pCloud is pleasant to use because the interface is so clean and logical. Client-side-encryption which is truly the hidden gem and game-changer here.
If you’re interested in getting cloud storage from an established provider, make sure you read till the very end.
For a starter, you should know that they offer all of the right features at the right price point.
What distinguishes them from the rest of the services are:
- Ultra-Secure pCloud Crypto folder [which is an add-on, too bad]
- Lifetime plan where we only paid once [not many providers offering these perks]
- Zero learning curve
Discover the pros and drawbacks that I dug out during my test out.
Once you’ve gone through the need-to-know here, you will be ready to make a wise and informed decision about whether pCloud’s service suits your needs.
I had to warn you that this is a very long and detailed write-up!
And it also contains affiliate links that will direct you to our merchant partner. While this will not cost you anything, we thought it would be good to give you a heads-up on this.
pCloud – Are They Safe to Use
First off, this is a Swiss-based company set up in September 2013.
We’ve all heard about the Swiss Finance & Banking industry, but how often have you heard of a tech company coming out from Helvetia?
Possessing the heritage of any Swiss banking culture of respecting privacy, pCloud being ranked the top 50 companies with the best privacy rights experience is something proud to have.
The company’s forward-thinking team members are committed to providing a solution that is supposed to be simple and secure at the same time.
Part of the secret of this company’s continued success is its intuitive interface.
The service is very simple to use and straightforward. Clean and easy navigation for a better user experience.
They put a lot of effort into designing a user-friendly environment that just about anyone can get straight for the first time.
All of these are great until their fierce competitor arrives, Icedrive, secure cloud storage from the UK.
So great until we make a comparison among them both at pCloud vs Icedrive.
When it comes to cloud storage services, data security is crucial!
One of pCloud’s chief business rivals, DropBox, was hacked in 2014, giving out millions if not thousands of user information.
They understand the importance of security and privacy.
They aim to make pCloud as safe and secure as possible and to avoid a Dropbox-like disaster.
For that, they organized a Crypto hacking challenge.
They are looking for a hacker who can breach their client-side encryption security feature.
Any hacker who could get into their server would be rewarded with a prize of $100,000 dollars.
We will cover that more in the latter part.
Where pCloud Store My Files
Before this, all files and documents that you uploaded will be held in their US-based servers (Texas).
With the latest addition European data center in Luxembourg, there will be a new selection on where you want your files to be hosted or stored in the pCloud servers.
They let users which are you decide where their files will be stored!
That’s a unique and uncommon practice in the industry in a good way where users have more control over their preferences.
Currently, the option to select the server location is available only to newly registered users.
The company does not exclude the possibility of adding the option to change the storage location for existing users in the future.
So, keep in tab and we’ll bring you the latest update for the existing users.
If you need further technical info about their data center, please head over here for a complete detailing.
7 Pros That We Discover During the Review
Data security is important. So is a user-friendly interface.
They have both!
Do you know that pCloud is the first and only cloud provider that offers encrypted and non-encrypted folders all under the same account? Security and convenience all in one place.
But, the advantages of picking this trusted cloud storage service do not stop here!
Let’s talk about the 7 pros that I’ve discovered and why they are always a step ahead of other cloud storage providers.
1. Unlimited Capabilities – Transfer Rate and File Size
You can share and store as much content as you wish to, at the highest speed that your Web service provider allows. There is no upload or download speed limit cap. The only restriction is your own ISP service regardless of whether you are a free or premium user.
No file size restriction too. Stored all your HD video and need not worry about the file size.
Find out how long it takes for you to transfer ‘x‘ GB of file size from your upload speed by using our File Transfer Calculator Tool.
If you want to share digital files in a quick and simple way, this is the right cloud-based storage solution!
Did we mention that they ranked #2 in our upload testing for the fastest cloud storage experiment?
Well, we just did.
2. Real-Time Synchronization
Some may refer to this as a real-time modification of the file.
What is great about this feature is, they happen both ways. This instant synchronization is able to update your computer files when you make changes using their pCloud Drive.
Upload them to the pCloud web portal and at the same time download the file to your computer as well.
Awesome feature.
Also, I love the fact that it’s possible to upload massive amounts of files by drag & drop via pCloud Drive.
3. Generate Reliable Upload Link
As well, this feature is renowned for offering link uploading which is reliable, quick, and simple to perform.
This option enables you to share the upload link with a friend or colleague to share files with ease of use.
They can upload data directly to your folder without hassle.
Share even the bulkiest documents with a single location link. You won’t need to divide documents into an array of emails.
4. 20GB of Free Cloud Storage
They might not be the most generous free cloud storage around.
But this is a great choice for sharing and receiving files.
You share digital data and control which files other people can view, change or delete. This service is an excellent choice if you’re afraid of running out of space too.
pCloud offers 10GB of free space. The extra 10GB of free space gain by referring or inviting other users to register.
Each successful registration earns you an extra 1GB.
Learn how you can earn more space here.
You’ll be able to move things from your computer into the cloud and this means more space on your PC!
5. Offline Access
This wonderful cloud storage service gives users the power to access their data even when they are offline.
Right-click on the folder that you need offline access to in your pCloud Drive local folder.
You will be able to access the folder on your computer even when you are offline next time.
Right now, more than eight million people are using pCloud.
Since the service does have so many “pros”, it’s not hard to understand why it’s so popular!
Furthermore, if you stop paying after using it.
They will still keep your files up to 10GB. That’s one of the ways they make it to our recommended personal cloud storage here!
6. Convenient File Management
You are in total control of your own files. Easier file management is what draws us to the pCloud.
You’ll know what I am talking about if you are a regular Google Drive user.
You are able to search and filter any type of file for easier reference.
There’s no need to worry about any file lost or accidentally deleted files as the trash will be kept for up to 180 days.
Furthermore, you can access your file with different devices at no extra cost.
7. Top-Notch Security and Encryption
pCloud offers encrypted and non-encrypted folders in the same account.
You might argue that why not encrypted everything and secure your privacy and data at most?
But this would kill off the user-friendly feature which makes them stand out among the rest.
You can select and encrypt your sensitive data to the highest level of protection.
At the same time enjoy the easiness to access your video, photo, or other files that need the transcoding of media files so they are playable in the cloud.
pCloud makes the best of both (security with user-friendliness).
No doubt pCloud is one of the most secure cloud storage available in the market right now with extra cost for it.
They Never Stop Innovate & Improving
One thing for sure is that they never seem to stop innovating.
Cloud storage is a nerdy business. Fun and innovation might be the last thing we can relate to them.
With the latest addition feature “Preview-only Links”, looks like there’s still a lot of fun and things to tweak and toggle around the cloud storage space.
We’ve tried the new feature and it was just simple and awesome.
Best of all, it was available to all whether you are a free or paid user.
It’s Not Always Rainbows and Butterflies
I tested out the Windows version for my desktop, Ipad, and also the Android app version for my phone.
The highest security feature is the Crypto folder and which costs $49.99 per year alone and a year of 500GB cloud storage subscription for another $49.99.
That means you need to spend $100 per year for a 500GB fully encrypted cloud storage service.
Well, the good side is they do offer a 10-day money-back guarantee to let you try and see it for yourself.
The price for this zero-knowledge encryption might be on the high side for most of us, but that may be a small price to pay for your privacy and security as per said.
You can always opt for Sync.com which I believe offer great cloud storage with security feature at no extra cost as a great alternative.
*Correction: With the latest software, you can now set a password and expiration date for all your download links. Please be reminded that these functions are only available through the web version only. Currently only for Premium and above users.
Here’s a short clip on how the password is being set up for folders.
Setting Password for pCloud Folder – Video open in Youtube [new tab]
Install the pCloud Drive on Windows
In order to be able to use pCloud Drive and maximize the usability of pCloud, you first need to download and installed the driver.
You can find all the driver versions for Windows or Mac here.
Once you had to download the respective version that is compatible with your desktop operating system, you can start the installation at once.
Virtual Drive – P:
You will be able to see an additional virtual drive on your computer once the installation is complete.
It would be like a new hard drive and an extra amount of storage for your computer. The only difference is that you never actually added any new hard disk.
The amount of storage depends on the plan that you’ve purchased.
You should see 10GB of free storage if you are using the free version.
The advantage of installing pCloud Drive is the usability and flexibility in handling all your files and folder.
You’ll be able to drag and drop any files or folders directly into your pCloud Drive and it will automatically sync to your account seamlessly.
It works just like Dropbox if you had experience with it before.
Another nice feature that I discovered is the ability to automatically store all your Screen Shot photos.
This is a great added feature for users that captures a lot of screenshots, whether it’s for work or leisure such as game playing.
It works instantly and without the need to lift your finger for extra steps.
pCloud Folder
One of the most important assets in pCloud is by using their pCloud folder.
A pCloud folder is a virtual folder in the pCloud system that acts as a container for storing files and data. Users can upload, download, and access their files from anywhere with an internet connection.
pCloud folder is a cloud-based file storage solution that offers users a convenient way to store and access their data from anywhere. Some additional features of a pCloud folder include:
- Syncing: pCloud folder can be synced across multiple devices, so users can access their files from any device with the pCloud app installed.
- Collaboration: pCloud folder allows users to share their files and folders with others and collaborate in real time.
- Security: pCloud folder offers military-grade encryption to protect users’ data.
- Backup: pCloud folder can be used as a backup solution, allowing users to easily recover their files in case of data loss.
- Accessibility: pCloud folder can be accessed through a web browser, desktop app, or mobile app, making it easy for users to access their data from any device.
If you had used Dropbox before, it is the same as having a Dropbox folder on your computer. You can drag, drop, and modify all the files in the folder and they will get synced and uploaded to the pCloud’s server instantaneously.
pCloud Backup is Now on PC and MAC
As I mentioned earlier, pCloud is always innovating and improving.
The pCloud backup is the latest addition of features and functions to their cloud storage services.
This backup had to integrate with their pCloud drive in order to be able to back up your selected folders from your PC or Mac.
Make sure you had the latest version of 3.10 and above for both Windows and macOS.
Otherwise, you can just update it manually as shown below.
What are the advantages of using this pCloud backup you might be asking?
One of the reasons I see myself using them is that this will not disrupt my working flow.
I do not need to drag and drop into the sync folder nor had to manually pick and upload my working file to the cloud.
These enable me to work worry-free as my selected folder will get back up in real-time as I work on the files inside it.
That’s what I called an excellent user experience!
Did I even mention that they have this pCloud app for mobile so you can backup photos from your phone with ease?
pCloud Security – Crypto Hacking Challenge
If you still remember that we mentioned the crypto hacker challenge. Now, this is it that we’ve left behind.
2860 hackers tried their best…
Yet, no one could get into the system’s server or penetrate the “user side” encryption. The hackers tried for half a year with zero success.
Did you know that 15% of business people who use cloud services have been hacked before?
Another competitor of pCloud, Google Drive, offers good service too.
But, these services are only as secure as the Google accounts of their users.
We are all aware of how these tech-giants are spying on us.
To make it worse, in May of 2017, Google accounts were put at risk due to a phishing scheme. The scheme tricked some users into clicking on links that appeared to lead to Google Docs.
The emails with the links included seemed to come from known and trusted contacts!
If you don’t want your private or company information hacked, they might be the wisest choice here.
It’s not only me saying, but it’s also backed up by facts and tests!
They offer unbeatable data security with the easiest-to-use web interface.
This is why I recommend them over Dropbox or Google Drive which is now being called Google One.
All your files are protected from hackers as that’s what Crypto does with its encryption key..
This is due to its client-side encryption (TLS/SSL).
Hackers from all over the world have failed in what they do best as there has been no successful hack so far.
Their data servers are located in Dallas, Texas, USA with cache and proxy servers in the EU.
Files are divided and stored in 15 different racks with servers – and the system manages to stay alive even if 5 racks are offline!
Impressive, right?
This military level of protection is very attractive to end-users.
Especially to non-technical users like us.
Isn’t it a relief to know that whatever you downloaded on that cloud is safe and sound?
In fact, so safe that no one will ever be in a position to breach it.
Make your sensitive files invisible to others – except for those you do want to share the files with.
Not even pCloud’s admins will have access to it – the key to protection is in your hands, and it’s called Crypto Pass.
It’s not been an easy task to hold off hackers and breachers since 2013.
Can pCloud see my files?
pCloud provides secure file storage and sharing service that allows you to store your files in the cloud.
When you use pCloud cloud storage, the files are stored on their secure servers, not on your computer’s hard drive.
This means that no one can access your files unless you share them with someone else.
pCloud cannot see your files, not even pCloud staff or management. All data is encrypted before it is sent to the server and stored with military-grade encryption, so even if someone did gain access to pCloud’s servers they would be unable to view any of your information.
Your privacy is protected and all of your activities remain anonymous.
Additionally, pCloud offers two-factor authentication which adds an extra layer of security to make sure that only you have access to your pcloud account.
With this in mind, you can rest assured knowing that your files are safe and secure with them.
Alternatives – What is better than pCloud?
For some reason, you might want to look at some other best cloud storage options.
Here are some that we thought might be viable replacements if you are not considering pCloud.
Check out some of our Dropbox alternatives too.
| Providers | Pricing | Top Features | Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sync.com | $8.00/mo | – 2TB – Sync Vault | Review |
| 2 | Google One | $9.99/mo | – 2TB – Easy Collaboration | Review |
| 3 | Tresorit | $13.99/mo | – 1TB – Swiss Privacy | Review |
| 4 | iCloud | $9.99/mo | – 1TB – Apple Ecosystem | Review |
| 5 | Icedrive | $4.99/mo | – 1TB – Client Side Encryption | Review |
Is Pcloud Right for Me?
PCloud is an online storage service that provides users with secure and easy access to their files. It offers a range of features, including automatic backups, file synchronization across devices, and encrypted data storage.
If you’re looking for reliable cloud storage with plenty of features, pCloud may be very well worth considering.
The service has strong security measures in place so you can rest assured that your data is safe and secure.
Furthermore, their customer support team is always available to answer any queries or help out with any issues. With plans starting at as low as $4.99 per month, PCloud is an attractive and cost-effective solution for both individuals and businesses alike.
pCloud is a cloud-based file storage and sharing service that lets you easily access your files from any device. You can share files with friends and colleagues, or keep them private for use with your business.
pCloud also offers security features like password protection and file-sharing encryption, so you can be sure your files are safe when you’re not around.
I would recommend a pCloud lifetime subscription if you are seriously checking them out.
Final Thought
After signing up for pcloud and trying every facet of their service and software.
I am truly impressed.
It’s a fine choice for personal or even for business usage and its advantages outweigh its one drawback.
Make sure you get a glimpse of our worst cloud storage ever here.
If you want blue-chip services and the ultimate in data security, you’ll be seriously considering after checking our review here.
With the latest of the pCloud Family Plan that can be shared with up to 5 users, you’ll know they always stay one step ahead and keep on improving their services.
I can easily give them 5 stars rating here if not because of the extra cost for Crypto encryption, where Sync.com excels on this.
If we compare the 2TB for both pCloud and Sync.com which are offering the same price at $8/mo.
pCloud require an additional $49.99/year for the extra encryption and Sync.com does not with their Vault feature.
Kudos to Sync on that. Make sure you check out their review here.
If you are not considering Lifetime cloud storage, we would seriously ask you to check on Sync.com instead!