pCloud
pCloud
Secure Swiss-based cloud storage offering unlimited file size uploads, virtual drive syncing, lifetime plans, zero-knowledge encryption, and multimedia streaming across all devices.
Key Features
- Zero-knowledge encryption (pCloud Crypto)
- Virtual network drive (pCloud Drive)
- Block-level file synchronization
- File versioning & rewind (up to 360 days)
- Unlimited file size & speed
- Shareable links with passwords & expirations
- Built-in audio/video media players
- Remote uploads & migration from other services
- WebDAV & S3 protocol support
What Is pCloud?
pCloud is a Swiss-based cloud storage provider founded in 2013, operating data centers in Texas and Luxembourg. It delivers encrypted file storage with both subscription and lifetime purchase options, enabling users to own their cloud space outright rather than rent it indefinitely. pCloud emphasizes privacy under Switzerland’s stringent data laws, offering client-side AES-256 encryption and TLS/SSL in transit.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lifetime plans save cost over time compared to recurring subscriptions
- True zero-knowledge encryption (Crypto) for sensitive files
- Virtual drive (pCloud Drive) that saves local disk space
- Block-level sync accelerates large file updates
- Unlimited file size and transfer speeds
- Robust media playback with playlists and Kodi integration
Cons:
- Crypto and Extended File History require additional fees
- No native document editing or real-time collaboration
- Web uploads slower than desktop app in some browsers
- Mobile apps lack virtual drive and some advanced sync modes
Who It’s For
pCloud is ideal for:
- Privacy-conscious individuals who require end-to-end encryption and Swiss data jurisdiction
- Digital media enthusiasts storing large photo, video, or music collections with built-in players
- Budget-savvy users benefiting from lifetime storage deals instead of subscriptions
- Professionals and teams needing reliable file versioning, rewind capabilities, and remote upload from other cloud services
- Developers and power users leveraging WebDAV/S3 support and CLI/SDK integrations
Zero-Knowledge Encryption
pCloud Crypto provides client-side AES-256 encryption, ensuring that only you hold the decryption keys. Encrypted files remain confidential even from pCloud’s own servers. Crypto is available as an add-on, with lifetime and subscription pricing options.
pCloud Drive
Rather than a local sync folder, pCloud mounts a virtual network drive on your system, preserving hard drive space by streaming files on demand. When you open a file, it temporarily downloads for quick access; any edits sync back to the cloud automatically.
Block-Level Sync
Using block-level technology, pCloud synchronizes only the modified portions of large files, significantly reducing upload times when making small changes to big files.
File Versioning & Rewind
By default, pCloud retains deleted files and previous versions for 30 days (Free) or 30 days (Premium). With the Extended File History add-on, users can rewind file versions up to 360 days, recovering lost data or undoing unwanted changes.
Shareable Links
pCloud enables secure file sharing via customizable links. You can set password protection, expire dates, and download limits, and choose whether recipients can upload files to shared folders, streamlining collaboration without compromising security.
Media Playback
Built-in audio and video players allow streaming of music and videos directly from the cloud. Features include playback speed controls, playlist creation, and Kodi integration for home-media setups.
Remote Uploads & Migration
pCloud supports remote uploads from URLs, FTP servers, and direct migration from Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive accounts, enabling consolidation of multiple cloud services into a single pCloud vault.
WebDAV & S3 Integration
Advanced users can connect pCloud as a WebDAV or S3-compatible endpoint, integrating with backup scripts, third-party apps, and rClone workflows for automated file management.
Pricing
Personal Plans (billed annually or one-time lifetime):
- Premium 500 GB: $50/year or $300 one-time
- Premium Plus 2 TB: $100/year or $600 one-time
- Family 2 TB (up to 5 users): $595 one-time
Business Plan (min. 3 users):
- $10/user/month or $96/user/year; includes 1 TB each and 180 days versioning
Add-Ons:
- pCloud Crypto: Optional zero-knowledge encryption ($4.99/month or lifetime purchase)
- Extended File History: Up to 360 days file versioning
Free accounts include 10 GB storage, unlimited bandwidth, and basic versioning.
Verdict
pCloud stands out with its flexible lifetime pricing, robust encryption, and practical features like a virtual drive and block-level sync. While lacking built-in document editing or real-time collaboration, its strength lies in secure, large-file handling, extensive versioning, and media streaming. For users prioritizing privacy, long-term cost savings, and seamless multi-device access, pCloud offers a compelling solution that competes strongly against major providers.
Frequently Asked Questions about pCloud
What Is pCloud?
pCloud is a Swiss-based cloud storage provider founded in 2013, operating data centers in Texas and Luxembourg. It delivers encrypted file storage with both subscription and lifetime purchase options, enabling users to own their cloud space outright rather than rent it indefinitely. pCloud emphasizes privacy under Switzerland’s stringent data laws, offering client-side AES-256 encryption and TLS/SSL in transit.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lifetime plans save cost over time compared to recurring subscriptions
- True zero-knowledge encryption (Crypto) for sensitive files
- Virtual drive (pCloud Drive) that saves local disk space
- Block-level sync accelerates large file updates
- Unlimited file size and transfer speeds
- Robust media playback with playlists and Kodi integration
Cons:
- Crypto and Extended File History require additional fees
- No native document editing or real-time collaboration
- Web uploads slower than desktop app in some browsers
- Mobile apps lack virtual drive and some advanced sync modes
Who It’s For
pCloud is ideal for:
- Privacy-conscious individuals who require end-to-end encryption and Swiss data jurisdiction
- Digital media enthusiasts storing large photo, video, or music collections with built-in players
- Budget-savvy users benefiting from lifetime storage deals instead of subscriptions
- Professionals and teams needing reliable file versioning, rewind capabilities, and remote upload from other cloud services
- Developers and power users leveraging WebDAV/S3 support and CLI/SDK integrations
Zero-Knowledge Encryption
pCloud Crypto provides client-side AES-256 encryption, ensuring that only you hold the decryption keys. Encrypted files remain confidential even from pCloud’s own servers. Crypto is available as an add-on, with lifetime and subscription pricing options.
pCloud Drive
Rather than a local sync folder, pCloud mounts a virtual network drive on your system, preserving hard drive space by streaming files on demand. When you open a file, it temporarily downloads for quick access; any edits sync back to the cloud automatically.
Block-Level Sync
Using block-level technology, pCloud synchronizes only the modified portions of large files, significantly reducing upload times when making small changes to big files.
File Versioning & Rewind
By default, pCloud retains deleted files and previous versions for 30 days (Free) or 30 days (Premium). With the Extended File History add-on, users can rewind file versions up to 360 days, recovering lost data or undoing unwanted changes.
Shareable Links
pCloud enables secure file sharing via customizable links. You can set password protection, expire dates, and download limits, and choose whether recipients can upload files to shared folders, streamlining collaboration without compromising security.
Media Playback
Built-in audio and video players allow streaming of music and videos directly from the cloud. Features include playback speed controls, playlist creation, and Kodi integration for home-media setups.
Remote Uploads & Migration
pCloud supports remote uploads from URLs, FTP servers, and direct migration from Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive accounts, enabling consolidation of multiple cloud services into a single pCloud vault.
WebDAV & S3 Integration
Advanced users can connect pCloud as a WebDAV or S3-compatible endpoint, integrating with backup scripts, third-party apps, and rClone workflows for automated file management.
Pricing
Personal Plans (billed annually or one-time lifetime):
- Premium 500 GB: $50/year or $300 one-time
- Premium Plus 2 TB: $100/year or $600 one-time
- Family 2 TB (up to 5 users): $595 one-time
Business Plan (min. 3 users):
- $10/user/month or $96/user/year; includes 1 TB each and 180 days versioning
Add-Ons:
- pCloud Crypto: Optional zero-knowledge encryption ($4.99/month or lifetime purchase)
- Extended File History: Up to 360 days file versioning
Free accounts include 10 GB storage, unlimited bandwidth, and basic versioning.
Verdict
pCloud stands out with its flexible lifetime pricing, robust encryption, and practical features like a virtual drive and block-level sync. While lacking built-in document editing or real-time collaboration, its strength lies in secure, large-file handling, extensive versioning, and media streaming. For users prioritizing privacy, long-term cost savings, and seamless multi-device access, pCloud offers a compelling solution that competes strongly against major providers.