tech from europe

pCloud

🇨🇭 CH · Free plan · paid from €199/yr

3.0/5· 1,805 reviews across 3 portals

Swiss cloud storage with client-side encryption and EU data residency in Luxembourg.

EU hostedGDPRFree planISO 27001:2013ISO 9001:2015
Files live on servers in Luxembourg, not in the US. pCloud is a Swiss cloud-storage service that processes all data within the EU and includes client-side encryption by default. An optional zero-knowledge add-on (pCloud Crypto) encrypts files before upload. ISO 27001 and ISO 9001 certified, with built-in media streaming and cross-platform sync. A free plan is available; paid plans follow per-user pricing.

Replaces

pCloud is sought as a European alternative to:

Features

Access & Flexibility

  • Access files from any device (desktop, mobile, tablet) anywhere
  • Offline access with automatic sync when back online
  • Choose data storage location: Europe or USA

Sharing & Collaboration

  • Share files and folders via secure links
  • Control access with view/download permissions, expiration dates, and passwords
  • Invite team members to folders with custom permissions
  • Request files from others without exposing folder contents
  • Branded links with custom logos, cover images, and messages

Storage & Backup

  • Free up device storage by moving files to the cloud
  • Store files of any size with unlimited upload/download speed
  • Automatic backup of selected folders and mobile galleries
  • Instant backup of file changes
  • File versioning (restore previous versions up to 30 days)

Data Recovery & History

  • Rewind feature to restore entire account or folders to a previous state
  • Trash for deleted files (15 days free, 30 days paid plans)
  • Extended File History add-on for up to 365 days recovery

Security & Compliance

  • Swiss-based with strict privacy laws (GDPR-compliant)
  • TLS/SSL channel protection and 256-bit AES encryption
  • No tracking or third-party access to data

Media & Usability

  • Built-in music and video player for streaming media files
  • Easy organization and access to media files

Pricing

Free
Free
  • 10 GB secure cloud storage
  • No credit card required
  • Basic file sharing and sync
Premium 500 GB (Lifetime)
€299 one-time payment
  • 500 GB storage
  • Lifetime access with one-time payment
  • 14-day money-back guarantee
Premium 500 GB (Annual)
€199 per year
  • 500 GB storage
  • Annual billing
  • 14-day money-back guarantee
Premium Plus 2 TB (Lifetime)
€599 one-time payment
  • 2 TB storage
  • Lifetime access with one-time payment
  • 14-day money-back guarantee
Premium Plus 2 TB (Annual)
€399 per year
  • 2 TB storage
  • Annual billing
  • 14-day money-back guarantee
Ultra 10 TB (Lifetime)
€1890 one-time payment
  • 10 TB storage
  • Lifetime access with one-time payment
  • 14-day money-back guarantee
Ultra 10 TB (Annual)
€1190 per year
  • 10 TB storage
  • Annual billing
  • 14-day money-back guarantee

Lifetime plans are one-time payments with no recurring fees. All plans include a 14-day money-back guarantee.

EU Trust Profile

3 of 9 criteria verified with evidence, last checked 2026-08-03. Every ✓ links to its source.

  • Data Processing Agreement (DPA)

    pCloud states that a Data Processing Agreement (DPA) is not required as they do not process the information contained in files.

  • Trust center / security page

    pCloud provides a dedicated trust center page outlining security and compliance practices.

    Evidence →
  • EU data residencyLuxembourg (EU)

    Users can choose to store their data in the European Union (Luxembourg).

    Evidence →
  • Public sub-processor listnot verified
  • ISO 27001ISO 27001:2013 (ISMS)not verified

    pCloud holds ISO 27001:2013 certification for its Information Security Management System (ISMS).

  • SOC 2not verified

    SOC 2 certification is mentioned in a blog post but no direct evidence or certificate is provided on the vendor pages.

  • BSI C5not verified
  • TISAXnot verified
  • German-language support

    German language support is available for pCloud users.

    Evidence →

Verified means: the claim was publicly documented at the linked source on the check date. The vendor's own information prevails.

Reviews

Recurring themes, synthesized from public reviews across portals.

What users value

  • Clean, intuitive interface with seamless OS integration (Windows Explorer, Mac Finder, Linux)
  • Affordable pricing with unique lifetime plans and generous free storage (up to 15 GB)
  • Strong security features including optional client-side zero-knowledge encryption (pCloud Crypto) and Swiss data privacy laws
  • Fast upload/sync speeds and reliable performance for large files and multimedia streaming
  • Comprehensive file management with versioning, rewind, and granular permissions for business users

Where users see room to improve

  • · Recurring reports of data loss, corrupted files, and unreliable sync (especially on macOS)
  • · Customer support often slow, unresponsive, or unable to resolve critical issues
  • · Limited collaboration features (no real-time document editing, weak office suite integration)
  • · Key security features like client-side encryption and 2FA require paid add-ons

Ratings across portals

Linked facts, we bring ratings from every portal together in one place.

Feature, pricing and integration details are based on web research (as of 2026-06-21), without guarantee, errors are possible. The vendor's website prevails.