Google Drive vs pCloud: Which Offers Better Data Privacy?
Explore how Switzerland's pCloud with zero-knowledge encryption stacks up against Google Drive's US-based storage for ultimate data security.
Should You Switch to pCloud?
Enhanced privacy, EU-hosted data, client-side encryption
Loss of real-time collaboration and Google Workspace integration
Switch if privacy is priority; stay for collaboration and integration
At a Glance
US data laws
GDPR protected
Google Drive
Contact
pCloud
freemium
Privacy & Compliance Comparison
Critical data sovereignty factors at a glance
| Criteria | Google Drive | pCloud |
|---|---|---|
Server Location | US, EU, Asia, South America | EU, CH |
GDPR Compliance | Partial (SCCs) | Full |
Open Source | ||
E2E Encryption | Enterprise only | Optional |
Data Portability | Full export | Full export |
CLOUD Act Notice
Google Drive is a US company and must comply with CLOUD Act data requests, even for data stored in EU data centers. pCloud is not subject to US jurisdiction.
Google Drive
🇺🇸pCloud
🇨🇭US Data Storage
Data subject to US CLOUD Act and may be accessed by US authorities
EU Data Protection
Data protected under GDPR with EU-only data residency
Certifications & Compliance
No certifications listed
Reasons to Switch
- ✓EU-hosted data centers ensure GDPR compliance
- ✓Client-side encryption for enhanced data security
- ✓Lifetime storage plans reduce long-term costs
- ✓File sharing with password protection adds security
Things to Consider
- !Migration from Google Drive can be time-consuming
- !Lacks real-time collaboration on documents
- !Learning curve for new interface and features
Migration Overview
Depends on data size and complexity
Quick Steps
Create pCloud account and configure settings
Export and prepare data from Google Drive
Import data, test integrations, and migrate users
Note: Unknown
Other alternatives to Google Drive
Ready to make the switch?
Start using pCloud today and take control of your data privacy.