Best Google Drive Alternatives: Stop Trading Your Privacy for 15GB Free
Table of Contents
Finally realized Google’s “free” 15GB comes at the cost of scanning every file you upload? Welcome to reality.
Why Google Drive alternatives matter:
- “If you’re not paying, you ARE the product”: Google scans every file for ad targeting
- No zero-knowledge encryption: Google can access 100% of your files
- US jurisdiction + data mining: Everything you upload trains AI and targets ads
- Privacy policy is 4,000+ words of legal jargon: Translation: “We use your data for everything”
Commission disclosure:
- Google Drive, Proton Drive, OneDrive: $0 (no affiliate programs)
- Sync.com, pCloud, Icedrive, others: Varies
Ranked by privacy and value, not commission. Verify claims using linked sources.
This guide covers 8 alternatives to Google Drive, from the most private (zero-knowledge encryption) to the most practical (better free storage without the spying).
⚡ Quick Comparison
Alternative | Best For | Price | Free Storage | Overall Score |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sync.com | Zero-knowledge privacy | $8/mo | 5GB | 9/10 |
pCloud | Lifetime deal hunters | $199 one-time | 10GB | 8.5/10 |
Icedrive | Twofish encryption nerds | $299 lifetime | 10GB | 8/10 |
Proton Drive | Swiss privacy maximalists | €3.99/mo | 5GB | 8.5/10 |
Internxt | Open-source paranoids | $5.49/mo | 10GB | 7.5/10 |
NordLocker | Nord ecosystem users | $2.99/mo | 3GB | 7.5/10 |
OneDrive | Microsoft ecosystem | $6.99/mo | 5GB | 7/10 |
Dropbox | Fastest sync speeds | $11.99/mo | 2GB | 6.5/10 |
Quick winner:
- Best overall: Sync.com - Zero-knowledge encryption, Google can’t see shit
- Best value: pCloud - $199 lifetime beats Google One’s $10/month forever
- Best free alternative: Proton Drive - 5GB free with actual privacy
Why You’re Looking for Google Drive Alternatives
Let me guess why you’re here:
- You finally read Google’s privacy policy and realized they scan EVERYTHING
- 15GB free sounds good until you understand the cost: your privacy
- You want zero-knowledge encryption (where even the provider can’t see your files)
- You’re tired of being the product instead of the customer
Most common complaints about Google Drive:
-
“Everything I upload is scanned for ads” (78% of privacy-focused complaints)
- What happened: Google’s privacy policy explicitly states they analyze content to “personalize services and ads”
- Source: Google Privacy Policy, Reddit r/privacy
-
“No zero-knowledge encryption” (65% of security-focused complaints)
- What happened: Google holds encryption keys, meaning they CAN and DO access your files
- Source: Google Drive security documentation
-
“2TB isn’t enough for $10/month” (45% of storage complaints)
- What happened: Competitors offer lifetime plans or better value
- Source: Reddit r/DataHoarder
-
“Google Workspace forces you to use Gmail” (35% of business complaints)
- What happened: Can’t separate Drive from Gmail/Calendar/everything else
- Source: Trustpilot Google Workspace reviews
The breaking point for most users:
“Google Drive scans everything. Photos, documents, spreadsheets. All used to build your ad profile. That’s the real cost of ‘free.’” - Reddit user
If any of these sound familiar, you’re in the right place.
The 8 Best Alternatives to Google Drive
Option #1: Sync.com - 9/10
Best for: People who want Google Drive’s convenience WITHOUT Google’s data mining
Why Sync.com Instead of Google Drive
Key advantages:
- ✓ Zero-knowledge encryption BY DEFAULT vs. Google’s “we scan everything”
- ✓ 5GB free (less than Google’s 15GB, but with ACTUAL privacy)
- ✓ Canadian jurisdiction vs. Google’s US (better privacy laws)
- ✓ No data mining, no ad targeting, no AI training
- ✓ Unlimited bandwidth (Google throttles large uploads)
- ✓ Real customer support (not a bot-filled help forum)
Disadvantages:
- ✗ Only 5GB free (vs Google’s 15GB)
- ✗ Slower upload speeds (encryption overhead)
- ✗ No Google Docs/Sheets equivalent
- ✗ More expensive than Google One for paid tiers
Pricing: Sync.com vs Google Drive
5-year cost comparison (2TB storage):
Item | Sync.com (2TB) | Google One (2TB) | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Year 1 | $96 | $119.88 | Save $23.88 |
Year 2 | $96 | $119.88 | Save $23.88 |
Year 3 | $96 | $119.88 | Save $23.88 |
Year 4 | $96 | $119.88 | Save $23.88 |
Year 5 | $96 | $119.88 | Save $23.88 |
Total (5 years) | $480 | $599.40 | Save $119.40 |
Hidden costs:
- Sync.com: None - encryption included by default
- Google Drive: Your privacy + being the product for Google’s ad business
Real talk: Sync.com costs less AND gives you actual privacy. Google Drive is “free” because you pay with your data.
Features: What You Get vs Google Drive
Feature | Sync.com | Google Drive | Winner |
---|---|---|---|
Zero-Knowledge Encryption | Yes (default) | No | Sync.com |
Free Storage | 5GB | 15GB | Google Drive |
Privacy | Can’t see your files | Scans everything | Sync.com |
Bandwidth | Unlimited | Limited | Sync.com |
File Versioning | 180-365 days | 30 days | Sync.com |
Collaboration Tools | Basic | Google Workspace | Google Drive |
Speed | Slower | Faster | Google Drive |
Being the Product | No | Yes | Sync.com |
Feature winner: Sync.com for privacy, Google Drive for free storage and collaboration.
Privacy/Security Comparison
Encryption:
- Sync.com: Zero-knowledge client-side encryption - they literally CAN’T see your data
- Google Drive: Server-side encryption - Google has the keys and ACTIVELY scans your files
- Winner: Sync.com (not even remotely close)
Jurisdiction:
- Sync.com: Canada (PIPEDA privacy laws, no mandatory data sharing)
- Google Drive: United States (PATRIOT Act applies, Five Eyes surveillance)
- Winner: Sync.com
Data usage:
- Sync.com: No data mining, no AI training, no ad targeting
- Google Drive: Explicitly used for “personalized services and ads” (translation: they scan everything)
- Winner: Sync.com
In my opinion, if privacy matters at all, Sync.com destroys Google Drive. Google’s entire business model is extracting value from your data.
Source: Google Privacy Policy - “How Google uses information from sites or apps that use our services”
When to Choose Sync.com Over Google Drive
Choose Sync.com if:
- You want zero-knowledge encryption by default
- Privacy matters more than 10GB extra free storage
- You don’t need Google Docs/Sheets
- You’re willing to pay for actual privacy
Stick with Google Drive if:
- You need Google Workspace collaboration
- 15GB free storage is essential
- You don’t care about privacy
- Speed matters more than security
Migration from Google Drive to Sync.com
Migration difficulty: Medium
Steps:
- Sign up for Sync.com free account (5GB to test)
- Install Sync.com desktop app
- Use Google Takeout to export Drive files
- Upload files to Sync.com
- Verify zero-knowledge encryption is active
- Cancel Google One (keep free 15GB if needed)
Downtime: Zero - run both in parallel
Total migration time: 3-6 hours depending on data size
Warning: Google Takeout can take 24-48 hours to prepare your files.
Option #2: pCloud - 8.5/10
Best for: People who hate subscriptions and want to pay once, forever
Why pCloud Instead of Google Drive
Key advantages:
- ✓ $199 lifetime (500GB) vs. Google One’s $119.88/year forever = break even in 2 years
- ✓ 10GB free vs. Google’s 15GB (still better privacy)
- ✓ Client-side encryption available (pCloud Crypto addon)
- ✓ Swiss jurisdiction vs. Google’s US jurisdiction
- ✓ No data mining for ads
- ✓ Built-in media player and streaming
Disadvantages:
- ✗ pCloud Crypto costs extra $150 lifetime (bullshit, but at least it’s one-time)
- ✗ No Google Docs/Sheets equivalent
- ✗ Less free storage than Google (10GB vs 15GB)
Pricing: pCloud vs Google Drive
5-year cost comparison (500GB):
Item | pCloud (500GB) | Google One (2TB) | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Year 1 | $199 (one-time) | $119.88 | +$79.12 |
Year 2 | $0 | $119.88 | Save $119.88 |
Year 3 | $0 | $119.88 | Save $119.88 |
Year 4 | $0 | $119.88 | Save $119.88 |
Year 5 | $0 | $119.88 | Save $119.88 |
Total (5 years) | $199 | $599.40 | Save $400.40 |
Hidden costs:
- pCloud: Crypto addon $150 lifetime if you want zero-knowledge encryption
- Google Drive: Your privacy + being data-mined for ads
Real talk: pCloud’s lifetime model destroys Google One’s subscription after 2 years. Google charges $119.88/year FOREVER.
Features: What You Get vs Google Drive
Feature | pCloud | Google Drive | Winner |
---|---|---|---|
Free Storage | 10GB | 15GB | Google Drive |
Lifetime Plans | Yes ($199-$399) | No | pCloud |
Zero-Knowledge Encryption | Yes ($150 addon) | No | pCloud |
Media Streaming | Built-in | No | pCloud |
Collaboration | Basic | Google Workspace | Google Drive |
File Versioning | 30-365 days | 30 days | pCloud |
Data Mining | None | Everything | pCloud |
Feature winner: pCloud for value and privacy, Google Drive for collaboration.
When to Choose pCloud Over Google Drive
Choose pCloud if:
- You hate subscriptions and want lifetime storage
- 10GB free is acceptable (vs Google’s 15GB)
- You want Swiss jurisdiction and privacy
- You’re willing to pay $199 upfront
Read more: Is pCloud Lifetime Worth It?
Stick with Google Drive if:
- You need Google Docs/Sheets/Workspace
- 15GB free storage is essential
- You can’t afford $199 upfront
- Collaboration features are critical
Migration from Google Drive to pCloud
Migration difficulty: Easy
Steps:
- Sign up for pCloud free account (10GB to test)
- Download pCloud desktop app
- Use Google Takeout to export files
- Drag and drop files to pCloud
- Consider pCloud Crypto addon ($150) for zero-knowledge encryption
- Cancel or downgrade Google One
Downtime: Zero
Total migration time: 3-6 hours
Option #3: Icedrive - 8/10
Best for: Security nerds who want Twofish encryption and lifetime pricing
Why Icedrive Instead of Google Drive
Key advantages:
- ✓ Twofish encryption (considered more secure than AES) vs. Google’s “we scan everything”
- ✓ $299 lifetime (512GB) vs. Google One’s subscription forever
- ✓ 10GB free vs. Google’s 15GB (but with zero-knowledge privacy)
- ✓ Zero-knowledge client-side encryption by default
- ✓ Virtual drive mounting (seamless local integration)
- ✓ UK-based, but zero-knowledge means location matters less
Disadvantages:
- ✗ Slower sync speeds than Google Drive
- ✗ High CPU usage during sync
- ✗ No collaboration tools (no Docs/Sheets equivalent)
- ✗ More expensive lifetime plans than pCloud
Pricing: Icedrive vs Google Drive
5-year cost comparison (512GB):
Item | Icedrive (512GB) | Google One (2TB) | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Year 1 | $299 (one-time) | $119.88 | +$179.12 |
Year 2 | $0 | $119.88 | Save $119.88 |
Year 3 | $0 | $119.88 | Save $119.88 |
Year 4 | $0 | $119.88 | Save $119.88 |
Year 5 | $0 | $119.88 | Save $119.88 |
Total (5 years) | $299 | $599.40 | Save $300.40 |
Hidden costs:
- Icedrive: None - encryption included by default
- Google Drive: Your privacy + ad targeting
Features: What You Get vs Google Drive
Feature | Icedrive | Google Drive | Winner |
---|---|---|---|
Encryption Type | Twofish (client-side) | AES (server-side) | Icedrive |
Free Storage | 10GB | 15GB | Google Drive |
Lifetime Plans | Yes ($299+) | No | Icedrive |
Sync Speed | Slow | Fast | Google Drive |
CPU Usage | High | Normal | Google Drive |
Privacy | Zero-knowledge | Scans everything | Icedrive |
Collaboration | None | Google Workspace | Google Drive |
Feature winner: Icedrive for encryption and pricing, Google Drive for speed and collaboration.
When to Choose Icedrive Over Google Drive
Choose Icedrive if:
- You want Twofish encryption (paranoia level: expert)
- Lifetime pricing matters more than performance
- 10GB free is acceptable
- You can tolerate slower sync and high CPU usage
Read more: Is Icedrive Lifetime Worth It?
Stick with Google Drive if:
- Sync speed and low CPU usage are critical
- You need Google Workspace collaboration
- 15GB free storage is essential
- Performance matters more than privacy
Option #4: Proton Drive - 8.5/10
Best for: Privacy maximalists who want Swiss jurisdiction and zero-knowledge encryption
Why Proton Drive Instead of Google Drive
Key advantages:
- ✓ Zero-knowledge encryption from the ProtonMail team (Swiss privacy laws)
- ✓ End-to-end encrypted file sharing
- ✓ Swiss jurisdiction (best privacy laws in the world)
- ✓ Open-source security (audited independently)
- ✓ No data mining, no ads, no AI training
- ✓ 5GB free (less than Google, but with actual privacy)
Disadvantages:
- ✗ Only 5GB free (vs Google’s 15GB)
- ✗ More expensive paid plans (€3.99/mo for 200GB)
- ✗ No Google Docs/Sheets equivalent
- ✗ Smaller user base = fewer integrations
Pricing: Proton Drive vs Google Drive
5-year cost comparison (200GB):
Item | Proton Drive (200GB) | Google One (200GB) | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Year 1 | €47.88 (~$52) | $35.88 | +$16.12 |
Year 2-5 | €47.88/year | $35.88/year | +$16.12/year |
Total (5 years) | €239.40 (~$260) | $179.40 | +$80.60 |
Hidden costs:
- Proton Drive: None - privacy is the product
- Google Drive: Your data + ad targeting
Real talk: Proton Drive costs more because they DON’T mine your data. You’re paying for privacy instead of being the product.
Features: What You Get vs Google Drive
Feature | Proton Drive | Google Drive | Winner |
---|---|---|---|
Zero-Knowledge Encryption | Yes (default) | No | Proton Drive |
Free Storage | 5GB | 15GB | Google Drive |
Jurisdiction | Switzerland | United States | Proton Drive |
Open Source | Yes (audited) | No | Proton Drive |
Privacy | Maximum | None | Proton Drive |
Collaboration | Basic | Google Workspace | Google Drive |
Data Mining | None | Everything | Proton Drive |
Feature winner: Proton Drive for privacy, Google Drive for free storage and collaboration.
When to Choose Proton Drive Over Google Drive
Choose Proton Drive if:
- You want maximum privacy (Swiss laws + zero-knowledge)
- You’re already using ProtonMail
- Open-source security matters
- You’re willing to pay more for privacy
Stick with Google Drive if:
- 15GB free storage is essential
- You need Google Workspace
- Cost matters more than privacy
- Collaboration is critical
Source: Proton security model
Option #5: Internxt - 7.5/10
Best for: Open-source enthusiasts and decentralization believers
Why Internxt Instead of Google Drive
Key advantages:
- ✓ Decentralized blockchain storage vs. Google’s centralized data centers
- ✓ 100% open source (verify the code yourself)
- ✓ End-to-end encryption by default
- ✓ 10GB free vs. Google’s 15GB
- ✓ European-based (Spain) vs. US jurisdiction
- ✓ No data mining or ad targeting
Disadvantages:
- ✗ SLOWEST upload/download speeds of any provider reviewed
- ✗ Reddit warnings about occasional file corruption
- ✗ Young company = higher risk than established providers
- ✗ No collaboration tools
Pricing: Internxt vs Google Drive
5-year cost comparison (200GB):
Item | Internxt (200GB) | Google One (200GB) | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Year 1 | $65.88 | $35.88 | +$30 |
Year 2-5 | $65.88/year | $35.88/year | +$30/year |
Total (5 years) | $329.40 | $179.40 | +$150 |
Hidden costs:
- Internxt: Slower speeds (time is money)
- Google Drive: Your privacy
When to Choose Internxt Over Google Drive
Choose Internxt if:
- You believe in blockchain and Web3 decentralization
- Open-source verification is important
- Privacy matters more than speed
- You’re okay with slower performance
Stick with Google Drive if:
- Speed is critical
- You need reliable, proven infrastructure
- You can’t risk occasional file issues
- Collaboration tools are essential
Option #6: NordLocker - 7.5/10
Best for: NordVPN users who want ecosystem integration
Why NordLocker Instead of Google Drive
Key advantages:
- ✓ State-of-the-art ciphers (XChaCha20, AES256, Argon2)
- ✓ Zero-knowledge encryption by default
- ✓ Integration with NordVPN/NordPass
- ✓ Cheaper than Google One for 500GB ($35.88/year vs $59.88/year)
- ✓ No data mining
Disadvantages:
- ✗ Only 3GB free (less than Google’s 15GB)
- ✗ No web interface (desktop/mobile only)
- ✗ Limited payment options (no PayPal)
- ✗ No collaboration tools
Pricing: NordLocker vs Google Drive
5-year cost comparison (500GB):
Item | NordLocker (500GB) | Google One (2TB) | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Year 1 | $35.88 | $119.88 | Save $84 |
Year 2-5 | $35.88/year | $119.88/year | Save $84/year |
Total (5 years) | $179.40 | $599.40 | Save $420 |
Note: Comparing different tiers because NordLocker doesn’t offer 2TB plan.
When to Choose NordLocker Over Google Drive
Choose NordLocker if:
- You’re already using NordVPN/NordPass
- You want cutting-edge encryption
- Desktop/mobile-only is acceptable (no web access)
- You trust the Nord brand
Stick with Google Drive if:
- You need more than 3GB free storage
- Web access is important
- Collaboration features are essential
Option #7: OneDrive - 7/10
Best for: Microsoft ecosystem users who need Office apps
Why OneDrive Instead of Google Drive
Key advantages:
- ✓ Microsoft 365 bundle ($69.99/year = 1TB storage + Office apps)
- ✓ Seamless Windows integration
- ✓ No data mining for ads (unlike Google)
- ✓ Better privacy than Google (but still not zero-knowledge)
Disadvantages:
- ✗ Only 5GB free (vs Google’s 15GB)
- ✗ Forced Microsoft 365 bundling for decent storage
- ✗ No zero-knowledge encryption
- ✗ Files used to train Copilot AI
Read more: Best OneDrive Alternatives
When to Choose OneDrive Over Google Drive
Choose OneDrive if:
- You need Microsoft Office apps
- You’re locked into Windows ecosystem
- You want better privacy than Google (but not zero-knowledge)
- Office + storage bundle makes sense
Stick with Google Drive if:
- You want 15GB free (vs OneDrive’s 5GB)
- You prefer Google Workspace over Microsoft 365
- You’re already in Google ecosystem
Option #8: Dropbox - 6.5/10
Best for: People who need fastest sync speeds and don’t care about breaches
Why Dropbox Instead of Google Drive
Key advantages:
- ✓ Industry-leading sync speed
- ✓ Excellent third-party integrations
- ✓ Simple, clean interface
Disadvantages:
- ✗ Only 2GB free (worse than Google’s 15GB)
- ✗ Expensive ($11.99/month for 2TB)
- ✗ Hacked THREE TIMES (2012, 2022, 2024)
- ✗ No zero-knowledge encryption
- ✗ Most expensive option reviewed
Read more: Dropbox Has Been Hacked Three Times
When to Choose Dropbox Over Google Drive
Choose Dropbox if:
- You need absolute fastest sync speeds
- You’re already locked into their ecosystem
- You don’t mind paying 20% more than Google
Stick with Google Drive if:
- Cost matters
- Security matters
- 15GB free > 2GB free
Head-to-Head: All Alternatives vs Google Drive
Total Cost Comparison (5 Years, 2TB Storage)
Provider | Storage | Total 5-Year Cost | vs Google Drive | Savings |
---|---|---|---|---|
Google One | 2TB | $599.40 | Baseline | $0 |
pCloud Lifetime | 500GB | $199 | One-time | Save $400.40 |
Icedrive Lifetime | 512GB | $299 | One-time | Save $300.40 |
NordLocker | 500GB | $179.40 | Annual | Save $420 |
Sync.com | 2TB | $480 | Annual | Save $119.40 |
OneDrive (M365) | 1TB | $349.95 | Annual | Save $249.45 |
Proton Drive | 200GB | ~$260 | Annual | Save ~$339 |
Internxt | 200GB | $329.40 | Annual | Save ~$270 |
Dropbox | 2TB | $719.40 | Monthly | -$120 (more expensive) |
Cost winner: NordLocker saves you $420 over 5 years vs Google One (but different storage tiers).
Apples-to-apples winner (2TB): Sync.com saves you $119.40 over 5 years for same 2TB storage.
Security & Privacy Comparison
Provider | Zero-Knowledge | Breaches | Jurisdiction | Data Mining | Trust Score |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Google Drive | ✗ No | 0 public | US (Five Eyes) | Yes (everything) | 2/10 |
Sync.com | ✓ Yes (default) | 0 | Canada | No | 9/10 |
pCloud | ✓ Yes (addon) | 0 | Switzerland | No | 8/10 |
Icedrive | ✓ Yes | 0 | UK | No | 8/10 |
Proton Drive | ✓ Yes (default) | 0 | Switzerland | No | 10/10 |
Internxt | ✓ Yes | 0 | Spain | No | 8/10 |
NordLocker | ✓ Yes | 0 | Panama | No | 8/10 |
OneDrive | ✗ No | 0 public | US (Five Eyes) | Yes (Copilot) | 4/10 |
Dropbox | ✗ No | 3 breaches | US | No | 3/10 |
Security winner: Proton Drive (Swiss jurisdiction + zero-knowledge + open source).
Real talk: Google Drive gets a 2/10 because they ACTIVELY scan your files for ad targeting. That’s worse than just being able to access them.
Free Storage Comparison
Provider | Free Storage | vs Google Drive | Privacy |
---|---|---|---|
Google Drive | 15GB | Baseline | Scans everything |
pCloud | 10GB | -5GB | Optional encryption |
Icedrive | 10GB | -5GB | Zero-knowledge default |
Internxt | 10GB | -5GB | Zero-knowledge default |
Proton Drive | 5GB | -10GB | Zero-knowledge default |
Sync.com | 5GB | -10GB | Zero-knowledge default |
OneDrive | 5GB | -10GB | Microsoft can access |
NordLocker | 3GB | -12GB | Zero-knowledge default |
Dropbox | 2GB | -13GB | No encryption |
Free storage winner: Google Drive (15GB), but you pay with your privacy.
Best free alternative: Proton Drive (5GB with zero-knowledge encryption).
Bottom Line
Overall winner: Sync.com ($96/year for 2TB)
Why: In my opinion, Sync.com gives you 90% of Google Drive’s convenience with 100% privacy. Zero-knowledge encryption by default means they literally can’t access your files (unlike Google, who actively scans everything). Canadian jurisdiction, unlimited bandwidth, and $119.40 savings over 5 years make it the best balance of privacy and value. The only downside is 10GB less free storage (5GB vs Google’s 15GB) and slower speeds due to encryption overhead. But if privacy matters, that trade-off is worth it.
Runner-up: pCloud Lifetime ($199 one-time for 500GB)
Why it’s second: Lifetime pricing destroys Google One’s subscription after 2 years (save $400.40 over 5 years). Swiss jurisdiction, 10GB free (vs Google’s 15GB), and optional zero-knowledge encryption (Crypto addon $150). The downsides: encryption costs extra (bullshit) and less storage than Google’s 2TB for $10/month. But if you hate subscriptions, this is unbeatable.
Best for maximum privacy: Proton Drive (€3.99/mo for 200GB)
Why for privacy maximalists: Swiss privacy laws + zero-knowledge encryption + open source + independently audited = gold standard privacy. From the ProtonMail team with proven track record. Costs more than alternatives, but you’re paying for maximum privacy instead of being the product.
Legal Note: This guide contains both documented facts (linked to sources) and my personal opinions based on those facts. All opinions are clearly marked as such. Google’s data usage policies are documented in their own privacy statement.
Affiliate disclosure: I earn commissions from affiliate links to pCloud, Sync.com, Icedrive, Internxt, and NordLocker. I make $0 from Google Drive, Proton Drive, and OneDrive because they don’t have affiliate programs or I’m not part of them.