pCloud Review
Swiss privacy with lifetime storage option
Overall Rating
Based on our testing
Quick Answer
pCloud scores 8.5/10 in our testing. It's best for lifetime subscription option and swiss privacy laws. Key strength: Lifetime subscription option. Main weakness: Crypto add-on costs extra.
Quick Summary
pCloud offers unique lifetime payment options and optional client-side encryption. Based in Switzerland, it's ideal for privacy-conscious users who want to pay once and own their storage forever.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Lifetime subscription option
- Swiss privacy laws
- Optional zero-knowledge encryption
- Built-in media player
- Virtual drive saves local space
- 10GB free with bonuses up to 20GB
What could be better
- Crypto add-on costs extra
- No native document editing
- Fewer integrations than competitors
Typical Promotions
- •Lifetime plans - pay once
- •Black Friday - up to 85% off lifetime
- •Family plans
Best time to buy: Black Friday for lifetime deal
pCloud Pricing
- 2TB storage
- All features
- Extended file history
- 10GB storage
- Basic sync
- File sharing
- 500GB storage
- All features
- 30-day file history
- 2TB forever
- One-time payment
- All features included
Key Features
pCloud In-Depth Review
pCloud is pCloud offers unique lifetime payment options and optional client-side encryption. Based in Switzerland, it's ideal for privacy-conscious users who want to pay once and own their storage forever. With an overall rating of 8.5/10 based on our testing, it delivers strong performance across key metrics in the cloud storage space.
Key Findings
- Lifetime subscription option: This stands out in our testing as a key strength of pCloud.
- Swiss privacy laws: This stands out in our testing as a key strength of pCloud.
- Optional zero-knowledge encryption: This stands out in our testing as a key strength of pCloud.
Performance & Speed
pCloud performed exceptionally well in our testing. Lifetime subscription option.
Features & Functionality
pCloud includes collaboration, offline access, desktop app, mobile app. The feature set is comprehensive and well-implemented, covering most user needs without unnecessary bloat. We particularly appreciated lifetime subscription option.
Pricing & Value
pCloud offers a free tier, making it accessible for users to try before committing. Paid plans start at $49.99/month. The free option is genuinely useful, not just a limited trial.
Ease of Use
pCloud's interface is intuitive and well-designed. New users should feel comfortable within minutes of signing up. There's room for UX improvements, but core functionality is accessible.
Our Testing Methodology
Testing involved uploading large file sets, measuring sync speeds across different connection types, testing conflict resolution when editing files on multiple devices, and verifying file recovery capabilities. We also evaluated sharing features and collaboration tools.
- Users who prioritize lifetime subscription option
- Those seeking a premium, reliable solution
- Budget-conscious users who want to try before buying
- Users seeking value without sacrificing essential features
- Users who can't accept crypto add-on costs extra
- Budget-restricted users who need a more affordable option
The Bottom Line
pCloud is a solid performer that works well for most users. Its strength in lifetime subscription option makes it worth considering, though crypto add-on costs extra may affect certain users.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some products are sponsored. Rankings reflect our honest assessment. Our editorial content is independent and unbiased. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through our links. Read our full disclosure
- Best Cloud Storage for Personal UseBackup photos, documents, and files securely
- Best Cloud Storage for BusinessTeam collaboration and enterprise security
- Best Cloud Storage for EnterpriseCompliance, audit logs, and unlimited scaling
- Best Cloud Storage for StudentsAffordable storage for school and projects
- Best Cloud Storage for CreativesStore and share large media files
- Best Cloud Storage for PhotosBackup and organize your photo library
- Best Cloud Storage for VideosStore and stream large video files
- Best Cloud Storage for BackupAutomatic backup and file versioning
- Best Cloud Storage for CollaborationReal-time editing and team sharing
- Best Cloud Storage for File SharingEasy sharing with large file support
- Most Secure Cloud StorageEnd-to-end encryption and zero-knowledge privacy
- Best Cloud Storage for PrivacyZero-knowledge encryption keeps your files private
- Best Cloud Storage for Large FilesNo file size limits for big uploads
- Best Cloud Storage with SyncKeep files synced across all devices
- Best Cloud Storage for MacNative macOS integration and Finder sync
- Best Cloud Storage for WindowsExplorer integration and OneDrive alternatives
- Best Free Cloud StorageGet free storage space for your files
- Best Cheap Cloud StorageLots of storage without the big price tag
- Best Unlimited Cloud StorageNo storage limits for power users
pCloud FAQ
How much does pCloud cost?
pCloud starts at $0.00/mo for the Free plan. They also offer Premium 500GB ($49.99/mo), Premium Plus 2TB ($99.99/mo), Lifetime 2TB ($399/mo).
Is pCloud worth it in 2025?
pCloud scores 8.5/10 in our testing. Lifetime subscription option. However, crypto add-on costs extra.
What are the pros and cons of pCloud?
Pros: Lifetime subscription option; Swiss privacy laws; Optional zero-knowledge encryption. Cons: Crypto add-on costs extra; No native document editing; Fewer integrations than competitors.
Is pCloud safe to use?
pCloud is a legitimate cloud storage service. We recommend reviewing their privacy policy for full details.
Does pCloud have a free plan?
Yes, pCloud offers a free plan with 10GB storage, Basic sync. Paid plans start at $49.99/mo.