Cloud storage
Filen
Zero-knowledge encrypted with German and open-source clients
Filen is a secure for your files and . It helps you keep more control over your data.
Who is this for?
✓ Good for you if:
- • You want zero-knowledge with German privacy protections
- • You prefer open-source client applications for
- • You need reliable with data redundancy
- • You want AES-256 (same standard used by U.S. government)
- • You need -compliant
⚠ Think twice if:
- • You need the largest free storage tier
- • You want self-hosting or complete infrastructure control
- • You need advanced collaboration features
- • You want fully open-source server code (clients are )
- • You need offline-first file access
Overview
Filen is like Google Drive or Dropbox, but with much better privacy. It lets you store files in the cloud, but everything is encrypted before it leaves your device, so only you can see your files - not even Filen can see them. Filen doesn't collect your data, doesn't track you, and doesn't show you ads. You can access your files from any device, share them with others, and sync them across devices. The service is available for web, phones, and computers, and offers both free and paid plans, with paid plans giving you more storage. Filen is open source, meaning anyone can check the code, and is based in Germany, which has strong privacy laws. It's perfect for people who want secure file storage without relying on big tech companies.
Privacy highlight
End-to-end encrypted from Germany. , strong , German privacy laws. Secure file storage.
Quick facts
- Country:
- 🇩🇪 Germany
- Pricing:
- Free
- Platform:
- Web, Android, iOS, Desktop
- Technical:
- Beginner
- :
- Yes
- :
- Minimal telemetry
- :
- Yes
- Open-source status:
- Fully open source
- :
- No
- :
- Yes
Key features
- Secure for your files and .
Security & encryption Click to expand
- Yes
- Encryption protocols
- AES-256, ,
- Filen uses with keys generated and stored on user devices. keys are derived from user passwords and are never transmitted to servers in plaintext. Filen uses client-side , meaning files are encrypted on the device before upload. Filen does not have access to keys as they never leave user devices. The service supports secure and recovery through encrypted key .
- Offline support
- No
Telemetry & tracking Click to expand
- Minimal telemetry
- No
- Ip no
- Filen collects minimal data for service operation. The service collects basic usage statistics including app version and platform. Filen does not collect file content, user identifiers, or personal information. data is anonymized and aggregated. Users can disable through settings.
Jurisdiction & compliance Click to expand
- Filen is developed by Filen, which is based in Germany. The service operates servers in Germany and Europe. Filen operates under German privacy laws and GDPR requirements, providing strong data protection. Encrypted files are stored on servers in various locations.
- Filen retains encrypted files on servers for service operation. The service retains minimal for account management. Filen does not retain unencrypted files - all files are encrypted end-to-end. The service retains account information until account deletion. Users can delete their accounts and all associated data at any time. The service operates under German privacy laws and requirements.
- Legal frameworks
- Revenue sources
- Subscription, Freemium
Editorial signals Click to expand
- 83
- Trust score
- 87
- Trust breakdown (0–10)
- Encryption: 95, Audits: 80, Open source: 90, Telemetry: 90, Jurisdiction: 90, Transparency: 85, Trackers: 100
- Editorial notes
- Usability: 85, Performance: 80, Family friendly: 90
User experience Click to expand
- Signup requirements
- Onboarding difficulty (1-5)
- 1
- Accessibility features
- Support for modern accessibility features depends on the platform version.
Backup & portability Click to expand
- Yes
- Migration tools
- Import from other cloud services, Data export tools
- Account recovery via email, Encrypted backup recovery
Similar privacy apps
Same categoryGoogle Drive
Score 40Mainstream cloud storage service from Google, tightly integrated with Google accounts and services.
Tuta Drive
Score 79A planned encrypted cloud storage service focused on post‑quantum security and zero‑knowledge design.
Nextcloud
Score 85Nextcloud is a secure cloud storage for your files and backups. It helps you keep more control over your data.
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