pCloud Review in Brief:pCloud is an excellent cloud storage service that offers high-level security thanks to its client-side encryption. It is particularly popular for its lifetime payment options, user-friendly interface, and ability to handle large files. pCloud is suitable for individuals, businesses, and nonprofits thanks to its flexible plans and sharing and collaboration features. I validate 👍
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What is pCloud?
pCloud is a cloud storage service founded in 2013 and based in Switzerland, a country known for its strict data privacy standards. (Informaniak also understood this well in this article .) This platform allows users to easily store, share and manage their files online. pCloud stands out for its commitment to data security and user privacy. Unlike many other storage services, pCloud offers military-grade client-side encryption with pCloud Crypto , ensuring that your files remain protected from unauthorized access and it allows you to store your data on PC, MAC, iPhone etc... multiverse storage! .
Why use pCloud?
Military-grade security : With pCloud Crypto , your files are encrypted before they even leave your device. This level of security is particularly suitable for users who handle sensitive information and want to ensure maximum privacy.
Flexible and affordable pricing options : pCloud offers multiple pricing plans to suit every need. Options include annual subscriptions or one-time lifetime payments, which offer long-term savings.
pCloud Family Plan : pCloud also offers a Lifetime Family plan for a one-time fee of €599 (for 2TB shared storage) or €1,490 for 10TB . This plan allows up to 5 users to share storage space while enjoying the same security and privacy features.
Automatic backup and file history : pCloud allows automatic backup of your files, photos and videos, and keeps a history of file versions for up to 30 days or 1 year with a paid extension. This provides additional peace of mind in case of accidental deletion or unwanted modification.
Offline access and cross-device sync : With automatic sync across multiple devices, you always have access to the most recent versions of your files, even when offline. This means you can work on your documents and projects from anywhere, without interruption.
Easy Collaboration and Sharing : pCloud makes it easy to share files and folders with other users, including those who don’t use pCloud. You can set specific permissions, such as read-only or edit, allowing for efficient and secure collaboration.
pCloud Pricing in Detail
pCloud Individual Plan
Annual subscription:
500 GB for €49.99 per year . (instead of the usual €59.88).
2TB for €99.99 per year . (instead of the usual €119.88).
One-time payment for pCloud for life:
500 GB for €199. (instead of the usual €299).
2TB for €399. (instead of the usual €599).
10TB for €1199. (instead of the usual €1890).
pCloud Family Plan
Annual subscription:
not available in family version
One-time payment for pCloud for life:
2TB for €595 per year (instead of the usual €890).
10 TB for €1499 per year . (instead of the usual €2249).
pCloud Business plan (1TB / user)
Monthly subscription:
9.99€
Annual subscription:
7.99€
pCloud Business PRO plan (2TB / user)
Monthly subscription:
19.98€
Annual subscription:
15.98
A story of resilience thanks to pCloud
I experienced a fire that destroyed a large part of my little family's belongings, including precious memories. I managed to save my computer just in time because it was still accessible, the guy has all the data of my life and my work, it was shortly before the flames reached it.
If I had pCloud at that time, I would have been less worried about losing my data and would not have taken unnecessary risks to save my computer but I guess the sleepless nights would not have been different... With pCloud, all my data would have been safe in the cloud, ready to be retrieved at any time and from any device. This experience showed me in the worst way, how almost vital it is to have reliable cloud storage, not only for convenience, but also for peace of mind in case of an emergency.
For info, I opted for the 10 TB version of the lifetime family access .
Advantages of pCloud
Proven Security : In 2015, pCloud launched a global hacking challenge , the pCloud Crypto Hacking Challenge , offering a $100,000 reward to anyone who could break their client-side encryption. After six months and over 2,800 attempts by renowned security experts from around the world, no one has managed to crack their encryption system. This proves that pCloud takes the security of your data very seriously and can be considered one of the most secure storage services available today.
Secure Storage & Enhanced Privacy : Based in Switzerland, pCloud benefits from the country’s strict data protection laws. Along with client-side encryption, this ensures maximum privacy for your files.
Cost-effective Payment Options : By offering a one-time, lifetime payment option, pCloud allows users to save money in the long run compared to monthly or annual subscriptions of many other cloud services.
Intuitive interface and advanced features : pCloud is easy to use even for beginners, while offering advanced features like file versioning, secure sharing, and collaboration.
Disadvantages of pCloud
Upfront Cost of Lifetime Plan : While the one-time payment option is beneficial in the long run, the upfront cost may be high for some users. However, this cost can be quickly amortized, especially for heavy users, making pCloud a cost-effective option in the long run .
Internet dependency for some features : While pCloud offers offline access, some features require an active internet connection. However, the ability to automatically sync files once online keeps your data up to date and accessible anywhere .
Storage Limits on Free Plan : pCloud’s free plan only offers 10GB of storage, which may not be enough for some users. However, this free plan is great for testing out the service before committing to a paid plan, ensuring that pCloud is a good fit for your needs .
Sharing Large Files: Public or Private
pCloud allows users to easily share large files, either publicly or privately . You can create download links for large files and send them to colleagues, clients, or friends. These links can be password protected and have expiration dates for added security. For private sharing, pCloud allows you to specify specific permissions for each user, ensuring complete control over access to shared files. This feature is ideal for work teams, businesses, and even individuals who need to transfer large files securely.
pCloud for Business: The Business Offer
pCloud Business is specifically designed for teams and businesses that need secure cloud storage and collaboration tools. Each Business account offers 1TB of storage per user and includes all the features of pCloud Crypto for maximum file security. Additionally, the pCloud Business interface allows for easy team management, with the ability to assign roles, set permissions, and track activities on shared files. This allows businesses to centralize their data and facilitate collaboration while ensuring the security and confidentiality of sensitive information. This offering is ideal for businesses looking to optimize their workflow while reducing the risk of data loss.
pCloud for Nonprofits: A Secure and Affordable Solution
Nonprofits, cultural organizations, and charities often need reliable and cost-effective storage solutions to manage their documents, photos, videos, and other important files. pCloud is particularly suited for nonprofits thanks to its flexible pricing plan and user-friendly interface that does not require advanced technical skills. In addition, the ability to easily share files with members and external partners facilitates collaboration and transparency within the organization. With pCloud Crypto , nonprofits can also ensure the confidentiality of their sensitive data, such as donor information or internal records, while benefiting from the enhanced security offered by the platform.
pCloud Use Cases
pCloud is used by various professionals and individuals for a multitude of applications:
Sensitive File Backup : For businesses and professionals who need to store sensitive files, pCloud Crypto offers enhanced security, ensuring data remains confidential.
Media File Storage : Photographers and videographers love pCloud for its generous storage space and ability to play media files directly from the cloud, without having to download them.
Team Collaboration : For teams working on joint projects, pCloud makes collaboration easy by enabling file sharing with custom permissions, ensuring every team member has the documents they need.
Large-scale file management : With its high storage capacity and 5. Nonprofits can use pCloud to efficiently manage their files while maintaining the confidentiality of member and donor data. The flexibility of the service allows nonprofits to easily collaborate with external partners while protecting their sensitive data.
Additional features
pCloud also offers advanced features like deleted file recovery, access to file version history for up to 30 days (or 1 year with a paid extension), and integration with other productivity tools for smoother data management.
Conclusion
pCloud is a robust and secure cloud storage service, ideal for those looking for a reliable solution to manage and protect their files online. With flexible pricing options, cutting-edge security features, and a reputation backed by successful hacking challenges, pCloud is in my opinion the best possible alternative to external hard drives, Google Drives, and whatnot.
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