Download speed test: pCloud vs. Dropbox - The pCloud Blog (2024)

Just recently we shared our excitement about the improved upload speed that we offer. We achieved that through a network of collocated proxy servers and an entirely new data transfer protocol – we call it PUDP – which we developed in-house.

But we’ve also tweaked the speed, at which you can download files from pCloud – our Free plan users can download files with up to 40 megabytes per second, while Premium, Premium Plus and pCloud Business plans subscribers can take advantage of a download speed of up to 80 MB/s (of course, this depends on the speed of your internet connection).

The best way to illustrate this is perhaps with a video streaming example. We checked the requirements of Netflix, one of the world’s most popular movie and TV series streaming provider. Here are the internet connection speeds that Netflix recommends for its services:

3.0 Megabits per second – Recommended for SD quality
5.0 Megabits per second – Recommended for HD quality
25 Megabits per second – Recommended for Ultra HD quality

Let’s put things into perspective: you need a speed of 25 megabits per second to have a seamless Ultra HD quality and receive a crystal crisp image. 25 megabits per second equal 3.125 megabytes per second.This means that if you upload a file to pCloud, then decided to stream it in HD quality, you’ll be able to do so approximately 12 times faster than the recommended industry average, i.e. incredibly fast.

And this is high-quality video streaming we’re talking about, the internet’s crankiest, most demanding child. Imagine downloading a document, a design project or a large blueprint – it will only take a fraction of a second to save it on your local device.

Downloading your vacation photos (all 600 of them)? Done in a snap.

Want to download your music to enjoy it during a long flight? All done before you could even pack your toothbrush.

You’ll probably agree that this speed is pretty amazing but let’s see how it compares.We don’t want to toot our own horn, but this is really impressive – especially if you work with large files you need to download from your cloud account.

Dropbox, for example, offers a speed 3 times lower than ours, and we carried out a download speed to back this statement up, and we captured the test on video. Here it is.

Disclaimer: The speed test in the video above has been conducted with a 500 mbit/s fiiber optic internet connection. The results may vary based on internet connection speed.

Here is a list ofbest Dropbox alternatives and best cloud storage services.

Download speed test: pCloud vs. Dropbox - The pCloud Blog (2024)

FAQs

Is Dropbox better than pCloud? ›

pCloud provides a wider array of sharing options but Dropbox offers more sharing bandwidth. Both offer the Rewind feature that helps you retrieve files. pCloud offers a longer time frame but you must pay additionally. pCloud without a doubt offers better security and privacy.

How can I make my pCloud upload faster? ›

Using the Upload and Download Speed Limit settings in the Speed subtab of the Settings tab you can manually set the speeds in which the pCloud application uploads your files to the cloud and downloads them to your computer.

Why is pCloud sync so slow? ›

There are a couple of possible reasons why your account is taking long to load: One common explanation is that you may have too many large files that require more time to be visualized by the app. Another reason may be your Internet connection. Slow connectivity can slow down the loading process of your pCloud account.

Does pCloud have an upload speed limit? ›

You can also access your pCloud Drive from the taskbar directly from where you can manage your Drive and set it up, however, you want to. You can also sync any folder that is on your device to the cloud. There are no hard limits on file transfer speeds.

What is faster than Dropbox? ›

Google Drive: What's the Most Secure Cloud Storage Option? Mega's privacy, speed, ease of use, and sharing features are slightly better than Dropbox's. In terms of raw speed, it is way faster than Dropbox, which is quite impressive.

Why Dropbox is still the best? ›

Because of its commitment to providing the best service, Dropbox remains on our best cloud storage short list. Dropbox has plenty to offer, from integrated third-party office tools, “Smart Sync” to keep your hard drive storage in check and block-level transfers, all at an affordable price.

Which cloud storage has the fastest download speed? ›

What Are the Fastest Cloud Storage Services?
  • Icedrive — The fastest cloud storage, as well as excellent prices and security.
  • Google Drive — Easy-to-use cloud storage with lightning-fast uploads.
  • pCloud — Versatile service with the fastest download speeds and online backup features.
Apr 26, 2023

Which cloud has best upload speed? ›

Google Drive

This fastest cloud storage upload speed software allows you to sync files using your phone, computer, and web, and share files with a link.

How long will pCloud last? ›

Is pCloud Really Lifetime? Yes, pCloud offers lifetime plans, starting with 500GB for a one-time payment of $199. pCloud considers a lifetime plan to run 99 years.

How long has pCloud been in business? ›

This is why we founded pCloud in 2013 to combine our strong IT skills with the vibrant creativity of our growing team to create a cloud storage solution that works seamlessly for both individuals and businesses.

Is pCloud the best cloud storage? ›

Media Player: Music & Video. pCloud has some useful media features, making it our number one choice for the best cloud storage for music. pCloud has a music player that comes with plenty of useful features. pCloud's integrated music player is available on the web and smartphone app.

What is the maximum upload size for pCloud? ›

Features of pCloud:

File storage and sharing: pCloud allows users to store and share files of up to 5TB in size.

How long should it take to upload 100gb? ›

Small and medium-sized businesses in the US typically have Internet connections with upload speeds of up to 10 Mbps (Megabits per second). At that speed, a 100 GB upload will need about a day to complete. Most people, on the other hand, have upload speeds of only around 0.6 Mbps.

What is the difference between pCloud drive and pCloud sync? ›

(pCloud) Sync is a feature in pCloud Drive. It allows you to connect locally-stored folders from your PC with pCloud Drive. This connection goes both ways, so if you edit or delete the files you're syncing from your computer, this means that you'll also be editing them or deleting them from pCloud Drive.

Is pCloud really secure? ›

How Trustworthy Is pCloud? Because pCloud is located in Switzerland and has to adhere to strict privacy laws, the service is extremely trustworthy. It also states that it doesn't sell user data to third parties, making it a better option for those concerned about their privacy.

What is the most secure cloud storage provider? ›

What Is the Most Secure Cloud Storage?
  • Sync.com — The best secure cloud storage on the market.
  • pCloud — A great all-around cloud storage with optional client-side encryption.
  • Icedrive — Zero-knowledge encryption and a gorgeous interface.
  • Egnyte — Enterprise-focused cloud storage with top-notch security.

Is pCloud good or bad? ›

It is one of the safest cloud storage services. pCloud uses TLS/SSL and zero-knowledge encryption when sending data to its servers. It means that even the pCloud staff cannot even retrieve your files if you lose your password and that only you have access to your sensitive information.

Is pCloud worth it? ›

pCloud lifetime plans provide excellent value. If you stay with the service for at least three to four years, you'll break even on your investment. If you want client-side and zero-knowledge encryption with pCloud, you'll need an additional paid service called pCloud Crypto, which also has a lifetime plan option.

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