Internxt is a highly secure and privacy focused cloud storage service, one which is fast becoming known for providing a compressive set of cloud related features alongside highly secure, zero-knowledge encryption with many enhanced privacy features also enabled by default.
Security aside and it is clear that Internxt have been working very hard to deliver what is fast becoming a top-rated cloud storage service, one with many of the features commonly associated with other leading cloud storage providers and enabled upon all plans including their very generous 10GB free plan. This great set of features includes open-source desktop software for Windows, Linux and Mac OS devices, iOS and Android apps, file synchronisation, secure file sharing, automatic camera upload functionality plus much more on top.
So far, Internxt looks like a very promising cloud storage service, one which will undoubtedly temp many people away from more established cloud providers with, amongst other things, a very generous 10GB free account and always-on zero-knowledge file encryption. Time to sign-up for Internxt for myself and see what this promising cloud storage service has to offer, vamos!
Are you looking for practical help and advice in choosing cloud storage? If so, then be sure to check out our various guides including our Top 10 Free Cloud Storage guide, our guide to the Best Free Cloud Storage Services plus our guide to the Best Cloud Storage for Photographers amongst several others!
Key Features
- Cloud synchronisation and secure file sharing
- Desktop software for Windows, Mac OS and Linux
- iOS & Android apps (with automatic camera backups)
- Web-based interface and account management
- AES 256-bit zero-knowledge encryption (always on)
- 2FA / multi-factor authentication
- Unlimited bandwidth on all plans
- Currently no support for WebDAV
- 2TB Plans from just $119.99 / month
- Lifetime plans up to 10TB available
- Get a 10GB Free account today
Internxt Usability
In this section I will be signing-up for an Internxt account for myself, I will then be installing the desktop software and making use of the various cloud services including the built-in file synchronisation and secure sharing functionality to see how this promising cloud storage service fares during real-world use.
This all begins at the official Internxt website where a 10GB free account is available for all new users to the service making for a great way for anyone to test Internxt out for themselves.
Signing-up to Internxt
Signing-up to Internxt begins at the official Internxt website where a very generous 10GB free account is available to all new users of the service. All that is required for sign-up is an active email address and a strong password, a good sign that Internxt is committed to only keeping the bare minimum personal information from their users in order to maintain an account and thus protecting user privacy in the process.
NB – When signing up to Internxt, remember to keep your account password extra safe! This is due to the service making use of zero-knowledge encryption which means Internxt as an organisation have no access to your data and won’t be able to restore access should you forget this password!
Upon the completion of creating a new account, the Internxt service will automatically redirect users to the Internxt web portal homepage, a central place where we can easily manage any files stored upon the cloud as well as accessing other parts of the service including account settings and also download the desktop software which is available for Windows, Linux and Mac OS devices.
As can be seen above, Internxt does not require too much initial configuration nor personal information from its users in order to operate. In-turn, this means the system is, more-or-less, ready to go from the moment of first login with any additional settings including adding a name and verifying an email address all optional thereafter.
Another important aspect of the Internxt account management section is found under the “Security” tab, it is here that (if required) the account password can be changed and multi-factor authentication (2FA) can be enabled on the account.
It is also important to note that a very important aspect to this service is also configured on this page, this is the account backup key which can be exported for safe keeping and can also be used to help recover an Internxt account should the main password ever be forgotten. Be sure to note you will not be able to recover data should an Internxt password be forgotten (or if this backup key is not available), this is due to the highly secure zero-knowledge encryption employed throughout the Internxt service meaning only the holder of the password can decrypt any data.
Internxt Desktop Software
With the sign-up and initial configuration process now complete, it is time to have a look at the Internxt desktop software which makes accessing the cloud storage from within a Windows, Linux or Mac OS device both simple and straightforward.
Once installed and logged into the Internxt drive application, this application will, by default, select the current users profile folder for the default Internxt folder to be placed within and then minimise itself to the Windows system tray during its background operation. To open up the drive application for, amongst other things, viewing file upload progress and changing preferences, this can be done by clicking on the Internxt icon in the system tray as can be seen below.
Once in the preferences window we can see this default location used as the Internxt synchronisation folder and change it to another folder should we wish. We can also (from the same screen) change the current device name as well as specify that the Internxt software be started automatically with Windows should this be required (something which is, interestingly, turned off by default).
Other settings available within the desktop app include those under the account tab (for logging out of the app and viewing or upgrading the account storage quotas) and the ability to change the app language and theming options under the main “General” tab as well.
Device Synchronisation
Having seen what is a fairly straightforward and easy to install piece of desktop software in action, it is now time to see how well it handles the core task of file synchronisation between the chosen sync folder and the Internxt cloud service.
As can be seen above, when adding files to the nominated synchronisation folder, Internxt will automatically encrypt said files on the device itself and then synchronise these files with the cloud storage service automatically thereafter (this is real-time synchronisation as opposed to synchronisation which happens on a fixed schedule). In-turn, adding files to this specified sync destination via the web-based interface will also encrypt the data and then automatically synchronise (download) the new items to any devices with the Internxt software installed and configured.
NB – Internxt can be used across an unlimited number of personal devices meaning this synchronisation will, by default, keep any devices added to the account in sync with the cloud storage service.
Unfortunately, despite this synchronisation service been very easy to set-up and functioning well overall, one of the main downsides to this particular implementation is that only a single version of each file is saved with no option to specify customised historic file versioning periods (as is the case with some other cloud storage synchronisation services). This means, essentially, only the most recent version of a file is stored (i.e., “backed-up”) at Internxt and reverting back to older versions of files is not yet possible.
NB – Whilst this “sync only” style of backup could be helpful in protecting against common data loss causes such as hard drive failure or lost devices, it will most likely provide only limited protection against issues pertaining to malware and ransomware (given that any infected files could become the one and only version of a file which is synchronised on the cloud when taking such an approach). For more information on how backup software can help to protect data against malware, be sure to read my guide on how backup software can help in protecting against malware.
Overall, despite missing historic versioning functionality as of the time of writing, this cloud synchronisation component remains a great addition to the Internxt desktop software. The synchronisation service itself is also very easy to configure and, once put in place, worked flawlessly during my own time testing the software for myself.
Secure File Sharing
With use of the desktop software now covered, one of the other core features of Internxt is the secure file sharing functionality which is built into the service and easily accessible via the web-based file management portal. To share a file or folder via the web portal, simply select any items to be shared and then select the link icon from the top menu to open up the sharing set-up box (as can be seen below).
As can be seen above, whilst setting up the sharing link, we can specify either a public sharing link be created (accessible by anyone with the link) or a “Restricted” link which can be limited to only a specified set of existing Internxt users having access to the content.
NB – Internxt do not as of yet appear to have automatically expiring sharing link functionality. With this in mind, always remember to manually turn off any sharing links once they are no longer needed (Internxt will help identify any shared items with a special logo appearing on the file or folder when viewed in the web interface itself).
Smartphone Apps
In addition to the desktop synchronisation software mentioned above, Internxt also provide smartphone apps for accessing the cloud storage service via both iOS and Android devices.
Whilst these smartphone apps can be very useful for both accessing and sharing any files stored upon the Internxt cloud whilst out and about, they also feature automatic camera upload functionality meaning smartphone users can securely and automatically back-up any photos taken on their device.
Internxt Security
Privacy and security are two key considerations upon which the Internxt cloud service has clearly been built with in-mind from the ground up. This approach sees the service applying secure zero-knowledge end-to-end encryption to all files uploaded to the service meaning that all data is fully and automatically secured against unauthorised access (with even Internxt themselves not being able to access this data for the highest levels of cloud data protection).
Backing-up this strong AES 256-bit zero-knowledge encryption which is deployed across all Internxt accounts by default are several other highly effective security and privacy related features. These additional features include multi-factor authentication (2FA) for protecting access to the Internxt account itself, the ability to specify individual Internxt users for more secure file sharing plus the ability to further protect legitimate access to the account via an exportable backup key file (for use in cases where an account password might be lost or forgotten and recovery is required).
Privacy wise and this is another area in which Internxt excels. Nothing more than a working email address and password is required to make use of the 10GB free account and all data (as well as making use of secure end-to-end encryption) is stored and transferred in compliance with EU GDPR regulations thanks to Internxt themselves been located inside of the privacy-friendly EU region.
Internxt Support
Internxt have a useful help and support portal which is accessible via their official website. From this support portal, any users of the service can access various product guides and documentation on using and making the most of the Internxt cloud storage service.
Should additional support be required, Internxt offer all users a live chat service which can be accessed via the main website support portal. This live chat is not available 24 hours per day, however, in the event support representatives are unavailable, a message can be left for later consideration.
Internxt Pricing (Updated Jan 2024)
Internxt provide all users with a generous 10GB free account in addition to several premium plans ranging from 200GB to up to 10TB as of time of updating this post in January 2024. It is important to note that the premium account options relate primarily to the amount of cloud storage provided given that the full range of functionality (including end-to-end encryption) is turned-on and accessible across all Internxt plans, including the free account, by default.
The full Internxt pricing options (as of time of writing) are as follows:
- 10GB – 100% free for all new users
- 200GB – $5.49 / month ($49.99 paid yearly)
- 2TB – $10.99 / month ($119.99 paid yearly or $599 / lifetime)
- 5TB – $22.99 / month ($229.99 paid yearly or $1099 / lifetime)
- 10TB – $34.99 / month ($349.99 paid yearly or $1599 / lifetime)
Visit the official Internxt pricing page for more information on all pricing plans as well as to sign-up for the 10GB free account!
Internxt FAQs
Yes, Internxt offer a 10GB free account to all new users of the service. Despite being free, this account still affords users access to all key features of the Internxt service including secure zero-knowledge encryption, iOS and Android apps plus use of the desktop file synchronisation software.
Internxt Drive is a desktop application which can be used to create an automatically synchronising folder between the device it is installed upon and the Internxt cloud storage service. This software is currently available across Windows, Linux and Mac OS devices and can be used on both the free and premium plan offerings.
Internxt make use of secure, end-to-end AES 256-bit encryption across all data which is transferred to and stored upon the service. This encryption is turned on by default and is available across all plans including the 10GB free service.
No, as of time of writing this review in November 2023, Internxt do not as of yet support keeping and recovering form older versions of any files stored upon their cloud storage service.
No, Internxt do not offer unlimited cloud storage accounts as of time of writing this review in November 2023. What is available is a 10GB free account accompanied by several premium plans providing between 200GB and 10TB in total cloud storage overall.
Internxt Alternatives
In this section of my review, I will be looking at some close alternatives to Internxt. These are cloud storage services with a generous free account offering, solid synchronisation software and a focus on providing secure end-to-end encryption for all data stored upon them alongside various other useful security and cloud storage related functionality.
Remember, any ratings and opinions given below reflect my own opinions and should be treated only as a guide. When purchasing any form of cloud storage, always be sure to check the details of the offering out for yourself and try and to make use of any free trials, whenever possible, to help ensure the solution is suitable before committing to a purchase.
1) pCloud
pCloud is a leading cloud storage service, one which provides a great set of features whilst still focusing on delivering a highly reliable, secure and privacy-focused service.
Amongst the many useful features found within pCloud are the excellent desktop software which includes provisions for both file synchronisation and backup (with 15+ days of historic versioning available on all plans), strong file sharing functionality which allows for password protected links plus excellent smartphone apps available for both iOS and Android devices amongst various other features available as standard.
Whilst pCloud is very competitively priced with regular annual plans starting at just $49.99 / year, also on offer are several pCloud lifetime plans which (like Internxt) provide up to a total of 10TB of lifetime cloud storage for a single one-off fixed fee. pCloud does also offer secure end-to-end zero-knowledge encrypted cloud storage services however, unlike Internxt, this service is not enabled by default for all data stored upon the service and must be enabled manually via the pCloud Crypto service form within the pCloud account itself.
Pricing wise and what really sets pCloud aside, apart from the generous <<10GB free account>>, is the excellent lifetime pricing options which see 500GB+ of cloud storage available for as little as $175 (or $49.99 / year) amongst several other plans currently going up to 10TB in total. More information on pCloud pricing and the service itself can be found via the official pCloud website.
- Lifetime Plans
- Backup functionality
- Secure file sharing
- AES 256-bit encryption
- 10GB free account
- From $49.99 / year
2) MEGA.IO
Launched back in 2013 and continuing to improve ever since, MEGA.IO is a leading cloud storage service which is highly regarded for its great set of cloud storage features and a clear commitment to providing enhanced levels of privacy and security for all of its users.
Featuring secure zero-knowledge encryption which is applied to all files stored upon the MEGA cloud by default, MEGA offers some of the highest levels of privacy and security for all account holders in much the same way as Internxt themselves do. In addition to this core security functionality, also integrated within the MEGA cloud are a great set of usability related features including desktop synchronisation software, a secure file sharing service, historic file versioning, apps for iOS and Android and secure video calling (amongst many other features) which all hep to make MEGA.IO a great cloud storage choice.
MEGA.IO pricing starts from just €99.99 / year for the entry level 2TB plan, €199.99 / year for the 8TB plan and €299.99 / year for the 16TB plan with additional storage available via the MEGA Pro Flexi service when required. Also available is a 20GB free account which can be signed-up for via the official MEGA.IO website.
- End-to-end encryption
- Secure file shairng
- Plans up to 16TB
- iOS & Android apps
- 20GB Free account
- From €99.99 / year
3) Sync.com
Sync.com is a leading cloud storage service noted both for its excellent value premium cloud storage plans as well as it’s clear commitment to providing some of the highest levels of data security and user privacy of any cloud storage provider operating as of today.
Featuring extensive secure file sharing and synchronisation functionality, Microsoft 365 (Office) integration, apps for iOS and Android (with automatic camera uploads) plus a functional piece of desktop software which makes connecting to and utilising the cloud storage service really easy, Sync.com is rightly regarded as a highly functional and highly usable cloud storage service.
Security wise and Sync.com go much further than many other providers offering always on zero-knowledge end-to-end encryption, secure multifactor authentication (2FA), remote device lock-outs and remote device wiping, password protected sharing plus up to 365 days of historic versioning for enhanced malware and ransomware protection.
Sync.com is priced form just $8 per month for the entry level 2TB premium plan with other options going up to 6TB also available for individual users. Business users can get special plans offering up to an unlimited amount of cloud storage (as required) and also available is the 5GB free account to all new Sync.com users. More information on Sync.com and the various pricing options can be found at the official Sync.com website.
- Great sharing tools
- End-to-end encryption
- Unlimited cloud plans
- iOS & Android apps
- 5GB Free account
- From $8 / month (2TB)
Internxt Review Summary
Internxt is an impressive cloud storage service overall, not only does its commitment to providing a top level of privacy and security within the product itself inspire confidence in its use, but the great set of features up to and including the highly useful desktop software means this is a genuinely useful cloud storage account to have access to.
With the core set of features aside, it is also great to see Internxt making additional functionality available within all pricing plans (including the generous 10GB free account). This includes zero-knowledge encryption which is enabled by default, secure sharing links, apps for iOS and Android devices (with automatic camera uploads available) plus enhanced security features including multi-factor authentication amongst various other useful additions.
Overall, I have been very impressed with Internxt during my time testing it out. It is great to see that privacy and security have been “baked-in” to this service form the ground upwards and that useful features such as desktop synchronisation software and zero-knowledge end-to-end encryption are available across all accounts by default, including the 10GB free option – great work Internxt!
Are you looking for help and advice on choosing the best backup software for your PC or Mac? If so then be sure to check out our guide to choosing backup software which also contains a list of our favorite choices as tested here on BestBackupReviews.com!
