Our verdict: pCloud's desktop app works like an extra disk: everything in your account is visible in File Explorer but takes no space until you open it. The free plan offers up to 10 GB, which is generous, while zero-knowledge encryption and larger storage cost extra. It suits people who like the idea of paying once with a lifetime plan later.
About pCloud
pCloud Drive mounts your account as a virtual drive in File Explorer, so files stream from the cloud instead of being copied to your PC. You can still pick folders to sync both ways, back up folders from your computer, keep files available offline and share files with password-protected links and upload requests.
The free plan offers up to 10 GB of storage. pCloud is based in Switzerland and also sells subscription and one-time lifetime plans for 500 GB to 10 TB. Zero-knowledge client-side encryption is a separate pCloud Encryption add-on that creates a Crypto folder in your account.
What it does well
- Virtual drive. Your whole account appears as a drive in File Explorer without using disk space.
- Folder sync. Choose folders on your PC to keep in two-way sync with pCloud.
- Backup. Back up computer folders to pCloud and restore earlier file versions.
- Shared links. Share files with password-protected links and collect files with upload requests.
- Media streaming. Play music and video stored in pCloud with the built-in players.
Who it is for
Good fit
People who want a large cloud library visible in File Explorer without filling their disk.
Look elsewhere
Anyone who needs end-to-end encryption for free.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Up to 10 GB free
- Virtual drive saves local disk space
- One-time lifetime plans available
Cons
- Zero-knowledge encryption is a paid add-on
- Not all 10 GB of free storage is available right after sign-up
- Closed source
How to install pCloud
Download the pCloud Drive installer from the official page and sign in or create an account. pCloud Drive then appears as a separate drive letter in File Explorer. Sync and backup folders are set up afterwards in the app's settings.
Questions about pCloud
Is pCloud free?
Yes. pCloud has a free plan with up to 10 GB of storage. Paid subscriptions and lifetime plans offer 500 GB to 10 TB.
Does pCloud Drive use space on my hard drive?
Only for files you open or mark for offline use, plus a cache. The rest stays in the cloud.
Are pCloud files end-to-end encrypted?
Only files in the Crypto folder, which requires the paid pCloud Encryption add-on. Other files are encrypted on pCloud's servers.
