Filen review
Updated October 12, 2026 · ShieldCue Editorial Team
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Our verdict
For privacy conscious individuals and small teams needing everyday cloud control, Filen provides zero-knowledge end-to-end encrypted storage with sync, sharing, notes and chats. Filen operates from Germany under German data protection laws and keeps full encryption included across its intuitive platform for beginners and professionals.
Key facts
- Best for
- Private cloud storage with encrypted teamwork
- Zero-knowledge encryption
- Yes (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Jurisdiction
- DE (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Compliance certifications
- GDPR (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Legal entity
- Filen Cloud Dienste UG (haftungsbeschränkt) (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Headquarters
- Germany (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Support channels
- Email, Help-centre, Community (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Pricing model
- Budget
- Official website
- filen.io
Privacy tools
- Price from
- €1.99 (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Free plan
- Yes (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Free plan limits
- Lifetime free account; data deleted after 3 months of inactivity, must log in at least once every 3 months (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Platforms
- Web, Desktop, Mobile, Cli (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Logging policy
- Zero-knowledge client-side encryption: files are AES 256-bit encrypted on device, so Filen cannot read contents; only a small amount of file-type metadata is collected (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Jurisdiction
- DE (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Open source
- Yes (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Legal entity
- Filen Cloud Dienste UG (haftungsbeschränkt) (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Headquarters
- Germany (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Support channels
- Email, Help-centre, Community (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Pricing model
- Budget
Apps and profiles
- Get the app
- App Store
Pros and cons
Pros
- Zero-knowledge end-to-end encryption keeps files unreadable to outside parties
- Open source apps support transparency around security and privacy practices
- Network drive access plus five sync modes link computers and devices
- Encrypted notes, chats and sharing support protected real-time teamwork
Cons
- Headquarters and servers stay in Germany under German data protection laws
- Multiple sync modes and drive features require ongoing organization across devices
- Client side encryption model relies on user held keys for file access
Who it suits
- Individuals who prioritize security and privacy
- Professionals and teams needing encrypted collaboration
- Developers seeking open source encrypted storage tools
Who should look elsewhere
- Shoppers who want general storage without an encryption focus
- Teams wanting tools outside a privacy centered system
The company behind it
Filen operates from company headquarters in Germany with all servers located in the same country. The business presents itself as independent, with no secret financiers or large corporations in the background. All apps are open source, which supports transparency around security. The company runs encrypted cloud storage for individuals, professionals, businesses and developers who prioritize security. Headquarters and servers adhere strictly to German data protection laws and reflect a user first approach with continuous assistance for questions.
Core features
Filen centers on organizing, sharing and synchronizing data with full encryption. Users manage files through flexible list and grid views in one secure place for convenient oversight. A network drive feature makes the cloud work like local storage with Smart Sync for instant file work. Five sync modes connect computers across multiple devices for backup and device synchronization. Encrypted notes support rich text, code, markdown and checklists, while end to end encrypted chats support conversation, collaboration and file sharing in real time.
How Filen compares
Frequently asked questions
What does Filen provide?+
Filen provides zero knowledge client side encrypted cloud storage for organizing, sharing and synchronizing data. Files stay encrypted on the device, so outside parties cannot read contents. The design pairs protection with everyday file management.
Which collaboration tools does Filen include?+
Filen includes encrypted file sharing, secure notes and end to end encrypted chats. Notes support rich text, code, markdown and checklist options with collaboration by adding other users. Chats support conversation, collaboration and file sharing with real time protection.
Who is Filen created for?+
Filen was created for individuals, professionals, businesses, developers and people who prioritize security. Its intuitive design aims to serve beginners and IT professionals alike. Encrypted sync, sharing and collaboration support personal use and team work.
How does Filen handle file organization and sync?+
Filen manages cloud data through flexible list and grid views in one secure place. A network drive feature presents the cloud like local storage with Smart Sync for instant work. Five sync modes connect computers across multiple devices for backup and synchronization.
Which company operates Filen?+
Filen is operated by Filen Cloud Dienste UG (haftungsbeschränkt). (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
Where is Filen based?+
Filen is based in Germany. (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
How can I contact Filen support?+
Filen offers support through Email, Help-centre, Community. (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
Sources
- filen.io checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Platforms
“Web Desktop Mobile CLI”
- filen.io checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Compliance certifications, Support channels, Zero-knowledge encryption
“GDPR compliant - We are fully GDPR compliant and consistently aim for the highest standards of certifiable security.”
- filen.io/about checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Headquarters, Jurisdiction, Open source
“Our headquarters and all of our servers are located in Germany and fall under all strict European & german data protection laws.”
- filen.io/imprint checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Legal entity
“Filen Cloud Dienste UG (haftungsbeschränkt) ... Registered at District Court of Recklinghausen HRB 8896”
- filen.io/pricing checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Pricing model, Price from
“The most affordable encrypted cloud storage plans out there. ... 1.99€ monthly ... 200 GiB storage”
- filen.io/privacy checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Logging policy
“When you upload a file, it is already encrypted on your device, so we do not know if it belongs to you or another person, if it refers to a company or other organization, or what it contains.”
- filen.io/terms checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Free plan, Free plan limits
“We offer a lifetime free trial to new users who register with the Site.”
Compiled from 7 source pages, checked October 13, 2026. We did not open an account.
Not confirmed yet: Free storage, Price per TB per year.