pCloud

has established itself as a serious competitor in the online storage market since its inception in Switzerland in 2013. This cloud storage service stands out for its rigorous security policies and unique lifetime offers, attracting over 20 million users worldwide.

pCloud Features

In terms of technical capabilities, pCloud offers several features that distinguish it in our cloud comparison. Notably, the service allows unlimited file size uploads, a considerable advantage for professionals working with large files such as HD videos.

Download and upload speeds are not restricted by the platform, whether you're using a free or premium account. This performance is enhanced by pCloud Drive, a virtual disk that integrates directly with your operating system, enabling smooth file management.

Additionally, pCloud offers a file versioning system that retains previous versions for 15 days on free accounts and 30 days on premium accounts. The pCloud Rewind feature also allows you to restore accidentally deleted files.

For security, pCloud employs 256-bit AES encryption during and after data transfer. The pCloud Crypto option provides end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only you possess the access key to your sensitive files.

pCloud Advantages

One of pCloud's main strengths is its strict security policy. Based in Switzerland, the company is subject to some of the most stringent personal data protection laws. Furthermore, your files are stored in five copies on servers distributed across at least three different locations.

Access flexibility is another major advantage. pCloud is compatible with virtually all operating systems: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. This versatility allows you to access your files from any device, even offline.

Finally, unlike many competing services, pCloud offers lifetime plans that represent a cost-effective alternative in the long run.

pCloud Pricing

pCloud stands out with its flexible pricing structure that caters to various needs:

• Free Plan: up to 10 GB of storage at no cost

• Premium (500 GB): $49.99 per year or $4.99 per month

• Premium Plus (2 TB): $99.99 per year or $9.99 per month

However, what makes pCloud truly unique in the cloud storage comparison is its lifetime plans that require a one-time payment for 99 years of access:

• Lifetime Premium (500 GB): $199

• Lifetime Premium Plus (2 TB): $399

• Lifetime Ultra (10 TB): $1,190

These lifetime rates prove particularly competitive as they equate to approximately 42 months of subscription, making it a cost-effective solution for long-term cloud storage needs.

It's worth noting that pCloud also offers options for families and businesses, allowing multiple users to share storage space.

Internxt

Internxt positions itself as a cloud storage service focused on data privacy and security, making it an interesting option in our cloud comparison. This Spanish solution, founded in 2020, distinguishes itself through its commitment to protecting personal information and its transparent approach to online storage.

Internxt Features

First and foremost, Internxt offers end-to-end encryption using AES-256 bit technology, ensuring that only you have access to your files. The service also employs a zero-knowledge architecture, meaning Internxt itself cannot access your data. This approach guarantees maximum privacy for your sensitive information.

Moreover, the service provides complete cross-platform compatibility. You can easily access your files from various devices and operating systems. While the user interface is streamlined, it remains intuitive and user-friendly, even for beginners. Internxt also distinguishes itself by incorporating Kyber 512 post-quantum cryptography, an advanced technology chosen by the NIST institute to protect against future quantum computer threats. This feature anticipates technological developments that could compromise conventional encryption systems.

Advantages of Internxt

Transparency is a major asset of Internxt. Indeed, its source code is fully available on GitHub, allowing anyone to examine and verify its security. This open-source policy strengthens users' trust in the service's integrity.

Furthermore, Internxt has been independently audited by Securitum, a leading European penetration testing company. This external verification confirms the reliability of the implemented security measures.

Another notable advantage is that all Internxt servers are based in Europe and fully comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This compliance is particularly crucial for businesses and users concerned about the legal protection of their personal information.

Additionally, Internxt's environmental commitment deserves recognition. Their data centers primarily utilize renewable energy sources such as nuclear and hydroelectric power, aligning with sustainable development practices.

Internxt Pricing

Internxt offers a generous free plan with 10GB of storage space, placing it on par with pCloud in our selection of the best cloud services.

For users requiring more storage, several paid plans are available:

1. 20GB: €0.99 per month or €2.14 per year

2. 200GB: €4.49 per month or €8.38 per year

3. 2TB: €9.99 per month or €21.58 per year

However, what truly sets Internxt apart in this cloud comparison are its lifetime offers, which are particularly competitive for those seeking a long-term solution:

• 2TB Lifetime: one-time payment of €299

• 5TB Lifetime: one-time payment of €499

• 10TB Lifetime: one-time payment of €999

All paid plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to test the service risk-free. When choosing between cloud services, Internxt stands out as a relevant option if privacy is your absolute priority, although Drime offers more collaborative features and a more generous free storage space.

NordLocker

A subsidiary of Nord Security (creators of NordVPN), NordLocker distinguishes itself in our cloud comparison through its absolute priority on data protection. This service, founded on the principle of maximum security, combines cloud storage and local encryption to meet the needs of the most privacy-conscious users.

NordLocker Features

NordLocker offers a unique approach based on the concept of "lockers" - encrypted folders accessible only through a master password. These digital vaults benefit from end-to-end encryption using three complementary technologies: AES-256 for files, xChaCha20-Poly1305 for the keychain, and Ed25519 for digital signatures. This system ensures military-grade security for all your data.

In terms of compatibility, the service is accessible from Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, enabling seamless synchronization between your various devices. Moreover, NordLocker supports all file types without size limitations, making it ideal for storing both sensitive documents and large video files.

To facilitate collaboration, NordLocker offers file sharing through two primary methods:

• Sharing a complete locker with other NordLocker users

• Creating password-protected links for individual files

However, unlike other services such as pCloud or Drime, sharing a folder requires the recipient to have a NordLocker account, which may limit flexibility in certain professional contexts.

NordLocker Advantages

NordLocker's main strength lies in its zero-knowledge architecture. In practical terms, even NordLocker's teams cannot access your files or know their content, thus ensuring absolute confidentiality.

Furthermore, being registered in Panama, user data benefits from enhanced legal protection, as this country does not impose any data retention obligations on companies.

Additionally, NordLocker provides dual protection against unauthorized access through multi-factor authentication. This feature allows you to secure your account using one-time codes, authentication apps, or third-party security keys.

Ease of use is also a notable advantage. The streamlined interface and drag-and-drop system greatly simplify file management, even for novice users.

NordLocker Pricing

NordLocker offers a pricing range suitable for different user profiles:

Free plan: 3GB of cloud storage with unlimited encryption Personal (500GB): $2.99/month with annual commitment or $7.99/month without commitment Personal Plus (2TB): $6.99/month with annual commitment or $19.99/month without commitment

For businesses, two main plans are available:

• Business (500GB): $8.99/month per user

• Business Plus (2TB): $14.99/month per user

All paid plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing risk-free testing of the service.

While the free storage space is limited to 3GB, which is less than Drime's 20GB or pCloud and Internxt's 10GB offerings, NordLocker compensates for this limitation with its exceptional security level and unlimited local encryption capabilities. This service represents a particularly relevant option for those who prioritize data security over raw storage capacity when choosing the best cloud solution.