pCloud in the 2022 test: Encrypted cloud storage with special features

1. Cloud storage with special features

2. No file size limitations

3. Crypto feature for extra security

4. Working together is only possible to a limited extent

5. Storage Plans and Pricing

6. This is how the termination works

7. Conclusion

The company behind pCloud was founded in Switzerland in 2013. The goal: to create cloud storage that is both secure and user-friendly. Today, the service is used by millions of customers on a wide variety of devices. Above all, the provider wants to assert itself against the competition with cheap storage space.

pCloud in the test: cloud storage with special features

At its core, pCloud works like other traditional cloud storage, but some features differ from comparable services. Basically, pCloud is online storage that you can access either via a web browser or via an app on your computer or mobile device.

The first difference is immediately noticeable on the PC: the integration of the pCloud in Windows or macOS. Alternative to the classic Binder on the hard drive, pCloud is its own drive in the cloud.

Data in the pCloud drive is not offline on your hard drive, rather you can open it in real time from the cloud with an existing internet connection, edit it and save it there again. This saves space on your actual hard drive, but it also means that you won’t be able to access your data if you don’t have an internet connection.

This can be remedied by manually synchronizing the drive with a hard disk folder. However, you have to set up the corresponding function manually, which is a bit tedious given the somewhat confusing menus. The online drive is therefore more of a practical feature for professionals, but it could overwhelm cloud newcomers. Equally, however, all users benefit from a 15-day revision history for all content in your pCloud (30 days for paying subscribers).

pCloud: platforms and other possible uses

In addition to an app for Windows and macOS, you can also get pCloud for Linux systems or install it as a handy app on your smartphone. A version is available for both Android and iOS.

Another possibility without any software installation: You use pCloud as a browser extension in the form of pCloud Save. Here, however, the functions are somewhat limited and the main purpose of the extension is to save images, videos and more from the Internet to your pCloud account. The add-on is for Google Chrome. Firefox, Opera and Microsoft Edge available.

pCloud in the test: No file size restrictions

The second special feature of pCloud is the convenient file management. You don’t have to worry about file size restrictions for uploads. Even HD content can be conveniently loaded into the cloud.

The provider also states that it does not limit either the upload or download speed, no matter what content you upload to or from the cloud. However, speed when uploading and downloading is not yet guaranteed, because the operators of pCloud naturally have no influence on restrictions imposed by your Internet provider.

pCloud in the test: More security than Dropbox and Google Drive

Another special feature of the pCloud are the security standards. First, all customers’ data is secured both in transit and while stored in the cloud using AES 256-bit encryption. This standard is also used by Google and Microsoft and is considered very secure.

For even more security, pCloud offers the paid service pCloud Encryption. This is a client-side encryption that creates an additional level of security in addition to the existing encryption. Anyone who books this creates a special folder in the pCloud in which particularly sensitive data can be stored with the additional encryption.

This data is then synchronized in encrypted form and can be accessed via all your pCloud end devices after entering a special crypto password. In terms of functionality, the tool is similar to Boxcryptor, which is free in the basic version.

Server location in Switzerland

Since the company behind pCloud has its server location in Switzerland, the operator is also bound by the data protection laws there. And they are much stricter and more customer-friendly than in many other parts of the world. Another plus point for data security.

Cloud storage in comparison: 13 providers in the test

However, the location of the servers is problematic: they are not in Switzerland, but in the United States (Dallas, Texas) on the one hand and in the European Union (Luxembourg) on ​​the other. Although the company promises to comply with Swiss data protection laws, there is a risk that secret services from these countries will gain access to the data on the respective servers.

While this risk is still relatively low in Luxembourg, caution is advised in the case of the USA. But since you can choose a location when you sign up for your subscription, you have it in your own hands here. We would always advise Luxembourg as a location.

pCloud in the test: Working together is only possible to a limited extent

Files and folders can be shared in pCloud via a link, as is the case with many other cloud storage devices. The many customization options convince us here. You can protect links with passwords and limit their validity if you wish.

Statistics are also available showing how many times a shared content has been accessed. The personalization options are also nice, allowing you to embed shared content in an individual design – for example to match your company design.

pCloud usage in practice

Here we present some of the special features of the pCloud in a picture gallery.

However, we miss functions for editing content together, such as those found in Google Drive and OneDrive. If cloud storage is to be used in everyday office life, this function is actually indispensable.

The pCloud interface only provides viewers that allow you to preview different file types. However, there is a lack of tools that also enable (joint) editing.

On the other hand, the scan function, which is available to iPhone and iPad users, is convenient. With the devices mentioned, you can simply scan documents, photos, etc. using the cell phone camera and save them securely in the cloud. Sharing the scanned files with other people is also quick and easy.

pCloud costs: storage plans and prices

Basically, you can use pCloud for free. Then you get 10 GB of storage space and can access all relevant functions. If you don’t have enough storage space, you can buy more for a fee. A subscription model is used here.

You can either increase your storage space to 500 GB storage volume for around 50 euros per year or to 2 terabytes for around 100 euros per year.

If you plan to use pCloud in the long term, you save with the lifetime offer: 500 GB permanently costs 175 euros and 2 terabytes 350 euros. Both models can convince in price compared to the competition. In any case, the provider promises a 10-day money-back guarantee.

If you want to use the crypto tool, you have to pay extra. After a free 14-day test phase, the tool costs either 49.99 euros a year or 125 euros once for lifetime use. Before buying, interested parties should note that pCloud already offers high security standards. If you really need the additional protection, you should consider other providers in connection with Boxcryptor for cost reasons.

pCloud: How to cancel

Your time-bound pCloud subscription will automatically renew if you don’t cancel it before it expires. The cancellation method varies depending on how you purchased your subscription. If you paid for the purchase on the pCloud website by credit card, the cancellation will be made directly to pCloud.

However, if you have paid the subscription costs via PayPal, you must also cancel via the PayPal website. If you purchase pCloud as an in-app purchase from Apple’s App Store, you can also cancel via Apple’s mobile devices. If you have downloaded the app for Android, you cancel accordingly via your Android device.

pCloud

editorial rating 8.2 reader ratings

325 reviews

Storage Capacity and Upgrades

9.0

pCloud: The best alternatives

Don’t you agree? Are you looking for suitable alternatives? Below are the best pCloud alternatives.

We also recommend that you take a look at our cloud storage leaderboards. You can find comparable products, for example, in the leaderboards “Cloud storage in comparison: 13 providers in the test” or “Comparison of free online storage: 10 free services in the test (2021)”

pCloud: datasheet

Here you can find the technical data for pCloud. You can easily compare size, weight and other properties with other products.

Storage in the free version	10GB
Package with the largest storage space	2 TB / 7.99 euros per month
collaborative working	✘ no
photo management tools	✘ no
Data encryption on the transmission path	✔ Yes
Data encryption on server	✔ Yes

Show all technical data❯