The best fit depends on whether encryption covers your entire account or only files you deliberately place in a protected area. The five services selected by Cloudwards for its comparison are Sync.com, pCloud, Internxt, Proton Drive and Tresorit. They are not a universal ranking: compare encryption scope, sharing, recovery and plan terms before choosing.
What zero-knowledge cloud storage means
In this context, zero-knowledge or client-side encryption means a file is encrypted on your device before upload, and you control the key needed to decrypt it. End-to-end encryption is a related term, but providers do not necessarily use these labels to describe identical designs. The practical question is which files receive this protection by default.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Some services describe encryption across the account; others require you to opt in by moving files into a designated folder. Encryption also does not secure a compromised device or account, make careless sharing safe, guarantee recovery if you lose access to your keys, or ensure the service will always be available.
How the five services differ
| Service | Encryption scope described | Other documented features and qualifications |
|---|---|---|
| Sync.com | Cloudwards describes client-side encryption across Sync storage. Sync says its storage uses end-to-end encryption and zero-knowledge authentication. | Sync describes secure sharing, backup, restore and collaboration features. Cloudwards reports a 5 GB free plan; check Sync’s current plan terms. |
| pCloud | Client-side encryption is opt-in: pCloud describes placing files in its Crypto folder. Cloudwards says the free tier does not include client-side encryption. | Do not treat an ordinary pCloud account as zero-knowledge by default. See pCloud’s explanation of its Crypto folder: pCloud Encryption. |
| Internxt | Cloudwards describes client-side encryption across the account. | Cloudwards reports a 1 GB free plan. These technical and plan details are comparison-page claims; confirm them with Internxt before relying on them. |
| Proton Drive | Proton says files are end-to-end encrypted. | Proton describes encrypted sharing, publishes audit reports and makes its apps and encryption libraries open source. Its pricing page lists a 5 GB free plan with end-to-end encryption; reliable current paid prices were not available in the captured page. Proton identifies Switzerland as its base. See Proton Drive and Proton Drive pricing. |
| Tresorit | Tresorit says files and relevant metadata are encrypted on users’ devices with unique keys that are not sent to its servers in unencrypted form. | Tresorit describes granular sharing controls, Swiss-law handling and ISO 27001:2022 certification. Those claims do not, by themselves, establish that a particular plan or workflow meets your legal or compliance requirements. See Tresorit security. |
Choose by the protection you need
If you want encryption across the account
Cloudwards describes Sync.com, Internxt and Proton Drive as applying client-side or end-to-end encryption across their storage. Sync and Proton also make security claims directly on their own product pages. The Internxt scope and free-plan figure above are claims from Cloudwards’ comparison, not a directly verified statement from Internxt. Check current provider documentation for the exact files, metadata and features covered.
#1 Best Overall
- Hardware encrypted drive
- Simple to use pin access. RPM-5400
- Administrator password feature
- Bus powered
- Utilizes Military Grade FIPS PUB 197 Validated Encryption Algorithm
If you prefer an optional encrypted space
pCloud’s Crypto folder gives you a separate area for files you choose to protect with client-side encryption. That can suit a workflow where only selected files need this layer, but it means files left in ordinary storage are not covered by the Crypto-folder protection. The free pCloud tier does not include client-side encryption according to Cloudwards.
If sharing or collaboration matters
Sync.com, Proton Drive and Tresorit describe sharing or collaboration features. Before moving sensitive files, verify the controls you need—such as access permissions, password protection, expiration and revocation—and determine whether those controls apply to encrypted content. A feature listing is not an independent test of its operation.
Rank #2
- Utilizes Military Grade FIPS PUB 197 Validated Encryption Algorithm
- Super fast USB 3.0 Connection - Data transfer speeds up to 10X faster than USB 2.0
- Software Free Design - With no admin rights needed
- Sealed from Physical Attacks by Tough Epoxy Coating
- Brute Force Self Destruct Feature
Compare plans and practical fit before signing up
Free capacity is only one part of the decision. The figures reported for Sync.com, Internxt and Proton Drive are 5 GB, 1 GB and 5 GB respectively; Cloudwards reports the first two, while Proton’s own pricing page lists the third with end-to-end encryption. Plan limits and included features can change, so confirm the current terms directly before choosing. No reliable current paid-price comparison is established here.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
- Check your devices and workflow: Confirm current desktop, mobile and web support, sync behavior, backup and restore, and any team controls. These details vary and have not been exhaustively verified for all five services.
- Plan for account recovery: Find out what happens if you lose a password, device or recovery method. Strong encryption does not remove the need to secure your account or understand recovery options.
- Review the sharing path: Identify how recipients get access, how you can revoke it, and whether collaboration features fit your needs without changing the protection you expect.
- Separate security from jurisdiction: A provider’s location, data-residency options, audits and certifications are distinct considerations. Verify the specific plan, configuration and applicable obligations rather than inferring compliance from a marketing statement.
How to make the final choice
- Write down whether you need client-side encryption for every stored file or only for a selected set.
- Check the provider’s current security documentation to see which files and metadata are encrypted, where encryption happens, and who controls the keys.
- Compare current storage limits and paid-plan terms on provider pages; do not rely on an old free-tier figure or a price captured from a dynamic page.
- Test the workflow with non-sensitive files: sync across your actual devices, share with a trusted recipient, and review recovery options before uploading important data.
- If the files are part of a regulated workflow, review the relevant plan, configuration, contract, jurisdiction and legal requirements with qualified advisers.
Security and certification descriptions from providers are vendor claims, not guarantees. Cloudwards’ comparison is the basis for the selection and several scope or plan details; it is not an independent test performed for this article. See its zero-knowledge cloud storage comparison alongside provider documentation.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Rank #3
- Slim durable design to help take your important files with you
- Vast capacities up to 6TB[1] to store your photos, videos, music, important documents and more
- Back up smarter with included device management software[2] with defense against ransomware
- Help secure your important files with password protection and hardware encryption
- 3-year limited warranty
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
