pCloud vs Microsoft OneDrive
pCloud leads Microsoft OneDrive by 0.1 points overall (7.4 vs 7.3).
7.4/10, Good
7.3/10, Good
Criterion by criterion
Where each one wins
pCloud7.0
Swiss company; client-side encryption available as a paid add-on.
Privacy & encryption
25% weight
Microsoft OneDrive6.0
Personal Vault adds extra sign-in checks, but files are not end-to-end encrypted.
pCloud8.5
Lifetime plans can beat years of subscription fees.
Value for money
20% weight
Microsoft OneDrive8.5
Microsoft 365 bundles bring Office apps alongside storage.
pCloud7.5
Up to 10 GB free, with some space unlocked through tasks.
Free tier
15% weight
Microsoft OneDrive4.5
5 GB free.
pCloud8.0
Virtual drive on Windows, Mac and Linux with good mobile apps.
Sync & apps
20% weight
Microsoft OneDrive8.0
Built into Windows with Files On-Demand; no official Linux app.
pCloud6.0
Strong media playback, but no built-in office editing.
Ecosystem & sharing
20% weight
Microsoft OneDrive9.0
Tight Word, Excel and Windows integration.
Published facts
Side by side
| Fact | pCloud | Microsoft OneDrive |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Microsoft OneDrive if…
You want something best for windows and Microsoft 365 users.
- + Built into Windows
- + Bundled with Microsoft 365 apps
- + Personal Vault folder
Checked 1 Nov 2026.
Questions
pCloud vs Microsoft OneDrive: quick answers
Is pCloud better than Microsoft OneDrive?
pCloud leads Microsoft OneDrive by 0.1 points overall (7.4 vs 7.3). pCloud scores higher on privacy & encryption, free tier. Microsoft OneDrive scores higher on ecosystem & sharing.
Who should choose Microsoft OneDrive over pCloud?
Microsoft OneDrive is best for windows and Microsoft 365 users. pCloud is best for people who prefer a one-off payment.
How were pCloud and Microsoft OneDrive 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.