Detailed Full Review of pCloud Storage: All you need to know (2024)

Let's start with this pcloud test and opinion to understand that little something that differentiates it from the market.

What is pCloud?

It's a popular Swiss-based cloud storage with an excellent value for money like Google Drive that allows users to store, sync, and share files online.

pCloud AG was created in Switzerland (pCloud since 2013). The latter has gained over 16 million users thanks to its strict privacy policies and lifetime plans.

With a free pCloud account, you get 10GB of free space that can be increased by completing certain tasks, such as installing the desktop application or verifying your identity via email.

At pCloud, you also have additional features, such as the ability to sync and share files, creating a virtual hard drive on your computer to access your files online, customizing sharing links, and requesting files from other users like Google Drive.

Features

Here is a detailed overview of all the features offered by pCloud:

1. Data Encryption with pCloud Crypto

pCloud offers zero-knowledge encryption that guarantees the security of your data.

The zero-knowledge encryption provided by pCloud ensures that your data uploaded to the cloud cannot be read by anyone but you.

The secure Crypto folder is unlocked with an access code called Crypto Pass.

pCloud Crypto Hacking Challenge has proven that their encryption is one of the safest.

Optional zero-knowledge encryption makes your data inaccessible to anyone other than you, using the most secure encryption method.

Your master password is the only way to decrypt your data. This service costs 5 dollars per month.

pCloud is a service with optional zero-knowledge encryption to ensure the security of your sensitive data.

With this, you can protect your data from being intruded or hacked. Although later it costs 5 dollars per month, it's well worth it for the extra security it provides. It is very practical!

2. File sharing

pCloud is a popular online storage that offers a wide variety of features to help users manage and share their files securely.

• pCloud Drive : Create a virtual disk on your computer to access your cloud files as if they were on your hard drive up to 10TB.
• File sharing : Simple to use with security options like passwords and expiration dates for sharing links.
• Sharing customization : Selecting who can download files, securing shared data with a password, adding your brand cover, logo, and text to the shared link, checking link statistics.
• Shared tab : Allows you to keep track of all your shared items.
• Resizing files : You can resize files using the “Download converted files” button when uploading from online storage. There is no limit to the size of the files you can convert.
• File request : The file request function can be of great help if you want to request files from users who are not part of pCloud. You can create a folder and invite users to upload files to it through a link.

pCloud is a convenient solution for users looking for storage space, offering a wide variety of features to help users manage and share their files securely.

3. Offline mode

Also, an offline mode is available.

This allows you to access certain files from your PC, tablet or mobile even without a connection.

As the platform integrates a media player, you can watch videos directly from the application without being connected to the Internet. It is very practical for watching movies or listening to podcasts while traveling by plane for example.

4. Synchronization and backups

pCloud allows for secure online storage, which is popular for its privacy policies and its lifetime plans of several TB for life.

It offers a variety of features to help users manage their files securely and allows for automatic backup of media files and social media accounts.

• Automatic file synchronization between all your devices to avoid data loss.
• The possibility of saving the contents of Google Drive, onedrive, Dropbox, and Facebook.
• Automatic upload to save all the photos and videos from your smartphone on pCloud.
• The easy creation of a backup of your social media accounts and players.
• The backup feature for WordPress sites is currently being implemented.
• The trash folder stores your deleted files for 30 days. It is possible to extend this limit to 360 days by opting for the “Extended File History” add-on module.
• The rollback function allows you to retrieve and restore previous versions of your account at any date and time in the last 30 days.

pCloud is a convenient solution for users looking for safe and efficient online storage.

It offers a variety of features, such as automatically backing up media files and social media accounts, automatically syncing files across all your devices, and the ability to back up content from Google Drive, OneDrive, OneDrive, Dropbox, and Facebook.

In addition, the functionality for backing up WordPress sites is being implemented, making it a very interesting tool for WordPress users.

5. Public record

If you want to create your own HTML website on their URL, this is a pretty cool feature to try!

Basically, pCloud allows you to use its storage as a hosting service where you can host your static HTML website.

The public folder can also be used to embed image files and create direct links to your files. However, this feature is only available in Premium plans.

6. pCloud Driver

Pcloud driver is a handy feature offered by the pCloud cloud storage service. By installing pCloud on your computer, you can create a virtual hard drive on your device that stores data uploaded to the cloud.

By using the pCloud drive, you can free up space on your local hard drive, while accessing your files from anywhere using an Internet connection. You can easily transfer files by dragging and dropping files and folders to the pCloud drive, which will automatically sync with the cloud.

This feature is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Security and Confidentiality Policy

1. Confidentiality

Their privacy policy makes it clear that they collect users' IP addresses.

This is the case for all cloud storage companies. But for greater security, they also provide you with optional “Zero Knowledge” encryption at an additional cost to respect your privacy:

They collect your email address, billing information, and other data such as pages viewed, device information, operating system used, pages visited, and more.

They don't share or sell your personal information to third parties.

They may disclose your personal information to the government in some cases and They take preventive measures to secure your unencrypted data and also inform you in case of a hack.

2. Security

pCloud is a cloud storage that offers enhanced security for users who want to protect their data:

Encryption : pCloud offers high-quality protection that is an industry standard used by many businesses. This encryption method is considered to be one of the safest available on the market.

2-factor authentication : To increase security, pCloud offers two-factor authentication. You can use the Google Authenticator app as well as your mobile phone number to receive OTPs (One-Time Passwords) when you sign in to your account. Notification security codes are also available to make it easy to install pCloud on various devices.

pCloud is a secure cloud storage solution that uses encryption and two-factor authentication methods to protect its users' data.

The security features that pCloud offers are particularly impressive. In fact, the service uses TLS/SSL and AES 256 encryption to ensure the security of your files. The company even launched a challenge with a cash reward of $100,000 for anyone who managed to hack its encryption system.

This challenge, which lasted six months, finally saw no winner, demonstrating the robustness of the security features offered by pCloud to protect its users' data. With these cutting-edge security measures, users can be confident that their files are protected and safe on pCloud.

Pricing

pCloud is an online storage solution that offers a range of features for both free and paid users.

Here's the most up-to-date data on pCloud plans and pricing:

• pCloud offers a free version:
  10GB of storage space, including 2GB free at the start
  However, to unlock the 10GB, users have to go through a tedious process to verify their email, download desktop and mobile apps, enable automatic photo uploads, and invite others to sign up.
• The paid plans for individuals are Premium (500GB) and Premium Plus (2TB).
  The Premium plan costs $49.99 per year for 500GB of storage space, while the Premium Plus plan costs $99.99 per year for 2TB of storage space.
• pCloud also offers lifetime subscriptions for long-term access to storage space. Prices are $175 for the Premium Plan, $350 for the Premium Plus, and $990 for a 10TB custom plan.
• For families, pCloud offers a 2 TB storage plan that can be shared between up to five users. The price has been reduced from $1,400 to $500.
• For businesses, pCloud Business offers 1TB of storage for $9.99 per user per month, or $7.99 per user per month if paid annually. pCloud Business includes Crypto at no additional cost and additional team tools.

pCloud offers a variety of pricing plans to meet the needs of different users, from free to paid plans for individuals and businesses, as well as lifetime subscriptions for long-term access.

Customer Support

pCloud has a help center where you can find informative articles on over 50 topics before reaching out to their customer support (pcloud.com support).

Unfortunately, you don't get live chat support with pCloud. To resolve questions, you only have email support.

While doing this pCloud review, I had a lot of questions for which I contacted the technical support team.

On average, it took them 1 to 2 days to respond.

In my experience, their customer service is not fast, but they are certainly competent.

Ease of Use

1. Registration and Use of pCloud Services

With so many cloud storage options available, providers like pCloud that lack brand recognition need to focus on one key element if they want the general public to subscribe: ease of use.

Luckily, at pCloud you won't be disappointed:

• Enrollment : To sign up for pCloud, you need to provide an email address and password, or you can sign up with your Google, Facebook, or Apple account.
• pCloud Drive download : You are then encouraged to download pCloud Drive to set up a virtual drive on your system, which is very easy. This turns your document folder into a default sync folder, which means your documents are automatically synchronized with pCloud.
• Cloud storage model : pCloud uses the proven cloud storage model (2TB, 500GB, etc.) with a sync folder on your computer and a system tray icon to change your settings for up to 99 years.
• Desktop application : Unlike some desktop applications that allow you to explore your files and folders within the application, the pCloud desktop application is exclusively for making changes to your account and settings.
• Navigation menu : The menu links at the top of the desktop application allow you to switch between account information, your sync folders, backup options, shared files and folders, zero knowledge, settings, support, and information about the application itself.
• User interface : The desktop app is easy to navigate, but it doesn't have the most beautiful interface we've ever seen.
  

pCloud is easy, whether it's registering, downloading pCloud Drive, or using the desktop app.

The menu links make it easy to switch between the various options without having to do too many actions, but the user interface could be improved.

The desktop application is available for numerous operating systems (macOS, Windows, and Linux), making it an attractive option for Linux users.

2. pCloud compatibility (Web, Mobile, Extensions)

In recent years, pCloud has offered a variety of options for accessing your files, including the web interface, mobile and desktop applications, and browser extensions. Here is an overview of each option:

Web interface

• Access your files remotely :

You can access your files from any browser using the pCloud web interface.

• Navigation menu :

The pCloud web interface displays a navigation menu that allows you to easily access your files, public folder, pCloud Rewind, backups from other cloud services, trash, shared folders, shared folders, download links, and audio files.

• Adding and uploading files :

You can add files by dragging and dropping the files into the web interface, or by using the upload option to add files to the folder that is currently open. You can also download files by selecting the download option.

• User experience :

The web interface is intuitive and offers neat sorting options, from grid view to list view.

Desktop application and mobile application

• Available on multiple platforms :

pCloud's desktop apps are available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, while mobile apps are available for Android, iOS, and iPad.

• Similar features :

Features similar to those of the web interface, with links to navigate your files, add files, and make them available offline, and a smooth user experience.

• Access code protection :

They also offer the possibility of protecting sensitive files with an access code.

Web browser extensions

pCloud is compatible with Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Opera browsers that offer file sharing and management features (Great compatibility with different devices and platforms)

pCloud Save is a Chrome extension available on the web browser store that allows you to save images and text content to your pCloud account without having to do too many actions.

• To save an image, simply right-click on the image and select “Save to pCloud.”
• Save text, you can select the text and choose “Save to pCloud.”
• Save your text in multiple formats.
• You can find your saved items in the “Recently Saved” tab in the pCloud Save extension.

pCloud Save allows you to share your saved items through a public link or social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Email.

3. pCloud user interface

pCloud has a user-friendly and intuitive interface, with easy-to-use desktop and mobile applications. The pCloud interface is rated 9.3/10 by Presse Citron for its ease of use.

It includes a drag-and-drop upload function, careful file sorting, file organization options, and a grid or list view.

All options are available in the web interface itself, so you don't need the desktop app to use it.

• Desktop applications for Windows, MAC, and Linux are also easy to use.
• The mobile apps for Android, iOS, and iPad offer all the important options as well as dark mode and passcode protection for sensitive files.
• The folder management options are very interesting, you can create folders within folders, edit, rename, copy, move, add bookmarks, share or trash files as you see fit.
• A search bar to easily find your files is an added advantage.

pCloud has a user-friendly and easy to use interface, with convenient desktop and mobile applications to effectively manage your files.

4. Pcloud Pass password manager

Known for its online storage, the Swiss company pCloud has diversified into password management with the pCloud Pass application. It is a professional password manager (online safe)

• Plans and prices

The free option available with pCloud deploys the full range of features for people who only want to use one device.

It's a different approach than many other apps, which allow free users to download on multiple devices but with a restricted range of features.

The Premium plan costs $29/£25/AUD$50 for one year of access, and allows you to use the app on an unlimited number of devices (2TB, 500GB, etc.)

A lifetime plan is also available for a higher initial cost, but one that can pay off in the long run if you use pCloud Pass for more than five years.

Satisfied or refunded within 30 days (April 2023) and not included in lifetime plans. (several TB for life).

• Interface and performance

In most areas, pCloud Pass offers a solid range of password management features. It has an autofill function and can automatically save logins, passwords, and card details.

The app's password generator includes special characters and can create codes up to 34 characters in length. The interface is simple and easy to use, with your passwords and payment methods displayed as large icons in the center of the screen.

• security

All of your individual files and folders are protected by a standard 256-bit AES encryption key, while users' TLS SSL private keys are protected by 4096-bit RSA encryption.

This combined with a zero-knowledge approach and strict Swiss data privacy laws, you benefit from some of the best file encryption.

The app also supports facial recognition and fingerprint recognition for 2-factor authentication.

If you have the choice between 1PassWord and Dashlane, pCloud Pass is definitely an option worth considering.

5. pCloud Drive space

Struggling to find disk space on your desktop?

Here is the pCloud virtual drive which is where you can store them on the client side, it is a virtual hard disk on your computer up to 10 TB with sorting options such as in alphabetical order or by size, etc...

As soon as you install the pCloud desktop application, you get a pCloud virtual drive that doesn't take up space on your system.

Copy, paste, move, or delete items directly into this drive, and all changes will be synced to online storage.

The only downside is that you need to have an internet connection to access the pCloud drive up to 10TB. It does not load if you are offline.

Lodging

1. pCloud data centers

If you register with a new account, you have the choice between two different data centers on the pCloud website - United States and Europe.

Did you know that the United States is a major participant in various intelligence agencies such as the 5 Eyes and the 9 Eyes that share access to their users' data and information?

I don't think it's safe for privacy-sensitive data.

Recently, they also set up their data centers in Europe.

This is the data center location that you should choose for your servers, because the privacy, security and speed of European servers are much better than in the United States

I am glad that they offer the option to choose the server when registering.

Other online storage companies don't offer this option for up to 99 years.

2. pCloud speed

pCloud's upload and download speeds are quite good for an online storage service.

I tried to load and download an 824MB video file with a network speed of 100MB/s and here are the results!

While doing tests for pCloud, I got the following results:

• Download time: 2 min 17 sec
• Download time: 3 min 15 sec

I tested these results, and in my opinion, these speeds are quite impressive even for large files.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, pCloud is a very practical online storage solution (500 GB, 2 TB, lifetime subscription, etc.) used by millions of users that offers numerous functionalities and great ease of use.

Data security is a priority for society, which is reassuring for users.

The rates are competitive, with a free option available, as well as affordable paid plans. (and discounted prices on Black Friday)

Overall, pCloud is a great choice (Rated 9.3/10 by Presse Citron) for those looking for a reliable and secure online storage solution. A great alternative to Google Drive!