Proton Proton Drive: customer experiences
Reviewers of Proton Drive present a mixed but increasingly critical picture, with a notable imbalance between negative and positive feedback. While some users praise the service’s strong privacy focus and overall reliability, a significant number report serious functional shortcomings that undermine usability. The most consistent complaints center on the absence of a search function, slow upload speeds, and difficulties retrieving files. Many users express frustration after prolonged waits for fixes or updates, with some stating they are close to abandoning the service altogether. On the positive side, users appreciate the privacy-first design and the app’s performance improvements after recent updates. However, these positives are often tempered by ongoing issues, and the overall sentiment appears to have declined over time, especially as expectations for basic file management features grow. The lack of search remains the most frequently cited flaw, with multiple users calling it a dealbreaker.
What customers praise
Many users commend Proton Drive for its strong privacy protections and clean, secure interface. They appreciate the service as a trustworthy alternative to mainstream cloud providers, especially for those prioritizing data security. Some highlight the improved speed following recent updates and express satisfaction with features like protected shared links. The ability to store and share files securely is seen as a major strength, with one reviewer calling it the 'greatest app and service ever.'
What customers said:
- „Excellent service“
- „Best Cloud App!“
- „Privacy is paramount.“
Common complaints
The most common complaints revolve around the lack of a file search function, which reviewers describe as a critical flaw in a file storage system. Users report being unable to locate files efficiently, forcing them to manually browse through folders. Other major issues include slow upload speeds, failed downloads, and the inability to upload individual photos without triggering full gallery sync. Several users also note that key features like file manager integration have disappeared without warning or explanation.
What customers said:
- „Amazing product degraded by the fact that you cannot search for files.“
- „Useless without a search function!“
- „There is no search.“
How it has changed over time
While no monthly history is available, the recurring nature of complaints, especially about search, upload speed, and download failures, suggests that these issues have persisted over time. Early positive feedback about privacy and performance has been overshadowed by frustration with core functionality. Some users note that despite promises of improvements, such as a claimed threefold speed increase, they did not notice any real difference. The absence of updates or clear communication about fixes has contributed to declining trust.
What customers said:
- „Been waiting years and am about to give up!“
- „I've now been waiting for 2 months without an accurate or final response“
- „Apparently it's supposed to be three times faster now, but tbh didn't notice any…“
„Apparently it's supposed to be three times faster now, but tbh didn't notice any difference.“
Practical takeaways
For users considering Proton Drive, the key takeaway is that it excels in privacy but falls short in usability. If secure file storage is the top priority and you can tolerate slow uploads and no search, it may still be worth trying. However, those who rely on quick file retrieval, selective uploads, or reliable downloads should proceed with caution. The app’s potential is evident, but current limitations make it difficult to recommend for everyday use without workarounds.
What customers said:
- „I don't wanna blanket upload everything or do workarounds“
- „you can store your data, but cannot retrieve it“
- „uploaded all my document files from my mobile in total around 1200“
Customer voices
Short excerpts - full reviews are available at the original source.
„Love this app, use it for alll sorts of stuff from work to sharing memes.“
„Scanning utility freezes, just like Google Drive's scanning utility.“
„Due to this blocker, I didn't even get to check if the app supports live photos or (local) facial scanning etc“
„You cannot add photos or videos into albums without turning on auto-sync“
„How can there be no search in a file storage solution…“
„they are not in sequence as in drive“
„upload ONLY selected photos/videos from our local gallery“
„This is important to export some files and photos.“
What Reddit users discuss
Below are extracts from Reddit which discuss Proton Drive in more detail - each linked to the original thread.
„As the more technical person in my family I've been tasked with finding a family photo storage solution.“
„i moved to Proton Drive“
„How I trust proton that my files are safe then others could storage provider ...“
„It's priced similarly to Google Drive“
„is Proton drive a good choice?“