Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

pCloud VS ownCloud

Compare pCloud VS ownCloud and see what are their differences

pCloud logo pCloud

Cloud storage service with up to 20GB for free! Store, share and send large files to anyone. Join now and have your files everywhere you go.

ownCloud logo ownCloud

ownCloud is an open source project enabling businesses to host their own cloud storage while maintaining regulatory and compliance needs.
  • pCloud Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-18
  • ownCloud Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-04-21

pCloud

Website
pcloud.com
$ Details
-
Release Date
2013 January
Startup details
Country
Switzerland
City
Baar
Employees
100 - 249

pCloud features and specs

  • Security
    pCloud offers strong encryption for files, ensuring data is kept secure. They also offer optional pCloud Crypto service for even further encryption.
  • Lifetime Plans
    Users can pay a one-time fee for lifetime access to storage, which can be more cost-effective in the long run compared to monthly or annual subscriptions.
  • File Versioning
    pCloud keeps previous versions of files for up to 30 days (or extended time for premium plans). This is useful for retrieving older versions of documents and recovering from accidental deletions or changes.
  • Media Playback
    The service has built-in media playback options, allowing users to stream audio and video files directly from the cloud without needing to download them first.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    pCloud is available on multiple platforms including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. This ensures users can access files from almost any device.

Possible disadvantages of pCloud

  • Cost of pCloud Crypto
    The enhanced encryption service, pCloud Crypto, comes at an additional cost, which might be a downside for users wanting comprehensive security without extra fees.
  • No Document Editing
    Unlike some competitors, pCloud does not have integrated document editing capabilities. Users need to download documents, edit them, and upload them again.
  • Limited Collaboration Tools
    pCloud's collaboration tools are not as comprehensive as other cloud storage providers. For example, it lacks real-time collaborative editing features.
  • Customer Support
    Some users have reported that customer support response times can be slow, which can be frustrating if encountering urgent issues.
  • Free Plan Limitations
    The free plan offers limited storage (up to 10GB with bonuses for referrals and other activities), which may not be sufficient for users with larger storage needs.

ownCloud features and specs

  • Open Source
    ownCloud offers an open-source version, allowing users to inspect, modify, and enhance the software according to their needs.
  • Data Privacy
    Users maintain complete control over their data as it can be hosted on their own servers, ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations.
  • Customizability
    The platform provides extensive customization options, enabling users to tailor it to their specific requirements.
  • Integration Capabilities
    ownCloud supports various integrations with third-party services and applications, enhancing its functionality.
  • Active Community
    A vibrant and active community contributes to continuous improvements, bug fixes, and the development of new features.

Possible disadvantages of ownCloud

  • Complex Setup
    Initial setup and configuration can be complex and may require technical expertise, which can be a barrier for non-tech-savvy users.
  • Maintenance Requirements
    Self-hosting ownCloud necessitates regular maintenance, updates, and security management, which can be time-consuming.
  • Performance Issues
    Performance can be impacted by the server's hardware capabilities and the efficiency of the network infrastructure.
  • Costs
    While the open-source version is free, the enterprise version, which offers more features and support, comes with a cost.
  • Limited Advanced Features
    In comparison to some proprietary cloud storage solutions, ownCloud may lack certain advanced features and ease of use.

Analysis of pCloud

Overall verdict

  • Overall, pCloud is a good choice for users who prioritize security and flexibility in their cloud storage solutions. Its combination of features, affordability, and strong user feedback make it a competitive option in the market.

Why this product is good

  • pCloud is considered a reliable cloud storage service due to its strong emphasis on security, including client-side encryption, and its flexible storage options that cater to both personal and business needs. It offers a lifetime plan, which is an attractive option for users looking for long-term storage solutions without recurring subscription fees. Additionally, it has cross-platform compatibility, making it accessible on various devices and operating systems. The service also provides ease of use with its intuitive interface and useful features such as file versioning, media playback, and extensive sharing options.

Recommended for

  • Individuals seeking long-term cloud storage solutions without monthly fees.
  • Users who need a secure platform for sensitive data, thanks to its optional zero-knowledge encryption feature (pCloud Crypto).
  • Professionals and small businesses looking for reliable storage with collaboration tools.
  • Anyone who requires access to their files across multiple devices and operating systems.
  • Media enthusiasts who want easy media streaming from their cloud storage.

pCloud videos

pCloud Lifetime Deal cloud storage

More videos:

  • Review - pCloud Review - Dropbox Alternative With a Twist - Online Hard Drive | Cloud Storage Service
  • Review - Sync.com vs pCloud: Battle of the best cloud storage providers of 2020
  • Review - pCloud Review: The Best Lifetime Cloud Storage?
  • Review - 5 things to you should know about pCloud... the BEST cloud storage? REVIEW
  • Review - Pcloud Review - Features, Security & Plans

ownCloud videos

ownCloud Demonstration

More videos:

  • Review - Create Your Own Hosted Cloud Storage Server in Minutes - OwnCloud

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to pCloud and ownCloud)
Cloud Storage
51 51%
49% 49
File Sharing
52 52%
48% 48
Encrypted Cloud Storage
50 50%
50% 50
Backup & Sync
52 52%
48% 48

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare pCloud and ownCloud

pCloud Reviews

Best MEGA Alternatives in 2024 : These 5 Are Much Better!
You can, therefore, adapt pCloud to suit your needs and pay exclusively for what you’ll use. Unlike MEGA, pCloud has no security issues and is among the safest options on the market. Not to mention its file versioning and the ability to access your photos, videos, and documents directly from the app.
Source: www.01net.com
Best Free Cloud Storage for 2024: What Cloud Storage Providers Offer the Most Free Storage?
The only features you’ll be missing on pCloud’s free cloud storage plan are password protection for files, expiry dates for publicly shared files and zero-knowledge encryption for your important documents. If this is a problem, you can upgrade to pCloud Premium with either or of storage, starting at per month. There’s also a pCloud Lifetime plan.
Best Cloud Storage Services for Linux
pCloud is a company based in Switzerland that focuses on security and privacy. They have an option to choose what server location you’d like to use – either a US (Dallas, Texax) or an EU (Luxembourg) one.
Source: linuxstans.com
Best Top 12 MEGA Alternatives in 2024
pCloud is a versatile cloud storage solution that competes head-to-head with MEGA. With user-friendly features and robust security measures, it provides an excellent alternative for those looking to safeguard their files.
The Best Free Backup Software and Why it is Difficult to Find One
Following the same logic as with the aforementioned Google Drive, pCloud is not a backup software per se, but it can act as one by providing limited cloud storage to its users for free. It offers file sharing for multiple devices and different users, as well as collaboration within those files, data encryption, the ability to set individual or group permissions, as well as a...
Source: www.bacula.org

ownCloud Reviews

Best Top 12 MEGA Alternatives in 2024
ownCloud is an open-source file sync and share software for everyone from individuals operating the free ownCloud server, to large enterprises and service providers operating under the ownCloud Enterprise Subscription. ownCloud provides a safe, secure and compliant file sync and share solution – on servers you control.
6 cPanel Alternatives
ownCloud is a file sharing solution for teams looking to manage data outside of something like Google Drive. The personal cloud storage solution has dozens of stable plugins that further consolidate data for remote-based organizations:
13 Best Free Dropbox Alternatives for File Sharing
Owncloud is not as such a cloud service, but a software to create our own. Owncloud allows us to take advantage of an old equipment or a service that we have to use it as if it were Dropbox.
Source: brainyhubs.com
16 Tresorit Alternatives
Like Dropbox, this service will allow you to manage all elements from a browser tab. From it, you can manage them, divide them into folders, and even download them online. ownCloud is a synchronization tool and ‘backup’ file, which is especially useful for small and medium enterprises. Moreover, it is not only versatile and practical but also extremely safe.

Social recommendations and mentions

pCloud might be a bit more popular than ownCloud. We know about 36 links to it since March 2021 and only 33 links to ownCloud. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

pCloud mentions (36)

  • Need new cloud service
    If you want Lifetime however, pCloud is a really popular option, with tons of features and good speeds (I typically get at least 160+ Mbps with them). They tend to run promos on their Lifetime deals around days like Black Friday, Christmas/New Year's, 4th of July, etc. They've already been around over a decade, so have shown thus far they can hold up against the test of time. Source: over 2 years ago
  • How best to store mixed file sizes in cloud storage?
    Why not just put everything in a virtual drive (like what pCloud does) so that way it doesn't matter how much storage each computer has - every computer will have, say, 2 TB to use (if you got their 2 TB plan). Source: about 3 years ago
  • Cannot launch pcloud on ArchLinux with Sway
    Anyone experienced a problem running pcloud on ArchLinux with Sway? I recently did a system update, and now whenever I try to start the app (even if I download the binary direct from pcloud.com and run that) I get this error: ```. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Way to issue different passwords to different users
    pCloud can do at least 3 of those 4, and as an additional plus you can create your own custom "Branded Links" (some examples on this page) – where you can have a custom cover, title image and even message for links that you share with people. So if you want to create a tailored look for your client, you can do that. Source: over 3 years ago
  • i want to journal to help my mental health but my partner would read it
    If you don't want to keep the document on your computer, use a free cloud space such us pcloud.com for the entries. Source: over 3 years ago
View more

ownCloud mentions (33)

  • Nextcloud vs ownCloud: Which File Server to Use?
    Nextcloud and ownCloud share a common ancestor. In 2016, Nextcloud's founder (Frank Karlitschek, who also founded ownCloud) forked ownCloud to create Nextcloud, taking most of the developer community with him. Since then, the projects have diverged significantly. - Source: dev.to / 6 months ago
  • HomeLab
    Meanwhile, I came across some problems and errors. I heard that using ownCloud, a simpler alternative, might be better — so I’ll try that in the near future before moving all my files over. - Source: dev.to / about 1 year ago
  • Automating My Cloud Workflow with OwnCloud, Docker, and GCP
    Hey folks! 👋 I'm Sahal, a software engineer currently diving deeper into the world of DevOps and cloud automation. Recently, I’ve been working on deploying my own cloud storage solution using OwnCloud — self-hosted, scalable, and privacy-friendly. Here’s a quick overview of what I’ve been hacking on. - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago
  • 5 Awesome ownCloud Alternatives
    If you've been using ownCloud, you might recently be reconsidering. Maybe you're frustrated by feature limitations, licensing costs, or concerned about its uncertain future since the acquisition. Switching solutions after a product changes ownership isn't unusual—products do sometimes deteriorate under new management. Luckily, there are strong options if you're looking for a reliable file syncing and sharing... - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago
  • Roundcube Open-Source Webmail Software Merges with Nextcloud
    You might want to check out ownCloud[0] if you're purely interested in file sharing. Its all open source and you can run your own server. I can't attest to how well it runs currently, as I haven't used it for a few years, but I used it a couple years ago and it was pretty solid [0]: https://owncloud.com/. - Source: Hacker News / almost 3 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing pCloud and ownCloud, you can also consider the following products

Dropbox - Online Sync and File Sharing

Google Drive - Access and sync your files anywhere

Mega - Secure File Storage and collaboration

Microsoft OneDrive - Secure access, sharing & file storage

Box - Box offers secure content management and collaboration for individuals, teams and businesses, enabling secure file sharing and access to your files online.

Nextcloud - With Nextcloud enterprises host their own secure cloud solution for storage, collaboration & communication from any device, anywhere.