The 11 Best Encrypted Cloud Storage Solutions 2024
No matter what information is being transmitted online, whether you send files, text messages, or upload files to back up in the cloud, the only way to guarantee secure data transmission is by using encrypted services.
Encrypted cloud storage is the best method to store your files securely. However, not all cloud services offer the same levels of encryption, resulting in a less private storage method.
As a result, we will look at the best encrypted cloud storage services available to protect your files from data breaches, whether you are looking for cloud storage for your personal needs or your business.
Table of contents
- What is encrypted cloud storage?
- How does encryption work?
- Different types of encryption
- The benefits of encrypted cloud storage
- What is the best encrypted cloud storage in 2024?
What is encrypted cloud storage?
Encrypted cloud storage stores your data on remote servers and protects it from unauthorized access by transforming the plain text (your file) into cipher text. This encrypted format makes it unreadable to hackers.
Therefore, even if someone accessed the storage servers, they could not read the data without the encryption key.
How does encryption work?
Encryption is the practical application of cryptography, the mathematical process of transforming readable data into an encoded format and then back into its original form.
Cryptography provides the theoretical foundations and techniques used in this process. Cryptography is the science, and encryption is implementing that science to secure data.
In terms of cloud storage, a few terms related to cryptography and encryption are helpful for a general overview of how cloud storage providers protect your data.
- Cryptography: The science of securing information.
- Key: A secret string of characters.
- Encryption: Converting readable data into a secure, unreadable format.
- Encryption Algorithm: The mathematical formula used to perform encryption and decryption.
- Ciphertext: The unreadable, encrypted data.
- Plaintext: The original, readable data before encryption.
When you store files in encrypted cloud storage, an algorithm uses a secret key to transform your readable files (plaintext) into scrambled, unreadable data (ciphertext). When you need to access your files, another algorithm uses a key to convert the ciphertext back into its original readable form (plaintext).
This process uses either one or pair of keys, depending on the encryption type. Now, we will look at standard encryption methods used in cloud storage and which are best for your privacy.
Different types of encryption
Many forms of encryption exist, and if you choose an encrypted cloud storage service, you will likely encounter them.
Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)
Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is a highly secure and efficient encryption method used by governments, and other industries to protect sensitive data. AES supports different key lengths (128, 192, and 256 bits).
The best encrypted cloud storage will use AES-256 because longer key lengths offer stronger encryption and greater resistance to brute-force attacks, enhancing security for your encrypted data.
Twofish
While AES is more widely adopted due to its standardization and widespread support, Twofish remains a respected encryption alternative known for its flexibility in key length and strong security features.
Unlike AES, which uses fixed key lengths of 128, 192, or 256 bits, Twofish supports variable key lengths from 128 to 256 bits, providing more flexibility in choosing a key size.
One drawback of Twofish is that it’s generally considered slower than AES due to its more complex key schedule and operations, requiring more computational resources and time to process than AES.
Zero-knowledge encryption
Zero-knowledge encryption in cloud storage allows data to be securely stored and accessed without the service provider needing to know the contents of the data or the encryption keys.
Zero-knowledge ensures privacy by enabling authentication and validation processes without revealing sensitive information, providing the most secure and confidential encrypted cloud storage solutions.
Post-quantum encryption
Due to technological advances, advanced quantum computers are currently being developed because they have the potential to solve certain types of problems much faster than classical computers.
Their development aims to achieve cryptography, drug discovery, materials science, and artificial intelligence breakthroughs, currently limited by classical computing capabilities.
Theoretically, the power of quantum computers could potentially break traditional cryptographic algorithms, which rely on the difficulty of mathematical problems to encrypt data.
Post-quantum cryptography aims to develop new algorithms that can resist quantum computing attacks, ensuring data security in the era of quantum technology.
In the context of encrypted cloud storage, post-quantum cryptography is essential. Cloud services handle vast amounts of sensitive data from multiple users, and adopting post-quantum cryptographic standards ensures that data stored in the cloud remains secure even as quantum computing technologies evolve.
Fortunately, encrypted cloud providers, such as Internxt, are preparing for the future and are already adopting post-quantum cryptography in their product suite to ensure your data will always remain protected.
The benefits of encrypted cloud storage
Encrypted cloud storage, file sharing, or even other services like encrypted VPNs and emails can have huge benefits for your privacy.
Security
Encrypting data before storing it in the cloud ensures that even if the storage provider is breached, the data remains unreadable without the encryption key.
For the best security, choose a cloud provider with strong encryption standards like AES-256 to protect against data breaches, ransomware, or other cyberattacks.
Privacy
Zero-knowledge encryption provides the ultimate security and guaranteed privacy. Other companies, such as Google Drive and OneDrive, hold the decryption keys to your data, storing files on their servers.
For this reason, your files are secure but not completely private, as these companies can access your data if required by law, or they suspect you are breaching their terms and conditions.
Zero-knowledge cloud storage providers, such as Internxt, only handle encrypted data, reducing the risk of exposure to unauthorized third parties. This protects personal information, financial data, and intellectual property.
Compliance
Encrypted storage helps organizations meet regulatory requirements concerning data protection and privacy, such as GDPR or HIPAA.
Data Integrity
Many encrypted cloud storage solutions incorporate mechanisms to verify data integrity. Cryptographic hashing ensures that data remains intact and unaltered during storage and transmission. This helps detect and prevent unauthorized modifications or corruption of stored information.
What is the best encrypted cloud storage in 2024?
Now that you know what encryption is, the types, benefits, and which ones are best for your privacy, you can apply this knowledge to choose the best encrypted cloud storage from our list below.
Internxt
Internxt Drive offers an open-source encrypted cloud storage solution designed to prioritize your privacy.
Unlike many other providers, Internxt operates on a zero-knowledge principle, meaning your files are encrypted directly on your device before being uploaded. This ensures that only you retain the decryption key, preventing Internxt or anyone else from accessing your data in its original form.
Internxt also uses AES 256 encryption, an industry standard known for its guaranteed security, and its service is independently audited to verify its effectiveness against unauthorized access and hackers.
In addition to its strong security measures, Internxt is GDPR compliant, adhering to stringent European data protection laws. This compliance ensures that customer data is handled with the utmost care and security standards.
Internxt provides convenient access to your files across various platforms, including Windows, Linux, Mac, iOS, and Android. It also supports WebDAV for seamless integration with other applications and services.
Key features of Internxt include secure file sharing with customizable permissions for shared folders, automatic backups to prevent data loss, and complete privacy assurance, as Internxt never stores your data in plain form. This approach safeguards your files from potential data breaches and unauthorized access.
For those interested in trying out Internxt, the service offers 1GB of free lifetime storage. Alternatively, users can choose from flexible monthly or annual plans ranging from 200GB to 10TB.
Internxt pricing
- 200GB: €4.99 / monthly, €45.99 / annually
- 2TB: €9.99 / monthly, €109.99 / annually
- 5TB: €19.99 / monthly, 199.99 / annually
- 10TB: €29.99 / monthly, 299.99 / annually
Lifetime plans are also available for 2TB, 5TB, and 10TB plans.
Internxt business plans
Internxt will offer business plans this month, offering tailored plans to secure and share confidential files within different departments and manage members of the organization.
Plus, flexible storage and the ability to add members and allocate storage make Internxt a robust choice for organizations seeking reliable and secure cloud storage solutions to protect businesses from data loss.
Business Standard
- €6.99 per user / billed monthly
- €79.99 per user / billed annually
- 1TB per user
- 3 user minimum, maximum of 10 users
Business Pro
- €8.99 per user / billed monthly
- €99.99 per user / billed annually
- 2TB per user
- 3 user minimum, maximum of 100 users
Google Drive
Google Drive is widely popular as a default cloud storage option, offering convenience and integration with other Google services like Gmail, Google Meet, and its Office suite.
However, while Google Drive provides security measures, it is not considered the most private encrypted cloud storage solution. Google stores user data on its own servers and has access to it as outlined in its privacy policy. This includes monitoring, analyzing, and potentially disclosing stored data to law enforcement if required.
Furthermore, Google may share data with third-party companies, increasing the risk of potential data breaches.
Despite these privacy considerations, Google Drive remains a viable choice for users seeking generous free cloud storage and seamless integration with Google's ecosystem of services.
However, alternative cloud storage providers prioritizing user privacy and offering zero-knowledge encryption may be more suitable for those prioritizing maximum privacy and data encryption.
Google Drive pricing
- Basic 100GB: €1.99 / monthly
- Premium 2TB: €9.99 / monthly
- AI Premium: €21.99 / monthly (includes Gemini AI advanced 1.5 Pro model)
Tresorit
Tresorit offers encrypted cloud storage and other features to prioritize security, privacy, and compliance in document management and email communication.
In addition to encrypted cloud storage, users and businesses can securely sign low-risk documents using electronic signatures, and for high-value transactions within the EU, Tresorit provides eIDAS-compliant EU-qualified electronic signatures, ensuring the highest legal validity.
Tresorit also allows you to send end-to-end encrypted emails and attachments, ensuring your emails are encrypted and protected from sender to recipient. Authorized recipients can access encrypted emails instantaneously, even without a Tresorit account.
This feature integrates with Microsoft Outlook, so recipients can easily reply using their Microsoft or Google accounts directly from the browser, further simplifying secure communication workflows.
By integrating stringent security measures and complying with GDPR and other regulatory standards, Tresorit ensures that users can confidently manage and share sensitive information while maintaining control over their data's privacy and integrity.
Tresorit's limitations include its not being an open-source provider, meaning you have to trust that Tresorit truly protects your data, as its source code is not available for public view. Tresorit is also more expensive, so if you don’t need the extra e-sign or email features, you may want to try a more cost-effective solution.
Tresorit pricing
- 1TB: €11.99 / monthly
pCLoud
pCloud is an encrypted cloud storage solution offering robust file access and backup capabilities across devices and secure file-sharing services. Additionally, it provides the option to enhance security with pCloud Pass, a paid add-on for password management.
However, there are considerations to keep in mind. Despite claims of adhering to Swiss privacy laws, pCloud operates under Bulgarian jurisdiction, subjecting it to Bulgarian privacy regulations instead.
Furthermore, pCloud is not open source, meaning its source code is not publicly accessible for independent review or modification.
Social media users have also reported receiving suspicious phishing emails that appear to be from pCloud. Although pCloud denies any data breach, this doesn’t give users much confidence, as phishing emails can have devastating effects on privacy.
Additionally, pCloud's website utilizes data trackers from platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, potentially compromising user data privacy. Zero-knowledge and client-side encryption require purchasing the "pCloud Crypto" add-on, which incurs an additional cost on top of the subscription fee.
Overall, while pCloud storage is a popular choice for encrypted cloud storage, its limitations regarding privacy, jurisdictional concerns, and additional costs for enhanced security features may make it less competitive compared to other providers offering more comprehensive privacy solutions at a lower cost.
pCloud pricing
- 500GB: €4.99 / monthly
- 2TB: €9.99 / monthly
Icedrive
Icedrive is an encrypted cloud storage provider distinguished by its use of Twofish encryption, offering strong security measures for storing and accessing files.
However, it's important to note that Twofish encryption, while secure, can sometimes result in slower data processing speeds compared to the standard AES-256 encryption used by many other providers.
Icedrive is not open source, meaning its underlying code is not publicly accessible or auditable by users or developers. Additionally, users with free accounts do not benefit from zero-knowledge encryption for their files.
To unlock this feature, users must subscribe to a paid plan, which may not be cost-effective for storing only a limited amount of data, such as a few photos.
Icedrive pricing
- Lite: 100GB / €2.99 monthly
- Pro I: 1TB / €4.99 monthly
- Pro III: 3TB / €8.99
Nextcloud
Unlike mainstream providers, Nextcloud allows users to host their cloud storage, privately giving them complete control over their data.
Nextcloud offers a comprehensive suite of products, including Nextcloud Files for storage across desktop, mobile, and web, Nextcloud Talk for secure audio/video conferencing and messaging, Nextcloud Groupware with Calendar, Contacts, and Mail functionalities, and Nextcloud Office for collaborative document editing based on LibreOffice.
Self-hosting with Nextcloud gives users full control over their data infrastructure, appealing to individuals and organizations seeking enhanced privacy and security.
It supports a range of deployment options, from simple sign-up services to hosting your server, making it accessible to various technical skill levels. However, setting up and maintaining a private server requires technical knowledge and effort, potentially limiting its suitability for users seeking a straightforward solution.
Strong encryption, two-factor authentication, and regular automated security checks are among the security features offered by Nextcloud. Depending on the subscription plan chosen, Nextcloud also offers various customer support options to ensure assistance is available as needed.
While Nextcloud provides flexibility and robust privacy controls, users should consider the initial investment in hardware and ongoing maintenance costs when evaluating it against other cloud storage solutions.
Nextcloud pricing
- Basic: 37.49€/user/year
- Standard: 67.89€/user/year
- Premium: 99.99€/user/year
- Ultimate: 195€/user/year
Box
Box encrypted cloud storage offers an encrypted cloud storage and management platform for collaboration, file management, and secure project workflows.
Box caters primarily to businesses and teams, offering features like Box Notes for document collaboration, Box Canvas for creative projects, and integration with over 1000 apps like Slack and Zoom.
These tools enable real-time editing, sharing, and task assignment across devices and locations, making it convenient for large teams to work together seamlessly.
Security is a top priority for Box, implementing AES-256 encryption for data at rest and in transit, along with Transport Layer Security (TLS) for secure data transmission.
Security features include multifactor authentication, file access controls, and trusted device verification. Box Keysafe offers end-to-end encryption with user-controlled encryption keys for those requiring heightened security, although specific pricing details require contacting Box sales.
Box.com is well-suited for businesses needing centralized content management and secure collaboration tools. However, individual users or those seeking simpler storage solutions may find other alternatives more suitable.
Box pricing
- Individual: Free (single user)
- Personal Pro: 100GB, €12 per month (single user)
- Business Starter: 100GB, €6 per user/month (min 3 users)
Sync
Sync is an encrypted cloud storage and collaboration platform prioritizing privacy and security. Since 2011, Sync offers a zero-knowledge encrypted service, ensuring that only the user has access to their data.
Security features include AES-256 encryption for data at rest and in transit, along with additional safeguards like Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and local drive encryption, which are valuable features to secure your files.
Sync also provides backup capabilities with up to 365-day file history retention, protecting against data loss from accidental deletion or cyberattacks.
Sync supports file syncing and sharing across Windows, Mac, and mobile platforms, but it lacks Linux support. Collaboration features allow users to manage permissions, share files securely with external parties, and utilize an admin console for team management.
However, Sync's apps are not open-source, which limits transparency compared to fully open-source alternatives. Despite this, Sync adheres to global privacy laws and does not collect or sell user data, maintaining a strong commitment to user privacy.
Sync is ideal for individuals and businesses seeking robust security measures and privacy assurances in their cloud storage and collaboration tools. Exploring alternatives may be advisable for those prioritizing open-source solutions for maximum transparency.
Sync pricing
- Free: 5GB storage
- PRO, Solo Basic: 2TB storage, $96 billed annually / $8 per month
- PRO, Solo professional: 6TB storage, $240 billed annually / $24 per month
MEGA
MEGA, launched in 2013, emerged as a significant player in cloud storage, succeeding Megaupload with a robust zero-knowledge, end-to-end encrypted service. It offers a range of features including free and paid plans, synchronization, and compatibility across Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS platforms.
In addition to its core storage capabilities, MEGA also incorporates advanced features like encrypted chat and video call functionalities, enhancing its utility as a collaborative platform. Moreover, MEGA supports object storage, allowing users to manage and store unstructured data efficiently within its ecosystem.
Despite its popularity, MEGA has faced criticism, notably from its founder Kim Dotcom, who expressed distrust after leaving the company. Security concerns heightened with revelations of fundamental encryption flaws in June 2022.
Researchers identified vulnerabilities such as RSA key recovery, plaintext recovery, framing attacks, integrity attacks, and GaP-Bleichenbacher attacks, undermining its security claims.
In response to these vulnerabilities, users concerned about the security of what they are storing in the cloud may wish to seek more secure and private alternatives.
For users prioritizing security and seeking dependable cloud storage alternatives to MEGA, Internxt provides a compelling solution with comprehensive privacy and robust encryption measures.
MEGA pricing
- 2TB: €9.99
- 8TB: €19.99
- 16TB: 29.99
Filen
Filen, founded in 2020 in Recklinghausen, Germany, is a cloud storage service committed to offering users complete privacy through zero-knowledge and end-to-end encryption technologies.
Filen implements client-side encryption, ensuring that data is encrypted on the user's device before transmission, thereby preventing Filen from accessing unencrypted data.
Filen supports file syncing and backup across Windows, MacOS, Linux, and mobile platforms. Users can share files securely via encrypted links, with options to set passwords, expiration dates, and download permissions.
Five sync modes provide flexibility depending on user needs, from two-way syncing to cloud or local backups.
In conclusion, Filen presents a robust option for users prioritizing data security and privacy, particularly within the EU regulatory framework. However, potential users should consider the limitations in customer support and collaboration features before making a decision.
Filen pricing
- Pro I, 200 GB, $1.99, monthly
- Pro II, 500 GB, $3.99, monthly
- Pro III, 2TB, 8.99, monthly
Koofr
Koofr, a cloud storage service from Slovenia, allows users to store files, videos, and photos across various web platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. However, Koofr lacks robust privacy measures such as zero-knowledge encryption on free accounts, potentially compromising user data security.
The platform supports document collaboration and integrates with Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive for seamless file migration. Koofr's upload and download speeds have been noted to be slightly slower than that of other providers.
Additionally, free accounts receive autogenerated weak passwords for file sharing, raising security concerns when sharing files securely online.
Pricing includes a free tier with limited storage and paid plans starting from €1.67 per month for 25 GB up to €8.33 per month for 250 GB.
While Koofr offers accessibility and basic functionalities, users prioritizing privacy and stronger security measures may prefer alternatives with more comprehensive encryption and password protection features at no additional cost.
Finding the right encrypted cloud storage for your privacy
As we have found out, choosing the proper encrypted cloud storage requires the following features:
- Open source
- Security audited
- Zero-knowledge encryption (included for free)
- End-to-end encryption
In this case, Internxt is the encrypted cloud storage that ticks all the boxes if you value your privacy. With affordable subscriptions, lifetime plans, and the best security, Internxt is the only cloud storage solution to keep your files in complete privacy. Try Internxt for free today