Time Machine vs pCloud: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Time Machine and pCloud comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Time Machine
Mac backup utility
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.2/10 vs 7.1/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • You need automation features specifically
- • macOS built-in backup solution
- • Automatic hourly, daily, and weekly backups
pCloud
Secure cloud storage with lifetime plans and advanced encryption.
Best for you if:
- • You need file management features specifically
- • Secure cloud storage with client-side encryption.
- • Access and share files from any device.
| At a Glance |  Time Machine |  pCloud |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Automation | File Management |
Rating | 82/100 | 71/100 |
| Feature | Time Machine | pCloud |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 71 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | AutomationFile Management | File ManagementEncryption |
How Time Machine and pCloud Compare
Time Machine
Mac backup utility
Free · 82/100 score
pCloud
Secure cloud storage with lifetime plans and advanced encryption.
Free tier available · 71/100 score
Time Machine is a automation tool. pCloud is in file management.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Time Machine is free. pCloud is freemium.
Go with: Time Machine
Want the highest-rated option?
Time Machine: 82/100. pCloud: 71/100.
Go with: Time Machine
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Time Machine
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Time Machine is free. pCloud is freemium. Go with Time Machine if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Time Machine is a automation tool. pCloud is in file management. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Time Machine scores higher: 82/100 vs 71/100.
Key Takeaways
Time Machine
- Higher score: 82/100 vs 71
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
pCloud
- Better fit for file management
The Bottom Line
Time Machine (82/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Time Machine or pCloud better?
Time Machine scores 82/100 in our evaluation. Time Machine is free and pCloud is freemium.
What are Time Machine and pCloud used for?
Time Machine: Mac backup utility. pCloud: Secure cloud storage with lifetime plans and advanced encryption..
What does Time Machine cost vs pCloud?
Time Machine is completely free. pCloud is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.