OneDrive vs Proton Drive: Which Cloud Storage Is More Private?
Microsoft OneDrive is deeply integrated with Windows and Office 365, making it convenient for Microsoft users. But this convenience comes with privacy trade-offs. Proton Drive offers a privacy-first alternative with end-to-end encryption that keeps your files completely private.
In this comparison, we'll examine OneDrive vs Proton Drive on privacy, security, features, integration, and pricing to help you choose the right cloud storage.
Privacy: The Fundamental Difference
OneDrive: Microsoft Can Access Your Files
OneDrive encrypts files in transit and at rest, but Microsoft holds the encryption keys. This means Microsoft can access your unencrypted files and can be compelled to share them with authorities through legal requests.
Microsoft's services agreement states they may access your content to improve their products, prevent fraud, or comply with legal obligations. While they claim to minimize data collection, the architecture allows full access to your files.
Proton Drive: Zero-Knowledge Encryption
Proton Drive uses end-to-end encryption where your files are encrypted on your device before upload. The encryption keys never leave your device, making your data mathematically inaccessible to Proton.
This zero-knowledge architecture means Proton can't access your files even if they wanted to or were ordered by a court. The encryption is cryptographically enforced, not just a policy promise.
Windows Integration
OneDrive has a significant advantage here. It's built into Windows 10 and 11, appears in File Explorer, and syncs seamlessly with Microsoft Office apps. This tight integration makes it extremely convenient if you're in the Microsoft ecosystem.
Proton Drive offers desktop sync apps for Windows, Mac, and Linux. While not quite as seamlessly integrated as OneDrive in Windows, it provides solid file syncing and works well across all platforms.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | OneDrive | Proton Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Free Storage | 5 GB | 5 GB |
| End-to-End Encryption | ❌ No (Microsoft has keys) | ✅ Yes (zero-knowledge) |
| Office Suite Integration | ✅ Microsoft 365 | ❌ Not yet |
| Desktop Sync | ✅ Yes (native Windows) | ✅ Yes (all platforms) |
| File Versioning | ✅ Yes (30 days) | ✅ Yes (paid plans) |
| Mobile Apps | iOS, Android | iOS, Android |
| Open Source | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Jurisdiction | US (CLOUD Act) | Switzerland (strong privacy) |
Pricing Comparison
OneDrive's pricing is competitive, especially when bundled with Microsoft 365. Proton Drive offers comparable value with superior privacy protection.
| Plan | OneDrive | Proton Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Free | 5 GB | 5 GB |
| Basic Storage | 100 GB - $1.99/month | 500 GB - $4.99/month |
| Premium Bundle | 1 TB + Microsoft 365 - $6.99/month | 3 TB + Mail, VPN, Pass - $9.99/month |
Important note: OneDrive's best value includes Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). If you need those apps, OneDrive bundled with Microsoft 365 is excellent value. Proton's bundle includes Mail, VPN, and Pass instead.
Security & Privacy Track Record
Microsoft is subject to US surveillance laws including the CLOUD Act, which allows US authorities to access data even if stored abroad. Microsoft also uses file scanning for content moderation and has disclosed data to law enforcement thousands of times.
Proton is based in Switzerland with some of the world's strongest privacy laws. Their zero-knowledge encryption means they literally cannot hand over unencrypted files. Proton has publicly resisted legal requests and published transparency reports showing they can only provide limited metadata.
OneDrive Pros
- Deep Windows & Office integration
- Great value with Microsoft 365
- Excellent collaboration features
- Mature, reliable platform
- 5 GB free storage
OneDrive Cons
- Microsoft can access your files
- US jurisdiction (CLOUD Act)
- File scanning enabled
- Closed source
- Privacy concerns
Proton Drive Pros
- True end-to-end encryption
- Zero-knowledge architecture
- Swiss privacy protection
- Open source & audited
- Cross-platform support
Proton Drive Cons
- No Office suite integration
- Less mature ecosystem
- Fewer third-party apps
- Not built into Windows
- Smaller user base
Who Should Choose OneDrive?
OneDrive is the right choice if you're heavily invested in the Microsoft ecosystem and need seamless integration with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams. The Microsoft 365 bundle at $6.99/month including office apps and 1 TB storage is excellent value.
For business collaboration and productivity workflows within Microsoft's ecosystem, OneDrive is hard to beat. Just understand that Microsoft can access your files.
Who Should Choose Proton Drive?
Proton Drive is ideal for anyone who prioritizes privacy and wants mathematical certainty that their cloud storage provider cannot access their files. Perfect for:
Healthcare professionals with patient records, lawyers with client files, journalists protecting sources, activists, or anyone handling sensitive information. The zero-knowledge encryption provides true confidentiality.
At $4.99/month for 500 GB or $9.99/month for 3 TB plus the full Proton suite (Mail, VPN, Pass), Proton Drive offers excellent value for privacy-conscious users.
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Start Free TrialFinal Verdict
OneDrive wins on Microsoft ecosystem integration and collaboration features. Proton Drive wins decisively on privacy and security architecture.
The choice comes down to your priorities: If you need Microsoft 365 and its collaboration tools, OneDrive makes sense. If you want true privacy with mathematical guarantees that nobody can access your files, Proton Drive is the clear winner.
Many users find a hybrid approach works well: Use OneDrive for work collaboration and Proton Drive for personal sensitive files. That way you get the best of both worlds.