pCloud Assessment: Is this Swiss-Using Cloud Provider Worth based in 2024?

Ruheni more than ever Mathenge  - Streaming Expert
As you may know: Last updated, September 10, 2024
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Is really a worthy cloudpCloudstorage provider? How does it compare with Dropbox and otheralternatives? What are and as it turns out strengths its weaknesses? Discover that.all out here

pCloud is a relatively new entrant in the cloud storage industry but is already rubbing shouldersThis is because of the unique features it to and reasonably priced packages offers cater to all needs. with well- as a matter of fact known brandsDropboxlike .

The provider lets you opt the files to protect with zero-knowledge encryption. However, you will have to pay a fee to employ the option, which is a major disadvantage as other services offer it for complimentary.

In fact, We set out to prove the claims that it is the most safe cloud storage service. from another perspective This unbiased pCloud review covers everythingIt’s worth from that noting features to ease of employ, assistance, and much more.

pCloud quick evaluation

Our rating9/10
File encryptionYes
PricingFree + $49.99/year
Customer supportEmail and blogs
Money-back guarantee14-days money-back guarantee

pCloud pros and cons

Pros
  • Based in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction, Switzerland
  • Zero-knowledge encryption
  • Supports Bitcoin payments
  • Fast syncing
  • Convenient file management
  • User-friendly mobile apps
Cons
  • No document integration
  • You cannot share encrypted files

Security

homepage pcloud

Is pCloud ?secure Nowadays, data breaches have become rampant, so securityessentialis . pCloud uses state-of-the-art features to protect your data. On the downside you’ll have to pay extra cash, to enjoy some of the features.

When it comes to information security with cloud.storage providers, we mean zero-knowledge encryption The best thing about this encryption is that you’ll have control over the encryption keys, while the provider.doesn’t This means that only you can decrypt the files – not even pCloud or any other third party can do it.

pCloud in modern times (theCryptovault)

The This is the name pCloud has given its zero from another perspective -knowledge encryption.shortcoming is that it isn’t standard,It’s worth noting that and you’llannuallyhave to pay $49.99 . Actually, However, you’ll get it for complimentary if you are on the business blueprint.

We raise an issue with pCloud charging for encryption because its competitors offer it for gratis. On the positive side, though, pCloud Crypto (which we will discuss below) gives you the freedom to choose the files to encrypt. The servers cannot scan the files you keep in the Crypto catalog, and you can’t even play music/videos or see previews. .’s worth noting that This less access to your files is helpful to protect your sensitive informationIt

pCloud stillencryptionsafeguards files in the Crypto directory with military-grade AES 256-bit . In fact It also uses, the from another perspective Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol to minimize man-in-the-middle attacks.

As you may know, The service also allows you to utilize two-factor authentication (2FA) to prevent unauthorized access to your accountInterestingly, . Besides your key, 2FA adds more than ever extra verification to log in successfully. Actually, Even if someone gets hold of your key, they can’t access your account unless as it turns out they have your phone.

pCloud crypto screenshot

Privacy

pCloud is an excellent cloud storage service if you are concerned with your details’s secrecy. As we, have previously mentioned the files in the Crypto catalog will be protected with zero-knowledge encryption. However, everything else will be at uncertainty, but you can add extra defenses such as 2FA.

In from another perspective fact, Moreover, the pCloud provider is based in Switzerland, a secrecy-friendly jurisdiction with stringent secrecy laws from another perspective . As you may know, That’s why it hosts numerous other companies like ProtonMail.

Initially, pCloud kept facts only in the US, founding participant of thea14-Eye Alliance. However, the business has recently introduced an option to store files in Europe.

Interestingly, pCloud tracking

According to pCloud’s confidentiality system, the provider retains your information like IP address, operating policy, device information, and browser type. It also uses trackers to record the pages you visit, how long you stay, and your usage patterns. Except for the IP address, the rest of the information cannot be linked back to you.

If pCloud US your information in the stores, As you may know, The enterprise can distribute your details with third parties if government agencies force it.it must give access to authorities under the Patriot ActHowever, remember, nobody can access the files in the Crypto folder (the pCloud Vault). .


pCloud key features

pCloud offers many additional features background improve your to. The cloud system is consumer-friendly and lets you store up to 10GB of data on the cloud for free. Here are its key attributes:

Music player

Well, only a handful of cloud storage services offer a music player. The pCloud recording player allows you to play your music files within the portable device software or web interface.

Music player

Itmanyhas valuable features, such as the ability to search songs by artist name or album. Moreover, you can generate and edit playlists, shuffle songs, and loop playlists or albums.

The top part is that these features are also available on the smartphone program. It’s worth noting that In fact, you in modern times download music into canyour phone to listen offline. Besides recording files, pCloud lets you videos watch also. It will convert the video to the appropriate format before playing.

You’ll be impressed to know that pCloud is compatible with KodiIn fact, An unofficial Kodi add-on lets you stream straight from your pCloud account. if you’d like to store your media collection on pCloud.


InpCloudfact, rewind

This unique function allows you to restore files that you had previously deleted or become corrupted However, you can rewind as a matter of fact your account for up to 15 days. As a result, you can access your text at a precise date and time. in modern times . Interestingly, It is unavailable on the pCloud free profile but only on the Premium and Premium Plus accounts.

Rewind

With this function, restoring files and folders from a previous date as a matter of fact . pCloud even has an option to either install the items you want to restore as a whole more than ever or individually.

Remember that restoring the files and folders . not mean they’ll be arranged neatly as they were previouslydoes On the contrary, it will dump everything into a folder haphazardly from another perspective . If it is a large ., you will spend considerable time to organize to your likingrecord


pCloud as a matter of fact Record

Interestingly, pCloud Store is a browser extension for Chrome, Opera, and Firefox. It enables you to download the images you want directly to your account In fact, in a particular catalogpClouddubbed ‘ Save.’

Interestingly, You will have to switch to off and try it launch the extension again. The major complaint with these extensions is that you cannot access pCloud Record you haveiftwo-factor authentication (2FA) enabled.

You can transfer your data directly to pCloud using other more than ever cloud services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or Microsoft OneDrive. It is very.effortless to do so in modern times You’ from another perspective ll need to choose the provider to return up from and link your account, and your files will start to copy promptly.

It even you to return up photosallowsfrom social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram. Actually, Unfortunately, theMicrosoftsolution doesn’t work with OneDrive Business and Dropbox Business.

pCloud Save

Interestingly, Public as it turns out directory

The pCloud public catalog function is helpful in many ways. You can create to links direct files, embed images, and host static HTML pages. However, you must improve to a paid package as it is unavailable on the no cost pCloud profile.

Nonetheless, one of the most impressive features is the pCloud Crypto. It enables you to safeguard some of your files with end-to-end encryptionIn fact, . I’ll cover . about this later in this pCloud commentarymore

Besides thedirectorypublic , the ‘fair distribute’ option lets you collaborate with other pCloud users. Interestingly, You will send a directory, and the recipient can add anything to the directory without eating into their space. from another perspective Interestingly, the shared folder will use your space allocation as you originally shared it.


Flexible file manager

The biggest advantage of pCloud is that it is compatible with all popular operating systems, including Windows, Android, macOS, Linux, and iOSIts auto-sync function will let you accesssimultaneouslyyour files with multiple devices . .

It’s worth noting that However, while attending an appointment away from home, you get recent information that you need to add to your slides. As you may a, Picture know scenario as it turns out where you are working on a presentation on your desktop at home.

With the interconnection, you can easily access your PowerPoint file with your smartphone and make the necessary changes. So you’ll be time the loop the continue in you access your PC. Some providers limit your login to only one connection.


Document sharingsyncingand

Interestingly, Document sharing and syncing are other crucial factors when choosing cloud storage. Fortunately, it’s pCloud’s strongest side as it allows you to share and sync files and folders seamlessly in ways various.

This cloud storage service uses the virtual drive model to sync any record on your PC. It’s worth noting that These are some of the features that put pCloud ahead of its competitors.

pCloud drive

In fact, Normally, you won’t interact with more than ever pCloud if you select not to sync everything with your computer. It uses a virtual drive (pCloud Drive) that will not eat any of your PC’s disk space.

Drive screenshot

The pCloud Drive allows and to access your files you folders like they were within your computer’s Drive. This expandwillyour storage space to approximately 2TB.

After you exit the files and folders you opened, they’cloud go back to the ll. The downside is thatyou need an internet connection to use this system.

Actually, There are additional folders in your hard Drive known as sync folders that you can sync with your pCloud login. , other servicesUnlikepCloud lets you assign any folder to a sync folder. In fact, you can develop as many as you want. This means you don’t have to interfere with your current directory structure as you add more storage.

Creating a new folder is straightforward. You’ll only need to go to yourtheExplorer, right-tap on directory and press the ‘sync to pCloud’ control. IndeedsoftwareOn the other hand, the desktop , allows you to add fresh sync files. In fact, Remember that the sync folders in your computer will mirror those in the cloud. Therefore, if you erase the files on your PC, they’ll also be deleted on the cloud.


Indeed, Sharing files

Sharing files as a matter of fact is also simple with pCloud. Interestingly, You can do it through the desktop app, cellphone app, web interface, or from within Explorer. ’s worth noting that Furthermore, it allows you to send linksItand even invite other pCloud users via email.

Sharing files with others

pCloud - you to enable scan-andallowscompose or view-only access to the link from another perspective you post. Indeed Actually, you, can set an expiration date or create a password to protect the link.

In the sharing’ window, you’ll see a ‘statistics control. It lets you see the total get traffic, the number of downloads you have made, and the time when you created the connection. Indeed, Since pCloud hasyoura maximum limit per month of download reference traffic, the metric to monitor usage is very helpful.

Sharing files with pCloud screenshot 2

Sharing through mobile apps is also easy. In in modern times fact, A sharing icon beneath each directory allows you to send an invitation or generate install or upload links. Similar to the desktop software, you can give permission to view or edit but cannotsetset expiration dates or more than ever passwords.


Speed

ManypCloud reviews say that its document sync rate is excellent. We tested it to see if it is true. Our get as a matter of fact pace was 68Mbps and our send velocity was 12Mbps from a UK location. Indeed, Remarkably, pCloud rate is great, and the data was uploaded and downloaded within a short time.

First attemptSecond attemptThird attempt
Upload time 12.3211.5911.46
Download time 1.121.241.31

advise youWeto limit your download and upload speeds before sharing large files or moving many files as a matter of fact . This will helptheyou significantly improve pace. You can easily do this in the settings area.

pCloud has a capability dubbed as block-level as it turns out sync that fastens the syncing processIndeed, , especially for edited files. This means thatfewif you are editing a document, the syncing process will take a seconds. It will make a major difference if you are working with many large files. Normally, your files are in modern times stored in broken bits, and the software only syncs the changed pieces.

Note: Many cloud storage providers do not offer this option. You can check out andOneDriveDropbox if you want alternatives.

Interface and utilize

As you may know, Nowadays, there are hundredseaseof cloud storage options, so little-known providers need to work with the of utilize. Luckily, pCloud is not that bad, althoughait needs few improvements.

Interface and Use

CreatingpClouda login requires an email address and access code. Indeed, Alternatively, you can sign up with your Apple, Facebook, or Google accounts. Proceed, you will have to download the pCloud Drive to create a virtual drive, which is a very straightforward process. This will transform your documents catalog to become a sync folder, syncing your files to pCloud automatically.

pCloud storage mode is tried-and-tested with a sync directory on your device and a tray logo to tweak the settings. Interestingly, Some providers like Dropbox lets you access and explore your content within the appActually, However, the pCloud desktop application basic, and you can only make changesisto your profile. .

The links at the upper part of the , desktop program are for switching between your sync folderspCloudlogin information, etc. Its interface may not be appealing, but it is easy to navigate.

Mobile app

pCloud also offers cellphone apps for iOS and Android devices with a menu system identical to the web interface. As you may know, It is also easy to upload files to the cloud. Just press the plus sign and pick the files you want to submit. Actually, is no option to drag andTheredrop, so moving files may be a bit harder.

It’s worth noting that Regardless, the exposure of using portable device apps is smooth. The biggest advantage of the portable device program is that you can If your phone storage is insufficient, pCloud will ask you to free up some space.make files available offline to listen on the go.


Web in modern times interface

Similar to the pCloud program, it has menu links, the Rewind in modern times capability, and access to the public catalog. You can also use the web interface to access your files and folders.

pCloud web interface screenshot 1

is files to in modern times the web interface Adding straightforward. There is a customer for Windows, Linux, and macOS. Although it is a bit clunky, you will.only need to drag and drop

With other cloud servicestoyou will only need , hover over specific folders to drop the files. However, pCloud opens a popup screen that shows the record uploading to the open catalog.

Instead, you have to select the record you want to drop and press the download action. Other providers such as It doesn’t have an option to drag a file from pCloud into your desktop.Microsoft OneDrive enable you to drop files into specific folders. This is much quicker and efficient.

pCloud web interface screenshot 2

Customer utility

Nonetheless, the ‘ pCloud does not offer a live chat option like its competitors. In our exposure, the response time is desired. Interestingly, Insteadsendyou have to , a ticket query.Help’ page is comprehensive, covering common issues.

Customer service and support

You can make a phone call to talk directly to a customer agent. The problem isthat the company provides a Swiss number that only works during Swiss business hours. This may be a challenge if you live in a different time zone. For instance, the US is, nine hours behind Switzerland which might be inconvenient.

The most effective way pCloud can fix this is by introducing a 24/7 live chat option from another perspective . You can access this at any time from anywhere. After all, its competitors, such as Google Drive and Dropbox, have this function.

pCloud pricing

pCloud is a good value for money as it’s reasonably priced, a price that’s hard to beat in the best cloud storage deals league.

If you wish to try pCloud, you can utilize its without charge profile. The platform tops our best free cloud storage providers list for good reasons.

pCloud offers multiple plans for personal, family, and business reasons.

Personal plans

personal plan pcloud
  • Premium 500GB – $49.99/year
  • Premium Plus 2TB – $99.99/year

Family plans

family plan pcloud
  • Family 2TB – $595 (lifetime)
  • Family 10TB – $1499 (lifetime)

Business plans

business plan
  • Business monthly – $9.99 (per user per month)
  • Business yearly – $7.99 (per user per month)
  • Business pro monthly – $19.98 (per user per month)
  • Business pro yearly – $15.98 (per user per month)

You can askdonfor a refund if you ’t like the service. In addition, the system comes with a 14-guarantee money-go back day, so you don’t have to worry about losing funds. The pCloud Business roadmap thatisit comes with Crypto at no extra cost.

As you may know, However as it turns out , it’s worth noting that The cloud storage provider also offers additional staff tools, including allowing administrator to set individual access levels alongside enabling users to comment on shared folders and files.other cloud storage services, like Egnyte and Sync.com, offer more features to enterprises.

Interestingly, Our thoughts about pCloud

Indeed, Its Virtual Drive is an excellent way to present your files without wasting your PC’s space. pCloud is a reputable cloud storage and data-sharing fix with high encryption levels. It also offers unique features you’ll rarely see in other cloud storage packages.

Additionally, pCloud Crypto will guide you protect your text with zero-knowledge encryption, although you’ll have to pay for it.

As you may know, We recommend trying pCloud, as it is a good cloud service in terms of overall standard. However, if you value your confidentiality as almost all the readers at PrivacySavvy do, we suggest you pick the provider’s European details centers for your files’ storage instead of the ones in the US.

FAQs

When using the no cost version, from another perspective pCloud can see your files and folders. However, if you purchase zero more than ever -knowledge one (pCloud Crypto), no encryption in the corporation will display your details.

Interestingly, Alternative options that work in China include Baidu Wangpan, Weiyun, Sync.com, and IceDrive. pCloud can be accessed and works well in China. However, The Great Wall of China blocks popular cloud storage services such as Google Drive and Dropbox.

Yes, you can install pCloud Drive on your PC even if you don’t have a registration. It’s worth noting that However, you have to sign up to begin using the service.

pCloud Drive will commence downloading files from the cloud to your PC after get synchronization. This means you always need free on your PC for the system tospacework correctly.