Filen vs MEGA

Filen is a zero-knowledge encrypted cloud storage service from Germany. Files are encrypted on your device before upload, so the company cannot read them, and data is stored in German data centers under EU privacy law. It positions itself as a cheaper alternative to established privacy-focused providers while offering the core features of a modern cloud drive.

Filen provides desktop sync clients for Windows, macOS and Linux, mobile apps with camera upload, a web drive, encrypted sharing links with passwords and expiry dates, file versioning and a network drive mode. Its client software is open source, which lets security-minded users inspect how encryption works. Pricing starts with a free plan of 10 GB, followed by low-cost monthly or yearly plans that can be stacked on one account; the lifetime plans it once sold have been removed from the lineup.

Filen fits individuals and freelancers who want private storage on a budget, especially Linux users who are poorly served by larger providers. It is a young company with a small team, so collaboration features, admin controls and support are limited compared with business products, and some users report variable sync performance with very large folders. Proton Drive offers a broader privacy ecosystem, pCloud and Internxt sell lifetime plans, and Tresorit is the stronger choice for businesses that need compliance and team administration.

MEGA is a cloud storage service run by Mega Limited in Auckland, New Zealand, launched in January 2013. Kim Dotcom started it but cut ties with the company in 2015. Its main selling point is zero-knowledge, end-to-end encryption: files are encrypted on your device before upload, so MEGA cannot read them, and the same model covers share links, chat and meetings.

Desktop sync apps for Windows, macOS and Linux, mobile apps with camera upload, file versioning, upload request folders and expiring, password-protected links cover everyday storage and sharing. Paid plans also bundle MEGA VPN and the MEGA Pass password manager. The free plan gives 20 GB with limited transfer. Paid plans are charged in euros: Pro Lite is €4.99 per month for 750 GB, Pro I €9.99 for 3 TB, Pro II €19.99 for 10 TB and Pro III €29.99 for 20 TB. Pro Flexi and Business start at €15 per month for 3 TB with pay-per-TB beyond.

MEGA fits privacy-minded individuals, freelancers and creators who move large files and want far more free space than Dropbox. pCloud offers lifetime plans, Sync.com and Tresorit focus on business compliance, and Dropbox wins on integrations and Office or Google file collaboration. Weak spots are transfer quotas, limited in-browser editing and a past file-sharing reputation some IT teams still flag.

MEGA has grown into a privacy suite with VPN, password manager, S3-compatible object storage and the transfer.it file-sending service. Tip: annual billing on Pro I and above saves about two months, while Pro Lite yearly saves almost nothing.