Quick Answer
- Look for private cloud storage that uses end‑to‑end encryption and “zero‑knowledge” keys.
- Top picks: Proton Drive, Sync.com and pCloud (with Crypto)
- Ente is excellent for private photo storage specifically.
- For most people, Proton Drive + Sync or pCloud is a solid privacy stack.
What makes a cloud “private”?
A private cloud should protect you from the provider itself, not just from hackers.
Look for these non‑negotiables:
- End‑to‑end encryption (E2EE), where your files are encrypted before leaving your device.
- Zero‑knowledge design, meaning the provider never holds the decryption keys.
- Strong legal jurisdiction and clear privacy policy, ideally outside aggressive surveillance alliances.
- Good open‑source story or at least independent audits of the crypto.
Google Drive, iCloud, and OneDrive are convenient, but they can scan content and hand over readable data. They’re fine for low‑risk files, not for truly private storage.
Proton Drive (great if you already use Proton)
Proton Drive is part of the Proton privacy ecosystem (Mail, VPN, Calendar).
- End‑to‑end encrypted at rest and in transit, with keys controlled by you.
- Strong Swiss jurisdiction and a long track record as a privacy‑first company.
- Tight integration with Proton Mail and Proton VPN for an all‑in‑one stack.
It’s perfect for documents, backups of sensitive files, and sharing links privately. Storage caps are smaller than some competitors, but for high‑value data that’s often fine.
Sync.com (Dropbox feel, private by default)
Sync.com is one of the most mature zero‑knowledge clouds.
- Whole account is end‑to‑end encrypted by default.
- Very Dropbox‑like user interface: desktop sync client, web app, mobile apps, file requests, sharing links.
- Often recommended as “best secure cloud storage” thanks to its balance of usability and privacy.
If you want to move away from Dropbox without confusing less technical family or teammates, Sync.com is an easy sell.
pCloud + Crypto (flexible and good value)
pCloud is a general cloud provider; pCloud Crypto adds a zero‑knowledge vault.
- Without Crypto, pCloud can technically access your files.
- With Crypto, anything in that special folder is end‑to‑end encrypted, even from pCloud itself.
- Offers interesting lifetime deals and strong multi‑platform support.
Good if you want a mix: “normal” cloud for shared media plus a private encrypted vault for sensitive stuff.
Tresorit (enterprise‑grade security)
Tresorit targets business and enterprise customers, but privacy‑minded individuals use it too.
- Full end‑to‑end encryption, strong access controls, and advanced sharing options.
- Based in Switzerland and Hungary, with a strong legal and compliance story.
- More expensive than Sync.com or pCloud, but the security posture is excellent.
If you’re handling client data or regulated information, Tresorit is a serious contender.
Ente (for private photos and videos)
Photos are a special case, because they tend to leak the most metadata.
- Ente is an end‑to‑end encrypted photo and video cloud, open‑source and cross‑platform.
- It’s designed as a private Google Photos replacement, with albums, sharing, and backups.
If you want your camera roll out of Google or Apple’s hands, Ente is one of the cleanest moves.
