Best Cloud Storage for Europe With EU Data Centers
European cloud services are known for prioritizing user privacy. Learn about the best cloud storage for Europe in this guide, including pCloud, Internxt, Tresorit, Proton Drive and Icedrive.
Written by Aleksandar Kochovski (Writer)
Reviewed by Valentina Bravo (Managing Editor)
Facts checked by Eugenie Tiu (Editorial Assistant)
Last Updated:
All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing. Learn more here.
Key Takeaways: These Are the Best European Cloud Storage Providers
- pCloud — Private and versatile cloud storage for Europe. Try pCloud’s 10GB free plan.
- Internxt — European cloud storage with the most advanced security. Explore Internxt’s 1GB free plan.
- Tresorit — The top European business cloud provider. Test out Tresorit with a 14-day free trial.
- Proton Drive — An all-in-one European cloud security package. Try Proton Drive’s 5GB free plan.
- Icedrive — Beginner-friendly European cloud storage. Take Icedrive’s 10GB free plan for a spin.
Facts & Expert Analysis: Why You Need a European Cloud Storage Solution
- Stronger personal data rights: The GDPR and its local equivalents represent some of the strictest privacy protection legislation in the world.
- Reduced exposure to foreign surveillance: European providers shield their users from surveillance from foreign countries like the United States, as their server infrastructures are outside those countries’ jurisdiction.
- Privacy-focused features by default: Most European providers focus on privacy first and foremost, offering features like client-side or zero-knowledge encryption.
Europe has always been at the forefront of data privacy, pioneering legislation like the GDPR. European cloud storage providers have a reputation for holding user privacy sacred, which is why many of the best cloud services are based there. I’ve put together this list of the best cloud storage for Europe to help you find the right fit.
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02/09/2023 Facts checked
Rewritten to include changes with cloud providers.
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04/04/2024 Facts checked
Updated to reflect changes in Icedrive’s pricing plans and storage offers.
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08/31/2024 Facts checked
Added video reviews for cloud storage providers in the list.
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03/22/2025 Facts checked
We updated this article with more information about pCloud and important security considerations for European cloud providers.
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03/22/2025 Facts checked
Rearranged the provider list to add Internxt as one of the top services.
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04/26/2025 Facts checked
We updated this guide to include Tresorit as one of the top European cloud services.
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06/17/2025 Facts checked
Added new Internxt video review.
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06/18/2025 Facts checked
We included more information about the implications of EU data residency and expanded on Icedrive’s features.
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07/03/2025 Facts checked
Updated ranking and verified that all information is up to date.
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08/18/2025 Facts checked
Added a fresh video review of MEGA Cloud Storage
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09/16/2025 Facts checked
We added some honorable mentions and included more details about the benefits of EU data residency for cloud storage.
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09/24/2025 Facts checked
We updated the article to reflect Icedrive’s new pricing structure.
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12/18/2025 Facts checked
We added more information on what to look for in a Europe-based cloud provider and expanded our coverage of pCloud.
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02/24/2026 Facts checked
We rewrote this article to reflect the latest results of our performance tests
What to Know About European Cloud Storage Providers
While most cloud providers are very similar, a few key differences set European cloud storage solutions apart, mainly regarding privacy.
- Stronger focus on privacy: European cloud providers often include data security and privacy features such as client-side encryption, and their policies are clear about collecting only as much data from users as is necessary.
- EU data protection: The GDPR and its U.K. and Swiss counterparts prohibit providers from collecting or transferring your data to third parties without your consent.
- Faster speeds for European users: The closer you are to a server, the faster your connection will be. Customers on the continent will therefore experience better performance with European cloud storage services.
EU Cloud Storage vs US Cloud Storage
The differences between cloud platforms in Europe and the U.S. lie mostly in privacy. Services like Google Drive and OneDrive, both owned by data-guzzling tech behemoths, sell user data to advertisers and AI companies. While European services generally aim to protect your privacy, American ones might also hand your data over to the government, which is why client-side encryption is important.
Cloudwards’ Choice: pCloud
Cloudwards' Choice: pCloud
pCloud is my top choice because it’s more than just secure cloud storage — it’s great for storing music and other media as well, and it even lets you create and edit documents. pCloud offers client-side encryption as a paid add-on, unlike many other European cloud services that include it in their plan, but the service overall is much more functional.
The 5 Best Cloud Storage: Europe — Quick Comparison
| Cloud Service: | Free Storage | Best Price | Best For | Standout Feature | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 10GB | $8.33 per month (one-year plan) for 2TB | Multimedia storage & document editing | Real-time collaboration | Paid client-side encryption |
 | 1GB | $1.67 per month (one-year plan) for 1TB | High security | Quantum-resistant encryption | Fewer features |
 | 3GB | $11.99 per month (one-year plan) for 1TB | Business use | Advanced administrative controls | Expensive |
 | 5GB | $7.99 per month (one-year plan) for 1TB | Full internet privacy | Cybersecurity bundle | Low storage cap |
 | 10GB | $4.92 per month (one-year plan) for 1TB | Beginners | Sync customization & virtual drive | Slow speeds |
Lab Data & Hands-On Testing
Check out the results of our team’s performance testing, security analysis and feature overview below.
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Speed Test Comparison (5GB Folder)
| Provider | Average upload (300Mbps) | Average download (300Mbps) | Average upload (1Gbps) | Average download (1Gbps) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0:07:06 | 0:06:52 | 0:02:06 | 0:02:33 |
| 0:08:01 | 0:09:28 | 0:07:48 | 0:09:27 |
| 0:07:45 | 0:07:46 | 0:07:05 | 0:02:54 |
| 0:07:15 | 0:07:11 | 0:03:20 | 0:03:48 |
| 0:12:12 | 0:13:00 | 0:11:50 | 0:12:37 |
pCloud is far and away the fastest cloud storage service in Europe in our 300 Mbps test, and it demonstrates the biggest improvements over an unthrottled connection as well. Proton Drive is the only provider that comes close to pCloud’s speeds in the unthrottled test. The other cloud storage services perform well enough, with Icedrive being the only laggard.
Security & Privacy Analysis
I chose these services for their privacy and security, so they’re fairly comparable in that regard. The best option for security is Internxt, which includes post-quantum encryption, whereas pCloud and Icedrive are arguably the weakest, as the client-side encryption covers only one folder — and pCloud’s comes at a surcharge.
| Provider | Encryption Type | Client-Side Encryption | 2FA Options | Server Locations | Compliance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AES-256, TLS/SSL | * | SMS, app-based | EU, U.S. (can choose) | SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR |
| AES-256, TLS/SSL | SMS, app-based | EU | SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR | |
| AES-256, TLS/SSL | Email, SMS, app-based | EU, Switzerland | SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA | |
| AES-256, TLS/SSL | App-based, recovery keys | EU, Switzerland | SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR | |
| Twofish, TLS/SSL | * | SMS, app-based | EU | ISO 27001, GDPR |
Collaboration & Features Overview
The tables turn in pCloud’s favor here, with its OnlyOffice integration ranking it above the other cloud providers. Proton Drive’s in-house document editor is decent but not as capable. Internxt is the weakest for this purpose, as its sharing features are the most rudimentary.
| Provider | Real-Time Editing | Microsoft Office Integration | Google Workspace Integration | Version History | Sharing Controls | Mobile Apps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OnlyOffice | 30-180 days, depending on plan | Advanced permissions, link controls | / | ||
| None | Basic sharing | / | |||
| 10 versions up to unlimited depending on plan | Advanced permissions, link controls | / | |||
| Native solution | Up to 10 years depending on plan | Advanced permissions, link controls | / | ||
| 30-90 days depending on plan | Advanced permissions, link controls | / |
The Best European Cloud Storage Solutions
My top five cloud storage solutions for Europe are pCloud, Internxt, Tresorit, Proton Drive and Icedrive.
1. pCloud — Best Cloud Storage for Europe Overall
pCloud is a secure cloud storage provider from Switzerland with a wealth of features geared toward everyday users, from advanced media playback to document editing and online backup.
What Makes pCloud Special
pCloud integrates with OnlyOffice to add productivity to its user-first feature set. You can collaborate on documents with others on pCloud’s private platform, as well as edit simultaneously, leave comments and suggest changes. I did encounter some instability when testing the OnlyOffice integration though, so your mileage may vary.
When to Choose pCloud
Choose pCloud if you want a good all-around service that’s not focused solely on data storage and privacy. With an annual pCloud plan, you can get 2TB of cloud storage for $8.33 per month, though the encrypted folder costs extra. Try pCloud out with the 10GB free plan, or read our pCloud review for more.
- 10GB
- 500GB
- 2TB
More plans
- 10TB
- + FREE Encryption
- 2TB
- + FREE Encryption
- 10TB
- Price per user (minimum 3)
- 1TB
- Price per user (minimum 3)
- 2TB
- Encryption for pCloud Drive
2. Internxt — Best European Cloud Storage for Data Privacy
Based in Spain, Internxt is a relatively simple storage solution. It is singularly focused on data privacy, offering little more than data storage and backup. Thankfully, though, Internxt’s pricing reflects its capabilities.
What Makes Internxt Special
Internxt protects sensitive data with robust security measures that few other cloud storage solutions offer. All of its software is open source, and it is the first cloud storage provider to offer post-quantum encryption to future-proof your data. Unfortunately, I experienced some lag when syncing files during testing, and I found the mobile app too basic to use.
it the safest European cloud storage provider.
When to Choose Internxt
Internxt is a great choice if you need advanced security features for cheap. A yearly plan provides 1TB of storage for just $1.67 per month. Its lifetime plans offer even bigger savings. Internxt’s free plan is less generous, offering only 1GB, but it’s enough to try out the service. Read our Internxt review to learn more.
- 1GB
- Post-quantum encryption Zero-knowledge encryption Two-factor authentication Backup your computer Password-protected file sharing Encrypted VPN Antivirus
- 1TB
- Everything in Essential plus; Cleaner Invite, share & collaborate File versioning (coming soon) Cleaner
- 3TB
More plans
- Everything in Premium plus CLI & WebDav support NAS & Rclone support Meet Mail (coming soon)
- 5TB
- Annual Price is per user
- 1TB
- Annual Price is per user
- 2TB
3. Tresorit — End-to-End Encrypted European Cloud Storage for Businesses
The second Swiss company on this list, Tresorit offers a highly secure service with HIPAA and GDPR compliance for businesses. It offers little for personal users, but it has one of the best user management systems for business users.
What Makes Tresorit Special
Tresorit’s admin controls are some of the most comprehensive, with IP address filtering, session length management and detailed user activity reports. Despite these features, it’s best used as a file sync and sharing service rather than as a collaborative tool, as it lacks in-app file-editing functionality.
When to Choose Tresorit
Tresorit is best for business users who need a secure cloud environment with European Union regulatory compliance. It’s pricey, though, with 1TB of storage costing $11.99 per month on a yearly Personal Essential plan. Try Tresorit with its 3GB free plan or a paid plan’s 14-day free trial; or read our Tresorit review to learn more.
- 50GB
- Price per user (billed annually), Storage per user, User count: 3+
- 1TB
- 3+ room managers, 15 contributors, unlimited viewers, unlimited data rooms, 15GB max file size & more.
- 6TB
More plans
- 500MB file-size limit, Maximum 2 devices
- 3GB
- Price per user (billed annually), Storage per user, User count : 1
- 2TB
- 1TB
- 4TB
- 1 room manager, 5 contributors, unlimited viewers, unlimited data rooms, 10GB max file size & more.
- 4TB
- Custom room managers and contributors, unlimited viewers, unlimited data rooms, custom storage, 20GB max file size & more.
- Price per user (billed annually), Storage per user, User count : 50+
4. Proton Drive — Best Online Storage With a Cybersecurity Suite
![Video thumbnail for the video: I Tested Proton Drive to See If It's as Private as It Claims [2024 REVIEW]](https://img.youtube.com/vi/XWmsFdm-VLg/maxresdefault.jpg)
Proton Drive is another provider that hails from Switzerland — a country with some of the best privacy laws in the world. It hosts server infrastructure in Germany and Norway as well.
What Makes Proton Drive Special
Proton Drive offers the most value as part of the Proton cybersecurity suite. This includes Proton Mail, VPN and Pass, which rely on end-to-end encryption to protect your online activities. Drive in itself is impressively polished. However, though the provider was more stable than pCloud in my testing, I found that its document editor lacks advanced formatting.
When to Choose Proton Drive
Go for Proton Drive if you want an all-in-one data protection solution and don’t need much storage. At $7.99 per month on a Professional yearly subscription, its 1TB plan isn’t the best value, especially when you can get the full suite for $9.99 — admittedly, though, with only 500GB of storage and a two-year commitment. Give its 5GB free plan a spin, or read our Proton Drive review for more.
- 5GB
- 200GB
- 500GB
More plans
- 2TB
- 3TB
- per user
- 1TB
- per user, minimum of 2 users
- 1TB
- 1TB
5. Icedrive — User-Friendly European Cloud Provider
![Video thumbnail for the video: Ultimate Icedrive Review [2024 Pros and Cons Revealed]](https://img.youtube.com/vi/iVGsDxYVV-Y/maxresdefault.jpg)
Icedrive is a well-designed and easy-to-use cloud service with flexible sync customization. It even lets you sync to the client-side encrypted folder, unlike pCloud.
What Makes Icedrive Special
Icedrive’s apps sport some of the most visually appealing design I’ve seen, but they’re also highly functional. I appreciated being able to customize how files sync to the cloud, and I was happy to see that syncing remained stable during my stress tests.
When to Choose Icedrive
Choose Icedrive if you want an affordable, stable and simple cloud service. A 1TB yearly plan costs just $4.92 per month, but the biggest savings come with its lifetime plans. Try Icedrive with its 10GB free plan, or give our Icedrive review a read.
- 10GB
- 1TB
- 3TB
More plans
- 5TB
- 2TB
- Additional 1TB storage for users who purchased the Lifetime Plan
- 1TB
- Additional 5TB storage for users who purchased the Lifetime Plan
- 5TB
Methodology: Testing Framework & How to Choose a European Cloud Service
I tested the services on this list with the help of the Cloudwards testing team, following the methods listed below.
- Security and privacy: We examined each service’s privacy policy and history for anything suspicious. We also ran packet inspection tests to see whether files are truly encrypted on the device.
- Sync speed and performance: We uploaded and downloaded a 5GB test folder over a stable speed-capped connection several times and averaged out the results to get an overview of each provider’s speed. We also ran stress tests involving large-batch uploads and edits to see how the cloud storage services hold up.
- Collaboration features: We shared files and collaborated on documents to see how these features work. We also ran simultaneous syncing tasks to see how the services resolve conflicts.
- Storage space and pricing: We compared each cloud storage service’s storage capacities as well as the quality and quantity of features against the cost to judge the services’ overall value.
Final Thoughts: European Cloud Storage
That’s all for my thoughts on the best European cloud storage solutions. pCloud is my number-one pick for its versatility, though Internxt is a good alternative if you want more robust safeguards for your sensitive data. Try pCloud’s 10GB of free storage to see if you like it as much as I do.
Are you located in the European Union, or just looking to use EU regulations for privacy protection? Is it important to you that your data is stored in Europe? Which provider is your top choice? Let me know in the comments below, and as always, thank you for reading.
FAQ: Cloud Storage Europe
AWS leads the European cloud market, though European alternatives like OVHcloud are on the rise.
The most affordable cloud storage in Europe is Internxt, thanks to its cheap paid plans and lifetime offers.
Proton Drive is the European equivalent of Google Drive, as it comes as part of a broader privacy and productivity suite.