pCloud

Overview

pCloud is cloud storage for people who want files synced across phones and computers, with backup, offline access and controlled sharing. It suits individuals who value flexible storage and a Crypto folder for sensitive files, as well as small teams that need admin controls and file recovery.

Key features

Automatic phone backup can save photos and videos, while offline access keeps selected important files available without a connection. That makes pCloud useful for mobile-first storage, though its 10 GB free allowance is modest for large photo libraries.

Files and folders can be shared with passwords and expiration dates, useful when access should be bounded rather than open-ended. The Crypto folder adds client-side encryption and zero-knowledge privacy for files placed in it; this protection is specifically tied to that folder, not described as applying to all stored content.

Versioning provides a way to recover earlier files. Business plans specify history of up to 180 days, a substantial recovery window for teams that need to undo changes. Business also adds access levels, teams, shared folders, comments and activity logs. Personalized links can carry a logo, cover and message, which gives businesses a branded sharing option.

Users can choose storage in the United States or European Union. Business storage is GDPR-compliant and ISO-27001 certified. These are useful choices and assurances for organizations, though they do not replace reviewing the specific requirements of a regulated deployment.

Pricing

The Free plan costs nothing and includes 10 GB of storage, with no credit card required to start. It is a sensible way to try personal storage, but the cap makes it a limited long-term option for substantial media collections.

Premium 500 GB, Premium Plus 2 TB and Ultra 10 TB provide progressively larger personal quotas, but each has custom pricing. The listed plan capacity reaches 10 TB, while the general paid-capacity description says storage can extend up to 2 TB; the 10 TB Ultra option is the larger stated tier. Without prices for these personal plans, buyers cannot compare their cost per capacity from these terms alone.

Business provides 3 users, 1 TB per user and 180 days of file version history; Business Pro provides 3 users, 2 TB per user and the same history window. Both have custom pricing. Business 3 Users / 3 TB costs $29.97 a month and includes a 30-day free trial, no setup fees and cancellation anytime. Business 3 Users / 6 TB costs $44.94 a month; a 25% discount is stated for new pCloud Business Pro accounts. Business trials require no setup fees, and business plans include a 14-day money-back period.

The business tiers are aimed at teams that need pooled administration and recovery rather than just personal storage. The quoted 3-user options make the seat count explicit; readers needing a different team size should expect custom pricing. The general paid-from figure is 9.99 /user/mo, but the listed terms do not attach it to a particular personal plan.

Platforms

pCloud supports Android, iOS, Windows, macOS and Linux, as well as access through my.pCloud.com. Desktop apps are available. This cross-platform range suits households or teams mixing mobile and desktop devices without restricting storage to one operating system.

Who it's for

Choose pCloud for personal storage if phone backup, offline files, password-protected sharing and a zero-knowledge option for selected content matter more than a clearly priced personal capacity tier. It is also a credible fit for small teams seeking shared folders, activity logs and a defined 180-day recovery window. Buyers who need published personal-plan prices, or who require stated team sizes beyond the 3-user offers, should compare alternatives before committing.

Pros and cons

Pros: 10 GB free with no card required gives individuals room to start without payment.

Pros: Passwords and expiration dates on shared files and folders provide practical access controls.

Pros: Business combines team administration with up to 180 days of file history, plus a 30-day trial and 14-day money-back period.

Cons: Prices for the named Premium and Ultra plans are custom pricing, making personal-tier cost comparisons difficult.

Cons: Zero-knowledge privacy is specified for Crypto folder files, so it should not be assumed for every file in storage.

Cons: The explicit business plans are for 3 users; teams with other seat needs must seek custom pricing.

Alternatives

For file transfer and sharing needs rather than broad cloud storage, SendSafely has a free plan and a Basic tier at $10 a month for 250 MB/month with expiration controls; choose it when that transfer-focused quota and control matter more than pCloud's storage capacities.

Wing FTP Server is worth considering when FTP/HTTP transfer is central: its Free Edition is free and includes one domain, 10 user accounts per domain and 10 connections per domain.

SFTPGo offers a Tiny plan at €50 a month with 25 GiB storage and 250 GiB monthly transfer, a more explicit allowance for buyers comparing those limits.

CrushFTP is a paid option with a Small Business plan at $70 a month and a perpetual license, with $250 yearly maintenance renewal after the first year; choose it if that licensing structure fits better.

WeTransfer has a free tier capped at 10 transfers or 3 GB in a rolling 30-day window, making it a fit for occasional transfers rather than ongoing storage.

Progress MOVEit Transfer is another paid transfer option with a free trial.

GoAnywhere MFT is a paid alternative with custom pricing for a personalized quote.

Files.com is a paid alternative whose Starter plan costs $199 a month and includes 10 Full Users, 50 System Users, two outbound connections and 1 TB monthly storage; it may suit teams evaluating those specific user and transfer allowances.

Browse Cloud Storage Services, File Sharing Software, or File transfer services for more options. The Password Managers category is also available for readers comparing that separate software category.

Verdict

pCloud is a strong choice for individuals who want cross-platform cloud storage with a useful free tier, controlled sharing and optional zero-knowledge protection, and for small teams that need real administration and a 180-day recovery window. Choose it when those features outweigh price uncertainty; look elsewhere if a published personal price or broader stated team sizing is essential.