NordLocker vs Proton Drive: which should you choose?
Quick answer: NordLocker is built for encrypted-storage, while Proton Drive suits privacy. For most users NordLocker is the stronger default, but Proton Drive can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case.
NordLocker versus Proton Drive comes down to which trade-offs you can live with. Below we compare them on pricing, strengths and the use cases each one fits, then give a clear verdict.
Side-by-side
| NordLocker | Proton Drive | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Cloud Storage | Cloud Storage |
| What it's known for | Encrypted file vault and cloud from the Nord (NordVPN) team, with simple drag-and-drop end-to-end encryption. | Swiss end-to-end encrypted drive inside the Proton privacy suite (Mail, VPN, Calendar, Pass), open-source and audited. |
| Pricing | Free 3GB; ~$2.99/mo 500GB, ~$6.99/mo 2TB (billed yearly); business tiers higher | Free up to 5GB; ~$3.99/mo Drive Plus 200GB; bundled in Proton Unlimited ~$9.99/mo 500GB |
| Best audience | Nord ecosystem users and non-technical people wanting simple encrypted cloud storage. | Privacy-focused users who want encrypted storage bundled with secure mail, VPN and password manager. |
| Best for | encrypted-storage, ease-of-use | privacy, all-in-one-suite |
| Entry price | Free | Free |
| Biggest strength | Very easy drag-and-drop end-to-end encryption. | True end-to-end encryption with Swiss privacy jurisdiction. |
| Main caveat | Large renewal price jump after the discounted first year. | More expensive per-GB than mainstream clouds. |
Features compared
Where they really diverge is in the day-to-day feature set:
NordLocker key features
- Zero-knowledge client-side encryption (AES-256 and xChaCha20-Poly1305)
- Drag-and-drop 'lockers' for instant local and cloud encryption
- Secure password-protected share links with viewer/editor controls (paid)
- Cross-device sync across Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, web
Proton Drive key features
- End-to-end encryption in transit and zero-knowledge encryption at rest
- Part of the Proton suite (Mail, VPN, Calendar, Pass, Docs)
- Open-source and independently audited clients
- Swiss jurisdiction; Proton cannot access your data
Pricing tiers side by side
NordLocker plans
| Plan | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Free | 0 | 3GB, no card required, local encryption included |
| Personal 500GB | ~$2.99/mo intro (renews ~$7.99/mo) | billed annually |
| Personal Plus 2TB | ~$6.99/mo intro (renews ~$19.99/mo) | billed annually |
Proton Drive plans
| Plan | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Free | 0 | up to 5GB after onboarding (starts at 2GB) |
| Drive Plus 200GB | ~$3.99/mo (annual) | storage focus |
| Proton Unlimited 500GB | ~$9.99/mo (annual) | incl. Mail, VPN, Pass, Docs |
| Family / Duo | higher | multi-user, up to 6 people |
Tiers compiled from the vendors' published plans and independent reviews; prices are approximate and change often, so confirm current figures (and your region's taxes) on each vendor's site.
Strengths compared
Where NordLocker wins
Drag-and-drop zero-knowledge encryption from the NordVPN team, easy enough for non-experts.
- Very easy drag-and-drop end-to-end encryption.
- Backed by the established Nord Security brand.
That makes it the stronger pick for nord ecosystem users and non-technical people wanting simple encrypted cloud storage.
Where Proton Drive wins
Swiss end-to-end encrypted drive inside a full open-source privacy suite.
- True end-to-end encryption with Swiss privacy jurisdiction.
- Integrates into a full open-source privacy suite.
That makes it the stronger pick for privacy-focused users who want encrypted storage bundled with secure mail, VPN and password manager.
Verdict: choose by fit
There is no single winner; it depends on where you sit.
- Choose NordLocker if you fit its core audience — nord ecosystem users and non-technical people wanting simple encrypted cloud storage.
- Choose Proton Drive if you fit its core audience — privacy-focused users who want encrypted storage bundled with secure mail, VPN and password manager.
FAQ
Is NordLocker better than Proton Drive?
NordLocker is the stronger default for most users, but Proton Drive can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case.
What is the main difference between NordLocker and Proton Drive?
NordLocker is drag-and-drop zero-knowledge encryption from the NordVPN team, easy enough for non-experts. Proton Drive is swiss end-to-end encrypted drive inside a full open-source privacy suite.
Which is cheaper, NordLocker or Proton Drive?
Both NordLocker and Proton Drive offer a free tier, so the real comparison is the paid plans above — pick based on the storage, features and limits you actually need.
Sources
Facts above are drawn from these independent reviews and the vendors' own pages for NordLocker and Proton Drive: