I didn’t realize how messy Google Drive felt — until I tried this cloud storage alternative

I spent years inside Google Drive, building my whole digital routine around it.

It felt reliable and universal, something everyone used without thinking twice. Gmail made it even easier to stay inside that bubble.

Over time, I stopped noticing how much distraction came with that comfort, the same way you eventually stop hearing the freeway outside your window.

Years of documents and photos had accumulated in ways that never felt fully organized. I got used to the tiny inconsistencies when a folder didn’t appear where I expected it to be.

I assumed I was the problem and blamed it on my own habits until I finally stepped outside the Google ecosystem and tried something new.

The reason Google Drive feels messy

Even if you know how to use Google Drive, it feels all over the place because it encourages you to use search and recommendations instead of sticking to your own folders.

You really notice it the second you open the main page. Your folders hang back while the Suggested row takes over.

The system is always guessing what you want based on your past actions, even if it doesn’t line up with how you like to keep things.

The feature can be handy now and then, but it often feels like it’s taking over, especially when it overshadows the way you wanted to organize your files.

Plus, Google’s search works really well, maybe even too well. It adds to the issue by pushing people to depend on quick searches instead of maintaining order.

As a result, files end up scattered, folders turn into catch-all spots, and older documents get lost unless you know the right words to find them.

At the heart of it all is a deeper problem. Drive brings together two very different models.

On the backend, files exist like entries in a database without a fixed folder.

But the frontend presents a desktop-like view that suggests every file belongs in one place.

These mixed ideas never fully match.

Proton Drive’s minimalism felt like a breath of fresh air

While Google Drive felt like a busy warehouse run by algorithms, Proton Drive felt quieter.

The web interface is minimal and free from distractions. There are no suggestions or algorithm-driven interruptions, and the screen stays clean.

What I got was a simple folder structure that I fully control. Proton’s stripped-back design is necessary for how it works.

The main focus is end-to-end encryption and privacy, protected by Swiss law.

Files get encrypted on my device before they reach the cloud, so Proton can’t access them to make money or train AI, which I appreciate.

Moreover, Proton Drive is built on transparency and regularly checked by independent security experts.

Anyone can look at the code to make sure the encryption really works and that there are no hidden backdoors.

The downsides of leaving Google Drive behind

It’s fair to say that stepping away from Google’s ecosystem is not without difficulties.

You sacrifice convenience for more control, and that shows most in collaboration and cost. Starting with collaboration, Google Drive’s tools are hard to beat.

Losing the smooth experience in Google Docs and Sheets is the biggest hit. Proton Drive has its own Docs suite, but it’s still finding its feet.

Next up is raw value. When it comes to pure storage space, Google often gives you more for your money.

What makes Proton stand out is the bundle. Their Unlimited plan includes Proton Mail, Proton VPN, and Proton Pass.

If you’re already paying for those services separately, combining them into one boosts the overall value.

That said, Google’s bundle is still hard to beat, especially since it gives you 2TB of storage and Gemini.

Another downside I noticed during my tests was that upload and download speeds felt pretty average. They didn’t come close to matching what Google Drive offers.

There was also a one-time sync hiccup, but it never happened again.

Should you switch from Google Drive to Proton Drive?

Choosing between these two platforms really comes down to what matters most to you.

If your work depends on collaboration and seamless integration, Google Drive still leads the way. You might have to live with some algorithmic noise, but it’s a small price for productivity.

On the other hand, if keeping your data private and under your control is a priority, or if you just want a clean system, Proton Drive offers a cloud experience without compromise.

If you’re thinking about switching, first figure out how much you use Google Docs and Sheets.

If it’s only a little, moving over should be pretty simple. But if you rely on them a lot, it’s probably best to make the switch in stages.

Use Proton Drive for your personal files and keep Google Drive for collaboration until Proton’s Docs catch up.