Updated October 13, 2026 · ShieldCue Editorial Team
Filen vs pCloud
Filen
pCloud
Higher score in this comparison
Filen vs pCloud: the differences
| Compare | FilenReviewSee alternativesSee alternatives | pCloudReviewSee alternativesSee alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | DE | CH |
| Compliance certifications | GDPR | ISO 9001:2008, ISO 27001:2013, SSAE 18 SOC 2 Type II, SSAE 16 SOC 2 Type II, GDPRCovers more |
| Free storage | Not confirmed | 10 |
| Price per TB per year | Not confirmed | $50 |
Same on both: Zero-knowledge encryption (Yes).
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Key differences
- Support channels: only Filen offers Email, Community.
- Compliance certifications: only pCloud offers ISO 9001:2008, ISO 27001:2013, SSAE 18 SOC 2 Type II.
- Pricing model: only pCloud offers Free.
Our verdict on each
Filen
For privacy conscious individuals and small teams needing everyday cloud control, Filen provides zero-knowledge end-to-end encrypted storage with sync, sharing, notes and chats. Filen operates from Germany under German data protection laws and keeps full encryption included across its intuitive platform for beginners and professionals.
pCloud
pCloud suits people who want stored files kept out of the provider's reach while spend stays small. The free plan holds 10, long-term storage runs at $50 per terabyte per year, and the operator is pCloud International AG under CH.
Score breakdown
| Area | Filen | pCloud |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Not confirmed | 9.4Entry is €4.99 a month, and long-term cost is $50 per terabyte per year. |
| Offer | 9.3Higher | 8.7A free plan holds 10 and certifications include ISO 9001:2008, ISO 27001:2013 and SSAE 18 SOC 2 Type II. |
| Privacy | 8.7 | 9.2Higher |
How they place
| Ranking | Filen | pCloud |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy tools | 222 of 280 | 111 of 280 |
| Secure cloud storage and backup | 55 of 70 | 27 of 70 |
Every fact side by side
| Fact | Filen | pCloud |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Budget | Free, BudgetCovers more |
| Legal entity | Filen Cloud Dienste UG (haftungsbeschränkt) | pCloud International AG |
| Headquarters | Germany | Switzerland |
| Founded | Not confirmed | 2013 |
| Support channels | Email, Help centre, CommunityCovers more | Help centre |
Privacy tools
| Fact | Filen | pCloud |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | €1.99Lower | €4.99 |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free plan limits | Lifetime free account; data deleted after 3 months of inactivity, must log in at least once every 3 months | Not confirmed |
| Platforms | Web, Desktop, Mobile, Cli | Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Add on |
| Logging policy | Zero-knowledge client-side encryption: files are AES 256-bit encrypted on device, so Filen cannot read contents; only a small amount of file-type metadata is collected | Collects IP address, browser type and version, operating system, referral source, device information, visit length, page views and navigation paths; cookies deleted after 1 year |
| Open source | Yes | Not confirmed |
Where each stands against the rest
| Fact | Filen | pCloud | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free storage | Not confirmed | 10above the median | 5 |
| Price per TB per year | Not confirmed | $50below the median | $94.50 |
Median across 36 listed providers.
Pros and cons
Filen
Pros
- Zero-knowledge end-to-end encryption keeps files unreadable to outside parties
- Open source apps support transparency around security and privacy practices
- Network drive access plus five sync modes link computers and devices
Cons
- Headquarters and servers stay in Germany under German data protection laws
- Multiple sync modes and drive features require ongoing organization across devices
- Client side encryption model relies on user held keys for file access
pCloud
Pros
- Client-side encryption means the provider does not hold the keys to stored files.
- Certifications on record include ISO 9001:2008, ISO 27001:2013 and SSAE 18 SOC 2 Type II.
- Coverage spans Windows, macOS and Linux, so the same storage carries across desktop and mobile.
Cons
- The free plan holds 10, below MEGA and Degoo at 20 each.
- Support runs on help centre only, so phone and chat are not among the listed routes.
- The logging policy records network and device details along with referral data, visit length, page views and navigation paths, so browsing activity is kept on file.
Who each suits
Filen
Who it suits
- Individuals who prioritize security and privacy
- Professionals and teams needing encrypted collaboration
- Developers seeking open source encrypted storage tools
Who should look elsewhere
- Shoppers who want general storage without an encryption focus
- Teams wanting tools outside a privacy centered system
pCloud
Who it suits
- People who want cloud storage encrypted on their own side and a free plan they can keep using.
- Users moving between desktop and mobile, since coverage spans Windows, macOS and Linux.
- Anyone who puts audited credentials first, with ISO 9001:2008, ISO 27001:2013 and SSAE 18 SOC 2 Type II on record.
Who should look elsewhere
- People chasing the largest free allowance: MEGA and Degoo each list 20.
- Apple Inc. customers, who already hold 5 of free storage with the account they own.
- Buyers who want another jurisdiction or a live support line, since pCloud lists CH and handles help through help centre only, so MEGA or Degoo is worth a look.
Current offers
pCloud
Current offer
Discount code
Lifetime Encryption plan price reduction: 150 EUR one-time, reduced from 229 EUR
Prices are final. No setup fees or other hidden charges! Applies to the optional pCloud Encryption (Crypto) add-on.
Source, checked September 26, 2026
Questions about each
Filen
What does Filen provide?+
Filen provides zero knowledge client side encrypted cloud storage for organizing, sharing and synchronizing data. Files stay encrypted on the device, so outside parties cannot read contents. The design pairs protection with everyday file management.
Which collaboration tools does Filen include?+
Filen includes encrypted file sharing, secure notes and end to end encrypted chats. Notes support rich text, code, markdown and checklist options with collaboration by adding other users. Chats support conversation, collaboration and file sharing with real time protection.
pCloud
How much space does the pCloud free plan give me?+
pCloud does offer a free plan, and it holds 10 of storage. For context, MEGA and Degoo both list 20, so the free tier is smaller here, and either of those fits better if the free allowance decides the purchase.
What does pCloud cost, and what does a terabyte come to?+
Paid plans start at €4.99 a month, and long-term storage works out at $50 per terabyte per year. The published monthly figure is the plan's list price, so check the current pricing for your own term before committing to anything longer.
Other options to compare
Filen
pCloud