SteadyLink vs pCloud
pCloud is long-term cloud storage with a virtual drive, lifetime plans and optional client-side encryption. SteadyLink is for publishing files at links that serve the file directly and stay the same through every replacement. Use pCloud as a large personal archive and SteadyLink for the files other people and sites link to.
At a glance
| Feature | SteadyLink | pCloud |
|---|---|---|
| Built around | Publishing files at stable links | Storing and syncing personal and team files |
| What a link opens | The file itself | Usually a pCloud download or preview page |
| Replace a file, keep the link | Replace creates a new revision on the same link | Depends on how the file is updated |
| Link to an exact old version | Yes, with ?v=N | Not through the same link |
| Client-side encryption | No, files are scanned for malware | Yes, as a paid add-on |
| Desktop app | No, use the CLI or rclone | Yes, a virtual drive |
| Pricing model | Monthly or yearly | Yearly or a one-time lifetime price |
Pricing
SteadyLink
- Free$0
10 GB storage, 50 GB / month delivery, 1 member
- Personal$9 a month, or $7.50 billed yearly
50 GB storage, 100 GB / month delivery, 1 member
- Pro$39 a month, or $32.50 billed yearly
100 GB storage, 1 TB / month delivery, 5 members
- Business$129 a month, or $107.50 billed yearly
500 GB storage, 3 TB / month delivery, 20 members
pCloud
- Free$0
Up to 10 GB storage
- PremiumFrom $49.99 a year, or a one-time lifetime price
500 GB storage, 1 TB link traffic a month
- Premium PlusFrom $99.99 a year, or a one-time lifetime price
2 TB storage, 4 TB link traffic a month
Where pCloud is the better choice
Long-term storage
Built to hold large collections of files and media, with lifetime plans that avoid a subscription.
Client-side encryption
Its encryption add-on locks selected files on your device before upload. SteadyLink can't, because it scans every file.
A drive on your computer
The desktop app makes cloud files feel local.
Where SteadyLink is the better choice
Direct delivery
Links return the file itself, so they work in img tags, download buttons, emails and QR codes.
Replacing a file is the main workflow
Open the file, choose Replace, and the link stays the same. The same works from the CLI with steadylink replace, from the API and SDKs, and over the S3-compatible API.
Every revision kept and linkable
Each replacement is a numbered revision you can restore. A pinned link like ?v=3 keeps serving one exact revision and is cached for a year.
Publishing controls
Malware scanning before delivery, private files with revocable signed links, scheduled publishing and replacement requests.
Which one to pick
Pick pCloud if
- You want a long-term home for a large file library
- Client-side encryption matters to you
- You like working from a virtual drive
- A lifetime plan fits how you prefer to pay
Pick SteadyLink if
- You publish files that people, sites or apps link to
- The file behind a link changes and the link must stay the same
- You want revisions and pinned versions for every published file
- You need direct delivery with image resizing
Questions
Is SteadyLink a replacement for pCloud?
Not for general storage. pCloud is built for holding and syncing large file libraries. SteadyLink is built for publishing files at stable links you can keep updating.
Does SteadyLink offer client-side encryption like pCloud Encryption?
No. SteadyLink scans every file for malware before serving it, which means it has to read the file. It can encrypt stored files at rest.
Does SteadyLink have a lifetime plan?
No. SteadyLink has a Free plan and paid monthly or yearly plans.
Can I use pCloud and SteadyLink together?
Yes. Keep working files and archives in pCloud, and publish the final versions that need a permanent public link through SteadyLink.
More comparisons
All comparisonsTry SteadyLink with one file you update often.
Free plan with 10 GB. No card required.