#3 of 8 in Cloud storage services
pCloud review
A Swiss storage provider best known for lifetime plans paid once instead of monthly. Client-side encryption is offered as a paid add-on for a dedicated folder.
Last checked · Available: Global
Scorecard
How pCloud scores
Swiss company; client-side encryption available as a paid add-on.
Lifetime plans can beat years of subscription fees.
Up to 10 GB free, with some space unlocked through tasks.
Virtual drive on Windows, Mac and Linux with good mobile apps.
Strong media playback, but no built-in office editing.
Best for
People who prefer a one-off payment.
Not ideal for
Users who want everything end-to-end encrypted at no extra cost.
Trade-offs
Pros and cons
What stands out
- Lifetime plan option
- Linux app
- Up to 10 GB free
- Built-in media player
Worth knowing
- Encryption costs extra
- No document editing
- Lifetime value depends on long-term use
At a glance
Key facts and pricing
- Free storage
- 10 GB
- End-to-end encrypted by default
- No
- Lifetime plan option
- Yes
- Official Linux sync app
- Yes
- Built-in document editing
- No
- Company base
- Switzerland
- Price band
- Mid-range
- Founded
- 2013
- Based in
- Switzerland
Pricing: Free tier plus annual and lifetime plans; frequent lifetime-plan promotions; encryption is a paid add-on. Free plan: yes.
Head to head
Compare pCloud with
Also consider
pCloud alternatives
Questions
pCloud: common questions
Is pCloud good?
pCloud scores 7.4 out of 10 in our cloud storage services scorecard, rank 3 of 8. A Swiss storage provider best known for lifetime plans paid once instead of monthly. Client-side encryption is offered as a paid add-on for a dedicated folder.
Who is pCloud best for?
Best for people who prefer a one-off payment. Less suited to users who want everything end-to-end encrypted at no extra cost.
How much does pCloud cost?
Free tier plus annual and lifetime plans; frequent lifetime-plan promotions; encryption is a paid add-on. Free plan: yes.
What are pCloud's key terms and features?
Free storage: 10 GB; End-to-end encrypted by default: No; Lifetime plan option: Yes; Official Linux sync app: Yes; Built-in document editing: No; Company base: Switzerland. As published by the brand, last checked 2026-11-01.
What is a good alternative to pCloud?
Google One (Google Drive) (7.8/10) is the top-scoring option in the same list. See the full cloud storage services ranking for every alternative.
Transparency
Sources and how we make money
Sources we used
Checked 1 Nov 2026. Brands change terms often; confirm on the brand's site before you buy.
How we make money
Some links to brands may earn AltFTool a commission. That never changes a score, a rank or whether a brand is listed. Scores come only from the criteria above.
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