Filen

Overview

Filen is an encrypted cloud-storage service for people who want file syncing alongside private notes and chats. Its mix of zero-knowledge storage and developer tools makes it a particularly strong fit for security-conscious users who also value access across desktop and mobile platforms.

The main trade-off is worth weighing before signing up: the free account has 10 GB, but data is deleted after three months of inactivity. Paid plans keep the same core feature set and scale storage from 200 GiB to 10 TiB, so the right tier depends chiefly on how much space you need.

Key features

• Client-side encryption: Filen uses AES-GCM 256-bit encryption and zero-knowledge technology, and says its file encryption is quantum resistant. That makes it a compelling option for users who prioritize keeping cloud files private.
• Sync and network-drive access: Smart Sync, five sync modes and a network drive give users several ways to work with stored files. File versioning is also supported, a useful safeguard when files change over time.
• Notes and chats: Encrypted notes support rich text, code, Markdown and checklists, while chats are end-to-end encrypted. These built-in tools are useful if you want more than file storage in the same service.
• Developer access: TypeScript, Rust and Go SDKs, a documented API and a command-line interface make Filen relevant to developers as well as everyday storage users. The CLI and desktop client can run local WebDAV and S3-compatible mirror servers.
• Mobile tools: The iOS and Android apps support encrypted camera uploads, offline files, notes, chats and notifications, extending the service beyond desktop file access.
• Open source and hosting: Filen says its apps are released under the AGPL v3 license. It also says its headquarters and servers are in Germany, that its servers are in Tier III-IV ISO27001-certified colocation data centers, and that it is GDPR compliant.
• Support: Filen advertises 24/7 customer support through its support panel and contact channels.

Pricing

Filen is freemium. The free account costs nothing and includes 10 GB of storage; it provides a way to start without paying, but the three-month inactivity deletion policy makes it unsuitable for files you plan to leave untouched long term.

• Pro I: €1.99 a month, billed monthly, for 200 GiB. It includes unlimited bandwidth and uploads, client-side encryption, zero-knowledge technology, syncing, network drive, file sharing, unlimited notes and unlimited chats. This is the entry paid tier for users who need more than the free allowance.
• Pro II: €3.99 a month, billed monthly, for 500 GiB. It has the same listed features as Pro I, with more than twice the storage for users with a larger library.
• Pro III: €8.99 a month, billed monthly, for 2 TiB. The larger quota suits users who need substantial room for files without stepping up to the largest plan.
• Pro X: €39.99 a month, billed monthly, for 10 TiB. It retains the same listed features and is aimed at users whose storage needs exceed the smaller tiers.

Across the paid plans, unlimited bandwidth and uploads avoid usage caps of those kinds, while the main difference is storage capacity. All listed prices are monthly billing; choose a tier based on the space you need rather than expecting additional features at higher prices.

Platforms

Filen supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android and the web, and provides an API. That broad device coverage is useful for people who switch between desktop and mobile, while the API and developer tools add options for technical workflows.

Who it's for

Filen is best suited to individuals and professionals who want encrypted storage, sync and sharing, with notes and chats available in the same service. Developers can make use of its SDKs, API, CLI and local WebDAV or S3-compatible mirror servers. Its encryption and open-source apps will appeal to security-focused users; the free account is a poor fit for long-term archival storage if you may not access it for three months.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Client-side, zero-knowledge encryption and AES-GCM 256-bit protection put privacy at the center of the storage service.
• Pro: Sync, network-drive access, versioning, notes, chats and sharing cover more than basic file storage.
• Pro: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, web and API support give users broad access options.
• Pro: SDKs in three languages, a documented API and CLI provide concrete tools for developers.
• Con: Free-account data is deleted after three months of inactivity, making the free tier risky for dormant archives.
• Con: Higher storage quotas require higher monthly payments, reaching €39.99 a month for 10 TiB.

Alternatives

If you want to compare services in the same category, browse Secure Cloud Storage or Cloud Storage Services.

• Cryptee is another freemium option with apps across major desktop and mobile platforms; its software and cryptography are open source and can be reviewed independently. Its free plan has 100 MB and is free forever, so it suits users who value that reviewability and need only a small allowance.
• Ente Photos has a 10 GB free plan, alongside a Starter plan at $2.49 a month with 50 GB and a family plan. Consider it if those listed storage and family-plan terms suit you better.
• FileLu offers freemium access across a wide range of platforms, including an API and browser extension. Its Premium monthly plan is $6 a month, while Premium yearly is $60 a year; consider it if those plans or its platform coverage better fit your needs.
• Plient has a free plan with 5 GB encrypted storage, one user, mobile and desktop apps, WebDAV and CLI. Choose it if that smaller quota and one-user setup are sufficient for your needs.
• Internxt Drive offers 1 GB free and an Essential plan at €9.99 a year, billed annually, with 1 TB of storage. It may suit someone prioritizing that annual price and quota over Filen's monthly plans.
• PigCloud offers a free 10 GB plan with upload, download, version and concurrency limits. Consider it if a free quota matters more than avoiding those stated usage caps.
• Proton Drive has a 5 GB free plan and a 200 GB Drive Plus option. It is a possible alternative if its free storage allowance is enough for you.
• Tresorit is another freemium cloud-storage option for desktop and mobile platforms.

Verdict

Choose Filen if you want zero-knowledge encrypted storage with syncing, network-drive access, private notes and chats, and useful developer tools across desktop and mobile. Its paid plans offer clear monthly storage steps, but the free account's inactivity deletion policy rules it out for files you may leave untouched. Look elsewhere if you need a free archive that can sit idle indefinitely or prefer not to pay monthly for a larger storage quota.