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Cloud storage software · 12 alternatives

Google Drive alternatives: 12 compared

Sebastiaan Smits By Sebastiaan Smits · Published October 8, 2026 · Updated October 8, 2026

Organizations look past Google Drive when they want files encrypted so the provider cannot read them, a flat or one-time price, or storage on their own server. Most go to Proton Drive, Tresorit or Sync.com for end-to-end encryption, to Dropbox or Box for a dedicated file product, and to Nextcloud to host it themselves.

Short answer: The closest replacements for Google Drive in our cloud storage software ranking are Proton Drive, Tresorit and Sync.com. Choose Proton Drive if you want files unreadable by the provider and already use or consider Proton. All 12 alternatives below are ranked products from Best Cloud Storage Software in 2026, and each says where it differs from Google Drive and when Google Drive is still the better choice.

Visibility in our rankings can be paid for. Payment moves a vendor's position within the shortlist; it never adds a vendor, and it never changes a word of the review or of this page. How it works: placement disclosure · editorial process.

Google Drive at a glance

  • Headquarters: United States
  • Pricing model: Per user / month
  • Pricing: 15 GB free per Google account; Workspace Starter lists 30 GB pooled per person, Standard 2 TB and Plus 5 TB per user, with Enterprise quoted.
  • Free option: Free plan
  • Built for: Teams living in Gmail and Google Docs
  • Wrong for: A company that must keep files unreadable to the provider, or one standardized on Office documents, should pick an encrypted specialist or OneDrive instead.
  • Place in our ranking: #5 of 13
  • Website: workspace.google.com

Facts from our cloud storage software ranking, last checked October 8, 2026.

Why buyers look past Google Drive

  1. Encryption is an option

    Google's Drive page lists end-to-end encryption options next to data loss prevention and AI-based classification. Services such as Proton Drive, Tresorit, Sync.com and Filen make encryption the basis of the product, which suits teams that must keep files unreadable by the provider.

  2. AI is built into the product

    The Drive page presents Gemini summaries, answers and AI search as part of the product. Organizations that want a plain file store without AI features near their documents compare simpler services.

  3. Leaving is a project

    Google's admin export tool needs a super administrator with 2-Step Verification, takes at least 48 hours, typically 72 and up to 14 days, and delivers zip files. It cannot be cancelled once started.

12 alternatives at a glance

Closest replacement first. The last column is our place in the full 13-product ranking.

#AlternativeHeadquartersPricingKey differenceSwitch ifOur rank
1Proton DriveSwitzerlandPer user / month; free planSwiss end-to-end encrypted storage inside the Proton accountyou want files unreadable by the provider and already use or consider Proton#2
2TresoritSwitzerlandPer user / month; free trialEnd-to-end encrypted file sync for businesses handling sensitive filesyou handle confidential client files and want data rooms and encrypted sharing#1
3Sync.comCanadaPer user / month; noneEncrypted team folders with straightforward published pricingyou want encrypted team storage at published per-user prices#3
4DropboxUnited StatesPer user / month; free planThe original sync folder, now with AI search and signingyou want a file-first product that is not bundled with a mail and docs suite#4
5NextcloudGermanyOpen source + paid tiers; open sourceOpen-source file platform you host yourselfyou want to run storage on infrastructure you control#6
6BoxUnited StatesPer user / month; free planContent cloud with governance and 1,500 integrationsyou need governance, e-signatures and many integrations around stored content#8
7Microsoft OneDriveUnited StatesPer user / month; free planFile storage built into Microsoft 365 and Windowsyou are moving to Microsoft 365 and want files in the same account#9
8pCloudSwitzerlandOne-time lifetime + subscription; free planSwiss storage sold by subscription or lifetime paymentyou prefer one lifetime payment for storage over a per-user subscription#7
9InternxtSpainAnnual + lifetime; free planOpen-source zero-knowledge storage from Spainyou want audited, open-source encrypted storage with a lifetime payment option#10
10KoofrSloveniaFlat monthly; free planSlovenian storage that connects your other cloudsyou want one view over several clouds and small, cheap storage tiers#11
11FilenGermanyFlat monthly; free planGerman end-to-end encrypted storage with stackable plansyou want encrypted storage in flat monthly steps you can stack#12
12IcedriveGibraltarSubscription + lifetime; free planCloud storage you mount like a local driveyou want storage mounted as a drive with a free tier and lifetime options#13

What each alternative does differently

1. Proton Drive

Swiss end-to-end encrypted storage inside the Proton account · Switzerland

End-to-end encrypted storage inside a Proton account, where Proton says it cannot access files. Free gives 5 GB, Drive Plus 200 GB, and Drive Professional 1 TB per user for teams. Editing documents and spreadsheets exists online, but without Drive's long list of file types.

Switch from Google Drive if you want files unreadable by the provider and already use or consider Proton.

Pricing: Free tier with 5 GB, Drive Plus at 200 GB, bundled plans such as Unlimited at 500 GB for 12.99 euros a month, and a separate Drive Professional business plan listed at 1 TB per user. (free plan)

Full review: #2 of 13 in our ranking · Visit Proton Drive →

2. Tresorit

End-to-end encrypted file sync for businesses handling sensitive files · Switzerland

End-to-end encrypted with zero-knowledge architecture. Tresorit sells SecureCloud for business and private use, Engage for confidential data rooms, FileSharing with revocable access, and an eSign add-on. Most products have a free trial. Real-time co-editing like Docs is not its pitch.

Switch from Google Drive if you handle confidential client files and want data rooms and encrypted sharing.

Pricing: Separate business and personal plans: Professional for a single user, Business from three users, Business Pro from five, plus an annual-only Enterprise tier; every business plan offers a 14-day trial. (free trial)

Full review: #1 of 13 in our ranking · Visit Tresorit →

3. Sync.com

Encrypted team folders with straightforward published pricing · Canada

Encrypted team storage with published prices: Teams plans of 1 TB, 2 TB and 10 TB per user, from $6 to $15 per user a month on annual billing, with a three-user minimum. The 1 TB plan lacks role-based access controls. Enterprise starts at 100 users.

Switch from Google Drive if you want encrypted team storage at published per-user prices.

Pricing: Teams plans of 1 TB, 2 TB and 10 TB per user, listed at $6, $9 and $15 per user per month on annual billing, with a three-user minimum and a 30-day money-back guarantee. (none)

Full review: #3 of 13 in our ranking · Visit Sync.com →

4. Dropbox

The original sync folder, now with AI search and signing · United States

A dedicated file product. Basic is free with 2 GB, Plus is 9.99 euros a month for 2 TB, and teams pay 12 euros (Standard) or 18 euros (Advanced) per user monthly. Advanced adds end-to-end encryption and single sign-on, and keeps file history for a year.

Switch from Google Drive if you want a file-first product that is not bundled with a mail and docs suite.

Pricing: Free Basic at 2 GB, Plus for individuals at 9.99 euros a month for 2 TB, and team plans from 12 euros per user monthly (Standard) and 18 euros (Advanced). (free plan)

Full review: #4 of 13 in our ranking · Visit Dropbox →

5. Nextcloud

Open-source file platform you host yourself · Germany

Open source, under an AGPL license, run on your server. Enterprise subscriptions are priced per user per year, from 71.29 euros, with a 100-user minimum. Nextcloud One is a managed service for fewer than 100 users. You take on operations, or pay for them.

Switch from Google Drive if you want to run storage on infrastructure you control.

Pricing: Open-source software under the AGPL; the supported Enterprise subscription is per user per year from 100 users, listed at 71.29 euros (Standard), 104.99 (Premium) and 204.75 (Ultimate), with the managed Nextcloud One service for fewer than 100 users. (open source)

Full review: #6 of 13 in our ranking · Visit Nextcloud →

6. Box

Content cloud with governance and 1,500 integrations · United States

Content management with governance. Box lists a free Individual plan with 10 GB, Business Starter at $5 per user a month with 100 GB, and unlimited storage from Business. Business plans need three users. Upload limits are 2 GB on Starter, rising to 500 GB on Enterprise Advanced.

Switch from Google Drive if you need governance, e-signatures and many integrations around stored content.

Pricing: Free Individual plan at 10 GB; Business Starter at $5 per user monthly with 100 GB, then Business and Business Plus with unlimited storage, with a three-user minimum on business plans and Enterprise tiers quoted. (free plan)

Full review: #8 of 13 in our ranking · Visit Box →

7. Microsoft OneDrive

File storage built into Microsoft 365 and Windows · United States

Microsoft's storage, built into Microsoft 365 and Windows. It suits organizations whose documents are already in Word and Excel, and who want files and office apps from one vendor. We could not load its plan figures this session, so confirm storage and prices on Microsoft's pages.

Switch from Google Drive if you are moving to Microsoft 365 and want files in the same account.

Pricing: Included with Microsoft 365 business subscriptions and also sold as a standalone plan; the exact per-user figures were not verified from the vendor pages this session. (free plan)

Full review: #9 of 13 in our ranking · Visit Microsoft OneDrive →

8. pCloud

Swiss storage sold by subscription or lifetime payment · Switzerland

Sells lifetime plans as well as subscriptions: 219 euros for 500 GB, 499 euros for 2 TB and 1,499 euros for 10 TB, with a 14-day money-back guarantee. A family plan covers up to five users. One payment replaces recurring per-user fees, though not a business admin console.

Switch from Google Drive if you prefer one lifetime payment for storage over a per-user subscription.

Pricing: Lifetime plans listed at 219 euros for 500 GB, 499 euros for 2 TB and 1,499 euros for 10 TB, with subscriptions also offered, a family plan for up to five users and a 14-day money-back guarantee. (free plan)

Full review: #7 of 13 in our ranking · Visit pCloud →

9. Internxt

Open-source zero-knowledge storage from Spain · Spain

Zero-knowledge, open-source and audited storage. Plans are 1 TB, 2 TB and 5 TB, sold by annual subscription or as lifetime memberships you can stack, with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a free 1 GB account. It is a storage product, not a document editor.

Switch from Google Drive if you want audited, open-source encrypted storage with a lifetime payment option.

Pricing: Annual subscriptions and stackable lifetime plans in 1 TB, 2 TB and 5 TB tiers, plus a free 1 GB tier; a 30-day money-back guarantee applies. (free plan)

Full review: #10 of 13 in our ranking · Visit Internxt →

10. Koofr

Slovenian storage that connects your other clouds · Slovenia

Slovenian storage that connects other clouds, including Dropbox, Google Drive and OneDrive. The free tier holds 10 GB, and paid plans run from 0.50 euros a month for 25 GB to 35 euros for 10 TB or more. Prices include 22 percent VAT, and billing is yearly.

Switch from Google Drive if you want one view over several clouds and small, cheap storage tiers.

Pricing: Free 10 GB tier, then small monthly plans from 0.50 euros for 10 GB up to 35 euros for 5 TB, prices including 22 percent VAT, with yearly billing available. (free plan)

Full review: #11 of 13 in our ranking · Visit Koofr →

11. Filen

German end-to-end encrypted storage with stackable plans · Germany

Client-side encrypted, zero-knowledge storage sold in stackable monthly plans: 200 GiB for 1.99 euros, 500 GiB for 3.99, 2 TiB for 8.99 and 10 TiB for 39.99. It includes unlimited bandwidth, notes and chat. The operator is a small German company.

Switch from Google Drive if you want encrypted storage in flat monthly steps you can stack.

Pricing: Monthly euro plans from 1.99 for 200 GiB through 3.99 for 500 GiB and 8.99 for 2 TiB to 39.99 for 10 TiB, stackable on one account, plus a free tier. (free plan)

Full review: #12 of 13 in our ranking · Visit Filen →

12. Icedrive

Cloud storage you mount like a local drive · Gibraltar

Gives 10 GB free on sign-up and offers subscriptions plus lifetime plans. Its software mounts the cloud like a physical drive, so files do not use local space. The operator, Ice Privacy LTD, is headquartered in Gibraltar. We did not read tier prices this session.

Switch from Google Drive if you want storage mounted as a drive with a free tier and lifetime options.

Pricing: 10 GB free on signup, standard subscriptions and lifetime plans; exact tier prices were not verified from the vendor's pages this session. (free plan)

Full review: #13 of 13 in our ranking · Visit Icedrive →

When Google Drive is still the right choice

Stay with Drive if your team lives in Google Workspace. The product offers real-time co-editing, Shared Drives, share controls with expiry dates, offline access, desktop sync for Windows and macOS, and up to 5 TB per file. No encryption-first service matches that integration with documents, calendar and mail.

What to expect when you switch from Google Drive

  1. Plan the export in days

    The admin export requires a super administrator with 2-Step Verification and an account older than 30 days. Google says the output is not available for 48 hours, usually takes 72, and can take 14 days. Exported data is deleted after 60 days.

  2. Native documents need a test

    Docs, Sheets and Slides are Google formats with their own size limits, such as 20 million cells for spreadsheets. We did not verify how they convert on export, so convert a sample of each type and check formulas, comments and sharing before the cutover.

Questions and answers

How long does it take to export everything from Google Workspace?

Google says the export is available no earlier than 48 hours after you start it, typically takes 72 hours, and may take up to 14 days depending on volume. It cannot be cancelled once begun.

Who can export an organization's Drive data?

Only super administrators whose accounts are at least 30 days old and have 2-Step Verification on. Data goes to Google Cloud Storage as compressed zip files by user folder, and is deleted after 60 days.

What is the largest file Google Drive accepts?

Google's help page gives up to 5 TB for most file types, 100 MB for presentations and 20 million cells for spreadsheets. Alternatives differ: Box lists 2 GB uploads on Business Starter and 5 GB on Business.

Which alternatives use zero-knowledge encryption?

Proton Drive, Tresorit, Sync.com, Internxt and Filen all describe end-to-end or zero-knowledge encryption on their sites. Dropbox lists end-to-end encryption on its Advanced team plan only.

Which alternatives sell lifetime plans?

pCloud lists lifetime plans from 219 euros for 500 GB, Internxt sells stackable lifetime memberships, and Icedrive offers lifetime plans beside subscriptions. Business-grade admin features differ, so check each one.

Which alternatives have a free tier?

Proton Drive gives 5 GB, Box 10 GB, Koofr 10 GB, Icedrive 10 GB, Dropbox 2 GB and Internxt 1 GB. Filen mentions a free sign-up without stating the size on its pricing page.

Sources

Prices, plan limits and product facts about Google Drive on this page were checked against the vendors' own pages on October 8, 2026. Vendors change both without notice, so treat the figures as of that date.

Who wrote this

Sebastiaan Smits Sebastiaan Smits, Founder, wrote, edited and fact-checked this page. Founder of The Interregnum and of 2 Steps Ahead, an AI search visibility agency. Writes, edits and fact-checks every page here. Last reviewed October 8, 2026. How we review.