Proton Drive vs Tresorit

This comparison pits two giants of zero-knowledge privacy against each other. Proton Drive leverages its comprehensive ecosystem and generosity with a 5 GB free plan. Tresorit focuses keenly on robust organizational compliance and specialized security features like eSign. Both suffer from reported customer service and performance issues, making the choice about feature priority.

Proton Drive
Proton Drive

Unmatched Security, Needs Operational Polish

Ciroapp review
3.5
#1 in Cloud Storage

We find Proton Drive's foundation, built on end-to-end encryption and Swiss privacy law, to be industry-leading and structurally sound. However, external feedback detailing poor performance, unhelpful support, and confusing billing management raise serious questions about operational reliability and user experience. Overall, this is the premier choice for zero-knowledge security, provided you tolerate potential customer service hurdles.

Pros

  • End-to-end encryption ensures maximum file privacy.
  • Data is protected by robust Swiss privacy laws.
  • Generous permanent free plan offers 5 GB of storage.
  • Code is open-source and regularly audited for transparency.

Cons

  • Customer support is widely criticized as slow and unhelpful.
  • Proton Drive suffers from reported reliability issues and very slow upload speeds.
  • Account and billing management can be confusing for users.
  • Lack of native desktop client options for Linux users noted by community.
Pricing
Not explicitly stated
Free trial
Money-back30 days
Best for
Individuals seeking maximum privacy across their entire digital life (mail, VPN, storage), Users who need substantial free, secure cloud storage (5 GB permanent plan), Small groups or families who benefit from bundled security products at a single price point
Tresorit
Tresorit

Ultra-Secure Platform with Usability Hurdles

Ciroapp review
3.3
#2 in Cloud Storage

Tresorit provides industry-leading zero-knowledge encryption, effectively securing sensitive data for compliance-heavy organizations. We recognize its complex structure targets users who prioritize full control over interface simplicity, but we found consistent reports of slow sync speeds, migration difficulties, and unresponsive customer support. Overall, Tresorit is a specialized tool best suited for organizations where absolute security outweighs functional refinement.

Pros

  • Absolute security guaranteed by zero-knowledge, end-to-end encryption.
  • Strong compliance features and options for custom data residency (e.g., Swiss data centers).
  • Specialized products available for collaboration or secure cloud storage.
  • Integrated tools like eSign and document scanning (mobile app) streamlines workflows.

Cons

  • Consistently reported issues with slow upload and synchronization speeds.
  • Customer support is frequently unresponsive and ignores critical technical issues.
  • High cost compared to mainstream cloud storage alternatives.
  • Functionality is spotty and less user-friendly than competitors.
Pricing
Not explicitly stated
Free trial14 days
Money-back
Best for
Organizations that must adhere to specific data residency requirements (e.g., GDPR compliance), Businesses needing secure, custom-branded data rooms for collaboration with external clients, Companies requiring integrated functions like digital signatures (eSign) in their workflow
Quick verdict
Choose Proton Drive if you prioritize the full secure ecosystem and want a generous, permanent 5 GB free plan protected by Swiss privacy laws
Choose Tresorit if you manage highly sensitive data requiring custom data residency, digital signatures (eSign), or secure B2B collaboration rooms

AboutProton Drive

Proton Drive is a cloud storage service designed with privacy as its primary focus. It comes from the creators of Proton Mail and Proton VPN, systems trusted by millions to protect their data. Unlike conventional cloud systems, Proton commits to privacy by default. ✨

It’s built for anyone—from individuals protecting vacation memories to businesses handling sensitive financial or legal documents. Your files, names, and even more are encrypted right on your device before they are uploaded. This means only you hold the keys to unlock and view your information.

AboutTresorit

Tresorit is a comprehensive, end-to-end encrypted platform built for control. It helps organizations protect their digital environment and manage sensitive data flow. You handle crucial tasks—like storing, sharing, scanning, and signing—securely in a single location 🔒. This system supports staying productive through integrations with tools like Google and Outlook. Trusted by over 11,000 organizations, Tresorit offers a proven way to work securely, internally and externally.

Highlights

Quick winners by category at a glance.
Zero-Knowledge Security
Both provide robust E2EE; Proton Drive is open source, and Tresorit offers specialized compliance tools.
Tie
Value for Money
Proton Drive offers a substantial 5 GB permanent free plan, giving users long-term zero-cost access.
Compliance & Control
Tresorit allows critical custom data residency options, catering better to heavily regulated businesses.
Feature Set
Tresorit includes highly specialized features like integrated eSignatures and secure collaboration data rooms.
Ecosystem Integration
Proton Drive integrates the entire secure Proton suite (VPN, Mail), simplifying security across the board.
Upload/Sync Performance
Users of both Proton Drive and Tresorit report frustratingly slow upload and synchronization speeds.
Tie

Feature Comparison

Compare key features side by side
Zero-Knowledge Encryption
Proton Drive:Yes (End-to-End)
Tresorit:Yes (Zero-Knowledge E2E)
Tie
Permanent Free Plan
Proton Drive:Yes (5 GB)
Tresorit:No
Proton Drive
Free Trial (Time Limited)
Proton Drive:No (Uses Free plan)
Tresorit:Yes (14 Days)
Tresorit
Location/Jurisdiction
Proton Drive:Switzerland (Swiss Laws)
Tresorit:Customizable (e.g., Swiss, GDPR)
Tie
Open Source Code
Proton Drive:Yes (Fully)
Tresorit:Not explicitly stated
Proton Drive
Secure File Sharing Links
Proton Drive:Yes (Password/Expiration)
Tresorit:Yes (Password/Watermark/Limits)
Tie
Integrated Email Encryption
Proton Drive:Integrated with Proton Mail
Tresorit:Yes (Add-on available)
Tie
Integrated Digital Signatures
Proton Drive:No
Tresorit:Yes (Integrated eSign)
Tresorit
Specialized Data Rooms
Proton Drive:No
Tresorit:Yes (Tresorit Engage)
Tresorit
Sync Local Folders
Proton Drive:Yes (Windows client)
Tresorit:Yes (Turn any folder into cloud)
Tie
Online Document Editor
Proton Drive:Yes (Included)
Tresorit:Not explicitly stated
Proton Drive
File Version Recovery
Proton Drive:Yes (Paid plans)
Tresorit:Not explicitly stated
Proton Drive
Customizable Data Residency
Proton Drive:No
Tresorit:Yes
Tresorit
Business/Team Collaboration
Proton Drive:Yes (Pro plan)
Tresorit:Yes (Engage/SecureCloud)
Tie
Ecosystem Integration
Proton Drive:Yes (Mail, VPN, Password Manager)
Tresorit:Yes (Google, Outlook)
Tie
Pricing Model
Proton Drive:Free / Tiered / Per User
Tresorit:Custom Quote / Product-based
Tie
Money-Back Guarantee
Proton Drive:Yes (30 Days)
Tresorit:Not explicitly stated
Proton Drive
Feature Comparison Summary
5
Proton Drive
8
Ties
4
Tresorit

Features Overview

We highlight the main differences and pick a winner for each feature.

Zero-Knowledge Security

Both offer top-tier E2EE security, but Proton Drive offers open-source transparency.

Tie

Proton Drive uses end-to-end encryption; files and metadata are encrypted locally on your device. This protection is backed by strict Swiss privacy laws, offering robust legal defense. Tresorit utilizes zero-knowledge E2E encryption, ensuring Tresorit cannot access or view your content. It appeals strongly to organizations needing absolute data control. While both secure your data profoundly, Proton Drive offers open-source transparency which Tresorit does not explicitly mention. The security commitment in both platforms means maximum protection against data breaches and corporate surveillance efforts.

Cost & Free Access

Proton Drive offers a permanent free tier; Tresorit requires customized quotes after a trial.

Proton Drive

Proton Drive provides a generous, permanent Free plan that includes 5 GB of secure storage. This allows testing everything risk-free for life. Tresorit offers a 14-day free trial to explore its full capabilities before requiring a purchasing commitment. You must request a custom quote afterwards. Proton Drive offers clear tiered plans allowing easy upgrades, whereas Tresorit's pricing is opaque and customized by specialized products. If budget and accessing free, secure storage are critical, Proton Drive is the clear and immediate choice for individuals.

Data Residency

Tresorit allows choosing physical data storage location, crucial for regulatory mandates.

Tresorit

Proton Drive is based solely in Switzerland, relying on strong Swiss law to protect all user data. This is great for privacy but lacks residency options. Tresorit offers custom data residency options, allowing users to select Swiss, GDPR-compliant, or other overseas locations. For large organizations needing to meet complex international compliance standards, Tresorit’s flexibility is a huge advantage. This feature is often mandatory for businesses that must physically keep data within specific geographic borders for legal reasons.

Advanced Collaboration

Tresorit offers specialized data rooms and eSign; Proton Drive provides basic document editing.

Tresorit

Proton Drive provides a basic online document editor for real-time writing and sharing within the secure platform. File syncing is also available primarily for Windows users. Tresorit offers specialized products like Engage, which establishes confidential, branded data rooms for client collaboration. Tresorit further enhances collaboration with an integrated eSign feature for managing document approvals efficiently in one place. Tresorit is designed structurally as a secure collaboration suite, while Proton Drive is primarily secure storage with basic teamwork functions.

Ecosystem Value

Proton Drive bundles its entire security suite; Tresorit connects with productivity apps.

Proton Drive

Proton Drive integrates deeply with the entire Proton product suite (Mail, VPN, Password Manager). The Unlimited plan gives you access to everything. Tresorit integrates with external productivity tools like Google and Outlook for streamlined workflow management. Choosing Proton Drive means buying into a holistic, interconnected security platform maintained by one excellent vendor. Tresorit users benefit from tools like the Email Encryption add-on to secure emails sent through traditional providers like Outlook.

Performance & Sync

Both services are heavily criticized by users for frustratingly slow upload and synchronization speeds.

Tie

Proton Drive reviews frequently cite very slow upload speeds and general operational reliability issues. Data recreation from old backups has unfortunately been necessary for some users. Tresorit users also report consistently slow synchronization and upload speeds compared to standard cloud providers. Glitches can cause files to vanish temporarily on occasions. The latency issue likely relates to the intense, mandatory client-side zero-knowledge encryption process used by both providers. Neither platform wins on raw speed, indicating that maximum privacy requires a patience trade-off in both cases.

Customer Support

Neither platform performs well here; both face severe complaints about unresponsiveness.

Tie

Proton Drive support is widely criticized as painfully slow, unhelpful, and providing only generic replies to complex issues. Billing complaints and slow resolution times are common. Tresorit support is frequently deemed unresponsive, ignoring critical technical issues for months, even for paying business clients. Users report feeling "ghosted" by both companies when major technical problems or billing disagreements arise. If reliable, timely customer support is a necessity for your business, neither Proton Drive nor Tresorit currently appears trustworthy.

External Sharing Control

Tresorit offers more granular control over external file sharing via watermarks and limits.

Tresorit

Proton Drive lets you secure shared links using passwords, auto-set expiration dates, and offers instant access revocation. Tresorit adds powerful controls like file watermarks, limits on how many times a file can be opened, and enforced passwords. Tresorit is clearly superior when sharing highly sensitive final documents externally where leakage prevention is critical. For basic secure sharing, Proton Drive works well, but Tresorit provides the full suite of leakage prevention safeguards.

Our Verdict

Objective guidance based on features, pricing, and user fit.

Ultimately, the choice between Proton Drive and Tresorit hinges on your specific security needs. Proton Drive is the stronger choice for individuals and small teams seeking holistic digital privacy. Tresorit is better suited for corporate environments demanding specialized regulatory control and compliance features. Proton Drive’s superpower is its unified security ecosystem, offering 5 GB free storage plus integrated access to Proton Mail and VPN. It operates completely on open-source code and secures user data under strict Swiss privacy laws. If comprehensive, transparent privacy is your goal, Proton Drive delivers excellent value. Tresorit's superpower is deep organizational control and specialization, evident in tools like integrated eSignatures and secure data rooms (Engage). Furthermore, Tresorit offers custom data residency, a non-negotiable feature for highly regulated businesses worldwide. Your budget and regulatory obligation are the deciding factors. If complex legal compliance or digital signing is necessary, Tresorit is the superior platform. If you want maximum security bundled with other essential privacy tools, Proton Drive is the clear winner for value. Be warned, customer support reviews are abysmal for both Proton Drive and Tresorit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for individual users: Proton Drive or Tresorit?

Proton Drive is generally better for individuals due to its generous, permanent 5 GB free plan. Tresorit focuses more on custom organizational solutions and requires specialized quotes. Proton Drive also integrates seamlessly with the full Proton security ecosystem.

Is Tresorit worth the extra cost over Proton Drive?

Tresorit is worth the cost if you need advanced features like integrated document eSignatures or custom data residency options. If you only need secure storage and sharing, Proton Drive offers better immediate value and features transparency. Pricing for Tresorit is opaque and requires a quote.

Does Proton Drive offer the same advanced file sharing controls as Tresorit?

Proton Drive offers secure links with passwords and auto-set expiration dates for sharing. Tresorit adds superior controls, including enforced file watermarks and limits on how many times a document can be opened. Tresorit is better for external leakage prevention.

Why do users complain about performance for both Proton Drive and Tresorit?

Both services employ intense zero-knowledge encryption directly on your device before uploading. This mandatory client-side process significantly increases the upload and synchronization time. Maximum E2EE security requires a patience trade-off for both Proton Drive and Tresorit.

Which platform has better customer support: Proton Drive or Tresorit?

Based on user reviews, both Proton Drive and Tresorit receive widespread, poor feedback regarding customer service. Users report slow, unhelpful, and unresponsive support experiences on both sides. Expect potential challenges if you encounter technical issues.

Can organizations choose where their data is physically stored?

Tresorit allows organizations to choose their physical data residency location, which is crucial for compliance mandates like GDPR. Proton Drive stores all user data in Switzerland under strong Swiss legal protection only.

Ready to Choose?

Both tools have their strengths. Choose based on your specific needs.