Criterion by criterion
Where each one wins
pCloud7.0
Swiss company; client-side encryption available as a paid add-on.
Privacy & encryption
25% weight
iCloud+8.0
Optional Advanced Data Protection extends end-to-end encryption to most data.
pCloud8.5
Lifetime plans can beat years of subscription fees.
Value for money
20% weight
iCloud+7.5
Fair pricing with Family Sharing, plus privacy extras in iCloud+.
pCloud7.5
Up to 10 GB free, with some space unlocked through tasks.
Free tier
15% weight
iCloud+4.5
Only 5 GB free, which device backups fill quickly.
pCloud8.0
Virtual drive on Windows, Mac and Linux with good mobile apps.
Sync & apps
20% weight
iCloud+7.0
Seamless on Apple devices, a Windows app exists, but no Android or Linux app.
pCloud6.0
Strong media playback, but no built-in office editing.
Ecosystem & sharing
20% weight
iCloud+8.5
Deep Apple integration with Pages, Numbers and Keynote.
Published facts
Side by side
| Fact | pCloud | iCloud+ |
|---|---|---|
| Free storage | 10 GB | 5 GB |
| End-to-end encrypted by default | No | No |
| Lifetime plan option | Yes | No |
| Official Linux sync app | Yes | No |
| Built-in document editing | No | Yes |
| Company base | Switzerland | United States |
Verdict
Which should you pick?
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
Choose iCloud+ if…
You want something best for people who use Apple devices.
- + Built into Apple devices
- + Optional Advanced Data Protection
- + Private Relay and Hide My Email on paid tiers
Checked 1 Nov 2026.
Questions
pCloud vs iCloud+: quick answers
Is pCloud better than iCloud+?
pCloud leads iCloud+ by 0.1 points overall (7.4 vs 7.3). pCloud scores higher on value for money, free tier, sync & apps. iCloud+ scores higher on privacy & encryption, ecosystem & sharing.
Who should choose iCloud+ over pCloud?
iCloud+ is best for people who use Apple devices. pCloud is best for people who prefer a one-off payment.
How were pCloud and iCloud+ 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.