With files continuously taking up more space, upgrading your physical storage becomes increasingly tedious. This is why many have turned to cloud services, which have revolutionized file storage and become accessible to almost everyone.
Soon after, Dropbox and Google Drive emerged as some of the most popular options. However, the most popular doesn’t always mean the best, as pCloud effortlessly demonstrates. You might wonder, what is pCloud? How good is it REALLY? Is pCloud worth it?
These are just some of the questions we’ll address in this pCloud review for 2024. It’s going to be a lengthy yet engaging read as we examine every aspect of pCloud and provide an in-depth and comprehensive analysis.
As a long-term user, I feel well-equipped to discuss its strengths and weaknesses, helping you understand the nature of this cloud service. Needless to say, I highly recommend staying along for the ride!
What Is pCloud?
- Very easy to set up and use
- An extremely affordable Lifetime plan (99 years)
- No limits on file size
- Crypto Folder is an excellent addition
- Impenetrable security thanks to 256-bit encryption
- Extremely fast upload/download speeds
- 1-year long backups
- Free plan with all features and 10 GB of storage
Cons
- 2 TB storage cap might be small for some users
- Email support is slower to respond
pCloud Device Support & Accessibility
When using a cloud service, having access on all your devices is crucial. With that in mind, we’ll start our pCloud review by examining its device compatibility, ease of use, and initial setup.
How to Get Started on pCloud
When I first visited pCloud’s website a long time ago, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to get started. The first thing you’ll notice is a beautifully designed website that allows you to join for FREE.
Yes, pCloud offers a free subscription plan, which I’ll discuss in the Pricing section of this review.
The initial setup will depend on which plan you’re interested in. However, I recommend starting with the free plan and joining pCloud for free. To do this, simply enter your email and password, click on “Create Account,” and boom – you’re almost there. It takes just a few seconds to start using pCloud.
Regardless of your device, pCloud will prompt you to download the app, which takes up no more than 10 MB. On a PC, this will be a setup file that you need to install. On iOS or Android, you can directly download the app from Google Play or the Apple Store, respectively.
Once that is complete, you can immediately start using pCloud Drive on your device.
pCloud Desktop App
Let’s begin our pCloud review with its desktop app. Upon installation, you’ll be greeted by a simplistic yet functional application. You’ll also notice that you get 5 GB of free storage right from the start.
However, pCloud lets you gain more storage (up to 10 GB) by completing simple tasks like verifying your email or inviting other people to the service.
On Windows or Mac computers, I found pCloud to be extremely easy to use, offering all the features I needed for safe and secure file sharing and storage. After a few years of use, I have encountered no problems with its desktop app.
For instance, it allows you to back up your files or add a pCloud sync folder for syncing files between the cloud and your PC. Additionally, each option is accessible from the top part of the window app, so you can easily access Sync, Shares, Crypto, Backup, and Settings with just one click.
The PC app even allows you to set upload and download speed limits, upload screenshots, or configure it to run on system startup to ensure syncing starts immediately. While it may not be the most visually appealing app, pCloud on desktop is undoubtedly one of the easiest to use.
pCloud Mobile App
The pCloud review and test of its mobile app show similar results. The app functions the same on both iOS and Android, with the versions being nearly identical. I appreciate the mobile app’s presence because it allows you to access your files anywhere, as long as you have internet access.
When you install it, pCloud offers the option to automatically back up photos and videos from your phone. These photos can later be accessed via your computer as well, eliminating the need for a USB cable to transfer files between devices.
Furthermore, the mobile app has an integrated media player. This allows you to open photos, videos, and even music without using a third-party solution. I especially like pCloud’s ability to create playlists, effectively turning it into a full-fledged media player on your phone!
All of this makes pCloud one of the most versatile and flexible cloud services on the market.
pCloud on the Web
If you prefer using pCloud by visiting its site, that is entirely possible. While I personally prefer using applications, especially on mobile devices, pCloud offers a surprisingly uncluttered and clean web interface that is user-friendly and efficient.
The main part of the web interface displays your music, pictures, and videos folders. On the left side, you have all the options available within the app. You can access your Trash or Crypto folders, add bookmarks, or preview audio files directly from the web interface.
Therefore, if you prefer not to install any apps on your phone or PC, it’s reassuring to know that pCloud offers an excellent web version.
pCloud Browser Extensions
In addition to the web version, pCloud also provides browser extensions, available for both Firefox and Chrome. These extensions offer additional features and convenience, enhancing your pCloud experience in ways you wouldn’t get otherwise.
pCloud Save
pCloud Save, as it’s called, allows you to save files directly to your cloud storage from web pages. Instead of right-clicking on an image and selecting “Save” as you would normally do, you can save it with just one click. pCloud also lets you save text content, automatically converting it into a “.txt” file for easier management. This feature encourages users to fully engage with pCloud’s suite of apps, making it easier to manage files and save space on your HDD by leveraging a fast cloud solution.
Is pCloud Fast for Transfers?
In the past, cloud services were handy but notoriously slow, often requiring a whole day to upload a few gigabytes, which could be frustrating and lead to abandoning cloud storage altogether.
Today, there are some really fast options available. In this pCloud transfer review, I’ll assess how quickly pCloud allows you to upload and download files. Of course, the speed of your transfers will largely depend on your internet connection.
If you have a slow internet speed, pCloud won’t be able to surpass that limitation. The image below shows my internet speed, which is relevant for this pCloud transfer review.
For this test, I’ll use a RAR file I created that’s just under 3 GB in size. You can see it in the image below.
Once I created the file, I went to my pCloud account and started uploading it, which you can see in the next screenshot. With my internet speed that’s really not the fastest, a file of around 3 GB will upload in less than 30 minutes.
Compared to my upload speed which isn’t great, pCloud is actually really fast and almost utilizes the full potential of my internet connection. If I compare it to, let’s say, Google Drive, you will see that it’s slightly faster, which is a very pleasant surprise.
But what if I went ahead and downloaded the exact same file? Will pCloud be any better? Well, take a look at this image.
As you can see, the same file will take about 5 minutes to download. Overall, this is a really good result in this pCloud review, which isn’t a surprise given its impressive performance.
Features of pCloud
Our 2024 pCloud review wouldn’t be complete without exploring its features. Despite its affordable price, this cloud service is as feature-rich as some of its more expensive competitors.
Flexible File Management
One of the standout features of pCloud is its flexible file management. While many cloud services offer file management, pCloud takes it a step further by allowing you to classify files by type.
Out of the box, pCloud provides dedicated folders for music, photos, and videos, making it easy to organize your files. You can also create new folders and sub-folders as needed. Additionally, pCloud offers separate folders for backups and file requests, keeping them distinct from your media files. There’s even an option to create RAR archives directly within the app, eliminating the need for a third-party tool like WinRar.
It’s worth noting that all files are stored on servers in Europe and the US. You can choose the server location when creating your account to maximize speeds and performance. While changing the server location later is possible, it requires a request to pCloud’s support team and may involve additional charges.
Easy File Sharing
When you select a file on pCloud, you’ll see the “Share” option. Clicking it will generate a shareable link that you can send to friends or family. pCloud enhances this feature by allowing you to:
- Restrict download permissions for the recipient.
- Set an expiration date for the link.
- Password-protect the file or folder, ensuring that confidential information remains secure.
These options are particularly valuable for business users who need to keep sensitive information secure.
File Syncing
To keep your files accessible across all devices, pCloud offers a Sync feature. This allows you to make all your cloud-stored files available on any device you use. Simply enable the Sync option, and pCloud will handle the rest. For example, if you download a file on your iPhone, pCloud will automatically upload it to cloud storage and sync it with your other devices. This means you can access it on your PC without any additional transfers.
Unlimited File Size
pCloud removes limits on file size for uploads and downloads, provided the files do not exceed your cloud storage capacity. This means you can upload large files like Blu-Ray movies, high-definition images, and FLAC audio files without issues. The maximum storage available is 2 TB, which should suffice for most users. Additional storage can be requested from pCloud’s support team if needed.
Backups
Backing up files with pCloud is straightforward and supports integration with third-party cloud services. You can back up important folders from your PC and retain them for up to 1 year. These backups are automatically synchronized, so you can access them from any device. If you want to transfer files from services like Dropbox, pCloud’s “Third-Party” section makes it easy to set up backups from other cloud providers.
Trash History (Up to 30 Days!)
Accidentally deleted a file? Don’t worry—pCloud’s Trash folder keeps deleted files for up to 30 days for premium users and 15 days for free users. During this period, you can restore any deleted file, ensuring you don’t lose important data due to accidental deletions.
Crypto Folder
Finally, I need to talk about Crypto Folder and give you a brief pCloud Crypto review. This Crypto Folder needs to be paid additionally for everyone except for Business users. In simple terms, it offers the so-called client-side or zero-knowledge encryption.
As such, it lets you choose which files and folders you want to protect better. Since we’re talking about zero-knowledge encryption, it means that not even the pCloud’s server will be able to get a glimpse of your file.
Because of that, you won’t be able to generate any video, audio, or photo previews of these encrypted files. While not being able to preview your files is surely a price to pay, I think it’s a small one given that these files will be only accessible to you and fully encrypted for anyone else.
pCloud even offers a separate, 14-day free trial for this feature that otherwise costs $4.99 a month. However, it’s vital to mention that files outside of this Crypto Folder still get 256-bit AES encryption, which is virtually impenetrable.
Safety & Security
In today’s world of frequent data breaches and hacking attempts, ensuring that your cloud service is secure is paramount. Based on my extensive experience with pCloud, I can attest to its robust security features.
One of pCloud’s key security features is its Crypto Folder. This bonus feature employs zero-knowledge encryption, meaning that only you can decrypt your files. Even if pCloud itself were compromised—which is highly unlikely—hackers wouldn’t be able to access your encrypted files. This makes it an excellent choice for storing sensitive documents.
When it comes to file storage, pCloud takes additional measures to safeguard your data. The service claims to duplicate your uploaded content across at least three servers. This redundancy ensures that if one server fails, your files remain safe on the other two servers, minimizing the risk of data loss.
pCloud also employs 256-bit encryption for uploaded files, and uses TLS/SSL protocols to protect against Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks. For added security, you can enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to further protect your account from unauthorized access.
pCloud’s Swiss jurisdiction enhances its data privacy credentials. Switzerland is renowned for its stringent data protection laws and does not participate in EU or US data-retention agreements. This means that Swiss authorities won’t exert excessive surveillance or pressure pCloud to collect user data, ensuring that your information remains private and secure.
Customer Support
pCloud’s customer support offers a comprehensive experience for addressing queries and troubleshooting issues. If the extensive FAQ section doesn’t cover your concerns, you have two primary options for reaching out to support:
- Contact Form: You can submit your query via a contact form on their website, requiring your email and a message. Response times typically range from 24 to 72 hours, depending on the volume of inquiries and the complexity of your issue.
- Phone Support: For a more immediate response, you can call +41 43 508 59 48. Although this number is not toll-free and is based in Switzerland, it offers a faster way to get in touch.
In my experience, I’ve found pCloud’s email support to be efficient and effective, though I haven’t encountered serious issues that required urgent attention. The support section of the website is well-organized, featuring a Help Center with answers to over 300 questions, often making direct contact unnecessary.
Overall, pCloud’s support and security features contribute to a reliable and user-friendly cloud service.
pCloud Pricing – How Much Does It Cost?
Before concluding our pCloud 2024 review, we shall talk about the pricing. Throughout this review, I mentioned several times that pCloud is very affordable and if you take a look at its prices, it’s perfectly reflected.
While the annual plan of pCloud is definitely interesting, our recommendation is its Lifetime plan. It is exactly what it sounds like – a lifetime plan that lets you pay one time and enjoy the service for 99 years.
Conversely, you can opt for the annual plan, where you will have to pay for a subscription each year.
pCloud Pricing Options
When evaluating pCloud’s pricing, the Lifetime plan offers a significantly better value compared to the annual subscription, especially if you’re considering long-term use. Here’s a breakdown of the plans:
- Lifetime Plan with 2 TB Storage: $378
- Annual Plan with 2 TB Storage: $108.21 per year
- Lifetime Plan with 500 GB Storage: $189
- Annual Plan with 500 GB Storage: $54.10 per year
The Lifetime plans are a one-time payment, sparing you from recurring annual fees. Additionally, both plans come with a 10-day hassle-free money-back guarantee, allowing you ample time to test the service and decide if it meets your needs.
Visit pCloud to explore these offers further and find the best plan for you.
pCloud Free Plan
For those who prefer not to commit financially right away, pCloud offers a free version. This plan provides a taste of pCloud’s features without any cost. With a 10 GB storage limit, it includes most of the core functionalities, except for the Crypto Folder feature.
To start with the free plan:
- Sign up with your email and password.
- Initially, you receive 5 GB of storage.
- You can increase this to up to 10 GB by verifying your email, downloading the mobile app, or inviting friends.
Business & Family Plans
For more extensive needs, pCloud offers specialized plans:
- Family Plan: Ideal for up to 5 users, each with a private section on the shared account. The Lifetime variant is currently available with a 60+% discount, costing $541 as a one-time payment.
- Business Plan: Designed for businesses, it provides 1 TB of storage per user and supports 3 or more users. This plan is subscription-based, costing $103.76 per year or $10.81 per month.
These plans cater to different usage scenarios, from personal use to business requirements, ensuring flexibility and scalability according to your needs.
pCloud Review Summary
In this pCloud review for 2024, it’s clear that pCloud stands out as a top-tier cloud storage solution. Here’s a recap of the key points:
Pros:
- Ease of Use: pCloud is user-friendly, with intuitive apps and a clean interface on all devices.
- Device Compatibility: Available on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, along with a robust web version and browser extensions.
- Feature-Rich: Includes file management, easy sharing, syncing, unlimited file size uploads, and integrated backups.
- Security: Provides zero-knowledge encryption with its Crypto Folder, robust encryption standards, and Swiss jurisdiction for enhanced privacy.
Cons:
- Storage Limitations: The maximum storage of 2 TB might not be sufficient for very demanding users.
- Customer Support: While generally good, response times are slower, and there’s no live chat support.
Pricing:
- The Lifetime plans offer significant savings compared to annual subscriptions.
- A free version with up to 10 GB of storage is available for those who want to try before buying.
- Business and Family plans cater to larger needs with specialized features and storage options.
Overall, pCloud delivers excellent value for its price, combining a rich feature set with strong security and flexibility. For most users, it’s definitely worth considering as a cloud storage solution.
Visit pCloud to learn more and choose the plan that best fits your needs.
