The 8 Best European Cloud Storage Providers in 2026
Europe is home to some of the world's most privacy-focused cloud storage providers, offering secure alternatives to services operated by large US technology companies.
Whether you're looking to protect personal files, store sensitive business documents, or keep your data under European jurisdiction, choosing the right provider can make a significant difference to your online privacy and the security of your personal information.
While US providers often excel in ecosystem integration and collaboration tools, European services are increasingly closing the gap and placing greater emphasis on data protection.
In this guide, we'll compare the best European cloud storage providers, evaluating their privacy features, security, pricing, and overall value to help you find the right service for your needs.
If you’re looking for cloud storage in Europe or other alternatives to US tech companies, check out our comprehensive list of European tech companies in our article below.
Table of contents
- Why choose European cloud storage providers?
- European cloud storage providers vs global providers
- The 8 best European cloud storage providers
- Which of the European cloud storage providers is right for you?
- Tips when switching to a European cloud storage provider
- What is the best European cloud provider?
- Related products
- Frequently asked questions
Why choose European cloud storage providers?
Stronger data privacy protection
GDPR compliant cloud storage gives you more control over how companies collect, process, store, and share personal information, so when you have an account with a European tech company, or any other business based in Europe, your data has the following protection:
- Clear consent requirements: Companies must obtain valid consent before collecting or processing your personal data in many situations, and consent must be freely given, specific, informed, and easy to withdraw.
- Right to access: You can request a copy of the personal data a company holds about you and understand how it is being used.
- Right to delete data ("Right to be Forgotten"): You can contact the company to request that your personal data be erased when it is no longer needed, you withdraw consent, or there is no lawful reason to keep it.
- Transparency: Companies must clearly explain what personal data they collect, why they collect it, how long they keep it, and who they share it with.
- Data minimization: Companies should collect only the personal data that is necessary for the intended purpose, rather than gathering excessive information.
- Security requirements: Organizations must implement appropriate technical and organizational measures, such as encryption and access controls, to protect personal data from unauthorized access, loss, or breaches.
- Breach notification: If a data breach poses a risk to individuals, companies are generally required to notify the relevant supervisory authority within 72 hours and, in some cases, inform affected users.
Data sovereignty
Many European organizations want their data to remain within Europe for regulatory, contractual, or policy reasons.
A European provider may offer:
- Storage exclusively in EU countries and cloud data centers.
- Guarantees that customer data won't be transferred outside the European Economic Area without authorization.
- Compliance with industry-specific European regulations.
This is especially important for governments, healthcare, finance, education, and legal sectors, as they must comply with regulations to store and manage sensitive information such as financial transactions or confidential legal documents that need to remain in specific jurisdictions.
Reduced exposure to your files
Choosing a European alternative to Google Drive, OneDrive, or other mainstream cloud storage providers means your files are protected with stronger encryption, like zero-knowledge policies, which means nobody but you can access your files.
As Google, Dropbox, and others maintain control over the encryption keys, these companies or government agencies can technically access or scan your files in line with their own policies.
Alignment with European regulations
Cloud storage in Europe is built on services around EU standards and certifications, making compliance easier for businesses operating in Europe.
Examples include:
- GDPR
- ISO 27001
- EU Cloud Code of Conduct
- Sector-specific compliance requirements
Less reliance on Big Tech
Many mainstream cloud storage services are part of extensive technology ecosystems that combine file storage with communication, productivity, and AI tools such as Gemini or Copilot.
By choosing cloud storage in Europe, you can reduce your dependence on these all-in-one platforms and adopt a storage solution that prioritizes privacy, data sovereignty, and regulatory compliance.
European cloud storage providers vs global providers
| Category | European Cloud Providers | US Cloud Providers |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy Laws | Primarily governed by GDPR with strong privacy protections. | Subject to US laws in addition to applicable local privacy regulations. |
| Government Access | Government access generally requires legal process under EU/national laws. | May be subject to lawful requests under US legislation, including the CLOUD Act. |
| Data Residency | Data can be stored exclusively within Europe. | European regions are available, but provider headquarters remain in the US. |
| Encryption | Encryption in transit and at rest is standard; many providers emphasize customer-controlled keys. | Encryption in transit and at rest is standard; customer-managed keys are widely available. |
| End-to-End Encryption | More commonly offered by privacy-focused providers. | Available from some services but not universal. |
| Provider Access to Files | Possible unless end-to-end encryption prevents it. | Possible unless end-to-end encryption prevents it. |
| Compliance | Strong focus on GDPR and European compliance standards. | Supports GDPR for EU customers alongside US compliance frameworks. |
| Transparency | Often emphasizes privacy, transparency, and minimal data collection. | Typically publishes transparency reports and government request statistics. |
| Business Focus | Often prioritizes privacy and data sovereignty. | Often prioritizes scalability, ecosystem integration, and global reach. |
| Best For | Users prioritizing privacy, data sovereignty, and EU jurisdiction. | Users prioritizing features, integrations, and worldwide infrastructure. |
The 8 best European cloud storage providers
Internxt
Based: Valencia, Spain
Internxt Drive offers private cloud storage protected with post-quantum encryption and secure file sharing.
Key features:
- AES-256 and Kyber-512 end-to-end encryption
- Open-source and independently audited
- GDPR, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and SOC 2 compliance
- Paid plans include access to a full online privacy suite
- Also offers S3 cloud object storage
Best for: Individuals, businesses, and professionals who want end-to-end encrypted cloud storage, strong regulatory compliance, and an all-in-one privacy solution.
Proton Drive
Based: Geneva, Switzerland
- End-to-end encrypted
- Open source and audited
- Aligns with GDPR
- Includes editors for documents and spreadsheets
- Part of Proton’s secure suite of products
Best for: Individuals and businesses looking for end-to-end encrypted cloud storage that integrates seamlessly with secure email, VPN, password management, and productivity.
Tresorit
Based: Zurich, Switzerland
- End-to-end encrypted
- Share files securely with links, passwords, and revoke access
- GDPR, HIPAA, NIS2 compliance
- Option to choose your data residency
Best for: Businesses and professionals that need highly secure file storage, sharing, and collaboration.
Icedrive
Based: Legally based in Gibraltar, operates from Wales
- Twofish encryption and zero-knowledge encryption (paid plans)
- Offers monthly, annual, and lifetime plans
- Secure file sharing
Best for: Simple, easy-to-use cloud storage as additional protection for your files with a paid plan.
pCloud
Based: Legally based in Baar, Switzerland; operates from Sofia, Bulgaria
- TLS encryption for data transfers and AES-256 encryption
- Zero-knowledge protection available as paid add-on
- Media streaming for music and videos
- Family plans available
Best for: Families that want to share storage, or to stream your music and video libraries.
Jottacloud
Based: Oslo, Norway
- AES-256 encryption at rest and TLS encryption in transit
- Offers unlimited storage plans
- Recover lost files with version history
- Data centers located in Norway
Best for: Individuals and families who want secure cloud backup, file syncing, or a sustainable cloud storage solution.
Filen
Based: Recklinghausen, Germany
- End-to-end, zero-knowledge encryption
- Open source
- Encrypted notes feature
- End-to-end encrypted chats feature
Best for: Privacy-conscious users who want zero-knowledge encrypted cloud storage with secure messaging and note-taking.
Koofr
Based: Ljubljana, Slovenia
- AES-256 encryption at rest
- TLS encryption in transit
- Optional zero-knowledge encryption with Koofr Vault
- Integrates with Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox
Best for: Individuals looking for a European alternative to Google Drive where you can integrate your files to cloud storage in Europe.
Which of the European cloud storage providers is right for you?
The best European cloud provider depends on what you need most.
Some services are built around maximum privacy, others focus on secure file sharing, while some are better suited for businesses or generous free cloud storage. Use the recommendations below to quickly find the provider that best matches your priorities.
- Best for maximum privacy: Internxt Drive or Proton Drive offer zero-knowledge encryption, and additional products for your privacy, including VPN, Mail and Meet.
- Best for secure file sharing: Internxt Drive to share large files online, or Internxt Send for free file sharing. For advanced file sharing features, Tresorit.
- Best for businesses: Proton Drive for private cloud storage for businesses, or Internxt S3 for cloud object storage.
- Best for free storage: Filen for 10GB of zero-knowledge encrypted cloud storage or Icedrive for 10GB without zero-knowledge encryption.
Tips when switching to a European cloud storage provider
Below are some tips when you’re migrating files from Google Drive or your current cloud provider. This advice also applies if you’re starting with a fresh account also.
Transfer private files
Start with your private, most confidential files first. This way, you get the benefits of private encryption straight away, to ensure only you can access your files.
Keep backups of your folders
Keep multiple copies of your files stored in different European cloud providers for additional redundancy for important files. For best cloud backup protection, follow the 3-2-1 rule:
- Keep three copies of your data
- Store them on two different types of media
- Keep one copy off-site, such as in encrypted cloud storage
This protects your files against hardware failure, accidental deletion, ransomware, and other data loss.
Try the free account
Test the service for upload speeds, performance, features, and syncing. This gives you the best insight into how the service works and how it handles storing your files before paying for a subscription.
Remove duplicate files
Before you migrate your files to any European cloud storage providers, check your current storage and free up space in the cloud to optimize your new cloud storage plan. Delete duplicate or unwanted files and then migrate from your current to the new cloud storage provider.
Sync your files
Install the desktop and mobile apps, and test how the service syncs across devices. This allows you to access and manage your cloud from anywhere and access your files offline.
If you created an Internxt account or purchased an Internxt plan, follow the steps in our article below on how to migrate your files.
What is the best European cloud provider?
Internxt Drive is the best cloud storage in Europe that meets GDPR, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and SOC 2 compliance, offering full data protection thanks to European and other compliance laws to ensure all data is secure.
Internxt is the best European alternative to Google Drive, OneDrive, and other big tech providers, as all files and folders are protected with Internxt’s award-winning post-quantum and zero-knowledge encryption.
When you store or share files with Internxt, everything is encrypted before leaving your device, so neither Internxt nor anybody else can access its contents without your permission.
Unlike the other European cloud providers on this list, Internxt is the only service that combines cloud storage with device protection and other privacy products to keep you safe online.
From antivirus to NAS support, Internxt’s comprehensive product suite offers everything you need to manage your cloud storage and privacy online.
Prices start from €1.99/month for 1TB of storage, or you can choose a lifetime cloud storage plan, available for up to 5TB, with the option to add more storage whenever you need.
You can check the full details of Internxt’s plans below, and claim 85% off any plan from our website.
| Plan | Storage | Features | Annual (Paid monthly) | Lifetime Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | 1TB | €1.99/month | €380 | |
| Premium | 3TB |
|
€3.99/month | €580 |
| Ultimate | 5TB |
|
€5.99/month | €780 |
| *Prices are correct at the time of writing and are subject to change. For latest prices, check https://internxt.com/pricing | ||||
Related products
Frequently asked questions
What is a European cloud storage provider?
European cloud storage providers are companies based in Europe that store, manage, and protect your files on remote servers.
These providers typically operate under European privacy laws, such as the GDPR, and often offer data storage within Europe to help users meet privacy, security, and data sovereignty requirements.
Are European cloud storage providers better for privacy?
Yes. European cloud storage providers are generally considered better for privacy because they operate under the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), one of the world's strictest privacy laws.
That said, privacy ultimately depends on the individual provider. Not all European cloud services offer end-to-end encryption. If maximum privacy is your priority, choose a provider that combines European jurisdiction with end-to-end encryption like Internxt Drive.
Can cloud storage providers access your files?
Yes, cloud storage providers can often access your files if they are encrypted only at rest or in transit, since the provider manages the encryption keys; companies like OneDrive, Google, Dropbox, or any others that don’t provide zero-knowledge encryption can access your files.
This allows them to process files for features such as previews, search, sharing, or to comply with legal requests.
What is the best European alternative to Google Drive?
Internxt Drive is the best secure cloud storage to store files in privacy due to its post-quantum encryption and zero-knowledge policies.
It is open-source and audited, and includes additional features in its cloud storage plans, such as NAS support, Mail, VPN, and more.