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PrivateStorage
What PrivateStorage is
PrivateStorage is an open-source cloud storage service for syncing folders, with encryption performed on a computer before files are uploaded. The desktop app encrypts folders locally, and only the user holds the keys to read them. No account is created; locally stored capability codes provide access. PrivateStorage divides encrypted data among grid servers and adds pieces to help recover it if a server is unavailable. A Recovery Key can restore access on another device, but the service cannot recover files if that key is lost.
Folder syncing reflects local changes while the app is open. Users can add folders, but not individual files, and sharing is unavailable. Desktop apps are listed for macOS, Windows, and Linux; Android is also included in the platform list. Storage-time costs $6.50, paid once and buys 30 GB-months, with use depending on storage over time. There is no free plan or trial.
Who it suits
PrivateStorage is intended for individuals seeking added storage security and privacy. It suits people who want encrypted folder syncing and can manage their own recovery key.
What it does well
- Encrypts folders on the device before upload.
- Capability codes provide access without an account.
- Extra encrypted pieces support recovery if a server is unavailable.
- Recovery Key can restore access on another device.
What to know first
- Individual files cannot be added.
- Sharing is not currently available.
- Losing the Recovery Key means files cannot be recovered.
- No free plan or trial.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Storage-time | $6.50 buys 30 GB-months of storage · 30 GB-months per purchase · usage depends on storage used over time | $6.50, paid once |
As private.storage lists them, read 8 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
PrivateStorage combines local encryption, accountless access, and folder syncing across desktop systems, with Android also listed. Consider its limits on individual files and sharing, and keep the Recovery Key safe.
Facts from PrivateStorage's own pages
- Accountless access
- Users do not create accounts; stored data is accessed using locally stored capability codes. · private.storage, 8 Oct 2026
- Client-side encryption
- The desktop app encrypts folders on the device before they are uploaded, and only the user has the keys to read them. · private.storage, 8 Oct 2026
- Company history
- The About page says PrivateStorage evolved from S4 and is now owned 100% by Least Authority. · private.storage, 8 Oct 2026
- Company location
- The privacy notice names PrivateStorage.io Inc. as data controller and gives its address as Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, USA. · private.storage, 8 Oct 2026
- Distributed storage
- The service splits data into encrypted pieces, stores them across multiple grid servers, and creates extra pieces to help recover data if a server is unavailable. · private.storage, 8 Oct 2026
- Folder syncing
- The app syncs folders from a computer while it is open, reflecting local folder changes in the cloud. · private.storage, 8 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 2022 · private.storage, 28 Sept 2026
- Headquarters
- Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, United States · private.storage, 28 Sept 2026
- Integrations and components
- The service uses Tahoe-LAFS for decentralized storage, Gridsync for its interface, Magic Folder for syncing, and ZKAPs for payment authorization. · private.storage, 8 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The FAQ describes PrivateStorage as intended for individuals seeking added storage security and privacy features. · private.storage, 8 Oct 2026
- Payment
- Storage-time is purchased in $6.50 increments for approximately 30 GB-months, and the FAQ says payments are supported by Stripe. · private.storage, 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- PrivateStorage is an open-source cloud storage service for uploading and syncing folders. · private.storage, 8 Oct 2026
- Recovery
- A Recovery Key can restore access on another device, and PrivateStorage says it cannot recover files if the key is lost. · private.storage, 8 Oct 2026
- Security audit
- The FAQ states that Tahoe-LAFS was audited by Cure53 in 2021. · private.storage, 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- The About page lists support by email at [email protected] and by Signal at +1 724 200 8340. · private.storage, 8 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- The FAQ lists desktop applications for macOS, Windows, and Linux. · private.storage, 8 Oct 2026
- Usage limits
- The FAQ says users can add folders but not individual files, and it states that sharing is not currently available. · private.storage, 8 Oct 2026
Where PrivateStorage stands on Freedom251
- Secure Cloud Storage#29 of 30