I currently use iCloud+ for storing photos and files. I also use Hide my email that comes bundled in the plan. I use Cryptomator in files app for encrypting some files.
I want to switch to a more privacy focused provider for my files. The photos can stay in iCloud because I don’t think it matters as Apple already has access to the camera.
So, I want to switch to a cheaper iCloud plan and start a new cloud subscription. I would also like an alternative to Hide my mail but I don’t want to spend too much for it. What would you recommend?
I think $0.99 is extremely competitive for cloud storage, contacts & calendar, a VPN, and advanced email capabilities
It is a good deal but I am worried about privacy.
It is not technically a VPN, though.
Here’s my take. Companies must comply with the laws of the countries they operate in, so there’s always a chance that your data will be made accessible to authorities. If that’s your concern, your best bet is to only use services which offer end-to-end encryption. If you’re more worried about being tracked or profiled by corporations, the good news is that most cloud storage and email providers besides Google don’t sell your data anyway.
As long as you’re using an encrypted service, the choice of provider comes down to price and preference. If you’ve got multiple Apple devices and/or a Windows computer, I’d go with iCloud+. If you use Android and/or Linux and don’t want to use the Google Suite, then I’d defer to the suggestions of others on this thread.
And to your point on Private Relay, this is true. It’s not a bona fide VPN, but it definitely gets the job done if you use it on Apple devices to mask system-wide DNS requests and hide traffic in Safari.
After reading your comment, it feels like I am being paranoid.
I have 4 apple devices in my home which share the subscription, so it makes sense to continue.