Lifetime Cloud Storage: Best Providers, Pricing & Security Comparison 2026

You're paying Google $9.99/month for storage, Microsoft another $6.99, maybe Dropbox on top of that. After five years, you've spent $1,000+ on cloud storage you don't own.

Lifetime cloud storage works differently: pay once ($200-600 for 1-5TB), use it as long as the company operates. No recurring charges. No price hikes.

The catch "lifetime" means the company's lifetime, not yours. Some providers have shut down. Others changed terms or degraded service. This guide compares legitimate providers with track records, security audits, and sustainable business models—plus when lifetime makes sense versus when subscriptions are better.

Full transparency: Internxt offers lifetime cloud storage. We'll explain our privacy/compliance focus, but we'll also tell you when competitors fit better.

What is Lifetime Cloud Storage?

Lifetime cloud storage is cloud storage you purchase with a single upfront payment instead of recurring monthly or yearly subscriptions. You pay once (typically $200-$600 for 1-5TB) and receive permanent access to your storage space for as long as the provider operates, with no additional fees.

The math is straightforward. Google One charges $9.99/month for 2TB. Over five years, that's $599.40. Over ten years, $1,198.80. A lifetime 2TB plan from Internxt costs $179 one-time. Same storage, but you save $420 over five years or $1,019 over ten years.

The catch: "lifetime" means different things to different providers. Some define it as 99 years. Others say "lifetime of the product" or "lifetime of the company." Check the terms of service before buying. Most providers explicitly state that if they shut down, your storage disappears with them.

How Lifetime Cloud Storage Works

You're not buying physical storage. You're buying access rights to a fixed amount of space on the provider's servers. The provider bets they can maintain your storage cheaper than the upfront fee you paid, spread across however long their company operates.

Here's what you get:

• Fixed storage capacity: Usually 500GB to 20TB depending on the plan
• Permanent access: No expiration date while company operates
• Same features: Desktop apps, mobile sync, web access, file sharing
• No recurring bills: Pay once, use forever (company lifetime, not yours)

What you don't get:

• Unlimited storage: You're locked to the capacity you bought
• Guaranteed forever access: If the company shuts down, your storage ends
• Latest features: Some providers add new features only to subscription plans
• Priority support: Lifetime users sometimes get lower priority than paying subscribers

The financial argument for lifetime storage is simple: most providers break even in 18-24 months compared to monthly subscriptions. After that, you're saving $100-150 per year. But those savings mean nothing if the company shuts down in three years.

Quick Comparison Table: Lifetime Cloud Storage Providers

Key takeaway: If you need compliance certifications (HIPAA, ISO 27001) for business or professional use, Internxt is the only option. If you just want cheap storage from a popular brand, pCloud has the market share. If you're technical and want maximum control, Koofr's rclone support matters.

Now let's look at each provider in detail.

1. Internxt: Privacy-First Lifetime Cloud Storage

What makes it different: Only lifetime cloud storage provider with ISO 27001 certification, HIPAA compliance, and post-quantum encryption. Code is open-source and independently audited.

Internxt Pricing:

1TB: $99 lifetime
2TB: $179 lifetime
5TB: $269 lifetime
10TB: $389 lifetime
20TB: $589 lifetime

Real-world ROI:
Break-even vs Google One (2TB): 1.5 years
5-year savings vs Google One: $420
10-year savings vs Google One: $1,019

Internxt Security features:

• Post-quantum zero-knowledge encryption
• ISO 27001 & HIPAA certified (only lifetime provider with both)
• Independent security audit (Securitum 2024 report)
• Open-source code

Internxt Performance:

• Upload/download speeds: Average (not the fastest, not the slowest)
• Desktop apps: Windows, macOS, Linux
• Mobile apps: iOS, Android
• Web access: Yes
• File versioning: 30-day history
• File sharing: Password protection, expiration dates

Internxt Pros:

• Only lifetime option with ISO 27001 and HIPAA certifications
• Post-quantum encryption and open-source code
• Independent security audit passed (publicly available results)
• European servers (GDPR compliant)
• Fastest break-even period (18 months vs Google One)
• Same features for lifetime and subscription users

Internxt Cons:

• Smaller brand recognition than pCloud
• Not the absolute cheapest option
• Upload speeds acceptable but not industry-leading

Best for:

• Healthcare providers (HIPAA required)
• Legal/financial professionals (client data protection)
• Businesses needing ISO 27001 certification
• Privacy-conscious individuals
• Users needing compliance documentation for audits

When to skip Internxt

If you just want cheap storage for photos and don't care about compliance certifications, pCloud's brand recognition might give you more peace of mind about company longevity.

2. pCloud

What makes it different: Largest user base (22+ million), Swiss company, fastest sync speeds. Operating since 2013 with proven business model.

pCloud Pricing

500GB: $199 | 2TB: $399 | 10TB: $1,190
pCloud Crypto (zero-knowledge encryption): +$150 one-time

ROI: Break-even in 3.3 years vs Google One. Five-year savings: $200.

pCloud Security

Default uses server-side encryption (pCloud holds keys and can access files). Zero-knowledge encryption available for $150 extra. For 2TB with privacy, you're paying $549 total vs Internxt's $179 with encryption included.

pCloud Pros

Established brand (11+ years), fast speeds, proven longevity, Swiss
privacy laws, built-in media playback.

pCloud Cons

Privacy-protecting encryption costs extra $150, no compliance certifications (ISO/HIPAA), pCloud can access files by default.

When to skip pCloud

Need HIPAA/ISO 27001 compliance or want encryption included without extra cost.

Best for: Users wanting established brand with long track record, those prioritizing speed over privacy, media collections.

Read more: pCloud alternative comparison

Icedrive

What makes it different: Virtual drive mount feature (cloud appears as hard drive), modern interface, UK-based.

Pricing

512GB: $99 | 2TB: $229 | 10TB: $599
Note: Prices increased late 2025 (previously $59/$149/$499)

Real-world ROI:
Break-even vs Google One (2TB): 1.9 years
5-year savings vs Google One: $371
10-year savings vs Google One: $970

Icedrive Security features

• Twofish encryption (client-side, zero-knowledge)
• You control the encryption keys
• End-to-end encryption by default
• Two-factor authentication

Icedrive Performance

• Upload/download speeds: Below average in testing
• Desktop apps: Windows, macOS, Linux
• Mobile apps: iOS, Android
• Web access: Yes
• Mount feature: Shows cloud as virtual drive (convenient but slower)

Icedrive Pros

• Good pricing (middle ground between Internxt and pCloud)
• Zero-knowledge encryption included
• Mount feature (see cloud storage as hard drive)
• Modern, clean interface
• Can stack plans (buy 2TB now, add more later)

Icedrive Cons

• Slower performance than competitors
• No compliance certifications
• Newer company (less proven longevity)
• Limited third-party integrations
• Price increased significantly (was better value before)

When to skip Icedrive

If speed matters or you need certifications for business use.

Best for:

• Users wanting drive mount feature
• Budget-conscious users (still cheaper than pCloud)
• People who prioritize interface design

Learn more: Icedrive review

Koofr

What makes it different: rclone support for advanced users, can connect to other cloud services, strong privacy focus.

Koofr Pricing

1TB: $200 lifetime (only option)

Real-world ROI:
Break-even vs Google One (1TB): 1.67 years
5-year savings vs Google One (comparing 1TB plans): $280

Koofr Security features

• End-to-end encryption via rclone
• Connect to Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive as unified storage
• EU-based (Slovenia)
• GDPR compliant

Koofr Performance

• Upload/download speeds: Average
• Desktop apps: Windows, macOS, Linux
• Mobile apps: iOS, Android
• Web access: Yes
• rclone support: Advanced file management

Koofr Pros

• rclone integration (power users love this)
• Can connect multiple cloud services in one interface
• Privacy-focused (EU-based)
• Simple, straightforward service

Koofr Cons

• Only one storage tier (1TB)
• No compliance certifications
• Can't scale up (must be okay with 1TB forever)
• Fewer features than competitors

When to skip Koofr

If you need more than 1TB or want business compliance certifications.

Best for:

• Technical users who use rclone
• Users wanting to unify multiple cloud services
• Privacy advocates who don't need large storage

Full review: Koofr analysis

Filen

What makes it different: Zero-knowledge encryption, newer provider focused on privacy, competitive pricing during deals.

Filen Pricing (varies by promotion):

1TB: Approximately $180-200 lifetime
2TB: Approximately $300-350 lifetime
Larger plans available

Note: Pricing changes frequently with promotions. Check current rates.

Filen Security features

• Zero-knowledge end-to-end encryption
• Client-side encryption
• Open-source (code on GitHub)
• German-based company

Filen Performance

• Upload/download speeds: Not extensively tested (newer service)
• Desktop apps: Windows, macOS, Linux
• Mobile apps: iOS, Android
• Web access: Yes

Filen Pros

• Strong encryption by default
• Open-source code
• Privacy-focused mission
• Competitive pricing during sales

Filen Cons

• Newer company (less proven track record)
• No compliance certifications
• Limited independent reviews
• Less certain about long-term viability

When to skip Filen

If you need proven longevity or business compliance.

Best for:

• Privacy advocates wanting alternatives
• Users comfortable with newer companies
• Those who catch good promotional pricing

Detailed comparison: Filen review

Which Provider Should You Choose?

Choose Internxt if:

• You need HIPAA or ISO 27001 compliance
• Privacy and security are non-negotiable
• You want open-source, audited code
• You handle sensitive business/client data
• You value post-quantum encryption

Choose pCloud if:

• You want the most established brand
• Speed is your top priority
• You don't need encryption for everything
• You're okay paying extra for privacy features

Choose Icedrive if:

• You want the mount feature (virtual drive)
• You're on a tighter budget
• Interface design matters to you

Choose Koofr if:

• You use rclone
• 1TB is enough storage
• You want to unify multiple cloud services

Choose Filen if:

• You want maximum privacy from a smaller provider
• You catch a good promotional deal
• You're comfortable with newer companies

Next, let's look at what actually matters when evaluating lifetime cloud storage beyond just price.

Key Factors When Choosing Lifetime Cloud Storage

Price matters, but paying $99 for storage that disappears in two years costs more than paying $399 for storage that lasts a decade. Here's how to separate legitimate providers from companies that won't exist in five years.

Security & Privacy Features

Most providers claim "military-grade encryption." That's meaningless marketing. Here's what actually protects your data:

Zero-knowledge encryption (most important):
Files are encrypted on your device before upload. The provider never sees your encryption keys. Even if they wanted to access your files or were legally compelled, they couldn't.

Providers with zero-knowledge:
✅ Internxt (included by default)
✅ Icedrive (included by default)
✅ Koofr (via rclone)
✅ Filen (included by default)
❌ pCloud (only with $150 Crypto add-on)

Why this matters: Without zero-knowledge encryption, the provider can read your files. They might promise they don't, but they technically can. That means governments can compel access, employees with system access could snoop, and data breaches expose actual file contents, not just encrypted gibberish.

Post-quantum encryption (future-proofing): Standard encryption (AES-256) is currently unbreakable. But quantum computers could theoretically crack it in the future. Post-quantum algorithms are designed to resist quantum attacks.

Only Internxt offers post-quantum encryption in lifetime plans. It's overkill for most users today, but if you're storing data for 10+ years, quantum computers might exist by the time you're done with it.

Compliance certifications (business users): These aren't marketing—they're legal requirements with serious consequences for violations.

ISO 27001: International standard for information security management. Means the company has documented security processes, regular audits, incident response plans, and risk management. Required for many enterprise contracts.

HIPAA: U.S. law for protecting healthcare data. If you're a doctor, therapist, medical billing company, or handle any protected health information, you need HIPAA-compliant storage. Violations start at $100 per record up to $50,000 per violation.

SOC 2 Type II: Audit of security controls over time. Demonstrates continuous security compliance, not just a one-time assessment.

Only Internxt has ISO 27001 and HIPAA among lifetime providers. If you need these for your business, there's no alternative—subscription services from big providers cost $15-30/user/month.

Security audits (verification): Anyone can claim they're secure. Independent audits verify the claims.

Internxt passed Securitum security audit in 2024. Results are publicly available. Auditors found the encryption implementation sound, no major vulnerabilities, and verified zero-knowledge architecture works as advertised.

pCloud, Icedrive, Koofr, and Filen don't publish independent security audit results. That doesn't mean they're insecure—just that you're trusting their word instead of third-party verification.

Open-source code (transparency): Closed-source encryption is "trust us." Open-source is "verify yourself."

Internxt and Filen publish their code on GitHub. Security researchers can audit the encryption implementation, find vulnerabilities, and verify there are no backdoors. With closed-source providers, you're trusting they implemented encryption correctly and didn't add ways to bypass it.

Company Viability & Reputation

When you pay $200-600 upfront for lifetime storage, you're betting the company will survive long enough to make it worthwhile. History shows many cloud storage startups shut down within 3-5 years, usually due to lack of funding or unsustainable pricing. Here's how to evaluate long-term viability.

Track Record Matters:
pCloud: 11+ years (founded 2013), 22M users, established brand
Koofr: 11+ years (founded 2013), proven European provider
Icedrive: 5+ years (founded 2019), growing user base
Internxt: Founded 2020, nearly 1M active users
Filen: 4+ years (founded 2020), newer privacy alternative

While longer track records provide reassurance, newer companies can demonstrate stability through other indicators: funding, certifications, partnerships, and revenue growth.

Financial Sustainability Indicators:

The clearest signal of long-term viability is sustainable funding and revenue growth. According to CB Insights analysis of 483 startup failures, running out of cash accounts for 38% of startup shutdowns. Well-funded companies with with diversified revenue streams survive market changes.

Internxt's financial position:

• €3.3M funding round (July 2025) from Prosegur Tech Ventures, Angels Capital, Andorra Telecom, Extension Fund, and Kevlar Fund
• €1.4M grant from CDTI (Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, backed by EU funds)
• Profitable growth since Q4 2024
• Projecting double revenue annually through 2027
• Nearly 1 million active users generating recurring subscription revenue alongside lifetime plans

This diversified funding (venture capital + government grants) and subscription/lifetime revenue mix reduces risk compared to lifetime-only business models.

Enterprise Certifications Signal Long-Term Commitment:

• ISO 27001 and HIPAA certifications aren't just marketing—they're expensive, ongoing commitments that demonstrate long-term viability. According to industry analysis, ISO 27001 certification leads to a 50% increase in enterprise deal conversion rates and can unlock contract opportunities worth 10x the certification investment for startups targeting enterprise customers.
• The global healthcare cloud computing market is projected to grow from $54.69 billion in 2025 to $60.76 billion in 2026, reaching $251.15 billion by later years. Companies positioned in this market with proper HIPAA compliance have access to significant, growing revenue streams.

Among lifetime cloud storage providers, only Internxt holds both ISO 27001 and HIPAA certifications. These aren't one-time achievements—they require annual surveillance audits, ongoing compliance costs ($50,000-100,000+ annually), and documented security procedures. Companies don't invest this heavily unless committed to long-term operation.

pCloud, Icedrive, Koofr, and Filen have none of these enterprise certifications.

Strategic Partnerships & Revenue Diversification:

Legitimate partnerships with established brands signal market validation and create revenue streams beyond consumer storage. Internxt's partnerships include:

• Valencia CF (Spanish La Liga football club) – Official cloud provider partnership
• Levante UD (Spanish Segunda División club) – Official cloud storage provider
• Revolut, Surfshark, Bitdefender, PcComponentes – Commercial distribution partnerships

These partnerships provide enterprise revenue and market credibility beyond consumer lifetime plans, reducing dependence on any single revenue model.

Market Positioning in Growing Sector:

The European cloud storage market is projected to reach $229 billion, with 19% compound annual growth. Privacy-focused providers benefit from European GDPR regulations and increasing data sovereignty concerns.
As a European company (Valencia, Spain) with GDPR-native infrastructure and zero-knowledge encryption by default, Internxt is positioned in the privacy segment of a rapidly growing market. The company has nearly 1 million active users across 100+ countries, demonstrating international appeal beyond its European base.

Pricing Sustainability Check:
Unrealistically cheap lifetime plans ($50 for 10TB) indicate companies may not survive long-term—the server costs don't add up. Sustainable pricing demonstrates realistic business planning:

✅ Sustainable examples:

• Internxt 2TB: $179 lifetime (realistic cost recovery over 2-3 years)
• pCloud 2TB: $399 lifetime (premium pricing, established brand)
• Icedrive 2TB: $249 lifetime (mid-range positioning)

❌ Red flags:

• Unknown company offering 10TB for $50 lifetime
• Provider with no transparency about server locations or costs
• Terms of service allowing unilateral "lifetime" definition changes

What to Look For:
✅ Strong viability signals:

• Recent funding rounds from reputable investors (shows market confidence)
• Enterprise certifications (ISO 27001, HIPAA) requiring ongoing investment
• Strategic partnerships with established brands
• Diverse revenue streams (subscriptions + lifetime + enterprise)
• Profitable growth or clear path to profitability
• Open-source code and public security audits (transparency)
• Realistic pricing that covers long-term server costs

❌ Red flags:

• New company (<2 years) with no funding or revenue transparency
• Unrealistic pricing (10TB for $50 lifetime)
• No information about company location, team, or infrastructure
• Terms of service allowing "lifetime" changes without user consent
• No privacy policy or unclear data handling practices
• Closed-source code with no independent security audits

Bottom Line on Viability:
While pCloud and Koofr have the longest track records (11+ years), Internxt demonstrates strong viability indicators despite being newer (founded 2020):

• Well-funded with recent €3.3M round and government grants
• Only lifetime provider with ISO 27001 + HIPAA certifications
• Strategic partnerships with major European brands
• Profitable growth since Q4 2024
• Positioned in growing privacy/GDPR-compliant cloud market segment
• Open-source and independently audited for transparency

For general consumer storage where compliance doesn't matter, pCloud's 11-year track record provides reassurance. For business, healthcare, or legal use requiring certifications, Internxt is the only lifetime option—and the certification investment signals long-term commitment to that market.

Storage Planning
Calculate current usage + 30-40% buffer. Content type estimates:
1TB: ~250,000 photos, 500 hours HD video
5TB: ~1.25M photos, 2,500 hours HD video

Stacking: Internxt and Icedrive allow buying multiple plans. pCloud doesn't—buy larger upfront.

Lifetime Cloud Storage for Business Use

Why businesses choose lifetime storage

• Predictable costs (locked-in pricing vs subscription increases)
• Long-term savings (7-10 year data retention requirements)
• Capital expense vs operational expense classification

HIPAA Compliance (Healthcare)

Required for: healthcare providers, medical billing, pharmacies, anyone handling Protected Health Information (PHI).

Requirements: Encryption, access controls, audit logs, Business Associate Agreement (BAA).

Lifetime HIPAA options: Only Internxt offers HIPAA compliance with BAA. Others don't qualify.

Cost comparison (5-person medical practice, 5 years):
Internxt 5TB lifetime: $269 total
Google Workspace HIPAA: $6,000 total
Savings: $5,731

ISO 27001 (Enterprise Contracts)
International information security management standard. Required for many enterprise and government contracts.

Lifetime ISO 27001 options: Only Internxt certified. Others require enterprise subscriptions at $15-35/user/month.

Business Use Cases

• Law firms: Client files, 7+ year retention. Internxt 10TB: $389 vs $2,400-6,000 (5 years, enterprise subscriptions)
• Medical/dental: HIPAA required—Internxt only lifetime option
• Accounting: Financial records, ISO 27001 helps with client security requirements
• Photography/video: Massive RAW/4K files. 10TB handles ~400,000 RAW photos or 2,500 hours 4K video

Important: Lifetime storage replaces file storage/backup—not email, office apps, or real-time collaboration features.

Risks & Mitigation Strategies

Risk 1: Company Shutdown
"Lifetime" means company's lifetime, not yours. Historical examples: Copy.com, Bitcasa, Nirvanix all shut down.

Mitigation: Choose established providers (pCloud 11+ years, Koofr 11+ years) or newer providers with sustainability indicators (ISO 27001 certification signals long-term commitment). Use 3-2-1 backup rule: 3 copies, 2 storage types, 1 offsite.

Risk 2: Terms of Service Changes
Providers can modify "lifetime" definitions or features (rare but possible).

Mitigation: Screenshot purchase confirmation and ToS at time of purchase. Check terms before buying—pCloud explicitly states 99 years; Internxt states "as long as we operate."

Risk 3: Service Degradation
Some providers might throttle speeds or support for lifetime users vs subscribers.

Mitigation: Check user reviews from lifetime plan holders. Choose providers with many lifetime users (pCloud since 2013) or those with explicit same-service guarantees (Internxt).

Risk 4: Data Loss
No cloud is 100% safe. Hardware fails, data centers flood.

Mitigation: Use the [3-2-1 backup rule] and follow cloud data backup
best practices.

Risk 5: Privacy Policy Changes
Acquisitions or business model shifts could affect privacy commitments.

Mitigation: Choose open-source providers (Internxt, Filen)—encryption implementation changes get noticed. Zero-knowledge encryption makes privacy policy changes mostly irrelevant (provider can't read files anyway).

Is Lifetime Cloud Storage Worth It?

ROI Calculations

Personal Use - Internxt 2TB ($179) vs Google One (2TB at $9.99/month):

Break-even: 18 months. After 2+ years, lifetime saves $100-150/year.

Business Use - 5-Person Medical Practice (HIPAA required):

Internxt 5TB lifetime ($269) vs Google Workspace HIPAA ($20/user/month = $100/month):

Break-even: 3 months. Business savings are dramatic because compliance subscriptions cost $15-30/user/month.

For more subscription comparisons, see Dropbox vs Google Drive and OneDrive vs Google Drive.

Looking for cheap cloud storage? Lifetime plans offer the best long-term value.

When Lifetime Makes Sense

✅ Choose lifetime if:

• Need cloud storage 2+ years (break-even at 14-24 months)
• Storage needs stable/predictable (know you'll use 2-5TB long-term)
• Value privacy/security (zero-knowledge, ISO 27001, HIPAA)
• Have business compliance requirements (only lifetime option with certifications)
• Practice 3-2-1 backup (cloud is one component, not only backup)

❌ Choose subscription if:

• Storage needs rapidly growing (1TB today, 10TB next year)
• Need cutting-edge features constantly (latest collaboration tools)
• Can't handle upfront payment ($200-600 vs $10/month)
• Need tight ecosystem integration (Google Workspace, Office 365)
• Uncertain about cloud storage commitment

Hybrid Approach
Mix both for optimal cost + flexibility:

• Lifetime for archives: Finished projects, old photos (rarely accessed)
• Subscription for active work: Current projects, collaboration files
• Result: Lower cost than all-subscription while maintaining flexibility

How Internxt Approaches Privacy-First Lifetime Storage

Full transparency: We're Internxt. We offer lifetime cloud storage. Most comparison articles hide their affiliations—we're stating ours upfront.
Here's why our approach to lifetime storage focuses on privacy, security, and compliance instead of being the cheapest option or having the most users.

The Privacy-First Security Stack
Most cloud storage encrypts your files. But who holds the encryption keys matters more than which encryption algorithm they use.

Traditional cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive):
Provider holds encryption keys → can decrypt files → governments can compel access → data breaches expose actual files.

Internxt's zero-knowledge architecture:
Your device encrypts files before upload → keys never leave your device → we store encrypted gibberish → we can't decrypt even if legally compelled.

How it works:
Select file → 2. App encrypts on your device → 3. Upload encrypted file → 4. We store encrypted data → 5. Download and decrypt on your device with your key

Post-quantum encryption (future-proofing):
Current encryption (AES-256) is unbreakable today. Quantum computers might change that. Internxt uses post-quantum algorithms resistant to quantum attacks. If you're storing data for 10-20 years, your protection outlasts potential threats. No other lifetime provider offers this.

Open-Source Code (Transparency You Can Verify)

"Trust us, we're secure" is marketing. "Here's our code, verify yourself" is transparency.

Internxt publishes source code on GitHub. Security researchers and cryptographers can audit encryption implementation, verify no backdoors exist, find vulnerabilities, and confirm zero-knowledge architecture works as claimed.

Why this matters for lifetime storage:
You're committing for years. With closed-source code, you trust they implemented encryption correctly and won't add surveillance later. With open-source, community oversight continues—any changes to encryption or privacy get noticed.

pCloud, Icedrive, and Koofr use closed-source. Filen is open-source but lacks compliance certifications verifying their entire security process, not just code.

Lifetime Pricing That's Sustainable

We're not the cheapest lifetime cloud storage. Internxt 2TB costs $179 vs some providers offering 2TB for $50-100.

There's a reason.

Sustainable pricing means sustainable business:

• Storage costs money (servers, bandwidth, electricity, staff)
• Security audits cost money (Securitum audit wasn't free)
• ISO 27001 compliance costs money (certification + annual audits)
• We price plans to sustain business long-term, not maximize short-term sales

If lifetime cloud storage seems too cheap, the company either:

• Plans to change terms later
• Won't last long-term
• Degrades service for lifetime users

We'd rather have fewer customers paying sustainable prices than many customers on unsustainable plans that we'll have to discontinue.

When Internxt Makes Sense vs Competitors

Choose Internxt if:

• You need HIPAAor ISO 27001 certification (only lifetime option)
• Privacy is non-negotiable (zero-knowledge encryption by default)
• You value open-source transparency and post-quantum encryption
• You handle sensitive business/client data
• You want fastest payback period (breaks even in 18 months)

Choose pCloud if:

• Company longevity is top concern (11+ years, 22M users)
• You prioritize speed (pCloud consistently fastest in tests)
• You need established brand recognition
• You don't need encryption for most files (can use Crypto folder selectively)

Choose Icedrive if:

• You want mount feature (cloud as virtual drive)
• Budget is tight but you still want zero-knowledge encryption
• Modern interface matters to you

Choose Koofr if:

• You use rclone (advanced file management)
• 1TB is sufficient
• You want to unify multiple cloud services

The honest truth:
If you just want cheap storage for family photos and don't care about privacy, pCloud's popularity might be more reassuring than Internxt's certifications.

If you handle sensitive data, need compliance certifications, or value privacy, Internxt's security-first approach makes sense even at slightly higher upfront cost that still pays off faster than pCloud.

Internxt Lifetime Plans & Pricing

Available plans:
1TB: $99 lifetime
2TB: $179 lifetime
5TB: $269 lifetime
10TB: $389 lifetime
20TB: $589 lifetime

What's included:

• Post-quantum zero-knowledge encryption
• Desktop apps (Windows, macOS, Linux)
• Mobile apps (iOS, Android)
• Web access
• File versioning (30-day history)
• Password-protected sharing
• Expiration dates for shared links
• 24/7 support (same as subscription users)
• ISO 27001 certified infrastructure
• HIPAA compliance (with BAA available)
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Lifetime plan is storage focused. If you need full productivity suite, you'll supplement with other tools or subscriptions.

Lifetime Cloud Storage FAQs

Is lifetime cloud storage really unlimited?

No—"lifetime" means unlimited time, not unlimited storage. You buy fixed capacity (1TB, 2TB, etc.) for one-time payment and can use it as long as the company operates, but you're locked to that capacity unless the provider allows stacking plans.

What happens if the cloud storage company shuts down?

You lose access when the company stops operating (reputable providers typically give 30 days to 1 year migration notice, but not guaranteed). Maintain local backups using 3-2-1 rule and choose providers with certifications and transparent pricing as viability indicators.

Which lifetime cloud storage is most secure?

Internxt is the only lifetime provider with ISO 27001, HIPAA, post-quantum encryption, independent security audit, and open-source code—essential for sensitive data or compliance requirements. Other secure options include Icedrive and Filen (zero-knowledge encryption) or pCloud (encryption costs $150 extra).

Is lifetime cloud storage worth it vs monthly subscriptions?

Yes if you'll use it for 2+ years—most lifetime plans break even in 18-40 months, then save $100-150/year. Not worth it if your storage needs grow rapidly or you need cutting-edge features constantly.

Can I upgrade my lifetime cloud storage later?

Internxt and Icedrive allow stacking multiple lifetime plans (buy 2TB now, add 5TB later for 7TB total). pCloud doesn't offer stacking—you must buy larger plan upfront or add subscription for extra space.

What's the catch with lifetime cloud storage?

"Lifetime" means the company's lifetime, not yours—if the company shuts down, your storage ends with it. Other risks: terms might change (rare), no refunds after trial period, storage doesn't expand, and you're locked to purchased capacity.

How do I know if a lifetime cloud storage company is legitimate?

Look for green flags: 3+ years operating successfully, transparent pricing ($200-400 for 2TB is sustainable), security certifications (ISO 27001), independent audits, active development, and responsive support. Avoid red flags: extremely cheap pricing, no team information, vague privacy policy, terms allowing unlimited changes, or poor customer support.

Can I use lifetime cloud storage for business?

Yes, but for HIPAA compliance (healthcare/medical) or ISO 27001 requirement (government/enterprise contracts), only Internxt is certified among lifetime providers. For general business use or GDPR compliance, all providers work.

Choosing Your Lifetime Cloud Storage

If you'll actually use cloud storage for more than 2 years, lifetime plans pay for themselves. Most break even in 18-40 months, then you're saving $100-150 every year after that.

A few things to remember, regardless of which provider you choose:
Keep local backups. Always. The 3-2-1 rule exists for a reason—even a free cloud storage isn't a replacement for having your important files in multiple places.

Actually use the trial period. Upload some files, test the speeds, see how the interface feels. Don't just buy it and forget about it.

Save a copy of the terms of service when you sign up. Companies can and do change their "lifetime" definitions, so having proof of what you agreed to matters if things get weird later.

Watch for warning signs. If the company suddenly changes ownership, starts having outages, or posts vague announcements about "pivoting," start thinking about your exit strategy.