Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Proton Drive · 💾 cloud storage
Proton Drive vs Cozy
Open-source personal cloud that automatically gathers all your data from third-party services. French-hosted with privacy-first design, no ads, and seamless device sync. Here is how Cozy ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Proton Drive ($25/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Cozy is a verified Open Source-licensed open-source replacement for Proton Drive. Switching from Proton Drive ($25/mo) saves $300/yr per solo seat, or $1,500/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Self-host.
The catch: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Proton Drive.
Proton Drive vs Cozy Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | Proton Drive (Paid) | Cozy (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $25 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $300 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $300) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $1,500 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $1,500) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $3,000 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $3,000) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source Open Source |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Self-host (your server) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | webself-hosteddocker to self-host |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 1.3k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Proton Drive to Cozy
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Proton Drive.
How to deploy Cozy
Clone https://github.com/cozy/cozy-stack or deploy with Docker Compose
What it takes to run
Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
Where your data lives
All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
Why fork Cozy instead of vibe-coding a Proton Drive clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for Proton Drive or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 9 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Nextcloud.
Proton Drive vs Cozy FAQ
Is Cozy a good free alternative to Proton Drive?+
Yes. Cozy is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for Proton Drive. Open-source personal cloud that automatically gathers all your data from third-party services. French-hosted with privacy-first design, no ads, and seamless device sync.
What is the catch when switching from Proton Drive to Cozy?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Proton Drive.
How much do you save switching from Proton Drive to Cozy?+
Proton Drive costs $25/mo ($300/yr) per seat, whereas Cozy is $0/mo. Switching saves $300/yr for a solo user, $1,500/yr for a 5-person team, and $3,000/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host Cozy instead of Proton Drive?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/cozy/cozy-stack or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
