pCloud review covering lifetime and subscription pricing, encryption, features, pros and cons, and alternatives to this Swiss cloud storage service.
Category
Cloud Storage
Pricing
Freemium, from Free (10 GB); paid plans from $4.99/month or $199 one-time lifetime
Verified
Not yet
Last updated
July 19, 2026
Founded
2013
Headquarters
Baar, Switzerland
Free PlanWeb AppiOSAndroidMac
Overview
pCloud is a cloud storage provider founded in 2013 and headquartered in Baar, Switzerland, best known for offering one-time lifetime payment plans as an alternative to recurring subscriptions used by most cloud storage competitors. Users pay once for a fixed amount of storage that remains active for as long as pCloud operates.
Beyond storage, pCloud provides cross-platform sync, a built-in media player for streaming stored video and audio, and optional client-side encryption for users who want an additional layer of privacy.
Key Features
pCloud syncs files across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android, and lets users share files and folders through public links with optional passwords and expiration dates. Its built-in media player allows streaming video and audio directly from cloud storage without downloading files first.
For added privacy, pCloud Encryption (Crypto) is available as a paid add-on that encrypts a designated folder client-side so that not even pCloud can read its contents. Users can also choose whether their data is stored in EU or US data centers.
Pricing
pCloud offers a free tier with 10 GB of storage, monthly and annual subscription plans starting at $4.99 per month for 500 GB, and distinctive one-time lifetime plans starting at $199 for 500 GB, $399 for 2 TB, and $1,190 for 10 TB.
The lifetime plans require a larger upfront payment but eliminate recurring fees going forward, while subscriptions offer a lower-commitment way to access the same storage tiers. A Family plan lets up to five users share one storage pool.
Key Features
Lifetime one-time payment plans — Pay once for 500GB, 2TB, or 10TB of storage that lasts as long as the service operates, unlike typical subscription cloud storage.
Cross-platform sync — Desktop, mobile, and web apps keep files synced across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Built-in media player — Stream video and audio files directly from cloud storage without downloading.
pCloud Encryption (Crypto) — An optional paid add-on that gives client-side, zero-knowledge encryption for a private folder.
File sharing and links — Share files and folders via public links with optional passwords and expiration dates.
Data center choice — Store data in EU (Luxembourg) or US data centers depending on account settings.
Family plan — Share a single storage allocation with up to 5 family members.
Automatic backup — Back up folders from computers and connected cloud accounts like Google Drive or Dropbox.
Built-in media player for streaming stored video and audio
Generous storage tiers up to 10TB
Family plan lets multiple users share one allocation
Cons
Zero-knowledge encryption (Crypto) is sold as a separate paid add-on rather than included by default
Large upfront cost for lifetime plans is a barrier for some users
Sync speed and interface have received mixed reviews compared to larger competitors
Fewer third-party app integrations than Google Drive or Dropbox
Pricing
Free Free N/A
Premium (500GB) $4.99/month or $199 one-time lifetime Monthly, annual, or lifetime
Premium Plus (2TB) $9.99/month or $399 one-time lifetime Monthly, annual, or lifetime
Ultra (10TB) $1,190 one-time lifetime Lifetime
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pCloud's lifetime plan?
A one-time payment that grants a fixed amount of storage for as long as pCloud remains in operation, instead of a recurring subscription.
Is pCloud encrypted by default?
No, base storage is not zero-knowledge encrypted; client-side encryption is available through the separate pCloud Encryption (Crypto) add-on.
Where is pCloud based?
pCloud is headquartered in Baar, Switzerland, and was founded in 2013.
Can I choose where my data is stored?
Yes, pCloud lets users choose between European Union and United States data centers.
Does pCloud have a free plan?
Yes, pCloud offers 10 GB of free storage.
What is the difference between pCloud and Dropbox?
pCloud offers one-time lifetime payment plans and a built-in media player, while Dropbox is subscription-only and focuses more on collaboration and integrations.
Does pCloud support family sharing?
Yes, a Family plan lets up to 5 users share one storage pool.
Is pCloud's lifetime plan really a one-time payment?
Yes, it is a genuine one-time payment for the storage tier selected, with no recurring billing afterward.