Best pCloud alternatives in 2026
The best pCloud alternatives in 2026 are IDrive, MEGA, lifebox. IDrive has a free plan. IDrive costs less, from $0.25/mo versus $4.99/mo for pCloud.
Why people look for pCloud alternatives
pCloud is used by individuals who want cloud storage they can pay for once, and it is known for its Swiss base and lifetime plans alongside monthly plans from $4.99. People look for alternatives because client-side encryption is a paid extra rather than included, and because team and collaboration features are basic.
Lifetime plans also depend on the company staying in business for decades. When picking a replacement, decide whether you need sync, backup or sharing with a team, check whether end-to-end encryption is included, and compare the yearly price per terabyte as well as where the data is stored.
- Encryption is extra
- Team features limited
- Company longevity risk for lifetime
- Collaboration basic
- pCloud starts at $4.99/mo (Freemium).
Best pCloud alternative by need
| # | Tool | Pricing | Starts at | Best for | Platforms | Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IDrive Cloud backup for multiple PCs, Macs, phones and servers in one account | Freemium | $0/mo | Small businesses, Freelancers, Enterprise | web, windows, macos, linux, ios, android | 0 |
| 2 | MEGA End-to-end encrypted cloud storage with 20 GB free | Freemium | — | Freelancers, Small businesses, Creators | web, macos, windows, linux, ios, android | 0 |
| 3 | lifebox Turkcell's cloud backup for photos, videos, contacts and files | Freemium | — | Creators, Freelancers, Small businesses | web, ios, android | 0 |
| 4 | Dropbox Cloud storage and file sync pioneer | Freemium | $12/mo | Small businesses, Freelancers | web, macos, windows, linux, ios, android | 0 |
| 5 | Google Drive Storage integrated with Google Workspace | Freemium | $8/mo | Small businesses, Enterprise, Freelancers | web, macos, windows, ios, android | 0 |
| 6 | Sync.com End-to-end encrypted cloud storage | Freemium | $8/mo | Small businesses, Freelancers | web, macos, windows, ios, android | 0 |
| 7 | Microsoft OneDrive Microsoft's cloud storage and file sync, bundled with Microsoft 365 | Freemium | $2/mo | Small businesses, Enterprise, Freelancers | web, windows, macos, ios, android | 0 |
| 8 | Proton Drive End-to-end encrypted cloud storage from Swiss privacy company Proton | Freemium | $5/mo | Freelancers, Small businesses, Enterprise | web, windows, macos, ios, android | 0 |
| 9 | Backblaze Unlimited computer backup and B2 cloud storage | Paid | $9/mo | Freelancers, Small businesses, Developers | macos, windows, web | 0 |
| 10 | Internxt Open-source, encrypted cloud storage | Freemium | — | Freelancers | web, macos, windows, ios, android | 0 |
10 pCloud alternatives compared
- 1
IDrive
Cloud backup for multiple PCs, Macs, phones and servers in one account
Why pick it over pCloud: IDrive is built for backing up many computers, phones and servers into one account, with plans from $0.25 a month for 100 GB. Households and small offices that need backup more than file sharing can start for less than with pCloud.
- 2
MEGA
End-to-end encrypted cloud storage with 20 GB free
Why pick it over pCloud: MEGA includes end-to-end encryption on every plan and gives 20 GB free, while pCloud charges extra for client-side encryption. Privacy-conscious users get encrypted storage without buying an add-on.
- 3
lifebox
Turkcell's cloud backup for photos, videos, contacts and files
Why pick it over pCloud: lifebox is Turkcell's cloud backup for photos, videos and contacts, with 5 GB free and lira pricing through the app stores. Turkish users who mainly back up their phone get local support and pricing that pCloud does not offer.
- 4
Dropbox
Cloud storage and file sync pioneer
Why pick it over pCloud: Dropbox costs more, from $11.99 a month for 2 TB, but it is built around team sharing and sync, where pCloud's collaboration stays basic. Creative teams that share large files every day get more for the price.
- 5
Google Drive
Storage integrated with Google Workspace
Why pick it over pCloud: Google Drive gives 15 GB free and works inside Docs, Gmail and Workspace, with paid storage from $7.99 a month. People who edit and share files with others all day get collaboration that pCloud lacks.
- 6
Sync.com
End-to-end encrypted cloud storage
Why pick it over pCloud: Sync.com includes end-to-end encryption on all plans, including the free 5 GB plan, whereas pCloud sells encryption as an extra. Teams plans start at $8 per user a month for privacy-focused small businesses.
- 7
Microsoft OneDrive
Microsoft's cloud storage and file sync, bundled with Microsoft 365
Why pick it over pCloud: Microsoft OneDrive starts at $1.99 a month for 100 GB and comes with Office apps on higher Microsoft 365 plans. Windows users who live in Office get storage built into their tools at a lower entry price than pCloud.
- 8
Proton Drive
End-to-end encrypted cloud storage from Swiss privacy company Proton
Why pick it over pCloud: Proton Drive costs the same $4.99 to start and, like pCloud, is based in Switzerland, but end-to-end encryption is included on every plan. It fits users who want Swiss privacy without paying for an encryption add-on.
Freemium · $5pCloud vs Proton Drive - 9
Backblaze
Unlimited computer backup and B2 cloud storage
Why pick it over pCloud: Backblaze backs up an entire computer with unlimited data for $9 a month, and its B2 storage is billed per terabyte. People who need automatic, set-and-forget backup rather than a synced drive get broader coverage than with pCloud.
- 10
Internxt
Open-source, encrypted cloud storage
Why pick it over pCloud: Internxt is open source and end-to-end encrypted by default, and like pCloud it also sells lifetime plans. Privacy-focused users who want encryption without an add-on and code they can inspect may prefer it.
pCloud alternatives: FAQ
What is the best alternative to pCloud?
Based on features, audience and market presence, the strongest pCloud alternatives are IDrive, MEGA, lifebox. IDrive is the closest match for most teams.
Is there a free alternative to pCloud?
IDrive has a free plan with limits; paid plans unlock more. Other alternatives to pCloud with a free or freemium option include MEGA, lifebox, Dropbox.
What is cheaper than pCloud?
IDrive starts at $0.25/mo, while pCloud starts at $4.99/mo. Prices are checked on each vendor's own pricing page.