NordLocker vs Proton Drive
Proton Drive wins. A complete private cloud, end-to-end encrypted by default, from $4.99 a month for 200 GB. NordLocker remains a strong vault for a narrower job.
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NordLocker
Encrypted lockers from the NordVPN family.
Proton Drive
Swiss zero-knowledge storage from the Proton Mail people.
| Feature | NordLocker | Proton Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 4.0 / 5 | 4.4 / 5 |
| Price | From $6.99/mo | From $9.99/mo |
| Free plan | ||
| Best for | Vaulting sensitive files | Privacy-first users |
| Category | Encrypted & private | Encrypted & private |
| Provider | Nord Security | Proton AG |
| Visit NordLocker | Visit Proton Drive |
Our verdict
Proton Drive wins this matchup. From $4.99 a month for 200 GB (or $9.99 for Proton Unlimited, which adds 500 GB plus Mail, VPN, and Pass) you get a complete storage home that is end-to-end encrypted by default, with photo backup and sharing included. NordLocker wins a narrower brief brilliantly.
Vaulting your genuinely sensitive files in encrypted lockers at aggressive prices (500 GB for around $2.99 a month), especially if a Nord bundle discount applies to your VPN anyway. Think of it as full house versus safe deposit box: Proton replaces your cloud drive, NordLocker guards the subset that actually needs guarding.
Many security-minded users sensibly run one of each family.
“The Nord family’s vault. Encrypt files locally, sync them to private cloud storage, all wrapped in the polish NordVPN users know. Sharper at file vaulting than full-drive sync, and the bundle pricing with NordVPN can make it nearly free.”Editorial team, on NordLocker
“The privacy ecosystem play. Zero-knowledge encryption by default, Swiss jurisdiction, and it comes bundled with the best private email and a top-tier VPN. Still younger and leaner on features than the veterans, but maturing fast.”Editorial team, on Proton Drive
Frequently asked questions
How much do NordLocker and Proton Drive cost?
NordLocker starts at about $2.99 a month for 500 GB, or $6.99 for 2 TB, on annual billing. Proton Drive Plus is $4.99 a month for 200 GB; Proton Unlimited adds 500 GB plus Mail, VPN, and Pass at $9.99 a month on annual billing. Prices last checked August 2026 for our Price Index.
Is NordLocker cheaper than Proton Drive?
Per gigabyte, yes: $2.99 buys 500 GB at NordLocker against $4.99 for 200 GB at Proton Drive Plus (July 2026). But they solve different jobs. NordLocker is an encrypted vault for sensitive files, Proton Drive a full cloud drive with photo backup and sharing.
Proton Drive vs NordLocker: which should I pick?
Proton Drive for most people. It replaces your cloud drive with end-to-end encryption on by default. Pick NordLocker if you only want a cheap encrypted safe for a subset of sensitive files, especially with a Nord bundle discount on top of a VPN.