Microsoft’s OneDrive is Windows's built-in data backup feature. It does a decent job and can be customized to work the way you want. You can control when it runs and the files it backs up. However, not all cloud backup solutions are created equal. Sure, OneDrive is convenient built-in cloud storage and sharing, but it may not be adequate if you are concerned more about privacy and security than convenience. However, you might want something with more privacy and security. Enter Proton Drive.

In addition to secure backup, storage, and sharing, you can also access Proton Docs, VPN, Mail, and other Proton products. It provides a straightforward document creation interface for your most sensitive documents.

To be fair, you can secure your data with Personal Vault in OneDrive, which adds a layer of encryption for items stored in that specific folder. It also securely encrypts it and requires 2FA to access. But unlike OneDrive, Proton adds end-to-end encryption to all items stored in Drive, not just specific ones. So, there are some good reasons why I back up to Proton Drive instead of OneDrive, and it doesn’t all have to do with privacy and security.

5 End-to-end encryption

Ensures secure transfer and storage of your data

Your data is encrypted locally on your system using ECC Curve25519 cryptography and OpenPGP end-to-end encryption standard while en route. You have a private and public encryption key, which can only be decrypted with the private key that you have access to. Simply put, you are the only one who can read your data on Proton Drive. It also has zero-access encryption, which will scramble the content of your documents, file names, and extensions. Even Proton staff can’t see the content of your data. Whereas, with OneDrive, it retains unencrypted data access unless you store it in the encrypted Personal Vault folder.

4 Ease of use

The Proton Drive is responsive and straightforward

While OneDrive will “bully” you into backing up default user folders like Documents and Desktop, with Proton Drive, you start with a clean slate. Once you download the client, you can access the "My computer" section, click Add folders, and choose the user folders that you want backed up to Proton. It lists the same user folders you are used to having OneDrive back up. If you don’t want those, you can click the Add more folders button and choose the files and folders you want backed up to Proton Drive.

There is also a helpful web version that gives you access to other Proton apps in the ecosystem. It is also possible to pause or resume syncing backups with the click of a button rather than through complex navigation through OneDrive settings.

3 Proton ecosystem access

Access Proton Calendar, Mail, and more

When you access Proton Drive from a web browser, you can easily access its other apps and features within the privacy-focused ecosystem. Click the app icon in the top left corner next to the Proton Drive logo to open Proton Mail, Calendar, VPN, Pass, or Wallet. In addition, you can access your calendar and contacts from the left sidebar. Once you have a contact, you can use it to create secure password-protected links to share documents or other files directly from within the UI. Another thing to point out is that when you select a different proton product, it opens in a new tab. This isn't a major feature, but sometimes the little things make a difference.

2 Cross-platform compatibility

Use it between different operating systems

Proton Drive supports Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android with on-demand file availability. This is helpful if you need to securely share a file with users of other operating systems, including users’ phones. It also maintains a versioning history for data recovery, but it doesn’t quite meet the versioning functionality of some enterprise-level tools.

1 Secure file sharing

Keep the files you share protected

Another benefit of Proton Drive is its secure architecture for sharing files with others. It supports end-to-end encrypted file sharing. So, only those I share a link with or those with password access can see my files. There are two ways to share files: via link or email.

It’s also important to note that the person you share files with needs a Proton account. However, they don’t need an expensive one. Proton offers a free account with limited storage and features for all of its products.

Backing up your data to Proton Drive versus OneDrive is more secure and private

The above are some reasons I back up my data to Proton Drive instead of OneDrive. I certainly don’t have access to classified documents with national implications. But knowing my data (especially photos or financial documents) is protected with layers of secure encryption gives me extra peace of mind. For instance, not only does it keep me in control of my files, but it also protects their access from hackers and data breaches.

The main reason is the privacy and security of my files. However, it is also straightforward to use. Also, Proton makes sharing items with others easier with the contacts button in the sidebar. Backing up, sharing, uploading, and accessing your data may not be as convenient as it is on OneDrive. But it’s always important to remember that convenience is the enemy of security.