Cryptee vs Filen

Cryptee is an end-to-end encrypted platform for storing notes, documents, and photos, built by an Estonian company for users who want an alternative to mainstream cloud storage that does not have access to their data. All content is encrypted on the user's device using AES-256 before it ever leaves for Cryptee's servers, and the service supports Markdown-based documents, tables, code formatting, and offline access alongside encrypted photo storage with hashtag-based organization. The platform includes a distinctive privacy feature called ghost folders, which hide the existence of certain folders entirely so users can plausibly deny having them if coerced into unlocking their account. Cryptee runs entirely in the browser and is accessible on macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, and Chrome OS, with no analytics, cookies, trackers, or ads, and offers anonymous signup for users who don't want to provide any personal information.

Filen is a German cloud storage provider built around AES 256-bit client-side encryption and a zero-knowledge architecture, meaning the company itself cannot read stored files. Alongside standard file sync and storage, it offers a network drive that mounts cloud storage as a local drive, encrypted notes with markdown support, and end-to-end encrypted chat. Filen's applications are open source, and the service supports WebDAV and S3 protocols along with a headless CLI for developers and automation. It is positioned as a security-focused alternative for individuals and small teams who want full encryption without losing everyday usability.

• True end-to-end encryption of notes, documents, and photos
• Ghost folders provide a rare plausible-deniability privacy feature
• Works cross-platform through the browser with no native app installs required
• Free tier available with no personal information required to sign up

• Strong zero-knowledge, client-side encryption on all plans including free
• Open source client applications increase transparency
• Low starting price for paid storage tiers
• Includes encrypted notes and chat beyond plain file storage

• Free tier storage is limited to 100 MB, quite small for photo storage
• Being a small independent company, it lacks the ecosystem integrations of larger cloud storage providers
• Browser-based access may feel less integrated than native desktop sync clients

• Pricing is per-tier rather than fully flexible/custom storage amounts on lower plans
• Smaller company means less mature third-party integration ecosystem
• Encrypted architecture means no server-side file previews for some file types