Google Drive is one of the most popular services in the world. It has billions of users across almost every country in the world. However, I’ve decided to replace it with something that is more privacy-focused.
What’s Wrong with Google Drive?
Billions of people use Google Drive, so why am I switching?
The big one is privacy. Google provides extremely reliable services, but that comes with one big drawback: they can always access your files if they really want to. Above and beyond the privacy implications, that is potentially a security risk. If Google can access your files, then someone that compromises Google could theoretically get access to your files too.
Instead, I’d prefer a cloud storage provider that removes that attack avenue entirely.
What Do You Need in a Clou…
Google Drive is one of the most popular services in the world. It has billions of users across almost every country in the world. However, I’ve decided to replace it with something that is more privacy-focused.
What’s Wrong with Google Drive?
Billions of people use Google Drive, so why am I switching?
The big one is privacy. Google provides extremely reliable services, but that comes with one big drawback: they can always access your files if they really want to. Above and beyond the privacy implications, that is potentially a security risk. If Google can access your files, then someone that compromises Google could theoretically get access to your files too.
Instead, I’d prefer a cloud storage provider that removes that attack avenue entirely.
What Do You Need in a Cloud Service Provider?
When I first started looking for a replacement for Google Drive, I carefully considered which Drive features I was actually using. I never make use of Google Sheets, for example. If I need to crunch some data, I’ll use LibreOffice or Excel for a spreadsheet, or Python for anything more complex. I do occasionally use Google Docs, though.
However, it was absolutely essential that whatever service I picked had both regular cloud storage and a mobile app for Android to automatically back up photos from my phone.
Additionally, I wanted a company that placed a greater emphasis on privacy and security than Google.
As a final requirement, beyond a web portal, the cloud service also needed to have a Windows Client that integrated with File Explorer.
There are actually a lot of reasonable offerings out there. There are also more than a few good self-hosted options. However, there is something to be said for making it someone else’s problem—self-hosting your own reliable backup system is pretty involved.
I ultimately settled on Proton Drive, the same company behind the Proton email service.
Proton Drive Is Privacy-Focused and Simple
Once I’d settled on Proton, I had a few choices to make regarding which plan I wanted to use. Most of their paid plans include their other services, which are: Proton Mail, Docs, Calendar, Proton VPN, Proton Pass, Proton Wallet, and Lumo (an AI chatbot).
They also have three individual price tiers if you pay annually:
- 200GB for $4 per month
- 500GB for $10 per month
- 2B for $15 per month
My existing Google Drive plan is 2TB, so I’ll be opting for Proton’s 2TB plan. I can’t imagine using *less *data going forward. It is important to note that those 2TBs of storage are pooled between everything—your email, your backed-up photos, the things you put directly in the cloud. If you’re shooting RAWs on a phone and backing up parts of your PC, for example, that can add up quickly.
Actually getting Proton running was extremely easy. I downloaded the app from the Google Play Store, and it immediately prompted me to back up my photos to the cloud. It is also available for iOS if you have an iPhone.
It also lets you manually add files on a case-by-case basis if there are individual things you want to clear out.
What Else Do You Get with Proton?
You get a number of other helpful things included with their subscription. Besides the email, I think Proton VPN and Proton Pass are the best extra value.
Proton VPN
Proton VPN is a good VPN by any standard, and if you don’t have one already, it should be on your short list to consider.
Proton VPN
8*/10*
Logging policy No-Logs Policy
Mobile app Android and iOS
The free Proton VPN is also the only free VPN I’d recommend at this time.
Proton Pass
Proton Pass is an encrypted password manager. In other words, it securely saves your passwords so that you don’t have to remember each one of them.
Proton Pass
7*/10*
OS Windows, Mac, Android, iOS
Supported Desktop Browsers Firefox, Edge, Chrome, Brave
I already use Bit Warden, but if I didn’t, Proton Pass would be on my short list of options.
I’ve been using Proton Drive for a while now, and so far, I’ve had no major issues. On one occasion, a mobile app hung while trying to move a few pictures. However, the desktop client has functioned perfectly, better than even OneDrive.