pCloud Review: Pros, Cons, and Who It’s Best Suited For

Last Updated on August 10, 2025 by Editorial

I’ve tested numerous cloud storage options over the years, and pCloud has quietly become one of my top choices. If you’re reading this pCloud review because you’re tired of services that either cost too much or raise privacy concerns, you’re not alone. 

One thing that stood out to me was how simple it is to get started. The interface feels clean, the upload speeds are decent, and the privacy features surpass what you typically get with many free options. 

At the same time, there are a few parts that feel underdeveloped or need more polish. It’s a mix of really smart features and some trade-offs, depending on what you need.

This pCloud review looks at both sides,  the good and the not-so-good, and also who pCloud might suit best. Whether you’re storing personal files, photos, or work documents, knowing where it shines and where it falls short can help you decide if it fits your needs.

What is pCloud?

pCloud is a cloud storage service that lets you store, access, and share your files online. You can upload documents, photos, videos, or anything else and keep them backed up in one place.

I’ve used pCloud on both desktop and mobile, and the basic idea is simple: your files live online, so you don’t have to worry about losing them if your device crashes. It also frees up valuable space for other mundane things.

The app feels clean and easy to use, and it works smoothly across different devices. Plus, you can sync files between your phone and computer. I’ll be discussing more on this and other features in another section.

Features & Core Functionality

pCloud packs a lot of features into a simple, clean interface that doesn’t feel overwhelming. After using it for a while, I found that most of its tools focus on making storage, backup, and file sharing easy to manage. 

In this part of the pCloud review, I’ll walk you through the main features and how they actually work in day-to-day use.

Storage and Versioning

pCloud lets you upload files of any size as long as you stay within your total storage limit. I’ve uploaded large video files without any issues. One helpful feature is file versioning. By default, pCloud keeps deleted or changed files for up to 30 days, and if you need more, you can extend it to a full year with a paid add-on. This has saved me more than once when I deleted something by accident.

Syncing and Virtual Drive

The pCloud Drive works like a virtual hard drive, showing up as a new letter on your computer, but without taking up space on your actual hard disk. That was a huge plus for me because my laptop doesn’t have much free space. 

pCloud also uses block-level sync, which means it only updates the parts of a file that have changed, not the whole thing. Syncing works across devices, and you can back up files from your desktop, phone, or even your social media accounts.

Security and Encryption

pCloud uses TLS and AES-256 encryption, which are standard in secure file storage. Files are stored in mirrored servers in both Europe and the US, so there’s some peace of mind knowing they’re backed up in more than one place. 

The service is also GDPR-compliant and holds certifications like ISO 27001 and SOC 2 Type II. For added privacy, you can pay for the pCloud Crypto add-on, which gives you end-to-end encryption that even pCloud can’t access. They also ran an open challenge where no one could break it, which gives it some credibility.

Media Management and Integrations

If you store music or videos, there’s a built-in player that works well. I’ve used it multiple times to stream audio files without needing to download them first or use an external player. 

Plus, the media player also supports RAW photo formats, which is helpful for anyone into photography. pCloud connects with Facebook and Instagram for backups and has a browser extension called pCloud Save that grabs files straight from the web. 

There’s even a plugin for Adobe Lightroom, though I haven’t used that myself.

Collaboration and Sharing

Sharing files with pCloud is simple. You can create public links or invite others to shared folders. There are extra settings too, like adding passwords or expiry dates to links, which adds a layer of control. 

There’s no document editor built in, so it’s not great for real-time editing like Google Drive. But for storing and sharing, it gets the job done. 

You can also collect files from others using the file request feature, which is useful if you need someone to send you something without them creating an account.

pCloud Transfer and Backup Service

pCloud Transfer is a free tool they offer that lets you send large files up to 5GB without needing a pCloud account. It’s simple and fast. On the other hand, the backup service lets you set up automatic backups from your devices. 

I’ve used it to back up my entire desktop, and it just runs quietly in the background. You can also back up your entire pCloud account to another cloud or external source, which adds another layer of safety.

Performance & Reliability

pCloud’s performance depends a lot on where you are and how you’re using it. I’ve tested it in different conditions, and while it works well most of the time, it’s not always smooth sailing.

Upload and download speeds were usually fast and stable, especially when using a wired connection. On average, I got speeds that were close to what I’ve seen on services like iDrive and iCloud.

Large files uploaded without timing out, and downloads were quick, even for full folders. When everything works as expected, pCloud feels snappy and reliable.

But not everyone has the same experience. I’ve seen plenty of complaints online (especially on Reddit). Some are from people who bought the lifetime plan and then ran into slow speeds, sometimes below 1 Mbps for uploads. 

A few other users even reported losing access to certain files or dealing with corrupted zip folders. Others mentioned crashes and random issues during sync. It’s hard to know how common these problems are, but they show up often enough to take seriously, especially if you’re thinking long-term.

At the same time, there are users in different regions who say they’ve had no problems at all. Some get great speeds and reliable performance day to day. 

Therefore, while all these varying experiences may seem scattered, it seems like location, your internet provider, and even whether you’re using a VPN can affect how pCloud behaves. In my testing, performance was more stable on a wired desktop than on mobile or over slower Wi-Fi connections.

Bottom line is, pCloud cloud storage can work well, but it’s not flawless. If you’re in an area with solid infrastructure and don’t rely on mobile-only connections, you’re more likely to have a smooth experience. 

If your internet is slow or inconsistent, or you plan to use it with a VPN, you might run into more hiccups.

User Interface & Experience

One thing I always look out for in any cloud storage service is the usability. With pCloud, the experience changes depending on whether you’re on the web, desktop, or mobile.

Each platform has its strengths and quirks, so let’s walk through them.

Web UI

The pCloud web interface is clean and makes basic tasks quick. You can search files by name or type, preview media, and even play audio or video right from the browser. This is handy when you want to check a file without downloading it.

However, on the free plan, ads can get in the way a bit. Some Reddit users mention that the interface feels oversimplified for people who want more advanced controls. 

I see this as pCloud keeping it minimal, which works for casual storage, but it might leave power users wanting more.

Desktop Apps (Windows, macOS, Linux)

On desktop, pCloud works like a built-in file manager. Files show up in a virtual drive, allowing you to open or move them like local data. This integration makes it feel natural when switching between stored and local content.

That said, I’ve seen people mention that syncing can feel more complex than it should be. I’ve had it run smoothly most of the time, but those reports are worth keeping in mind if you move massive files regularly.

Mobile Apps (iOS, Android)

On mobile, pCloud keeps things straightforward. You can browse files, back up your camera roll automatically, and save files for offline access. There’s also a built-in scanning tool for quickly uploading documents.

In my experience, the mobile version feels well-balanced for quick access and backup without overcomplicating things. It’s reliable for checking files on the go and having important items available without a connection.

Support & Documentation

Support is one of those things you don’t think much about until you need it. With pCloud, I’ve had to reach out a few times, so I’ve seen how their support system works in real use.

They offer email support and a knowledge base with guides and FAQs. I found the help articles easy to follow, especially for basic stuff like setting up sync or managing storage. There’s also a chatbot on their site, but it feels limited compared to what I’ve used. 

In my case, it often just pointed me back to the help pages or asked me to send an email instead. There’s no live chat, and that can be frustrating if you’re dealing with something urgent or time-sensitive.

The email support experience depends on who you get and what the issue is. Sometimes you get replies within a day, other times it takes several days to hear back.

Some people have had their issues fixed quickly, while others have had to wait longer or felt like the responses didn’t solve the problem. That inconsistency is something to keep in mind, especially if support is high on your list.

That said, no single service is ever perfect when it comes to customer support. Many factors come into play, and pCloud still has some room to improve.

Plans & Pricing

A pCloud review wouldn’t be complete without a quick look at the pricing options. Like most cloud storage options, pCloud is equipped with different plans designed for specific needs. Let’s have a look.

Ultra 10 TB

• Monthly: $19.99 per month.
• Annual: $199.99 per year, which works out to roughly $16.67 per month
• Lifetime: The flat, one-time price is $1,190. It’s sold as “Ultra” to offer that big 10 TB tier for life.

Premium 500 GB

• Monthly: It runs at $4.99 a month.
• Annual: That’s $49.99 per year, making it about $4.17 per month.
• Lifetime: One-off cost is $199 for permanent access to 500 GB.

Premium Plus 2 TB

• Monthly: Priced at $9.99 per month.
• Annual: Costs $99.99 a year, which works out to about $8.33 per month.
• Lifetime: A one-time payment of $399 gets me 2 TB forever.

Comparison Table

Plan	Monthly	Annual	Lifetime
500GB	$4.99	$49.99 ($4.17/month)	$199 once
2TB	$9.99	$99.99 ($8.33/month)	$399 once
10TB	$19.99	$199.99 ($16.17/month)	$1,190 once

Who Each Plan Fits

If you only need basic storage, the 500 GB plan makes sense. It’s priced modestly and can handle most of your daily files. If you normally store a high amount of photos or heavy files, the 2 TB Premium Plus could be your best fit.

The lifetime option is an investment that pays off after a few years, and it’s ideal for professional use. The Ultra 10 TB gives you the peace of mind knowing that you won’t run out of space. Plus, you don’t have to worry about monthly charges.

Use Cases: Who Should Consider pCloud?

pCloud works for a wide range of users, but certain groups benefit more from what it offers. From creatives working with large files to people who want privacy or lifetime storage, it has specific features that fit those needs.

Media Professionals

Photographers, videographers, and musicians can use pCloud for streaming media straight from the cloud. It supports RAW photo files, so high-resolution images can be previewed without converting them first. 

The built-in audio and video players make it possible to check media on the go without downloading.

I’ve seen it handle large project backups smoothly, which is why many creative professionals consider it for archiving. It also works well for sharing media with clients, since they can stream files directly without special software.

Users Who Want Lifetime Plans

Some people want to avoid ongoing subscriptions. pCloud offers lifetime plans where you pay once for permanent access. This can make sense if you plan to use the service for years, as the one-time payment can save money in the long run.

I’ve found this approach especially appealing for people who know their storage needs won’t change much. Once it’s paid for, you can keep using it without worrying about annual renewals.

Privacy-Conscious Users

If security is a top priority, pCloud has an optional add-on called Crypto. It allows you to encrypt specific files so only you can access them, even if they’re stored on pCloud’s servers.

This works well for storing personal documents, financial files, or anything sensitive. For people who want extra control over who can see their data, this feature adds peace of mind.

People Who Need Cross-Platform Access

pCloud supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, so you can use it across multiple devices. This is helpful if you work on different systems but want the same files available everywhere.

Linux users in particular often mention that pCloud is one of the few cloud services with a native client. That makes it easier to integrate into daily work without relying on workarounds.

pCloud Alternatives Comparison

In this pCloud review section, I’ll compare it to some of its closest competitors so you can see where it stands.

pCloud versus Sync.com or Tresorit

Sync.com and Tresorit are stronger in default zero-knowledge encryption, which means all files are encrypted before they reach their servers. With pCloud, you only get this through the paid Crypto add-on, so it’s optional rather than standard. 

Additionally, Sync.com and Tresorit put more focus on built-in collaboration tools, while pCloud feels more straightforward for storage and sharing. 

For many, pCloud’s lifetime plan and built-in media streaming balance out the difference in approach.

pCloud versus Dropbox and Google Drive

Dropbox and Google Drive win when it comes to deep productivity integrations. They connect directly with document editors, spreadsheets, and team collaboration platforms.

pCloud’s collaboration options are more limited, and it doesn’t match the same level of live document editing. That said, pCloud often appeals to people who want storage first and productivity features second, especially if long-term pricing is a factor.

pCloud versus iDrive and Backblaze

iDrive and Backblaze are primarily backup services, so they focus on continuous, automated backups of entire devices. pCloud takes a broader storage approach, letting you stream music or video and manage media directly from the cloud. 

If your main goal is backing up a system, iDrive or Backblaze may be better. If you want both storage and media streaming without losing file management flexibility, pCloud’s approach stands out.

Final Verdict & Recommendation

In wrapping up this pCloud review, it’s clear that the service offers a thoughtful balance of storage flexibility, media-friendly features, and optional privacy enhancements. 

It’s not perfect, but its clean interface, lifetime pricing options, and cross-platform support make it a strong contender for both personal and professional use. 

Whether you’re drawn to its built-in media streaming, the security of pCloud Crypto, or the appeal of paying once for years of access, pCloud is worth considering if you want a storage solution that blends simplicity with long-term value.

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