps | Windows, macOS, iOS, AndroidDownload page has apps for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android; Linux gets only a command-line tool, so it is not counted6. | 8 / 10 |
| Files on demand in Windows | YesProton's help article says cloud-only files appear in File Explorer as placeholders and download automatically when opened or copied12. | 6 / 6 |
| Choose which folders sync | YesRight-click a file or folder and choose 'Always keep on this device' to keep it offline in the Windows app12. | 4 / 4 |
Recovery and sharing 18 of 22 points
| Rule | What is published | Points |
|---|---|---|
| File version and deleted-file history | 3650The pricing page says Drive Plus adds 10 years to recover previous file versions1. | 6 / 6 |
| Restore the whole account | Not publishedNot found on the vendor's pages1,11. | 0 / 4 |
| Password-protected share links | YesA support article explains protecting a shareable link with a password; it does not name the plans10. | 4 / 4 |
| Edit documents in the browser | YesThe free plan includes an online document and spreadsheet editor1. | 4 / 4 |
| Plan for five or more people | YesProton Family covers up to 6 users with 3 TB1. | 4 / 4 |
Price and plans 12 of 27 points
| Rule | What is published | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan with 5 GB or more | YesThe free plan includes 5 GB of storage1. | 5 / 5 |
| Cheapest paid plan with 100 GB or more | $3.99/moDrive Plus 200 GB, billed $47.88 every 12 months; month to month it is $4.992. | 4 / 8 |
| Cheapest paid plan with 1 TB or more | $14.99/moProton Duo 2 TB for up to 2 users, billed $179.88 every 12 months; $19.99 month to month2,1. | 0 / 8 |
| One-time lifetime plan | NoThe Drive pricing pages list monthly and 12-month billing only, with no one-time plan1,2. | 0 / 3 |
| Refund period of 14 days or more | YesPlan cards promise a 30-day money-back guarantee; cancelling within 30 days of the first purchase gives a prorated refund1. | 3 / 3 |
The rule behind each line: how we score cloud storage services.
Plans and prices
As the vendor lists them, before tax. Prices are in US dollars unless the plan shows euros; the points use US dollars, with euros converted at the ECB rate.
| Plan | Price as listed | Per month | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free1 person | Free1 | $0 | 5 GB of storage and an online document editor |
| Drive Plus1 person | $47.88/year ($4.99 month to month)1,2 | $3.99 | 200 GB; 10 years to recover previous file versions |
| Proton Unlimited1 person | $119.88/year ($12.99 month to month)1,2 | $9.99 | 500 GB; includes VPN |
| Proton DuoUp to 2 people | $179.88/year ($19.99 month to month)1,2 | $14.99 | 2 TB; includes VPN |
| Proton FamilyUp to 6 people | $29.99/month1 | $29.99 | 3 TB; includes VPN |
The Proton Drive page shows the 12-month price; the pricing page shows the month-to-month price. Family is shown month to month only1,2.
Strengths
- Every uploaded file is encrypted by default, so Proton cannot read it3.
- Windows, macOS, iOS and Android Drive apps are public on GitHub under GPL-3.05.
- Proton names ISO 27001 and SOC 2 Type II for Proton Drive9.
- The bug bounty publishes rewards of up to USD 100,0007.
- Password-protected share links, an online document editor and offline pinning in the Windows app are offered1,10,12.
Other cloud storage services
- 2
pCloudPeople who want a one-time lifetime plan or a virtual drive instead of a monthly subscription69/100$4.66/mocheapest paid plan with 100 GB or more - 3
FilenPeople who want every file end-to-end encrypted, open-source apps and a low entry price59/100$1.12/mocheapest paid plan with 100 GB or more - 4
iCloud DrivePeople who mainly use iPhone and Mac and want a Windows PC to reach the same files59/100$2.99/mocheapest paid plan with 100 GB or more - 5
KoofrPeople who want a 10 GB free plan and small paid plans, and will use Vault for private files58/100$1.83/mocheapest paid plan with 100 GB or more
Proton Drive vs pCloud · Proton Drive vs Filen · All 10 cloud storage services
Sources
- Proton Drive pricing, Proton. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
- Proton Drive, Proton. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
- Proton Drive security, Proton. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
- Open source, Proton. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
- ProtonDriveApps, GitHub. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
- Download Proton Drive, Proton. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
- Bug bounty, Proton. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
- Two-factor authentication (2FA), Proton. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
- Proton Drive for Business, Proton. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
- How to password-protect your shared files in Proton Drive, Proton. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
- How to use the Proton Drive desktop app for Windows, Proton. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
- How on-demand sync works in the Proton Drive Windows app, Proton. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
Website: proton.me/drive · Markdown version · We are not affiliated with Proton.