Criterion by criterion
Where each one wins
MEGA8.5
End-to-end encrypted by default, with published client source code.
Privacy & encryption
25% weight
pCloud7.0
Swiss company; client-side encryption available as a paid add-on.
MEGA8.0
Competitive per-terabyte pricing on paid tiers.
Value for money
20% weight
pCloud8.5
Lifetime plans can beat years of subscription fees.
MEGA9.0
20 GB free, though downloads are subject to transfer quotas.
Free tier
15% weight
pCloud7.5
Up to 10 GB free, with some space unlocked through tasks.
MEGA7.5
Sync apps for Windows, Mac and Linux plus mobile backup.
Sync & apps
20% weight
pCloud8.0
Virtual drive on Windows, Mac and Linux with good mobile apps.
MEGA6.0
Encrypted chat and sharing, but no office editing.
Ecosystem & sharing
20% weight
pCloud6.0
Strong media playback, but no built-in office editing.
Published facts
Side by side
| Fact | MEGA | pCloud |
|---|---|---|
| Free storage | 20 GB | 10 GB |
| End-to-end encrypted by default | Yes | No |
| Lifetime plan option | No | Yes |
| Official Linux sync app | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in document editing | No | No |
| Company base | New Zealand | Switzerland |
Verdict
Which should you pick?
Choose MEGA if…
You want something best for people wanting lots of free encrypted space.
- + Large free allowance
- + End-to-end encrypted by default
- + Linux app
Choose pCloud if…
You want something best for people who prefer a one-off payment.
- + Lifetime plan option
- + Linux app
- + Up to 10 GB free
Checked 1 Nov 2026.
Questions
MEGA vs pCloud: quick answers
Is MEGA better than pCloud?
MEGA leads pCloud by 0.4 points overall (7.8 vs 7.4). MEGA scores higher on privacy & encryption, free tier. pCloud scores higher on value for money, sync & apps.
Who should choose pCloud over MEGA?
pCloud is best for people who prefer a one-off payment. MEGA is best for people wanting lots of free encrypted space.
How were MEGA and pCloud scored?
Both were scored on the same 5 weighted criteria for cloud storage services, using public information such as published plans and terms. We do not lab-test products.