Google Drive vs pCloud
Google Drive
workspace.google.compCloud
pcloud.comSide by side
| Figure | Google Drive | pCloud |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $1.99/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 11 | 8 |
| Spec score · File Sharing Software | 9.2 (#2) | 9.0 (#8) |
| Spec score · Cloud storage | 9.4 (#4) | 9.3 (#6) |
| Spec score · Cloud Storage Services | 9.1 (#10) | 8.9 (#16) |
| Cancellation Terms | Google One plans can be canceled anytime. | Business plans have no setup fees and can be canceled anytime |
| Business admin controls | Yes | Yes |
| Device platforms | Windows,macOS,iOS,Android | Windows,macOS,Linux,iOS,Android |
| File versioning | Yes | Yes |
| Founded | 1998 | 2013 |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free Storage | Google accounts include up to 15 GB of storage. | Up to 10 GB free storage |
| Headquarters | Mountain View, California, United States | Baar, Switzerland |
| Refund Terms | The text mentions cooling-off rights but gives no specific refund terms. | Business plans include a 14-day money-back period |
| Storage limit | 15 | 10 |
| Zero-knowledge encryption | Yes | Yes |
Plans
Google Drive
- FreeFree
- Google One Basic$1.99 a month
- Google AI Plus$9.99 a month
- Google AI Pro$19.99 a month
- Business Starter$7 a month
- Business Standard$14 a month
- Business Plus$22 a month
- EnterprisePriced on request
- BasicPrice not published
- Business BasePrice not published
pCloud
- FreeFree
- Premium 500 GBPrice not published
- Premium Plus 2 TBPrice not published
- Ultra 10 TBPrice not published
- BusinessPrice not published
- Business ProPrice not published
- Business 3 Users / 3 TB$29.97 a month
- Business 3 Users / 6 TB$44.94 a month
In their own words
Google Drive
Google Drive stores and shares files across Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Google accounts include up to 15 GB, and listed storage options reach 5 TB per user; additional storage can be requested, with costs that vary. Users can grant edit, comment, or view permissions and set expiration dates for shared files. Shared drives let teams store, access, and manage files together, and file versioning is available. The mobile app can scan receipts and billing statements into searchable PDFs. Drive integrates with Google Workspace apps and services including Slack, Zoom, Salesforce, Atlassian, and SAP. Security and administration options include ransomware detection, client-side encryption, Vault, DLP policies, and Workspace management controls. Drive for desktop offers ransomware detection and file recovery, while Gemini in Drive can find, summarize, and analyze files with AI. Google One Basic is listed at $1.99 a month for 100 GB; Google AI Plus is $9.99 a month for 2 TB, and Google AI Pro is $19.99 a month for 5 TB. Google Workspace offers a 14-day trial.
pCloud
pCloud is cloud storage with apps for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows, plus access through my.pCloud.com. Its free plan provides up to 10 GB, and no credit card is required to start. Storage can extend to 2 TB. The service can back up phone photos and videos automatically and keep important files available offline. Users can share files and folders with passwords and expiration dates, and file versioning is available. Files in the Crypto folder use client-side encryption and zero-knowledge privacy. Users can choose storage in the United States or European Union. Business plans add access levels, teams, shared folders, comments, activity logs, and recovery of file versions from up to 180 days earlier. They also support branded sharing links with a logo, cover, and message. Business storage is GDPR-compliant and ISO-27001 certified. The Business 3 Users / 3 TB plan costs $29.97 a month and includes a 30-day free trial.