Photon Vault
Encrypted storage with workflow control
Built for long-term encrypted retention, scoped sharing, Secure Inbox, team workflows, versioning, and upload-now access-later handoff.
An alternative to Proton Drive for teams that need both storage and delivery
Proton Drive and PhotonFile are both strong answers for encrypted storage. The difference is product shape: Proton Drive centers on a drive-style sync and backup workflow, while PhotonFile adds secure intake, upload-now access-later handoff, and a separate live-delivery path through Relay.
PhotonFile Relay
Live delivery
Built for the moment when a file should move immediately between people who are both online.
Proton Drive
Cloud drive workflow
Best when your main job is drive-style syncing, backup, and everyday access across devices.
Which product shape fits your work?
| What you need | Better fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Persistent encrypted storage | Photon Vault or Proton Drive | Both are storage-first answers, so the decision depends on whether you also need workflow separation beyond cloud drive behavior. |
| Desktop and mobile sync, backup, and everyday drive access | Proton Drive | A storage-first drive product is the more natural fit for sync and anywhere access. |
| Live delivery with no stored transfer path as the default workflow | PhotonFile Relay | Relay is a dedicated live-transfer path, separate from storage. |
| Secure inbound file collection from outside users | Photon Vault | Secure Inbox is built for receiving files without exposing existing vault contents. |
| Upload now and let your team review or download later from an encrypted workspace | Photon Vault | Vault is well suited to async handoff, not just everyday drive access. |
| Need one platform for both stored files and immediate handoff | PhotonFile | Vault handles retained encrypted storage and Relay handles delivery now. |
Where PhotonFile is different
- Vault is built for receive, store, and access later: Photon Vault works well for long-term retention, secure intake, and async handoff when someone needs to upload now and the file can be reviewed or downloaded later.
- Secure Inbox matters: receiving files safely from outside people is a first-class workflow.
- Relay is a separate path: storage, sharing, intake, and live transfer do not all have to be forced into one drive model.
- Natural security boundaries: separate vaults let teams isolate projects, clients, or sensitive workflows without turning everything into one shared drive.
When Proton Drive may still be the better answer
If your main job is drive-style sync, backup, and file access across devices, a storage-first drive product may still be the more natural fit.
PhotonFile becomes the stronger fit when encrypted storage is only part of the job and you also need secure intake, async handoff, or a separate live-transfer path in the same platform.
Keep comparing
Looking for a Proton Drive alternative because you also need delivery, intake, or workflow separation?
PhotonFile combines Photon Vault for persistent encrypted storage with Relay for live delivery. Keep what matters, move what needs to move, and choose the right path for each file.