Filen
Filen
Filen is a zero-knowledge, end-to-end encrypted cloud storage platform offering seamless multi-device sync, encrypted notes & chats, and open-source clients for ultimate privacy and control.
Key Features
- Zero-knowledge end-to-end encryption
- Open-source desktop & mobile apps
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Network drive with Smart Sync
- Five sync modes (one-way, two-way, backup, mirror, custom)
- Encrypted notes (rich text, code, markdown, checklists)
- End-to-end encrypted chats
- Flexible list & grid file views
- Real-time collaboration with encryption
- Command-line interface & SDKs (TypeScript, Go)
- WebDAV & S3 protocol support
What Is Filen?
Filen is a next-generation cloud storage service built on a zero-knowledge, end-to-end encryption model. All encryption occurs client-side, using AES-256, ensuring that neither Filen nor any third party can access users’ files. Developed and hosted in Germany under strict GDPR standards, Filen combines maximum privacy with versatile file management and developer tools.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Strong Privacy: True zero-knowledge encryption ensures only users can decrypt data.
- Open Source: All apps and SDKs are open source for full transparency.
- Flexible Sync: Multiple sync modes and network drive support for seamless workflows.
- Encrypted Collaboration: Secure notes and chats for private team communication.
- Developer Friendly: CLI, SDKs, WebDAV, S3, and Rclone support for integration in scripts and apps.
Cons:
- Feature Scope: Lacks advanced document editing or productivity integrations found in some competitors.
- Pricing Complexity: Multiple tiers may confuse users seeking straightforward plans.
- Mobile Limitations: Some advanced desktop features (mounting as drive, protocol hosting) not available on mobile.
Who It’s For
Filen is ideal for individuals, professionals, and businesses that prioritize data privacy and require secure, encrypted cloud storage without sacrificing usability. It suits:
- Privacy advocates needing zero-knowledge storage
- Freelancers & SMBs requiring encrypted file sharing and notes
- Developers & sysadmins who use CLI, SDKs, or Rclone workflows
- Distributed teams seeking secure collaboration channels
Zero-Knowledge Encryption
Filen’s core security model uses client-side AES-256 encryption. Encryption keys are never uploaded or stored on Filen’s servers, making Filen a true zero-knowledge provider. Data redundancy across German Tier IV ISO 27001-certified data centers ensures reliability and availability.
Network Drive & Smart Sync
Users can mount their encrypted cloud storage as a local network drive on Windows, macOS, or Linux. Smart Sync streams files on demand, avoiding full local downloads. Five sync modes—one-way, two-way, backup, mirror, and custom—provide maximum flexibility for backups and multi-device workflows.
Encrypted Notes & Chats
Filen includes built-in end-to-end encrypted notes, supporting rich text, code snippets, markdown, and checklists. Encrypted chat lets users collaborate securely without exposing messages or shared files to the server.
Developer Tools & Protocol Support
Filen offers a fully featured CLI and SDKs for TypeScript and Go, enabling file management via terminal commands or integration into custom applications. It also supports hosting encrypted WebDAV and S3 endpoints, and Filen provides a custom Rclone backend for encrypted sync in scripts and cron jobs.
Pricing
Filen’s monthly plans (billed monthly) include unlimited bandwidth and full encryption across all tiers:
- 200 GB: €1.99/mo
- 500 GB: €3.99/mo
- 2 TB: €8.99/mo
- 10 TB: €39.99/mo
Lifetime deals are available via third-party promotions, such as a one-time €29.99 for 100 GB or upgradable pro plans offering 100 GB–10 TB storage options at flat rates of €11.99–€399.99 (annuities apply).
Verdict
Filen excels as a privacy-first cloud storage solution, combining robust end-to-end encryption with practical features like network drive mounting, multi-mode sync, and encrypted collaboration tools. While it doesn’t replace full-featured productivity suites, it offers unmatched data autonomy for security-focused users, developers, and teams seeking a transparent, open-source platform.
Frequently Asked Questions about Filen
What Is Filen?
Filen is a next-generation cloud storage service built on a zero-knowledge, end-to-end encryption model. All encryption occurs client-side, using AES-256, ensuring that neither Filen nor any third party can access users’ files. Developed and hosted in Germany under strict GDPR standards, Filen combines maximum privacy with versatile file management and developer tools.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Strong Privacy: True zero-knowledge encryption ensures only users can decrypt data.
- Open Source: All apps and SDKs are open source for full transparency.
- Flexible Sync: Multiple sync modes and network drive support for seamless workflows.
- Encrypted Collaboration: Secure notes and chats for private team communication.
- Developer Friendly: CLI, SDKs, WebDAV, S3, and Rclone support for integration in scripts and apps.
Cons:
- Feature Scope: Lacks advanced document editing or productivity integrations found in some competitors.
- Pricing Complexity: Multiple tiers may confuse users seeking straightforward plans.
- Mobile Limitations: Some advanced desktop features (mounting as drive, protocol hosting) not available on mobile.
Who It’s For
Filen is ideal for individuals, professionals, and businesses that prioritize data privacy and require secure, encrypted cloud storage without sacrificing usability. It suits:
- Privacy advocates needing zero-knowledge storage
- Freelancers & SMBs requiring encrypted file sharing and notes
- Developers & sysadmins who use CLI, SDKs, or Rclone workflows
- Distributed teams seeking secure collaboration channels
Zero-Knowledge Encryption
Filen’s core security model uses client-side AES-256 encryption. Encryption keys are never uploaded or stored on Filen’s servers, making Filen a true zero-knowledge provider. Data redundancy across German Tier IV ISO 27001-certified data centers ensures reliability and availability.
Network Drive & Smart Sync
Users can mount their encrypted cloud storage as a local network drive on Windows, macOS, or Linux. Smart Sync streams files on demand, avoiding full local downloads. Five sync modes—one-way, two-way, backup, mirror, and custom—provide maximum flexibility for backups and multi-device workflows.
Encrypted Notes & Chats
Filen includes built-in end-to-end encrypted notes, supporting rich text, code snippets, markdown, and checklists. Encrypted chat lets users collaborate securely without exposing messages or shared files to the server.
Developer Tools & Protocol Support
Filen offers a fully featured CLI and SDKs for TypeScript and Go, enabling file management via terminal commands or integration into custom applications. It also supports hosting encrypted WebDAV and S3 endpoints, and Filen provides a custom Rclone backend for encrypted sync in scripts and cron jobs.
Pricing
Filen’s monthly plans (billed monthly) include unlimited bandwidth and full encryption across all tiers:
- 200 GB: €1.99/mo
- 500 GB: €3.99/mo
- 2 TB: €8.99/mo
- 10 TB: €39.99/mo
Lifetime deals are available via third-party promotions, such as a one-time €29.99 for 100 GB or upgradable pro plans offering 100 GB–10 TB storage options at flat rates of €11.99–€399.99 (annuities apply).
Verdict
Filen excels as a privacy-first cloud storage solution, combining robust end-to-end encryption with practical features like network drive mounting, multi-mode sync, and encrypted collaboration tools. While it doesn’t replace full-featured productivity suites, it offers unmatched data autonomy for security-focused users, developers, and teams seeking a transparent, open-source platform.