pCloud is swiss cloud storage, founded in 2013 with an excellent understanding of what privacy and choice mean. pCloud has two data center locations – United States (Dallas, Texas) and the European Union (Luxembourg), users are given the option to choose where to store their data.
How safe is pCloud?
In the 21st century where data is highly valuable and sensitive, the possibility of hacks, seen and even stolen or altered files is the fear of each user. Security is а top priority when choosing cloud storage. pCloud gives you the best with its client-side encryption service called pCloud Encryption.
Store and share your files without worrying about security features such as end-to-end encryption, client-side encryption, and zero-knowledge privacy.
Let’s take it a step further and find out how is pCloud able to protect users’ data.
- pCloud encrypts your data, via using TLS/SSL and the 256-bit AES standard;
- Keeps backup copies in at least 3 server locations;
- With pCloud, your data is encrypted before it leaves your computer, neither pCloud, nor any government authority can get access to your encrypted folder;
- Users hold the key to their privacy – the encryption key is available only to the creator;
- pCloud is based in Switzerland and follows some of the strictest privacy laws in the world.
pCloud Encrypted Folder
pCloud Encryption is the highest level of data security you can get from a cloud storage service.
It is an additional client-side encryption layer that hides and makes invisible all of your sensitive files on any device. This means that all files are locked and encrypted on your device before even been uploaded to the pCloud servers.
As a matter of fact, even if your device is lost, your data will remain hidden. No one can decrypt your data and access it without the CryptoPass key.
pCloud Crypto can be used to conceal private files such as personal documents, photos, and videos. The one limitation is that all the data in your Crypto folder will be unreadable, so you won’t be able to open file previews or play videos within pCloud.
pCloud Additional Features
Besides, industry-leading data security, pCloud offers plenty of useful features, like
User-friendly
pCloud has a very user-friendly dashboard that is designed for quick file uploads and management. pCloud automatically syncs with the device after login, so you can upload files directly from the device file manager.
pCloud Backup
The new backup service has no file size or speed restrictions. You can mark any folders that you want to save to the cloud, and pCloud will upload their contents to your pCloud account automatically.
Any changes you make on your computer to the files and folders, which you have backed up will be replicated in real-time to your cloud account. If you edit the content while disconnected, it will be backed up the next time you connect to the Network.
On top of that, you can backup third-party applications, like other cloud storage and social media sites.
File Sharing
File sharing is easier than ever. Use the “Invite to Folder” option to invite users to private folders, or use links to quickly share large files. The shared links could be personalized with branding, like text and cover photos. For the shared link, you can choose whether to provide read-only or read-and-write access, as well as to add a password and set an expiration date. However, unless you have a Business account, you cannot share files stored from the pCloud encrypted folder. You can even create a public folder in your pCloud account to embed videos and images for websites or share files without giving others specific access.
File Syncing
The file management system is one of pCloud’s key strengths. Regardless of how many files and folders you store in your account, all your data will be well organized and easy to access.
The automatic sync feature ensures that you always have the most recent version of your files, and you can backup all of your data with a single click.
pCloud Rewind
You can recover any file from a specific date and time in the past while using the pCloud Rewind feature. You can rewind your account for up to 30 days. The rewind files will be available in a separate folder in the root folder.
The users have the option to use Extended File History at a little extra cost. This add-on allows you to recover files for up to 365 days.
pCloud Save
pCloud extension is available for major browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. With such an extension, you can directly save photos from browsers or social media sites to your pCloud account.
pCloud Pricing
What is so unique about the pCloud subscription? – You pay once and you keep it for a lifetime!
The Swiss company offers two types of individual subscription plans based on annual and lifetime membership.
- 500 GB at $47.88 per year or $175 one-time payment.
- 2 TB at $95.88 per year of $350 one-time payment.
On top of that pCloud also has a Family plan for up to 5 members with 2 TB storage at the price of $500 one-time payment for a lifetime. With this subscription, each member has their own space.
You can test pCloud with a free account with up to 10 GB of storage space.
All the paid plans include access to pCloud Drive (desktop app), Brower version, and mobile application. A subscription will give you access to automatic backups, file sync, shared link branding, shared folder option, public folder, unlimited remote upload traffic, rewind, and trash history for up to 30 days.
One thing to keep in mind is that the pCloud Encrypted folder is not included in the standard pricing and costs an additional $47.88 per year or $125 for a lifetime.
Final Thoughts
pCloud is a high-quality cloud storage solution for both business and personal use. You get good value for your money with end-to-end encryption, pCloud Crypto, as well as great features.
As a Swiss company – pCloud aligns with some of the best cloud privacy laws. Additionally, the opportunity to choose between their data centers in the EU and the USA makes pCloud a better service than some of the cloud storage industry’s big players. Especially for those looking for a cloud service that prioritizes privacy and security for its users.
So, give pCloud a shot today and get started with this incredible cloud storage platform.