Hetzner Storage vs Proton Drive
Detailed side-by-side comparison
Hetzner Storage
From $3.81/moHetzner Storage Box is a budget-friendly cloud storage solution from a German hosting provider, offering massive storage capacity (up to 20TB) with multiple access protocols including SFTP, WebDAV, and rsync. It's designed for developers and businesses needing reliable, affordable backup storage with European data centers, though it lacks built-in encryption at rest.
Visit Hetzner StorageProton Drive
FreeProton Drive is a privacy-focused cloud storage service from the Swiss company behind Proton Mail, featuring zero-access end-to-end encryption that ensures only you can read your files. Built for users who prioritize security and privacy over extensive collaboration features, it operates under strict Swiss data protection laws.
Visit Proton DriveFeature Comparison
| Feature | Hetzner Storage | Proton Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption & Security | Supports encrypted data transfer but no built-in encryption at rest; users must implement their own encryption solutions like BorgBackup or Restic | Industry-leading zero-access end-to-end encryption for all files at rest and in transit; not even Proton can access your data |
| Access Methods | Multiple professional protocols including SFTP, SCP, WebDAV, Samba/CIFS, rsync, and SSH access for advanced management and automation | Standard web interface, mobile apps, and desktop clients; designed for user-friendly access rather than developer/automation tools |
| Storage Capacity | Generous capacity options ranging up to 20TB with highly competitive pricing for large storage needs | Limited free tier storage; paid plans offer more modest storage amounts focused on personal and small business use |
| Data Centers & Privacy | European data centers in Germany and Finland with strong GDPR compliance, though limited geographic options | Swiss-based servers operating under Switzerland's strict privacy laws, offering some of the strongest legal data protection globally |
| Backup Features | Automatic snapshots for data recovery, native compatibility with backup tools like BorgBackup and Restic, ideal for automated backup workflows | Automatic file versioning and history for recovering previous versions; more consumer-focused recovery options |
| File Sharing | Sub-account support for external reachability and basic sharing via standard protocols; not designed for end-user file sharing | Secure file sharing with password protection and encrypted links; designed for safe sharing with non-Proton users |
Pricing Comparison
Hetzner Storage starts at $3.81/month with massive storage capacity, making it extremely cost-effective for large-scale storage needs. Proton Drive offers a free tier and focuses on privacy-first storage at competitive rates for smaller storage requirements, with pricing that includes premium encryption features built-in.
Verdict
Choose Hetzner Storage if...
Choose Hetzner Storage if you need large amounts of affordable storage (multi-terabyte scale), require flexible access via professional protocols like SFTP or rsync, or are running automated backup workflows and don't mind implementing your own encryption solution.
Choose Proton Drive if...
Choose Proton Drive if privacy and security are your top priorities, you want zero-knowledge encryption without technical setup, you're already in the Proton ecosystem, or you need straightforward cloud storage with secure sharing for personal or small business use.
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Pros & Cons
Hetzner Storage
Pros
- + Extremely competitive pricing compared to major cloud providers
- + Generous storage capacity options up to 20TB
- + Multiple protocol support for flexible integration
- + Reliable European data centers with strong privacy standards
Cons
- - Limited to European data center locations only
- - Basic feature set without advanced cloud storage capabilities
- - No built-in encryption at rest (user must implement)
Proton Drive
Pros
- + Industry-leading privacy with end-to-end encryption
- + No data mining or ads, privacy-first business model
- + Integration with Proton ecosystem (Mail, VPN, Calendar)
- + Strong reputation in security and privacy community
Cons
- - Limited storage on free tier compared to competitors
- - Fewer collaboration features than mainstream alternatives
- - Smaller feature set compared to Google Drive or Dropbox