What is cloud storage? Everything you need to know in 2026
Cloud storage lets you keep files, photos, videos and documents not locally on your own device but on remote servers over the internet. The big advantage: you can access your data from anywhere and on any device – from your smartphone on holiday, your laptop at the office or your desktop PC at home.
The cloud storage market has changed a lot in 2026. While Google Drive, iCloud and OneDrive come as an add-on to existing ecosystems, specialised providers such as pCloud, Tresorit or Icedrive have positioned themselves with a clear focus on security, privacy and fair prices. European providers in particular score with EU server locations and GDPR compliance (the EU General Data Protection Regulation, known in Germany as DSGVO).
Did you know?
According to Bitkom (the German digital industry association), 83% of German internet users already use cloud services – most of them without consciously noticing. Google Drive alone has over 2 billion active users worldwide.
What should you look out for with cloud storage?
When choosing the right cloud storage there are five decisive criteria:
- Encryption: The most important factor. Distinguish between server-side encryption (the provider has access to your data) and end-to-end encryption (only you can read your data). Tresorit, Sync.com and Icedrive offer E2E as standard – with pCloud it costs extra.
- Server location: Relevant for users in Germany because of the GDPR. Servers in the EU or Switzerland offer the best legal protection. Filen has servers exclusively in Germany, Tresorit in Switzerland.
- Storage & prices: The price range is huge: from €1.99/month (Filen) or €1.95/month (MagentaCLOUD) up to €9.99/month (Dropbox Plus). Lifetime plans (pCloud, Icedrive, Internxt) pay for themselves after several years, depending on the promotional price.
- Integrations: Dropbox leads with over 300 app integrations. If you use cloud storage for collaboration, check office compatibility.
- Free storage: MEGA offers a generous 20 GB free, followed by pCloud, Icedrive and Filen with 10 GB each; Internxt and MagentaCLOUD give only 1 GB. Dropbox lags well behind with 2 GB.
The best cloud storage providers in detail
pCloud: subscription or lifetime plan
pCloud from Switzerland is a convincing all-rounder with flexible payment models. For €49.99 a year (around €4.17/month) you get 500 GB – or you invest once in the lifetime plan (500 GB normally €279, €219 on offer) for lifelong access. A special feature is the built-in media player, which can play music and video directly in the cloud. The downside: end-to-end encryption is only available as a paid add-on.
Tresorit: top-level security
If data security is the top priority, there is no way around Tresorit. The Swiss provider uses zero-knowledge encryption – even Tresorit cannot read your data. At €8.33/month it is dearer, but you get the highest security standards and full GDPR and HIPAA compliance. Ideal for businesses, doctors, lawyers and anyone storing sensitive data.
Filen: made in Germany at a bargain price
The German newcomer Filen offers one of the cheapest ways in at €1.99/month. All servers are in Germany, end-to-end encryption is on by default, and the client apps are open source. An excellent choice for privacy-conscious users on a small budget.
Costs & prices: what does cloud storage cost?
The monthly cost of cloud storage ranges from €1.95 to €9.99 for the smallest paid plan in each case. If you think long term, lifetime plans can save you a lot:
| Provider | Price/month | Free storage | Lifetime option |
|---|---|---|---|
| MagentaCLOUD | €1.95 | 1 GB | ❌ |
| HiDrive Next | €2.00 | – | ❌ |
| Filen | €1.99 | 10 GB | ✅ |
| pCloud | €4.17 | 10 GB | ✅ from €219 (promotion) |
| NordLocker | €3.99 | 3 GB | ❌ |
| Proton Drive | €3.99 | 5 GB | ❌ |
| Internxt | €4.49 | 1 GB | ✅ |
| Icedrive | €4.99 | 10 GB | ✅ |
| MEGA | €4.99 | 20 GB | ❌ |
| Tresorit | €8.33 | 3 GB | ❌ |
| Sync.com | approx. $9 * | – (30-day trial) | ❌ |
| Dropbox | €9.99 | 2 GB | ❌ |
Prices for the smallest paid plan. * Sync.com bills in US dollars only (1 TB: $9/month in the first year, then $12). pCloud: €49.99 a year for 500 GB.
Tip: lifetime plans from pCloud, Icedrive, Internxt and Filen pay for themselves after a few years and then give you lifelong access with no further fees. pCloud charges normally €279 (€219 on offer) for 500 GB lifetime – compared with €49.99 a year for the subscription, that pays off after a good four to five years.
Security & data protection: what really matters
With cloud storage, encryption is not the same as encryption. The key question is: can the provider read your data?
- End-to-end encryption (E2E): Your data is encrypted on your device before it is uploaded to the cloud. Only you hold the key. Providers: Tresorit, Sync.com, Icedrive, Filen, NordLocker, MEGA, Internxt, Proton Drive.
- Server-side encryption: The provider encrypts your data on its servers but theoretically has access. Providers: Dropbox, pCloud (without the Crypto add-on).
GDPR note
Providers with servers in the USA (Dropbox) are subject to the US CLOUD Act – authorities can potentially access your data. For sensitive data we recommend providers with EU or Swiss server locations.
Who should choose which cloud storage?
- Private users / beginners: pCloud (subscription or lifetime plan), Filen (German servers, E2E) or MagentaCLOUD (cheapest way in, data centres in Germany).
- Security-conscious users: Tresorit (zero-knowledge) or Sync.com (E2E at no extra cost).
- Bargain hunters: MEGA (20 GB free) or Filen (from €1.99/month).
- Businesses / teams: Tresorit (HIPAA/GDPR) or Dropbox Business (300+ integrations).
- Privacy maximalists: Proton Drive (Switzerland, Proton ecosystem) or Internxt (open source, EU servers).
- Long-term investors: pCloud or Icedrive with a lifetime plan – pay once, use for ever.
Last updated: October 2026