pCloud

Based in Switzerland, pCloud has established itself as a major player in the cloud storage market since its inception in 2013. With over 20 million users, this service offers a distinctive approach with its lifetime subscription model, a rare option in the cloud universe.

pCloud Features

pCloud offers a comprehensive suite of storage and sharing tools. Users benefit from automatic synchronization across all their devices, ensuring permanent access to their files, even offline. Additionally, the service includes a media player allowing direct playback of audio and video files through the interface.

Among other notable features:

• Data backup from other cloud services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and even social networks

• File versioning that maintains history for up to 30 days (expandable to 360 days)

• File sharing via links, with the ability to send large files up to 5 GB without requiring an account

• Applications available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android

Security at pCloud

In terms of data protection, pCloud implements multiple layers of security. All stored files are protected by 256-bit AES encryption during and after transfer. Additionally, the service employs TLS/SSL channel protection for enhanced security.

For heightened protection, pCloud offers an additional feature called pCloud Crypto (at an extra cost). This functionality enables client-side encryption, ensuring that you remain the sole possessor of the decryption keys. This highly secure system utilizes 4096-bit RSA encryption for private keys.

To prevent any data loss, pCloud maintains five copies of each file on servers located in at least three different locations. These data centers are highly secured and monitored around the clock.

pCloud Pricing

pCloud stands out with its flexible pricing model, including monthly, annual, and lifetime options. For annual subscriptions, the rates are as follows:

• Premium: €49.99/year for 500 GB storage

• Premium Plus: €99.99/year for 2 TB storage

However, what makes pCloud truly unique is its "Lifetime" offer, providing storage space for 99 years or the user's lifetime:

• Premium Lifetime: €199 for 500 GB

• Premium Plus Lifetime: €399 for 2 TB

• Family: €595 for 2 TB (up to 5 users)

It's worth noting that pCloud Crypto, the advanced encryption feature, is available separately for €49.99/year or €150 as a one-time purchase.

pCloud for Individuals

pCloud provides individual users with a solution tailored to their personal storage needs. The intuitive and user-friendly interface makes it easy to manage daily files. Users can create playlists of their favorite music tracks and listen to them from their mobile device.

The service also facilitates sharing large files through links, even with individuals who don't have a pCloud account. This flexibility extends to transferring files directly from the web to the cloud.

However, unlike Drime which offers 20 GB free storage, pCloud provides a limited free plan of 10 GB. Additionally, certain features like direct PDF editing or real-time collaborative work remain more restricted compared to competitors like Drime.

Internxt

Originating from Spain, Internxt has established itself as the privacy champion in the world of cloud storage. This service distinguishes itself through its radical approach to data protection, utilizing post-quantum encryption to meet the demands of the most privacy-conscious users.

Internxt Features

Internxt delivers a privacy-focused experience while offering essential storage capabilities. The service notably provides easy access to your files through applications available on all major operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android).

Furthermore, Internxt simplifies file sharing with password-protected links, ensuring optimal security during exchanges. Unlike Drime which offers advanced collaborative editing features, Internxt focuses more on data protection than real-time collaboration.

However, some users report limitations, particularly the absence of an option to automatically upload photos and videos from the mobile application, a feature that's standard with Drime and other competitors.

Security at Internxt

Security is undeniably Internxt's strong point. The service employs zero-knowledge encryption, meaning you're the only one with access to your data. Even Internxt cannot view your files.

The impressive security measures include:

• AES-256 bit encryption for all files, both in transit and at rest

• Post-quantum cryptography technology Kyber 512, selected by the NIST institute

• File fragmentation distributed across multiple secure servers

• Two-factor authentication (2FA) to enhance account protection

Unlike other services, Internxt is completely open source, with its code available on GitHub for community verification and audit. This transparency strengthens the credibility of their security claims.

Internxt Pricing

Internxt offers a free plan providing up to 10 GB of storage, which is half of Drime's 20 GB free offering. For users requiring more space, several options are available:

Monthly subscriptions start at €0.99 for 20 GB and increase to more generous plans for substantial storage needs. However, what truly sets Internxt apart are its lifetime offers, allowing users to acquire permanent storage space with a one-time payment:

• 2 TB for €299

• 5 TB for €499

• 10 TB for €999

These "lifetime" rates become particularly economical after just 2-3 years of use compared to monthly or annual subscriptions.

Internxt for Sensitive Data

Specifically designed to protect confidential information, Internxt excels in safeguarding sensitive data. Its full GDPR compliance and strict no-data-collection policy make it a preferred choice for privacy-conscious European users.

Consequently, Internxt proves particularly suitable for storing confidential documents, medical records, or financial data. Its decentralized architecture reduces the risk of data breaches, while its minimalist approach to personal information collection enhances privacy protection.

However, this focus on security sometimes comes at the expense of user-friendliness and collaborative features found in Drime. Transfer speeds may also vary depending on internet connection and applied encryption.

NordLocker

Developed by Nord Security, the company behind the renowned NordVPN, NordLocker has established itself as a cloud storage solution primarily focused on data privacy and security. This service combines local encryption with cloud storage to provide maximum protection for sensitive files.

NordLocker Features

NordLocker offers an intuitive interface based on a system of virtual "lockers" to organize your files. You can choose to store your data solely on your device, exclusively in the cloud, or both simultaneously. This flexibility notably enables automatic file synchronization across all your devices.

Furthermore, the application supports all file types without any size restrictions. The drag-and-drop functionality significantly simplifies document addition, with the option to either create an encrypted copy or move the original file.

However, unlike Drime which offers advanced collaborative editing features, NordLocker focuses more on protection rather than file modification. Sharing remains possible through two methods:

• Individual file sharing via secure links

• Sharing entire "lockers" with other NordLocker users

Applications are available on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, with a web interface also accessible from any browser.

Security at NordLocker

Security is undeniably NordLocker's strongest asset. The service employs a zero-knowledge architecture, ensuring that you are the only one who can access your data. This approach is reinforced by end-to-end encryption combining several advanced technologies:

• AES-256 bit, the military-grade reference standard

• ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography)

• XChaCha20-Poly1305-IETF for key protection

Additionally, NordLocker protects even your file names, unlike some solutions that only encrypt the content. A dual lock secures your account: Nord Account credentials and a master password.

To further enhance protection, two-factor authentication is available through physical security keys, authentication apps, or backup codes. However, note that Drime offers similar protection while providing more collaborative features.

NordLocker Pricing

NordLocker offers a free plan with 3 GB of cloud storage, significantly less than Drime's 20 GB free tier. For users requiring more space, several paid plans are available:

• Personal (500 GB): $2.99/month with annual commitment or $7.99/month without commitment

• Personal Plus (2 TB): $6.99/month with annual commitment or $19.99/month without commitment

For professionals, NordLocker also offers:

• Business (500 GB): $8.99/month

• Business Plus (2 TB): $14.99/month

All paid plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing risk-free testing of the service.

NordLocker for Professionals

NordLocker Business represents a suitable solution for companies seeking to secure their sensitive data. The service notably allows defining different roles (owner, administrator, user) to facilitate team management.

Additionally, teams can create and share "lockers" with specific groups, thus offering granular access control. This secure approach promotes collaboration while protecting confidential company information.

However, unlike Drime which offers a complete suite of collaborative tools (simultaneous editing, comments, electronic signatures), NordLocker focuses more on data protection than advanced collaborative editing features. This service is particularly suitable for freelancers and small teams handling confidential data such as contracts or sensitive projects, without requiring complex editing tools.