Cloud storage
MEGA
Zero-knowledge encrypted with generous free tier and open-source clients
MEGA 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 a generous free storage tier
- • You prefer open-source client applications for
- • You need end-to-end encrypted chat and video calls
- • You want user-controlled keys (password-based)
- • You need with strong
⚠ Think twice if:
- • You need the highest privacy standards (MEGA has some )
- • You want completely anonymous storage (requires email)
- • You need self-hosting or complete infrastructure control
- • You want fully open-source server code (clients are )
- • You need offline-first file access
Overview
MEGA is like Google Drive or Dropbox, but with encryption. It lets you store files in the cloud, and everything is encrypted before it leaves your device, so only you can see your files. MEGA includes features like file storage, file sharing, and syncing across devices. The service is available for web, phones, and computers, and offers both free and paid plans, with a generous free tier. MEGA is based in New Zealand and is particularly useful for users who want encrypted cloud storage with a free option. It's perfect for people who want secure file storage without relying on big tech companies.
Privacy highlight
End-to-end encrypted from New Zealand. Strong , generous free tier. Secure file storage.
Quick facts
- Country:
- 🇳🇿 New Zealand
- Pricing:
- Free
- Platform:
- Web, Android, iOS, Desktop
- Technical:
- Beginner
- :
- Yes
- :
- Basic telemetry
- :
- No
- Open-source status:
- Closed source
- :
- No
- :
- Yes
Key features
- Secure for your files and .
Security & encryption Click to expand
- Yes
- Encryption protocols
- AES-256, ,
- MEGA uses with keys generated and stored on user devices. keys are derived from user passwords and are never transmitted to servers in plaintext. MEGA uses client-side , meaning files are encrypted on the device before upload. MEGA 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
- Basic telemetry
- No
- Ip minimal
- MEGA collects minimal data for service operation. The service collects basic usage statistics including app version and platform. MEGA 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
- MEGA is developed by MEGA Limited, which is based in New Zealand. The service operates servers in New Zealand and other countries. MEGA operates under New Zealand privacy laws. Encrypted files are stored on servers in various locations.
- MEGA retains encrypted files on servers for service operation. The service retains minimal for account management. MEGA 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 New Zealand privacy laws.
- Legal frameworks
- GDPR, CCPA (where applicable).
- Revenue sources
- Subscription, Freemium
Editorial signals Click to expand
- 74
- Trust score
- 82
- Trust breakdown (0–10)
- Encryption: 95, Audits: 80, Open source: 50, Telemetry: 85, Jurisdiction: 85, Transparency: 80, Trackers: 95
- Editorial notes
- Usability: 90, Performance: 85, 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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