pCloud is a popular provider. It offers unique cloud storage options, so let’s see how they perform.
Device Compatibility
pCloud works well on most devices.
The desktop client is pretty easy to set up. pCloud keeps your files in the cloud only by default, thereby freeing up space. If you want a file copy to stay on your machine for offline access, you can change the selective sync settings.
On a side note, the desktop client functions as a virtual drive. This is irrelevant in most cases. If your computer has multiple user accounts, though, you’ll need to switch off pCloud after you’re done using the computer. Otherwise, other users will be able to open the virtual drive, which is a flaw if you want secure cloud storage.
Of course, you can bypass this by using the web client. It keeps all the functions, and the only drawback is that its drag-and-drop functionality is a bit clunky.
The mobile app works on Android and iOS devices. The client has all the features of the desktop app, and it plays well with other mobile apps, which is always a plus.
Ease of Use
pCloud’s desktop client is easy enough to handle. The main pCloud folder appears as a virtual drive, which can be new for some users, but it works pretty much the same as any other folder.
It’s relatively simple to send or copy files to your pCloud folder and start syncing. The desktop app lets you do things typically exclusive to the web client—like managing share links—which adds to the user experience.
The browser client is well-designed too, though it lacks seamless drag-and-drop upload of a few other platforms.
The mobile version is also intuitive and has easy navigation, complete with buttons for quick access to important folders. You can also set up automatic upload for both photos and videos, which is helpful if you’re looking for the best cloud storage for photos.
The mobile app lets you quickly send shared links through other social media apps. It is an awesome feature, and it makes sharing via the phone fast and easy.
Speaking of, link sharing is a piece of cake from all devices. You can generate generic or custom links, set up passwords and link expiry times, preview all shared files, and even look at download metrics. There’s a lot to love about pCloud’s features.
Features
pCloud comes with a bunch of cool features like social media backups, file versioning and rewinds (up to 30 days), document previews, and more.
The data protection features are tight. pCloud gave 2,860 professionals six months to find a vulnerability and even offered a $100,000 reward to anyone who succeeded. No one managed to collect it.
That said, pCloud charges extra for no-knowledge encryption, which isn’t great news if you want the most secure cloud storage solution. The feature is worth it if you get a lifetime subscription (more on that later), but there are cheaper alternatives (like MEGA) if you’re paying month-to-month.
The platform uses block sync, though Dropbox’s technology is superior here.
pCloud has excellent features for media. You can upload and preview photos. Not only that, but you can also upload videos and watch them from the cloud environment. Fast upload speeds, no file size limit, and the possibility to pick video quality when streaming make it a fantastic provider for storing videos.
The audio features take the cake, though. Not only can you upload and listen to audio, but you can create playlists and even shuffle songs while streaming.
Business plans let you track account activity, and users can comment on files. There’s little in terms of other collaboration functionality to speak of, though.
Still, the features make pCloud one of the best personal cloud storage platforms.
Integrations
pCloud isn’t the most integration-rich platform.
The platform does run apps that let you connect to social media like Facebook, Instagram, and Picassa. This lets you back up data from your accounts.
If you run a WordPress site, you can also connect pCloud and run backups. This is a handy way to get offsite backups if your hosting provider doesn’t offer them.
pCloud has more integrations in the works, but that’s it for now.
Plans
pCloud has a free tier with 10GB of storage. You can expand this by referring others.
The free plan does lack some features, like setting passwords on files. Nevertheless, pCloud is the best free cloud storage provider if you want to upload a bunch of songs and listen to the playlist on your phone.
pCloud offers two personal plans. You can get 500GB of storage for $4.16/month with an annual subscription. 2TB of storage would cost you $8.33/month.
The deals are great as is. That said, pCloud lets you get a lifetime subscription. This costs you $175 with the 500GB plan, and $350 with the 2TB one.
If you’re looking to use the service for 4+ years, the plans get you awesome value. If you can make the one-time payment, you’ll be set for up to 99 years.
We could speculate how online file storage services will develop in the future. Still, it’s tough to say if 2TB of storage will be useful in, let’s say, 15 years. As things stand, though, this is a fantastic investment.
pCloud does limit your link download bandwidth to prevent you from overusing the file sharing feature, which is standard. The limit is equivalent to your storage capacity.
There is a Family plan that costs $500. It allows for up to five users, but it is pretty much the same as the $350 plan, so you’re getting less value here.
The business plan costs you $8/month per user, with a minimum of three users, each getting 1TB storage. The price is fair.
Bottom Line
pCloud is one of the best cloud storage providers. If you want to store photos, audio, or video files, or just want a fast and secure service, it’s the go-to option. Plus, you can get fantastic value with the lifetime subscription.