Your files should not train anybody’s model.
Google Drive holds your files in a form Google can read, scan and learn from. Offkeep encrypts them before they ever leave your device.
Offkeep vs Google Drive
Google Drive stores your files in a form Google can read, scan, and use to train its models. Offkeep encrypts everything before it leaves your device.
How we compare
| Feature | Offkeep | Google Drive |
|---|---|---|
End-to-end encryption Files are encrypted on your device before upload — no one else can read them. | Offkeep | Google Drive |
Zero-knowledge architecture The provider has no access to your encryption keys, ever. | Offkeep | Google Drive |
File scanning Whether the provider reads or indexes your file contents. | OffkeepNone | Google DriveFor ads & AI training |
Free storage Google's free tier is shared across Gmail, Photos, and Drive. | Offkeep6 GB | Google Drive15 GB shared |
Entry paid plan What it costs to move past the free tier. | OffkeepPay as you go, or $3.20 / mo (Starter 400 GB) | Google Drive$1.99 / mo · 100 GB |
Storage ceiling The most you can buy on a single consumer plan. | OffkeepNone | Google DriveOnly up to 30 TB |
Linux support Native desktop sync client for Linux. | Offkeep | Google Drive |
Windows & macOS support | Offkeep | Google Drive |
Browser-based access Full file manager available without a native install. | Offkeep | Google Drive |
Open-source encryption Cryptographic implementation is publicly auditable. | Offkeep | Google Drive |
Where Offkeep pulls ahead
Google cannot read your files
Google Drive's business model is built on understanding your data. Every file you store is readable by Google and can inform ad targeting and AI training. Offkeep's zero-knowledge design makes that impossible — your key never leaves your device.
Storage that is actually yours
Google's 15 GB free tier is shared across Gmail, Google Photos, and Drive — a single large email thread can eat into your file quota. Offkeep's 6 GB is dedicated storage for your files only.
Works on Linux
Google Drive dropped its Linux desktop client and has no official replacement. Offkeep ships a native Linux app alongside its macOS and Windows clients, so your whole team can sync regardless of OS.
Offkeep vs Google Drive FAQ
Does Google scan the files I store in Drive?
Yes. Google's terms of service grant them a broad licence to scan, index, and process files stored in Drive for purposes including ad personalisation and product improvement. Offkeep's end-to-end encryption makes it technically impossible for us to do the same — we only ever see encrypted ciphertext.
Is Offkeep more expensive than Google One?
With Offkeep, 100 GB of storage costs $0.94/mo — versus Google One's $1.99/mo for the same allowance. Unlike a fixed plan, you only pay for what you actually store, and the rate drops automatically as you grow. The difference also buys you end-to-end encryption and a provider that cannot read your files.
Can I use Offkeep for collaboration like Google Docs?
Offkeep is a private cloud storage service, not a productivity suite. It stores, syncs, and protects your files. For real-time document collaboration, a tool like Google Docs remains the right choice — Offkeep is the right home for files you don't want scanned.
Is there a Linux desktop app?
Yes. Offkeep ships native clients for macOS, Windows, and Linux. Google Drive has no official Linux client; third-party solutions require mounting via the Drive API under a personal quota limit.