pCloud vs Proton Drive: Which Cloud Storage Tool Is Better in 2026?

pCloud

From $4.16

Proton Drive

From $3.99

Quick verdict

Overall pick: pCloud

Choose pCloud if you need a REST API or enterprise cloud integrations, since Proton Drive does not offer an API. Choose Proton Drive if you want the lowest listed starting price at $3.99 versus $4.16 per month and are comfortable within the Proton ecosystem. Both cover zero-knowledge encryption, versioning, large file sharing, password-protected links, smart sync, and compliance, and neither offers real-time document co-editing.

Proton Drive's entry plan ($3.99) is 4% cheaper than pCloud's ($4.16).
Both offer a free plan, so you can test them side by side at no cost.
Only pCloud offers: rest api & enterprise cloud integrations.

Try pCloud →Try Proton Drive →

Cost calculator

Team size: 5 users

Tool	Monthly	Yearly
pCloud · flat	$4.16	$50
Proton Drive · flat	$3.99	$48

Based on entry-level paid plans. Prices change, so check the vendor before you buy.

Which one should you choose?

If you need…	Pick	Why
Team needing programmatic access and integrations	pCloud	pCloud offers a REST API and enterprise cloud integrations; Proton Drive does not list an API.
Price-sensitive buyer comparing entry plans	Proton Drive	Proton Drive starts at $3.99 versus pCloud at $4.16, both on flat billing with a free plan.
Privacy-focused individual wanting zero-knowledge storage	Tie	Both list client-side zero-knowledge encryption and are Swiss-based.
User needing large file transfer and protected links	Tie	Both list large file sharing (100GB+ per link) and password-protected, expiring links.
Buyer prioritizing an established provider	pCloud	pCloud was founded in 2013 versus Proton Drive in 2020.

Feature comparison: pCloud vs Proton Drive

Feature	pCloud	Proton Drive
Free plan	✅	✅
Starting price	$4.16 /mo	$3.99 /mo
Client-side zero-knowledge encryption	✅	✅
File version history & recovery (30+ days)	✅	✅
Large file transfer (100GB+ / link)	✅	✅
Real-time document co-editing & preview	—	—
HIPAA, GDPR & SOC2 compliance	✅	✅
Password-protected & expiring links	✅	✅
Smart on-demand selective sync	✅	✅
REST API & enterprise cloud integrations	✅	—

Highlighted rows are where the tools differ.

Pros and cons

pCloud

Offers a REST API and enterprise cloud integrations, which Proton Drive does not list
Founded in 2013, giving it a longer operating history than Proton Drive (2020)
Covers zero-knowledge encryption, versioning, large file sharing, protected links, smart sync, and compliance
Flat billing with a free plan and a $4.16 starting price

Starting price of $4.16 is higher than Proton Drive's $3.99
No real-time document co-editing or preview
Lacks Proton ecosystem integration

Try pCloud →

Proton Drive

Lowest listed starting price at $3.99 on flat billing with a free plan
Strict zero-access, zero-knowledge file encryption
Covers versioning, large file sharing, protected links, smart sync, and compliance
Fits into the broader Proton ecosystem

No REST API or enterprise cloud integrations listed
No real-time document co-editing or preview
Founded in 2020, a shorter operating history than pCloud

Try Proton Drive →

COMMUNITY POLL

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At a glance

pCloud

Swiss-based secure cloud storage with optional zero-knowledge crypto and lifetime plans.

Founded 2013 · From $4.16 · 7/8 tracked features

Best for: lifetime storage buyers, media file streaming & backup

See pCloud alternatives →

Proton Drive

Swiss privacy-first encrypted cloud storage with strict zero-access file encryption.

Founded 2020 · From $3.99 · 6/8 tracked features

Best for: privacy advocates, Proton ecosystem integration

See Proton Drive alternatives →

FAQ

Is Proton Drive cheaper than pCloud?

Yes, on listed starting price: Proton Drive starts at $3.99 versus pCloud at $4.16, both on flat billing with a free plan.

Do both offer zero-knowledge encryption?

Yes, both pCloud and Proton Drive list client-side zero-knowledge encryption.

Which tool offers an API?

pCloud lists a REST API and enterprise cloud integrations; Proton Drive does not list an API.

Do either support real-time document co-editing?

No, neither pCloud nor Proton Drive lists real-time document co-editing or preview.

Which is older?

pCloud was founded in 2013; Proton Drive was founded in 2020.

Related comparisons

Data last reviewed: pending verification. All Cloud Storage tools →