The best European cloud storage services

In the digital age we live in, data management and protection has become a real priority, both for individuals seeking a reliable backup and for companies requiring the highest level of security and legal compliance. Europe, with its stringent data protection regulations (such as the GDPR), has driven the development of cloud storage services Particularly secure, transparent, and respectful of user privacy. In contrast to the large international technology companies, European alternatives are emerging that offer added value in terms of privacy, server localization, advanced encryption, and flexibility for all types of needs.

Considering moving your personal or corporate files to the cloud? Before you decide, it's essential Know the available options, their strengths, limitations, and the legal and security environment that surrounds them. Below, we present a comprehensive and fully updated guide to the best cloud storage services based in Europe —and compatible with the most demanding needs of the national and continental markets—, compiling and rewriting all relevant information from the best-positioned sources on the web.

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Why choose European cloud storage?

The trend in Europe towards cloud storage is driven by several factors: from the need to comply with strict privacy and security laws, to the demand for scalable solutions, robust and easy to useEuropean legislation—especially the GDPR—requires the utmost diligence in data processing, so relying on providers whose infrastructure is located on the continent and who are subject to frequent audits is a guarantee compared to global providers with more opaque policies.

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What does this mean for the user? Mainly in:

Advanced encryption and in many cases zero knowledge, which means that only the user has effective access to their files.
Data centers subject to strict European regulations and, in many cases, physically located in the EU, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, or Luxembourg.
Total control over ownership and access to information, with transparency in contractual conditions and periodic audits.
Lower risk of external government access and full privacy compliance compared to large US tech companies, which often operate under the umbrella of laws like the Cloud Act.

Main advantages of cloud storage

Storing files in the cloud eliminates the risk of data loss due to local failures (computer, mobile, hard drive) and offers accessibility from any connected deviceHowever, the cloud—especially the European one—also provides:

Scalability: You can start with a minimal amount of space and increase it as your needs change, whether as an individual or a business.
Safety: End-to-end encryption, multi-factor authentication, automatic backups, and proactive threat detection systems.
Collaboration: It enables real-time teamwork, secure file and folder sharing, with version history and granular permission control.
Adjustable cost: From fairly generous free plans to pay-as-you-go models, family plans, business plans, and Lifetime plans that guarantee storage for decades with a single payment.
Compliance: Particularly relevant for businesses, the European cloud often offers specific tools for GDPR compliance, including data retention management, secure deletion, and access traceability.

How to choose the best European cloud storage provider

The appropriate selection depends on the the use you want to give it, the volume of files, the sensitivity of the data and the technological environment of your day to day lifeIt is worth analyzing:

Initial storage capacity and possible expansions.
Level of security and encryption offered. Look for end-to-end encryption and, if possible, zero-knowledge encryption.
Server location and compliance with GDPR or equivalent (Swiss, German, Norwegian legislation, etc.)
Team collaboration options, version history, restore, and backup.
Compatibility with operating systems, mobile apps, and complementary software (Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, office suites, etc.).
Pricing policy, free trial availability, and family or business plans.
Technical support and easy integration with other cloud services.

Tip: Don't be fooled by the initial free capacity alone. Some services offer 2GB free and others offer more than 20GB, but in the long run, security, support, and the ability to scale your space will make the real difference.

Complete comparison: the best European cloud storage services

Let's review the most notable services, grouped by user type and features, along with their main advantages, limitations, and context.

1. Hivenet: a benchmark in corporate security and privacy

Hivenet is positioned as one of the benchmarks when it comes to combining advanced security, regulatory compliance, and scalability for SMEs and large European companies. It includes:

End-to-end encryption with a distributed storage model. No one but you has real access to your files.
Full GDPR compliance and EU-only data center locations.
Flexible scalability for both small businesses and large groups handling high volumes of information.
Functions for granular access control, personal file vault and advanced retention and deletion policies.
Various payment models, including lifetime plans and flexible annual subscriptions.

It stands out for its integration capabilities, customer service, and focus on real data protection, with particular interest for technology companies, law firms, or any entity that handles sensitive data.

2. pCloud: Versatility and user focus

pCloud —headquartered in Switzerland with data centers in Luxembourg—has been establishing itself as an all-in-one alternative for both home and business users for years. Its strengths include:

10GB of free storage for all users, with the option to expand up to 2TB with paid plans.
Client-side encryption and pCloud Crypto option (additional paid service for encryption without extra knowledge).
Monthly, annual and Lifetime subscription options.
Excellent cross-platform integration: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, web, and business-specific tools.
Collaboration and file sharing without third-party registration, with link control and expiration dates.
GDPR compliance, Swiss privacy policies, and periodic external audits.

pCloud is ideal for those looking for a balance between ease of use, security, pricing flexibility (including family and business options), and truly scalable storage.

3. Icedrive: innovation and economic approach

Icedrive stands out for its system virtual drive, which allows you to work with your files in the cloud as if they were local, without taking up physical space on your computer. Among its advantages:

10GB free per registration, with affordable upgrades up to 10TB and the option to pay monthly, annually, or for 5 years.
Twofish encryption by default—more robust than the usual AES-256—and “zero-knowledge” model.
Clean and modern interface, mobile and desktop integration, cross-platform support (Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android).
Full GDPR compliance and servers hosted in Germany.
It allows you to share protected links and control access directly from the interface, ideal for both individual users and small teams.

Its most attractive point is the relationship price/functionality, along with innovation in virtual direct access and the ability to have absolute control over files at a security level.

4. MEGA: Generosity in free space and radical focus on privacy

With 20GB in its free version, MEGA is one of the best-known options (the successor to the legendary Megaupload). Among its features:

End-to-end encryption and unique access key derived from your password. No one, not even MEGA, can recover your files if you lose it.
Server and data center locations in the Netherlands, Germany, and France, subject to European data protection regulations.
Recognizable by its "achievements" and rewards system, which allows you to expand your free space by referring friends, completing tutorials, or installing apps.
Flexible payment plans: from 2TB to enterprise-class storage with petabytes.
Designed for users who want maximum privacy and encryption, with apps on Windows, Linux, Mac, iOS, and Android.

Remember that MEGA is very strict about security: losing your password means losing access to your files, so keep it safe.

5. Internxt, Koofr and Infomaniak kDrive: natively European alternatives

For those seeking even more independence, there are lesser-known options with a radical focus on privacy and local compliance:

Internt: 100% encrypted file storage and sharing, servers in the EU, and an open-source model. 10GB free, the option of anonymous accounts, and external security verification. It's often the choice of privacy-conscious tech companies.
Koofr10GB free for file management and multi-cloud sync. Servers in Germany, zero-knowledge Vault, and web tools for searching and organizing files from different services (Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive) in a single dashboard.
kDrive by Infomaniak15GB free, eco-friendly features, and a carbon-neutral policy. Deep integration with OnlyOffice and collaborative editing options, as well as version control and automatic backups. Servers located in Switzerland.

These alternatives shine for their transparency, absolute respect for privacy and sustainable business models, often led by European cooperatives or independent companies.

6. Nextcloud: self-managed and open source

Nextcloud is different from the rest: it is not a storage service, but a solution open source to set up your own cloud system (on your own, hosted, or shared servers). It's ideal for organizations that want to customize every aspect, fully control where their data is hosted, and collaborate in secure environments. It stands out for:

Integration with Microsoft Teams, Outlook, and other productivity tools.
File synchronization and sharing, collaborative editing, and internal chat.
Compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, and other international regulations.
Premium plans for businesses that require professional technical support and maintenance.
Highly customizable, ideal for large organizations, administrations, and power users.

If you have technical knowledge, Nextcloud is the most flexible platform that can be deployed on any trusted European server.

7. Global suppliers with a strong European presence

Many US-based services—such as Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and Amazon Cloud Drive—offer data centers in Europe and strive to comply with the GDPR, although their legal dependence on their home countries can raise concerns about jurisdiction and actual privacy (for example, in the event of foreign court orders). Still, let's examine their advantages and limitations, as these are options used daily across the continent:

Google Drive: 15GB free, full integration with Google Workspace, and real-time document editing. However, space is shared with Gmail and Google Photos, and their policies are subject to change at any time.
Dropbox: 2GB free, simple interface, version history, and a password-protected file vault. It offers integration with Slack, Zoom, Asana, and third-party apps, although advanced encryption is only available on paid plans.
OneDrive: 5GB free, full integration with Microsoft Office and Windows, collaboration options, and advanced permission control. It's the best option for business environments using Microsoft 365.
Amazon Drive / Amazon Photos: 5GB free, unlimited photo storage for Amazon Prime members, and several integrations with Kindle and Fire TV. Good for multimedia users and photographers, but less transparent legally than other European options.
iCloud: 5GB free, full integration with Apple devices, perfect for iPhone or iPad backups, and syncing with Finder and the Apple Cloud. Despite being under US jurisdiction, it's safe for users in the Mac ecosystem.

These services are convenient and easy to use, but for maximum privacy and advanced compliance, 100% European alternatives are often preferable.

8. Other emerging options and services

The market is constantly evolving, so if you're looking for alternatives, check out these popular alternatives:

Jottacloud: Norwegian, with 5GB free, unlimited paid storage, and an emphasis on privacy and automatic backups. Complies with local laws and GDPR.
sync.com: Although Canadian, it offers zero-knowledge encryption, 5GB free, and competitive business plans.
MediaFire: 10GB free, expandable to 50GB with tasks and direct sharing to social networks. Less secure but very functional.
Terabox: surprises with 1TB free, although it is advisable to review the privacy conditions carefully due to its headquarters in Asia.
Yandex Disk: 5GB free, simple and practical interface, with apps for all systems, although it is less popular outside Eastern Europe.

Determining factors before choosing your cloud

There is no "better" universal provider, but the one that best meets your specific circumstances. Analyze in detail:

Actual storage volume you need.
Compatibility with your current devices and systems.
If you value extreme encryption and vendor independence, prioritize European zero-knowledge services.
Budget: Do you prioritize free plans, family plans, or the "one-time payment" option?
Does your business require 24/7 support, integration with Office, Google Workspace, or proprietary editors?
Do you need integration with other clouds, secure link sharing, or file sharing without the recipient having an account?
Concerned about carbon emissions? Choose suppliers with active sustainability policies.

Case Studies: How Businesses and Power Users Choose

Let's look at some concrete examples to illustrate the applicability of these services to different profiles:

International law firm: Tresorit (Swiss, end-to-end encryption) is chosen by law firms such as DLA Piper Hungary and Deshoulières Avocats, which require maximum confidentiality for legal files. Permit management and logistics auditing are essential.
Technology SME: Hivenet, pCloud, or Nextcloud are often their preferred options due to their integration with other systems, version control, and automatic GDPR compliance.
Professional Photographer: Amazon Photos, along with MEGA or pCloud, offers unlimited photo storage and direct streaming, plus a restoration guarantee against ransomware attacks.
Private multimedia user: Google Drive, Dropbox, or MediaFire, for ease of use and sharing. Those looking for more privacy often opt for IceDrive or kDrive.
Apple Families and Ecosystems: iCloud for device integration, automatic backups, and easy upgrade options.

Trends and future of cloud storage in Europe

The sector continues to advance and adapt to new technological and legal requirements:

Adoption of artificial intelligence and machine learning: The most advanced services already incorporate automatic threat classification, restoration, and detection algorithms.
Quantum encryption: Although still in its infancy, it will become a standard in the coming years, guaranteeing inviolability even against future quantum computers.
Sustainability and energy efficiency: Providers like kDrive and pCloud prioritize green data centers and clear carbon-neutral policies. This is a growing demand among European users.
Cloud neutrality and interoperability: Tools like MultCloud or Koofr itself allow you to manage and coordinate multiple services at once, avoiding dependence on a single platform.
Full Privacy Policy: More and more services allow anonymous accounts, irreversible deletion, and detailed auditing of data access.

Common mistakes when migrating to the cloud and how to avoid them

Relying only on free space: Often, the most important things are security, technical support, and advanced options.
Failure to check the location of data centers: Always make sure they are in the EU or countries with recognized protection agreements.
Reusing passwords or using weak ones: Use multi-factor authentication and password managers.
Do not enable end-to-end encryption when optional: It's better to protect against more than less, even if you have to pay a little extra.
Do not rate technical support: In the event of an incident, poor support can cause you to miss out on key information. Consider the experience of other users and independent reviews.

Quick comparison of free plans and main restrictions

Service	Free Space	Zero-Knowledge Encryption	Main Location	Specialty
Hivenet	Free trial	Yes	UE	Companies and maximum privacy
pCloud	10 GB	Optional (paid)	Switzerland/Luxembourg	Versatility and collaboration
ice drive	10 GB	Yes	German	Innovation and price
MEGA	20 GB	Yes	EU/NZ	Radical space and privacy
Internt	10 GB	Yes	Spain/EU	Absolute privacy
Koofr	10 GB	Yes	German	Multi-cloud management
kDrive	15 GB	Yes	Switzerland	Sustainability and collaboration
Jottacloud	5 GB	No (AES-256)	Norway	Unlimited backups
Google Drive	15 GB	No	Global/EU	Google Integration
Dropbox	2 GB	No (payment)	US/EU	Simplicity and collaboration
OneDrive	5 GB	No	Global/EU	Microsoft/Office

Frequently asked questions about European cloud storage

Can I easily migrate my files from one cloud to another? Yes, most European providers offer import/export tools, and there are services such as How to buy more space on Dropbox to facilitate the transition between clouds.
What happens if I lose access to my account? It's key to enable recovery with alternate email and multi-factor authentication. In services zero-knowledge Like MEGA, losing your password means losing your files, so keep your recovery key.
Are files safe from cyberattacks? There are always risks, but reputable providers use encryption, redundant backups, and certified data centers to minimize any attacks.
What happens if I choose a “Lifetime” plan? On services like pCloud or Hivenet, the Lifetime plan typically guarantees storage for 99 years, or the life of the account. Be sure to read the terms and conditions to avoid any surprises.
Can I use multiple services at the same time? Of course, and even combine them using tools like cloud managers o management applications, which is useful if you're looking to separate personal, work, and media data.

How to get the most out of your cloud

Organize your files by folders and labels to facilitate searching and retrieval.
Take advantage of integration with apps: Edit documents, photos and videos directly from the cloud.
Share large files via download links when they cannot be sent by email.
Schedule automatic backups of photos, documents and critical files.
Always enable two-factor authentication and periodically check the connected devices.
Check your access and change history periodically. to detect misuse or data leaks.

We have seen that European cloud storage provides a robust and secure solution for both demanding home users and businesses that must comply with strict privacy standards. Thanks to the wide offer From traditional platforms to innovative proposals focused on sustainability, radical privacy, or cross-platform integration, it's possible to find the ideal option based on your needs. Considering factors such as data volume, legal requirements, budget, and collaboration, any user can protect and manage their data with the guarantees offered by European legislation and the most advanced technology, relying on local, ethical, and transparent providers.

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