pCloud is better for users who need a user-friendly interface, fast data transfer speeds, and integration with various services. Amazon S3 Glacier Deep Archive is more suitable for long-term archival of vast amounts of data where immediate access is not required and cost is a primary concern.
| Attribute | pCloud | Amazon S3 Glacier Deep Archive |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | Up to 10 TB in paid plans; Free plan includes up to 10 GB | Virtually unlimited scalability. Designed to store vast amounts of data. |
| Data Security Measures (Encryption, Access Controls) | 256-bit AES encryption, TLS/SSL channel protection, optional client-side encryption (pCloud Crypto), multi-factor authentication (MFA), role-based access controls (RBAC) | Uses AES-256 encryption for data at rest and SSL/TLS protocols during transfer. Granular IAM policies to control data access. AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) can be implemented to restrict access to vaults and archives. Supports AWS CloudTrail for logging, monitoring, and retaining storage API call activities for auditing. |
| Data Redundancy and Availability | Data stored redundantly in at least two separate geographic locations; erasure coding; data pieces stored redundantly across multiple devices in multiple availability zones; choice of storing data in the US (Dallas, Texas) or the EU (Luxembourg) | Designed for 99.999999999% (11 nines) of data durability. Data is redundantly stored across multiple geographically dispersed Availability Zones within an AWS Region. |
| Pricing Model (Pay-as-you-go, Subscription) | Monthly, annual, and lifetime subscription plans; Free plan with up to 10 GB storage; Paid plans include Premium 500 GB, Premium Plus 2 TB, and one-time payment lifetime plans | Pay-as-you-go. You only pay for what you use, with no minimum commitments or upfront fees. S3 Glacier Deep Archive is the cheapest S3 storage class. As of early 2025, it costs approximately $0.00099 per GB per month. |
| Data Transfer Speed (Upload/Download) | Speeds depend on internet provider; no file size limits | Retrieval times are not immediate. Standard retrieval within 12 hours. Bulk retrieval typically within 48 hours. |
| Integration with Other Services/Platforms | Integrates with various services through CloudsLinker; backs up content from Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, Facebook, and Instagram; integrates with Zapier, IFTTT, and others | Integrates with other AWS services. Integrated with Tape Gateway for managing on-premises tape-based backups. Tens of thousands of consulting, systems integrator, and independent software vendor partners have adapted their services and software to work with Amazon S3 storage classes. |
| File Versioning Capabilities | File versions kept for 15 days for free users and 30 days for Premium/Premium Plus/Lifetime users; Extended File History add-on available to extend version history to 365 days | S3 supports versioning. |
| Collaboration Features (Sharing, Permissions) | Secure file sharing with link permissions, password protection, and expiration dates; shared folders with permission control (View, Edit, Manage); file requests to receive files from others | File sharing is possible but requires additional configuration. You can define permissions to control who can create, read, update, or delete objects within your buckets. |
| Compliance Certifications (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR) | Compliant under ISO 9001:2008 and 27001:2013 certificates; data centers are certified for SSAE 18 SOC 2 Type II & SSAE 16 SOC 2 Type II; GDPR Compliant | Complies with standards like HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR, SEC Rule 17a-4, FedRAMP, and FISMA. Supports compliance with various regulatory requirements. |
| Customer Support Options (Availability, Response Time) | Help center, FAQ, and contact options; support available in multiple languages | Integration with AWS CloudTrail to monitor and retain storage API call activities. Details on customer support responsiveness for both would require direct comparison of service level agreements or user reviews. |
| User Interface and Ease of Use | User-friendly interface for browser, desktop, and mobile; easy file uploading and sharing; drag-and-drop functionality | Requires some technical knowledge to set up and manage. Amazon S3 Glacier Deep Archive console requires more technical expertise. |
| Mobile App Availability and Features | Available for iOS and Android; automatic photo and video backup; offline access to files and folders | Check the AWS Management Console or AWS Mobile App for S3 Glacier Deep Archive functionalities. |
| Price | Offers monthly, annual, and lifetime subscription plans; Free plan with up to 10 GB storage; Paid plans include Premium 500 GB, Premium Plus 2 TB, and one-time payment lifetime plans | $0.00099 per GB per month (as of early 2025) |
| Ratings | Not available | Overall: Not available, Performance: Not available |