pCloud - Secure Cloud Storage
Overall experience
I've been using pCloud for over a year now, mostly for work files and personal photo backups, and it's been one of the most dependable cloud services I've tried. What sold me initially was the lifetime plan and the fact that it's based in Switzerland, which gave me more confidence in their privacy policies. The interface is clean and intuitive, syncing between devices is fast, and I've never lost a file or dealt with weird sync errors. It's also surprisingly good for media playback—I stream large video files straight from the cloud with no problem. Support has been helpful the few times I reached out. It's not the cheapest option if you need a lot of space, but the reliability has made it worth it for me.
Reviewed on: Feb 14, 2025
Pros
- Swiss privacy
- Easy access on any device
- Robust security features
- User-friendly interface
- File sharing capabilities
Cons
- Limited free storage compared to competitors
- Client-side encryption (pCloud Crypto) is a paid add-on
- Higher cost if you need more than 2TB of storage
- No native integration with some third-party productivity tools like Google Docs or Microsoft Office
- Occasional lag in web app when handling very large folders
- No zero-knowledge encryption on shared files (unless encrypted manually)
Detailed Review
I started using pCloud after growing frustrated with syncing issues on Google Drive and OneDrive. What attracted me first was the lifetime payment model—after doing the math, it looked like a great long-term value. Since signing up, I've used it to store everything from personal documents to high-res video files, and it's handled it all with zero fuss.
The app interface is refreshingly simple. I use it on my phone, laptop, and tablet, and the experience is consistent across all of them. Uploads are quick, file previews load fast, and the file versioning has saved me a few times when I accidentally overwrote important work.
One standout feature is pCloud Drive—it acts like an external hard drive in the cloud, so I can access all my files without taking up local storage. It's great for working on large video files directly from the cloud. The option to add client-side encryption (with pCloud Crypto) is also a big win, especially for sensitive personal documents.
While I really enjoy using it, there are a few trade-offs. The free storage is limited, and if you need more than 500GB or 2TB, it gets pricey compared to other services. Also, the encryption feature costs extra, which I wish was just included.
Still, I've never experienced data loss or sync issues, and knowing my files are stored under strong Swiss privacy laws gives me extra confidence. Overall, it's a set-it-and-forget-it kind of service—quietly reliable and refreshingly straightforward.
FAQ
- Is pCloud good for storing photos and videos?
Yes, absolutely. I use it mainly for storing my photo library and even some video footage for work. The media player works well, and it streams videos without needing to download them first, which has saved me tons of time.
- How secure is pCloud?
Very secure. It's based in Switzerland, which has strong privacy laws. I also use the pCloud Crypto add-on for client-side encryption, so only I have access to sensitive files. Just note that this encryption isn't included by default—you have to pay extra for it.
- Can I access my files offline?
Yes, you can. On mobile and desktop, you can mark files for offline access. I've done this with work files before traveling, and it worked smoothly even without a data connection.
- Does pCloud offer lifetime plans?
Yes, and that's actually what drew me in. I paid once for a lifetime 500GB plan, and it's already paid for itself compared to monthly subscriptions. If you're planning to stick with it long term, it's a great deal.
- Can I use pCloud for collaboration?
You can, but it's not as seamless as something like Google Drive for real-time editing. It's great for file sharing and folder permissions, though, and I've used it to send large folders to clients without any issues.
Conclusion
pCloud might not be the flashiest name in cloud storage, but it's one of the most stable and privacy-focused services I've used. Between the clean interface, consistent performance, and unique lifetime pricing model, it's hard to beat for long-term users. It's especially ideal if you care about where your data is stored and want peace of mind without juggling constant subscriptions. Just be aware of the cost if you need massive storage or want encryption included—but for everyday users and professionals, it delivers a reliable, secure experience without the drama.
Key information about pCloud
pCloud is a secure cloud storage service that offers Swiss privacy, easy access on any device, and robust security features.
Pricing
Premium 500 GB
$49.99
1 year
Premium Plus 2 TB
$99.99
1 year
Premium 500 GB
$199.00
lifetime
Premium Plus 2 TB
$399.00
lifetime
Ultra 10 TB
$1,190.00
lifetime
Brand: pCloud
Warranty: 14-day money-back guarantee
Rating: 8.7 / 10
*The button will redirect to pCloud site and automatically apply the discount.
Features
- Swiss Privacy: Your files are protected by Swiss laws, which are the strictest for personal data, since our company is based in Switzerland.
- Access on Any Device: Easily store, synchronize and access your files on a secure drive. Create playlists of your favorite music and listen on your mobile device, even offline.
- Ease of Use: With pCloud, you are always a click away from freeing up more space from your phone, saving files directly from the web, or syncing all of your files.
- Server Location: All your data is stored in highly secure and certified data centers located in the European Union.
- Security: pCloud uses TLS/SSL encryption and client-side encryption, meaning only you have the keys for file decryption.
- File Sharing: Share large files, invite friends, and allow teammates to add files without seeing the contents of your folders, even if they don't have pCloud.
Benefits
pCloud offers secure cloud storage with Swiss privacy, easy access on any device, and robust security features, making it ideal for individuals and businesses.
Target Audience
Individuals and businesses looking for secure and easy-to-use cloud storage.
How It Works
pCloud encrypts your files and stores them in secure data centers, allowing you to access and share them from any device.