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Filecoin
What it is
Filecoin is a decentralized storage network where users pay independent providers to store and retrieve data. Proof of Replication checks that a provider holds a distinct copy, while Proof of Spacetime verifies continued storage. Listed uses include Web3 applications, AI datasets, backups, archives, cultural records, and scientific datasets. The Filecoin Virtual Machine adds smart-contract support for logic, automation, and applications using Filecoin storage. Filecoin Onchain Cloud provides verifiable storage and retrieval, programmable payments, and a Synapse TypeScript SDK. Integrations listed through related services include Snowflake, Apache Iceberg, and Nextcloud. Offerings include S3-compatible storage, enterprise infrastructure, data-lake services, and developer APIs. Filecoin Onchain Cloud starts at $2.50 a month per TB with a two-copy minimum; Fil One starts at $4.99 a month per TB. CIDgravity starts at $5 a month per TB with an initial free allowance, while Lighthouse starts at $12 a month per 500 GB with a first 5 GB free. Fil One has a free trial. Lotus node installation supports Linux and macOS, not Windows.
For and against
For
- Independent providers store and retrieve data
- Proof systems verify copies and continued storage
- Supports Web3, AI, archives, and backups
- Offers programmable payments and smart contracts
- Includes free allowances on some offerings
Against
- Lotus node installation excludes Windows
- Some plans require a two-copy minimum
- Enterprise offerings use custom pricing
The verdict
Filecoin combines decentralized storage verification with programmable services and several provider offerings. Plan terms vary, so users should match storage type and platform support to their workflow.
Who it suits
Filecoin serves enterprises, developers, analytics and data-lake teams, AI/ML developers, NFT projects, and creators. It also supports self-hosted and API-oriented workflows.
Plans and prices
Filecoin Onchain Cloud
Minimum 2 copies
Read 4 Oct 2026 · filecoin.io
Fil One
S3-compatible object storage for large datasets
Read 4 Oct 2026 · filecoin.io
CIDgravity
First 2 GiB free · Nextcloud storage backend
Read 4 Oct 2026 · filecoin.io
Lighthouse
First 5 GB free · Pay once, store forever pricing mode
Read 4 Oct 2026 · filecoin.io
Aurora
Enterprise-ready infrastructure for AI and HPC workloads
Read 4 Oct 2026 · filecoin.io
Akave Cloud
Data lakes, analytics and enterprise backups
Read 4 Oct 2026 · filecoin.io
Ramo
S3-compatible API · Developer SDK/CLI
Read 4 Oct 2026 · filecoin.io
On the record
- Developer features
- Filecoin Onchain Cloud offers verifiable storage, retrieval, programmable payments, and a Synapse TypeScript SDK.filecoin.io · read 4 Oct 2026
- Free access
- The store page lists a free trial for Fil One and free initial storage allowances for CIDgravity and Lighthouse.filecoin.io · read 4 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- Akave lists Snowflake and Apache Iceberg support, while CIDgravity lists Nextcloud integration.filecoin.io · read 4 Oct 2026
- Platform limits
- The Lotus node installation documentation supports Linux and macOS and says Windows is not supported.lotus.filecoin.io · read 4 Oct 2026
- Programmability
- The Filecoin Virtual Machine provides a smart-contract layer for logic, automation, and applications on Filecoin storage.filecoin.io · read 4 Oct 2026
- Security
- Filecoin’s published security page describes secure development practices, training, theory audits, external security research, and third-party audits.spec.filecoin.io · read 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- The Filecoin community hub points users to documentation, guides, APIs, tools, and community channels including Slack and Discord.filecoin.io · read 4 Oct 2026
- Use cases
- Filecoin storage is used for Web3 apps, AI datasets, backups, archives, cultural records, and scientific datasets.filecoin.io · read 4 Oct 2026
- Verification
- Proof of Replication verifies a unique copy of data and Proof of Spacetime verifies that it remains stored over time.filecoin.io · read 4 Oct 2026
- What it does
- Filecoin is a decentralized storage network where users can pay independent providers to store and retrieve data.filecoin.io · read 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.filecoin.io · read 4 Oct 2026
