Filecoin
Filecoin is a decentralized storage network that connects users with independent providers to store and retrieve data.
What Filecoin is
Filecoin is a decentralized storage network that connects users with independent providers to store and retrieve data. Proof of Replication verifies that a provider holds a distinct copy, while Proof of Spacetime checks that storage persists over time. Filecoin supports use cases including Web3 applications, AI datasets, backups, archives, cultural records, and scientific datasets. The Filecoin Virtual Machine adds a smart-contract layer for application logic and automation. Filecoin Onchain Cloud offers verifiable storage and retrieval, programmable payments, and a Synapse TypeScript SDK. Listed integrations include Snowflake and Apache Iceberg through Akave, and Nextcloud through CIDgravity. CIDgravity lists $5 per TB per month, with the first 2 GiB free, and Lighthouse lists $12 per 500 GB per month, with the first 5 GB free. A free trial is listed for Fil One. Lotus node installation supports Linux and macOS, not Windows.
Good
- Verifies copies and continued storage over time
- Supports datasets, backups, archives, and cultural records
- Smart-contract layer enables logic and automation
- Includes verifiable storage and programmable payments
- Free initial storage allowances are listed for some offerings
Watch out
- Lotus node installation does not support Windows
- Offerings have different pricing and terms
- Onchain Cloud requires at least two copies
Who it suits
Filecoin may suit enterprises, developers, data lake and analytics teams, AI/ML developers, NFT projects, and creators looking for decentralized storage. Its programmable layer and listed integrations may also interest teams building applications or managing datasets.
Verdict
Filecoin combines decentralized storage with verification and programmable application features. Its offerings, pricing, and free access vary, so users should check the terms for the specific service they need.
Plans and prices
From Filecoin's own pricing page, checked 4 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Filecoin Onchain Cloud | $2.50 a month | Minimum 2 copies · From$2.50 / TB / month (minimum 2 copies) |
| Fil One | $4.99 a month | S3-compatible object storage for large datasets · From$4.99 / TB / month |
| CIDgravity | $5 a month | First 2 GiB free · Nextcloud storage backend · From$5 / TB / month |
| Lighthouse | $12 a month | First 5 GB free · Pay once, store forever pricing mode · From$12 / 500 GB / month |
| Aurora | Priced on request | Enterprise-ready infrastructure for AI and HPC workloads · Custom pricing |
| Akave Cloud | Priced on request | Data lakes, analytics and enterprise backups · Enterprise plans available |
| Ramo | Priced on request | S3-compatible API · Developer SDK/CLI · Custom pricing |
The facts
Each one read from Filecoin's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Developer features
- Filecoin Onchain Cloud offers verifiable storage, retrieval, programmable payments, and a Synapse TypeScript SDK.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- Akave lists Snowflake and Apache Iceberg support, while CIDgravity lists Nextcloud integration.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Programmability
- The Filecoin Virtual Machine provides a smart-contract layer for logic, automation, and applications on Filecoin storage.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Security
- Filecoin’s published security page describes secure development practices, training, theory audits, external security research, and third-party audits.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- The Filecoin community hub points users to documentation, guides, APIs, tools, and community channels including Slack and Discord.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Use cases
- Filecoin storage is used for Web3 apps, AI datasets, backups, archives, cultural records, and scientific datasets.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Verification
- Proof of Replication verifies a unique copy of data and Proof of Spacetime verifies that it remains stored over time.checked 4 Oct 2026
- What it does
- Filecoin is a decentralized storage network where users can pay independent providers to store and retrieve data.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Who it is for
- The store page identifies enterprises, developers, data lake and analytics teams, AI/ML developers, NFT projects, and creators among its audiences.checked 4 Oct 2026
Money
- Free access
- The store page lists a free trial for Fil One and free initial storage allowances for CIDgravity and Lighthouse.checked 4 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Platform limits
- The Lotus node installation documentation supports Linux and macOS and says Windows is not supported.checked 4 Oct 2026
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