Happy Valley

Filen vs Microsoft OneDrive

Filen and Microsoft OneDrive are both file storage & sharing tools. Filen is aimed at freelancers, while Microsoft OneDrive is aimed at small businesses and enterprise. Both have a free plan.

Filen

Zero-knowledge encrypted storage from Germany

Microsoft OneDrive

Microsoft's cloud storage and file sync, bundled with Microsoft 365

PricingFreemiumFreemium · $2
Starting priceNot published$1.99/mo
Free planYesYes
Free trial—30 days
Built forFreelancersSmall businesses, Enterprise, Freelancers
Platformsweb, macos, windows, ios, androidweb, windows, macos, ios, android
CountryDE · 2020US · 2007
Rating——

Choose Filen if

Budget privacy-conscious individuals.

  • Cheap
  • Encrypted by default
  • German hosting

Look elsewhere if: Teams.

Choose Microsoft OneDrive if

Windows users and Microsoft 365 organizations that want storage tightly wired into Office and Teams.

  • Included with Microsoft 365, so often no extra cost
  • Deep integration with Windows and Office apps
  • 1 TB per person on Personal and Family plans

Look elsewhere if: Linux users or teams standardized on other suites (Google Drive, Dropbox, Box).

Filen vs Microsoft OneDrive pricing

Filen

  • Free€010 GiB storage; free data deleted after 3 months inactivity
  • Starter€11.99/yr100 GiB; annual billing only
  • Pro I€1.99/mo200 GiB, unlimited bandwidth, E2E encryption
  • Pro II€3.99/mo500 GiB; €39.99/yr billed annually
  • Pro III€8.99/mo2 TiB; €89.99/yr billed annually

Microsoft OneDrive

  • Microsoft 365 Free$05 GB cloud storage and web Office apps
  • Microsoft 365 Basic$1.99/mo$19.99/yr; 100 GB, ad-free Outlook
  • Microsoft 365 Personal$9.99/mo$99.99/yr; 1 TB, desktop Office apps, Copilot
  • Microsoft 365 Family$12.99/mo$129.99/yr; up to 6 people, 1 TB each
  • Microsoft 365 Business Basic$7/user/moAnnual commitment; 1 TB per user, web Office apps, Teams

Filen · Key features

  • Zero-knowledge encryption
  • Desktop sync
  • Sharing links
  • Lifetime plans
  • Linux support
  • Web drive

Cons

  • Young company
  • Fewer features
  • Smaller support

Microsoft OneDrive · Key features

  • Files On-Demand shows every cloud file without using local disk space
  • Automatic backup of Windows Desktop, Documents and Pictures folders
  • Real-time co-authoring in Word, Excel and PowerPoint
  • Personal Vault with extra identity verification for sensitive files
  • Version history and ransomware detection with whole-drive restore
  • Sharing links with view or edit rights, passwords and expiry dates

Cons

  • No official Linux client
  • Big jump from 100 GB to 1 TB with nothing in between
  • Sharing permissions can confuse external guests

Filen vs Microsoft OneDrive: FAQ

Do Filen and Microsoft OneDrive have a free plan?

Yes, both Filen and Microsoft OneDrive have a free plan; paid plans add more usage and features.

Which is better for small businesses, Filen or Microsoft OneDrive?

Microsoft OneDrive lists small businesses as a core audience, while Filen is aimed more at freelancers.

Not sure yet?