Filen
Filen · Recklinghausen, Germany · founded 2021
What it is
Filen is a cloud storage service that encrypts data on the client using zero-knowledge, end-to-end encryption. It supports file syncing, network-drive access with Smart Sync and five sync modes across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android and the web. Mobile apps include encrypted camera uploads, offline files, notes, chats and notifications. Notes support rich text, code, Markdown and checklists, while chats are end-to-end encrypted. Developers can use a documented API, command-line interface, and TypeScript, Rust and Go SDKs. The desktop client and CLI can run local WebDAV and S3-compatible mirror servers. Filen says its apps are open source under AGPL v3 and that its headquarters and servers are in Germany. The free account costs nothing and includes 10GB of storage. Monthly paid options include Pro I at €1.99 a month for 200 GiB, Pro II at €3.99 a month for 500 GiB, Pro III at €8.99 a month for 2 TiB and Pro X at €39.99 a month for 10 TiB. Data from inactive free accounts is deleted after three months of inactivity, with reminder emails beforehand.
For and against
For
- Client-side, zero-knowledge end-to-end encryption.
- Free account includes 10GB storage.
- Syncing and network-drive access across multiple platforms.
- Includes encrypted notes and chats.
- Offers API, CLI and three language SDKs.
Against
- Inactive free-account data is deleted after three months.
- Paid plans are billed monthly.
- Free-account users receive inactivity reminder emails before deletion.
The verdict
Filen combines encrypted cloud storage with syncing, notes, chats and developer tools. The free account provides 10GB, while paid monthly plans start at €1.99 a month for 200 GiB; free-account inactivity can lead to data deletion.
Who it suits
Filen is aimed at individuals, professionals, businesses and developers, particularly those who prioritize security. Its range of desktop, mobile, web and API options may suit people working across devices or building integrations.
Plans and prices
Pro I
200 GiB storage · unlimited bandwidth · unlimited uploads · encryption
Read 15 Oct 2026 · filen.io
Pro II
500 GiB storage · unlimited bandwidth · unlimited uploads · encryption
Read 15 Oct 2026 · filen.io
Pro III
2 TiB storage · unlimited bandwidth · unlimited uploads · encryption
Read 15 Oct 2026 · filen.io
Pro X
10 TiB storage · unlimited bandwidth · unlimited uploads · encryption
Read 15 Oct 2026 · filen.io
Free
10 GB storage · client-side encryption · data deletion after 3 months of inactivity
Read 15 Oct 2026 · filen.io
Free account
10GB storage
Read 1 Oct 2026 · docs.filen.io
On the record
- API documentation depth
- API documentation includes guides, endpoint references and an OpenAPI specification covering authentication, file operations, key management and transfers.docs.filen.io · read 15 Oct 2026
- API encryption model
- API file guides require client-side encryption, encrypted metadata and 1 MiB encrypted chunks for transfers.docs.filen.io · read 15 Oct 2026
- Audience
- Filen says its service is built for individuals, professionals, businesses, developers, and people who prioritize security.filen.io · read 1 Oct 2026
- Camera backup
- Its mobile applications provide automatic camera upload for photos and videos.trustradius.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Collaboration
- Filen offers encrypted notes with rich text, code, Markdown, and checklist options, plus end-to-end encrypted chats.filen.io · read 1 Oct 2026
- Company founded and size
- LinkedIn lists Filen Cloud Dienste as founded in 2021, headquartered in Recklinghausen, with 2–10 employees.linkedin.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Company headquarters
- The legal disclosure lists Breite Straße 27, 45657 Recklinghausen, Germany.filen.io · read 15 Oct 2026
- Company legal name
- The operator is Filen Cloud Dienste UG (haftungsbeschränkt), registered at the District Court of Recklinghausen.filen.io · read 15 Oct 2026
- Desktop downloads
- Desktop builds are offered for Windows Intel/AMD and ARM, macOS Intel/AMD and Apple Silicon, and Linux in deb, rpm and AppImage formats for Intel/AMD and ARM.docs.filen.io · read 15 Oct 2026
- Developer tools
- Filen provides TypeScript, Rust, and Go SDKs, a documented API, and a command-line interface.filen.io · read 1 Oct 2026
- Device platforms
- Windows,macOS,Linux,iOS,Androidfilen.io · read 20 Sep 2026
- Encryption
- Files are encrypted on the client with AES-GCM 256-bit encryption before upload.filen.io · read 15 Oct 2026
- File sharing
- The service supports encrypted sharing through public or private links and sharing with other Filen users.trustradius.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- File versioning
- Filen supports reverting files to previous versions.docs.filen.io · read 15 Oct 2026
- Funding and ownership
- Filen says it was founded with €1,000 initial capital, has no external shareholders or investors, and is self-financed.filen.io · read 15 Oct 2026
- German hosting
- Filen says its headquarters and servers are in Germany and subject to German and European data-protection law.filen.io · read 15 Oct 2026
- Hosting and compliance
- Filen says its headquarters and servers are in Germany, its servers are in Tier III-IV ISO27001-certified colocation data centers, and it is GDPR compliant.filen.io · read 1 Oct 2026
- Inactive free accounts
- Filen says data from inactive free accounts is deleted after three months of inactivity, with reminder emails beforehand.docs.filen.io · read 1 Oct 2026
