The German clouds that we compare in this article have the following points in common:
- The company’s headquarters and the location of the servers are in Germany, which means that they are automatically subject to the strict German and European data protection regulations.
- A German court is responsible for all contractual and legal matters.
- The company offers German-speaking support.
Telekom MagentaCLOUD – your secure cloud storage
The company’s headquarters are in Bonn. Your personal data that you store in the MagentaCLOUD is stored exclusively in high-security data centers in Germany.
This is what MagentaCLOUD offers private users: All Telekom newcomers get 3 GB of free storage with the MagentaCLOUD free account. Interested parties who already have a mobile or landline contract with Deutsche Telekom will receive 15 GB free of charge. From EUR 1.95 per month, 100 GB are available in the MagentaCLOUD M tariff. Otherwise, you can increase your online storage space to 500 GB, 1,000 GB or even up to 5,000 GB.
Information about the company: Telekom Deutschland AG is Europe’s largest telecommunications company and provides both private and business customers with a comprehensive range of fixed-network and mobile communications services.
Security: MagentaCLOUD offers strong access protection and TÜV-tested cloud security. The security of the data centers has been certified annually by TÜV with the ISO 27001 certificate since 2004. Furthermore, MagentaCLOUD has received the “Certified Cloud Security” seal from TÜV Saarland.
If you upload data to the cloud, it will be secured by TLS/SSL on the way from your computer to the data center. An additional end-to-end encryption that allows you to already encrypt your data before uploading it to the cloud is offered; However, only with the MagentaCLOUD XL or XXL tariffs (from 9.95 euros per month).
Our recommendation: Our encryption software Boxcryptor can help here. With the free account you can store your data in a special drive. The software solution then ensures in the background that the data is encrypted with a password only known to you before it is uploaded to the MagentaCLOUD. That way no one but you can see the data.
End devices: The cloud software is available for Windows and macOS as well as iOS and Android.
Share files: Files that you have stored in the cloud can be shared via a link. You can forward data or – after activating write permissions – work on documents together with friends and acquaintances. Optionally, you can protect the released data with a password.
Cloud synchronization: Thanks to MagentaCLOUD’s offline and synchronization function, you can access your files and keep them up-to-date even without an internet connection.
Additional functions: In the e-mail center, you can attach and send data to e-mails directly from the cloud. Pictures, music and videos can also be accessed via the television with the MagentaCLOUD TV app. In addition, data from surveillance cameras that you use via Magenta SmartHome can be stored directly in the cloud.
Support: If you have any questions or problems relating to MagentaCLOUD, a live employee chat, a chatbot and the hotline are available to you. You can also ask your questions in the online community, by e-mail to the service team or directly in the (offline) shop near you.
Click here for the provider: MagentaCLOUD
Strato HiDrive – The cloud storage for your photos, videos & files
The Berlin-based company operates two TÜV-certified data centers with over 70,000 servers in Berlin and Karlsruhe.
This is what Strato HiDrive offers private users: The cloud storage HiDrive can be tested free of charge for one month. After that, you can either opt for the cheapest package with 250 GB for 3 euros per month or take one of the other three packages, which are priced between 5 and 18 euros per month. Each package includes one user and has a minimum term of 12 months.
Information about the company: STRATO AG, like GMX, Web.de or 1&1 Ionos, is part of the United Internet Group. In addition to web hosting, the cloud storage HiDrive is also part of the company’s offering. With over 3.8 million registered platform users, HiDrive describes itself as “Germany’s largest cloud storage facility” according to its own website. Also worth mentioning is the commitment to green electricity. The two data centers are operated in a completely climate-neutral manner.
Security: Both data centers are ISO 27001 certified. In addition, secure data transmission takes place via SSL 256-bit encryption and AES-128-encrypted storage. The possibility of encrypting files end-to-end is given, but optionally for an additional 2 euros per month. A higher level of security by logging in using a second factor ( two-factor authentication ) is also possible with the authenticator app.
End devices: Strato HiDrive can be used on the desktop via Windows or macOS as well as via the iOS or Android app.
Share files: Files or folders can be shared via a link – if desired, password-protected, with an expiry date or a download limit.
Cloud synchronization: With the help of sync software that you can install for free, folders and content that you use and change offline are automatically updated as soon as your computer is connected to the Internet again. On top of that, automatic backup copies are made. Optionally, a device recovery can be booked for 2 euros per month.
Other functions: If you want, you can control HiDrive with voice commands via Alexa.
Support: The Strato service team, which has been declared service champion six times in a row, can be contacted via a service telephone or by email. In addition, Strato offers an extensive FAQ area. An optional relocation service for all your data is available to you for 10 euros.
Click here for the provider: Strato HiDrive
1&1 IONOS HiDrive – back up data online
1&1 IONOS can be found in Montabaur (Rhineland-Palatinate). The data centers used for online storage are operated in Germany. However, the company has a total of ten geo-redundant data centers in Germany, Europe and the USA.
This is what 1&1 IONOS HiDrive offers private users: There is no free account or test period, 1&1 IONOS advertises this with its permanent offer of 100 GB of storage from 1 euro per month. The offer includes a user and the services of an automatic cloud backup. If you would like to increase the number of users, this is also possible. You pay 3 euros per month for 3 users and 250 GB.
Information about the company: The IONOS by 1&1 brand was created in 2018 from the merger of 1&1 Internet and the Berlin IaaS provider ProfitBricks. The online storage HiDrive consists of the cloud storage of the German hoster Strato and the service of 1&1 IONOS.
Security: In addition to ISO certification 27001 (TÜV) for the data centers, IONOS offers security through the use of SSL-256 and AES-128 encrypted storage of your data. You can also use two-factor authentication. The option of end-to-end encryption for your data is only available from the HiDrive Pro tariff.
End devices: You can access the cloud storage via Windows desktop application and dedicated desktop software for macOS. Mobile apps are available for Android and iOS devices. A special HiDrive software for Linux desktop systems is currently not available. Here you can use the web browser or WebDAV.
Sharing files: Files can be easily shared via a link with additional security through a password and read and write rights.
Additional functions: With 1&1 IONOS you can not only store data in the cloud, but also buy domains, create your own homepage or rent web space for your own website project.
Support: IONOS customers can access free 24/7 advice by phone, chat (online support) or email. There is also a help center with instructions and information. The support team was awarded Gold for “Best Customer Service Initiative” at the European Contact Center & Customer Service Awards.
Click here for the provider: IONOS HiDrive
mailbox.org cloud storage “Drive” – secure, anonymous, ad-free
Both the company headquarters and the two data centers are in Berlin.
This is what mailbox.org cloud storage offers private users: You can use a free test account for 30 days, after which you will receive 10 GB of mail storage space and 5 GB of cloud storage for EUR 3 a month. For 9 euros a month, the Premium tariff gives you 25 GB of mail and 50 GB of cloud storage space.
Information about the company: The mailbox.org cloud storage “Drive” is provided by the Berlin family company Heinlein Support GmbH. The Heinlein Support team of around 30 people is one of the best-known and most sought-after network, Linux and e-mail specialists in Germany. The focus of the company is clearly on their secure webmail offering. The data center at Heinlein Support GmbH is also supplied with green electricity.
Security: The company has made it its mission to offer secure, ad-free, anonymous and tracking-free e-mail boxes for private and business customers. For security reasons, only open source components are technically used. Cloud storage users can encrypt files with a personal PGP key (Pretty Good Privacy). The encryption and decryption takes place on the server, which means that there is no complete end-to-end encryption.
By the way, you can pay the monthly fee for the cloud and mail storage, if you wish, anonymously in cash by post or by paying cash into a bank account.
Share files: Files from the drive can be inserted into e-mails directly or as a time-limited download link.
Support: You can get support for questions via the user forum or email helpdesk.
Click here for the provider: mailbox.org “Drive”
OwnCloud – exchange data securely!
The company OwnCloud is based in Nuremberg. Personal data that you store in the cloud storage ownCloud.online is stored exclusively on German servers.
This is what ownCloud.online offers private users: The online storage can be used free of charge within a 14-day test phase. After that, individuals pay 15 euros and teams of five or more people pay 13 euros per person per month. You have 500 GB available as a single user, 1,000 GB together as a team, plus an additional 200 GB per user.
About the company: With 100 million users worldwide, ownCloud is the market leader for open source solutions in the field of content collaboration platforms.
Security: OwnCloud.online is ISO 27001 certified and GDPR compliant. Data transmission is encrypted (TLS, AES 256). But client-based end-to-end encryption with a predefined key in the form of a password or a SmartCard is also activated. There is also the option of using two-factor authentication.
End devices: You can access your data in ownCloud’s online storage via Windows, macOS, Linux and mobile on iOS as well as the paid Android app. However, you can only use certain functions in the iOS app after making in-app purchases.
Share files: It is possible to share files with friends and acquaintances for joint editing using a link. Optionally, you can choose a password and set different access rights or an expiry date.
Cloud synchronization: Features include automatic synchronization of files and folders. However, you retain control over the default synchronization behavior for new files and folders, such as setting the maximum file size for synchronization.
Other features: Cloud storage can be integrated with Outlook. Instead of an email attachment, the Outlook plug-in then automatically links to the corresponding file in ownCloud.
Support: In addition to online manuals, if you have any questions, the – according to their own statements – competent support is there to help you.
Click here for the provider: owncloud.online
GMX Cloud and WEB.DE – Secure & free online storage
The company behind the GMX and WEB.DE Cloud is 1&1 Mail & Media GmbH with a branch in Karlsruhe and its headquarters in Montabaur. The data is stored exclusively in data centers located in Germany.
This is what GMX Cloud offers private users: With the free registration at GMX FreeMail or WEB.DE you get 2 GB of cloud storage space. This can be expanded by 2 GB each if you install the mail app and the online storage for Windows and make the first upload to the cloud. This gives you the opportunity to purchase up to 8 GB of free cloud storage space.
Security: All data that you upload to the cloud is end-to-end SSL-encrypted. In addition, GMX and WEB.DE enable their 30 million private customers to end-to-end encrypt particularly sensitive data such as invoices or private holiday pictures without expert knowledge by storing them in a so-called “safe”. This can be installed for Windows 7, 8 and 10.
End devices: You have access to the GMX and WEB.DE Cloud via Android and iOS apps as well as via a Windows PC. With a Mac, access has so far only worked via WebDAV, since January 2022 the software has also been available for devices with macOS.
File release: Files can be shared via a release link, which you can additionally protect by assigning a PIN or by setting a time limit on the release.
Cloud synchronization: Offline editing of photos and videos is possible. Automated backup of your data ensures regular backup.
Other functions: In addition to the well-known e-mail mailboxes, an address book and a calendar are also available to you at GMX and WEB.DE.
Support: If you have any questions or problems, you can search for answers in the FAQ and Help Center or contact support via email. There is a service hotline that is only free for premium users (WEB.DE Club or GMX ProMail). The WEB.DE Club is free for a month, so you can switch to this offer in important cases.
Here are the providers: WEB.DE and [GMX Cloud] ( https://www.gmx.net/cloud/ )
Do not underestimate German cloud providers
There are also cloud providers in Germany who come up with an interesting offer. However, there is no one perfect cloud. It is important to find the cloud that best suits your needs.
You decide which provider best meets your requirements. But no matter which cloud solution (or solutions) you choose, you should always keep your private data safe while doing so . We strongly recommend encrypting the data on your smartphone or computer before storing the data in the cloud. In addition, the cloud operator must never have the keys to decrypt the data. These should be entirely in your hands.
With the encryption software Boxcryptor you ensure that no third party can access your data. Boxcryptor encrypts your private data directly on your device before it is transferred to your cloud provider. Since the software specializes exclusively in encrypting your data in the cloud, it offers a number of advantages, such as user-friendly handling and sophisticated data protection precautions, with which you not only secure data within the memory itself, as is the case with the safe from WEB .DE is the case, but also if you want to share files with third parties. If you use several cloud providers or want to switch from one provider to another, you can also do this easily with Boxcryptor without giving involuntary insights into your data
