Should you choose pCloud or Google Drive to store personal files?

While Google Drive is hugely popular, some of the benefits pCloud can offer will make you regret missing out. Before deciding to give your data to any cloud storage service provider, comparing the features will help you have a more objective view.

Keeping your files safe and private is very important. So which service offers better privacy - Google Drive or pCloud? Today's article will highlight the key differences to help you make your decision.

Encryption options

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pCloud and Google Drive provide the same level of encryption by default. In other words, your data is completely encrypted and no one can access it through the cloud service provider.

However, pCloud outperforms the competition by offering optional paid client-side encryption (pCloud Crypto).

With this premium feature, the encryption keys will be stored locally on your device and the cloud service provider won't know anything about those files and their contents. pCloud Crypto is a necessary feature for users who deal with sensitive data and do not want the cloud provider to access the file contents. Metadata is also associated with data and can be exchanged without this kind of encryption.

Scan for viruses and malware

pCloud does not scan any of your files for viruses and malware. Whether you're downloading something from a pCloud link or uploading it to your cloud storage, you'll have to rely on your computer's anti-virus solutions to check the safety of your content.

While it means you have to put in extra effort to make sure your files are virus-free, it also enhances privacy. There is no automatic system to scan your files. So you shouldn't worry about any important files and folders being accidentally deleted.

Google Drive scans files up to 25 megabytes in size. So, if you want an automated system in a cloud storage service to check files, then Google Drive can be a good choice.

Anti-ransomware protection

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Google Drive mentions the presence of anti-ransomware protection in its service. This remains the same for files shared by other users, and these shared files will be scanned for malware, spam, ransomware, and phishing.

However, pCloud doesn't mention anything like that. So it's possible that pCloud only offers basic security options and most of its security measures will be aimed at servers.

Of course, every cloud storage provider cares about the basics of securing users' files. In this respect, you don't have to worry too much.

Sharing and collaboration options

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pCloud offers the ability to share files and protect them with a password or set an expiration date. If you want this kind of control for file sharing, pCloud is an easy choice.

In addition, pCloud also allows you to use a public directory that you can use to distribute files and directly link to the public download. You can also use it to host a static HTML web page with embedded images.

With Google Drive, you don't get such extra features. However, the ease of collaboration in Google Drive makes it a good choice if you don't need any of the extra features.

Supported Platforms

pCloud provides support for Linux, Windows, and macOS for desktop systems. You will also find it available for Android and iOS devices.

While Google Drive also offers mobile support (Android and iOS), limited desktop version support for Windows and macOS, no Linux.

So the decision depends on the platform you use. In either case, you can use cloud storage in your browser, so you can evaluate your requests if client sync isn't available for your preferred platform.

Save file version

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Google Drive stores file versions for up to 30 days or 100 versions. However, pCloud only offers up to 15 days free.

If you want more file version history, you'll have to opt for a paid subscription, which can be inconvenient for some. So in this respect, Google Drive has the upper hand over the competition.

However, for the paid users, pCloud offers an extensive file history feature where you can record all file changes for up to 365 days and restore them quickly. Note that it is a separate premium feature.

Privacy Policy

pCloud is a cloud storage service provider based in Switzerland with a simple privacy policy that informs you of various rights under data protection law. The service also offers the ability to choose a different data storage region (EU or US) to control your privacy.

Unfortunately, Google Drive doesn't give you the option to choose a storage area for enhanced data security. Although Google doesn't collect your data for ads, some data about your usage will be saved, in addition to account details.

Rates for packages

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pCloud offers a competitively priced plan for flexible storage options. However, it is more expensive than Google Drive.

Fortunately, pCloud also offers a one-time payment option for all of its hosting plans and features, which may be appealing to many people. A one-time fee is cheaper than paying for a subscription for many years.

Google Drive doesn't offer any one-time fees, but rates are adjusted by region, unlike pCloud. Google Drive can be a great starting point if you don't plan on investing heavily in cloud storage in the first place.

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Should you choose Google Drive or pCloud to store files?

Google Drive is a popular recommendation if you want the security and privacy essentials of all your files and documents. For users concerned about privacy, pCloud offers a wide range of features, which can be expensive depending on your requirements.

The decision depends on your preference for the features offered. If you want better privacy, extended file version support, and the ability to buy a one-time storage plan, choose pCloud. If you're okay with basic industry-standard security options and want price flexibility, then Google Drive would be a better choice.

Samuel Daniel

Update 21 December 2021