Datum Storage

Datum Storage is a hybrid decentralized storage service built on the Datum Network, pairing a desktop virtual drive with S3-compatible object storage. It suits people who want client-held encryption keys and backup-tool compatibility, but its current mobile and capacity-purchase workflow makes it a better fit for planned deployments than for urgent, fully self-service expansion.

Overview

Datum Drive presents remote storage as a virtual hard disk that behaves like an ordinary computer folder. For applications and backup jobs, Datum exposes the Amazon S3 API format through custom S3 endpoints. That combination gives individuals a familiar drive view while preserving an object-storage route for automation.

Accounts are tied to a Datum Identity, and registration requires both email and phone verification. After signup, Datum supplies an endpoint URL, an S3 Access Key ID equivalent and an S3 Secret Access Key equivalent. Backup software that supports several signing methods should use Signature Version 4.

Key features

Encryption and control

Data is end-to-end encrypted, with the user holding the key. That is a meaningful privacy advantage for owners who do not want encryption control delegated to the storage provider, though it also makes credential management especially important.

S3 backup compatibility

Arq Backup for Mac and Windows is identified as tested with Datum. Duplicati, Duplicity and Duplicacy are named as S3-compatible applications but have not been tested by Datum, so those integrations are choices for users willing to handle their own troubleshooting.

Mobile identity

The Datum ID app for iOS and Android handles storage signup and management of credentials and usage. Datum says the mobile workflow and purchasing additional storage are coming soon, limiting what can currently be managed from a phone.

Pricing

The free tier is attractive for a first-year 1 TB allocation, but it is not a permanent free quota. The paid rate is straightforward for users who need more capacity, yet the additional-storage purchase is not currently available, so organizations should not treat the advertised expansion price as an immediately usable plan. There are no published seat limits or trial terms to weigh.

Platforms

Datum supports Android, iOS and an API, with desktop apps through Datum Drive. S3 endpoints also make it suitable for software-based backup workflows. IPFS support is not provided.

Who it's for

Choose Datum if you want a decentralized-storage service with a normal folder interface, S3 automation and encryption keys under your control. It is particularly suited to a one-person or small backup setup using Arq, or to technically comfortable users configuring another S3 client. Look elsewhere if you need immediately purchasable extra capacity, a mature phone-first administration flow or IPFS storage.

Pros and cons

• Pros: End-to-end encryption with the customer holding the key; a virtual drive plus S3-compatible endpoints; tested Arq Backup compatibility on Mac and Windows; Android and iOS identity apps.
• Cons: The 1 TB free allowance lasts only the first year; additional storage purchases are coming soon rather than currently usable; several listed backup applications remain untested; email and phone verification are required; no IPFS support.

Alternatives

Sia is the better choice for users who prioritize an open-source project, broader platform coverage including Linux, macOS, Windows, web and self-hosting, and a freemium model with a free plan.

Carbide Network fits users interested in provider earnings and metered storage, with a home-provider option estimating $24 per year per terabyte and personal storage starting at $0.

Peergos is preferable when fully open-source software, reproducible builds and self-hosting matter more than Datum's S3-oriented workflow.

Aleph Cloud (formerly Aleph.im) suits users seeking broader cloud infrastructure, including static website hosting, VPS and API, across desktop and web platforms.

Walrus is an alternative for users evaluating a Mysten Labs-created service with a free launch-period memory plan whose limits and pricing may change.

4EVERLAND is aimed at web users needing an IPFS- and Arweave-focused free tier with monthly storage, build-time and bandwidth quotas.

BNB Greenfield is a choice for API, web or self-hosted deployments priced in BNB, with separate storage and download-quota billing.

Filebase is better for a small object-storage start with a published 5 GB free tier, one bucket and IPFS allowances, or a $7.50-per-month Pro plan.

For more options, browse Decentralized Storage Services.

Verdict

Datum Storage is a sensible pick for users who want a virtual drive and S3 backup access while retaining control of encryption keys. Its main reason to look elsewhere is operational readiness: the free terabyte expires after one year, and buying additional storage and completing the mobile workflow are still pending.