We rarely find ourselves without access to the Internet, thanks to the increased number of public Wi-Fi networks or hotspots wherever we go. From our local coffee shops, libraries, or shopping centers, connecting to the web is easier than ever. But is it more secure?

Since 2019, the rise of remote workers and digital nomads means we are more reliant on public Wi-Fi to get our jobs done and to carry out our daily tasks, from online shopping, to emails and video conferences.

Currently, 47% of people in the US say they use public Wi-Fi frequently. Interestingly, the US is top of the list for the country with the highest number of data breaches, which may or may not be a factor in the number of people not using their Wi-Fi securely.

In any case, while connecting to Wi-Fi on the go is no doubt convenient, it should not compromise your security or privacy. So, this article will answer whether public Wi-Fi is safe and, if not, how to implement the correct measures to keep your online privacy safe on public networks or areas with wireless access points (WAPs).

Is Public Wi-Fi safe to use?

Public Wi-Fi network security has improved over the years because public networks increasingly use encryption to protect the data sent over the internet. However, the risks of public Wi-Fi are certainly higher than home networks.

For this reason, public Wi-Fi is a popular target for cybercriminals, as we can see from the data below.

When connecting to public Wi-Fi, the main feature to look out for is what kind you are connecting to, as this is an excellent indicator of the security of the network. There are two types of Wi-Fi that you can connect to, either an open or secured network.

What are open and secured public Wi-Fi connections?

When you are out in public and need to connect, you will see a list of Wi-Fi names or hotspots you can join. Secured Wi-Fi is indicated with a lock icon, this may be a home or business connection that you will need the login credentials to enter.

Additionally, secured networks encrypt data, making it much more difficult for malicious threat actors to intercept it.

Conversely, open Wi-Fi has very few or no security features, so anyone within the range of the connection can access data the connection is sending because open networks don’t encrypt it. The limited safety features of public Wi-Fi open up more opportunities for internet leaks or theft from these unsecured connections.

Another potential problem with public Wi-Fi safety is rogue hotspots, where threat actors will set up open Wi-Fi names similar to secure networks to trick people into connecting to them. If someone connects, they can launch numerous attacks on your device and steal or leak your information.

Therefore, if you are accessing Wi-Fi in public, such as hotels, airports, cafes, or, in some cases, Airbnb, you must connect securely. We can see from the statistics below that these are where people feel that Wi-Fi is less secure and more vulnerable to attacks.

To increase your security in these areas, only connect to secure Wi-Fi providers from trusted sources. Also, avoid open networks requiring you to enter your email or phone number, as this increases the risk of data breaches.

Risks of public wifi

Public Wi-Fi is at an increased risk of cyberattacks because of the number of people who use unsecured networks and how easy these networks can be to access with the right skills. These are the common risks associated with open wireless networks in public spaces.

1. Eavesdropping

When you connect to public Wi-Fi, any emails, messages, or other sensitive data, like bank numbers or login credentials, are sent through a network tunnel to their destination. As the data on an open connection is not secured by encryption, the data can be intercepted, viewed, and stolen.

2. Malware distribution

Malware attacks can occur on public Wi-Fi networks and infect a device with viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, or ransomware - the most common cyberattack, which locks people out of their devices unless they pay a ransom to the cybercriminals.

3. Escalating software vulnerabilities

Any device connected to an unencrypted Wi-Fi connection exposes the device to further attacks from the initial hack. For example, if you log in to your email account on an unencrypted connection, the hacker now has access to your email address and the contact details of your email inbox.

From here, hackers will target the password associated with your account or the accounts from your inbox to access further sensitive information, such as corporate records, or bank details, and any other information they can use for identity theft.

An added risk of public Wi-Fi connections is exposing the security features of your device. On a public network, hackers can view the devices using the Wi-Fi on an unsecured connection and the operating system they use.

If the operating system is outdated, hackers can expose security vulnerabilities to install malware and ransomware or perform social engineering scams to steal other people’s data.

So, while connecting to a secure Wi-Fi network may be safer than in the past, there are still vulnerabilities and dangers that you should be aware of to know if public Wi-Fi is safe.

How to Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi

When connecting to the internet outside the office or home, there are a few questions you can ask yourself to establish if the public Wi-Fi is safe to use. If the initial signs look good, you can use these next steps to strengthen the security of your connection even further.

It is important to note that while these are guidelines for protecting your connection from a Wi-Fi hacker, you can integrate these security measures into other areas of your digital life.

The following guidelines will also help protect your home network and your family, and you can also propose new cybersecurity measures for your business to protect the company and keep employee data safe.

1. Confirm the network you’re connecting to is legitimate

Before connecting to any network, be 100% sure that the network you want to connect to is the secure, connected version. As previously mentioned, hackers often create a close copy of the original network name to trick people into connecting to an unencrypted connection and steal your passwords.

To mitigate the risks, check that:

• The network name is accurate, you can confirm this with an employee
• You need a password to login
• The page is secured with a https:// connection

Known public Wi-Fi networks should follow this criterion; if they don’t, avoid connecting to it and find another secure space to connect if possible.

2. Check your connectivity settings

Your laptops, tablets, phones, or any other gadgets connected to the internet will sometimes automatically connect to Wi-Fi connections without you knowing. This is useful for home or the workspace but can be dangerous when public Wi-Fi connections are involved.

For this reason, always turn off auto-connect for networks you don’t know, especially if traveling to an unknown place.

Other connectivity settings to look out for are your Bluetooth settings. Bluetooth connects us to our smart watches, headphones, and more. Bluetooth is a possible window into a further network attack on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop, so keep this turned off in public settings, too.

Finally, turn off the file-sharing option in public spaces to avoid exposing your photos, files, or other documents on your device, and to reduce the chances of malware or being exposed to harmful images or other content.

Windows will turn off file sharing if you select the public Wi-Fi option, but here are the steps to turn off all sharing settings

On a PC:

1. Go to the Network and Sharing Center.
2. Then, Change advanced sharing settings.
3. Turn off file and printer sharing.

For Macs:

1. Go to System Preferences.
2. Choose Sharing.
3. Unselect everything.
4. Next, in Finder, click on AirDrop, and select “Allow me to be discovered” and choose: No One.

For iOS, access AirDrop from the Control Center and turn it off.

3. Use a trusted, secure, private browser

Opting for a secure, private browser is an essential internet tip for everyone, regardless of where they are browsing the net, but it is especially crucial in a public Wi-Fi setting. Private browsers often include built-in features that protect your data, such as ad and tracker blockers.

From a security standpoint, private browsers are better equipped to protect you on a public Wi-Fi connection thanks to our good old friend, data encryption, which protects your data in transit and secures it against Man in the Middle attacks.

Another privacy-centric option is to use a proxy browser. Proxy browsers work slightly differently by routing your traffic through a proxy server that conceals your IP address, which can be handy to protect your location.

Some, but not all, proxy browsers will include a VPN or other add-ons to secure your data, so it is important to choose the right browser with the right features for you when using public Wi-Fi.

By avoiding data sharing and hiding and encrypting your data, the right browser is a handy tool to protect you against data breaches, much like our next addition.

4. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Alongside your preferred browser, using the right VPN is another essential tool to protect you from cyberattacks. A VPN can benefit remote workers, digital nomads, or anyone using a public network because it encrypts your information via a secure tunnel, so anyone trying to access it will be unsuccessful.

The main benefits of a VPN are that they encrypt your internet connection and hides your location and IP address, making it a popular and accessible tool for everyone, regardless of their cybersecurity knowledge.

Internxt VPN is a secure and encrypted VPN to help keep you safe on public wifi connections by encrypting your data and hiding your location.

It is available as a free Chrome extension, with paid versions also available with more locations and unlimited speeds with an Internxt cloud storage plan.

In just a few short and simple steps, Internxt secures your personal information quickly and effectively.

5. Keep your Firewall settings enabled

A firewall is a protective shield for your device and must be active when connected to public Wi-Fi because, without it, your device is vulnerable to spam, malware, or other software, such as keyloggers, that can give hackers access to your accounts.

Sometimes, legitimate reasons exist to turn off the firewall settings, such as installing new software or updates or solving network problems. The problem with turning off our firewalls is that we often forget to turn them back on again, which is when it can be dangerous to use public Wi-Fi without firewall protection.

Before you connect to an external network, you must check that your firewall is enabled to reduce the threats to your device and data.

To check the firewall on your PC:

• Go to Control Panel
• System and Security
• Select Windows Firewall and make sure it’s set to “on”

For Mac users

• Go to System Preferences
• Select Security & Privacy
• Go to Firewall and click the “Turn on Firewall” button

6. Use an antivirus

Installing trusted anti-virus software on your computer will protect you on a public Wi-Fi network to block attempts of malware, phishing, and other threats. Antivirus software may also include additional protection for your email accounts, blocking harmful emails and reducing the risks of social engineering attacks.

Antivirus software is always working in the background to check files for viruses and protect you in public spaces and at home, work, or anywhere else you are connected. Antivirus often has additional security features, including password managers, VPN, or cloud backup.

All Internxt paid plans also include Internxt Antivirus built into the Windows, Mac, or Linux applications, allowing you to scan for malware and eliminate threats from your device.

As with any software, it is crucial to conduct regular audits of your software to ensure they are using up-to-date software for the best security possible.

7. Log out and forget the network

One of the last steps you should do when using or learning a public Wi-Fi connection is to log out and forget the network you previously connected to. In point number 2, we learned that sometimes our devices will automatically connect to a Wi-Fi connection without us knowing, leaving our account details open to attack if accessed by hackers.

Logging out of all Wi-Fi networks that are not private will prevent you from unknowingly connecting to an unsecured network and will prevent your accounts from being hijacked.

Other valuable guidelines to Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi

The fun doesn't stop there! These extra tips will help you stay safe while using public Wi-Fi and for your mobile apps, emails, password security, and file storage. So here they are:

• Consider using mobile hotspots: If you are unsure of the Wi-Fi’s security, use your mobile data to connect to the internet and protect your mobile hotspot with a unique, strong WIFI password
• Don’t install any extra software or extensions on a public network
• Don’t share any data, personal information, or files on a public Wi-Fi, wait until you return to your personal, secure network

With these cybersecurity basics, you can browse securely and easily, and if you are suspicious of any activity when you connect to public Wi-Fi, log out and forget the network immediately.

Protecting Your Wi-Fi Connection Wherever You Go

Despite the extra security measures for public Wi-Fi in airports, libraries, cafes, schools, or anywhere else offering us the internet, we shouldn’t replace convenience with security.

So, before we explore the world for travel, work, or leisure, secure your devices with these tips, look out for unprotected networks before connecting, and keep your data and information safe from the public eye.

Frequently asked questions

Is public Wi-Fi safe to use?

Public Wi-Fi is convenient but not fully safe. It often lacks strong encryption, making it easier for attackers to intercept data, especially in high-risk areas such as airports or cafes.

What are the main risks of public Wi-Fi?

The main risks include data interception, malware infections, fake hotspots, unauthorized access to personal accounts, and hackers monitoring your activity.

How do I know if a public Wi-Fi network is safe?

Check if it requires a password, confirm the network name with staff, and ensure websites use HTTPS. Even then, caution is still necessary.

Should I use a VPN on public Wi-Fi?

Yes. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, and it is therefore highly recommended to use a secure VPN like Internxt VPN to ensure your data remains secure.

Is it safe to do online banking on public Wi-Fi?

It is not recommended to enter your bank accounts on public wifi if your connection isn't protected. If you need to do so, use a trusted VPN, mobile data, or connect to a private network.

What should I avoid doing on public Wi-Fi?

Avoid logging into sensitive accounts such as bank accounts, email, or work-related accounts. Also, avoid entering payment details, downloading unknown files, or sharing personal information.

What’s the safest alternative to public Wi-Fi?

Using mobile data or a personal hotspot is generally safer because it is encrypted and controlled by you.

Network Attached Storage (NAS) is a dedicated storage device connected to a network that allows multiple users and devices to store and access data from a central location.

It is a popular method for extra data privacy, as everything is stored on the device you own and can’t be accessed by anyone, making it a popular alternative to Google Drive, OneDrive, and other big tech companies.

In this article, we will cover:

• What is NAS (Network Attached Storage)
• NAS storage components
• Types of NAS storage
• Best NAS devices
• Best cloud storage for NAS support

If you’re looking for a hybrid cloud solution with NAS and cloud storage, we will also cover how to connect your NAS device to Internxt Drive.

What is NAS (Network Attached Storage)

Network Attached Storage, commonly referred to as NAS, is a physical device for storing and managing data that connects your cloud to your home or office network.

Unlike a regular external hard drive, which connects to one computer at a time, a NAS allows multiple devices, such as computers, smartphones, or tablets, to access the same files over the network.

NAS storage runs its own operating system that handles file management, security, and network access. With it, you can use it to save documents, photos, videos, or cloud backups, and organize them in folders just like on a regular computer.

Other network attached storage components

When you buy a NAS, you are typically buying the enclosure only, and you need to purchase and install the hard drives or SSDs separately, so you will have to factor this into your budget when investing in a NAS system, unless the product is sold as a pre-populated bundle.

Hard disks or hard disk drives (HDDs)

Hard disk drives (HDDs) provide storage capacity for a NAS unit and an easy way to scale and add storage based on your demands.

HDD prices depend on capacity and type. Smaller drives like 1TB to 4TB are cheaper but cost more per terabyte.

Mid-range drives like 6TB to 12TB are commonly used in home NAS systems because they balance price and storage.

Large drives from 14TB to 24TB or more cost more upfront but give the lowest cost per terabyte.

Solid-state drives (SSDs)

Solid state drives (SSDs) are a type of storage used in NAS systems that store data on flash memory instead of spinning disks. This makes them much faster, quieter, and more durable than hard disk drives.

However, they are more expensive per terabyte compared to HDDs, so they are usually used in combination with HDDs rather than replacing them completely in large storage systems.

Types of NAS storage

NAS storage can be classified in a few clear ways based on how it is built, how it connects, and its use cases.

Standalone NAS (home/small office NAS)

Standalone network attached storage is the NAS system you have in your home or office and is typically a single physical device with multiple drive bays that connects to a local network with simple setup and maintenance.

A standalone NAS is useful for:

• File storage
• Backups
• Media streaming

Standalone is managed through a web interface and usually supports RAID for basic data protection and performance.

Enterprise NAS

Enterprise storage can use NAS is a large-scale storage system used by businesses and data centers.

It is built for high performance, high availability, and massive storage capacity. It often includes redundant controllers, advanced networking, and features like clustering, failover, and tiered storage. It is designed to handle heavy workloads, many users, and mission-critical data where downtime is not acceptable.

Cloud NAS (hybrid NAS)

Cloud NAS storage, also called a hybrid NAS setup, combines local storage with cloud-based storage services.

It uses a physical NAS device on-site while also syncing or backing up data to the cloud. This allows users to access files remotely, protect data off-site, and help migrate data to the cloud without relying only on local hardware.

What are the best NAS storage brands?

QNAP and Synology are generally considered to be the best NAS devices, but there are others to consider, too.

Synology

Synology focuses on simple, reliable NAS systems with the DSM operating system, and is widely considered the most user-friendly NAS system, making it the best NAS device for beginnings.Synology prioritizes software quality and security over raw hardware performance.

Best for: beginners, home users, and small businesses that want an easy, stable, and low-maintenance NAS

QNAP

QNAP focuses on high performance and advanced features. Its hardware is often more powerful than competitors at the same price, with better CPU options, more RAM, and more connectivity features like 2.5GbE, 10GbE, and HDMI outputs.

QNAP is generally used by users with more advanced tech knowledge as the set up is more customizable, but it does offer a help center with tutorials on how to set up your QNAP device.

The QTS operating system is feature-rich but more complex, giving users deep control over virtualization, media servers, and networking.

Best for: power users, media streaming (Plex), virtualization, and advanced technical setups

Both QNAP and Synology are compatible with Internxt Drive Ultimate lifetime or annual plans, which you can get for 85% off below to get started with your NAS and cloud storage setup.

Asustor

Asustor sits between Synology and QNAP, offering strong hardware at competitive prices. Its ADM operating system is fairly easy to use, but more flexible than Synology.

It often includes modern hardware features like 2.5GbE or 10GbE at a lower cost, making it a good balance between performance and usability, although its app ecosystem is smaller.

Best for: users who want good performance and value without paying Synology prices

TerraMaster

TerraMaster focuses on affordability and value. It provides solid hardware for the price, but with a less polished operating system (TOS) and smaller software ecosystem compared to Synology and QNAP.

It is improving over time, but still feels more basic. It is popular for budget builds or users who are comfortable doing more manual configuration.

Best for: budget users and DIY-style NAS setups where cost matters more than software polish

Network attached storage brands comparison

NAS vs cloud storage vs external hard drives

NAS vs cloud storage share the same basic concept of storing files in the cloud, with some key differences.

If you use traditional cloud storage, this model allows you to store your files directly on the provider’s servers over the internet.

This is more user-friendly for general cloud storage use, as it lets you upload, sync and back up your files, and the cloud provider manages the storage, security, and maintenance of your data.

Advantages of traditional cloud models include:

• Easy to use, no complex setup required
• Accessible from anywhere with an internet connection
• Fully managed by the provider, including updates and backups
• No hardware costs or maintenance

However, cloud storage may have some limitations depending on your needs, which may include:

• Limited integration with local network storage devices
• Dependent entirely on the internet speed for access
• Less control over how data is stored and managed
• Security relies fully on the provider

Cloud storage with NAS support, on the other hand, allows you to back up or sync the data stored on your NAS devices, like QNAP or Synology, directly to the cloud.

This creates a bridge between your local storage and the cloud, letting you combine the speed and control of local NAS access with the security, redundancy, and remote access benefits of cloud storage.

Many people choose NAS devices because they provide centralized storage, easy file sharing across multiple devices, added security, and cloud backup solutions.

It offers other advantages such as:

• Provides additional backup and redundancy for NAS data
• Gives more control over data management and permissions
• Protects data from hardware failure or accidental deletion
• Allows remote access to files

However, despite the benefits, NAS may be intimidating to first-time users due to the initial investment costs and setup.

Key NAS features to understand

Drive bays

A “bay” in a NAS refers to a slot where you install your hard drive or SSD.

• 2-bay NAS = two drive slots, enough for basic home use.
• 4-bay NAS = four hard drive slots, more flexibility, better performance, and stronger redundancy.
• 8-bay NAS = eight hard drive slots, typically for business / advanced users who need a lot of storage, maximum performance, and the best data protection.

Obviously, the more drive bays you have, the more storage you can accumulate, and get better redundancy using RAID if one or more drives fail. When you buy a NAS, the hard drives or SSDs are usually sold separately, so take this into account when considering which NAS system to buy.

RAID types

RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is a method to combine multiple hard drives in your NAS to improve performance, increase storage efficiency, or protect data in case a drive fails, as it offers increased redundancy.

There are multiple RAID options available, which are explained below:

• RAID 0 splits data across multiple drives to improve speed and storage capacity, but it offers no protection, so if one drive fails, all data is lost.
• RAID 1 mirrors data from one drive to another, so everything is duplicated. This provides strong protection because if one drive fails, the data is still available on the other, but you lose half of your usable storage.
• RAID 5 uses three or more drives and combines speed, storage efficiency, and protection by spreading parity data across all drives. It can survive one drive failure.
• RAID 6 is similar to RAID 5 but can survive two drive failures, making it more secure but slightly slower and less storage efficient.
• RAID 10 combines mirroring and striping, requiring at least four drives. It offers high performance and strong protection, but uses a lot of storage for redundancy.

When choosing a NAS for RAID, you should think in terms of how many drives you have, how much data protection you need, and how much usable storage you are willing to sacrifice. The key decision is matching RAID level to your bay count and risk level.

Every RAID type is a trade-off between speed, storage efficiency, and data safety.

For example, if you only have 2 drive bays, you should look for RAID 1 support, because it mirrors your data and protects you from a single drive failure, which is the main goal in small home setups.

CPU and RAM

The CPU is the central processor that runs the NAS operating system and handles all computation tasks.

In a NAS, the CPU is responsible for:

• processing file requests coming from computers over the network
• managing file system operations like reading and writing data
• handling user authentication and permission checks
• running applications installed on the NAS such as backups, cloud sync, or media servers
• optionally performing media transcoding for video streaming
• handling system services that keep the NAS running

A stronger CPU allows more users, more applications, and heavier workloads to run at the same time without slowing down.

RAM is the short-term working memory used while the NAS is running and is responsible for:

• temporarily storing active data while it is being processed
• caching frequently accessed files to improve speed
• supporting multiple simultaneous users and file operations
• allowing applications and services to run smoothly
• helping the operating system manage active tasks efficiently

Key difference between CPU and RAM in a NAS can be viewed below:

Network speed (1GbE, 2.5GbE, 10GbE)

Network speed determines how fast data moves between a NAS and connected devices. It directly limits transfer speed regardless of how fast the storage or hardware inside the NAS is.

A higher network speed allows the NAS to deliver data faster to devices, but only if the storage system inside can keep up.

1GbE (1 Gigabit Ethernet)

• Maximum speed is about 125 MB/s
• Standard in most basic NAS systems and home networks
• Suitable for file storage, backups, and light streaming
• Becomes a bottleneck with high-performance drives or multiple users

2.5GbE (2.5 Gigabit Ethernet)

• Maximum speed is about 312 MB/s
• Common upgrade in modern NAS devices and PCs
• Improves transfer speeds significantly without high cost
• Suitable for heavier file transfers and multi-user environments

10GbE (10 Gigabit Ethernet)

• Maximum speed is about 1250 MB/s
• Used in high-performance NAS systems and professional environments
• Required to take full advantage of fast SSD arrays and RAID setups
• Supports heavy workloads like video editing, virtualization, and large backups

Apps and operating systems (Synology DSM, QNAP QTS)

A NAS is not just storage hardware. It is a small server, and it needs an operating system to manage everything. That operating system is what turns raw disks into a usable system with files, users, apps, and services. Both Synology and QNAP offer different operating systems.

Synology DSM is the operating system used on Synology NAS devices.

In a NAS context, DSM is responsible for:

• managing storage volumes and RAID arrays
• handling file sharing protocols like SMB, NFS, and FTP
• controlling user accounts, permissions, and access rules
• providing a web-based interface to manage the NAS
• running applications through a built-in package system
• enabling backup tools, cloud sync, and media servers

DSM is designed to be simple and user-friendly, so it is the best NAS for home and small business setups.

QNAP QTS is the operating system used on QNAP NAS devices and is responsible for:

• managing disks, RAID configurations, and storage pools
• providing file sharing and network access services
• offering a web-based control panel for system management
• supporting a wide range of applications through an app center
• enabling advanced features like virtualization and container systems
• handling multimedia, surveillance, and backup services

QTS is generally considered more flexible and feature-rich, often targeting users who want more advanced control and customization.

Backup and snapshot features

Backup and snapshot features are tools that protect your files from data loss such as accidental deletion, file corruption, ransomware, or hardware failure.

Backups are used to:

• Copy data from the NAS to another NAS, external drive, or cloud storage
• Protect against total data loss if the NAS fails
• Create scheduled copies of important folders or systems
• Restore files or entire systems after a major failure

A snapshot on the other hand is a point-in-time version of data stored on the same system used to:

• record the state of files at a specific moment
• quickly restore previous versions of files or folders
• protect against accidental changes or deletion
• recover from ransomware by rolling back to an earlier state

Snapshots are usually fast to create because they do not copy all data, the differences between backups and snapshots can be found below.

Best Network Attached Storage to connect to the cloud

Internxt offers an alternative to less privacy-focused cloud storage providers such as Google Drive and OneDrive to give encrypted cloud storage focused on protecting your privacy.

With NAS support, you now get additional control of your files, combined with our post-quantum encrypted cloud storage for the best cloud storage protection for your files.

Internxt secure cloud storage support for NAS with all Ultimate lifetime or annual plans, which include post-quantum and zero-knowledge encryption, and additional features such as VPN, Antivirus, Mail, and Meet.

Internxt offers the best cloud storage pricing and features for your privacy, which can be viewed on our website or in the table below.

Secure backups

Get increased redundancy for your files from your NAS device. With Internxt, you can back up your NAS to the cloud protected with zero-knowledge and post-quantum encryption. Get peace of mind that your photos, videos, and documents are all secured and protected against data loss.

Own your data

Manage your cloud storage on your own terms and get full flexibility and ownership over your data with the convenience and privacy of Internxt Drive.

Full privacy

Combine the privacy of zero-knowledge encryption with Internxt, as all your files are encrypted directly on your device, accessible only to you. When combined with your NAS, you get additional insurance that your files are protected from unauthorized access and never exposed to third parties during transfer or backup.

How to set up NAS with Internxt

To connect your Internxt account to your NAS device, you must first download the Docker app for Mac or Windows from here: https://www.docker.com/

Once completed, follow these steps.

Synology

1. Open the Docker app.
2. Go to Registry, search for internxt-webdav, and download the latest image.
3. Go to Image, select internxt-webdav, and click Launch.
4. Configure environment variables (INXT_USER, INXT_PASSWORD, etc.) and port mappings (e.g., 3005:3005).
5. Start the container.

QNAP

1. Open Container Station.
2. Click Create Container and search for internxt-webdav.
3. Select the latest image and click Next.
4. Set environment variables (INXT_USER, INXT_PASSWORD, etc.) and port mappings.
5. Apply settings and start the container.

Once completed, you can back up your files to your NAS system and enjoy all the benefits of your Internxt account combined with Network Attached Storage.

For more information, visit our GitHub page for additional instructions, visit our help centre, or contact us at hello@internxt.com

You may also be interested

QNAP NAS cloud backups

Synology NAS cloud backups

Frequently asked questions

How is NAS different from an external hard drive?

An external drive connects directly to one device, while a NAS connects to a network and can be accessed by multiple devices at the same time.

Do I need technical skills to set up a NAS?

Basic setups are usually simple with modern systems from brands like Synology or QNAP, which provide step by step software interfaces. Advanced features may require more technical knowledge.

What can I use a NAS for at home?

Common uses include file storage, media streaming, photo backups, personal cloud services, and automatic backups for computers and phones.

Is NAS good for backing up data?

Yes, NAS is widely used for backups because it can store multiple versions of files and support automated backup schedules.

Can I access my NAS remotely?

Yes, most NAS systems allow secure remote access through apps or web portals so you can reach your files outside your home network.

Is NAS secure?

NAS can be secure if properly configured with strong passwords, encryption, updates, and firewall settings. Security depends on user setup.

How much storage do I need for a NAS?

It depends on use. For basic home use, 4 to 12 terabytes is common. For video editing or business use, much larger capacities are typical.

Do NAS devices use a lot of electricity?

Most home NAS devices are energy efficient and consume roughly similar power to a small router or mini PC, depending on how many drives are installed.

Encrypted cloud storage falls into two categories. Most services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and Box, encrypt your files on their servers and hold the decryption keys, so the company can technically access what you store.

A smaller group, including Internxt, Tresorit, and Sync.com, encrypts files on your device before upload, using keys only you control. The provider receives data it cannot read, and cannot hand anything over, even under a legal order.

Internxt is the strongest pick in the second category: your files are encrypted before they leave your device, and an independent security firm confirmed this in 2026; it meets healthcare data protection requirements (HIPAA), and it holds international security certification (ISO 27001:2022).

This guide covers Internxt alongside 11 other services across both categories to meet your cloud storage requirements for encryption, pricing, compliance, and practical use cases.

Quick comparison: encrypted cloud storage in 2026

The most important column below is whether the company can read your files, the real difference between "encrypted" and "actually private."

What is encrypted cloud storage?

When you upload a file to the cloud, it gets scrambled into unreadable data before sitting on a server. Without the right key to unscramble it, the file is useless to anyone who intercepts it. The part most people miss is who holds that key.

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.

Standard encryption vs. zero-knowledge encryption

Most cloud services encrypt your files but keep a copy of the key themselves. Google, Dropbox, and Microsoft can technically unscramble your files if required to. Their security keeps outside attackers away, but the ability to access your data exists.

Zero-knowledge encryption works differently: your files are encrypted on your own device before they ever leave it. The company receives already-scrambled data and never holds your decryption key. Even under a legal order, they have nothing readable to hand over.

Standard encryption works for most people. If your concern is a server breach, standard encryption stops that. Zero-knowledge goes further and protects your files from the company itself. This matters for medical records, legal documents, and anything you would not want a third party to ever access.

Encryption standards explained

AES-256 is the current industry standard, used by governments, banks, and every service on this list except MEGA, which uses AES-128. The 256-bit key length makes brute-force attacks computationally infeasible with current hardware.

TLS protects files in transit from your device to the server. Internxt uses TLS 1.3, the most recent version. Post-quantum encryption is designed to withstand attacks from future quantum computers. Internxt is the only service on this list with it deployed as a default across all plans.

The 11 best encrypted cloud storage services in 2026

1. Internxt

Internxt is a privacy-focused cloud storage service built in Valencia, Spain, with data centers in Europe.

It is the first cloud storage with post-quantum and zero-knowledge encryption, and encrypts your files directly on your device before uploading. You manage the keys, so nobody except you can view your files, Internxt, nor anybody else has the technical ability to access your files.  

It is the only company on this list offering this type of encrypted cloud storage for all plans, including free accounts.

You manage the keys, so nobody except you can view your files, Internxt, nor anybody else has the technical ability to access your files.

Internxt has successfully passed two independent security audits by Securitum, the same company that audits Proton Drive, and others. To verify its security, all of Internxt's code is open-source and available to the public to view on the Internxt GitHub page.

You can also share encrypted cloud storage with friends with the Internxt referral scheme. With it, your friends will get an 85% discount on any plan, and you can earn up to €100.

Security: AES-256 and Kyber 512 client-side encryption before upload, transferred over TLS 1.3. ISO 27001-certified, HIPAA-compliant, SOC 2-compliant, and GDPR-aligned through European data centers.

Features: Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Supports WebDAV, Rclone, and NAS for home server and multi-platform integrations. Encrypted file sharing with password protection.

Automatic backups, Antivirus, PC cleaner, VPN, Mail, and Meet for paid plans.

Internxt also offers an enterprise cloud storage solution with its S3 object storage plans, at a flat cost of €7/TB/month, with no additional data transfer fees, meaning you can scale your storage to meet your needs at up to 80% cheaper than AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.

Pricing:

Pick this if you want verified post-quantum and zero-knowledge encryption, multiple compliance, and a full privacy suite to protect you online.

2. Google Drive

Google Drive is the default cloud storage for billions of people and the easiest option if you live inside the Google ecosystem. Its real-time collaboration supports up to 100 simultaneous editors, the strongest of any service on this list.

Security: AES-256 at rest, TLS in transit. Google holds the encryption keys and can technically read your files if required by law or their terms of service. This is disclosed openly in Google's privacy policy. No zero-knowledge option available on any plan. HIPAA compliance requires a Google Workspace subscription and a signed BAA.

Features: Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Meet built in. 15 GB free across Gmail and Photos. Gemini AI integration on higher plans. Offline access across every platform and browser.

Pricing:

• Free: 15 GB
• 100 GB for $1.99/month
• 2 TB for $9.99/month
• Google AI Pro (2 TB + Gemini): $19.99/month

Pick this if collaboration and Google ecosystem integration matter more than privacy. For sensitive documents you would not want Google to ever be able to access, a zero-knowledge service is the correct choice.

3. Tresorit

Tresorit offers encrypted cloud storage and other features to prioritize security, privacy, and compliance in document management and email communication.

Tresorit is a Swiss-founded encrypted cloud storage service with a strong record in enterprise security. Founded in 2011, it serves law firms, healthcare organizations, and financial teams that cannot afford data exposure. Beyond file storage, it covers encrypted data rooms, e-signature workflows, and encrypted email attachments via Microsoft Outlook.

Security: Zero-knowledge encryption on all paid plans. ISO 27001 certified, HIPAA compliant, with BAA available. EU data centers. Closed source, so the implementation cannot be independently audited the way Internxt or Filen can.

Features: Encrypted sharing links with expiry and access controls, version history, and remote device wipe. Microsoft Outlook integration for encrypted email attachments. eIDAS-compliant electronic signatures for EU legal workflows.

Pricing:

• Free: 3 GB
• Personal Lite from $4.75/month
• Business plans from $19/user/month (billed annually)
• 14-day free trial

Pick this if you run a business that handles sensitive client documents and needs a legally compliant e-signature workflow, or works in a regulated industry. The compliance features justify the higher cost for professional use.

4. pCLoud

pCloud is a 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.

Furthermore, pCloud is not open source, meaning its source code is not publicly accessible for independent review or modification, leaving many wondering is pCloud safe for private files.

Security: Standard server-side encryption by default, meaning pCloud holds the keys and can technically access your files. Zero-knowledge encryption requires the pCloud Crypto add-on, a separate add-on: $3.99/month billed annually (~$48/year) or $150 as a lifetime purchase. Not open source. Despite marketing that references Swiss privacy standards, it operates under Bulgarian jurisdiction.

Features: Apps for all major platforms including a desktop virtual drive. Built-in media player for music and video. pCloud Transfer for large file sends. Lifetime plans for 500 GB and 2 TB.

Pricing:

• Free: 10 GB
• Premium 500 GB from $4.17/month (billed annually)
• Premium Plus 2 TB from $8.33/month (billed annually)
• Lifetime plans from $199 one-time (500 GB)
• Crypto add-on: ~$49.99 one-time

Pick this if you want lifetime pricing and a polished media experience and are fine adding the Crypto add-on separately. Not the right choice if you want zero-knowledge privacy included without an extra step.

5. Icedrive

Icedrive is an encrypted cloud storage provider distinguished by its use of Twofish encryption, offering strong security measures for storing and accessing files.

Icedrive is a Welsh cloud storage service built around a clean interface and a drive-mounting feature that makes your cloud storage appear as a local drive on your computer.

Security: Uses Twofish encryption rather than AES-256. Twofish is secure but slower and less widely tested in practice.

Zero-knowledge encryption applies only to a single designated folder on paid plans. Zero-knowledge encryption is not available with free plans.

There are no independent security audits published regarding Icedrive security.

Icedrive is based in Wales, so GDPR applies, though it has no other compliance.

Features: Desktop drive mounting is the headline feature. Media streaming for photos and videos. Apps for Windows, macOS, and mobile. No Linux desktop app. No real-time collaboration.

Pricing:

• Free: 10 GB (no zero-knowledge)
• Lite: 100 GB for $2.99/month
• Pro I: 1 TB for $4.92/month (billed annually)
• Pro III: 3 TB for $9.92/month (billed annually)
• Lifetime plans available

Pick this if you want affordable storage with a polished interface and drive-mounting. The encryption limitations make it unsuitable if full account-wide zero-knowledge protection is a requirement.

6. Nextcloud

Unlike mainstream providers, Nextcloud allows users to host their cloud storage, privately giving them complete control over their data.

Nextcloud is different from everything else on this list. There is no company holding your files. You download the software and run it on your own server. You own the hardware, the data, and the configuration entirely.

Security: Supports AES-256 server-side encryption and client-side encryption via a separate app. Encryption is not enabled by default. You configure it yourself. Security depends on how well you maintain your server. Two-factor authentication, audit logging, and brute-force protection are available. Fully open source.

Features: Nextcloud Files for storage and sync, Talk for encrypted video and messaging, Groupware for calendar and contacts, and Office for collaborative document editing. Runs on Linux servers. Extensive app ecosystem.

Pricing:

• Community edition: Free (you cover server costs)
• Enterprise support from €36/user/year

Pick this if you are technically confident enough to run your own server and want total data sovereignty. Not practical for most individuals.

7. Box

Box is an enterprise content management platform built for team collaboration, workflow automation, and compliance in large organizations, not personal use.

Security: AES-256 at rest, TLS in transit. HIPAA compliant with BAA available. ISO 27001 certified. Box does not offer zero-knowledge encryption by default. Box KeySafe, an enterprise add-on, allows customer-managed keys (closer to zero-knowledge) but requires contacting sales for pricing.

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)

8. 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 cloud storage 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

9. 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 and leaving many users wondering is MEGA safe for their files.

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 and MEGA alternative alternative with comprehensive privacy and robust encryption measures.

MEGA pricing

• 2TB: €9.99
• 8TB: €19.99
• 16TB: 29.99

10. 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 an alternative to Filen if they want more advanced encryption, and a more complete product suite to protect their privacy online.

Filen pricing

• Pro I, 200 GB, $1.99, monthly
• Pro II, 500 GB, $3.99, monthly
• Pro III, 2TB, 8.99, monthly

11. 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 those 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.

For an alternative to Koofr with an exclusive discount, visit our website below.

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

Frequently asked questions

What is encrypted cloud storage?

Encrypted cloud storage is a type of online storage where your files are converted into unreadable data before or during upload, so only someone with the correct key can access them.

What is the difference between standard encryption and zero-knowledge encryption?

Standard encryption means the provider stores your encryption keys and can technically access your data if required.

Zero-knowledge encryption means only you hold the keys, and even the provider cannot read your files.

Can cloud storage providers see my files?

With standard encryption, they may be able to if requested by the government, law agencies, or if employees suspect your account violates its terms.

With zero-knowledge encryption, they cannot because they do not have access to your keys.

What is end-to-end encrypted cloud storage?

End-to-end encryption means files are encrypted on your device and only decrypted on your device, so no one in between, including the provider, can read them.

What is client-side encryption?

Client-side encryption means your files are encrypted before they leave your device and are already encrypted when uploaded to the cloud.

What is AES 256 encryption?

AES 256 is a widely used encryption standard considered very secure and used by banks, governments, and most major cloud storage providers. Internxt is the first cloud storage to use zero-knowledge combined with Kyber 512 post-quantum encryption.

Can encrypted cloud storage be hacked?

The encryption itself is extremely difficult to break, but accounts can still be compromised through weak passwords, phishing, or malware on your device.

What happens if I lose my encryption key?

In most zero-knowledge systems, your data will be lost because the provider cannot recover it for you, as you hold the encryption keys and the provider does not have access to them.

Do I need encrypted cloud storage for personal use?

It depends on your needs, but it is recommended if you store sensitive documents, personal data, or anything you would not want exposed.

What are examples of encrypted cloud storage providers?

Examples include Internxt, Tresorit, Sync.com, Filen, MEGA, pCloud with encryption add-on, and Nextcloud if self-hosted.

Can law enforcement access zero-knowledge cloud storage?

They can request data from the provider, but if it is truly zero knowledge, the provider does not have readable data to give.

What is the main risk of encrypted cloud storage?

The main risks are losing access to your own data due to lost keys or passwords and poor security practices on your device.

Related articles

• Alternative to Proton Drive
• Secure cloud storage services
• Best cloud storage
• Is Degoo safe?

QNAP and Synology NAS devices are considered the best NAS devices for private or hybrid cloud storage use, but which one is best for you?

Within this article, we cover the best network attached storage devices of 2026 for home, business, enterprise, and the best NAS on a budget. To help you make the decision, we will cover

• What is the best NAS device
• How to choose and use your NAS
• NAS for hybrid cloud storage
• Best NAS devices for your use case

Table of contents

• What is a NAS?
• How to use a NAS
• How to choose the best NAS storage
• The 4 best NAS devices in 2026
• Best NAS on a budget
• Best NAS for home users
• Best NAS for advanced users
• Best NAS for enterprises
• Which NAS should I buy?
• Frequently asked questions

What is a NAS?

Network Attached Storage, or NAS, is a dedicated storage device that connects to your home or office network and allows you to store, access, and manage files from multiple devices in one central location.

The device is a centralized storage system, and therefore reduces the need for relying on cloud services and gives home or office users greater control over the privacy of their files, as they control everything.

NAS can also be used in a hybrid cloud environment, meaning you can connect your NAS to your preferred cloud provider that supports NAS devices, such as Internxt Drive.

On top of the NAS device, you will typically have to buy compatible hard drives on top of the cost of the NAS system, ranging from 8TB to 16TB, or more. Aside from cloud storage, the best NAS devices also offer additional services like media streaming, photo management, automated backups, and more.

How to use a NAS

A NAS (Network Attached Storage) device is a dedicated storage device connected to the local network that allows you to store, access, and manage files from multiple devices. It can work as a private cloud, a backup system, or a hybrid storage solution combined with public cloud services.

Set up your NAS device

Once you have chosen the best network attached storage to fit your needs, you first install compatible hard drives and connect the device to your router or network switch.

Once it's powered on, you can access the NAS through a web interface or a dedicated app to complete setup, create user accounts, and configure storage volumes.

Use your NAS as a standalone cloud storage

A NAS can function as a personal cloud for extra privacy without relying on third-party services such as Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox.

Once configured, you can upload files, access them remotely over the internet, and sync data across devices like laptops, phones, and tablets as you would with cloud storage for:

• File access and sharing
• Backup and data protection
• Remote access and syncing
• Media streaming
• Video surveillance
• And more

Hybrid cloud storage setup

QNAP and Synology are generally considered to be the best NAS storage for all use cases, whether it's home, business, or enterprise use, so they will be the focus when covering the best NAS devices in this article.

With Internxt Drive’s Ultimate lifetime plans, you can avoid subscription costs and connect your NAS device with your Internxt account to set up a private hybrid cloud environment.

With Internxt, your files are protected with post-quantum and zero-knowledge encryption, and you can store, sync, and back up your files directly to your NAS system.

With an Ultimate plan, you also get more than cloud storage; you can connect to rclone, WebDAV, and get extra features to protect you online, such as VPN, Antivirus, Mail, and Meet.

If you have a QNAP or Synology device, you can get started with Internxt by getting 85% off our website via the link below.

If you’re wondering what the best NAS device for you is, then keep reading!

How to choose the best NAS storage

Choosing the best NAS storage depends on your needs, how familiar with tech devices, and how you plan to use the system during the next few years. The key is to match hardware, software, and capacity to your actual use case rather than focusing only on brand or price.

Drive bays and storage capacity

As NAS is a physical device, you will need to consider the number of drive bays you need, which is where you will store your hard drives, and get the storage capacity you need.

A 2-bay NAS is suitable for basic home use such as file backups, photo storage, and light media streaming. A 2-bay NAS will use RAID 1 to improve data safety by mirroring one drive to the second, so if one drive fails, your data is still available on the other.

As you can imagine, more drive bays mean more storage space, better redundancy options, and greater long-term scalability, but also higher cost and a more complex setup.

Performance requirements

If you’re getting started with NAS and only need it for simple file storage or backups, then entry-level processors and limited RAM will generally be enough to meet your requirements.

If you plan to use more demanding applications, such as media apps like Plex, virtual machines, or Docker containers, you will need a more powerful CPU and more memory if you want to handle multiple tasks smoothly.

Speed

Networking speed will affect how quickly you can copy files, stream media, or access data from different devices.

Standard NAS devices will have a 1GbE (1 Gigabit Ethernet) connection, which is enough to transfer about 100 to 110 megabytes of data every second and is enough for basic uses for one device at a time.

Other devices can include 2.5GbE for better performance and more complex setups with speeds up to 10GbE, high-end and professional use, not typical home setups, as it requires compatible switches, cables, and network hardware, which makes it significantly more expensive and complex to set up.

Software and ease of use

If you’re confident in your tech knowledge or have experience with NAS devices, then QNAP offers deeper configuration options for more complex settings that meet your needs.

If not, no need to worry, Synology NAS devices are perfect for beginners as they walk you through each step of the setup process and recommend default settings to make getting started with your NAS as easy as possible

Data protection and long-term value

Data protection on NAS devices usually includes the following backup features to protect you from data loss

RAID protects against hardware failure by duplicating data across multiple drives inside your NAS.

Snapshots create restore points, allowing you to roll back files or folders to an earlier version if something is deleted, corrupted, or affected by ransomware.

Backup tools go one step further by copying your data to another location, such as an external drive or cloud storage, so you have an additional layer of protection.

The 4 best NAS devices in 2026

Best NAS on a budget

Synology DS223j

The Synology DS223j is one of the best budget NAS devices because it combines low cost with Synology’s easy-to-use DSM operating system. It is perfect for simple file storage, backups, photo storage, and remote access.

It includes:

• 2 drive bays
• Synology DSM operating system
• RAID support for drive protection
• Automatic backups and file syncing
• Mobile apps for remote access and photo backup
• 1GbE networking
• Low power consumption
• €200 to €250 without drives included
• €400 to €550 with 2 x 4TB drives.

Storage capacity depends on the drives installed, but it supports up to around 36TB of raw storage with two large-capacity drives.

For a faster processor and stronger multimedia features, such as Plex media streaming, the QNAP TS-233 is one of the best budget NAS devices with better hardware performance compared to Synology.

Best NAS for home users

Synology DS224+

For the best NAS for home, the two best options are usually Synology for simplicity and QNAP for performance.

The right choice depends on whether you want an easy-to-manage system or more advanced features and hardware power.

The Synology DS224+ is widely considered one of the best home NAS devices because it focuses on simplicity, reliability, and long-term usability. It uses Synology DSM, an operating system designed for beginners with guided setup, automatic backups, and easy file management.

It includes:

• 2 drive bays
• Support for HDDs and SSDs
• RAID 1 for drive failure protection
• Automatic backups and snapshots
• Plex media server support
• Mobile apps for photos, files, and remote access
• 1GbE networking

Storage capacity depends on the drives installed, but it supports up to around 36TB of raw storage with two drives.

The NAS itself usually costs around €400 to €450 without drives, €600 to €750 with 2 x 4TB and around €800 to €1,000 for 2 x 8TB drives.

Best NAS for advanced users

QNAP TVS-h674

The QNAP TVS-h674 is widely considered one of the best NAS devices for advanced users because it focuses on hardware performance, expandability, and professional-level features. It is designed for demanding workloads such as Plex media streaming, Docker containers, virtual machines, large file transfers, and multi-user environments.

It includes:

• 6 drive bays
• Intel Core processor options
• Up to 64GB RAM support
• 2.5GbE networking
• Optional 10GbE upgrades
• PCIe expansion support
• M.2 NVMe SSD support
• Docker and virtualization support
• HDMI output for direct media playback
• ZFS support with QuTS hero

Storage capacity depends on the drives installed, but with six bays, it can support well over 100TB of raw storage using high-capacity drives.

The NAS itself usually costs around €1,400 to €3,000, depending on the processor and RAM configuration, without drives included.

Best NAS for enterprises

Synology DS1823xs+

The Synology DS1823xs+ is one of the best enterprise NAS systems for backups for businesses that prioritize stability, centralized backups, and simpler management.

Compared to QNAP, Synology focuses more on software integration and ease of administration, making it popular for offices that want enterprise features without complex setup.

It includes:

• 8 drive bays allowing for up to 100 TB storage
• AMD Ryzen processor
• ECC memory support
• Integrated 10GbE networking
• Advanced backup and snapshot tools
• Virtual machine and Docker support
• Synology DSM operating system
• Enterprise-grade data protection features
• Expansion support for additional storage units
• Between €1,700 to €2,800 without drives, around €3,000 to €5,500 with 6 to 8 NAS-grade hard drives, and between €4,500 to €8,000 with 12 or 20 TB drives.

Which NAS should I buy?

If you’re buying your first NAS device, then Synology is the best NAS for home use and a great entry point for everyone.

It has all the features you need for cloud storage at an affordable price, and, more importantly, it is user-friendly, making it easy to get started without too much tech knowledge.

For the best NAS performance, media streaming, and more advanced settings, a QNAP is the best network attached storage for advanced users or small businesses.

For the best cloud combined with the best NAS device for your needs, Internxt Drive offers NAS support for QNAP and Synology with its Ultimate monthly and monthly plans.

It also includes post-quantum encryption, rclone support, Mail, Meet, and more.

You can also stack your lifetime storage plans, giving you all the storage you will ever need without recurring subscriptions.

Get your 85% discount from our website to get started with NAS and secure, encrypted cloud storage.

You may also be interested

QNAP NAS cloud backups

Synology NAS cloud backups

Frequently asked questions

Can a NAS replace cloud storage?

Yes, a NAS can act as a private cloud, allowing you to store and access files remotely without relying on third-party services, although many users still combine it with cloud storage for extra backup.

Do I need the internet for a NAS to work?

No, a NAS works on your local network without internet, but internet is required if you want remote access or cloud syncing features.

What are NAS drives?

NAS drives are hard drives designed specifically for continuous operation in NAS systems, offering better reliability and performance than standard desktop drives.

Is a NAS secure?

NAS devices include security features like encryption, user permissions, firewalls, and backup options, but proper configuration is important to keep data safe.

What is RAID in NAS?

RAID is a storage setup that combines multiple drives to improve performance, increase storage efficiency, or provide data protection in case one drive fails.

Which brands make the best NAS devices?

Popular NAS brands include Synology and QNAP, known for their reliability, software features, and strong performance across different use cases.

What is the difference between a 2-bay and a 4-bay NAS?

A 2-bay NAS supports two drives and is better for basic home use, while a 4-bay NAS supports more drives, offering higher capacity, better performance, and more RAID options.

If you’re in the market for a NAS device, then you’ve probably found that QNAP and Synology devices are the most popular and recommended storage devices on the market.

While there are many similarities, there are a few differences to consider, which we will cover in detail throughout this article, which will cover topics such as:

• QNAP vs Synology cost
• Pros and Cons
• Features
• Backups and security
• And more

If you’re looking for a hybrid storage approach and want to connect your NAS device to a cloud storage provider, we will also cover how Internxt Drive is the best cloud storage for QNAP and Synology devices.

QNAP vs Synology NAS devices: Quick comparison

Synology is best for:

• Beginners and home users getting started with NAS systems
• Users who want a simple setup and maintenance
• Users who want to easily manage shared photos, videos, and backups

QNAP is best for

• Advanced users and users who want more control and customization
• Users who want maximum hardware flexibility
• Users who prefer hands-on system configuration and tuning
• Users running demanding workloads like virtualization, containers, or self-hosted services

What are QNAP and Synology NAS devices?

QNAP and Synology are companies that make NAS (Network Attached Storage) devices to upload, sync, and backup files to the cloud.

A NAS is basically a small computer with hard drives that connects to your network and stores your files in one central place.

People use NAS devices to store, organize, and access data from multiple devices such as laptops, phones, and PCs. Instead of keeping files on separate devices or relying only on cloud storage, a NAS lets you keep everything in your own private storage system at home or in an office.

QNAP and Synology are the most popular and well-known NAS devices; although others are available, these two generally top the list of best NAS devices to meet beginner or advanced needs.  

These two brands provide NAS systems that are relatively easy to set up, secure, and flexible enough to handle both basic home use and more advanced business or technical needs.

• The overall benefits of both are:
• Centralized file storage
• Automatic backups
• Easy file sharing between users or devices
• Remote access over the internet

Many models also support media streaming, so you can stream videos directly from your cloud storage, as well as extra features like photo storage, document syncing, and business file management.

What is the best cloud storage to connect a NAS device?

Internxt Drive is the best cloud storage to combine your QNAP or Synology device, thanks to its post-quantum encryption, ensuring you enjoy the benefits of hosting your own data and keeping your files in total privacy.

If you’re considering your options between QNAP vs Synology, then Internxt supports both devices, so whichever option you are considering, Internxt supports both options, with setup guides to connect your QNAP or Synology device with Internxt Drive to easily get started.  

With an Internxt and NAS setup, you can easily upload, sync, and back up your devices to the cloud, ensuring you can access your files whenever you need them.

Internxt also offers lifetime plans, so you can invest in your cloud storage and NAS device without worrying about subscription costs from other companies, such as Google Drive or Dropbox.

Unlike these companies, Internxt also offers a full privacy suite included with your cloud storage and NAS setup, including native rclone support, Meet, Mail, and more, which you can find out more about from our website, or check out the information below on all our monthly and lifetime plans.

To get started with your NAS device with Internxt Drive, follow the link below to get 85% off all our plans.

QNAP vs Synology NAS comparison

Synology pros and cons

QNAP pros and cons

QNAP vs Synology cost

The costs for QNAP vs Synology will vary greatly depending on whether you use it for home or business use. There are also additional costs to keep in mind, such as electricity, maintenance, and adding more storage if your needs increase.

What can affect the cost of NAS devices

• Hard drives are the highest cost (40%–60% of the total price)
• More or larger drives increase the total cost far more than the NAS device
• 4-bay systems significantly increase overall cost but improve scalability
• SSD cache and RAM upgrades add extra cost, which is more common in QNAP systems

Assumptions

• Entry-level 2-bay NAS (most common starter setup)
• 2 × 4TB NAS hard drives (Seagate IronWolf or WD Red Plus)
• 8TB usable raw capacity (before RAID)
• Prices are in € and may vary

Synology entry-level setup costs
NAS device options

• Synology DS223J: ~€210–€260
• Synology DS224+: ~€330–€450

Hard drives

• 2 × 4TB NAS HDD: ~€90–€120 each
• Total: €180–€240

Total cost

• DS223J setup: €390–€500
• DS224+ setup: €510–€690

QNAP entry-level setup costs
NAS device options

• QNAP TS-233: ~€220–€280
• QNAP TS-262: ~€330–€450

Hard drives

• 2 × 4TB NAS HDD: €180–€240 total

Total cost

• TS-233 setup: €400–€520
• TS-262 setup: €510–€690

Cost comparison
Budget setups

Synology: €390–€500
QNAP: €400–€520
QNAP is ~€10–€20 more expensive

Better performance setups

• Synology: €510–€690
• QNAP: €510–€690

Who wins?

From an entry-level perspective, pricing is almost identical once drives are included.

Synology is slightly cheaper in the lowest tier, but the difference is small enough that it does not meaningfully affect the buying decision.

Set up and ease of use

Synology

As Synology is aimed towards beginners, the experience is focused on reducing complexity and getting a working system running quickly with minimal decisions required. The setup process is highly guided and designed for first-time users.

Synology also has a detailed help center guide for users setting up their device for the first time, if you need extra help or want more advanced settings.

After installing the drives and powering on the device, you are taken through a browser-based wizard that handles most of the configuration automatically.

This includes creating storage pools, setting up RAID, creating user accounts, and enabling basic file sharing.

The system uses simple, clear options with recommended defaults, so users do not need to understand advanced storage or networking concepts to get started.

QNAP

The setup process is also web-based but exposes more configuration options during installation.

Like Synology, there is also a help center, a quick installation guide, and you can email to create a ticket if you need extra product support.

Users are asked earlier to make decisions about storage pools, RAID types, network configuration, and system behavior. This provides more control but increases complexity, especially for beginners.

While setup time is similar to Synology, QNAP can feel more complex or overwhelming due to the number of choices and system options.

Who wins?

• Synology wins for ease of setup and beginner friendliness.
• QNAP wins for flexibility and advanced configuration options.

QNAP vs Synology NAS Operating systems (DSM vs QTS)

Synology DSM (DiskStation Manager) is the operating system used on Synology NAS devices. It is designed to be simple, stable, and easy to navigate. The interface feels similar to a desktop environment with clearly organized menus and guided tools for storage setup, backups, file sharing, and system management.

It also includes well-integrated apps for backups, syncing, and media management, making it suitable for home users and small businesses.

QNAP QTS is the operating system used on QNAP NAS devices. It is more feature-rich and provides a higher level of customization and control.

The interface includes more settings and advanced tools exposed upfront, which allows users to fine-tune storage, networking, virtualization, and applications in more detail, but may have a deeper learning curve if you’re new to this kind of OS or are just getting started with NAS systems.

Who wins?

• Synology’s operating system, DSM, wins due to its focus on simplicity and ease of use.
• QNAP wins more advanced controls, but only if you're familiar with these kinds of settings.

Features

File services: Supports SMB, NFS, AFP, FTP, and iSCSI for sharing files across Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Storage management: Supports advanced file systems with snapshots and data integrity features for recovering previous file versions and protecting against corruption.

Cloud and sync: Provides private cloud syncing across devices with file versioning and multi-device access with external cloud platforms such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and Internxt Drive for backup or hybrid storage setups.

Media handling: Offers photo organization with automatic tagging and album creation. Supports media streaming to TVs and devices through network protocols.

System tools: Includes system health monitoring, performance tracking, storage analytics, logs, and diagnostic tools for managing and optimizing the NAS.

QNAP

Storage and file systems: Supports multiple RAID configurations plus automatic storage tiering between SSD and HDD on supported systems.

Virtual machines and containers: Supports Docker with Internxt Drive and Linux containers with advanced configuration options and resource control.

Media and output: Supports media streaming and hardware transcoding for video playback. Some models include direct HDMI output for connecting to displays.

AI and analytics: Includes AI-based image recognition, smart categorization for photos, and object detection for surveillance, depending on hardware.

System monitoring: Provides detailed dashboards for CPU, memory, network, and storage usage along with real-time diagnostics and performance tracking.

Who wins?

• Synology wins for its integrated software ecosystem and unified applications.
• QNAP wins for hardware expandability, networking flexibility, and advanced system-level control.

Backup and data protection features

Cloud device backups are an integral part of keeping your data protection practices, and NAS is the perfect addition to any 3-2-1 backup strategy.

Synology NAS cloud backup includes a wide range of built-in backup tools, the first being Hyper Backup, which allows backups to external drives, other NAS devices, and cloud providers with scheduling and version history.

Active Backup supports centralized backups for PCs, servers, virtual machines, and cloud services such as Internxt Drive. Snapshot Replication allows point-in-time recovery of files and folders to help restore data after accidental deletion or corruption.

QNAP provides backup and data protection through Hybrid Backup Sync, which supports local, remote, and cloud backups with scheduling, synchronization, and versioning. Snapshot support is available for restoring previous file states and recovering from accidental changes or ransomware.

Who wins?

• Synology wins for integrated backup tools and simpler recovery management.
• QNAP wins for advanced storage technologies, ZFS support, and flexible data management features.

Security features and update policies

Security features and update policies

Synology includes built-in security tools such as firewall management, IP blocking, account protection, HTTPS encryption, and two-factor authentication. It also supports encrypted shared folders and secure remote access through VPN and QuickConnect services.

Another useful feature, especially for those not too familiar with cybersecurity practices, is its Security Advisor, which scans the system for weak passwords, unsafe settings, exposed services, and other potential vulnerabilities.

QNAP includes security features such as QuFirewall, malware scanning and removal tools, access control, encrypted connections, VPN services, and multi-factor authentication.

While QNAP releases regular firmware and security updates, users are often expected to manually review and configure more security settings compared to Synology, which can be complex or put the device at risk of security vulnerabilities.

Who wins?

• Synology wins for long-term update consistency and integrated security management.
• QNAP wins for advanced network security controls and deeper configuration options, making it especially useful for business or enterprise storage environments.

Remote access and mobile apps

Synology provides remote access through QuickConnect, which allows users to access files, media, and NAS services over the internet without complex network configuration.

Synology offers a broad set of mobile apps for file access, photo backup, video streaming, music playback, surveillance monitoring, and system management.  Other available apps include:

• DS File
• DS Cam
• Synology Photos
• Synology Drive

All of which are tightly integrated with the NAS ecosystem and designed to work together across devices.

QNAP provides remote access through myQNAPcloud, which enables browser-based access, remote file management, and service publishing over the internet.

QNAP offers mobile apps for file access, media streaming, surveillance monitoring, download management, and system administration. Applications such as Qfile, QuMagie Mobile, Qmusic, and QVR Pro Client provide access to NAS services from smartphones and tablets.

Who wins?

• Synology wins for its integrated mobile app ecosystem and smoother remote access experience.
• QNAP wins for advanced remote networking flexibility and extensive remote configuration options.

QNAP vs Synology: Which should I choose?

Choose Synology if you want a more beginner-friendly experience and a better out-the-box set up. Synology also has better integrated apps for backups, photos, and file syncing.

Choose QNAP NAS devices if you want better hardware value, more CPU power, stronger virtualization and Docker support, and more advanced, customizable controls.

Both options are available to connect your Internxt Drive to, so whichever option you choose, combining both with Internxt will give you the most secure cloud storage for your files.

Related articles

NAS vs cloud storage

Best secure cloud storage

Cloud data migration is an important topic for enterprises and businesses as it helps companies switch to a more affordable, scalable, and secure data storage method compared to on-premises storage.

To help understand this topic, we will cover everything you need to know about cloud data migration, including:

• Strategies for data migration to the cloud
• Cloud data migration strategy
• Challenges and checklists
• Benefits
• Best cloud storage for enterprises

Table of contents

• What is cloud data migration?
• How cloud data migration can help your enterprise
• Different types of cloud data migration
• Checklist for cloud data migration
• Cloud data migration strategy
• Cloud data migration challenges
• What is the best cloud storage to migrate enterprise data?
• Related articles
• Frequently asked questions

What is cloud data migration?

Cloud migration is the process of moving digital systems, data, applications, and IT resources from physical computers or private servers into cloud-based infrastructure managed over the internet.

In simple terms, instead of a company storing everything on computers inside its own building, it uses online services provided by cloud companies such as Internxt S3, or other popular cloud providers such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud.

The cloud allows businesses to access computing power, storage, databases, and software whenever needed without owning all the hardware themselves.

A typical cloud migration may include moving:

• Applications such as websites or internal business tools
• Files and databases
• Email system
• Customer information
• Entire servers and workloads

To support this transition, organizations use migration tools and cloud services that help transfer, synchronize, test, and optimize systems while minimizing downtime and operational disruption.

A successful cloud migration depends on careful planning, system compatibility analysis, security controls, performance testing, and ongoing optimization, steps which we will cover later in this article.

How cloud data migration can help your enterprise

Around 50% to 60% of businesses globally are actively using paid cloud services.

About 53% of European businesses were using cloud computing services in 2025, with usage growing steadily each year.

Other large-scale industry reports estimate that over 90% of enterprises use some form of cloud service, even if not fully migrated, meaning cloud is already deeply embedded in business IT systems and has many benefits for companies, which we will explain below.

Reduced infrastructure costs

Moving from on-premises systems to the cloud reduces the need for physical servers, storage hardware such as NAS systems, maintenance, and dedicated data center space.

Enterprises can lower operational costs by paying only for the computing resources they use instead of continuously investing in expensive infrastructure upgrades.

The potential cost savings when migrating to the cloud can range from 20 to 40 percent, depending on workload, scale, and migration strategy.

Improved scalability

Cloud environments allow businesses to quickly scale storage, processing power, and applications based on demand. Unlike on-premises systems, which require additional physical hardware to expand capacity, cloud services can increase or decrease resources almost instantly.

For example, with Internxt S3 for enterprises and businesses, you can start with just 1TB of data at a fixed cost of €7 and upgrade whenever needed at the same cost with no extra fees, allowing for an unlimited amount of cloud storage at a predictable cost.

Better accessibility and remote collaboration

Cloud-based systems enable employees to securely access data and applications from different locations and devices. This improves collaboration between teams, supports remote work, and allows businesses to operate more efficiently across multiple regions.

Enhanced security and disaster recovery

Data migration to the cloud includes advanced security features such as encryption, automated backups, identity management, and threat monitoring handled by the provider.

This takes the pressure off local storage security, which must be constantly monitored and updated to prevent data breaches or other cybersecurity attacks.

Cloud migration also improves disaster recovery by storing data across multiple secure locations, reducing the risk of data loss caused by hardware failure or cyberattacks.

Faster deployment and innovation

Cloud platforms allow enterprises to deploy applications, updates, and new services more quickly than traditional on-premises environments. This increases agility and helps organizations respond faster to changing business needs and market demands.

Improved performance and reliability

Modern cloud infrastructure is designed for high availability and consistent performance. Businesses can benefit from faster processing speeds, reduced downtime, automatic updates, and more reliable system performance compared to aging on-premises hardware.

Simplified data management

Data migration to the cloud centralizes data management and makes it easier to monitor, organize, and analyze enterprise information.

Object storage is a perfect example of managing and accessing large amounts of data.

With object storage, data is stored as individual objects, allowing businesses to store virtually unlimited amounts of information, retrieve it quickly, and access it from anywhere without relying on traditional file storage and folder structures.

Support for business growth

As enterprises grow, cloud environments provide the flexibility needed to support expanding operations without major infrastructure redesigns. Businesses can add new services, users, and workloads without the limitations commonly associated with on-premises systems.

Different types of cloud data migration

Now that we know the benefits, there are a few types of cloud data migration strategies available to meet your cloud migration needs.

Lift-and-shift (rehosting)

This method moves applications and data from on-premises systems to the cloud with minimal or no changes. The goal is to quickly migrate existing systems as they are, without redesigning them.

It is often the fastest and simplest migration method because it avoids the need to modify existing applications, rewrite code, or change system architecture, allowing businesses to move quickly with minimal disruption to operations.

Best for: Enterprises that want a fast, low-risk migration from legacy systems and are not ready to redesign applications.

Replatforming

Replatforming involves moving applications to the cloud while making small optimizations to improve performance, scalability, or cost efficiency. The core architecture stays the same, but certain components are adjusted to better fit cloud environments.

Best for: Businesses that want better cloud performance and efficiency without the cost and complexity of a full system redesign.

Refactoring

Refactoring means redesigning or rewriting applications to fully take advantage of cloud-native capabilities such as auto-scaling, microservices, and advanced automation. This approach combines speed and optimization and can result in increased performance and cost savings.

It is the most complex and time-consuming, but it offers the greatest long-term benefits.

Best for: Organizations aiming for long-term digital transformation and maximum scalability, performance, and innovation in the cloud.

Hybrid / multi-cloud strategies

A hybrid cloud model combines on-premises infrastructure with cloud services, while multi-cloud uses multiple cloud providers at the same time. These strategies allow businesses to distribute workloads based on cost, performance, security, or compliance needs.

Best for: Enterprises with complex systems or regulatory requirements that need flexibility, risk reduction, and control across different environments.

Checklist for cloud data migration

Before migrating to the cloud, you should cover your needs and requirements to ensure the migration process runs as smoothly as possible.

While every company is different, the general things you should consider before migrating to the cloud include:

1. Clearly defined goals: Identify what you want to achieve, such as improved performance, cost reduction, scalability, or better security.
2. Assess and inventory systems: Review all applications, databases, and data sources to understand what exists and what should be prioritized when moving to the cloud.
3. Research and choose a cloud provider: Select the most suitable cloud model and provider based on business needs, compliance, cost, and performance requirements.
4. Plan the migration strategy: Decide how each system will be moved, assign responsibilities, and create a structured timeline.
5. Prepare and clean data: Organize, remove duplicate files, and ensure data is accurate and compatible with the cloud environment before migration.
6. Address security and compliance: Put in place encryption, access controls, and regulatory safeguards to protect data during and after migration.
7. Test before full migration: Run tests to check performance, functionality, and integration in the cloud environment before going live.
8. Migrate and optimize: Move systems to the cloud, switch users over, and continuously monitor performance while making improvements where needed.

Cloud data migration strategy

A cloud data migration strategy focuses on how the migration is executed in practice and can be executed in the following ways:

1. Big bang vs phased migration: Big bang migration moves everything to the cloud at once in a single switch. It is much quicker but can be riskier. Phased migration moves systems in stages over time, reducing risk, but it is more time-consuming.
2. Incremental replication vs full cutover: Incremental replication continuously copies only changed data to the cloud until the final switch. Full cutover moves all data at once and switches completely in one step.
3. Downtime minimization techniques: These methods are used to reduce service interruption during migration, such as running systems in parallel, migrating during low usage times, and using automation tools.
4. Data synchronization strategies: These ensure data stays consistent between on-premises and cloud systems during migration, using either real-time updates or scheduled batch updates.

Cloud data migration challenges

While there are many benefits of cloud data migration, it does come with some challenges to be aware of. However, if you know the challenges and how to avoid them, you can successfully migrate to the cloud without issues if you are fully prepared.

Downtime and service disruption

During migration, systems may be temporarily unavailable or slow, which can affect users and business operations. This usually happens when systems are being switched or data is being transferred.

How to avoid it: Use phased migration, run systems in parallel, and schedule migration during low usage periods.

Data loss or corruption

Data can be lost or become damaged during transfer if it is not properly backed up or validated.

How to avoid it: Perform full backups before migration, use data validation checks, and test transfers in advance.

Latency and performance issues

After migration, systems may run more slowly due to network delays or improper configuration in the cloud.

How to avoid it: Choose the right cloud region or cloud providers offering multiple locations, and test performance before going live.

Cost overruns

Cloud costs can become higher than expected if resources are not monitored or optimized properly.

How to avoid it: Use cost monitoring tools, right-size resources, and turn off unused services. You can also choose S3 storage costs with a fixed price, such as Internxt S3.

Compatibility problems

Some applications may not work properly in the cloud because they were built for older systems or are specific to on-premises environments.

How to avoid it: Assess applications early, update or refactor where needed, and test compatibility before full migration.

What is the best cloud storage to migrate enterprise data?

Internxt S3 is the best cloud storage for enterprises and is the official cloud provider of Valencia CF. It is an open source object storage solution based in Europe, offering a platform to store vast amounts of unstructured data that can be accessed whenever needed.  

For data protection, all files are encrypted in transit and at rest to prevent data leaks or hackers. Data is also stored across multiple European data centers for increased redundancy, to ensure all files are backed up and protected against data loss.

For companies, choosing Internxt S3 gives you GDPR, HIPAA, ISO 27001, and SOC 2 compliance, ensuring all data types meet the necessary security requirements to ensure it is protected.

Unlike AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, Internxt S3 offers pay-as-you-go pricing for your object storage solution, offering cloud data migration savings at a fixed cost of €7 per TB, per month. There are also no additional ingress or egress fees, so you can plan and scale your cloud storage and budget accordingly.

To get started with Internxt S3 and to talk to one of our experts about your cloud data migration strategies, visit our website and fill out our contact form, and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Related articles

Cloud migration strategies

Cloud migration cost savings

Top object storage solutions for enterprises

Frequently asked questions

What is cloud data migration?

Cloud data migration is the process of moving data, applications, and other business elements from on-premises systems or other clouds into a cloud environment.

Why do companies migrate data to the cloud?

Companies migrate to the cloud to reduce infrastructure costs, improve scalability, increase data accessibility, and enhance disaster recovery capabilities.

What are the main types of data migration to the cloud?

The main types are lift and shift, replatforming, refactoring, and hybrid migration. Each involves different levels of modification to existing systems.

How long does data migration to the cloud typically take?

The time varies depending on data size, system complexity, and migration strategy. It can take days for simple moves or several months for large enterprise systems.

How much does cloud data migration cost?

Costs depend on data volume, tools used, cloud provider pricing, and labor. Some costs are upfront, while others are ongoing storage and usage fees.

How much cloud storage do I need? We help you plan for your current and future cloud storage requirements with the best pricing and features.

Figuring out your current cloud storage can be difficult because we never know how much data we will need to store in the future.

While a free cloud storage plan of a few hundred gigabytes may be enough now, we constantly take photos, videos, and create documents that will quickly take up storage, meaning you would have to update your cloud storage plan sooner than you thought.

To make things easier and to plan for your future storage needs, we explain in detail the cloud storage requirements for personal, business, and enterprise use, and the best cloud storage to meet any of your storage needs.

Table of contents

• What types of cloud storage plans are available?
• What types of files take up the most storage?
• How much cloud storage do I need for my files?
• How much cloud storage do I need in the future?
• Related articles

What types of cloud storage plans are available?

Free cloud storage

For many users, your cloud storage requirements may be low, as you only have a few photos to save in a separate cloud service as an additional backup for files. For this, some free cloud storage plans may be enough for:

• Photos
• Documents
• Important files (contracts, IDs, invoices, and personal records)
• Small media files (short videos or audio clips)
• Occasional backups from a phone or computer

If you do choose a free cloud storage plan, consider the confidentiality and privacy of these files, as not all free cloud plans offer zero-knowledge encryption, so the cloud provider can view the files you store in the cloud.

For example, Terabox offers 1TB of free storage, but includes ads that collect your data, download and upload limits, and a high risk of deleting your files without permission.

If you want enough cloud storage for documents, photos, or small media files, Internxt offers 1GB of zero-knowledge, post-quantum encryption for free forever, which is enough for:

• Photos: ~ 200–400 photos (depending on phone quality and compression)
• Documents: ~ 5,000–20,000 pages worth of text files or PDFs)
• Important files (contracts, IDs, invoices, personal records): usually hundreds to a few thousand documents, since these are generally small in size
• Small media files (short videos or audio clips): ~ 10–20 short videos (30–60 seconds) or ~ 100–300 audio files, depending on quality.

So if your cloud storage requirements focus on privacy for confidential documents, photos, or other important files, Internxt Drive is the best encrypted cloud storage to meet these needs.

Paid subscription vs lifetime accounts

If no free storage plan is enough, then you may want to consider a paid subscription or a lifetime plan if you have a fixed amount of storage you want to store for a lifetime without paying additional subscription charges.

Many paid cloud storage plans range from 200GB to 5TB monthly, annual, or lifetime plans.

For Internxt paid plans, it can meet your cloud storage requirements for photos, videos, and more with its 1TB, 3TB, and 5TB lifetime and annual plans. Annual plans are paid on a monthly basis, or you can avoid a subscription altogether with a one-time payment lifetime plan.

With these plans, it's enough to store on average the following amounts of files

Aside from post-quantum and zero-knowledge cloud storage, Internxt includes a full suite of privacy products and online security tools to ensure your data remains safe.

These include Antivirus, VPN, Cleaner, Meet, Mail, and more. A full breakdown of what’s included in Internxt’s pricing is below.

To get started with Internxt, visit our website, and you’ll get an 85% off our lifetime plans, and you will get all the cloud storage requirements you need for uploading, backing up, syncing, and sharing your videos, photos, or documents.

What types of files take up the most storage?

If your cloud storage requirements are for storing videos, applications, or cloud backups, then these types of files will generally take up the most storage as they contain large amounts of data per file.  

4K videos, especially, can take up a lot of space in your cloud storage because they contain a large number of frames per second and retain high levels of detail and colour information. Even short video clips can quickly add up to several gigabytes depending on quality and length.

For these kinds of files, you will need 1 TB of storage at a minimum, or consider between 3 and 5 TB if you plan to store more videos in the future.

Device backups that include photos, videos, messages, and app data combined into a single file can also take up a lot of storage because they often grow over time as more data is added to the device.

Next are Photos and audio files. Depending on the format, these can also take up a lot of cloud storage space, especially RAW files used in photography.

While a single image won’t lead you to getting the cloud storage full notification, large photo libraries consisting of thousands of images can accumulate a substantial amount of storage over time, so you will likely need a 1TB plan at a minimum, especially for photographers or professional recorders.

Finally, documents, spreadsheets, and presentations usually take up very little storage in comparison and are rarely a major factor unless there are extremely large numbers of files or embedded media within them.

For these types of files, free cloud storage or subscriptions of 200 or 500 GB may be enough. Just be aware of the privacy of the platform if you’re storing confidential files, especially big tech companies like Google Drive or Dropbox.

How much cloud storage do I need for my files?

Personal or family

For personal or family use, cloud storage needs usually depend on how many devices and how much media you store. If you mainly save documents and occasional photos, a free or 500 GB plan should be enough.

Internxt offers cloud storage for personal use, with guaranteed security as the platform is fully open source, independently audited, and protects your privacy with post-quantum and zero-knowledge encryption.

Families often require larger storage because multiple users back up their devices, so a plan in the 1TB to 3TB range is typically suitable to keep everything secure and accessible without constantly managing space.

If you need cloud storage for a family plan, then Internxt has you covered.

We offer the same encrypted cloud storage and private products for families, with plans available for 1 and 2 TB for multiple users. You can add family members, assign storage, and more.

Prices start from just €6/month/user. For more information, visit our website below.

Cloud storage for business

Businesses typically require between 2TB and 10TB or more, depending on team size and the type of files they handle.

Small teams storing mainly documents may manage with a few terabytes, but companies working with media files, design assets, or regular backups will need higher capacities and the ability to scale storage as data grows.

For smaller teams and businesses, Internxt offers up to 2TB of cloud storage for teams to store, collaborate, and share files.

It offers the same privacy and security as our personal plans and offers multiple compliance to ensure the best data protection for health, finance, and other industries.

Enterprises

Enterprises require significantly larger and more flexible cloud storage solutions due to the need to store hundreds of terabytes or even petabytes of data across multiple departments for continuous operations.

Enterprise storage often includes large databases, system backups, internal communications, and media assets.

Due to the nature of enterprise data, the type of cloud storage requirements must include scalability, high availability, and strong security, as well as compliance with data regulations.

For this, Internxt offers S3 object storage, a cloud storage dedicated for enterprises or large businesses to access and store huge amounts of data and backup files securely.

Internxt S3 offers a flat pay-as-you-go payment model of €7/TB/month, with no additional data transfer fees, allowing your enterprise to manage, scale, and migrate to cloud storage efficiently.

To get started with Internxt S3, visit our website, fill out the contact form, and a member of our sales team will contact you as soon as possible.

How much cloud storage do I need in the future?

As cloud storage is now the most popular and secure way to store your files, it’s important to plan for your future cloud storage needs, as photos, videos, and backups can accumulate over time.

So, if you have 1TB of storage that you want to store in the cloud today, then you should consider purchasing a 3TB plan to estimate for current storage growth and to avoid constant upgrades and disruptions.

Businesses and teams often see even faster growth due to ongoing projects, shared files, and backups, so a cloud storage plan that allows for full scalability, such as Internxt S3, is the best option, as you can upgrade your plan as you wish easily from as little as 10 terabytes to 1o petabytes of data.

Related articles

• How much is 1TB of storage
• Best free cloud storage
• Best lifetime cloud storage

NAS (Network Attached Storage) is becoming a popular storage method for people to take control over their data and move away from cloud storage companies that take advantage of their data for their own profits.

Although cloud storage is the mainstream storage option for families, businesses, and personal use, NAS storage is an option many are choosing due to more control over where data resides.

However, some cloud providers, such as Internxt, allow you to connect your cloud storage account to your QNAP or Synology NAS device, allowing you greater control over your data and improved flexibility in how you store, sync, and back up files across both local and remote storage.

Throughout this article, we will explain the differences between NAS vs. cloud storage, the pros and cons of choosing each option, and connecting Internxt to your NAS device.

We will also cover how NAS devices work, costs, benefits, plus the advantages and disadvantages.

First, we will explain what NAS storage is so you can decide whether it's the right storage option for you.

Table of contents

• What is NAS storage, and how does it work?
• NAS vs cloud storage costs
• NAS or cloud storage: Which one should you choose?
• When to choose NAS vs. cloud storage
• NAS vs. cloud storage comparison
• Related articles
• Frequently asked questions about NAS vs cloud storage

What is NAS storage, and how does it work?

NAS is a file storage system that allows multiple users to store and access data from a centralized disk capacity. It is a dedicated device connected to your home or office network that stores and shares files.  

NAS consists of multiple hard drives, and more can be added for greater capacity, which can be used for archiving and cloud backups.

NAS storage is accessed on a local area network (LAN) via an Ethernet connection, so files are accessed through a browser or app.

You can use NAS storage to store any files, including videos, photos, games, programs, legal documents, and more.  

Common use cases for NAS storage include:

• Share and access files among multiple users or devices on a local network.
• Automate backups for personal or business data to prevent data loss.
• Store and stream videos, music, and photos to your TV, computer, or smartphone.
• Access your files in the cloud without relying on third-party providers.

NAS vs cloud storage costs

If you’re considering choosing a NAS, the first thing to be aware of is that the upfront costs can be quite high, depending on your storage needs.

Therefore, when choosing NAS or cloud storage, you should be aware of the upfront costs and the time it takes for you to make money back compared to a cloud storage subscription.

NAS for Home users

Home NAS systems can be used for personal use for your media collection, streaming, or backups, and offer up to 16TB of file storage. You can buy a diskless NAS device and then purchase hard drives or SSDs separately to customize your setup to best meet your needs.

• QNAP NAS enclosure: €350–€600
• 2 × 8TB NAS drives: €280–€400 each → €560–€800

Total cost: €910–€1,400

Cloud storage for home users

For cloud storage for personal use, Internxt offers post-quantum and zero-knowledge encryption, so if you want the same control over the privacy of your files as your NAS system, Internxt offers the best encrypted cloud storage plus NAS and Rclone support for its Ultimate plans.

If you already have a NAS device, you don’t have to worry about subscription costs with Internxt, as it offers a lifetime cloud storage plan for €585, so you can combine your NAS device with your cloud storage with no more subscription costs and maximum privacy.

Internxt also offers a full privacy suite, which includes Antivirus, VPN, Meet, Mail, and rclone support, giving you everything you need to protect your privacy, take control of your data, and secure your devices.

Full features can be viewed below, and you can visit our website to learn more about Internxt NAS support and pick up your exclusive 85% discount on any Internxt lifetime plan.

Small businesses

Small businesses will likely have more needs for their file storage. As a result, this kind of use case for NAS storage will require additional features such as access controls, stronger encryption, and support for accessing and sharing folders between users

QNAP SMB NAS (4–8 bay): €600–€1,500

4 × 6TB–8TB NAS drives: €150–€250 each → €600–€1,000

RAM / SSD cache/network upgrades: €300–€1,000

Total cost: €1,500–€3,500

Cloud storage for business

Choosing a NAS for your small business is a solid option if you want full control over your data, but it comes with additional costs such as maintenance, hardware upgrades, NAS cloud backup, and ongoing management, which could cost an extra €1,030–€3,880 per year.

Enterprises

Enterprise NAS systems offer even more security control, performance, and storage for large-scale data needs. Therefore, they are commonly used in data centers and support thousands of simultaneous connections.

QNAP enterprise/rack NAS: €1,500–€5,000+

8–16 enterprise-grade drives: €200–€400 each → €1,600–€6,400

Redundancy/networking / SSD cache / UPS/expansion: €2,000–€5,000+

Total cost: €5,000–€15,000+

The initial costs also include ongoing maintenance and other costs, which may include:

• IT administration / managed services: €5,000–€20,000
• Hardware maintenance contracts/warranties: €1,000–€5,000
• Drive replacements and failure redundancy: €1,000–€4,000
• Electricity and cooling: €300–€1,500
• Software, backup, and security licensing: €2,000–€10,000

Total per year: €9,300–€40,500

Cloud storage for enterprises

If you want to avoid on-premises storage or are interested in migrating to the cloud, then Internxt also offers S3 enterprise cloud storage.

Internxt S3 is an object storage solution designed to store petabytes of data for enterprises that need to back up and access large data lakes.

Internxt offers a flat pay-as-you-go fee at €7/TB/month for full scalability, making it the perfect cloud storage for small businesses up to large enterprises. There are also no additional fees, so you can manage your cloud storage budget accordingly without worrying about any unexpected costs.

In terms of NAS vs cloud storage, S3 is the better option for storing unstructured data, whereas NAS is better for teams in a local or office environment.

NAS or cloud storage: Which one should you choose?

The good news is, you don’t have to exclusively choose between NAS vs cloud storage; you can combine both of them to set up a hybrid cloud storage solution, such as using your Internxt Drive account with your QNAP or Synology device.

However, in general, you should consider the following when choosing between NAS or cloud storage:

1. Cloud storage is best for users and businesses that need remote access from anywhere, automatic scaling without hardware limits, built-in backup and redundancy, easy collaboration across multiple locations, and minimal maintenance since infrastructure, updates, and security are managed by the provider.
   
2. NAS is best for users and businesses that need high-speed local file access over a private network, full control over hardware and data storage, predictable long-term costs with no subscriptions, customizable storage configurations like RAID, and the ability to operate independently of internet connectivity.

NAS vs cloud storage overview

When to choose NAS vs. cloud storage

Although NAS and traditional cloud storage offer the same storage, the main difference between NAS vs. cloud storage is data location and control. NAS stores data locally on your hardware, whereas cloud storage relies on third-party servers.

Many prefer NAS for their storage as it gives users full control over their data; they don’t have to rely on cloud storage to host their data on external servers because they own the device where the data is hosted.

In summary, choosing NAS vs. cloud storage often involves data location and control. Many users are concerned about data collection or other privacy concerns from companies like Google Drive.

Choosing to host from their own NAS system prevents these issues.

If you still want a cloud storage service that offers maximum security and privacy for your files and to store large-scale data, companies like Internxt offer post-quantum and zero-knowledge encryption for personal cloud use and S3 storage for a scalable, secure, and affordable method to store unlimited amounts of data for enterprises.

NAS vs. cloud storage comparison

To understand the differences between NAS and cloud storage, we will look at what each service offers to help you choose the best one to fit your needs.

Cost and return on investment

NAS storage may appeal to larger businesses that can afford the initial upfront cost of setting up a NAS system or those who use a hybrid cloud storage approach to data management. This avoids the subscription charges or hidden fees from other cloud providers, giving them a one-time payment and potential savings in the long term.

For individual use, NAS storage can be expensive, depending on the size of the data you want to store. However, the appeal for individual users is that you have full control and ownership of the device, giving you full ownership of your data and total control over the security of your files.

Choose NAS if you want long-term cost efficiency at scale, full data ownership, and can handle upfront investment and maintenance.

Choose cloud storage if you want low upfront cost, predictable pricing, or one-time lifetime plans, easy scaling, and no hardware maintenance responsibilities.

Security

Security for NAS storage and in the cloud work in similar ways, the difference being that NAS requires additional setup, tools, and maintenance to ensure files remain secure. NAS will require a team of experts to ensure security is maintained and the necessary access controls are implemented.

Cloud storage offers end-to-end encryption, 2FA, and other controls, which all come as standard with the provider, and they handle the infrastructure while the data owner secures the data.

However, not all cloud storage offers the same security, with many people choosing alternatives to Big Tech companies like Google Drive in favor of Internxt’s zero-knowledge encrypted cloud storage that doesn’t hold the encryption keys to your data.

Only you hold the keys to your files, meaning nobody else can access your files without permission, offering a higher level of security and more control over the privacy of your files.

So, if you’re considering NAS vs. cloud storage and don’t want the upfront costs of NAS but want the same security, Internxt offers the best security and privacy of your files with its business, family, or subscription plans.

Choose NAS if you need full control over encryption, access rules, and physical data security, and can manage security maintenance internally.

Choose cloud storage if you want managed encryption, automatic security updates, and enterprise-grade protection without handling security infrastructure yourself.

Backup

Endpoint backup is crucial to protecting data to avoid ransomware, loss, or corruption. Cloud storage backups store multiple versions of your files across servers for increased redundancy to ensure you can always access your files in case of accidental data loss, natural disasters, or cyberattacks.

NAS storage relies on on-premises backups on physical devices and may be more prone to hardware failure, theft, or other events such as fires, which would lose your data forever.

Choose NAS if you want local control over backups, fast recovery on-site, and are able to manage and maintain your own backup strategy.

Choose cloud storage if you want automated backups, version history, off-site protection, and disaster recovery handled for you.

Setup

If you want to enable remote access or cloud-like features, you need to handle network configurations, firewalls, and security.

Although this setup requires more investment in time and money, the benefits of setting up a NAS vs. cloud storage appeal to users or businesses that demand full control over their data.

Choose NAS if you want full control over configuration, are willing to handle setup and maintenance, and need a customized local storage system.

Choose cloud storage if you want a fast, simple setup with no infrastructure management and immediate access to scalable storage.

Maintenance

Once you are set up in the cloud, there is very little to do regarding maintenance, as the provider handles all updates.

In contrast, choosing NAS will be more demanding, and you must continuously monitor the health of your hard drives to prevent performance issues while accessing the cloud, monitor backups, and update the firmware to prevent hackers from exposing vulnerabilities in the system.

Choose NAS if you want full control and are prepared to actively manage hardware, updates, and system health.

Choose cloud storage if you want a low-maintenance solution where all infrastructure, updates, and security are handled automatically.

Scalability

Moving on to scalability, many cloud storage providers will have a limit on the amount of storage offered, which may not suit the needs of enterprises holding large data lakes or warehouses.

Although traditional cloud storage is easier to scale to meet business demands, the limited storage may not be suitable for bigger businesses.

Having said that, the ease of scalability in cloud storage is advantageous to smaller businesses or freelancers. Even with Internxt S3 storage, you can scale your storage more easily at a fixed cost and increase storage when required. It is a cheaper alternative to AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.

It is possible to scale NAS storage by adding more drives; it is a more manual process that includes installing additional hardware and managing the system configurations. Upgrading your NAS storage, therefore, will require more resources, planning, and money to ensure it is done correctly.

Choose NAS if you have stable storage needs, want predictable long-term capacity, and are prepared to expand hardware manually when needed.

Choose cloud storage if you need flexible, on-demand scaling with minimal effort and fast adaptation to changing storage requirements.

Related articles

Internxt NAS support for QNAP and Synology

Hybrid cloud storage

Best NAS devices

Cloud storage requirements

Frequently asked questions about NAS vs cloud storage

What is the main difference between NAS and cloud storage?

NAS is local storage hardware you manage yourself, while cloud storage is hosted online and managed by a provider.

Which is cheaper, NAS or cloud storage?

NAS has a higher upfront cost but lower long-term cost at fixed capacity. Cloud storage has a low upfront cost but ongoing subscription fees.

Is cloud storage more secure than NAS?

Cloud storage includes managed encryption and security updates, while NAS security depends on how well it is configured and maintained.

Can NAS be accessed remotely like cloud storage?

Yes, but it requires additional setup, such as VPNs or remote access tools, unlike cloud storage, which works anywhere by default.

Which is better for business use?

Cloud storage is better for scalability and remote teams, while NAS is better for local high-speed access and full data control.

What happens if my NAS fails?

Data can be lost if backups are not properly configured, whereas cloud storage typically includes built-in redundancy.

Can I use both NAS and cloud storage together?

Yes, many businesses use a hybrid approach, storing active files on NAS and backups or archives in the cloud.

It’s 2026 and it’s time to get up to speed. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an absolute necessity for anyone working remotely or anyone who travels often. That said, there are plenty of other people who would benefit from a solid VPN.

VPNs work by providing an end-to-end encrypted tunnel between your device and the VPN operator’s server. All of your traffic is then encrypted and routed through this tunnel. This means everything you upload and download effectively bypasses your ISP’s servers. Your IP address is also changed or randomized so you can no longer be tracked or located while online.

In short, VPNs encrypt and redirect your traffic making you a virtual ghost and rendering you invisible to anyone looking to track your web movements.

The Safest and Most Secure VPNs for 2026

There is no shortage of VPNs on the market. While almost all of them provide better privacy protection than going without one, some provide better built-in safety features than others. Again almost all VPNs encrypt your traffic, but how they encrypt it differs widely between providers.

To thin down the pack, we’ve assembled a list of VPNs we found that go above and beyond regarding security and privacy. Each of the VPNs listed below offers a unique factor that sets them apart from typical VPNs. We looked for VPNs offering transparency in how they operate and kept an eye out for providers who have built a strong reputation for protecting user data.

Here are the seven best VPNs to trust with your privacy:

Internxt VPN

Internxt VPN is a free, encrypted VPN that hides your IP address, protects your connection from hackers, and prevents Big Tech companies from creating profiles of your data.

Internxt VPN is an encrypted VPN that hides your IP address, encrypts your connection, and prevents Big Tech companies from creating profiles of your data.

Sign-up is free and anonymous, so your privacy is protected from the moment you download the VPN.

With a premium plan, you can connect up to 5 countries and access Internxt Drive with post-quantum encryption and Internxt Antivirus.

Surfshark

Surfshark is a VPN service focused on privacy, security, fast connections, and unrestricted internet access across unlimited devices on one subscription.

The VPN is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iPhone, browsers, smart TVs, and operates more than 4,500 servers worldwide.

One of Surfshark’s core features is encrypted VPN tunneling, supporting modern VPN protocols including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, making Surfshark VPN a solid choice for speed and efficiency.

24, 12, and 1-month plans are available with the VPN, which also includes other features depending on the tier you choose.

IP Vanish

IP Vanish has all the features you expect from a VPN service. Split tunneling, encrypted web browsing, DNS leak protection, and more. A major perk of IP Vanish’s VPN is the inclusion of unmetered connections, meaning you can connect as many devices as you want to the service with no problems.

On the security and privacy side, IP Vanish supports multiple VPN protocols. While a bit technical, this allows users to change the protocol of their service to better fit their privacy needs and device restraints. While IP Vanish supports a total of five unique protocols, we love their addition of WireGuard, the newest protocol around that’s designed to be faster, stronger, and more lightweight than other connection types. WireGuard is an open-source project, so it’s verifiable and well-known as one of the most secure solutions in the VPN world.

TunnelBear

TunnelBear is another established VPN that is easy to use, has a solid free plan, and still ranks high in regard to protecting your privacy. First off, TunnelBear subjects itself to independent security audits that they publish publicly every so often, so you can be sure the service is doing everything it can to safely move your data.

TunnelBear has a couple of different “bears” or modes to boost its privacy and security score. GhostBear helps users in countries where internet access is censored to make their VPN encrypted data less detectable to governments, businesses, and ISPs. VigilantBear kicks in if your connection gets disrupted for any reason and will block all unsecured traffic until the connection is restored.

Fastest VPN

FastestVPN is not only suitable for personal use but also an excellent choice for small businesses. FastestVPN offers robust encryption protocols and advanced security features that are crucial for small businesses.

Also, your employees can securely connect to your business network from anywhere, allowing for remote work flexibility. FastestVPN's vast server network allows you to bypass geographic restrictions, giving you and your employees access to global resources and services.

Overall, FastestVPN offers the necessary security, accessibility, and affordability that small businesses require. It enables secure remote access, helps overcome geographical restrictions, and ensures the confidentiality and integrity of your business data.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN has everything you could want in a VPN: loads of features, a long and consistent track record, and insanely fast speeds. ExpressVPN provides steady, no-nonsense, quality service you can rely on.

We like the services Network Lock which acts as a kill switch making sure your data is safeguarded from interruptions like network changes and power surges. But we love ExpressVPN for its free tools committed to keeping you safer online. They have a “What is my IP?” tool, a DNS leak test, a webRTC leak test, and a password generator. All of their tools are super useful, very cool, and definitely worth checking out!

Ivacy VPN

Ivacy is another well-rounded and intuitive VPN service. Ivacy has all of the standard features you should expect a secure VPN to have like 256-Bit Encryption and a robust No Logs Policy, but what differentiates it from other similar services is its Secure Downloading.

Basically, Secure Downloading is Ivacy's real-time threat detector and eliminator. Everything you download through Ivacy VPN is scanned for dangerous malware or viruses. Anything suspicious is immediately removed during the downloading process. Secure Downloading is completely automatic and it's a brilliant feature that we hope becomes a widely adopted industry standard.

Mozilla VPN

You’ve heard of Firefox, which is a great secure web browser, but Mozilla’s VPN is a solid service in its own right. Built on a solid twenty years of reputation for putting the user first, Mozilla VPN is the only VPN with a full-on Privacy Manifesto. The company itself is also a non-profit and is super transparent regarding all of its inner workings.

Mozilla VPN is built on something they call a WireGuard protocol that encrypts your network traffic. Compared to other VPN protocols, WireGuard’s code is easier for developers, programmers, and security analysts to audit and review.

Mullvad VPN

Mullvad VPN is affordable and has “Privacy is a universal right” in its search meta description - we like that. Mullvad is a solid-built VPN that also gets externally audited, like TunnelBear, but it sets itself apart by allowing users to make a completely anonymous account. This is very useful if you are working remotely, as they also don't require email!

They also have a strict no paid reviews or affiliates policy which is pretty rare to see. Mullvad VPN is very clear with its policies and is one of the most transparent regarding the practices we’ve seen.

hide.me VPN

Hide.me VPN is the undisputed gamer’s choice for a full-service VPN. Hide.me’s niche is its ability to work on most gaming platforms and hide gaming traffic from a user's ISP.

Many ISPs throttle traffic after a certain amount of data is used, some even throttle certain types of traffic. Gaming is data-intensive and it is often targeted and throttled leaving gamers paying more or suffering lower slow speeds. Bandwidth aside, gamers are also at risk of encountering distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks from malicious gamers looking to disrupt internet connections and lower the ping speeds of opponents.

Why Should You Use a VPN?

There are many good reasons why you'd need to use a VPN. Hiding your location is always a valuable addition to your online security, as well as your personal security.

For example, people may try and stalk you online by placing an AirTag or SmartTag tracker by Apple and Samsung in your car, or somewhere without you knowing to monitor where you are, where you're going, or where you've been, so a VPN can hide that from them.

Maybe you live abroad and you want to check out some local news from another country, maybe you want to hide your browsing history from your Internet Service Provider (ISP), or maybe you want to watch a TV from home, there are also many VPN for streaming.

Which is Best VPN For You?

We have listed the best VPNs in the market. Ultimately, what VPN you choose should be based on your specific privacy needs and how you plan to use it.

Before going all-in on one service, take some time to think about what kind of websites you're on what devices you want to protect, and whether you will use a VPN for work or pleasure. But don’t stress too much, you really can’t go wrong choosing any one of the safe and private VPNs from our list above.

Today, roughly 94% of enterprises are projected to use some form of cloud service, with 82% adopting hybrid models that combine cloud and on-premises infrastructure.

By 2030, around 60% of all corporate data is expected to be stored in the cloud, highlighting a major shift away from traditional storage systems toward distributed, on-demand infrastructure.

With such a huge amount of data, companies need a scalable, affordable, and secure method to store 1 PB. For this, the best option is object storage, as it allows for a platform to meet your cloud storage requirements for your enterprise.

Throughout this article, we will cover:

• How much is a petabyte of data?
• How much does a petabyte cost?
• Cloud vs local storage costs
• Best cloud storage for 1 PB and more

To understand the grand scale of 1 PB of data, we will first explain how much is a petabyte of storage compared to other storage sizes.

Table of contents

• How much is a petabyte of storage?
• Storage capacities explained
• The growth of global data storage
• How much does 1 petabyte cost?
• How much cloud storage do I need?

How much is a petabyte of storage?

1 petabyte (PB) is 1,024 terabytes (TB), or about 1,000,000 gigabytes (GB).

It is a typical cloud storage plan for large businesses or enterprises. With this amount of storage, you can store, on average:

• Photos: about 200 million to 300 million photos (assuming ~3–5 MB per photo)
• Files/documents: about **200 million to 500 million files **(assuming ~2–5 MB per file)
• HD videos (1080p): about 13,000 to 20,000 hours
• 4K videos: about 2,500 to 5,000 hours

Storage capacities explained

Storage capacity refers to the amount of digital information a device or system can store. For both cloud and local storage, it is typically measured in bytes, kilobytes (KB), megabytes (MB), gigabytes (GB), terabytes (TB), going all the way up to yottabytes (YB).

Each step up represents a larger amount of data, with storage needs increasing as files and applications become more complex and data-heavy.

Smaller storage capacities, such as megabytes and gigabytes, are typically found in smartphones, tablets, and everyday computers for storing apps, documents, photos, and videos.

A single photo might take a few megabytes, so for this, free cloud storage options would be enough. On the other hand, a high-definition movie can take up several gigabytes, so you would likely need between 1 and 3 TB of storage to store these files.

Larger capacities, such as terabytes and petabytes, are used in external hard drives, servers, and data centers.

These systems store massive amounts of information, including databases, cloud backups, and entire media libraries. As a result, businesses may choose cloud migration strategies to transfer these large data sets to the cloud, as it is more affordable, secure, and scalable.

For a more detailed view of storage conversions, check out our free byte converter tool on our website below.

Choosing the right capacity depends on usage needs, such as casual personal use, professional media work, or enterprise-level data management, which we will cover next.

The growth of global data storage

By 2030, global data storage is projected to reach approximately 500–600 zettabytes, or approximately 500 - 600 million petabytes of data.

This reflects a continuation of exponential growth driven by AI systems, cloud computing, video streaming, IoT devices, and enterprises migrating to the cloud.

By 2030, data storage will no longer be measured in tens or hundreds of petabytes at scale, but in hundreds of millions of petabytes globally, requiring massive distributed storage systems across hyperscale cloud infrastructures.

As a result, larger businesses considering moving to the cloud may wonder how much does 1 petabyte cost, and is it worth investing in the cloud, which we will answer below.

How much does 1 petabyte cost?

Local storage

Now that we know how much is a petabyte of storage, we will consider the following regarding 1 petabyte only for local storage and the average costs associated with it.

Regarding the storage requirements, these are the typical scenarios when storing such a large amount of data:

1. Data will be retained for five years under a typical storage contract.
2. Data will be in an unstructured format, stored in object storage.
3. Data is used for secondary purposes like backups, media, web content, and user-generated content, with infrequent access needs.

Here is the full breakdown, including the assumptions, formatted clearly and consistently:

• System hardware: $500,000, includes enterprise storage arrays, redundancy (RAID/replication), controllers, and spare capacity required for 1 PB OF usable storage.
• Maintenance: $375,000 15% plus annual maintenance costs which cover vendor support, replacements, firmware updates, and service level agreements.
• Facilities (space, power, cooling): $60,000, 1 PB requires approximately 25%–50% of a standard 42U rack. Power and cooling are estimated at $1,200 per square foot per year, using ~10 square feet (~$12,000 per year).
• Admin support (0.5 FTE): $375,000, a full-time IT/storage administrator at $150,000 annual salary over 5 years, covering monitoring, backups, security, maintenance coordination, and incident response.

Total 5-year cost: $1,310,000

Object storage

Estimated 1 PB storage cost of Internxt S3 per month

• €7,168 per month

Average costs for AWS Standard Storage

• €21,000–€23,000 (depending on region and pricing).

Internxt network fees (e.g., ingress & egress costs)

• €0

AWS network fees

• Ingress: €0
• Egress (1 PB fully downloaded in a month): about €80,000–€90,000 per month

Internxt data access fees (API calls/operations)

€0

AWS data access fees

• €1,000–€5,000 per month

Internxt 1 PB storage cost per month:

• €7,168

AWS:

• €102,000–€118,000

How much cloud storage do I need?

Personal, business, and enterprise storage all have different needs, which we will cover in more detail below, but below you can find a general overview.

Cloud storage for personal use

For personal cloud storage, requirements are usually moderate. Most users can manage well with free cloud storage plans, or paid plans offering from 200 GB to 1 TB of storage.

This is generally enough for apps, documents, photos, videos, and everyday use. People who mainly stream content or store files in the cloud can operate with lower local storage, while users who work with large media files, such as high-resolution video or photography, may need additional external storage.

If you have bigger storage needs, you may need to consider the different cloud storage or physical storage devices available.

Internxt Drive plans offer up to 5TB of cloud storage, and a full privacy suite of products including Meet, Mail, VPN, and more. You can also connect your Drive account to your NAS system or connect via native rclone support.

If you want cloud storage only, Internxt also offers up to 100TB with plans bought from Stacksocial.

Cloud storage for business and families

For small to medium-sized businesses, families, or teams, it may often require several terabytes of storage shared between users to handle documents, customer records, emails, financial data, and backups.

For these purposes, you can choose from Internxt Business plans or Internxt Family plans.

For enterprises

Enterprise-level storage is far more extensive, often ranging from hundreds of terabytes to petabytes. For this, object storage is the best use case, as it allows for storage and cloud backups of large amounts of data with low latency, meaning data can be accessed instantly.

Large organizations such as tech companies, financial institutions, and research facilities manage vast amounts of data, including user information, analytics, and large-scale digital services.

These environments require highly scalable and secure systems capable of handling constant data growth and high demand.

For petabytes of storage, Internxt offers 100% hot cloud storage for enterprises at a fixed cost of €7 / TB / month, with no extra data transfer fees, making it a cheaper option than AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud

So if you’re wondering how much 1 petabyte of cloud storage vs local costs with Internxt S3, it would be:

Internxt S3 1 petabyte storage cost: Total cost for 1 PB with Internxt S3 would cost €7,168 per month, no extra maintenance or data transfer costs

Local storage 1 petabyte storage cost: Roughly €15,000 to €30,000 upfront, depending on the hardware and setup, plus €1,000 to €3,000 for additional costs such as electricity, cooling, maintenance, drive replacements, or adding additional storage.

1 petabyte storage cost savings: About 24% to 48% savings when choosing Internxt S3 for 1 petabyte of storage compared to local storage.

S3 storage plans offer multiple compliance, offering the best security and data handling for multiple industries.

To contact our sales team about setting up our object storage plans, you can visit our website.

You can also benefit from our cloud storage reseller program and become an Internxt partner, which you can learn more about by visiting the page below.

Related articles

• How much is 1TB of storage?
• S3 storage costs
• Alternative to AWS
• Alternative to Azure
• Alternative to Google Cloud

Whether you’re a small start-up or a large-scale enterprise, data storage and backups are a necessity for a business to run smoothly.

While many businesses may need on-premises storage for maximum control, this can be expensive, so if you’re wondering about the cloud migration cost savings when using a company like Internxt S3, this article will cover everything you need to help migrate or store data in the cloud.

This transition not only improves financial efficiency but also allows companies to scale resources more easily, respond faster to demand changes, and focus more on core business activities rather than infrastructure management.

First, we will cover the differences between on-premises vs cloud storage, the costs, benefits, and savings if you store data in the cloud.

Table of contents

• On-premises vs cloud storage
• Benefits of cloud migration
• What cloud migration cost savings can you expect?
• How to migrate to the cloud
• What is the best cloud storage to migrate to?
• Frequently asked questions
• Related articles

On-premises vs cloud storage

On-premises storage means that all hardware and infrastructure are physically located within your own facilities and managed by your team or company.

This management can cover:

• Servers: these run applications, manage access to data, and handle requests from users and systems.
• Storage devices: this is the hardware that stores data and can include hard drives or storage arrays, where all files, databases, and backups are physically kept.
• Networking equipment: networking devices include routers and switches that connect servers and storage systems, allowing data to move.
• Backup systems: solutions that create copies of data and store them separately, so information can be restored in case of failure, loss, or cyber incidents

Unlike cloud storage, your organization is responsible for purchasing, installing, maintaining, securing, and ensuring all of these devices are updated correctly. On-premises storage is used by organizations needing strict control, high security, or compliance with specific and strict regulations.

Cloud storage is a system where data is stored on servers managed by a third-party provider and accessed through the internet. The provider handles maintenance, updates, and infrastructure management.

Cloud storage, especially object storage, is commonly used for its convenience, scalability, and reduced need for internal IT management. You can pay based on usage, reducing upfront costs and allowing flexible scaling.

Below you can find the average costs of setting up on-premises storage, not including future costs, highlighting the cloud migration savings you could benefit from when considering your cloud storage requirements.

Benefits of cloud migration

Cost efficiency

Cloud migration cost savings start by reducing the need for large upfront investments in hardware and infrastructure.

If your organization switches to a pay-as-you-go model, such as Internxt S3, you only pay for the storage you use, with no additional egress or ingress fees.

Scalability and flexibility

Cloud services offering object storage allow businesses to scale resources up or down based on demand. This flexibility is especially useful during peak usage periods or rapid growth, as companies can quickly adjust without needing to install new hardware or overcommit resources in advance.

Improved performance

Cloud providers operate on high-performance infrastructure with optimized networks and global data centers. Internxt, for example, offers 100% hot cloud storage, allowing for rapid access to data with reduced latency thanks to our geographically distributed data centers.

Enhanced security

Leading cloud providers invest heavily in security measures such as encryption, identity management, and continuous monitoring. With Internxt, your data is encrypted in transit and at rest, and is supported by the HTTPS protocol and server-side encryption with customer-provided encryption keys (SSE-C).

While the security is handled by the cloud provider, there are still security best practices your company should follow when handling accounts and data. That being said, by migrating to the cloud, the security risks are far fewer than on-premises solutions, which require constant monitoring, updates, and specialists.

Disaster recovery and backup

Cloud solutions make it easier to implement reliable backup and disaster recovery strategies. When you store your data with Internxt S3, it is replicated across multiple locations, ensuring business continuity even in the event of hardware failure, cyberattacks, or natural disasters.

Accessibility and collaboration

One of the other important benefits of cloud migration is that cloud-based systems can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. As a result, remote work, real-time collaboration, and productivity become much easier when using the cloud.

Automatic updates and maintenance

Cloud providers handle routine updates, patches, and system maintenance. This reduces the burden on internal IT teams and ensures that systems stay up to date with the latest features and security improvements.

Sustainability

Cloud storage uses, on average, 30% to 60% less energy than on-premises storage for equivalent workloads. Your organization can therefore lower its overall energy consumption, reduce its carbon footprint, and save money.

To learn more about Internxt’s sustainability mission, visit our website.

What cloud migration cost savings can you expect?

Depending on the amount of data you store and other factors, you can expect greater cloud migration savings if you switch to cloud storage over an on-premises model.

The table below shows the average costs of using on-premises storage, which may also increase over time as storage demands grow.

What is the best cloud storage to migrate to?

Internxt S3

Internxt S3 is a European object storage solution for businesses and enterprises, offering a hot cloud storage solution for teams to access large amounts of data.

Unlike the major object storage providers such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, Internxt offers a pay-as-you-go payment model of €7/TB/month, so you can scale your storage and plan your budget effectively without worrying about unexpected costs, as Internxt has no egress or ingress fees.

To ensure your data is secure, Internxt implements end-to-end encryption and is compliant with GDPR, ISO 27001, SOC 2, and HIPAA, offering extensive data protection and security for all industries.

For added security, all data is replicated and distributed across multiple European servers with technology that guarantees 99.999999999% (11 9s) of data durability for each object, ensuring you can always access your data.

To learn more about Internxt and our cloud migration cost savings, you can visit our website and fill out a form to contact one of our experts. We will get back to you as quickly as possible so you can start securing your data easily with Internxt.

Cloud migration cost savings with Internxt S3

Whether you want to start storing data with Internxt or migrate to our object storage solution, choosing Internxt offers many security, privacy, and financial benefits with an S3 subscription.

You can start with just 1TB of data for a fixed monthly price of €7. Should you need more storage in the future, you can easily add (or reduce) your storage based on your needs and budget.

If you want to store 10 TB and later upgrade to 50 TB, you can view the cloud migration cost savings from the table below.

There is no limit to how much data you store with Internxt. You can upgrade your plan to however much storage you need and pay for the terabytes you store, no data transfer fees, just a flat fee of 7€ per month.

Get started with Internxt for the best and most efficient object storage provider available!

Frequently asked questions

What is cloud migration?

Cloud migration is the process of moving data, applications, and IT resources from on-premises systems to cloud infrastructure.

How can cloud migration reduce company costs?

Cloud migration reduces company costs by removing the need for expensive hardware, data centers, maintenance, and large IT staff, replacing them with flexible pay-as-you-go pricing.

What is the advantage of cloud providers handling infrastructure updates and maintenance?

Systems stay secure, up to date, and reliable without requiring internal teams to manage hardware repairs, patches, or infrastructure upgrades, which are handled by the cloud provider.

Is cloud migration expensive?

Initial costs can vary, but many businesses save money over time due to reduced hardware, maintenance, and operational expenses.

How long does cloud migration take?

It can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the size and complexity of the systems being moved.

Related articles

S3 storage costs

Object vs file vs block storage

What is object storage

While traditional cloud storage is the normal method people use to store, share, sync, and back up their files online, there are many other options available to consider, especially if you want quick access to large amounts of data.

For this, many teams consider checking an object storage vendor list to choose the right service to meet this need.

To help you make your decision, we will cover:

• Top object storage vendors
• What are the most efficient object storage products
• Prices
• Features
• Egress/ingress fees
• Performance

In doing so, you will be able to choose the most efficient object storage to meet your needs with the features, costs, and scalability you need to manage and secure data effectively.

What is object storage, and how does it work?

Traditional cloud storage, or file storage, organizes data in a hierarchy of folders, with each file having a name and a path that shows its location within the folder structure.

When you access a file, the system navigates through the folders to find it. This method works well for structured data and smaller-scale storage, but can become slower and harder to manage as the number of files grows and is therefore not suitable for businesses or enterpriseses needed quick access to large amounts of data.

Object storage is a way of storing data where each piece of data, called an object, is stored with content, metadata, and a unique identifier.

This unique identifier allows you to retrieve the object directly without needing to know its physical location, which makes it highly scalable and efficient for large amounts of unstructured data, such as:

• Videos
• Images
• Documents
• Backups
• Logs

As a result, any data that doesn’t fit neatly into a database table or a strict folder hierarchy can benefit from object storage.

Object storage is often used in cloud services because it supports massive growth, redundancy,  accessibility across multiple locations, and allows more storage than traditional cloud storage, allowing for petabytes of data storage.

Who is object storage for?

Object storage is mainly for large enterprises or businesses needing to store large amounts of unstructured data reliably, access it from anywhere, and scale storage easily.

Object storage is particularly useful for media companies, technology, healthcare, research, or any other field generating a large amount of data, and has the following use cases:

• Backups and archives storage
• Managing large media libraries
• Handling big data analytics
• Supporting cloud-native applications
• Storing log files or IoT sensor data

Advantages of object storage

Scalability

With general cloud storage, plans can often be limited to a certain number of terabytes. In the case of Internxt Drive, for example, you can get a maximum storage amount of between 5 and 100 TB.

For object storage, however, you can start with as little as 1TB and get petabytes of data depending on your needs. You can modify this storage whenever you need to meet the demands of your business and keep costs under control when migrating to the cloud.

Fast and flexible data retrieval

As we mentioned before, each object has a unique identifier, so you can access the object or data much faster, without navigating through folders or blocks, even when dealing with large volumes of unstructured data.

Data retrieval is made even easier by allowing you to store objects with descriptive information about the object, which you can use to search, filter, or categorize data efficiently.

Redundancy

The security and integrity of data for businesses are crucial. Redundancy helps reduce the chances of data loss by storing your data in multiple data centres, so in the unlikely event there is a server failure or any other natural disaster affecting one data centre, your files remain safe.

Cost effective

S3 storage costs can be quite complex to understand, depending on how you use the service, what you start paying for can quickly increase due to a number of factors, such as egress or ingress fees.

For other S3 storage providers like Internxt, you pay only for the storage you use with no additional fees at a fixed cost of €7 per TB per month.

API access

Object storage is also popular with developers, as it can be accessed programmatically through application programming interfaces (APIs), which allows software to read, write, and manage data directly without relying on manual file operations.

Developers can build apps that interact with storage at scale, perform automated backups, or serve content globally, making it highly flexible and adaptable for cloud-native environments.

The best and most efficient object storage products

Internxt S3

Internxt S3 is a cloud object storage platform designed for large businesses or enterprises and is one of the most efficient object storage products to manage large amounts of data.

Internxt offers S3 storage as a European and more affordable object storage solution to American big tech companies such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. Internxt S3 pricing is simple and scalable; you only pay for the storage you need, which costs €7/TB/month, which you can adapt at anytime to meet your needs.

Thanks to Internxt’s commitment to privacy, our object storage solution offers a reliable, secure, and encrypted platform to store and back up files in total security.

Internxt is also compliant with GDPR, HIPAA, ISO 27001 and SOC 2 to meet your company's security and auditing needs for all industries and data types.

Advantages

• Data is protected from loss or corruption with technology that guarantees 99.999999999% (11 9s) of data durability for each object.
• In transit and at rest encryption supported by the HTTPS protocol and server-side encryption with customer-provided encryption keys (SSE-C).
• Multiple read and write operations allow for faster data retrieval.
• Internxt offers a fixed pay-as-you-go pricing model, and there are no additional egress or ingress fees.

Disadvantages

• Offers fewer integrations than those of AWS or Google Cloud.
• Fewer advanced features for complex data management or data analytics workflows, such as Artificial Intelligence.

Ideal for

• Individuals or medium to large-sized businesses that prioritize extremely high data durability
• Users who need strong encryption and advanced security for sensitive data
• Those who require fast read and write speeds for frequent data access
• Organizations looking to avoid data transfer fees and unpredictable costs

AWS

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a cloud computing platform that provides a wide range of on-demand services, such as computing power, object storage, databases, networking, and machine learning, making it the most well-known and one of the most efficient object storage products available for large enterprises.

It allows individuals and businesses to run applications, store and analyze data, host websites, and deploy scalable software without managing physical servers.

With AWS, you can build and deploy websites and apps, process large datasets, implement artificial intelligence, and create secure, reliable cloud infrastructure tailored to your needs.

Advantages

• Wide range of services including computing, storage, databases, AI, and analytics
• An extensive ecosystem of integrations, tools, and third-party services
• Different storage types including AWS, Glacier, block storage

Disadvantages

• Confusing pricing model
• Costs can be expensive for moving data in and out of the cloud
• Some services may have regional limitations, affecting availability or performance

Ideal for

• All types of businesses or enterprises that are already invested in the AWS system.
• Developers building cloud-native applications that require a robust, scalable storage solution.
• Organizations that need a wide range of storage options, such as cold storage, backups, and object storage.

Azure

Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing platform that provides a wide range of services, including virtual machines, storage, databases, networking, and artificial intelligence. It is highly scalable, allowing businesses and developers to build, deploy, and manage applications without maintaining physical servers.

With Azure, you can host websites and apps, store and analyze data, implement AI solutions, create virtual networks, and scale resources on demand to meet changing workloads.

Advantages

• Integrates perfectly with the Microsoft ecosystem: Azure Machine Learning, Azure Functions, and Azure Data Factory are all part of Microsoft’s storage option, which is perfect for businesses using Microsoft tools like Visual Studio, .NET, and Microsoft 365.
• Multiple storage options: The service provides multiple access tiers, Hot, Cool, and Archive, to meet multiple storage use cases.

Disadvantages

• Complex pricing model: Like AWS, Microsoft’s pricing can be difficult to understand.
• High egress fees: Microsoft charges for moving data out of Azure, which can significantly increase costs.

Ideal for

• Enterprises or large businesses that are already integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem.
• Developers who build applications using the .NET Framework can benefit from the native integration and tooling Azure offers.

Google Cloud Platform

Google Cloud is also one of the top object storage vendors offering S3 storage, aside from its Google Drive and Google One cloud storage services.

With it, businesses and developers can build, deploy, and manage applications on Google’s global network without maintaining physical servers.

With GCP, you can host websites and apps, process and analyze large datasets, leverage AI and machine learning, create scalable cloud infrastructure, and access advanced data management and analytics tools.

Advantages

• Strong data analytics and big data tools like BigQuery
• Excellent AI and machine learning services powered by Google technology
• Integrates well with other Google services
• Fast, reliable global network infrastructure

Disadvantages

• Fewer services and integrations compared to AWS
• Egress fees for transferring data out of Google Cloud can be significant and unpredictable
• Steeper learning curve for users unfamiliar with Google tools

Ideal for

• Cloud-native application development for developers building modern, container-based applications with Kubernetes.
• AI and machine learning workloads for teams building applications using Google’s advanced AI services.

IDrive

IDrive cloud storage is a scalable object storage solution designed for storing large amounts of unstructured data, such as backups, media files, and application data.

It offers remote access and backups for multiple computers, as well as integration with Google Drive, Box, or Dropbox to migrate your files. IDrive's safety offers default or private encryption so you can set up the security of your accounts based on the sensitivity of your files.

Advantages

• S3-compatible API makes it easy to integrate with existing applications
• Predictable, low-cost pricing with no hidden fees
• High data durability and reliability
• Supports encryption for secure data storage

Disadvantages

• Fewer advanced features compared to AWS, Azure, or GCP
• Limited integrations and ecosystem
• Not ideal for complex analytics or AI workloads
• Smaller global infrastructure footprint

Ideal for

• Companies that need a platform to backup large amounts of data.
• Organizations that do not require advanced cloud features like AI or complex analytics.

Backblaze

Backblaze B2 cloud object storage is a cloud-based service designed for storing large amounts of unstructured data. It is one of the top object storage vendors for cloud storage backups, as this is its main service to back up media files and application data.

It provides S3-compatible access, making it easy to use with existing tools and workflows that support Amazon S3. With Backblaze B2, users can store, retrieve, and manage data securely, build applications, host content, create backups, and archive data without managing physical servers.

Advantages

• Low-cost storage compared to major cloud providers
• S3-compatible API
• Predictable pricing with generous free egress allowances
• High durability and always-hot data access

Disadvantages

• Fewer global regions than hyperscale cloud providers
• Smaller ecosystem of integrations and services
• Not designed as a full cloud platform like AWS, Azure, or Internxt

Ideal for

• Backblaze B2 is ideal for long-term data retention at a low, predictable cost.
• It works well for storing and delivering large files such as videos, images, and assets.

Hetzner

Hetzner is the final option for our most efficient object storage products that also provide scalable and secure storage for large amounts of unstructured data.

It stores files as objects in buckets that can be accessed via an S3-compatible API, making it easy to integrate with existing tools and workflows. Like Internxt, it is hosted in European data centers and complies with GDPR.

Advantages

• Low and predictable pricing with included storage and traffic quotas
• S3-compatible API for easy integration with existing applications and tools
• Scales automatically with growing data requirements

Disadvantages

• Fewer global data centers than major cloud providers, which may affect performance outside Europe
• Limited advanced cloud features compared with AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud
• Some technical setup may be required for beginners

Ideal for

• Hetzner Object Storage is ideal for securely storing backups and archives without complex configuration.
• It is well-suited for hosting and serving large media files and digital assets at a predictable price.
• It works well as part of a larger storage strategy alongside other cloud and infrastructure services.

Object storage vendor list comparison

S3 compatibility, location, redundancy

Security & pricing

Fees & use cases

Which of the most efficient object storage products is right for you?

For large amounts of data via object storage with fixed pricing, Internxt is the best choice for medium to large-sized businesses.

It includes backups, multiple compliance, and is based in Europe. You can scale your storage to meet your needs with no unexpected costs for moving data in or out of the cloud.

If you’re integrated in the Google or Microsoft ecosystem, then Google Cloud or Azure will be a good choice.

For advanced features, AWS is the best option, and if you only want backups, Backblaze is the best to focus on backing up large amounts of data.

To learn more about Internxt S3, visit our website or contact a member of our team to schedule a call.

We also offer Internxt Drive, with VPN, Antivirus, Meet, and Mail, to offer you the best online privacy for your personal data and files.

Related articles

Block storage vs object storage

Enterprise cloud storage

Cloud storage for business

Top object storage solutions for enterprises

Open source object storage

Frequently asked questions

What is the best object storage?

Internxt S3 is the best object storage for affordability, speed, and data security. It offers multiple compliance and is based in Europe for maximum data protection and privacy.

There are no additional fees with Internxt, making scalability, affordability, and budget planning easy for large enterprises, small businesses, and personal use.

What is object storage, and what is it used for?

Object storage is a storage architecture for large amounts of unstructured data. It is used for backups, media files, big data, AI workloads, and application data.

What are the top object storage vendors?

AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform are the most popular object storage solutions, with Internxt offering the same S3 storage up to 80% cheaper, with multiple compliance industry standard security protocols, and European servers.

Can I migrate data between object storage providers?

Yes, most providers support data migration using S3-compatible tools, sync utilities, or third-party migration services.

What is the difference between object storage and cloud storage?

Cloud storage is a general term for storing files online, while object storage is a specific type designed for scalability, durability, and fast access to large datasets.

Is object storage secure?

Yes, most providers offer encryption at rest and in transit, access controls, and compliance certifications like GDPR and ISO standards.

AI has since become an integral part of our lives, whether it’s for work or personal use; we all use AI in some form or another.

However, deciding which is the best AI depends on how you want to use it. Whether it's for general questions, coding, deep research, or image creation, we’re lucky enough that there is an AI model available to help you out.

Therefore, if you’re looking to expand your AI knowledge and find out which is the best AI for you, this list has everything you need to choose the right service for privacy, research, or summarizing your documents, emails, or PowerPoints.

Table of contents

• How do AI chatbots work?
• How to choose the best AI tools
• Best AI chatbots overview
• The best AI chatbots of 2026
• Which is the best AI for me?
• Related articles

How do AI chatbots work?

AI models take your prompts you write and pass them to their AI model, which breaks down your text into small pieces (called tokens). The AI then returns the results to the app, so you can read them in a conversational style.

When the app sends your message to the model, it also includes your conversation history for context, hidden system instructions that shape how the model behaves, and sometimes extra data from tools like web search, databases, or document retrieval systems.

Many of the best AI tools are powered by multiple models. For example, one model might be optimised for fast responses, another for deeper reasoning, and others for specific tasks like image generation or coding.

You can also adjust settings such as creativity, strictness, or response length, which means different apps can give different answers even when using similar underlying models.

Depending on your prompt, AI will work in different ways.

Text prompts

For general messages/queries/ requests:

• Your message is converted into tokens, which are small pieces of text
• The tokens are turned into numerical data that the model can process
• The model predicts the next most likely token based on patterns learned during training
• It repeats this process, token by token, until a full response is generated
• The response is sent back to the app and displayed as natural language
• Conversation history is included so the model can stay consistent with earlier messages

Image generation

If the AI can generate images, it will take your request and perform the following actions:

• Your text prompt is converted into numerical representations (embeddings)
• A diffusion process starts with random visual noise
• The model gradually removes noise step by step
• Each step adjusts the image to better match the prompt
• The process continues until a final image is formed
• The result is decoded into a viewable image

Code

For developers, AI can help produce or debug code. When prompted, the AI takes the requests and does the following:

• Code is treated as structured text and split into tokens
• The model is trained on large datasets of programming languages and examples
• It predicts the next token based on common coding patterns
• It uses context from your prompt to choose the correct language and structure
• It can follow logical patterns like loops, functions, and APIs
• The final output is generated as executable or readable code

How to choose the best AI tools

Intelligence

The best AI is better at reasoning, following instructions, handling long or complicated prompts, and reducing mistakes. A weaker model may be faster or cheaper but can miss context, give shallow answers, or make more errors.

Some models may be outdated or give incorrect answers, so always check the sources.

Conversation ability

It’s important for an AI chatbot to use context and remember past prompts so it can respond appropriately and keep the flow coherent.

The best AI can track what you said earlier in the chat and use that context correctly without repeating itself or getting confused. It can also adjust its tone and level of detail based on how you respond.

Plug-ins

Some AI services, like CoPilot, can integrate into your workspace, such as email, messaging apps, or office workspace. In practice, this can mean drafting and sending emails, summarising long chat threads, creating meeting summaries, or generating task lists from conversations.

Pricing

All AI models offer a free version, but if you want extra features or more advanced models and answers, you would have to upgrade to either a monthly or annual plan.

ChatGPT subscriptions only focus on AI, whereas CoPilot and Google offer their AI with other features, such as cloud storage and video conferencing, like Internxt.

Internxt AI is completely free to use and has no limitations or restrictions on how you use its AI.

Privacy

Prioritizing your online privacy with AI is vital, especially if you want to analyze business data or other sensitive information. Still, you should always take great care with the information you share with AI chatbots and never share personal information about yourself or others.

This is because some AI models have humans that review chats, and although measures are taken to protect data, many people do not feel comfortable with this invasion of privacy.

Another thing to keep in mind is that some AI providers may use conversations to improve or train future models unless users opt out or use specific plans where data is not used for training.

Best AI chatbots overview

The best AI chatbots of 2026

Internxt AI

Internxt AI is the first European and open-source AI chatbot dedicated to protecting the privacy of your chats and data.

Internxt AI keeps your conversations fully private by encrypting your chats locally on your device, meaning nobody but you can access them. Due to these privacy measures, none of your data is used to train AI’s language learning models.

With Internxt AI, you can ask it anything about any topic, research advanced topics, or create code.

Internxt AI is free to use with no login or personal details required. Your chats are saved locally on your device to return to whenever you need, and you can clear the cache to delete them.

This AI is part of Internxt’s mission to create privacy-focused products for everyone to protect their data online, and our AI forms part of our flagship product, Internxt Drive, a secure and encrypted cloud storage solution.

With a paid plan, you can also access VPN, Antivirus, Meet, Mail, and more for 85% off all annual and lifetime plans with the exclusive link below.

Gemini

Gemini is part of the Google Drive and Google One workspace, offering prompts for writing, research, data analysis, image creation, and much more.

When you open the Apps settings in Gemini, you can integrate it into the Google Workspace to search your emails, calendar, or manage documents. For deep research, Gemini creates an in-depth report with sources that you can then convert to a web page, infographic, or audio overview.

Like ChatGPT, Gemini offers Gems, which are customized AI models designed to carry out specific tasks like coding assistants or writing assistants, customer support bots, or research tools.

However, despite its many features, Gemini falls short in one important area: privacy.

As part of Google’s services, Gemini falls under Google's privacy policy, which collects and monitors your data for profiling, and it can also decrypt and view your chats.

In fact, Gemini alerts you that humans can read and monitor, as shown below

To prevent human review in Gemini, go to your Google account:

• Open Data & Privacy
• Find Gemini Apps Activity (sometimes called “Keep activity”)
• Turn it off

If you want a fully private alternative to Gemini, try Internxt AI for free.

ChatGPT

ChatGPT arguably started the AI boom when it was made available to the public in November 2022.

Since then, ChatGPT offers different models, and can base its answers based on the complexity of your question by giving itself more time to answer these questions. It also has a voice activation mode and a voice companion for you to have conversations with, which is useful for areas such as language learning.

You can also ask ChatGPT to search the web for you, so you get the best results based on your question.

However, ChatGPT has had security issues and vulnerabilities in the past, including:

March 2023 bug (ChatGPT)

• A software bug caused some users to see other users’ chat titles in the sidebar
• In rare cases, limited billing information was also exposed

2025 breach

• A third-party analytics provider used by OpenAI was compromised
• Attackers accessed data like names, email addresses, and user IDs
• OpenAI said no chat content or sensitive credentials were exposed

Grok

Grok AI was launched in 2023 and was developed to integrate into the X social media platform to combine normal AI reasoning with real-time information from X, which offers more up-to-date or live results compared to some other chatbots.

It can also create videos or images for you, and its model offers personality-driven responses that are often more informal or humorous, depending on how you use it.

The problem with this, though, is that X can scrape the social media platform to use content from user tweets, which could lead to false information or the use of users’ data without their knowledge.

The free model offers access to the core Grok AI chat features, while advanced plans offer higher or unlimited messages, priority access during peak times, and access to the more advanced Grok models for deeper search and analysis, which costs $30/month.

Copilot

Microsoft CoPilot is deeply integrated into the Windows ecosystem, so if you have a Windows device or OneDrive account, this may be the best AI tool for you as it is integrated into the following Windows apps:

• Word
• Excel
• PowerPoint
• Outlook
• Teams

Therefore, if you need AI to summarize emails, spreadsheets, or Word documents, CoPilot can do all of this for you, helping you to increase productivity. Aside from that, you can search the web, analyse files, create images, or ask questions as you would with a typical AI chatbot.

There is also Copilot Analyst for multi-step research or Copilot Groups for up to 32 people to collaborate with AI in a shared thread.

DeepSeek

DeepSeek is an AI model based in China, so the main concern regarding this service is privacy. As your data is handled by DeepSeek, it falls under Chinese law, which can require companies to provide access to your data under certain conditions without you realising.

Unlike Western companies like Google, Microsoft, or others, which must clearly state in their privacy policy how their data is used, with DeepSeek, this information is less publicly available.

Important privacy concerns, such as data retention periods, conversations used for model training, or how data is anonymized, are less clear with DeepSeek than with other companies, making it much harder to control your privacy with DeepSeek.

However, one of the main advantages of DeepSeek is that all its models are open source, meaning you can create your own self-hosted AI model for increased control over your privacy for free.

Which is the best AI for me?

Now that we have taken a look at the best AI models of 2026, you can switch between whichever models you like, as most offer free plans, and if you need more advanced features, you can choose the best one based on your device or current subscriptions.

• Internxt AI: best for privacy, 100% free and no login required, based in Europe, and all chats are encrypted and kept locally on your device.
• Gemini: best for productivity, research, and working across Google tools like Docs, Gmail, and Sheets, especially when using images, audio, or video as input.
• ChatGPT: best for general use such as writing, brainstorming, learning, coding help, and custom GPTs.
• Grok AI: best for X integration and real-time information, trending topics, and quick insights tied to live data.
• CoPilot: best for workplace productivity in Microsoft tools like Word, Excel, and Teams, especially for business and office tasks.
• DeepSeek: best for self-hosting and API access.

Internxt AI is the perfect tool for private chats. When combined with our secure cloud storage plans, you can get everything you need to stay safe online. Check out our plans and get 85% off all annual and lifetime accounts by following the link below!

Related articles

• ChatGPT vs Gemini
• Character AI
• How can you protect your online privacy

Sometimes, we need to do some spring cleaning when it comes to our devices, as over time, leftover files can be left on our devices, or junk files could be slowing down our computer and taking up our local storage.

While you can clean up your device yourself, this can be time-consuming and risky, as you could delete an important file essential to keeping your device running.

To make things easier, these best PC cleaners give you complete ease of use and peace of mind when optimizing your device and freeing up storage.

• What does a PC cleaner do?
• Why you should choose the best PC cleaner
• The best PC Cleaners of 2026
• What is the best PC cleaner?

What does a PC cleaner do?

A PC cleaner is a type of software designed to find and remove unnecessary or problematic files from your computer so it runs faster, smoother, and with fewer errors. Basically, it’s like cleaning clutter out of a room so you have more space, and everything is easier to find and use.

The kind of junk files that may build up on your PC storage over time may include:

• Temporary files created by programs and the system
• Leftover files from uninstalling apps
• Cache files from web browsers
• Broken or outdated system entries
• Duplicate files or large unused files

It is important to note that while PC cleaners can help free up space and tidy your system, not all features are equally useful.

Cleaning temporary files and managing startup programs is generally safe and helpful, but aggressive registry cleaning can sometimes cause problems if done incorrectly. If you’re unsure which files to save or delete, it’s best to double-check before deleting them

How a PC cleaner works

The best PC cleaner, like Internxt’s, uses advanced algorithms to help you identify and clear junk files.

Once you run a scan, the system:

• Checks your computer for files and data that might be unnecessary
• Looks in places like storage, system folders, and settings
• Finds items that are safe to remove or fix

Next, it finds problems or junk

• Identifies temporary files, leftover data, and broken entries
• Detects things that are no longer useful or working properly

Then, it shows a summary

• Displays how much space can be freed
• Let you choose what to remove

Then, it cleans the system

• Deletes selected files
• Fixes or removes broken entries
• Clears things like browser cache if included

Next, it may optimize performance

• Reduces startup programs
• Stops unnecessary background activity

With Internxt Cleaner, you can save up gigabytes of space and increase performance for your PC or Mac.

Why you should choose the best PC cleaner

Improve device health

By removing unnecessary files and fixing small system errors, a device cleaner can help your computer run more smoothly by reducing the amount of work your system has to do.

This way, your device can find, load, and run programs more quickly and with fewer conflicts.

Free up storage

You can free up gigabytes of space on your device by identifying and deleting temporary files, cache, and unused data, so more space is available for important files and applications. This also prevents the system from wasting space on data that is no longer needed or used by apps.

Increased battery health

A cleaner can also show improvements in your overall battery health by removing unnecessary startup items and background processes that some apps leave behind, which can slightly reduce overall system load.

Prevent device crashing or freezing

If your device or apps regularly crash or freeze, a device cleaner can help by clearing out corrupted or conflicting files that can cause programs or the system to stop responding.

It also reduces system strain by removing clutter from your local storage that can interfere with normal operations.

Increased start-up times

Finally, a cleaner can also remove unnecessary programs from launching when the computer turns on, allowing it to load faster.

This means fewer apps compete for system resources during boot, so the system becomes usable sooner, which will in turn help battery life and overall performance.

The best PC Cleaners of 2026

Internxt Cleaner

Pricing: Get an 85% discount

Best for:

• Cleaning files for PC and Mac
• Combine with other privacy products
• Includes encrypted cloud storage
• Descriptive interface

Internxt Cleaner is part of Internxt Drive’s encrypted cloud storage suite, offering a way to clean up your device by removing junk, duplicate, or unnecessary files from your PC or Mac device.

With Internxt Cleaner, you can run scans directly from the Internxt Drive app for Windows, Mac, or Linux.

Once scanned, you will get detailed results showing you where unnecessary space is being taken up on your computer, allowing you to select the junk files to delete.

You can also click on each section, showing you a detailed report of what files are taking up space, as well as the size of these files.

Internxt Cleaner is available for Premium or Ultimate annual or lifetime plans, which offer 3TB and 5TB of ppost-quantum encrypted cloud storage, plus the following features.

You can choose which files to save and which to delete, so you don’t have to worry about deleting important files. Once complete, your device will get more space and faster speeds by deleting these unnecessary files.

To get started with Internxt Cleaner, Antivirus, VPN, and more, get an exclusive 85% discount at the link below.

CCleaner

Pricing: From €44.95

Best for:

• Cleaning files for PC and Mac
• Keep browsing history private
• Clean files from OneDrive, Google Drive, and Dropbox

CCleaner is available on PC, Mac, Android and iOS devices. It offers free and paid plans. With a free plan, you get basic access to its features, which include:

• Standard privacy protection
• Standard cleaning
• Basic health checks

CCleaner offers other features depending on whether you buy a Pro, Pro Plus, or Premium bundle.

These advanced features include private browsing, automatically deleting internet trackers, and the option to get back deleted files.

In terms of privacy, however, CCleaner has some issues. It doesn’t encrypt traffic or block trackers in real time as Internxt offers; its focus is on cleanup and optimization, so users seeking additional tools such as VPNs, which are included with an Internxt Drive plan.

In 2017, a legitimate CCleaner installer (version 5.33) was compromised by attackers who inserted a backdoor into the software’s build, which was then distributed to users. This affected millions of users and could execute remote code and collect system information

CCleaner’s Premium bundle costs €64.95 compared to Internxt’s Premium plan of €60.

You can also access all of Internxt’s features, including the best PC cleaner, rclone support, Meet, Mail, and more for €90/year, giving you everything you need to keep your device and online privacy protected.

CleanMyMac

Pricing: Try free for 7 days, prices from €3.35/month, billed annually

Best for:

• Mac devices
• Annual or lifetime plans
• Remove malware

CleanMyMac is a device cleaner for Mac and Windows (despite the name), focusing on features to help you clean up your device, free up space, and increase performance for up to 5 devices.

Like Internxt, it also offers a feature to remove malware from your device.

It also helps clean up storage from iCloud, Google Drive, and OneDrive, as well as an intuitive dashboard to visualise malware scans, performance, and space saved.

As CleanMyMac focuses solely on clearing files from your device, if you want a full product suite alongside the best PC cleaner, then you may want to consider Internxt.

What is the best PC cleaner?

Internxt offers the best PC cleaner to get the best performance, security, and privacy for your device and personal data.

It is the only service offering a PC cleaner alongside encrypted and secure cloud storage, plus Antivirus, VPN, NAS support, Meet, and Mail.

Internxt is fully security audited open source, and complies with GDPR, SOC2, HIPAA, and ISO 27001, ensuring maximum data protection no matter what data you manage with Internxt.

When combining Internxt Drive, Cleaner, and other features of an Internxt plan, you ensure that you get the best cloud storage, cloud backups, and privacy-focused services to make the switch from multiple subscriptions and get everything you need with an Internxt annual or lifetime plan.

Try Internxt's secure cloud storage for free, or take advantage of our 85% special offer on our website to find the perfect plan for you!

A lot of times, people only worry about the best antivirus software before it’s too late; they may have accidentally downloaded or opened a file containing malware, causing file corruption, data loss, or even encrypting their device.

There are many free antivirus software options, and the best antivirus products out there also offer additional features to help further protect your device.

In fact, if you’re also looking for a secure VPN, then the antivirus products on this list also include a VPN, with others offering cloud storage, cleanup tools, and more.

Therefore, if you’re in the market and wondering which is the best antivirus to meet your needs, by the end of this article, you will be able to pick the perfect one for you.

Table of contents

• How does an antivirus work?
• Advantages of using an antivirus
• Best Antivirus options of 2026
• Which is the best free antivirus software for you?

How does an antivirus work?

The best free antivirus software works by detecting, blocking, and removing malicious software from a device. Ideally, they are free from ads, pop ups, or any other means of collecting your data.

The type of malware it scans for includes:

1. Viruses: malicious programs that attach themselves to legitimate files and spread when those files are shared or executed, often damaging or altering data.
2. Worms: standalone malware that spreads across networks by exploiting security weaknesses, without needing to attach to a file or program.
3. Trojans: these types of viruses disguise themselves as legitimate software to trick users into installing them, often creating backdoors for attackers.
4. Ransomware: one of the most common cyberattacks that target individuals, small businesses, and huge enterprises. Ransomware encrypts a user’s files or locks access to a system and demands payment in exchange for restoring access.
5. Spyware: secretly monitors user activity and collects information such as passwords, browsing habits, or personal data.
6. Adware: displays unwanted advertisements, often tracking user behaviour to target ads more effectively.

The first known virus in cybersecurity history was launched in 1971, and the first antivirus came in 1987.

Since then, antivirus software has become more advanced and now works by scanning files and programs on your computer and comparing them to a database of known malware signatures.

More modern antivirus software uses behaviour monitoring, heuristic analysis, and cloud-based detection to identify and stop both known and unknown threats by analysing how programs act, detecting suspicious patterns, and checking files against online threat data.

Some antivirus software often includes additional protection like web filtering, email scanning, and ransomware protection to prevent infections before they reach your system for increased online protection.

Advantages of using an antivirus

Protection against malware

One of the main and most clear advantages of having an antivirus is protection from malware. Without an antivirus, malware can corrupt your data, delete files, lock you out of your system, or allow attackers to take control of your device.

This can result in lost work, expensive recovery efforts, or permanent data loss. An antivirus prevents this by detecting malicious software early and removing or isolating it before it can cause serious damage.

Real-time threat detection

As viruses can strike at any time without you knowing and may be discovered after the damage is already done, it can cause your device to become encrypted and cause data loss.

Antivirus software constantly monitors your system, stopping suspicious activity as it happens, preventing malware from executing and causing damage to your files or device.

Protection from the latest threats

New malware is created constantly or even being sold on the dark web, so anybody can spread it even without advanced knowledge of hacking.

Providing you regularly check and update your antivirus software, it will use behaviour analysis to catch unusual activity, allowing it to stop new or modified threats even if they are not yet widely known.

Data and privacy security

Antivirus is often overlooked when it comes to protecting our privacy online, but it’s an essential tool to ensure you get maximum protection.

Certain types of malware target your sensitive information, like passwords, personal files, or financial data, which can be silently collected and sent to attackers via keyloggers or other advanced software.

Safer internet and downloads

Many infections happen when users unknowingly visit malicious websites or download infected files, particularly from phishing, AI scams, or other cyberattacks that target employees. Without protection, a single click can compromise the entire system.

Antivirus software warns against dangerous sites and blocks harmful downloads, reducing the risk of accidental infection.

System stability and performance protection

As malware often runs in the background, it will consume system resources and have a heavy impact on your device by slowing down performance or causing crashes and errors, so a reliable antivirus increases the longevity of your device.

The Best free antivirus software and paid options of 2026

Internxt Antivirus

Pros

• Run full or custom scans
• Includes Internxt Drive, VPN, Meet, Mail, and more
• Windows, Mac, Linux support
• Malware and virus detection

Cons

• No iOS or Android app

Internxt Antivirus is included in all Internxt annual and lifetime plans, which also include access to Internxt’s open source and zero-knowledge suite, including encrypted cloud storage with Internxt Drive and Internxt VPN, offering full protection for your device, data, and internet connection.

With Internxt’s Antivirus, you can run full or custom scans to remove spyware, ransomware, and other common threats to your device. Once complete, you will get a detailed report of the infected files to eliminate them from your device before they cause data loss.

You can also combine Internxt’s Antivirus with other features from its paid plans, such as Cleaner, which eliminates duplicate and junk files from your computer, available with Premium and Ultimate plans.

Get started with Internxt for just €9.99 a month, or pay once with our lifetime plans which are 85% at the link below.

All scanned files managed by Internxt Antivirus are protected with zero-knowledge encryption to give you the best security and privacy compared to other competitors.

You can also use Internxt’s free virus scanner, the best free antivirus software to quickly scan documents you suspect may contain viruses from suspicious emails.

Avast

Pros

• Available for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows
• Includes VPN
• Blocks scam websites and emails

Cons

• Not open source
• Privacy concerns related to data collection practices
• Intrusive ads and frequent upgrade prompts

Avast is one of the well-known companies providing the best antivirus software. If you want the best free antivirus software with basic features to protect your device, which include:

• Malware, virus, and spyware protection
• Basic web protection
• Manual and scheduled scanning options
• File quarantine for suspicious items

On the free plan, you will get ads and other marketing prompts asking you to upgrade to the paid plan, which starts at €77.99 for a year, offering protection for 1 PC and mobile device.

It also includes other features such as spam calling protection and a VPN, but this is limited to a 5 GB-per-week bandwidth limit, approximately 730MB a day.

While Avast is a popular free antivirus, there are concerns about the level of intrusive ads in the free plan and worries about data collection practices, referring to the fact that Avast has been reported to collect and share certain user data, such as browsing behavior and usage patterns, through its analytics services.

AVG

Pros

• Includes Antivirus, VPN, and tune up
• Available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS
• Offers real-time malware detection using behavior-based analysis

Cons

• Free version includes limited features
• Known history of selling data

AVG offers a free plan for virus, spyware, ransomware, and malware protection, real-time security updates, and scanning. Paid plans start at €46.68 for the first year, and include spam protection, an enhanced firewall, and other features.

It may not be the best antivirus for a full stack of features compared to other paid services, and like Avast, many features of the free edition, such as identifying junk files or other performance issues, won’t be fixed unless you upgrade your plan.

AVG has also faced some controversies in the past, with a history of using browser extensions and antivirus data to collect detailed information about users’ online activity, including websites visited, search queries, and interaction patterns.

This data was then passed (in some cases in a re-identifiable or weakly anonymized form) to a subsidiary called Jumpshot, which packaged and sold this data to third-party companies for analytics and marketing purposes.

Bitdefender

Pros

• Free Antivirus features are the same as the paid version
• Malware recovery
• Includes free VPN

Cons

• Free version for Windows only
• Occasionally flags legitimate software as false positives

Bitdefender provides protection against viruses, malware, ransomware, and phishing. It offers a free version, but only on Windows, so this may be the best free antivirus software if you work exclusively on Windows.

Paid plans starting from €59.99 for one account and 5 devices.

Bitdefender combines traditional signature-based detection with AI and behavioral analysis to identify and block new threats in real time for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

Malwarebytes

Pros

• Free version available for basic malware scanning
• Removes malware and potentially unwanted programs
• Lightweight and fast scanning

Cons

• The free version does not include real-time protection
• Can be resource-heavy depending on your device

Malwarebytes provides protection against viruses, malware, ransomware, and phishing for individuals, small businesses, or enterprises.

It offers a free version for on-demand scanning, or paid plans starting from around €59.99 per year for three devices or €39.99 if you need protection for one device only. Paid plans include VPN, scam and ad blockers in your browser, and identity protection.

It is based in California, and isn’t open source, so the potential that the company can view your files or have other backdoors to your data is quite high, as the security or privacy of the platform cannot be verified.

McAfee

Pros

• Advanced AI protection against current AI attacks
• Identity monitoring and VPN
• Protection for up to 10 devices

Cons

• Reports of high CPU and RAM usage
• Intrusive pop-ups and ads

McAfee is one of the best antivirus software programs for automatically spotting and alerting you to scams, offering annual or bi-annual plans starting from €24.99/year for one device.

McAfee also offers additional products to secure your accounts online, including email, social security, and bank account monitoring, which alerts you in case any of your personal data has leaked online. It also offers online protection for children, as you can activate parental controls for your accounts.

One of the major complaints of McAfee users is the intrusive apps and difficulties of removing the software or cancelling your renewal plan, which becomes much more expensive after the first year.

Like other antiviruses on this list, McAfee is also based in California, so less stringent US privacy laws apply.

Norton

Pros

• High malware, virus, and spyware detection rates
• Password manager and dark web monitoring are included in paid plans
• Parental controls and cloud backup for premium plans

Cons

• The free version is limited and mainly for scanning only
• Some users report occasional false positives on safe files

Norton is also one of the best antivirus systems if you want a brand that has been around for a long time.

Norton 360 Deluxe and higher-tier plans provide additional features such as webcam protection, PC optimization tools, and advanced privacy controls.

Norton paid plans include advanced online privacy tools like deepfake, AI scams protection, phishing monitoring, identity theft restoration, and credit score reports. It also offers parental controls and social media monitoring, which is useful for parents worried about cyberbullying online.

Like Internxt, Norton is the only other antivirus service on this list offering cloud storage. However, it focuses on backups, only offers up to 200GB, and doesn’t use the same privacy-focused zero-knowledge encryption as Internxt.

TotalAV

Pros

• Anti-malware, ransomware, and spyware
• System tune-up tools
• Browser protection

Cons

• May cause system lagging
• Some users report occasional false positives on safe files

TotalAV is the final addition to make our list of the best Antivirus products available in 2026. IT advertises 100% malware detection for 100% of malicious samples in all tested sample sets, along with a 0% false positive score.

Aside from antivirus protection, you also get ad-blocker protection for browsers, schedule scanning, and data breach monitoring.

Prices start from €99/year for 3 devices up to €149/year for 8 devices.

Total AV also offers a VPN, which claims a no-logs policy, but its privacy policy allows some metadata collection and lacks a public independent audit and open source software, so its security claims cannot be verified.

Which is the best free antivirus software for you?

Internxt

Best for users who want full privacy, lifetime plans, and open source software. Internxt Antivirus comes with Drive, VPN, Cleaner, Meet, Mail, and more, giving you everything you need to stay protected online in one lifetime plan or annual subscription.

Get 85% off any Internxt plan from our website, and to learn more about Internxt’s privacy mission.

Avast

Best for individuals who want a free antivirus with strong malware detection and additional security tools.

AVG

Best for casual users who need simple, lightweight protection combined with web and email threat scanning.

Bitdefender

Best for users looking for comprehensive protection with minimal system impact and advanced ransomware defenses.

Malwarebytes

Best for users who need a focused malware and spyware removal tool to complement other privacy tools.

McAfee

Best for families or small businesses who want multi-device protection with identity theft safeguards and VPN access.

Norton

Best free antivirus software for users seeking all-in-one protection, including VPN, cloud backup, parental controls, dark web monitoring, and identity protection.

TotalAV

Best for beginners who want a user-friendly interface with a focus on antivirus, but with added optimization tools and secure browsing features.

Related articles

• Best video conferencing platforms
• Malware vs Spyware
• What is malware
• Best PC cleaner