Dropbox made cloud storage mainstream. For years, it’s been the go-to solution for syncing files across devices and sharing them with teams. But it’s not the only option out there—especially if you care about where your data actually lives.
US-based servers, rising prices, and privacy concerns have pushed many users to look elsewhere. Europe, in particular, offers strong alternatives that combine solid features with GDPR compliance and transparent data handling. Some are built by small European companies, others are open-source projects you can host yourself.
This article breaks down 12 alternatives to Dropbox. We’re looking at what they offer, where they’re based, and what makes them different. Not all of them are perfect replacements—some focus on privacy, others on collaboration, and a few are built for specific use cases. For a quick overview of European cloud storage options, check out our Alternatives to Dropbox directory.
What Makes a Good Dropbox Alternative?
Not every cloud storage service works the same way. What matters depends on what you’re actually trying to do. Here’s what we’re comparing:
Storage & Pricing: How much space do you get, and what does it cost? Some services offer lifetime plans, others charge monthly.
Sync & Performance: How fast do files sync across devices? How reliable is the service during heavy use?
Collaboration Features: Can you share folders, set permissions, and work with teams? Or is it built for individual use?
Security & Privacy: Is there end-to-end encryption? Where are the servers located? Who has access to your data?
Platform Support: Does it work on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android? Is there a decent web interface?
EU Standards: If the company is based in the EU, your data is subject to GDPR. That means stricter rules on how it’s stored, processed, and shared.
The 12 Alternatives – Detailed Comparison
1. Nextcloud
Open-source file sync and collaboration platform. You can either host it yourself or use a managed provider.
Key Features:
- Full control over your data (self-hosted option)
- Collaboration tools (calendar, contacts, office suite)
- Strong privacy settings and encryption options
- Large plugin ecosystem
EU Hosting: Yes, if you choose an EU-based provider or host it yourself in the EU.
Best For: Teams or individuals who want maximum control and don’t mind technical setup.
Pricing: Free (self-hosted) or from €5/month for managed hosting.
What Sets It Apart: You own the infrastructure. No vendor lock-in, no data mining.
2. pCloud
Swiss-based cloud storage with a focus on lifetime plans and media playback.
Key Features:
- Lifetime storage plans (one-time payment)
- Built-in media player for audio and video
- Client-side encryption available (paid add-on)
- Solid mobile and desktop apps
EU Hosting: Servers in Luxembourg and the EU.
Best For: Users who want to pay once and forget about subscriptions.
Pricing: 500GB lifetime for around €175 (one-time), or from €3.99/month.
What Sets It Apart: Lifetime pricing model. You pay once, you’re done.
3. Tresorit
Swiss end-to-end encrypted cloud storage built for businesses and privacy-focused users.
Key Features:
- Zero-knowledge encryption (Tresorit can’t access your files)
- Compliance-ready (GDPR, HIPAA)
- Advanced sharing and permission controls
- Built for teams and enterprise use
EU Hosting: Servers in the EU (Ireland, Netherlands).
Best For: Businesses and professionals handling sensitive data.
Pricing: From €10/month for individuals, higher for teams.
What Sets It Apart: Security-first approach with full encryption by default.
4. IONOS HiDrive
German cloud storage service with a focus on business users and tight integrations.
Key Features:
- WebDAV and SMB support for flexible access
- Automatic backups for local folders
- Integration with Microsoft 365
- Strong German data protection standards
EU Hosting: Servers in Germany.
Best For: Businesses and users who need reliable EU-based storage with local support.
Pricing: From €1/month for 100GB (introductory), then around €5/month.
What Sets It Apart: German infrastructure, strict compliance, business-ready features.
5. Internxt
Spanish privacy-focused cloud storage with zero-knowledge encryption.
Spanish privacy-focused cloud storage with zero-knowledge encryption.
Key Features:
- Open-source client code
- Zero-knowledge encryption (your data, your keys)
- Clean, simple interface
- Affordable pricing for individuals
EU Hosting: Servers in the EU.
Best For: Privacy-conscious individuals who want a simple, no-nonsense solution.
Pricing: From €0.99/month for 20GB, up to €10.99/month for 2TB.
What Sets It Apart: Transparent, open-source approach with privacy as the core selling point.
6. Filen
German zero-knowledge cloud storage with generous free tier.
Key Features:
- End-to-end encryption by default
- 10GB free storage
- Desktop and mobile apps
- Simple folder sharing with encryption
EU Hosting: Servers in Germany.
Best For: Users who want encrypted storage without paying upfront.
Pricing: Free for 10GB, paid plans from €0.92/month for 100GB.
What Sets It Apart: Strong free tier with encryption included from day one.
7. Seafile
Open-source file sync platform with self-hosted and cloud options.
Key Features:
- File versioning and recovery
- Collaboration features for teams
- Encryption for sensitive libraries
- Desktop, mobile, and web access
EU Hosting: Yes, if you choose an EU-based managed provider or self-host in the EU.
Best For: Teams who want open-source reliability with optional self-hosting.
Pricing: Free (self-hosted) or from €4/month for cloud hosting.
What Sets It Apart: Modular approach—use what you need, host where you want.
8. Luckycloud
German cloud storage focused on privacy and ease of use.
German cloud storage focused on privacy and ease of use.
Key Features:
- GDPR-compliant by design
- Automatic file versioning
- WebDAV support
- Built for German and European users
EU Hosting: Servers in Germany.
Best For: German-speaking users who value local data protection.
Pricing: From €1/month for 15GB.
What Sets It Apart: Tailored for the German market with strict local compliance.
9. Strato HiDrive
Another German cloud storage option, part of the Strato hosting ecosystem.
Key Features:
- Integration with Strato’s other services (domains, hosting)
- WebDAV and FTP access
- Automatic syncing across devices
- EU-based support team
EU Hosting: Servers in Germany.
Best For: Existing Strato customers or users who want German-based infrastructure.
Pricing: From €2/month for 100GB.
What Sets It Apart: Part of a broader hosting ecosystem, useful if you’re already in the Strato universe.
10. Koofr
Slovenian cloud storage with a focus on connecting multiple accounts.
Key Features:
- Connect Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive in one interface
- Client-side encryption available
- Affordable pricing
- WebDAV support
EU Hosting: Servers in the EU.
Best For: Users who want to manage multiple cloud accounts from one place.
Pricing: Free for 10GB, from €2.49/month for 100GB.
What Sets It Apart: Acts as a hub for all your cloud services, not just standalone storage.
11. FileCloud
EU-deployable enterprise file sharing platform (can be hosted in the EU).
EU-deployable enterprise file sharing platform (can be hosted in the EU).
Key Features:
- Built for enterprise needs
- Granular permission controls
- Ransomware detection
- Hybrid cloud options
EU Hosting: Yes, if deployed on EU-based infrastructure.
Best For: Enterprises needing advanced control and compliance.
Pricing: Custom pricing based on deployment.
What Sets It Apart: Enterprise-grade features with deployment flexibility.
12. SecureSafe
SecureSafe File Manager is a secure cloud storage solution designed to protect your most sensitive files — from contracts and financial records to personal documents — with top-tier encryption and strict privacy controls.
Key Features:
- End-to-end encryption with zero-knowledge architecture
- Secure cloud storage hosted in Swiss data centers
- Full control over file access and sharing permissions
- Encrypted file sharing via secure links
- Cross-device sync for desktop and mobile
- Team Safes for secure collaboration
- Version history and file recovery options
- High compliance with Swiss data protection standards
- Integrated into the SecureSafe digital vault ecosystem
EU Hosting: Servers in Switzerland.
Best For: Businesses handling sensitive client data.
Pricing: From €9/month.
What Sets It Apart: Swiss data sovereignty & zero-knowledge encryption
Compare & Filter: Find the Right Tool
Dropbox Alternatives Comparison
Filter and sort to find the right cloud storage solution for you
| Tool | EU-Based | Starting Price | Free Plan | E2E Encryption | Best For |
|---|
How to Choose the Right Alternative for You
There’s no universal “best” option. It depends on what you’re optimizing for.
Why European Alternatives Matter
EU-based cloud storage isn’t just a marketing angle. It comes with actual legal protections that affect how your data is handled.
GDPR gives you clear rights: access to your data, the ability to delete it, and transparency about how it’s used. EU-based companies have to follow these rules strictly. Non-EU providers might comply, but enforcement is murkier.
European servers also mean your data isn’t subject to laws like the US CLOUD Act, which can compel US companies to hand over data stored anywhere in the world. That’s not paranoia—it’s jurisdiction.
There’s also the transparency angle. EU companies face stricter reporting requirements. If there’s a breach, they have to tell you. If they share data with third parties, they have to disclose it.
And finally, you’re supporting Europe’s tech ecosystem. That’s not a technical benefit, but it’s worth considering if you care about digital sovereignty and local innovation.
Learn more about European software alternatives at euroboxx.eu.
Final Thoughts
Dropbox is a solid product. But it’s not the only game in town, and depending on your priorities, it might not even be the best fit.
These 12 alternatives cover a wide range of use cases—privacy, control, affordability, business features. Some are direct replacements, others are built for specific needs. The right choice depends on what matters to you: where your data lives, who can access it, how much control you have, and what you’re willing to pay.
Most of these services offer free trials or free tiers. Try a few, see what works. And if you want a quick comparison of all European cloud storage options, head over to our Alternatives to Dropbox page.
