Side by side
iCloud Drive vs Proton Drive
Both stand on cloud storage. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan iPhoneMacWeb+1
iCloud Drive combines cross-device file syncing with link sharing and real-time collaboration. Consider the available storage tiers and the web-access limitation that comes with Advanced Data Protection.
Visit iCloud Drive
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+2
Choose Proton Drive if its listed storage capacities, supported platforms, and encryption and versioning features fit your needs. The free plan provides 5 GB; people needing more capacity can consider plans with larger allowances, including options for groups or per-user storage.
Visit Proton DriveThe facts
| iCloud Drive | Proton Drive | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | iPhone, Mac, Web, Windows | Android, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | iCloud+ 50GB: $0.99 a month | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 7 | 6 |
| Maker | Not published | Proton Drive |
| Website | icloud.com | proton.me |
| On cloud storage | #17 of 66 | #13 of 66 |
iCloud Drive: what it does well
- Free plan includes 5 GB of storage.
- Files sync across supported devices.
- Shared files support editing or view-only access.
- Collaborators’ changes appear in real time.
- Advanced Data Protection enables end-to-end encryption.
What to know first
- Permanently deleted files cannot be recovered.
- Windows access requires iCloud for Windows.
- Advanced Data Protection disables web access unless re-enabled and approved.
Proton Drive: what it does well
- Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
- Zero-knowledge encryption is listed.
- File versioning is included.
- The free plan provides 5 GB of storage.
- Plans include options for up to two or six users.
What to know first
- The free plan is limited to 5 GB of storage.
- The listed Duo and Family plans cap users at two and six, respectively.
Alternatives to iCloud Drive Alternatives to Proton Drive The whole list