Microsoft OneDrive vs Proton Drive: Which Cloud Storage Tool Is Better in 2026?

Microsoft OneDrive

From $5

Proton Drive

From $3.99

Quick verdict

Overall pick: Microsoft OneDrive

Choose Microsoft OneDrive if you need real-time document co-editing, REST API access, and seamless integration with Windows and Office 365. Choose Proton Drive if client-side zero-knowledge encryption and a flat per-user price are your top priorities, but be aware it lacks real-time collaboration and API support.

Proton Drive's entry plan ($3.99) is 20% cheaper than Microsoft OneDrive's ($5).
Microsoft OneDrive 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 Microsoft OneDrive offers: real-time document co-editing & preview, rest api & enterprise cloud integrations.
Only Proton Drive offers: client-side zero-knowledge encryption.

Try Microsoft OneDrive →Try Proton Drive →

Cost calculator

Team size: 5 users

Tool	Monthly	Yearly
Microsoft OneDrive · per user	$25.00	$300
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
Teams requiring real-time document co-editing	Microsoft OneDrive	OneDrive supports real-time document co-editing and preview, while Proton Drive does not.
Privacy-focused users needing zero-knowledge encryption	Proton Drive	Proton Drive offers client-side zero-knowledge encryption, which OneDrive lacks.
Businesses needing REST API and enterprise cloud integrations	Microsoft OneDrive	OneDrive provides a REST API and enterprise cloud integrations, whereas Proton Drive does not.
Budget-conscious buyers comparing per-seat vs flat pricing	Proton Drive	Proton Drive starts at $3.99 per month with flat billing, compared to OneDrive's $5 per seat per month.
Windows and Office 365 teams	Microsoft OneDrive	OneDrive is built into Microsoft 365 and Windows Explorer, making it best for Windows and Office 365 teams.

Feature comparison: Microsoft OneDrive vs Proton Drive

Feature	Microsoft OneDrive	Proton Drive
Free plan	✅	✅
Starting price	$5 /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

Microsoft OneDrive

Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 and Windows Explorer
Real-time document co-editing and preview
REST API and enterprise cloud integrations
Supports large file transfer, version history, smart sync, and password-protected links

No client-side zero-knowledge encryption
Priced per seat at $5 per month, which can be costlier for teams than a flat rate

Try Microsoft OneDrive →

Proton Drive

Client-side zero-knowledge encryption for enhanced privacy
Lower starting price at $3.99 per month with flat billing
Supports large file transfer, version history, smart sync, and password-protected links
Enterprise compliance including HIPAA, GDPR, and SOC2

Lacks real-time document co-editing and preview
No REST API or enterprise cloud integrations

Try Proton Drive →

COMMUNITY POLL

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At a glance

Microsoft OneDrive

Secure cloud storage seamlessly built into Microsoft 365 and Windows Explorer.

Founded 2007 · From $5 · 7/8 tracked features

Best for: Windows & Office 365 teams, corporate document management

See Microsoft OneDrive alternatives →

Proton Drive

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 Microsoft OneDrive cheaper than Proton Drive?

No, OneDrive starts at $5 per seat per month, while Proton Drive starts at $3.99 per month with flat billing.

Does Proton Drive offer zero-knowledge encryption?

Yes, Proton Drive provides client-side zero-knowledge encryption, which OneDrive does not.

Can I collaborate in real time on documents with Proton Drive?

No, Proton Drive does not support real-time document co-editing and preview, whereas OneDrive does.

Does Microsoft OneDrive have an API?

Yes, OneDrive offers a REST API and enterprise cloud integrations, while Proton Drive does not.

Which tool is better for Windows and Office 365 teams?

Microsoft OneDrive is better for Windows and Office 365 teams due to its seamless integration with Microsoft 365 and Windows Explorer.

Related comparisons

Data last reviewed: pending verification. All Cloud Storage tools →