Never Lose Your Files Again: The Best Cloud Backup Services in 2023

Functionality, platform support, and security 

IDrive supports backups for almost all platforms and servers, and is easily accessible from Mac, Windows, and Linux operating systems. You can back up all servers and databases, including Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle Server, and SharePoint. This company has also developed an excellent mobile app for both iOS and Android so you can easily protect photos and videos from all your devices. 

The setup process is straightforward. After you create an account, you can access your dashboard straight away. As you’d expect from one of the best cloud backup services, IDrive allows customers to use both types of encryption keys – the default option and the private key. With private encryption, you’ll be the only person who has access to your backup files. However if you lose this private key, IDrive will not be able to help you recover it. 

IDrive has an easily manageable dashboard with a simple interface. You can see how much storage you have left, use search options to find your files effortlessly, and set up backup intervals. Since the IDrive backup is automated, as soon as you create an account, folders like documents, pictures, or music will be ready to back up. Of course, you can change this option and choose which folders you want to back up first. 

Pricing plans 

IDrive provides free cloud backup services that include up to 5 GB worth of storage. But if you’re working with larger amounts of data or you need backup for several devices, we suggest checking IDrive’s paid plans. The IDrive Personal plan starts at $52.12 per year for up to 2 TB. With this plan, you’ll get personal cloud storage and backup for only one user. If you want to create more than one account, the IDrive Business plan is a much better solution. IDrive pricing options for this plan start at $74.62 per year for 250 GB worth of storage. 

Note that this vendor has generous discounts if you want to back up a large amount of data on your personal computer. Currently, you can get 5 TB of backup storage for $74.62 for the first year, which represents excellent value. 

Features

Many users believe IDrive offers the best cloud backup service for both individual users and businesses. It provides a wide range of features and tools that can help you back up all your data effortlessly. The default backup location is the IDrive cloud, but you can also add physical backup protection by option for IDrive Express. This is an excellent, fast solution for businesses that have terabytes of data files, which could take up to a week to upload to the cloud. During that time, those files would be inaccessible.

To solve this problem, IDrive can send you a physical drive where you can quickly save all your files, then send it back to the company. IDrive will upload your files from this device directly to its cloud servers, thus completing your cloud backup in a flash. 

IDrive also has a great real-time sync option. You can access your modified data from any device you want without worrying about the sync affecting your backup storage; it is designed to not exceed the limits of backup storage.

IDrive’s restoration tools allow you to restore files from a browser or desktop app, although it can’t restore them to their original location. On the bright side, you can do that manually. With IDrive, you can restore up to 30 file versions. 

One of IDrive’s features that we appreciate most is Snapshots. This feature protects against ransomware and allows you to restore all backed-up versions of your data. 

Bottom line

If you want to back up valuable data files that are stored on different devices or systems, then IDrive might be perfect for you. IDrive’s personal backup plan enables mobile, tablet, or PC backup. It even offers the best free cloud storage solution on the market up to 5 GB, which is why we’re happy to rate it the best free cloud backup option for individuals.

Functionality, platform support, and security 

Acronis True Image offers scalable backup solutions for almost all operating systems and platforms. This provider supports Windows, Mac, and Linux, and it’s also an excellent solution for users who want to store and back up data on their mobile devices, smartphones, or iPads.

With this software, you can do a cloud-to-cloud backup. For instance, if you want to protect your data saved on Amazon EC2, Acronis Cyber Backup provides the best cloud backup service. Acronis also provides server backup software for the majority of servers, including Oracle, Sharepoint, SQL, and many others. However, it’s worth noting that this platform only allows backup for up to five computers per account. 

The installation process might be time-consuming, but as soon as you finish it, you can create an account and start backing up your files. The platform is easy to use thanks to its attractive interface, which includes a wide range of functionalities for successfully managing data files. The backup process starts after you choose which files you want to protect. It’s possible to back up your computer’s entire hard drive, or you can make a selection of files you want to save.

Acronis True Image offers encryption for both physical and cloud backups. Personal key encryption is also available. Moreover, the platform allows you to use different passwords for each backup plan.

Pricing plans 

Acronis True Image provides three pricing plans: Standard, Advanced, and Premium. Each of them has several pricing layers depending on the number of computers you need to back up. 

The Standard plan costs $59.99 for a one-time purchase. With this plan, you can backup your computer to the cloud, restore files when needed, use ransomware protection, and benefit from a cryptomining blocker.

The Advanced plan costs $49.99 per year. With this plan, you’ll get all the features of the Standard subscription, plus end-to-end encryption and 250 GB of cloud storage. There is also the option to upgrade a storage to 500 GB for an additional $20 per year. This is really one of the best cloud backups for all – Mac, Windows, and Linux – but if you want to be able to access your version history, it’s worth considering a higher pricing plan.

The most comprehensive plan is Premium. It costs $99.99 per year for one computer and 1 TB of online storage, but you can pay more to upgrade to a maximum of 5 TB worth of storage. 

Backup features

Acronis delivers fast and reliable backups, but it doesn’t back files up as frequently as some of its competitors. The platform’s default setting is perform backups daily, but you can use the editing options to change this setting to create updates as regularly as every five minutes. Another great option is to create event-triggered backups. With this setting, the platform will save all changes that occur on different computers after a specific event of your choosing. 

Acronis’ computer backup software is designed to make only differential backups, meaning that it only detects changes made since the last backup. This file backup method saves both storage and time.

Another great thing about the Acronis system is that it restores your data to its original location. You don’t need to download zipped files and extract them to a new location. However, the company doesn’t offer to send you restored files on hard drive by mail. 

Bottom line 

Acronis True Image is a good match for users who want an intuitive and robust system. The storage limit is 5 TB with the most advanced plan and the offer is generally better suited to businesses than individual users.

Functionality, platform support, and security 

Installing Backblaze is a smooth process. After you sign in, the system will automatically connect with your computer. It will display all the important folders on your computer, including Documents, Music, Photos, and Videos. Note that Backblaze scans only your hard drive, not your apps and servers. But if you want to back up external drives, for example, you can do that too. Backblaze can even back up copies from a network. You can also easily change the initial backup settings, meaning you don’t need to copy all suggested folders. The system automatically makes backup copies any time you make some changes. 

This provider offers cloud backup for Mac and Windows only, meaning that if you need to back up some of your Linux scripts, you might consider other solutions. Currently, Backblaze Linux protection is not available. However, Backblaze has an excellent team of developers, some of whom have worked for Apple. They’ve used that knowledge to create one of the best system backups for Mac software, including for iPhones; at any time, you can access your files from mobile devices. 

When it comes to the security of your data, the Backblaze backup system uses two-factor authentication. That means when you log in to your account, the platform sends a code to your phone. It uses end-to-end encryption, so you can be sure that all your files are properly saved. You can also set the private encryption key, that you will be only one to know.

Pricing plans 

Affordable Backblaze pricing and the fact that this is the best online backup for Mac are the two main selling points of Backblaze. Backblaze’s Personal backup plan starts at $6 per month and covers just one computer. When it comes to business solutions, this provider offers just about the cheapest offer on the market: just $60 per year for one device. Adding computers increases the price.

One of the things clients appreciate is the option to create a personal backup plan. You can select the number of computers you want to back up and the plan that fits you best, then get a quote from Backblaze. 

Backup features

Backblaze comes with a variety of great features that can help you back up and recover your files effortlessly. Backblaze is a cloud-based backup system set up for continuous backup. Ten minutes after you start up your computer, the system automatically begins to back up your files. Of course, you can use manual settings to change the backup schedule as you desire. 

One of the reasons why clients use Backblaze’s services is because of its advanced options for managing internet bandwidth. The system adjusts the speed automatically, but you can also manually manage how much of your bandwidth you want to use for backup. 

This provider delivers restored files as in the zip format. The maximum volume of zip files you can restore per request is 500 GB, and you can make up to five simultaneous requests. 

Backblaze might also be the best cloud backup for NAS. You can protect NAS data with Backblaze B2, which is the company’s online cloud storage system.

Another great feature is the Extended Version History. No matter whether you change, edit, or delete your file, Backblaze will save all versions and you’ll get access to each of them. Even better, the system now saves all versions for an unlimited time on its cloud-based storage system.

Bottom line 

Backblaze cloud backup offers an excellent backup solution for clients who need unlimited data backup for only one computer. It also provides amazing data-restore services.

Functionality, platform support, and security 

Carbonite Safe is a top-rated cloud backup solution. This provider offers unlimited storage and backup for up to five computers per account. 

Carbonite Safe is one of the most accessible platforms to use. You can set it up in just a few steps, which makes it convenient for users who aren’t tech-savvy. The whole backup process is quick and effective since the robust platform can automatically perform most tasks. After installation, Carbonite Safe suggests folders and files you might like to protect. The backup system works automatically and continuously. If you’re working on content that is already in the process of being backed up, Carbonite Safe will save the changes you make and upload new versions of the file. 

Carbonite Safe has a clear, feature-rich dashboard that you can use to track the backup process for all devices; it tells you how much backup storage space you have left, among many other features. This is one of the most attractive backup software solutions for small businesses, too. Organizations use Carbonite backup because it’s really easy to install and the onboarding process is smooth. Users can monitor backups and access files from any device. Perhaps best of all, it allows companies to recover infected files without having to pay a ransom. 

With Carbonite Safe, you’ll never again lose your valuable photos, videos, or documents, as you’d expect from one of the best backup software that is supported by almost all platforms. Carbonite Safe also offers services for protecting servers, too. When it comes to the protection of files, Carbonite prides itself on its powerful at-rest and in-transit encryption.

Pricing plans

Carbonite Safe has several subscription models designed for different purposes. For instance, if you want to save your valuable files – documents, text files, or PDFs – and you have only one internal hard drive, you should check out the Basic plan. You can get an unlimited backup for one computer for $6 per month, billed annually. This plan includes 128-bit encryption, customer support, and automated backup of your files. However, it doesn’t support the backup of video files, although you can add this feature manually. For automatic backup of video files, as well as external drive backup, look to the more comprehensive Plus and Prime plans. 

Carbonite Safe also offers cloud backup solutions for small business. This vendor has great solutions for protecting multiple computers. Moreover, you can subscribe to a protection plan for your computers and servers. The Core plan is designed for a maximum of 25 computers, NAS devices, and external drives. It costs $24 per month, billed annually. 

The next subscription model is perfect for organizations that have to protect computers, external disks, NAS devices, and servers. The starting price for this plan is $599 for one year of service, but you’ll get only 500 GB of storage. Of course, for an additional fee, you can upgrade your plan and get more storage space. Note that once you delete files, Carbonite keeps backup copies for just 30 days. 

Backup features

Carbonite Safe offers excellent computer backup services that will protect all your digital assets: text files, music, or videos. Once you run the software on your computer, it will automatically start to back up the files you choose. Still, this platform can’t automatically upload files larger than 4 GB; you’ll need to add those manually. 

Carbonite Safe’s restoration process is fast. You can recover a particular file or the entire hard disk, depending on your needs, using the restoration manager. The platform sends backup copies via mail, but only in the United States. 

Bottom line

Carbonite Safe offers great online backup solutions. The main selling points of this provider are unlimited online storage for backups and a user-friendly dashboard. However, with annual subscriptions starting at $71.99, Carbonite Safe’s services are at the more expensive end of the spectrum, especially considering the lack of features in the lowest-tier plan. 

That said, there are some great offers available from time to time. These can include heavy discounts on two- or three-year packages.

Functionality, platform support, and security 

Crashplan for Small Business is backup software with plenty of interesting features and tools that can help you protect your files. The software permits unlimited backup and supports all major desktop operating systems: Mac, Windows, and Linux. It is customizable, meaning you can add as many users and computers as you want. While it’s not designed for individual users, it’s one of the best solutions for small companies and startups. 

Cloud backup reviews show that users typically prefer uncomplicated platforms for installation. Unfortunately, setting up Crashplan can be overwhelming, especially for those who aren’t tech-savvy.

Before you start choosing the files for backup, you need to go through the installation process, which is a little time-consuming. The first thing you need to do is to add users via the Crashplan console. There are several types of users; if you’re purchasing the software for your organization, you should create an account for each individual team member. The next step is to install the Code42 app and choose where you want to back up your files. The good thing is that the system allows you to back your files up both on a local device or to CrashPlan PRO Online. Of course, you can be doubly safe and choose both options to ensure the best backup service.

You can access support videos and user guides to help you through the process, but these are difficult to find on the Crashplan website. You have to go to the Code42 website, search for backup and recovery products, then find Crashplan for Small Businesses. 

With Crashplan, you can customize your own “crash plan” by selecting the files you want to protect. You can add all user files, as well as external disk files, but you cannot back up systems or applications on your computer. 

Pricing plans 

 Crashplan reviews show that clients like the option of using Crashplan’s services for free for up to 30 days. After the free trial, you can subscribe to a Crashplan pricing plan. 

Crashplan for Small Business pricing plan includes unlimited backup storage and costs $10 per computer per month. You can add or remove computers any time you want. 

The maximum number of computers you can back up with Crashplan for Small Business is 200. Each computer needs its own account, which is incorporated into your overall plan. To add more than 200 computers, you’ll need to subscribe to Code42 Enterprise plans.

Backup features 

Annoyingly, you can only access one computer per account with Crashplan. The provider also fails to offer mobile functionality. However, this online computer backup system does have a powerful, feature-rich platform from which you can easily control your backups. By using Crashplan, you can set up a backup schedule, manage the frequency of backups, and save your version history. The system can track changes you make in your files continuously to create backups, or you can create a daily or weekly plan. The version manager is also great; it lets you restore any version of the file you want. 

Another reason why Crashplan’s online backup service is so highly regarded is that it allows you to fully customize your list of files for backup. For instance, you can sort files for backup based on the time when they were last uploaded or the size of the file. You can decide which file will be uploaded first and when the process should begin. 

From the Crashplan dashboard, you can monitor your workers’ backups, deactivate accounts, and create reports that show your backup activity. 

Bottom line

Crashplan is the best cloud backup for small business because it allows unlimited backups. If you can get past the complicated installation process, this could very well be the best option for your company. The other major downside is that it doesn’t provide restoration via shipped drives.