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What is pCloud?
It is a cloud storage based in popular Switzerland with an excellent value for money like Google Drive that allows users to store, sync, and share files online.
pCloud AG was created in Switzerland (pCloud since 2013). The latter has gained over 16 million users thanks to its strict privacy policies and lifetime plans.
With a free pCloud account, you get 10GB of free space that can be increased by completing certain tasks, such as installing the desktop application or verifying your identity via email.
pCloud Features
1. Registration and Use
pCloud is distinguished by its ease of use. Registration is quick, requiring only an email address or social media login. Once registered, pCloud Drive is easily set up on your computer.
The desktop application, available on multiple operating systems, offers a simplified interface for:
- Manage settings
- Synchronize files
Although the interface can be improved, pCloud is still very accessible, even for beginners.
2. Compatibility (Web, Mobile, Extensions)
pCloud offers a extended compatibility across various platforms. The web interface allows remote access to your files, with an intuitive navigation menu.
Mobile and desktop apps share similar features:
- Easy file navigation
- Offline access
- Access code protection for sensitive files
The “pCloud Save” Chrome extension makes it easy to save content directly from your browser.
3. pCloud Pass Password Manager
pCloud Pass is a secure password manager offering advanced features. It uses 256-bit AES encryption, reinforced by RSA 4096-bit encryption for private keys.
Main characteristics:
- Automatic refill
- Creating complex passwords
- Two-factor authentication
Available in a free version for a single device, paid plans allow unlimited use.
If you have the choice between 1PassWord and Dashlane, pCloud Pass is definitely an option worth considering.
4. pCloud Drive
pCloud Drive creates a virtual hard disk on your computer, allowing you to store up to 10TB of data without taking up space on your local drive. This virtual drive automatically syncs with the cloud, making it easy to manage large files.
Although access requires an Internet connection, this feature frees up disk space while ensuring that files can be accessed from anywhere.
5. Hosting and Speed
pCloud offers the choice between data centers in the United States and Europe upon registration. This flexibility is valuable for users who care about data privacy.
The download and upload speeds are impressive, even for large files. The performance compares favorably to other online storage services.
6. Data Encryption with pCloud Crypto
pCloud Crypto offers a zero-knowledge encryption, ensuring maximum confidentiality of your data. This service creates a secure Crypto folder that can only be accessed with your personal Crypto Pass.
Zero-knowledge encryption means that even pCloud can't access your encrypted files. This option, which costs around $5 per month, is ideal for users with high data security requirements.
7. File sharing
pCloud simplifies file sharing while offering advanced security options. You can:
- Password-protect shared links
- Set expiration dates for accesses
- Customize sharing settings
- Consult link usage statistics
A unique feature allows you to request files from non-pCloud users. In addition, the service can be used as a hosting solution to integrate files into HTML websites.
[Image: pCloud sharing interface showing security options] Caption: pCloud's secure sharing options provide total control over your shared files
8. Offline mode
The Offline mode from pCloud allows you to access your files without an Internet connection. This feature is particularly useful for:
- Consult important documents on the go
- Listen to your music or podcasts without consuming mobile data
- Work on your files in areas with no network coverage
pCloud automatically synchronizes changes once the connection is re-established, ensuring a smooth user experience.
9. Synchronization and Backups
pCloud offers a automatic sync between all your devices, guaranteeing continuous protection of your data. The service goes further by offering:
- Backing up content from Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, and Facebook
- An extended trash can that keeps deleted files up to 360 days
- The ability to go back to previous versions of your files
These features provide peace of mind when it comes to the security and accessibility of your important data.
10. Public folder
The public record from pCloud, included in Premium plans, can be used as a hosting solution for static HTML websites. This feature allows users to easily publish web pages or share files via direct links.
It is a convenient option for those looking for an all-in-one solution, combining cloud storage and basic web hosting in a single service.
Security and Confidentiality Policy
1. Confidentiality
pCloud adopts a transparent privacy policy, while offering options to strengthen the protection of personal data.
The platform collects certain information:
- User IP addresses
- Email addresses
- Billing Information
- Data on the use of the service
For increased security, pCloud offers optional “Zero Knowledge” encryption at an additional cost. This option guarantees a higher level of confidentiality for users who are most concerned about their privacy.
It is important to note that pCloud is committed to not sharing or selling your personal information to third parties. However, in some specific cases, they may be required to disclose information to government authorities.
2. Security
pCloud sets up robust security measures to protect the data of its users. The service uses TLS/SSL and AES 256 encryption, which is considered to be one of the safest methods on the market.
To strengthen account protection, pCloud offers:
- Two-factor authentication
- Using the Google Authenticator application
- Notification security codes for installation on various devices
pCloud's confidence in its security system is such that the company has launched a public challenge, offering a $100,000 reward to anyone who succeeds in hacking its encryption system. This challenge, which lasted six months, saw no winner, demonstrating the robustness of the security measures put in place.
In conclusion, pCloud offers a balance between transparency on data collection and advanced security options, allowing users to choose the level of protection that best suits them.
pCloud pricing
Free plan
pCloud offers a generous free plan with 10GB of storage space. Initially set to 2 GB, this plan can be expanded by completing a variety of simple tasks.
This free plan is ideal for:
- Test the basic features of pCloud
- Light personal use with no financial commitment
Individual plans
pCloud offers two main options for individual users:
Premium Plan (500GB)
- Annual Price: $49.99
- Lifetime Price: $199 (one-time payment)
This plan is perfect for users with moderate storage needs, such as photos and personal documents.
Premium Plus Plan (2TB)
- Annual Price: $99.99
- Lifetime price: $399 (one-time payment)
Great for content creators or people who need to store large files like HD videos.
Family plans
pCloud offers family plans designed for sharing:
Family Plan (2TB)
- Lifetime Price: $595 (one-time payment)
- Shareable between 5 users
- Includes pCloud Crypto at no additional cost
Family Plan (10TB)
- Lifetime Price: $1499 (one-time payment)
- Ideal for families with very high storage needs
These plans allow each family member to have their own private storage space.
Business plans
For business needs, pCloud offers two options:
Business Plan (1TB per user)
- Monthly Price: $9.99 per user
- Yearly Price: $7.99 per user/month
Business Pro Plan (Unlimited)
- Monthly Price: $19.98 per user
- Yearly Price: $15.98 per user/month
These plans include team management tools and advanced security features tailored to the needs of businesses of all sizes.
pCloud thus offers a varied range of pricing options, adapting to the needs of different types of users, from individuals to large companies.
Customer Support
pCloud has a help center where you can find informative articles on over 50 topics before reaching out to their customer support (pcloud.com support).
Unfortunately, you don't get live chat support with pCloud. To resolve questions, you only have email support.
While doing this pCloud review, I had a lot of questions for which I contacted the technical support team.
On average, it took them 1 to 2 days to respond.
In my experience, their customer service is not fast, but they are certainly competent.
Conlusion
In conclusion, pCloud is a very practical online storage solution (500 GB, 2 TB, lifetime subscription, etc.) used by millions of users that offers numerous functionalities and great ease of use.
Data security is a priority for society, which is reassuring for users.
The rates are competitive, with a free option available, as well as affordable paid plans. (and discounted prices on Black Friday)
Overall, pCloud is a great choice (Rated 9.3/10 by Presse Citron) for those looking for a reliable and secure online storage solution. A great alternative to Google Drive!
