Proton Sheets: Encrypted Spreadsheets Inside Proton Drive

Proton Sheets brings end-to-end encrypted spreadsheets to Proton Drive, with collaboration features designed for privacy-first productivity.

Paul O'Brien
3 min read
Illustration showing Proton Sheets inside Proton Drive, representing encrypted spreadsheets and privacy-focused productivity.
Proton Sheets brings end-to-end encrypted spreadsheets to Proton Drive, designed for privacy-first productivity.

Proton has expanded its privacy-focused suite with Proton Sheets, a spreadsheet tool built directly into Proton Drive. It’s designed to feel familiar while keeping your data protected with end-to-end encryption.

This post explains what Proton Sheets is, why it matters, and who it’s best for.

Update (11 Jan 2026): Proton’s 60% launch discount has ended, but Proton Sheets remains available inside Proton Drive.

Proton’s announcement page explains what Proton Sheets is and why it matters.

What Is Proton Sheets?

Proton Sheets is a privacy-first spreadsheet tool available inside Proton Drive. It’s designed to feel familiar to anyone who has used mainstream spreadsheet apps, while keeping data protected with end-to-end encryption.

With Proton Sheets, your spreadsheet data is encrypted in a way that prevents Proton — or any third party — from accessing the contents. Only you and the people you explicitly share a file with can see what’s inside.

Key features include:

  • Familiar spreadsheet functions and formulas
  • Charts and basic data visualisation
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Built-in version history
  • End-to-end encryption by default

The goal isn’t to reinvent spreadsheets, but to offer a secure alternative for users who want more control over their data.

Why Proton Sheets Matters

Spreadsheets are widely used for budgets, planning, inventories, and sensitive business or personal information. Many mainstream spreadsheet tools store data in ways that can make it accessible to the provider — which may be used for analytics, product improvement, or other platform features.

Proton Sheets takes a different approach. By encrypting spreadsheet data end-to-end, Proton removes visibility into file contents and reduces the risk of data being accessed, analysed, or repurposed without your consent.

For privacy-conscious users, journalists, small businesses, or anyone storing sensitive information, this distinction matters.

You might use Proton Sheets for everyday things like personal budgets, project planning, client lists, inventory tracking, or shared team notes. It’s well suited to spreadsheets that contain sensitive details — contact information, financial figures, research data, or internal planning — where privacy matters more than advanced automation. Instead of trading convenience for exposure, Proton Sheets lets you work on familiar spreadsheet tasks while keeping the contents locked down by default.

Screenshot of the Proton Sheets spreadsheet interface inside Proton Drive
Proton Sheets spreadsheet interface inside Proton Drive

How Proton Sheets Compares

Most mainstream spreadsheet tools focus on deep feature sets and tight integration with large ecosystems. They often shine when you need advanced formulas, complex automation, or links to other business platforms. Proton Sheets takes a different starting point. Instead of building around advertising, data analytics, or broad platform integration, it’s built around keeping your spreadsheet contents private by default.

If you rely heavily on advanced macros, large-scale financial modelling, or specialised enterprise add-ons, tools like Excel or Google Sheets will still offer more power today. Proton Sheets is better suited to everyday planning, shared team documents, research notes, budgets, and sensitive records where protecting the data itself is the priority.

Current limitations include:

  • No support for advanced macros or scripting
  • Fewer specialised functions than long-established spreadsheet tools
  • Limited third-party integrations compared to major productivity suites
  • Collaboration and automation features are still evolving

Who Is Proton Sheets Best For?

Proton Sheets is a good fit if you:

  • Want encrypted spreadsheets by default
  • Store sensitive personal or work data
  • Prefer privacy-first tools over ad-supported platforms
  • Already use Proton Mail or Proton Drive
  • Want a simple, secure alternative for everyday spreadsheet tasks

If you rely heavily on advanced macros or complex enterprise integrations, you may find Proton Sheets more limited — at least for now.

Final Thoughts

If encrypted storage and data control matter to you, Proton Sheets is worth exploring — especially if you already use Proton Drive. It brings familiar spreadsheet tools into a privacy-first environment, making it easier to work with sensitive information without handing over visibility to a third party. While it may not replace advanced spreadsheet platforms for complex workflows, it offers a practical, secure option for everyday planning, collaboration, and record-keeping where confidentiality is important.

📊 Try Proton Sheets inside Proton Drive

Create and collaborate on spreadsheets without giving up control of your data.

Proton Sheets runs inside Proton Drive with end-to-end encryption by default.

Try Proton Drive →

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