One of the main advantages of a Box to SharePoint migration is that SharePoint integrates directly with Microsoft 365 applications, which include access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook within one paid subscription, rather than managing Box or OneDrive subscription costs.

Once files are successfully migrated from Box to SharePoint, teams and individuals can edit, share, and collaborate on documents and manage files, as SharePoint provides the storage for team documents.

So if you’re looking for a Box to SharePoint migration tool, or need to know how to manually transfer files from Box to SharePoint, we cover both methods in this article, as well as how to transfer files to other major cloud storage providers.

Table of contents

• Box vs SharePoint
• Important steps to take before a Box to SharePoint migration
• Box to SharePoint migration for business and personal use
• What a Box to SharePoint migration does not include
• How to migrate files from Box, SharePoint, and others
• Why migrate files to Internxt Drive

Box vs SharePoint

Below is an overview of the services Box and SharePoint offer.

For more details on each service, the following articles are useful before you copy files from Box to SharePoint.

Box Drive review

SharePoint vs OneDrive

SharePoint vs Google Drive

Important steps to take before a Box to SharePoint migration

For business

• Audit your Box content. Inventory total volume, user count, folder structures, and file types. Check for files over 15 GB, as Migration Manager will not migrate those files.
• Map your destinations. Decide where each Box folder belongs: a user's OneDrive, a SharePoint site, or a Teams library. Destination paths lock once a migration begins, so this cannot be corrected afterwards.
• Review permissions. Box has seven collaborator roles, whereas SharePoint has fewer, so some users will end up with broader access than they had before. Identify where this happens and fix it in advance.
• Match user identities. Every Box account needs a corresponding Microsoft 365 account. Users without one will have no content migrated.
• Check your SharePoint storage. Confirm your tenant has capacity for the incoming data plus version history, which can multiply the space each file consumes.

For personal migration

• Check which tool is available to you. Without tenant admin access, Migration Manager is not an option. The best options therefore are manual download and upload, dragging between the Box Drive and OneDrive sync folders, which we cover further down in this article.
• Sort before you move. A personal migration is a good moment to delete what you no longer need rather than carrying it across.
• Check your destination capacity. Confirm your Microsoft 365 plan has room for everything you intend to transfer.
• Download originals, not previews. Make sure you are copying full files rather than cached or partial versions, particularly for large media.
• Note any shared links. Links you have sent to other people will stop working once the content moves. Make a list of what you have shared and with whom.
• Keep a local copy during the move. Hold everything on a local or external drive until you have confirmed the transfer completed correctly, so you are never relying on a single copy.

Box to SharePoint migration for business and personal use

Method 1: Migrate Box to Microsoft 365 with Migration Manager

SharePoint has a Box to SharePoint migration tool, which is the easiest way to migrate from Box to SharePoint Online.

Important: Migration Manager requires admin access to a Microsoft 365 tenant and an admin-level Box account. Individuals on a personal Box plan generally cannot use it, but we will cover other ways to migrate from Box to SharePoint online afterwards.

To do so, follow these steps:

1. Connect your Box account. Sign in to Box and add the Microsoft 365 migration app to your Box custom apps. You grant access in the SharePoint admin centre, copy the client ID across to the Box admin console, then return to SharePoint.

**Note that you have 10 minutes to complete this, after which the session expires.**

2. Scan and assess. Migration Manager scans the Box environment and produces a report of users, folders, and content, flagging items that will not migrate cleanly. It’s important to review this before going further, as it is where you catch oversized files, unsupported items, and structural problems.

3. Map identities. Match Box user and group identities to their Microsoft 365 equivalents. This determines who ends up owning what, and it is the step most likely to cause problems later if rushed. Users without a mapped Microsoft 365 account will not have their content migrated.

4. Set destinations. Assign each Box user or folder to its target OneDrive, SharePoint site, or Teams location. Check these carefully, since they cannot be changed once the migration runs.

5. Create and run tasks. Migration Manager handles one Box user per task, copying everything that user has access to. Content they cannot access is excluded from that task. Start with a small pilot batch rather than the full tenant.

6. Verify and complete. Review the migration reports for failures, confirm permissions landed as expected, and re-invite external collaborators.

Method 2: Downloading from Box and uploading to SharePoint

This is the simplest Box to SharePoint migration if you don’t have access to the Migration Manager and need to move your files to SharePoint for personal use.

1. Sign in to Box on the web and navigate to the folders you want to move.
2. Select your content and choose Download. Box packages multiple items into a ZIP file. Work folder by folder rather than selecting everything at once, since very large ZIP files are slow to build and often fail partway.
3. Unzip the download and check it against what Box shows. Compare the number of files and the total size, and open a few of the larger files to confirm they are complete rather than partial.
4. Open the destination document library in SharePoint. Make sure you are in the right site and library before you start, as moving content afterwards is more work than getting it right the first time.
5. Upload the files. Either drag the folders in from your file explorer, or use the Upload button and select Folder. SharePoint preserves the folder structure, so your hierarchy carries across.
6. Verify the transfer. Compare file counts and folder sizes between Box and SharePoint, and open a sample of files from the SharePoint side to confirm they work.
7. Reconfigure sharing and permissions in SharePoint, since these do not carry across from Box.
8. Only then remove the content from Box. A manual transfer has no rollback, so keep the original until you have confirmed everything arrived.

What this method does not preserve

Permissions, version history, and file metadata such as who uploaded an item and when. Only the current version of each file transfers, and any share links you previously sent from Box will stop working.

What a Box to SharePoint migration does not include

Before you or your company uses a Box to SharePoint migration tool, it’s worth noting what the migration doesn’t include, so you can plan your file management within SharePoint accordingly

• External collaborators are deliberately excluded and must be re-invited in SharePoint afterwards
• External sharing links do not carry across
• Box Notes convert to Word (.docx) rather than migrating as Box Notes
• Older file versions are generally not preserved
• Box has seven collaborator roles, which collapse into a smaller set of SharePoint permission levels. Some users will end up with broader access than they had in Box, so check this to ensure the right users have the right permissions set to avoid leaking sensitive information
• You should plan for potential downtime if you are transferring large amounts of data

How to migrate files from Box, SharePoint, and others

Major cloud providers offer ways to transfer files from Box to SharePoint, OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, and more.

Below, you can find the right migration methods for you or your business, based on your current cloud provider.

Migrate Dropbox to OneDrive

Migrate Google Drive to OneDrive

If you want to migrate your files to a secure cloud storage solution that protects your files with post-quantum and zero-knowledge encryption, then you can easily migrate your files to Internxt’s encrypted cloud storage.

Why migrate files to Internxt Drive

Internxt is a sovereign cloud provider based in Valencia, Spain. Internxt Drive keeps your files private in the cloud with zero-knowledge encryption, and only you hold the keys to unlock your data.

OneDrive, Google, and others do not use this kind of end-to-end encryption, so they could potentially access your videos, documents, photos, and other files you store in the cloud.

For added transparency, Internxt is open-source, fully audited, and complies with GDPR, ISO 27001, SOC 2, and HIPAA, so all data you store in the cloud is protected by strict regulations and data protection laws.

Internxt also includes a complete product suite which includes Photos, Mail, VPN, and more, you can also move and transfer files via rclone, WebDAV, or to your QNAP or Synology NAS system.

To start migrating files from Box to Internxt Drive, you can follow the second method explained in this article, and to transfer from Google, iCloud Drive, or other Big Tech companies, you can check our help center article below.

Migrate from Google, iCloud, OneDrive, or Dropbox to Internxt

If you want to get started with Internxt, check out the features of our monthly and lifetime cloud storage plans below, and claim your exclusive 85% Internxt discount.

This article offers different methods to migrate from Dropbox to OneDrive for business and personal use.

We will also cover what you should consider before migrating your files to avoid data loss, and factors you should consider before transferring your files to make switching from Dropbox to OneDrive as smooth as possible.

Finally, if you want to migrate files outside of Dropbox or OneDrive to another cloud storage provider, we will also explain methods on how to do so, and the advantage of choosing other alternatives to big tech to gain more control over the privacy of your cloud storage.

Table of contents

• Why transfer files from Dropbox to OneDrive
• Three ways to migrate from Dropbox to OneDrive for businesses
• Problems you may face when moving files from Dropbox to OneDrive
• How to migrate Dropbox or OneDrive files to other cloud storage providers
• Why you should migrate Dropbox or OneDrive files to Internxt
• Frequently asked questions

Why transfer files from Dropbox to OneDrive

A Dropbox to OneDrive migration is a valuable process for businesses or personal cloud storage users, as  OneDrive provides additional services such as Teams, Outlook, and SharePoint.

If you want a detailed comparison of both services, including prices, features, and storage plans, check out our Dropbox vs OneDrive article.

Three ways to migrate from Dropbox to OneDrive for businesses

The most common ways to transfer files from Dropbox to OneDrive

Below is an overview of how to migrate from Dropbox to OneDrive, which is explained in more detail throughout this article.

Method 1: For Business Accounts (Microsoft 365 / Dropbox Business)

If you manage an organization, Microsoft offers an integrated tool for this purpose:

1. Go to the Microsoft 365 Admin Center.
2. Navigate to Settings > Migration and imports and select Dropbox to create a migration project.
3. Connect to your Dropbox administrator account with read permissions.
4. Scan and assess: Run a pre-migration scan to identify potential issues or file size limits.
5. Migrate: Add the folders to the migration list and transfer them to OneDrive or SharePoint.

Method 2: For Personal Accounts (Manual Download and Upload)

If you have a personal account and a moderate amount of data, you can do this directly through your browser:

1. Sign in to Dropbox.
2. Download the folders or files to your computer (if they are very large, compress them into a .zip file to make the process easier).
3. Sign in to OneDrive.
4. Click Upload and select the files or unzipped folder from your hard drive.
5. Keep the browser tab open until the upload is complete.

Method 3: Synchronization Using the Desktop Applications

1. Make sure you have both the Dropbox and OneDrive applications installed on your computer (Windows/Mac).
2. Open File Explorer and drag the files directly from your local Dropbox folder into your local OneDrive folder.
3. Wait until the icons change to green checkmarks, indicating that the upload to the cloud has been completed.

Problems you may face when moving files from Dropbox to OneDrive

When you migrate from Dropbox to OneDrive can sometimes cause issues that interrupt the migration or prevent files from transferring correctly. Things to check and be aware of before you transfer files from Dropbox to OneDrive are:

• Check that you have the right storage space available
• File size limits (OneDrive has a 250 GB upload limit)
• Preserving file metadata, such as creation dates and modification dates
• Version history, such as original creation dates, modification dates, file ownership, and previous file versions, may be lost depending on the transfer method.
• Create a backup of your important files before starting the migration
• Check file names for unsupported characters, which may not be transferred

How to migrate Dropbox or OneDrive files to other cloud storage providers

As neither Dropbox nor OneDrive use end-to-end encryption for your files, if you need a secure cloud storage solution that encrypts files directly on your device, then migrating your files to a private cloud storage, such as Internxt Drive, will keep your files encrypted so nobody but you can see them.

Both companies are based in the US and keep their source code hidden, so you have to trust that they keep your data secure and that there are no backdoors to your data.

Even so, as neither uses end-to-end encryption, both could still technically access your files, which is why Internxt is the best alternative to OneDrive and Dropbox.

To learn more about Dropbox and OneDrive security and privacy, you can find more information in our is Dropbox safe and is OneDrive safe articles.

How to migrate from Dropbox to Internxt Drive

To migrate files from Dropbox to Internxt Drive, you can do so by dragging files from Dropbox into the Internxt web platform, or into any of the Internxt Windows, Mac, or Linux desktop apps, and follow the steps below.

1. Download and open the Internxt Drive and Dropbox apps.

2. Select the folders you want to transfer to Internxt Drive

3. Drag and drop the selected folders into the Internxt Drive app.

4. Once the upload process is completed, you have successfully migrated your folders to Internxt Drive, and your files will be synced across the mobile and web platforms too.

How to migrate from OneDrive to Internxt Drive

If you choose Internxt as your European alternative to OneDrive, then you can migrate your files from your OneDrive account to Internxt by following these steps.

1. Select individual files and folders to download. Ctrl-A selects all folders or all files.
2. Click Download.
3. When you see Save/save as, fill in the details.
4. If you have multiple files or folders, they will download as a zip file.
5. Your files and folders will download as a zip file if there are multiple files/folders or contents.
6. Once you have your folder, you are ready to upload the contents to Internxt Drive

We also cover how you can migrate your files from Google in our migrate Google Drive to OneDrive article.

Why you should migrate Dropbox or OneDrive files to Internxt

End-to-end encrypted

Internxt secure cloud storage uses post-quantum and zero-knowledge encryption, protecting your files from present and future cybersecurity attacks.

Unlike Dropbox and OneDrive, Internxt encrypts files directly on your device, and only you hold the key, keeping your files private and inaccessible to anyone but you.

Open source and audited

All Internxt products are open source and available for anyone to review, ensuring security protocols stay up to date and there are no backdoors to your data.

Security experts can review the code to ensure there are no vulnerabilities, and Internxt has been fully audited twice to ensure there are no vulnerabilities that could expose your data.

Based in Europe

Internxt is a European cloud storage provider based in Valencia, Spain, and is compliant with GDPR, ISO 27001, SOC 2, and HIPAA, offering full protection no matter what data you store in the cloud.

Full privacy suite

All Internxt plans include backups, antivirus, and a VPN for full online privacy, with advanced features such as native rclone support available. Ultimate plans include everything Internxt has to offer, which includes an encrypted email with Internxt Mail, and automatic photo backups with Internxt Photos.

You can get 85% off any Internxt plan using the special offer below, where you can also check the full features of Internxt plans.

Frequently asked questions

How do I migrate Dropbox to OneDrive?

You can migrate Dropbox to OneDrive by downloading your files from Dropbox and uploading them to OneDrive, or by using a cloud migration tool to transfer them directly.

How do I move files from Dropbox to OneDrive without losing data?

Use a reliable migration tool or download and upload your files manually. Check that all files have transferred successfully before deleting anything from Dropbox.

Can I transfer files from Dropbox to OneDrive for free?

Yes. You can transfer files from Dropbox to OneDrive for free by downloading files to your computer and uploading them to OneDrive. Free storage limits may apply.

What is the easiest way to transfer files from Dropbox to OneDrive?

Using a cloud-to-cloud migration tool is usually the easiest option because it transfers files directly without requiring you to download them to your computer first.

How long does it take to move files from Dropbox to OneDrive?

Transfer time depends on the amount of data, internet speed, file sizes, and the migration method used.

Can I transfer entire Dropbox folders to OneDrive?

Yes. You can move entire folders while preserving their folder structure using manual uploads or a cloud migration tool.

Will moving files from Dropbox to OneDrive delete them from Dropbox?

No. Transferring files normally creates copies in OneDrive. Your original Dropbox files remain untouched unless you manually delete them or use a migration tool with a move-and-delete option.

This article offers the main methods to migrate data from Google Drive to OneDrive via Google Takeout, manual uploads and downloads, or third-party tools.

We will also cover things you need to consider when transferring files from Google Drive to OneDrive, including file conversion and backups.

Finally, if you’re looking to move files from Google Drive and OneDrive to a cloud storage with zero-knowledge encryption, we will also cover what steps to take in this article, too.

Table of contents

• Why transfer files from Google Drive to OneDrive?
• How to migrate Google Drive to OneDrive
• How to migrate from Google Drive or OneDrive to Internxt
• Why migrate files from Google Drive and OneDrive to Internxt
• Frequently asked questions

Why transfer files from Google Drive to OneDrive?

Transferring Google Drive to a OneDrive account is often done by individuals or users who integrate with Microsoft 365 and applications such as Word, Excel, or PowerPoint. OneDrive also includes SharePoint integration for businesses that need an easy way to manage company documents.

OneDrive is also a popular choice for Windows users, so this could be another factor. For a full comparison of both services, and to find out which one is right for you, visit our Google Drive vs OneDrive article.

How to migrate Google Drive to OneDrive

Summary of how to move files from Google Drive to OneDrive

Below are the three main ways to migrate Google Drive to OneDrive. Each is explained in more detail below, so you can choose the best method to transfer files from Google Drive to OneDrive safely.  

Method one: Google Takeout to OneDrive

Google Takeout lets you export data directly to OneDrive by sending you a file containing everything you want to download and move from Google Drive to OneDrive.

1. Go to the official Google Takeout page.
2. Click on Deselect all.
3. Find and select the Drive checkbox only.
4. Scroll down and click Next step.
5. In the "Destination" dropdown menu, select Add to OneDrive.
6. Click Link accounts, create export, and sign in to your Microsoft and Google accounts to authorise the transfer.

Method 2: manual download and upload

1. Sign in to your Google Drive account.
2. Select the files or folders you want to move (use Ctrl + A on Windows or Cmd + A on Mac to select everything).
3. Right-click and choose Download to save the compressed (.zip) file to your computer.
4. Extract the ZIP file on your computer.
5. Sign in to your OneDrive account and drag and drop the extracted folders, or use the Upload button.

Method 3: Third-party tools or migration tools

For businesses with Google Workspace plans, you can migrate Google Drive to OneDrive business accounts with these methods:

1. Microsoft 365 Migration Manager: If you are an IT administrator, you can use Microsoft's Migration Manager to connect Google Workspace and migrate user accounts, files, and permissions to OneDrive and SharePoint.
2. Third-party services: Third-party tools allow you to transfer or synchronise files directly between cloud storage services without having to download everything to your computer first.

What to consider if you transfer files from Google Drive to OneDrive

• If Add to OneDrive is not a choice, then you will have to transfer files from Google Drive to OneDrive using the manual download and upload option, explained in method 2.
• Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides are automatically converted into Microsoft Office-compatible formats during the import process (Word .docx, Excel .xlsx, and PowerPoint .pptx).
• Check that you have enough storage in your OneDrive account to avoid missing files during the upload process and that files are < the 250 GB upload limit OneDrive has.
• Organize files so they're easier to find after the process is complete.
• Back up files in the cloud before migrating to avoid potential data loss.
• Limitations: Google Drawings, Forms, Sites, Maps, shortcuts, and other files are not imported. There are also file size limits (for example, files larger than 15 GB cannot be transferred through direct import).

How to migrate from Google Drive or OneDrive to Internxt

If you’re searching for a Google Drive or OneDrive alternative that is open source and uses zero-knowledge encryption for total privacy of your files, you can also migrate Google Drive or OneDrive files to Internxt Drive to ensure nobody but you can view the contents of your files.

To do so, you can follow the steps below

How to migrate files from Google Drive to Internxt Drive

Here's how to easily export your files from Google Drive and upload them to  Internxt’s encrypted cloud storage.

1. Visit https://takeout.google.com/ and log in to your account.
2. Select the data you would like to include; this can be all your data, Photos, or just Google Drive.

3. Click "Next step" and select the file type (zip) and size

4. Click "Create export" to receive a link to your email. Depending on the size of your files, it may take longer.

Once you have received your email, download the file, and you will have all the files available to upload to Internxt Drive for you to back up, sync, or share files privately online.

How to migrate files from OneDrive to Internxt Drive

1. Select individual files and folders to download. Ctrl-A selects all folders or all files.
2. Click Download.
3. When you see Save/save as, fill in the details.
4. If you have multiple files or folders, they will download as a zip file.
5. Your files and folders will download as a zip file if there are multiple files/folders or contents.
6. Once you have your folder, you are ready to upload the contents to Internxt Drive!

You can also choose Internxt as a Dropbox alternative by migrating files from Dropbox to Internxt Drive by following the steps in this article.

Why migrate files from Google Drive and OneDrive to Internxt

Internxt is a European and sovereign cloud storage provider built on trust and transparency thanks to its open-source software and zero-knowledge encryption. Unlike Big Tech, Internxt can never view your files, as everything is encrypted before it leaves your device.

All Internxt plans include backups, Antivirus, and a VPN, offering full online protection for your device, cloud storage, and internet connection. It also offers alternatives to Gmail and Outlook with Internxt Mail, and full automatic backups with Internxt Photos.

To get started with Internxt, claim your 85% discount on all monthly and lifetime cloud storage plans, and check out the full features of all Internxt plans below.

Get 85% off

Frequently asked questions

How do I move everything from Google Drive to OneDrive?

You can move your files by downloading them from Google Drive and uploading them to OneDrive, using Google Takeout to export your data, or using a third-party cloud migration tool. Businesses can also use Microsoft 365 Migration Manager to migrate Google Workspace data.

Does Google Takeout transfer files directly to OneDrive?

No. Google Takeout does not directly transfer files to OneDrive. It exports your Google Drive data into downloadable archives, which you must download and then upload to OneDrive.

What is the best Google Drive to OneDrive migration tool?

The best tool depends on your requirements. Manual transfers and Google Takeout are suitable for personal use, while other tools offer convenient cloud-to-cloud transfers. Businesses migrating Google Workspace to Microsoft 365 can use Microsoft's Migration Manager.

Will my Google Drive folders remain organised in OneDrive?

Generally, yes. Most migration methods preserve the original folder structure, although the results may vary depending on the tool used. It is recommended to check your folders after completing the transfer.

How can I transfer files from Google Drive or OneDrive to another cloud storage?

You can transfer files from Google Drive or OneDrive to another cloud storage service such as Internxt Drive by downloading your files and uploading them to the new platform, via Google Takeout, or using a cloud migration tool.

Before starting, check that the destination account has enough storage and verify that your files and folder structures have transferred successfully.

Cloud storage solutions offer different levels of control, security, and data protection, making it important to understand which option best suits your needs, whether it's for personal, business, or enterprise cloud storage.

Sovereign cloud and private cloud are two popular choices, but they serve different purposes.

While a sovereign cloud focuses on data location, legal jurisdiction, and regulatory compliance, a private cloud solution provides dedicated infrastructure and greater control over resources.

In this article, we explore the key differences between a sovereign cloud vs private cloud, their advantages and disadvantages, and how to choose the best sovereign or private cloud solution to meet your storage, backup, or compliance needs.

Table of contents

• Why learning the difference between sovereign vs private cloud is important
• Key differences between a sovereign cloud vs private cloud
• Private cloud vs sovereign cloud pros and cons
• Best sovereign cloud providers
• Frequently asked questions about a sovereign cloud vs private cloud

Why learning the difference between sovereign vs private cloud is important

Understanding how private cloud vs sovereign cloud storage works is important to understand how the protection, control, and ownership of your data work.

Choosing the right types of cloud storage for personal, business, or enterprise needs ensures you keep data secure and private, and information is stored according to regulatory requirements or local laws.

Once the differences are clear, the decision of choosing between sovereign cloud vs private cloud providers helps you pick the right one to store sensitive information securely in the cloud.

Cloud computing and sovereign vs private cloud differences

Sovereign cloud vs private cloud overview

Below are the main differences and overview of a private cloud vs sovereign cloud solution.

Key difference: A sovereign cloud focuses on where data is stored, which laws apply to it, and who has legal authority over it. A private cloud focuses on ensuring that the infrastructure and resources are dedicated to a single organisation.

A cloud environment can be both sovereign and private if it uses dedicated infrastructure and meets the data sovereignty requirements of a specific country or region.

What is a sovereign cloud?

Sovereign cloud providers offer a cloud computing environment where data is stored, processed, and managed according to the laws and regulations of a specific country or region, such as Europe.

It ensures organisations maintain control over their data, including where it is stored and who can access it, and keeps data within national borders and protected from foreign access.

To learn more about sovereign cloud, visit our what is a sovereign cloud article.

Sovereign cloud use case: A Spanish healthcare company may choose a Spain-based sovereign cloud provider that stores and processes all its patient data within the European Union, such as Internxt S3, which also offers HIPAA compliance for sensitive healthcare data and medical records.

What is a private cloud?

Unlike a sovereign cloud, a private cloud is a cloud computing environment dedicated to a single organisation, and the storage, servers, and computing resources are managed by the company rather than a third-party cloud provider.

This allows businesses to customise their infrastructure, establish their own security policies, control who can access their data, and manage how their resources are used. A private cloud can be hosted on the organisation's own servers or managed by an external cloud provider.

Private cloud storage use case: a large bank may use a private cloud to store customer records, financial transactions, and internal business documents. Because the infrastructure is managed by the bank, it can configure its own security policies, manage user access, and customise the environment to meet its specific security requirements.

What is a public cloud?

A public cloud is a cloud storage service that allows individuals to store their files, photos, videos, and documents online using infrastructure managed by an external provider. The cloud infrastructure is shared between multiple customers, but each user has their own private account and storage space, protected by individual login credentials and security measures.

Public cloud providers include Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive, but for a sovereign personal cloud provider, Internxt Drive offers end-to-end encrypted cloud storage for maximum privacy and control over data privacy.

For businesses, a company may use Amazon Web Services (AWS), but companies have less control over the infrastructure, where data is stored, and which country’s laws govern it.

The main advantage of public cloud storage is its convenience, accessibility, and affordability. However, users have less control over the underlying infrastructure, where their data is stored, and which country's laws govern it.

Other types of cloud storage

Aside from knowing the importance of sovereign cloud vs private cloud providers, it’s also important to know the other types of cloud storage that may be suitable for your business or personal needs, which include:

1. On-premises: An organisation owns or manages its own physical servers and storage systems, which are located at its offices or in its own data centre. The organisation is responsible for maintaining the hardware, security, and infrastructure.
2. Hybrid: A hybrid cloud combines two or more types of cloud environments, typically a private cloud or on-premises infrastructure with a public cloud. This allows an organisation to store and manage highly sensitive data in a private cloud, and less confidential data in a public cloud.

An on-premises cloud solution offers maximum control for companies in terms of security, control, and security, but requires a high investment and ongoing maintenance.

Hybrid cloud storage is useful for companies that want the control of private infrastructure with the flexibility of public cloud services, but it can be more complex and requires careful integration and security management.

Key differences between a sovereign cloud vs private cloud

The main difference between a sovereign cloud and a private cloud is what they prioritise.

A sovereign cloud focuses on where data is stored, which country's laws apply to it, and who has legal authority over it.

A private cloud focuses on providing dedicated infrastructure and resources exclusively to one organisation.

Although they are different, a cloud environment can be both sovereign and private if it meets both sets of requirements.

Private cloud vs sovereign cloud pros and cons

When it comes to private cloud vs sovereign cloud providers, both have their advantages and disadvantages, depending on your experience working with a private cloud or the local laws you have to follow.

Private cloud pros and cons

Private cloud storage solutions offer the following benefits or possible limitations depending on your needs.

Private cloud pros

• Greater control over infrastructure, data, and security policies.
• Dedicated resources that are not shared with other organisations.
• Customisable to meet specific business requirements.
• Greater flexibility in managing user access and security.
• Can be hosted on-premises or by an external provider.

Private cloud cons

• Higher setup and maintenance costs. (approximately 10,000 - 100,000+ for initial setup, depending on the organisation's size and infrastructure, plus ongoing maintenance costs).
• Requires technical expertise to manage and maintain.
• The organisation may be responsible for infrastructure updates and security.
• Less scalable than public cloud solutions in some cases.
• Does not automatically guarantee data sovereignty or protection under a specific country's laws.

You should choose private cloud storage when you need dedicated infrastructure, greater control over your data and security settings, and the ability to customise your cloud environment to meet your organisation's specific requirements.

Sovereign cloud pros and cons

Sovereign cloud pros

• Data is stored and processed according to the laws of a specific country or region.
• Helps organisations meet data protection and regulatory requirements.
• Provides greater control over data location and legal jurisdiction.
• Reduces exposure to foreign laws and jurisdictions.
• Supports data privacy and digital sovereignty.

Sovereign cloud cons

• May involve higher costs due to specific legal, infrastructure, and operational requirements.
• Can limit the choice of cloud providers and services.
• Data residency requirements may restrict where data can be stored or processed.
• Compliance requirements can increase administrative complexity.
• Does not automatically guarantee dedicated infrastructure or exclusive access to resources.

You should choose sovereign or European cloud service providers if you need to ensure your data is stored and processed within a specific country or region, remains subject to its laws and regulations, and is protected from exposure to foreign jurisdictions.

Best sovereign cloud providers

Internxt

Internxt is a Spanish-based cloud storage company offering GPDR cloud storage for personal, business, or enterprise use. It also offers compliance with ISO 27001, SOC 2, and HIPAA, offering data protection for all industries.

With Internxt, your data is stored in multiple European data centers, and is protected by post-quantum, end-to-end encryption. For full transparency, Internxt and all its products are open source, and available for independent reviews by security experts.

Internxt S3 is an enterprise cloud object storage solution for enterprises, offering scalable storage for businesses at a fixed cost of €7/TB/month to store petabytes of data for your storage, backups, or file versioning needs.

Internxt Drive is an end-to-end encrypted product suite including Mail, Meet, and Photos, to meet your online privacy and secure cloud storage needs. Monthly and lifetime plans are available, with each paid plan offering backups and VPN, with more advanced features available such as WebDav and Rclone support.

You can also combine your private NAS cloud storage by connecting your Internxt Drive to your NAS system, to combine privacy and maximum control of your data.

To get started with Internxt S3, visit our website to contact a member of our sales team, and for Internxt Drive, get started by choosing any paid plan, and claim your exclusive 85% discount below.

Frequently asked questions about a sovereign cloud vs private cloud

What is the difference between sovereign cloud and private cloud?

A sovereign cloud focuses on where data is stored, which laws apply to it, and who has legal authority over it. A private cloud provides dedicated infrastructure and resources exclusively to one organisation. The main difference is data sovereignty versus infrastructure exclusivity.

What is a sovereign cloud?

A sovereign cloud is a cloud environment where data is stored, processed, and managed according to the laws and regulations of a specific country or region. For example, European cloud service providers such as Internxt gives organisations and individuals greater control over data location and legal jurisdiction.

What is a private cloud?

A private cloud is a cloud computing environment dedicated to a single organisation. Its infrastructure and resources are not shared with other customers, giving the organisation greater control over security, access, and customisation.

Which is better: sovereign cloud or private cloud?

Neither is universally better. A sovereign cloud suits organisations that prioritise data location, legal jurisdiction, and regulatory compliance. A private cloud suits organisations that need dedicated infrastructure and greater control over their cloud environment.

What are the benefits of sovereign cloud storage?

Sovereign cloud storage helps organisations maintain control over where their data is stored and which laws govern it. It can support regulatory compliance, protect data privacy, and reduce exposure to foreign jurisdictions.

What are the benefits of private cloud storage?

Private cloud storage provides dedicated resources, greater control over security policies, and the ability to customise the infrastructure. It also allows organisations to manage access to their data according to their specific requirements.

Is sovereign cloud more secure than private cloud?

Not necessarily. Both can provide strong security, but they address different priorities. Sovereign cloud focuses on data jurisdiction and legal control, while private cloud provides dedicated infrastructure and greater control over security configurations.

Every year, people wait for the perfect time to grab the best Black Friday deals on tech, beauty, clothing, and more. Well, this year, Internxt has something special for you, offering you the best cloud storage deal that includes our new products: Internxt Mail, Meet, Photos, and more.

Right now, you can sign up to get 87% off  our Black Friday deals and discounts for all Internxt plans and get access to everything Internxt has to offer, which we will go into more detail about later in this article.

If you can’t wait, then head over to our website, choose your perfect plan, and get our biggest discount ever on the most secure cloud storage, and more.

Table of contents

• Why wait for the best cloud storage Black Friday deals
• Best cloud storage Black Friday deals
• How to get the best cloud storage Black Friday deals
• Advantages of our best cloud storage Black Friday deals
• More Black Friday deals

Why wait for the best cloud storage Black Friday deals

Many people wait for Black Friday cloud storage deals as it’s the perfect time to save money, upgrade their current storage, or get access to new products. People may also choose Black Friday because they no longer want to keep a subscription model from other companies.

Here’s why it makes sense to wait for the best cloud storage Black Friday deals:

• Many providers wait for Black Friday to offer their best discounts, so it’s the best time to save.
• You can get more storage at a lower price before regular rates increase.
• Waiting gives you time to compare providers and features like encryption, sharing tools, device syncing, and backup reliability.
• For long-term use, especially for businesses or families, buying during Black Friday reduces the cost per gigabyte and gives better value.
• You are more likely to get extra features not available from other providers.

This is why many people search for alternatives to Dropbox, Google Drive, and other big tech services and choose to switch to Internxt.

Internxt Black Friday deals include 87% off all of its lifetime plans, meaning you get access to cloud storage forever, and only have to pay once. No more subscriptions, just a lifetime of cloud storage.

Sign up to be the first to access Internxt Black Friday discounts from our website

Even if you already have an Internxt account, you can still take advantage of the deal by getting more storage for your current lifetime plan or the features of a Premium or Ultimate plan.

Best cloud storage Black Friday deals

Internxt's Black Friday deal will be live soon.

By visiting our website and signing up for our newsletter, you'll get 87% off any monthly or lifetime cloud storage plan and start storing, sharing, backing up, and syncing your files with maximum security.

With this deal, you can choose from any of Internxt’s plans shown below.

Internxt Essential

Internxt Essential is Internxt’s entry tier to cloud storage, and includes access to the following features:

• 1TB storage
• Zero-knowledge & post-quantum encryption
• Two-factor authentication
• Backups
• Password-protected file sharing
• Encrypted VPN (FR)
• Antivirus

Essential plans cost €1.92/month or €247 for a lifetime plan.

Internxt Premium

Everything in the Essential plan, plus:

• 2TB storage
• Zero-knowledge & post-quantum encryption
• Two-factor authentication
• Backups
• Password-protected file sharing
• Encrypted VPN (FR, DE, PL)
• Antivirus
• Invite, share & collaborate
• File versioning
• Cleaner
• Internxt Meet

Premium plans cost €2.59/month, or €377 for a lifetime plan.

Internxt Ultimate

Internxt’s Ultimate plan includes everything from Premium and Essential, offering you everything you need to protect your privacy online. With Ultimate, you get:

• 5TB storage
• Zero-knowledge & post-quantum encryption
• Two-factor authentication
• Backups
• Password-protected file sharing
• Encrypted VPN (FR, DE, PL, CA, UK)
• Antivirus
• Invite, share & collaborate
• Cleaner
• Meet
• CLI & WebDav support
• NAS & Rclone support
• Cleaner
• Meet
• Mail
• File Versioning
• Photos

Ultimate plans cost €3.89/month, or €507 for a lifetime plan.

How to get the best cloud storage Black Friday deals

Your 87% discount is automatically applied at checkout, so to get it, you just need to follow these steps:

1. Create an Internxt account
2. Select your plan
3. Head to checkout and enter your details
4. Select your payment method
5. Click “Pay”

Then you’re good to go!

You can now start protecting your files with post-quantum and end-to-end encryption, plus enjoy the other benefits of your Internxt account.

For lifetime plans, we also accept crypto payments or Klarna, allowing you to split the cost and pay later for your new lifetime plan.

Advantages of our best cloud storage Black Friday deals

Choosing this deal is the first step to protecting your online privacy, but it also includes many other benefits.

Higher savings

Cloud storage subscriptions can add up over time, so discounts, lifetime plans, or annual offers help users save significantly. It also helps you avoid increased subscription costs if the company decides to raise prices during your subscription period.

Below, you can see the savings you can benefit from if you invest in an Internxt Ultimate plan when compared to a Google One annual plan.

Internxt Ultimate: 5TB €506
Google AI Pro: 2TB €219.99
Internxt cost per GB: €0.1012 per GB
Google cost per GB: €0.109995 per GB

Cost per GB savings: Internxt offers about 8% savings on cost per GB compared to Google, without paying for further subscriptions, and without big tech surveillance thanks to Internxt's zero-knowledge encryption.

Return on investment

If you choose to get an Internxt lifetime account, when taking into account a Google AI Pro subscription, it won’t take long for you to start saving money with Internxt over a subscription with Google.

The following table shows how much you could save over a period of 5 years with Internxt compared to a yearly plan with Google.

Security and privacy

Choosing an Internxt plan is not only a solid investment for your wallet, but also for the future security of your data.

As Internxt uses post-quantum encryption, this cryptography will protect your data from the future threat of quantum computers, which could potentially break current encryption technologies used by other cloud companies.

This, alongside Internxt’s zero access policies, means that nobody but you can view or access your files, as the encryption keys are managed on your device, meaning not even Internxt can view what you store in the cloud.

Scalability

Never worry about cloud storage full messages again, as all lifetime plans can be stacked, giving you as much storage as you need so you ever run out of a secure space to store your documents, photos, or videos.

Access to new features

As Internxt is becoming the most secure alternative to big tech companies, its product suite is growing alongside demand for cloud storage that values your privacy.

If you buy an Ultimate plan with this discount, you will also get access to Internxt’s upcoming features, such as:

• Native rclone support
• Mail
• NAS cloud backups
• Photos
• File versioning

Compliance

Finally, to demonstrate its commitment to your privacy, Internxt is fully compliant with:

• GDPR
• ISO 27001
• HIPAA
• SOC 2

Ensuring the highest security standards are met when you sign up for Internxt, now and in the future.

More Black Friday deals

Choosing the right cloud storage deal is important to protect your files in an age where data leaks and breaches are becoming more common.

So if you’re considering what the best cloud storage Black Friday deals are for you, Internxt is a solid option. Not only for its 87% discount, but also for its commitment to protecting your privacy and creating a more ethical and safe internet for everyone.

For more Black Friday deals, check out our article below, which has a list of special offers for you to enjoy.

More Internxt Black Friday deals

Black Friday Deals 2026 - Cloud Storage and Personal Cloud Storage Deals

Internxt Black Friday 2026: 85% OFF secure cloud storage: your full privacy suite! Get VPN, Antivirus, Cleaner, Meet, and Mail.

Cloud Storage and Personal Cloud Storage Deals

Internxt — Black Friday Personal Cloud Storage Deals 2025

Black Friday Internxt 2025 — 85% off cloud storage, Antivirus, Cleaner, VPN, Meet, and Mail.

The Best VPN Black Friday Deals of 2026 | Internxt Blog

Get the best VPN Black Friday deals from Internxt: 87% off all plans, which include an encrypted VPN, cloud storage, and more.

InternxtNathan James Turner

Wondering what the big deal is with Black Friday? And why does every business on earth seem to be obsessed with the quasi-holiday? Or are you just looking for great deals?

Black Friday has become a sort of global cultural institution. Everyone knows about it, some look forward to it, and a few go crazy for the big day.

It may be hard to believe, but Black Friday hasn't always been a thing, and it's actually a relatively recent development. Below, find out everything you wish to know about the weird, wild, and overtly consumerist holiday known only as Black Friday.

If you're looking for the best cloud storage Black Friday deals, this article also has you covered, as we're offering our biggest discount yet - 87% off all our cloud storage plans, which include Meet, Mail, Photos, and more!

Internxt Black Friday deal

And unfortunately, no, the origin of Black Friday has nothing to do with pirates…Sorry.

What is Black Friday?

Black Friday is always the Friday after Thanksgiving, making it the fourth Thursday in November. Black Friday is not an official holiday but a global phenomenon in which companies offer holiday discounts and sales.

Often, Black Friday are associated with American malls, department stores, and supermarkets, opening early in the morning to crowds of waiting customers hoping to cash in on exclusive savings.

Why Is It Called Black Friday?

The word "black" has often been applied to days that are infamous or experienced some kind of calamity or catastrophe in the past.

The use of the phrase in reference to shopping the day after Thanksgiving was initially coined by The New York Times on November 29, 1975, which used the term Black Friday to specifically refer to "the busiest shopping and traffic day of the year" in Philadelphia.

The phrase has since gradually gained steam, being adopted by US retailers for promotional purposes. Black Friday has become a cultural icon, for better or worse, thanks to media coverage of the often wild behavior of shoppers. Because of this hype, even retailers outside the US now promote the day to remain competitive with US-based online retailers and market their own sales.

History of Black Friday and How Black Friday Started

Why is the Friday after Thanksgiving known for shopping and crazy Black Friday deals? ​​

The day after Thanksgiving has been regarded as the beginning of the United States Christmas shopping season since the early 1950s. This is most likely due to the appearance of Santa Claus in many communities' Thanksgiving parades. The idea being that "Santa has arrived" or "Santa is just around the corner" because Christmas is always the next major Christian holiday following Thanksgiving.

Macy's and other big-name stores, and their national parade, likely had much to do with this being popularized. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many Santa or Thanksgiving parades were indeed sponsored by department stores.

Eventually, it became an unwritten rule that no store would try doing Christmas advertising before the parade was over. Therefore, the day after Thanksgiving became the day when the shopping season officially started.

Thanksgiving's relationship with Christmas shopping led to controversy in the 1930s. Retail stores would have liked to encourage a longer shopping season, but no store wanted to break with tradition and be the one to start advertising before Thanksgiving.

Cyber Monday quickly followed in Black Friday's footsteps as an alternative sales day for online retailers. Also, in 2015, online book giant and cloud storage provider Amazon was the first to offer "Black Friday in July" deals on what they called "Prime Day." These Black Friday look-alikes have since been widely adopted by other companies looking to cash in on the trend by offering similar deals.

Black Friday Trends

Since 2020, Black Friday has been declining in favor of online shopping. The coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown have accelerated this process. The pandemic also resulted in holiday deals and coupon codes being offered over a more extended period of time, even as early as October.

Fewer people are now shopping in person on Black Friday as more and more businesses are taking the majority of their sales online.

Black Friday Predictions

Change is in the air, and Black Friday will be a little different this year. Below are five predictions for Black Friday:

Deals lasting longer than one day

After COVID, the public has become used to Black Friday deals spread out over a longer period. Many companies will be wary of trying to revert back to a one-day extravaganza too quickly. Consumers are over the 24-hour frenzy.

People will search out real value

Many people will only pull the trigger on items that have a very good value. A lot of the old tricks, like stating a false original price won't work anymore. Consumers are catching on and have become warier than in previous years.

Sustainability becomes a priority

Climate change is becoming more and more relevant with each passing day. Consumers will pass on anything that is bad for the environment, or at the very least, consider more planet-friendly options wherever possible.

A return to local businesses

Thanks to a backlash to poor business practices and bad press from some big-name retailers, many consumers are skipping Black Friday or instead choosing to shop local. Many local businesses are also realizing the benefits of participating in Black Friday deal-making.

Less spending overall

Times are tough. Inflation, COVID, and uncertainty about the future are hitting consumers hard this year, and many are deciding to cut back on non-essential spending. It's safe to expect holiday spending to be much more humble than in years past.

Best Black Friday cloud storage deals

Internxt

If you need secure cloud storage with end-to-end post-quantum encryption, then Internxt has the best Black Friday deal for you with 87% off all monthly and lifetime cloud storage plans.

All paid plans include backups, Antivirus, and VPN to protect your cloud from data loss, protect your device, and encrypt your internet connection.

With an Internxt Ultimate plan, you get 87% off Internxt's full product suite, which includes Internxt Mail for encrypted email and Internxt Photos for automatic backups.

For advanced cloud management, Ultimate plans include WebDAV and Rclone support, and NAS cloud backups for QNAP and Synology devices.

You can get early access to our 2026 Black Friday deal from the link below, and be the first to access our biggest deal of the year!

To claim the best cloud storage deal this Black Friday, click on this link, choose your plan, and your discount will automatically apply at checkout.

If you want to view the full features of our Black Friday deals, check out our Essential, Premium, and Ultimate plans to find the right deal for you.

How to choose cloud storage Black Friday

Pricing

Cloud storage Black Friday deals are the best time to upgrade your storage as it's the time of year companies offer their biggest deals, and Internxt is no different.

With your 87% discount, you can start protecting your files from just €1.29/month for 1TB of storage, backups, Antivirus, and VPN included with your deal.

If you want to avoid subscriptions entirely and choose one-time payment cloud storage, then Internxt's lifetime plans start at €247, and if you need to stack your plan later, you can upgrade your plan to get more storage or features, such as Mail, Photos, and NAS support.

Features

Cloud storage Black Friday deals are popular because if you choose correctly, you get additional features included with your storage.

Google One pricing plans include advanced Gemini features, Google Photos, and access to Google Workspace.

However, Google does not offer end-to-end encrypted cloud storage, and other cloud companies, such as pCloud, include this feature as a paid add-on.

Therefore, if you want a cloud storage deal that includes zero-knowledge and post-quantum encryption, and a full product suite for your privacy, choosing Internxt's Black Friday deal is the best choice to meet your privacy needs.

Storage

Based on your needs, you may need cloud storage plans from 1ooGB to store and back up photos, or larger plans between 3 and 5 TB if you need cloud storage for videos.

When choosing your storage, you should account for your future needs and whether your storage plan will be enough to store and back up your files in the future, so you don't have to buy another plan.

Privacy

To protect your files and data from data breaches and big tech surveillance, you need a Black Friday deal that includes end-to-end encryption.

This form of data encryption encrypts files on your device, and you hold the keys, so only you can access your files.

Internxt offers post-quantum encryption included with all plans, protecting your privacy against future cybersecurity threats, and all products are open source for total transparency to ensure your files remain safe, and your data secure.

What is the best cloud storage Black Friday?

Internxt's 87% discount is the best cloud storage deal for Black Friday in 2026, it includes post-quantum encryption and a complete privacy bundle to secure your emails, video calls, internet connection, and back up your photos.

With lifetime storage, it's the perfect investment: pay once and never have to worry about rising subscriptions, and you can upgrade whenever you need more storage and features.  

For the best Black Friday deal for your online privacy, choose any Internxt plan, protect your files, and get the most private cloud storage, email, and more for 87% off on our website.

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The Best VPN Black Friday Deals of 2026 | Internxt Blog

Get the best VPN Black Friday deals from Internxt: 87% off all plans, which include an encrypted VPN, cloud storage, and more.

InternxtNathan James Turner

Looking for the best VPN Black Friday deals of the year? Then you’ve come to the right place!

Internxt VPN is included with all our paid plans, which also include encrypted cloud storage, for a massive 87% off.

Not only do you get a VPN, but you can also choose from a privacy suite to get everything you need to protect your privacy online this Black Friday.

Interested? Find out the pricing of our Black Friday deals, features, storage, and more below.

Claim your Black Friday deal

Table of contents

When is Black Friday 2026?

Black Friday will take place on Friday, November 27, 2026.

Black Friday is always held on the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, which falls on the fourth Thursday of November. In 2026, Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Thursday, November 26, making November 27 the official date for Black Friday.

Although Black Friday is traditionally a single day, Internxt is offering early access to our best VPN Black Friday deals when you sign up on our website.

When you sign up, you’ll get priority access to the best Black Friday deals on VPN, Meet, Mail, and more.

So although Black Friday is on November 27, you can start protecting your data with Internxt’s secure cloud storage and encrypted VPN Black Friday deal below!

Black Friday Internxt deal

Are Black Friday VPN deals worth it?

Yes, the benefits of using a VPN help you gain more privacy online. With it, you can hide your IP address and encrypt your connection to protect it from hackers when using public wi-fi.

The best Black Friday deals and discounts for VPN plans are often the biggest discounts companies offer, so if you’ve been considering using a VPN, Black Friday is the best time to do so.

How to choose the best Black Friday VPN deal

Subscription vs lifetime

Black Friday deals from VPN services often apply to monthly or annual subscription plans, but the deal usually renews at the full price once the initial renewal period ends, which means that in the future you are paying more than the initial deal.

If you like the service and want to stick with it after the initial deal, then be sure to check what price you are paying so you’re not surprised when your plan renews.

If you want the best Black Friday VPN deal where you only have to pay once, then you can choose a lifetime plan. Some VPN providers offer lifetime options, but this only includes a VPN.

With an Internxt Black Friday deal, however, you get an encrypted VPN as part of its encrypted cloud storage plans, and all paid lifetime cloud storage plans include Antivirus, backups, and a VPN.

So if you want the best cloud storage deals that include a VPN and a full privacy bundle, then Internxt’s Black Friday offer is the best bundle to protect your privacy online.

Encryption

Check which encryption standards and security protocols the VPN uses; without the right data encryption, you could be paying for something that still exposes your personal data to hackers.  

Some Chrome extensions, for example, can expose your data, so you need to check the best free VPN extensions for Chrome and check that they are actually encrypting your information, rather than collecting your personal data.  

Internxt VPN uses the same encryption standards as Drive, Send, and its other products, and it is totally open source and can be verified by security experts that its VPN protects your connection.

Supported devices

Check that the VPN works on all the devices you plan to use.

Most services support Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, while some also offer apps for Linux, routers, smart TVs, and other platforms. Also check how many devices can be connected at the same time.

Other features

If you just want a VPN, then you should check what features are included with your VPN service, such as:

• Kill switch
• Split tunneling
• Ad and tracker blocking
• Multiple server locations
• Support for streaming and P2P traffic

Compare which features are included in each plan before choosing a deal, as more advanced features may only be available with the more expensive plans.

Consider if you just want to pay for a VPN, or if you can find Black Friday VPN deals that include other services, such as encrypted email, cloud storage, or secure video conferencing, which are included with Internxt’s pricing plans

Support and money-back guarantee

If you’re new to VPNs or want to set up your VPN in a specific way, or just need to ask general questions, then you should check if the service offers live chat, email support, or help documentation.

You should also review the money-back guarantee, including how long you have to request a refund and any conditions that apply.

With an Internxt plan, you get a 30-day money-back guarantee period for all plans, and we are always here to help via our live chat (Monday-Friday) and email. We also have a dedicated help centre for all our products to help you get started.

Best Black Friday VPN deals 2026

Internxt monthly and lifetime Black Friday offers

Internxt offers the best Black Friday VPN deals for its annual (paid monthly) and lifetime plans, with its biggest deal of the year: 87% off all plans!

All paid plans include post-quantum encrypted cloud storage for up to 5TB, which you can stack with a lifetime plan, plus a VPN to protect your connection.

Internxt’s Black Friday offer applies to its Essential, Premium, and Ultimate plans. Below, you can find out more about each Internxt plan, features, storage, and cost to help you choose the best Google Drive alternative and other big tech companies to get the best private cloud storage with post-quantum encryption.

Essential

Internxt Essential offers 1TB of secure cloud storage and includes an encrypted VPN with the following features:

• Post-quantum encryption
• Zero-knowledge encryption
• Two-factor authentication
• Backup your computer
• Password-protected file sharing
• Encrypted VPN
• Antivirus

Black Friday price: €1.29/month lifetime €247

Premium

Premium includes everything in Essential, more VPN locations, 2TB of storage, and these features:

• Post-quantum encryption
• Zero-knowledge encryption
• Two-factor authentication
• Backup your computer
• Password-protected file sharing
• Invite, share & collaborate
• File versioning
• Encrypted VPN
• Antivirus
• Cleaner
• Internxt Meet

Black Friday price: €2.59/month lifetime €377

Utimate

Ultimate is Internxt’s full privacy suite, offering advanced cloud management tools, VPN, 5TB of storage, and these features:

• Try risk-free for 30 days
• Post-quantum encryption
• Zero-knowledge encryption
• Two-factor authentication
• Backup your computer
• Password-protected file sharing
• Invite, share & collaborate
• File versioning
• Internxt Photos
• CLI, WebDAV and Rclone support
• NAS cloud backups for QNAP and Synology
• Encrypted VPN
• Antivirus
• Cleaner
• Internxt Meet
• Internxt Mail

Black Friday price: €1.29/month lifetime €247

If you buy a lifetime plan, you can stack your storage and add more features, so if you want to start with an Essential plan and want extra features such as Internxt Photos, you can upgrade, and you will get 6TB of storage, plus all the features of Ultimate.

You can also split the cost of a lifetime plan with Klarna, or pay with cryptocurrency at checkout.

How much can you save with Black Friday VPN deals?

With Internxt, you can save 87% off all plans, and if you choose a lifetime plan, you only have to pay once to access your cloud storage, VPN, and extra features forever- no more subscriptions, just full privacy online.

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Black Friday VPN deals FAQs

What is the best VPN deal for Black Friday 2026?

Internxt’s Black Friday VPN deal is the best deal if you want a full privacy suite of a VPN with encrypted cloud storage and more. Your 87% discount means you get the best VPN at an incredible price.

When do Black Friday VPN deals start?

Black Friday falls on November 27, 2026, but Black Friday deals are normally available a few days or a week before.

You can sign up for the Internxt newsletter to be the first to access our 87% Black Friday discount.

Are VPNs cheaper on Black Friday?

Yes. Many companies offer their biggest discounts during Black Friday, and Internxt is no different with its 87% Black Friday offer.

Can I cancel a VPN subscription after Black Friday?

Yes, if you purchase an Internxt plan, you can cancel your subscription at any time and request a refund if it falls within our 30-day money-back guarantee period.

Do VPN Black Friday deals renew at the same price?

Black Friday subscriptions are generally for a limited time and renew at the full price at the end of the first renewal period.

If you buy a lifetime plan from Internxt, there are no renewals; our one time payment cloud storage plans mean you pay once and access the services forever.

What should I look for in a VPN Black Friday deal?

Check the total cost after the first year, renewal price, length of the subscription, number of devices supported, server coverage, connection speeds, privacy policy, and whether the VPN is included with other features.

More customers, businesses, and consumers are beginning to care more about where their data is stored, who can access it, and how to keep the cloud private.

With more alternatives to traditional cloud providers such as AWS, Google Drive, and others becoming available, we offer the best sovereign cloud providers in Europe to meet your data sovereignty needs, and explain why choosing a sovereign cloud can help increase data security, privacy, ensure compliance, and give you greater control over data stored in the cloud.

Table of contents

What are sovereign cloud providers?

Sovereign cloud providers offer cloud computing services designed to ensure that an organisation's data, applications, and digital infrastructure remain subject to the laws and regulations of a specific country or region.

Unlike traditional cloud providers such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, which operate across multiple countries and fall under different legal jurisdictions, sovereign cloud providers focus on maintaining control over where data is stored, how it is processed, who can access it, and who manages the underlying infrastructure.

This means that data is generally stored within the required geographical boundaries, access is restricted to authorised personnel, and the provider operates under the relevant national or regional legal framework.

Sovereign cloud providers are particularly important for governments, public institutions, financial organisations and businesses handling sensitive or confidential information, where data protection, regulatory compliance, security and independence from foreign jurisdictions are essential.

For personal cloud storage, you may want to choose a sovereign personal cloud or cloud storage from the UK to have greater control over your personal information, such as photos, documents, emails, financial records, and other sensitive data.

Knowing your information is stored within your own country or region and is subject to local data protection laws, rather than being governed by foreign legislation, offers greater peace of mind that your files remain accessible only to you.

Data sovereignty terms explained

Data sovereignty means data is subject to the laws and regulations of the country where it is stored or processed.

Understanding the following terms is important when choosing from sovereign cloud providers because they help you establish whether your data is genuinely protected and remains under your organisation's control.

When talking about European sovereign cloud providers, you may see the following terms:

• Data residency: Where data is physically stored.
• Data sovereignty: Which country's laws govern the data.
• Data localization: Legal requirements to keep data within a specific country.
• Data jurisdiction: The legal authority a country has over data.
• Cross-border data transfer: Moving data between countries, potentially subject to legal restrictions.
• Data compliance: Following applicable data protection laws and regulations; GDPR compliance is what European cloud storage providers must follow.
• European ownership: means an EU sovereign cloud is incorporated in and governed by European law and is not subject to extraterritorial data access laws.
• Sovereign cloud: Combines data residency with European ownership and reduced exposure to foreign jurisdiction.

For more information about data sovereignty and sovereign cloud providers, we also cover this topic in our What is a Sovereign Cloud article.

Why companies choose sovereign cloud providers

Choosing sovereign cloud providers goes beyond the cloud infrastructure and includes legal frameworks, who can access the data, and the overall cloud platform and cloud storage pricing.

Common reasons for choosing an EU sovereign cloud provider are explained in more detail below.

GDPR compliance and data protection

European cloud providers operate within the European regulatory environment, where the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) establishes strict requirements for collecting, storing, processing, and protecting personal data, and reducing the risk of data protection violations.

Data sovereignty and legal control

When dealing with confidential business information, customer records, financial documents or intellectual property, companies may want their data to remain under European legal jurisdiction rather than being subject to foreign legislation.

European cloud providers can offer greater clarity about which laws govern the data, which authorities may legally request access and what protections apply.

Data security and privacy

Protecting business information against cyberattacks, data breaches and unauthorised access is a major concern for organisations, especially important when protecting against healthcare data breaches, as healthcare is often the most targeted industry and most affected by data breaches.

European cloud providers use encryption, identity and access management, continuous monitoring, and security certifications such as ISO 27001 compliance or SOC 2 standards.

Providers that can demonstrate strong security practices and clear privacy policies are the best sovereign cloud providers for businesses.

European digital independence

Many companies want to reduce their dependence on large technology providers headquartered outside Europe, particularly when critical business operations rely on their infrastructure.

European sovereign cloud providers and tech companies offer an alternative that allows organisations to support the development of Europe's own digital infrastructure while gaining more independence and less exposure to decisions, commercial policies or geopolitical developments outside European control.

Alignment with business values and customer expectations

Using a European cloud provider can demonstrate a commitment to European data protection standards, privacy and responsible data management, which is becoming more important for business partners and consumers.

This may strengthen customer confidence, support business relationships and help organisations meet the expectations of customers who prefer their information to be handled within a European legal framework.

How to choose from sovereign cloud providers

Data sovereignty

European cloud storage doesn’t automatically mean it has full data sovereignty, so review who owns the provider, where it operates, and what local laws it falls under.

Compliance and certifications

Aside from GDPR compliance, check if the provider also provides additional security certificates or compliance that are relevant to your particular industry. Other important features to check are data encryption methods, access controls, identity management, and security monitoring.

Also consider whether the provider can meet any additional regulatory requirements specific to your industry.

Features and performance

Check what features are included, from object storage plans, API access, file versioning, immutable backups, and automation features.

Check the provider's Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to understand its availability commitments, support response times, and responsibilities during service disruptions.

Pricing and scalability

Compare the costs of pay-as-you-go models or other S3 storage costs, and whether plans offer a fixed price or if they charge you for ingress and egress fees.

Check the current costs for your future storage needs, and whether the costs increase as you store more data.

Understand your organisation's requirements

Consider the type of data you handle, how sensitive it is, how much storage and computing capacity you require, and which applications need to run in the cloud.

You should also identify any legal or industry-specific requirements that apply to your organisation.

What are the best sovereign cloud providers?

Internxt S3

Internxt S3 is the best sovereign cloud provider based in Valencia, Spain, that offers S3-compatible cloud object storage for businesses and enterprises.

It offers fixed pricing per TB, which you can scale to meet your business's current and future needs, at a cost of €7/TB/month, with no fees for moving data in or out of the cloud.

It offers total data redundancy, as files are stored across multiple data centers across Europe, which meet compliance needs depending on the local laws of that country. Internxt S3 is fully GDPR, ISO 27001, SOC 2, and HIPAA compliant, meeting data protection standards across all industries.

Object storage plans with Internxt protect from loss or corruption with technology that guarantees 99.999999999% (11 9s) of data durability for each object. It includes security controls, backups, object locking, and file versioning, and advanced encryption for data security and privacy.

To get started with Internxt EU sovereign cloud service, visit our website to contact a member of our sales team, and we will be happy to get you started.

Get Internxt S3

Internxt Drive

If you’re looking for sovereign cloud providers in Europe for small business or personal use, Internxt Drive is an encrypted cloud storage service that protects your files and data with end-to-end and zero-knowledge encryption.

It offers full compliance and security certifications, backed up by open-source software and security audits from Securitum. All data is stored in multiple European cloud data centers, and paid monthly or lifetime cloud storage plans include backups, VPN, and antivirus for full online privacy and data and device security.

You can get started with Internxt for 85% off using the link below, and choose between Essential, Premium, or Ultimate plans to gain access to Internxt Mail, Internxt Photos, and much more.

Claim 85% off

Other sovereign cloud providers

https://blog.internxt.com/open-source-object-storage/

https://blog.internxt.com/best-encrypted-cloud-storage/

https://blog.internxt.com/top-object-storage-solutions-for-enterprises/

A sovereign cloud is a cloud computing environment designed to keep data, infrastructure, and operations under the control of a specific country or jurisdiction.

It helps organizations maintain control over who can access their data and how it is managed. Depending on the provider and service, this may include storing data within national borders, using locally governed infrastructure, and ensuring that operations comply with regional regulations.

For example, a company in Spain might use a sovereign cloud such as Internxt Drive or Internxt S3 to keep its data in Spain and ensure it is handled in accordance with European and Spanish laws and GDPR cloud storage regulations.

This gives organizations greater control over their data, improves security, and helps them meet legal requirements.

• Data sovereignty: control over where data is stored and processed, and which laws govern it.
• Operational sovereignty: control over who operates, maintains, and administers the cloud infrastructure.
• Technical sovereignty: control over encryption keys, access permissions, software dependencies, and security mechanisms.
• Legal sovereignty: clarity about which legal jurisdictions apply to the provider, its infrastructure, and its operations.
• Supply chain sovereignty: visibility and control over the technology providers, software, and hardware on which the cloud depends.

Sovereign cloud solutions are especially important for governments, healthcare providers, financial institutions, and businesses that handle sensitive information because they offer greater control, improve security, and help meet legal requirements.

Table of contents

• Why is a sovereign cloud important?
• Top benefits of enterprise sovereign cloud
• Sovereign cloud vs conventional cloud providers
• What is the best sovereign cloud storage?
• Related products
• Frequuently asked questions

Why is a sovereign cloud important?

A sovereign cloud is important for businesses and enterprises to store sensitive information in Europe or specific jurisdictions to keep data protected under the specific laws of that region. If data is stored across multiple countries, then data may be subject to different laws or external access requests.

For example, a European company storing customer data in both Europe and the United States may be subject to European data protection laws, such as the GDPR, as well as applicable US laws.

Because of this, without a sovereign cloud, US authorities could request access to data held by a US-based cloud provider, even if the data is stored in Europe, creating legal and compliance challenges for the company.

A sovereign cloud, such as Internxt, helps companies build greater trust and independence with data stored in European cloud data centers, open source software, multiple compliance certificates, and end-to-end encryption.

Top benefits of enterprise sovereign cloud

Data privacy and protection

A sovereign cloud helps protect sensitive data by setting clear rules about where data is stored, who can access it, and how it can be used to limit cross-border transfers and prevent unauthorized access to data.

Example: A hospital using a sovereign cloud can apply strict controls to patient records and help ensure that the information is handled according to applicable data protection laws.

Legal and regulatory compliance

Organizations must comply with laws and regulations concerning data protection, storage, processing, and transferring data across borders. A sovereign cloud helps meet these obligations by keeping data within an approved jurisdiction to help with security audits and regulatory reporting.

For Europe, there is GDPR, which sets strict rules for how companies store, collect, and handle user data.

There is a proposal called the European Cybersecurity Certification Scheme for Cloud Services (EUCS), which aims to establish common cybersecurity requirements and certification standards for cloud services.

Example: A sovereign cloud can help financial institutions maintain compliance by keeping data within an approved jurisdiction, controlling who can access it, and maintaining records for audits.

Operational control

Operational control refers to how an organization manages and oversees how its cloud infrastructure, systems, and data are operated, such as in a region or country or in specific data centers.

Example: a national government may require its cloud infrastructure to be managed by authorized local personnel and restrict administrative access from outside the country. This helps the government maintain greater control over its systems and sensitive information.

Encryption

Data encryption is one of the top benefits of enterprise sovereign cloud storage to protect sensitive data, even when data is stored or transferred, and helps comply with local data protection laws by keeping data private, secure, and under the control of the organisation that owns it.

User restrictions

A sovereign cloud also allows organizations to limit access that employees, partners, and, in some cases, cloud providers have to data to prevent unauthorized access or data breaches.

Reduced dependency on foreign providers

Reduced dependence on foreign providers allows enterprises to maintain greater autonomy over their technology choices and more flexibility when choosing a cloud provider.

By relying on cloud services governed and operated within their required jurisdiction, enterprises can reduce the risk of being affected by foreign government policies, international trade restrictions, or changes in relationships between countries

Sovereign cloud vs conventional cloud providers

Now we’ve answered what is a sovereign cloud and covered the benefits; we can now cover how conventional cloud providers differ in how they manage data, legal jurisdiction, operational control, and regulatory compliance.

While conventional cloud providers often focus on scalability, global availability, and a wide range of services, sovereign cloud providers prioritize data sovereignty, local control, and compliance with specific national or regional requirements.

Conventional cloud providers include global companies that offer cloud computing and storage services. They are not necessarily sovereign cloud providers by default, although some offer separate services designed to meet sovereignty requirements; examples include:

• Amazon Web Services (AWS): Provides computing, storage, databases, and infrastructure for businesses worldwide.
• Microsoft Azure: Offers cloud infrastructure, application hosting, databases, and enterprise IT services.
• Google Cloud: Provides cloud infrastructure, data analytics, AI, and application hosting.

For personal cloud storage, conventional cloud providers include:

• Google Drive: Stores and synchronizes files, documents, and photos.
• Microsoft OneDrive: Provides file storage, synchronization, and integration with Microsoft 365.
• Apple iCloud Drive: Synchronizes photos, files, backups, and other data across Apple devices.
• Dropbox: Offers file synchronization, sharing, and backup.
• Amazon Photos: Provides online photo storage and organization

The following table compares their key characteristics, benefits, and limitations to further understand may be more suitable for different organizational needs.

What is the best sovereign cloud storage?

Internxt S3 enterprise cloud storage

Internxt S3 cloud object storage built on open-source technology offering total data sovereignty for European object storage.

S3 cloud storage with Internxt offers an alternative to AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, offering a scalable cloud storage solution with a fixed price of €7/TB for large businesses or enterprises to store petabytes of data for secure and open-source object storage, backups, and rapid access to large amounts of data.

Internxt offers full GDPR compliance, plus HIPAA compliance to protect patient data for healthcare providers, ISO 27001 for IT, finance, healthcare, government, and professional services, and SOC 2 for SaaS providers, cloud storage providers, data processors, and other service organizations handling customer data.

For a European cloud storage and affordable alternative to conventional cloud storage for business, visit the Internxt S3 website to talk to one of our sales team to get started with full data sovereignty and security for all industries.

Internxt Drive

Unlike conventional cloud storage providers that operate globally, Internxt Drive is a personal cloud storage service that offers data sovereignty by giving users greater control over where their personal data is stored, who can access it, and which laws protect it.

To keep your data under control, Internxt offers redundant data storage within its European cloud data centers, plus:

• Privacy: Helps protect personal files, photos, and documents from unauthorised access.
• Data control: Keeps data within Europe.
• Legal protection: Helps ensure data is handled according to local data protection laws.
• Security: Internxt uses post-quantum, end-to-end encryption to help protect information from being accessed by unauthorised parties.

With Internxt,  you can reduce your dependency on Google Drive with Internxt’s full product suite, now offering 85% off all monthly and lifetime cloud storage plans, which you can claim below.

All plans offer zero-knowledge encrypted cloud storage, and you can get everything you need for your online privacy with an Ultimate plan, which includes Internxt Mail, Internxt Photos, and much more.

Related products

https://internxt.com/cloud-storage-backup-solutions

https://internxt.com/gdpr-cloud-storage

Frequently asked questions

What is a sovereign cloud?

A sovereign cloud is a cloud computing environment designed to keep data under the control of a specific country or jurisdiction, following its laws and regulations.

Why is data sovereignty important?

Data sovereignty helps protect privacy, maintain legal compliance, and give individuals and organisations greater control over their information.

What is the difference between a sovereign cloud and a traditional cloud?

A sovereign cloud prioritises data control, jurisdiction, and legal compliance, while a traditional cloud may store or process data across multiple countries, which could allow access to your data according to the local laws.

Is sovereign cloud storage suitable for personal use?

Yes. It can be a good option for storing personal files, photos, and documents while maintaining greater control over where data is stored and how it is protected.

Where is data stored in a sovereign cloud?

Data is typically stored within a specific country or region, depending on the provider's infrastructure and sovereignty commitments. Internxt is based in Valencia, Spain, with data centers across Europe.

Who should use a sovereign cloud?

Individuals, businesses, and public organisations that prioritise data privacy, regulatory compliance, and control over their information can benefit from sovereign cloud services.

What should you look for in a sovereign cloud provider?

Look for transparent data storage locations, strong encryption, clear access controls, reliable security practices, and clear information about who controls your data.

Top benefits of enterprise sovereign cloud

Enterprise sovereign keeps data within defined legal jurisdictions, supports compliance with regulations such as GDPR, and reduces the risks associated with unauthorised access. With strong encryption, local data governance, and greater operational control.

Carbonite and Backblaze both offer the same service: unlimited backups in the cloud.

But there are some differences to be aware of when choosing which one is best, so we will cover Carbonite vs Backblaze considering the following:

• Features
• Pricing
• Security and privacy
• Alternatives to both

Table of contents

• Carbonite vs Backblaze overview
• Carbonite vs Backblaze features
• Carbonite vs Backblaze pricing
• Encryption and security
• Where is your data stored with Carbonite and Backblaze?
• Carbonite vs Backblaze: which one should you choose?
• What is the best alternative to Carbonite and Backblaze?
• Related products

Carbonite vs Backblaze overview

Carbonite and Backblaze are cloud storage backup solutions that protect your files by automatically backing them up online.

Both offer methods to back up your files in the cloud, so you can recover your files if your device is lost, stolen, damaged, affected by hardware failure, or ransomware. With both services, you can recover your data, and nothing is lost.

Backblaze is known for its simplicity and unlimited cloud storage backups for a single computer. It automatically backs up files with minimal setup and offers options for restoring data through downloads or shipped drives.

Carbonite also offers automatic cloud backup, with plans designed for individuals and businesses. Its features vary by subscription, which we will cover next.

Both services primarily focus on backup, so if you want personal cloud storage with file syncing and backups, secure file transfer, and more extensive features, then you should consider cloud storage plans like Internxt.

You can also check out our article on cloud storage vs cloud backup vs cloud sync to find out which would best suit your needs.

Carbonite vs Backblaze features

Overview

As both services focus on backups, their plans are limited outside of this. Below is a comparison of what both services offer.

Platforms

Both are available on Windows and Mac, but not Linux. We cover Linux cloud backup solutions if you need a solution to back up files on your Linux system.

Neither offers backups for your mobile devices, but the Backblaze app is available on iOS and Android to view and manage your files via mobile.

Both services also offer NAS cloud backups, included with a Backblaze plan but only available with a more premium Carbonite plan.

File versioning

File versioning means that a cloud backup service keeps older copies of your files when you change them, so you can restore an earlier version if you make a mistake, overwrite something important, or need to recover previous content.

With Backblaze's 30-day retention, you can potentially recover a version from several weeks ago, but not one that has aged beyond the retention window.

With Carbonite's 12-version limit, you can potentially recover one of the 12 retained earlier versions. If you make changes frequently, the version you need could be pushed out sooner than you expect.

File sharing

For sharing large files securely online, Backblaze has this feature, whereas Carbonite does not. To share a file from Backblaze Computer Backup, you must enable Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage.

You can then select a backed-up file, choose “Share with Link,” and send the generated URL to someone else.

If file sharing isn’t an important feature for a Backblaze plan, you can choose other encrypted file sharing services from our best free file sharing services article.

Courier recovery

If you want a way to recover your device via physical hard drives, then both Carbonite and Backblaze will send you a USB to restore your files.

Backblaze offers this service for 256 GB or less with USBs and up to 8 TB with an external hard drive. Carbonite has no limit; the size of the hard drive depends on the amount you want to restore, so if you want to restore 1 TB, you’ll get a 1 TB Drive; if it’s 5 TB, you get a 5 TB drive, and so on.

For Carbonite vs Backblaze courier prices, Carbonite charges ~99 per request, regardless of the size, whereas with Backblaze it would cost you $99 for under 256 GB and $189 for up to 8TB.

Transparency

Neither provider is open source; they use proprietary software, so their code is hidden. This means you have to trust the encryption and security of the platforms and that there are no backdoors or access to your data and files.

Carbonite vs Backblaze pricing

Carbonite offers 1, 2, and 3-year plans, and the discount increases the longer your subscription.

Plans are broken down into Basic, Plus, and Prime, and all include unlimited storage for automatic backups in encrypted cloud storage; the prices for the annual plans are below.  

• Basic $76.79/year
• Plus $85.79/year
• Prime $105.29/year

Backblaze offers a free trial before you sign up for a monthly, annual, or bi-annual plan, which all offer unlimited backups for PC and Mac.

Backblaze costs $9/month, $99/year, or $189 for two years, so it’s slightly cheaper than Carbonite’s most expensive plan, and slightly more than its mid-tier plan. If all you want is automatic backups, then Backblaze is the cheaper option overall.

Encryption and security

Backblaze and Carbonite both encrypt backed-up files during transmission and while stored in the cloud. In terms of end-to-end encryption, for both services, the answer depends on the product and encryption settings you use.

With both services, you have two options for encryption:

1. The services manage the encryption key needed to restore your data. This means the service can facilitate file recovery without requiring you to manage a separate encryption key yourself. However, they manage the key; the default configuration does not provide strict end-to-end encryption in which only the customer holds the decryption key.
2. Personal Encryption Key (PEK). When you enable it, you supply a passphrase that Backblaze does not store. The passphrase protects the backup's encryption key, and Backblaze states that it cannot decrypt or restore the backup without the passphrase.

So while both offer encrypted backups, the encryption process is not identical to a typical client-side E2EE cloud storage service.

For account security, both offer MFA to add security, which you should use combined with a strong password/passphrase.

Where is your data stored with Carbonite and Backblaze?

Both providers store your backups in the US, which is something you should take into account for the privacy of your files, due to the US’s poor cloud privacy laws such as the Patriot Act, the PRISM program, and the intelligence-sharing network, Five Eyes.

With Backblaze, you can choose to store your data in the Netherlands, but if you want a European provider for your backups, there are other options available. Such as Internxt, Filen or pCloud, and others listed in our European cloud storage providers article.

Carbonite vs Backblaze: which one should you choose?

If you need backups for your desktop (PC or MAC), both offer similar services, but based on your needs, you should:

• Choose Carbonite if you prefer its file-management interface, selectable restore options, and recovery features such as restoring files after a malware infection on eligible plans.
• Choose Backblaze if you want unlimited backup for one computer, support for external hard drives, file version history, and a simple way to back up large amounts of data without managing storage limits

You should choose an alternative to Backblaze and Carbonite if you want cloud storage backups that include syncing, collaboration, and other features to secure your files online.

What is the best alternative to Carbonite and Backblaze?

One popular alternative to Backblaze and Carbonite is iDrive, but for a European, open-source, and end-to-end encrypted solution for your cloud backups, Internxt offers two solid options.

Internxt Drive

Internxt Drive offers private cloud storage with post-quantum and end-to-end encryption. It has data centers located throughout Europe, where multiple copies of your files and backups are stored, and it is also fully open source.

For backups specifically, Internxt offers file versioning and backups of files for desktop apps, including Linux, with the option to back up files via WebDAV, Rclone, or NAS. All files you store and back up in the cloud are end-to-end encrypted and cannot be accessed by Internxt, nor anyone else.

Internxt also includes Internxt Photos, an alternative to Google Photos for you to automatically back up your photos from your mobile, keeping them private and free from AI scanning.

So if you need an alternative to Carbontie or Backblaze, with cloud storage, backups, and a full privacy product suite, Internxt plans start at €1.49/month for 1TB plans, with lifetime plans up to 3TB also available.

Plans also include an encrypted email, VPN, and much more, which you can get for 85% off from our special offer page.

Internxt S3

For businesses who want greater flexibility and control over their storage setup, object storage can be an excellent alternative to Carbonite or Backblaze.

With Internxt cloud object storage, you can automate backups, file versioning, retention policies, and recovery from accidental deletion or data corruption. Internxt S3 also offers immutable backups, which prevent stored data from being changed or deleted during a defined retention period.

This object storage plan is fully scalable, so you can get petabytes of data at a fixed cost of €7/TB with no costs for moving data in or out of the cloud. To get started with the best enterprise cloud storage and backups for your business, visit our website to contact our sales team for more information.

Related products

https://internxt.com/cloud-object-storage

https://internxt.com/mail

https://internxt.com/meet

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Carbonite and Backblaze?

Carbonite and Backblaze both offer automatic cloud backups. Backblaze focuses on simple, unlimited backup for one computer, while Carbonite offers different plans with features that vary by subscription.

Is Backblaze better than Carbonite?

Backblaze may suit users who want simple, unlimited computer backups, while Carbonite may appeal to those who prefer its backup management and recovery features. The right choice depends on your needs and budget.

Do Carbonite and Backblaze offer unlimited cloud storage?

Yes, both offer unlimited backup storage on eligible plans, subject to the plan's terms and limitations.

How much do Carbonite and Backblaze cost?

Carbonite offers different subscription tiers and multi-year plans, while Backblaze offers monthly, annual, and two-year subscriptions. Prices vary by plan and may change over time.

Are Carbonite and Backblaze secure?

Both services encrypt files in transit and at rest. They also offer account security features such as multi-factor authentication, while encryption key options vary by product and configuration.

Do Carbonite and Backblaze support end-to-end encryption?

Both offer encryption options, including personal encryption key features. However, the level of privacy depends on the service and settings you choose. Review each provider's encryption model before storing sensitive data.

Where do Carbonite and Backblaze store data?

Both providers offer US storage options, and Backblaze also offers storage in the Netherlands for certain services. Check the specific product's available regions before choosing a provider.

Can I use Carbonite or Backblaze to sync files between devices?

No, they primarily focus on cloud backup rather than full cloud file synchronization. If you need files to stay synchronized across multiple devices, consider a cloud storage service with dedicated syncing features such as Internxt Drive.

What is the best alternative to Carbonite and Backblaze?

The best alternative depends on your requirements. Internxt offers end-to-end encrypted cloud storage and backup options, including support for Linux, WebDAV, Rclone, and NAS workflows. Businesses needing scalable object storage can also consider Internxt S3.

Is cloud backup different from cloud storage?

Yes. Cloud backup creates copies of files for recovery after data loss, while cloud storage lets you store, access, share, and often synchronize files across devices. Some services offer both features.

Secure remote storage offers a solution to store your important files, including videos, photos, and more, remotely online, so you can access, share, back up, or edit your files online across multiple devices.

Throughout this article, we will offer secure remote storage options, explain what are the benefits of using remote storage, and explain how it works, and the different types of storage methods available.

Table of contents

• What is remote storage?
• Is remote storage the same as cloud storage?
• What are the benefits of using remote storage?
• Is remote storage secure?
• What is the best secure remote storage?
• Related products
• Frequently asked questions

What is remote storage?

Remote storage lets you store files, documents, photos, or videos on remote servers rather than exclusively on your computer, phone, or other personal device. These servers are accessed over the internet and are usually managed by a cloud storage provider.

When you upload a file to remote storage, the file is transferred from your device to the provider's servers. Once uploaded, you can access it via the cloud provider’s web, desktop application, mobile app, or supported protocols such as WebDAV and Rclone, depending on the service.

Remote storage is commonly used for personal cloud storage, business documents, collaborative projects, media libraries, backups, and long-term archiving.

Is remote storage the same as cloud storage?

All cloud storage is remote storage, but not all remote storage is cloud storage.

Both refer to storing data somewhere other than directly on your local device. However, they differ slightly in how the storage infrastructure is provided, managed, and accessed.

• Cloud storage: Online storage provided and managed by a service provider, such as Internxt Drive.
• Remote storage: Any storage located on another device or server that you access through a network, such as a QNAP or Synology NAS device, a home computer, or a company file server.

The main differences between the two, therefore, relate to how the infrastructure is managed, how the service is delivered, and how much responsibility the user has for maintaining it.

What are the benefits of using remote storage?

Access files remotely

Remote storage allows you to access your files from different devices through a network connection. Instead of keeping everything on your computer, you can store files on a remote server and access them from any device, which is perfect for businesses or personal use.

Free up local storage

In terms of cloud storage vs local storage, remote storage allows large files, such as 4K photos or RAW photo albums, to be stored in the cloud or remotely without using up the local space on your device.

Secure file sharing

Remote storage allows for secure file transfers and large file sharing online by creating a secure link that you can send via email or your preferred method.

Sharing files via remote storage is a secure way to send files online, as they are protected via encryption and can also have added security controls such as password protection, access controls, or link expiration.

Scalability

As your storage requirements increase, remote storage makes it easy to add more storage to your cloud storage plan, and the best NAS devices allow you to add more hard drives.

This is especially useful for businesses, and cloud storage plans for large enterprises, such as object storage, allow businesses to add more storage to meet their growing demands.

Data availability

Remote storage makes it possible to access your files from another device if your primary computer becomes unavailable, increasing data reliability and security. For example, cloud storage backups can be downloaded from another device should your main device become lost, damaged, or stolen.

Improved data protection

Keeping files on a separate storage system can protect them against certain problems affecting your local device, such as hardware failure, theft, or accidental damage.

Some remote storage systems also support access permissions, encryption, and version history to help protect your data. However, remote storage alone does not guarantee complete protection, so reliable backups and appropriate security measures are still important.

Cost efficiency

The costs of remote storage vary between providers and depend on the storage offered, subscription plans, and whether the plans come with additional features or cloud storage alone.

Location can also matter, as cloud storage costs in the UK may be different from US pricing.

You should also consider remote storage as a long-term investment, so for this, you may consider local storage costs vs cloud storage costs, and subscription vs lifetime plans to get the best value for money over time.

Is remote storage secure?

Yes, remote storage is secure, as storage providers must follow compliance regulations and security protocols to ensure data is protected.

Many cloud storage services use in-transit and at-rest encryption to protect your files in the cloud; this is the method used by Google Drive, Dropbox, and many others. While this is secure, the cloud providers can access your files if requested by law or if they suspect you breach their terms and conditions.

Providers with an emphasis on private cloud storage will use end-to-end encryption, or zero-knowledge encryption, which encrypts files on your device and ensures nobody but you can access them.

Internxt, for example, offers encrypted cloud storage with zero-knowledge and post-quantum cryptography to offer the most secure remote storage via its desktop, mobile, and web apps, as well as via WebDAV, Rclone, and support for NAS cloud backups for QNAP and Synology.

Even with the highest security standards, you should always take additional methods to protect your data, starting with a secure password, enabling two-factor authentication, and regularly monitoring your accounts for suspicious activity.

What is the best secure remote storage?

Internxt Drive

Internxt Drive is a secure, encrypted, and private cloud storage based in Europe, built on open-source software for total transparency and peace of mind that data and files stored in Internxt are protected from data breaches and hackers.

Internxt allows you to access your storage via its desktop apps, including Linux, and for advanced cloud management, native rclone support and WebDAV access are also available to sync, store, and back up your files in the cloud.

For users with a NAS system, you can also get secure remote storage by connecting your Internxt Drive to your NAS device, combining the privacy of your home cloud storage and Internxt’s private encryption.

To learn more about how Internxt protects your data, we explain this in more detail in our Is Internxt Safe article.

Internxt pricing starts at €1.49/month, or lifetime plans are also available with a one-time payment, giving you access to the features of your chosen plan forever.

Check out the full feature list below, and use the link to get 85% off all plans.

Internxt S3

For enterprises that need remote storage for petabytes of data, file versioning, backups, and secure storage with compliance, Internxt cloud object storage is an alternative to AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.

Internxt S3 is a fully scalable storage solution for €7/TB/month, with no ingress or egress fees, allowing your business to plan your storage without any unexpected costs.

Related Products

https://internxt.com/cloud-object-storage

https://internxt.com/mail

https://internxt.com/photos

Frequently asked questions

What is remote storage?

Remote storage is a way of storing files on a separate device or server that you can access through a network or internet connection, rather than storing everything locally on your device.

What are the benefits of using remote storage?

Freeing up space on your devices, file sharing, accessibility, and backing up important files are all benefits you can gain from using secure remote storage.

Can I access my remote storage from multiple devices?

Yes, you can access your remote storage from multiple devices, such as computers, smartphones, and tablets.

How much storage space do I get with remote storage?

Storage space depends on the provider. Internxt offers plans from 1 to 3TB, which you can stack to get more storage if you have a lifetime plan.

How much does remote storage cost?

Internxt plans start from just €1.49/month or €7/TB/Month for object storage. For other pricing, Google One prices, OneDrive plans, or iCloud plans are available on their website.

Is remote storage secure enough?

Yes, remote storage can be secure when it uses encryption, strong passwords, and proper access controls. For full privacy, use end-to-end encryption and the necessary security measures to protect your accounts.

Is remote storage suitable for backing up my data?

Yes, remote storage is suitable for backing up important files and protecting them against local hardware failure or data loss. For additional protection, keep multiple backup copies and ensure at least one is stored separately from your main device.

The reliability of data is crucial when managing files in the cloud, especially for businesses, enterprises, and even the data reliability of your own personal files.

In this article, we’ll cover everything about data reliability: what it is, why it’s important, assessing the reliability of data, and cloud storage solutions to keep your data protected, accurate, and complete.

Table of contents

• What is data reliability?
• Why data reliability is important
• What makes data reliable?
• Assessing the reliability of data
• How to ensure data reliability with Internxt
• Related products
• Frequently asked questions

What is data reliability?

Data reliability relates to how trustworthy data is when stored in the cloud and can be explained in three parts:

1. Accuracy: Files uploaded to the cloud remain the same as when you saved them, without unexpected changes or errors.
2. Completeness: Files and contents are stored in full, with no missing folders lost during the upload process.
3. Consistency: When you access files across different devices, the data remains the same across all platforms without unexpected changes, differences, or conflicting versions.

Cloud storage providers help maintain data reliability through the following measures:

1. Data redundancy: Data is stored in multiple cloud data centers to protect against data loss; if anything happens to one center, data is backed up in another location.
2. Integrity checks: Detect corrupted files or unexpected changes.
3. Backups: Allow data to be recovered in case of accidental deletion or system failure.

In short, data reliability means you can trust that the information you store in the cloud remains intact, complete, and consistent whenever you retrieve or use it.

Why data reliability is important

Data reliability matters because people and businesses depend on stored information to stay trustworthy over time. Without reliability of data, it can result in lost photos, damaged documents, missing business records, or incorrect information being used to make decisions.

Checking data reliability offers significant value for businesses, including:

• Greater efficiency: Organizations spend less time correcting or looking for data errors and more time using information productively.
• Better compliance: Reliable data helps organizations meet industry standards and fulfil legal and regulatory requirements such as GDPR, SOC 2, or ISO 27001.
• Improved risk management: Trustworthy data enables organizations to identify potential risks more accurately and take appropriate steps to reduce them.

When data is reliable, users can trust that their files have been preserved correctly and that the information they retrieve reflects what was originally stored or updated. This is particularly important for businesses that rely on accurate records, financial information, customer files, and operational data.

What makes data reliable?

Data reliability comes from the methods used to collect, transfer, store, verify, and maintain information. This depends on whether a provider’s cloud storage requirements can preserve data correctly despite hardware failures, software errors, interrupted uploads, or accidental deletion.

For example, when a file is updated, the storage system must ensure that the new version is saved properly and that interrupted operations do not leave it in an incomplete state. Version history and recovery mechanisms can help restore earlier versions after accidental changes or deletion.

Assessing the reliability of data

Assessing data reliability involves regularly evaluating whether information is trustworthy, accurate, complete, and suitable for its intended purpose. Businesses can do this by conducting regular data quality assessments, validation tools, performing statistical analysis, and conducting regular audits.

Several factors help determine how reliable data is:

• Accuracy: Whether the information correctly represents the real-world facts, events, or conditions it describes.
• Completeness: Whether all the necessary information is present, without missing values, records, or essential details that could affect the results.
• Consistency: Whether information agrees across different datasets, systems, and records, without unexplained contradictions or discrepancies.
• Validity: Whether data follows the required formats, rules, definitions, and acceptable ranges, ensuring it meets the requirements for its intended use.
• Uniqueness: Whether each record is represented appropriately, without unintended duplicates that could distort analysis or lead to incorrect conclusions.

For personal use, you can check the reliability of data in your cloud account by reviewing personal files and records for errors or missing information, verifying that saved files have not been corrupted, and ensuring that backups can be restored when needed.

How to ensure data reliability with Internxt

Internxt offers two types of cloud storage for data reliability in the cloud for personal, business, and enterprise use.

Internxt Drive

If you need reliability of data for cloud storage for personal use or small business needs, then Internxt Drive encrypted cloud storage is a secure and reliable cloud storage solution for your files, photos, and videos.

Internxt is a European cloud storage provider, governed by GDPR and follows SOC 2, ISO 27001, and HIPAA, ensuring data reliability and security for all industries. It ensures data reliability for your files through data redundancy by storing and backing up your files across multiple data centers.

All paid plans also include cloud storage backups, so your files are protected against data loss and accessible across all devices for you to download.

Ultimate plans also include Internxt Photos for automatic backups of your photos, keeping your memories secure in the cloud and private thanks to Internxt’s zero-knowledge encryption.

With Premium and Ultimate plans, you can get extra reliability of data with file versioning, ensuring you can revert to former versions of your files in case they are accidentally changed, so you always have the up-to-date version of your data.

Internxt S3

For enterprise cloud storage solutions and data reliability, Internxt offers S3-compatible cloud object storage. It offers the same compliance standards as Internxt Drive to protect and secure data for all industries, and the following measures to ensure data reliability:

• Object Lock: Protects objects from being deleted or overwritten for a specified retention period. It helps preserve data integrity and availability, particularly for backups and important records. Depending on the implementation, it supports retention policies and legal holds.
• Durability: Data is protected from loss or corruption with technology that guarantees 99.999999999% (11 9s) of data durability and availability for each object.
• Redundancy: Data is stored and backed up in multiple data centers.
• Object versioning: Retains previous versions when objects are overwritten or deleted, making it possible to recover earlier data. Versioning must be enabled, and retention policies managed appropriately.
• Access controls and permissions: Use identity policies, bucket policies, and access restrictions to prevent unauthorized users or applications from deleting, overwriting, or improperly modifying objects.
• Immutable backups: Combine Object Lock with retention policies to protect backup copies from tampering, ransomware, and accidental deletion during the protected period.

As a European tech company, Internxt S3 offers a cheap and sovereign object storage solution to AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. As there are no ingress of egress fees, you only pay for the storage you need, which is fully scalable and allows for petabytes of data storage at a flat fee of €7/TB/month.

To get started with cloud storage for your business, visit our website to contact one of our sales experts.

Related products

https://internxt.com/cloud-object-storage

https://internxt.com/nas

Frequently asked questions

What is data reliability?

Data reliability is the ability to trust that information remains accurate, complete, consistent, and dependable over time.

What makes data reliable?

Reliable data is accurate, complete, consistent, up to date, and collected and maintained using dependable methods.

What is the difference between data reliability and data integrity?

Data reliability refers to how consistently data can be trusted, while data integrity focuses on maintaining its accuracy and preventing unauthorized or unintended changes.

How do you assess data reliability?

You can assess data reliability by checking for errors, missing information, inconsistencies, outdated records, and unexpected changes.

How does cloud storage ensure data reliability?

Cloud storage providers like Internxt use redundancy, integrity checks, automated repair, versioning, and backups to protect stored information.

Cloud storage comes in many forms, and not all of them are the same or will suit your needs. Some cloud services can be too complex for personal use, and for businesses, they can become too costly or lack the needed features to run your business efficiently.

So, if you’re interested in finding out more about all the types of cloud storage available or if you need a new cloud storage solution or infrastructure, then this article will go into detail about how these types of cloud storage work and how much does cloud storage cost for each type, so you can decide which is right for you.

Table of contents

• What is cloud data storage?
• Why you should choose cloud storage
• 7 types of cloud storage
• How to choose from the different types of cloud storage
• Related products

What is cloud data storage?

Cloud data storage is a service that allows businesses or personal cloud storage users to save their data on remote servers managed by a cloud provider, rather than relying solely on physical devices such as hard drives.

Once the data is stored in the cloud, the customer can access the data from the internet, normally from any device or desktop application.

Cloud providers are responsible for managing the cloud infrastructure and often keep copies of data in multiple cloud data centers to improve availability and reduce the risk of data loss.

Cloud storage can hold many types of information, including documents, photos, videos, backups, and application data.

For example, a business could store petabytes of data with object storage, allowing for immediate access to large amounts of data with S3 object storage, and individual users can store their photos, videos, or documents in the cloud.

Why you should choose cloud storage

There are many benefits of cloud storage for personal and business use, which include:

• Security: All cloud providers encrypt your files to prevent data breaches and unauthorized access to your data by hackers. Cloud storage backups ensure additional security against data loss.
• Cost savings: Businesses can avoid large upfront investments in physical storage equipment and pay for the storage capacity they need. Costs can also be adjusted as the business grows or its requirements change. Personal users can avoid subscriptions, with some services offering a one-time payment lifetime cloud storage plan.
• Scalability: Cloud storage makes it easier to increase or reduce storage capacity to meet future storage needs.
• Accessibility and reliability: You can access your data from the cloud on any device, so files are always accessible to view, download, or share.
• Data compliance: GDPR cloud storage offers secure processing of all personal and business data from European cloud storage providers, while other cloud providers offer other compliance standards for businesses, such as ISO 27001, SOC 2, and HIPAA for healthcare data.

There are four types of cloud storage covered in this article, including:

1. Public
2. Private
3. Hybrid
4. Community

There are also different types of cloud storage that describe how data is organized and accessed, which is relevant to this article when choosing the type of storage you need. These types are:

1. Object storage
2. File storage
3. Block storage

All have similarities, differences, pros, and cons, so deciding which is best for you depends on your personal or business data management strategy.

7 types of cloud storage

These are the different types of cloud storage available to meet personal, business, or enterprise needs.

Alongside an explanation of how they work, we will also cover the advantages, disadvantages, and use cases for each type of cloud storage.

Public

Public cloud storage provides storage, servers, and applications over the internet by a third-party provider. Public cloud resources are hosted, owned, and maintained by the provider in data centers and shared with other users (tenants). The tenants use the same infrastructure while keeping their data separate and secure.

The types of cloud storage related to the public cloud include:

• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): IaaS provides virtual machines, storage, and networking. Popular platforms that offer IaaS are Amazon Web Services, IBM, and Microsoft Azure.
• Platform as a Service (PaaS): Offers tools for developers to build and deploy applications without handling the underlying infrastructure.
• Software as a Service (SaaS): Delivers software applications like cloud storage over the internet, such as Internxt Drive. Internxt provides cloud storage that can be accessed from any device with an internet connection for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and via WebDAV, Rclone, and NAS devices

Pros of public cloud storage

• There are subscriptions, pay-as-you-go, or pay by GB, and other customizable ways to manage your subscription so you can choose the right option to fit your budget.
• The public cloud ensures data security and protection with end-to-end encryption. For additional privacy, other cloud providers offer zero-knowledge encryption, so the keys are managed and owned on your device, and only you can access them.
• All you need to set up cloud storage is an internet connection; once your account is created, you can store, sync, and back up files in the cloud with little to no additional setup required.

Cons

• There is less configuration or control as the provider manages cybersecurity protocols.
• It may be difficult to switch providers due to proprietary technologies and data migration complexities.
• Not all public cloud storage uses zero-knowledge encryption, so providers could potentially access your files.

Public cloud use cases

Public cloud storage is the most popular and common kind of cloud storage for individuals and businesses due to its convenient and easy way to store, access, and share personal files from different devices.

For personal use, public cloud storage offers easy setup, and everything is managed by the cloud provider, so you can store and secure your documents in the cloud with little tech knowledge.

Small to medium-sized businesses looking for storage solutions for multiple users from one cloud account or to manage large amounts of data without the cost and maintenance of physical servers can benefit from a public cloud model.

Private

Private cloud storage is an on-premises cloud solution dedicated to a single organization; hardware, security, maintenance, and storage planning are all managed in-house by the company and its employees.

Private cloud storage offers higher control, security, and customization, so businesses with highly private and confidential data can choose this option to meet strict compliance requirements and higher protection against data breaches.

Pros of private cloud storage

• Security is handled in-house by a dedicated team to manage these protocols, reducing the risk of breaches and unauthorized access.
• A private cloud environment can be tailored to meet specific requirements and meet storage, performance, and compliance needs.
• Businesses can add and scale storage when required, and costs can be more predictable.

Cons of private cloud storage

• Setting up a private cloud can be too expensive for smaller businesses, which we cover in our cloud storage vs local storage article.
• Managing a private cloud requires skilled IT staff for configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting, which can increase operational complexity and can lead to greater problems if not appropriately managed.
• Private clouds can incur extra costs, such as energy consumption, that also need to be considered.

Private cloud storage use cases

This cloud storage model can benefit healthcare, legal, finance, government agencies, and any business with sensitive and private data. Private cloud storage is also available for individual users with the right knowledge to self-host their cloud for total control of the privacy of their files.

Hybrid

Hybrid cloud storage is one of the best types of cloud storage if you want the benefits of a private and public cloud, as data can be shared between both these models. A hybrid cloud model means storing sensitive data in a private cloud and less sensitive data in a public one.

One example is using your own personal NAS device for cloud storage, connected to a public cloud with NAS support such as Internxt.

Pros of hybrid cloud

• Helps industries meet compliance laws with a private cloud model.
• Combines a full private storage model with a public, more affordable model to reduce costs.
• Businesses can choose where to store their data based on security needs: private cloud storage for confidential documents, and public for general documents.
• Better disaster recovery options to ensure business continuity through extra data backup and recovery options.

Cons

• Complex management across private and public cloud environments can be challenging, requiring specialized knowledge to ensure smooth integration, security, and performance.
• Integration challenges can be complex and require additional tools and resources, increasing overall costs.

Hybrid cloud use cases

Large enterprises or businesses with storage needs can benefit from a hybrid cloud model as it combines privacy with the cost-efficiency and scalability of a public cloud model.  

For personal users, hybrid cloud storage can be used to keep private files on personal devices while backing up photos, videos, and documents to the cloud. It also allows frequently accessed files to remain locally available while other files are stored online.

Community cloud storage

Community cloud storage is a shared cloud infrastructure within several organizations, such as healthcare, government, or finance, using the community cloud to store and manage data.

The community can manage community cloud storage or use third-party providers, and it’s a way for organizations to save money and meet data storage and security needs.

Pros of community storage

• Cost efficiency: by sharing resources, organizations get a reduced cost for storage without compromising security.
• Compliance and security with regulators such as HIPAA.
• Collaboration between different departments or industries is easier for the community.

Disadvantages of community storage

• Limited control is one disadvantage of these types of cloud storage, as the shared model means there is less control over data than in a private cloud.
• Increased security risks may occur if the proper access controls and security protocols are not implemented.
• Depending on the community, performance or security issues in one community could spread to the others.

Community cloud storage use cases

Governments, education, NGOs, and any industry that must meet compliance requirements and store and share data privately.

Object storage

Object storage is a method of storing data where files are saved as individual "objects." Each object contains the data, metadata, and a unique identifier, making it easier to locate and retrieve.

Object storage uses a flat structure, so data is accessed by its unique identifier, which makes it easier to scale, manage, and access large amounts of data.

For more information, you can check out all the details of this type of cloud storage in our What Is Object Storage article.

Pros of object storage

• Easy access and retrieval, as each object is accessed by its unique identifier.
• Object storage offers flexibility and speed for unstructured data, such as videos.
• Another advantage is cost efficiency, as many services offer payment plans that allow customers to pay only for the storage they use and need.

Disadvantages of object storage

• Object storage is better for large, unstructured data; storing many small files can lead to inefficiencies and unnecessary costs.
• Hidden costs for data fees may also be included as an additional cost, which may not be in your company's budget.
• Due to the proprietary nature of the services, migrating to a different provider or system can be complex and costly.

Object storage use cases

Businesses or individuals who need to store large amounts of unstructured data, such as files, backups, or archives, are served well by object storage plans.

Internxt offers S3-compatible cloud object storage with a fixed pay-as-you-go pricing model of €7/TB/month. Compared to AWS or Azure, Internxt S3 could save you up to 80% in comparison. There are no additional charges for data transfer, and you can scale your storage to meet your company's needs.

File storage

File storage stores data in a hierarchical system organized in folders and subfolders. It is one of the types of cloud storage that works like a traditional computer’s file system.

Each file is stored with its name, extension, and location in the directory structure, making data easy to organize and retrieve.

Pros of file storage

• Files can be organized and accessed simply from a hierarchical structure.
• It can be accessed from most devices and operating systems.
• File storage can include password protection and other password controls for added security.

Disadvantages of file storage

• File storage is less flexible for handling large and unstructured data than object or cloud storage solutions.
• As data grows, file storage can become challenging to manage and scale, especially when dealing with large volumes of files.
• Large amounts of data or multiple users accessing the system simultaneously may lead to slowdowns or delays in file retrieval.

File storage use cases

File storage is also ideal for users who prefer a familiar, easy-to-manage system for organizing and retrieving their data without dealing with more complex storage models.

Block storage

The last entry in the types of cloud storage is block storage. Unlike file storage, which organizes data in a hierarchy, block storage stores data in fixed-sized blocks, each acting as an individual data storage unit.

Now we know about the different types of file storage, you can compare the three in this object vs file vs block storage article, which goes into more detail so you can pick the best option.

Block storage use cases

Block storage is commonly used by enterprise-level organizations that run databases, virtual machines, or high-performance applications that need low-latency data access.

How to choose from the different types of cloud storage

Although there are many types of cloud storage to choose from, based on the specific needs of you, your team, business, or enterprise, one or two options will meet your requirements.

Below is a summary of the different types of cloud storage to give you a general idea of how cloud infrastructure is deployed or shared and how data is organized and accessed with file, block, and object storage.

For encrypted cloud storage with a full privacy suite for your online privacy, Internxt Drive offers private cloud storage across all devices, with full security and privacy guaranteed with post-quantum encryption.

To protect your personal cloud, you can get 85% off all Internxt plans, which offer monthly or lifetime cloud storage plans, and check out the additional features included with these plans below.  

For object storage or personal use, Internxt Drive and Internxt S3 offer a GDPR cloud storage solution protected with zero-knowledge encryption for guaranteed privacy against data breaches.

Related products

https://internxt.com/cloud-object-storage

https://internxt.com/nas

https://internxt.com/webdav-rclone

Finding the cheapest personal cloud storage doesn’t mean compromising on privacy or security.

In this guide, we compare the best and most affordable cloud storage options for personal use in 2026, covering free plans, monthly subscriptions, storage capacity, security features, and lifetime deals to help you find the best value for your needs.

If you ned the best and cheapest cloud storage for personal use, now is the best time of the year, as Black Friday deals will soon become available, which you can prepare for by signing up for our newsletter, or checking out the best cloud storage Black Friday deals from our blog where you can get early access to Internxt’s biggest deal ever.

Table of contents

• Free vs paid cloud storage for personal use
• How to choose the best and cheapest cloud storage for personal use
• Cheapest cloud storage for personal use by storage capacity
• Cheapest personal cloud storage lifetime plans
• Related products
• Frequently asked questions

Free vs paid cloud storage for personal use

Free cloud storage is a good option for personal use if you need an extra backup for smaller files such as PDFs, photos, or other documents. It’s not suitable for large files such as videos or RAW photo libraries, as these can fill your cloud storage quite quickly.

Other things to be aware of with free or cheap cloud storage are limited features, unlocking more storage, and whether a free plan includes end-to-end encryption.

Below are the options for free cloud storage plans, including storage, features, and privacy.

Internxt is the best free cloud storage option if you want end-to-end and post-quantum encryption for smaller-sized files or photo albums. As it’s the only option for cloud storage for personal use that includes end-to-end encryption, you can store your files in total privacy, where nobody can access them.

Terabox has the largest free plan, but these plans include promotional advertising, restricted speeds, and other privacy concerns, which you can learn more about in our is Terabox safe article.

How to choose the best and cheapest cloud storage for personal use

Backing up photo albums

If you need automatic backups for your photo albums to keep your memories safe and accessible on your phone, choose personal cloud storage with photo backup to keep copies in the cloud.

Protecting personal documents

Keep personal documents, such as IDs, financial statements, contracts, or other sensitive information, secure in the cloud with encrypted cloud storage to ensure maximum privacy and that only you can access these sensitive and private documents.

Prevent data loss

Cloud storage plans that include file versioning and backups will keep current copies of your data safe and accessible across all your devices. If your device is stolen, lost, damaged, or corrupted, backed-up copies remain in the cloud so you can recover them when needed.

Share files privately

Cloud storage allows you to share photos with family members and colleagues via a secure link or email. Check for providers that offer secure file transfer with password protection and end-to-end encryption so files remain private between sender and recipient.

Avoid subscriptions

When choosing the cheapest cloud storage for personal use, you will want to consider subscription plans vs lifetime plans. If you regularly store your files in the cloud, then investing in lifetime cloud storage could save you more money over time with a one-time payment plan instead of annual or monthly subscriptions.

Cheapest cloud storage for personal use by storage capacity

For the cheapest cloud storage for personal use, we will start with the lowest storage normally offered, at 100GB, and move up to 5TB and more, which is enough for heavy personal use such as cloud storage for videos or cloud storage backup solutions.

50GB to 1TB plans

How much can you store?

Cloud storage costs for 50GB to 1TB are as follows

For the cheapest personal cloud storage per GB for plans up to 1TB, Internxt is the cheapest and most secure option at €0.00149/GB/month, while the most expensive per GB is an iCloud 50 GB plan at €0.0198/GB/month.

2TB to 5TB plans

How much data can 2 to 5TB plans store?

Costs for 2 to 5TB plans can be seen below.

Cheapest per GB: Internxt 5 TB at €0.000898/GB/month (€4.49/month).

Most expensive per GB: Outlook 2 TB at €0.009995/GB/month (€19.99/month).

6TB plans and more

Beyond 5TB the best and cheapest cloud storage for personal use becomes more limited, as not many providers offer more than this plan.

Below are the cheapest personal cloud storage options if you need more than 6TB or up to 12TB, with Apple iCloud pricing plans.

Filen vs pCloud for 10TB plans: pCloud pricing offers a cheaper option, but does not include zero-knowledge encryption. Filen is more expensive, but is an open-source and end-to-end encrypted pCloud alternative, like Internxt.

Cheapest personal cloud storage lifetime plans

If you want to avoid subscriptions completely the best investment you can make for your cloud storage is a lifetime plan.

If you choose a 5TB lifetime plan with Internxt, you get zero-knowledge and post-quantum cryptography, automatic backups for photos, and an encrypted email included with a one-time payment.

Ultimate plans also include support for QNAP and Synology, and WebDAV and Rclone support, so you can manage, sync, and back up your cloud from any device and any platform.

Internxt lifetime plans include 1, 2, or 5TB of storage, but if you need 10TB of lifetime storage, then you can stack your plan to get more storage whenever you need.

With your exclusive 85% discount, Internxt offers the cheapest personal cloud storage for subscription and lifetime plans, and offers all the features, privacy, and security to meet your personal cloud storage needs.

Related products

https://internxt.com/photos

https://internxt.com/mail

https://internxt.com/meet

Frequently asked questions

What is the best and cheapest cloud storage for personal use?

Internxt Drive is the cheapest personal cloud storage, with prices for 1TB plans starting from €1.49/month, which equals €0.00149/GB/month. All plans include end-to-end encryption, backups, VPN, and Antivirus, with a full privacy suite available if you need to upgrade your plan.

Is cheap cloud storage secure?

Affordable cloud storage can offer strong security, but features vary by provider. Look for end-to-end encryption, secure file sharing, and reliable backup options. Internxt combines competitive subscription pricing with end-to-end encryption and additional security features.

How much does personal cloud storage cost per month?

Prices vary between providers and depend on promotional offers, storage capacity, and additional features. Prices for 100GB can start from €0.99/month and can go up to €59.99/ month for a 12TB plan with iCloud.

How much cloud storage do I need for personal use?

The amount you need depends on the files you store. A smaller plan may be enough for documents and everyday photos, while 1TB to 2TB can suit larger photo libraries and video collections. Plans of 5TB or more are useful for extensive personal archives and frequent backups.

What should I look for when choosing cheap personal cloud storage?

Compare monthly prices, cost per GB, storage capacity, encryption, automatic backups, file versioning, and secure file-sharing options. A low price is most valuable when the plan also provides the features you need to protect and manage your files.

If you’re looking for alternatives to US tech giants spying on your data and need a secure, private cloud storage solution for your files, then these best cloud storage for UK customers offer the best alternative to major cloud companies, with the added advantage of extra features, and no more subscriptions with lifetime options.

To help you choose the what is the best cloud storage in the UK and Europe, this article covers:

• Cheapest cloud storage UK prices
• Storage, encryption, extra features
• Best cloud storage for photos (UK)
• Comparison of different cloud providers and features

With the options covered in this article, you will get all the information you need to choose the best and most affordable cloud storage to meet your security and online privacy requirements.

Table of contents

• What is the best cloud storage in the UK?
• Cheapest cloud storage UK prices
• Best cloud storage UK prices comparison
• Related products

What is the best cloud storage in the UK?

The best cloud storage UK options listed are all alternatives to big tech, as they are based in Europe, offer generous storage plans, with lifetime plans also available, and a range of different features based on your online privacy needs.

Internxt Drive

Features: post-quantum encryption, VPN, Meet, Mail, Photos, and more

Cloud storage plans: Between 1 and 5 TB

Internxt Drive encrypted cloud storage is the best cloud storage for UK users, as Internxt is a European tech company and therefore follows GDPR plus ISO, SOC 2, and HIPAA regulations to ensure safe and secure handling of all types of UK customer data from healthcare, business, or financial files.

Internxt secures your cloud storage with post-quantum and zero-knowledge encryption, which is included in all plans, including the free cloud storage Internxt plan, so there is no need to pay extra for private encryption.

Internxt plans start at 1TB and move up to 5TB with the Ultimate plan, which you can stack if you purchase a lifetime cloud storage plan.

With a 5TB plan, you also get access to automatic backups for your photos, which are protected with the same post-quantum cryptography as Drive, offering the best cloud storage for photos for UK users, combined with everything else Internxt has to offer.

All paid plans include backups, VPN, and Antivirus, offering extra security on public Wi-Fi and protection against malware, combining private cloud storage with full online privacy, data loss protection, and device security.

To get started with Internxt, create a free Internxt account or choose a monthly or annual plan, and get 85% off with your exclusive offer below.

Icedrive

Features: Cloud storage, VPN

Cloud storage plans: Between 2 and 6 TB for subscriptions, 500GB or 2 TB lifetime

Icedrive is a UK-based company, offering monthly and annual plans from 2 to 6 TB, or 500 GB and 2 TB for lifetime plans. Icedrive also offers a VPN, available as a separate subscription or lifetime plan.

Icedrive only includes zero-knowledge encryption for its paid plans, so unlike Internxt, its free plans don’t include zero-knowledge encryption; if you only need a free cloud storage plan to store files privately, you should consider an Icedrive alternative that is open source, and includes ZKE for all plans.

pCloud

Features: Password manager, Docs, Photos, Crypto

pCloud is headquartered in Bulgaria and offers storage locations in the US and Luxembourg; although it states it follows Swiss privacy laws, it doesn’t necessarily mean your files are stored in Switzerland or protected by Swiss privacy laws.

pCloud also isn’t open source, and therefore lacks the transparency or security verification of other open-source cloud storage providers like Internxt.

Paid pCloud plans also don’t offer cloud storage with zero-knowledge encryption; this is a feature you have to pay separately for, either for monthly, annual, or lifetime plans. With this additional cost, pCloud isn’t the cheapest cloud storage for UK users, nor is it the most private without paying for zero-knowledge encryption.

However, if you need a password manager or music streaming, pCloud does offer these features, but if you want a private pCloud alternative, there are cheaper encrypted cloud storage providers available, such as Internxt.

Cheapest cloud storage UK prices

Now we’ve covered the best cloud storage for UK customers to help you switch to more private alternatives to Google Drive, Dropbox, and other big tech companies, below we cover the cloud storage costs in the UK for Internxt, and others.

Internxt

Prices start from: €1.49/month, €285 lifetime

Internxt offers 1GB of free cloud storage, or you can start with 1TB for just €1.49 per month. Lifetime plans can be split into payments with Klarna or paid for in total privacy with cryptocurrency at checkout.

Internxt offers cloud storage solutions for up to 5 TB, or with a lifetime plan, you can stack this whenever you need to get 10, 15, or up to 100 TB of storage to meet your cloud storage for photos, videos, and privacy needs.

Internxt’s Ultimate plan includes the full privacy suite of NAS cloud backups, Internxt Mail, Meet, Photos, and more.

The full product suite and pricing for all Internxt plans are below, which you can get for 85% off on our website.

pCloud

pCloud pricing starts at £4.99/month for 500GB, £9.99/month for 2TB, and £29.99/month for the largest 10TB plan.

If you want to avoid subscriptions, pCloud offers lifetime plans from £219 for 500 GB or £1499 for 10TB. All paid plans include access to pCloud Photos and Docs, but pCloud does not include zero-knowledge encryption for paid plans without pCloud Crypto, so your files are not truly private, which you can read more about in our is pCloud safe article.

If you want to pay for zero-knowledge encryption, the added costs on top of the pCloud plan are:

• £4.99/month
• £49.99/year
• £150/one-time payment (lifetime plans)

pCloud Pass is also an additional feature, so if you want a password manager included with your cloud storage, you should take this extra cost into consideration, too.

Icedrive

All Icedrive plans include zero-knowledge encryption, so it's another pCloud alternative if you need one of the cheapest cloud storage options in the UK.

Prices start at £9.99/month (2 TB), £14.99 (4 TB) or £24.99 (6 TB). Icedrive’s one time payment cloud storage plans offer less storage and fewer options; these cost £349 for 500GB or £599 for 2TB.

These lifetime plans are not the cheapest cloud storage for UK users; they are more expensive and offer fewer features than Internxt or pCloud.

Other features, like Icedrive’s VPN, are available with a separate subscription. If you want an encrypted VPN included in your cloud storage plan, then all Internxt plans include a VPN without needing a separate subscription.

Best cloud storage UK prices comparison

For the best cloud storage in the UK in terms of pricing, below you can find a comparison of what is the best cloud storage for UK customers looking for cheap cloud storage.

Best cloud storage UK monthly prices

cheapest lifetime uk

What is the best cloud storage for UK pricing?

Based on the costs of the monthly and lifetime plans, Internxt is the best cloud storage in the UK in terms of affordability for all plans.

• Monthly: Internxt Premium offers 87.4% savings against the listed 2 TB monthly alternatives from pCloud and Icedrive.
• Lifetime: Internxt Premium 2 TB offers 59.7% savings against Icedrive's 2 TB lifetime plan.
• More storage: Internxt Ultimate provides 5 TB for £494.91 lifetime, which is 17.4% less than Icedrive's £599 lifetime 2 TB plan while offering 2.5 times the storage.

With Internxt, you get the first cloud storage with post-quantum and zero-knowledge encryption for your files, ensuring nobody but you can see what you store in the cloud.

But with an Internxt plan, you get much more than cloud storage, you also get an encrypted email, VPN, and advanced cloud management with NAS, WebDAV and Rclone support.

Internxt Ultimate plans also include automatic backups for photos and videos with Internxt Photos to back up and save photos in the cloud combined with the best cloud storage for UK customers who need an alternative to Google Photos with zero-knowledge encryption.

For the best cloud storage in the UK and much more, switch to Internxt and claim your 85% discount to get started from just £1.49 a month.

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