Proton Drive

Proton Drive is a cloud storage and file-sharing service operated by Proton AG. It encrypts file contents, filenames, and folder names before data leaves the user’s device.

The service supports browser access, Windows and macOS applications, Android and iOS/iPadOS mobile apps, and a command-line interface for automation. Proton Drive also includes Proton Docs and Proton Sheets for encrypted online document and spreadsheet work.

Personal plans include a free 5 GB tier. Business plans provide team administration, shared storage, file permissions, and storage capacity of 1 TB per user on the Drive Professional plan.

Proton Drive encrypts stored files and associated metadata with end-to-end encryption. Proton states that it cannot decrypt end-to-end encrypted user content.

Users can share files and folders through links, password-protect shared links, set expiration dates, and revoke access. Shared files can be accessed by recipients without Proton accounts.

The Windows and macOS applications synchronize files across devices. The mobile apps support file access, uploads, and photo backup workflows. Proton Drive also provides file version recovery, with paid plans offering extended version-history periods.

The Proton Drive CLI runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It supports authentication, file listing, uploads, downloads, sharing commands, and JSON output for scripted workflows.

Proton Drive offers a free personal plan with 5 GB of encrypted storage. The Drive Plus plan includes 200 GB, while Proton Unlimited includes 500 GB of storage alongside other Proton services. Proton Duo provides 2 TB for up to two users.

The business Drive Professional plan includes 1 TB per user and document and spreadsheet editing. Proton’s business pricing page advertises a 14-day free trial for eligible new customers. Personal paid plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee rather than a stated free trial.

Current paid prices can vary by billing period, currency, promotion, and account region. The official pricing pages provide the current checkout prices after plan and billing-period selection.

Pros:

• End-to-end encryption covers file content and important metadata.
• Free personal storage is available without requiring a paid subscription.
• Desktop, mobile, web, and command-line access support varied workflows.
• Sharing links can use passwords, expiration dates, and revocation controls.
• Business plans include administration features and encrypted productivity tools.

Cons:

• The strongest collaboration features are concentrated within the Proton ecosystem.
• Paid storage prices depend on billing period and region.
• The command-line interface is available, but it is not a general-purpose REST API.
• Linux access is provided through the CLI rather than a full official desktop synchronization application.

Privacy-focused alternatives include Tresorit, Sync.com, MEGA, and pCloud with client-side encryption options. Mainstream alternatives include Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, and Dropbox, which generally provide broader third-party integrations and office-suite compatibility.

Tresorit is a close comparison for encrypted business file sharing. Sync.com emphasizes private cloud storage and team collaboration. MEGA combines encrypted storage with large-capacity plans. Google Drive and OneDrive are stronger choices for organizations that depend on extensive office-suite integrations.

Does Proton Drive have a free plan?
Yes. Proton Free includes 5 GB of encrypted storage, along with access to Proton’s online document and spreadsheet editors.

Which platforms support Proton Drive?
Proton Drive supports the web, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and iPadOS. Its CLI supports Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Does Proton Drive provide an API?
Proton provides a command-line interface built on the Proton Drive SDK. The CLI supports scripted file management and sharing workflows. A separate public REST API was not verified in the researched official documentation.

Does Proton Drive offer integrations?
Native integration is available with Proton Docs and Proton Sheets. The CLI and SDK support workflow automation. No broad catalog of third-party integrations was verified in the researched official documentation.

Is there a free trial?
Eligible new business customers can try business plans for 14 days. Personal users can use the free plan, while paid personal subscriptions include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Can recipients without Proton accounts open shared files?
Yes. Proton’s sharing documentation states that recipients can access shared files through links without Proton accounts. Link passwords and expiration dates can add access controls.