FileShot vs pCloud: Free Encryption vs. Paid Add-On
— Written by Brendan, Founder of FileShot.io
Quick Comparison
| Feature | pCloud | FileShot |
|---|---|---|
| Free Storage | 10 GB | 50 GB (10 GB per file) |
| Zero-Knowledge Encryption | Paid add-on (pCloud Crypto, $49.99/yr) | Free (all users, always on) |
| Encryption on Free Plan | Server-side only (pCloud holds keys) | AES-256-GCM client-side |
| Account Required | Yes | No |
| Lifetime Plans | Yes ($199 for 500 GB) | No (subscription, $1-9/mo) |
| Auto-Expiration | No | 1 day to unlimited |
| P2P Transfer | No | Yes (WebRTC) |
| Built-in Tools | Media player, photo backup | PDF editor, converter, compressor, virus scanner, metadata scrubber |
Encryption Is an Upsell at pCloud
pCloud is a solid cloud storage service with competitive pricing and lifetime plan options. However, its approach to encryption is important to understand: by default, pCloud encrypts files at rest using server-side encryption where pCloud holds the keys. This means pCloud can access your files, respond to legal requests, and technically has the ability to read your data.
To get zero-knowledge (client-side) encryption, you must purchase pCloud Crypto as a separate add-on ($49.99/year or $125 lifetime). Even then, Crypto only applies to files placed in a special "Crypto Folder" — your other files remain server-side encrypted.
FileShot encrypts every file with AES-256-GCM in your browser before upload, for every user, on every plan — including the free plan. There's no upsell, no special folder, and no way to accidentally upload unencrypted files.
Lifetime Plans vs. Ongoing Value
pCloud's lifetime plans ($199 for 500 GB, $399 for 2 TB) are its standout feature — you pay once and get storage forever. That's genuinely appealing if you need permanent cloud storage and trust that pCloud will remain in business.
FileShot takes a different approach. The free tier offers generous storage (50 GB free, unlimited on paid) with zero-knowledge encryption. Paid plans start at $2/mo for ad-free use. The trade-off: FileShot is designed for file sharing with auto-expiration, not permanent storage.
Different Use Cases
pCloud is a Dropbox-style cloud storage solution: sync files across devices, back up photos, stream media. FileShot is for sharing files securely: upload, encrypt, get a link, share it, let it auto-expire. If you need permanent cloud storage, pCloud serves that need. If you need private, zero-knowledge file sharing without paying extra for encryption, FileShot is purpose-built for that.
For free zero-knowledge encrypted file sharing, try FileShot or compare plans.