pCloud
Swiss cloud storage with lifetime plans, a virtual drive and optional client-side encryption.
- Verified facts
- 5 of 5
- Alternatives ranked
- 6
- Approved reviews
- 0
- Visits sent from here
- 0
About pCloud
pCloud is a Swiss-registered cloud storage service best known for selling lifetime plans: pay once for a fixed amount of storage instead of a subscription. Its desktop app mounts a virtual drive so files stream on demand without filling your disk, while specific folders can still be synced locally. Media gets an unusually good treatment, with in-browser video and audio playback, and new photo and document tools. Encryption is opt-in: pCloud Encryption is a paid add-on that creates a zero-knowledge folder, while the rest of your files are encrypted in transit and at rest but readable by the service. Accounts can choose EU or US data storage at signup. There is a free tier, plus annual and lifetime plans for individuals and families, and business plans. Apps cover Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS and the web. Watch for upsells; the best prices tend to appear during frequent sales.
Best for: People who would rather pay once than keep a storage subscription.
Pros and cons
What works
- Lifetime plans avoid recurring fees
- Choice of EU or US data location
- Virtual drive with a Linux client
Why people leave
- Client-side encryption costs extra
- Lifetime value depends on the company lasting
- Frequent sales and upsells make pricing hard to read
Top pCloud alternatives
See all 6- 1
Icedrive66.5Another lifetime-plan provider, with client-side encryption included.
- 2
Internxt62.6Open-source, end-to-end encrypted storage with lifetime deals.
- 3
Proton Drive59.6End-to-end encryption on every file, not just a paid folder.
- 4
Sync.com57.2Zero-knowledge encryption by default at a similar price.
- 5
Dropbox55.3More mature team features and integrations.
Why people left pCloud
In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.
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Reviews
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pCloud: common questions
Is pCloud free?
pCloud has a free plan and paid plans.
Is pCloud open source?
No, pCloud is not open source.
What platforms does pCloud run on?
pCloud is available for Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android.
What are the best alternatives to pCloud?
The highest-ranked pCloud alternatives right now are Icedrive, Internxt and Proton Drive. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.