Both pCloud and Google Drive offer robust cloud storage solutions with distinct advantages. pCloud stands out with its lifetime plans, client-side encryption, and focus on syncing speed. Google Drive excels in collaboration features, integration with the Google ecosystem, and generous free storage. The choice depends on individual priorities, with pCloud being suitable for users prioritizing security and long-term storage options, while Google Drive is ideal for those heavily invested in the Google ecosystem and collaborative work.
| Attribute | pCloud | Google Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | Offers a range of storage options, including a free plan with up to 10 GB. Paid plans provide options from 500 GB to 10 TB. | 15 GB free, additional storage available through Google One |
| Pricing Plans | Subscription-based and lifetime plans are available. Subscription plans include Premium (500 GB) and Premium Plus (2 TB) with monthly or annual billing. Business plans are also available. Lifetime plans offer one-time payments for permanent storage, such as a Premium 500GB lifetime plan for $199. | 100 GB for $1.99/month, 200 GB for $2.99/month, 2 TB for $9.99/month, Google One AI plans |
| File Sharing Capabilities | Allows users to share files and folders via shared links, even with non-pCloud users. Permissions (view, edit, manage) can be customized, and passwords and expiration dates can be set for shared links. | Share files/folders with edit, comment, or view permissions via invite or shareable link |
| Security Features (Encryption, Two-Factor Authentication) | Uses TLS/SSL encryption to protect data during transfer and AES 256-bit encryption for stored files. Offers optional client-side encryption (pCloud Crypto) for enhanced security and two-factor authentication for account security. | 256-bit SSL/TLS encryption for files in transit, 128-bit AES keys for files at rest, customer-managed encryption key options, two-factor authentication |
| File Versioning | Stores file versions for a specific period, allowing users to restore previous versions. File versions are kept for 15 days for free users and 30 days for premium users. Extended File History (EFH) is available as a paid add-on to extend this period. | Retains file version history up to 100 versions or 30 days, option to keep specific versions forever |
| Platform Compatibility (Desktop, Mobile, Web) | Compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Also offers a web-based interface. | Web interface, apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS |
| Synchronization Speed | Known for its fast and reliable syncing. It uses block-level sync, which transfers only the modified portions of files. | Not optimized for large file transfers |
| Data Recovery Options | Allows users to recover deleted files from the Trash folder. pCloud Rewind allows users to restore their account to a previous state. | Files in Trash for 30 days, contact Google Support for potential recovery after permanent deletion, Google Workspace admins can recover files within 25 days |
| Collaboration Tools | Enables collaboration through shared folders with permission controls. | Real-time collaboration with synchronized changes |
| Customer Support | Offers customer support through email and a knowledge base. Does not offer live chat support. | 24/7 phone support for business users, 99.9% uptime guarantee |
| Third-Party Integrations | Integrates with various third-party applications and supports integration with social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. | Integrates with Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Tettra, Trello, Slack, Asana, Zoom, and others |
| Bandwidth Limits | Each pCloud plan includes a specific amount of shared link traffic. pCloud Basic has 50 GB, Premium has 500 GB, and Premium Plus has 2 TB. Business accounts have 1 TB per user per month. | 750 GB upload limit per day, maximum file size 5 TB |