In short
- Your files are encrypted before they leave your device.
- Google Takeout gives you a copy of your whole Drive to upload later.
- Google documents are converted to formats such as .docx or .xlsx when you download them.
It’s for you if…
- You want nobody else to be able to read your personal documents.
- You store little volume: papers, invoices, coursework or important documents.
- You would rather not have your files tied to your Google account.
Better pick something else if…
- You have many gigabytes and do not want to pay: the free plan will fall short.
- You rely on group editing in Docs, Sheets and Slides or on sharing inside a company with Google Workspace.
From Google Drive to Proton Drive: equivalents
| Google Drive | Proton Drive |
|---|---|
| My Drive | My files |
| Share with a link | Share link, with an optional password |
| Drive for desktop | Proton Drive app for Windows and Mac |
| Phone photo backup | Photo backup in the Proton Drive mobile app |
| Version history | File version history |
| Google Docs | Proton Docs, or .docx on your computer |
Step by step
Create your Proton account
Sign up at proton.me/drive. Keep your password safe and set up a recovery method: because everything is encrypted, losing it can mean losing access to your files.
Decide what to bring
Check how much space you use on Google. If it is more than the free plan offers, prioritise what matters and leave the rest on an external drive.
Download your Drive
Go to takeout.google.com, select only Drive and choose the document formats. Google will let you know when the download is ready, in one or more .zip files.
Unzip and check
Open the .zip files and make sure the documents converted correctly and that all folders are there.
Upload to Proton Drive
Drag the folders to the website or use the desktop app, which is easier for many files. Let it finish before closing it.
Share again and clean up
Create the links you used again, because Google’s do not carry over. Once you have checked everything, delete from Google what you no longer want there.
Files and formats
Normal files (photos, PDFs, videos, .zip) are copied as they are. Native Google documents are converted on download: Docs to .docx, Sheets to .xlsx and Slides to .pptx. Takeout lets you choose these formats. Google comments and version history do not carry over.
What you won’t find
- The free plan offers quite a bit less space than Google.
- If you lose your password and have no recovery method, you can lose access to your data.
- Google links and permissions do not migrate: you have to create them again.
Tips
- Proton gives you the full free space after a few initial setup steps: complete them before uploading anything.
- Try it first with a small folder to see how it suits you.
- Before closing your Google account, remember that Gmail and Photos share the same space and are still there.
Frequently asked questions
Can Proton see my files?
No. They are encrypted on your device with keys Proton has no access to. That is also why it matters so much not to lose your password.
Do my Google Docs carry over?
Yes, converted. When you download them with Takeout they arrive as .docx, .xlsx or .pptx, which you can upload and open later.
Do I have to delete my Google account?
No. You can use Proton Drive for sensitive files and stay on Google for the rest.
Independent: we have no commercial relationship, sponsorship or affiliation with Google Drive or with these alternatives, and nobody pays us to recommend them. Links go to their official websites and are not affiliate links; the site is funded only by Google AdSense ads, which don't influence the selection. Learn more.