Box vs Proton Drive: Which Cloud Storage Tool Is Better in 2026?
Box
From $15Proton Drive
From $3.99Quick verdict
Overall pick: Box
Choose Box if you need real-time document co-editing, a REST API, and enterprise cloud integrations alongside governance and compliance for regulated teams. Choose Proton Drive if client-side zero-knowledge encryption and a low flat starting price matter more than co-editing and API access. Box charges per seat, so costs scale with headcount, while Proton Drive's flat billing favors small teams but lacks real-time co-editing and an API.
- Proton Drive's entry plan ($3.99) is 73% cheaper than Box's ($15).
- Box charges per user while Proton Drive uses a flat price, so Proton Drive gets relatively cheaper as your team grows.
- Both offer a free plan, so you can test them side by side at no cost.
- Only Box offers: real-time document co-editing & preview, rest api & enterprise cloud integrations.
- Only Proton Drive offers: client-side zero-knowledge encryption.
Cost calculator
| Tool | Monthly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| Box · per user | $75.00 | $900 |
| Proton Drive · flat | $3.99 | $48 |
Based on entry-level paid plans. Prices change, so check the vendor before you buy.
Which one should you choose?
| If you need… | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Regulated enterprise needing HIPAA and finance compliance | Box | Box lists enterprise compliance and is positioned for regulated enterprises and HIPAA & finance compliance. |
| Privacy-focused buyer wanting zero-knowledge encryption | Proton Drive | Proton Drive supports client-side zero-knowledge encryption; Box does not. |
| Team needing real-time document co-editing | Box | Box supports real-time document co-editing and preview; Proton Drive does not. |
| Developer needing REST API and cloud integrations | Box | Box offers a REST API and enterprise cloud integrations; Proton Drive does not. |
| Small team prioritizing low starting cost | Proton Drive | Proton Drive starts at $3.99 with flat billing, versus Box at $15 per seat. |
Feature comparison: Box vs Proton Drive
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | ✅ | ✅ |
| Starting price | $15 /user/mo | $3.99 /mo |
| Client-side zero-knowledge encryption | — | ✅ |
| File version history & recovery (30+ days) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Large file transfer (100GB+ / link) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Real-time document co-editing & preview | ✅ | — |
| HIPAA, GDPR & SOC2 compliance | ✅ | ✅ |
| Password-protected & expiring links | ✅ | ✅ |
| Smart on-demand selective sync | ✅ | ✅ |
| REST API & enterprise cloud integrations | ✅ | — |
Highlighted rows are where the tools differ.
Pros and cons
Box
- Supports real-time document co-editing and preview
- Includes REST API and enterprise cloud integrations
- Covers HIPAA, GDPR and SOC2 compliance needs
- Offers file versioning, large file sharing, password-protected links and smart sync
- No client-side zero-knowledge encryption
- Priced per seat from $15, so cost scales with headcount
Proton Drive
- Client-side zero-knowledge encryption
- Flat pricing starting at $3.99
- Includes file versioning, large file sharing, password-protected links and smart sync
- Covers enterprise compliance
- No real-time document co-editing or preview
- No REST API or enterprise cloud integrations
Which tool would you pick for your stack?
Cast your vote to see real-time peer recommendations from other software buyers.
At a glance
Enterprise Content Cloud with advanced governance, unlimited storage, and Shield security.
Founded 2005 · From $15 · 7/8 tracked features
Best for: regulated enterprises, HIPAA & finance compliance
See Box alternatives →Swiss privacy-first encrypted cloud storage with strict zero-access file encryption.
Founded 2020 · From $3.99 · 6/8 tracked features
Best for: privacy advocates, Proton ecosystem integration
See Proton Drive alternatives →FAQ
Is Box cheaper than Proton Drive?
No. Box starts at $15 per seat, while Proton Drive starts at $3.99 with flat billing.
Does Proton Drive offer zero-knowledge encryption?
Yes. Proton Drive supports client-side zero-knowledge encryption; Box does not.
Which tool supports real-time document co-editing?
Box supports real-time document co-editing and preview; Proton Drive does not.
Does Box offer an API?
Yes. Box offers a REST API and enterprise cloud integrations; Proton Drive does not.
Do both tools offer file versioning and password-protected links?
Yes. Both list file versioning, large file sharing, password-protected and expiring links, and smart on-demand sync.
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Data last reviewed: pending verification. All Cloud Storage tools →