Cloud backup services work much like traditional backup software, but your important data is transmitted over the internet and securely stored on a server in a professional data center.
The advantage of having your data backed up off-site, away from your home or office, is that it’s safe from theft, fire, and other local disasters.
We also keep updated lists of the best Free Online Backup Plans and Unlimited Online Backup Plans, if you’re interested.
Backblaze Review
Backblaze is a favorite mostly because everything about it is so simple—especially its pricing and software.
Unlimited storage
No file size limits
Relatively inexpensive
Backs up automatically
Supports previewing images before restoring them
Can keep old versions of files forever
Includes mobile apps
Restoration is different for large files vs. small ones
The forever version history option costs extra
You can buy Backblaze for $7 /month, or less if you order it for a year or two at once.
We also like that there are no file size limits, meaning you can finally back up your 100 GB virtual machine files and 3-hour 4K videos. Backblaze is also one of the least expensive unlimited backup plans that we’ve reviewed.
If you’re concerned about backing up online being complicated or confusing, you’re going to love Backblaze.
Carbonite Review
Any exceptional backup service should be easy to use, automatic, reliable, and easy to restore. Carbonite is all of these.
Lets you back up an unlimited amount of data
Three plans to choose from
Files/folders can be added to the backup through Windows Explorer
Keeps everything backed up continuously
Every plan is free for 15 days
No free online backup option
Doesn’t back up large files by default (you have to select them manually)
File versioning is more limited than some other backup services
Many people rave about Carbonite’s cloud backup plans—they’ve been popular options for a very long time. Our experience has been similarly positive.
All of Carbonite’s Safe backup plans allow for an unlimited amount of data backup from one internal hard drive, per-computer, and require a one-year prepayment.
Carbonite’s lowest tier plan, Safe Basic, runs $6.00 /month ($71.99 /year). There are two higher tiers available as well, called Safe Plus and Safe Prime, and these run $9.34 /month ($111.99 /year) and $12.50 /month ($149.99 /year), respectively.
Each tier must be paid upfront for one year (those prices above) or two or three years. They also occasionally run deals of up to 40% off. They give you a few extras with the base service, like backup for an external hard drive.
Carbonite also has business-class plans.
SugarSync Review
SugarSync is different…in a good way. It’s actually much more than an online backup service.
Pick from three online storage options
Every plan can back up files from an unlimited number of devices
Can keep files synced between your different devices
30-day free trial for all plans
There’s a limited free backup plan option
Keeps everything backed up nearly constantly
File sharing is supported
Can back up really large files through any web browser
Works on mobile devices, too
Doesn’t support unlimited storage space
Keeps only five versions of every file
You can’t back up specific files from the desktop program, only folders
Doesn’t support backing up from mapped drives or external drives
No options for offline backup/restore
While SugarSync does “traditional” online backup just as well or better than much of its competition, it also syncs files between all of your devices, gives you access to your backed up data from your smartphone, and much more.
SugarSync has three tiers of online backup service that are each available on a month-to-month purchase plan: 100 GB for $7.49 /month, 250 GB for $9.99 /month, and 500 GB for $18.95 /month.
All three of SugarSync’s cloud backup plans offer support for an unlimited number of devices, meaning you can back up your smartphones, laptops, tablets, and desktop computers all on the same account without any extra fees!
If you want more than just an online repository for safety’s sake, you will no doubt be very happy with SugarSync.
SugarSync also has a business class plan, as well as larger plans that you’ll have to get a quote for.
CrashPlan for Small Business
CrashPlan has always been a favorite backup service. The plan pricing is simple to understand and the service itself is secure, quick, and not difficult to use.
Pricing is really easy to understand
Multiple file versions
Zero file size limits
Really specific backup scheduling options
Can back up files from mapped drives
You can’t restore really large files via the web app
There isn’t an offline backup or restore option
There’s one plan option with CrashPlan: $10 /month /computer. For example, if you wanted to back up from three computers, the price would be $30 /month; ten computers backed up to CrashPlan would be $100 /month, etc.
CrashPlan used to have a plan called CrashPlan Home, targeted at home users. However, even the CrashPlan for Small Business plan can be used at home; the pricing and features work the same.
SpiderOak One Review
SpiderOak One is one of the better choices overall among the online backup services out there, especially when it comes to security.
Four storage plans are available
It’s a “no knowledge” backup provider
Zero file size limits
Free trial lasts three weeks
You save when you buy a year at once
Lets you back up from an unlimited number of devices
Supports backup from external and mapped drives
Duplicate files don’t take up extra space
Supports file sharing
Customizable backup schedules
Unlimited file versioning
There isn’t an unlimited storage option
No offline backup or restore options
It’s a bit more expensive than other online backup services
Can’t limit how fast the program downloads files to your computer
Pricing is pretty straightforward. Everyone starts out with a trial run account that lasts 21 days. You can then select the 150 GB, 400 GB, 2 TB, or 5 TB plan for $6 /month, $11 /month, $14 /month, or $29 /month, respectively.
If you’re after a service run by a company that takes their lack of access to your files very seriously, you’re going to love SpiderOak.
A one-year prepayment of any of the plans mentioned above will save you a little over the listed prices.
Zoolz Cloud Review
Zoolz Cloud is an online backup service with just about every limitation removed, but with a small trade-off. While most online backup services allow pretty much instant restore, a restore with Zoolz can take 3–12 hours to initiate.
Has zero file size limits
Free trial available
Back up the whole drive or just specific files/folders
Supports backup from both mapped drives and external HDDs
Lots of scheduling options
Restoring is much slower than it is with other backup providers
There isn’t an unlimited plan available
Limits file versioning to 10 per file
No mobile app
Vista and XP aren’t supported
Payments are made yearly; no month-to-month option
This backup service lets you store all of your servers, internal drives, and external drives. There are no file type or size limits. If you’re looking for a backup for archival purposes, Zoolz might be a great choice.
Several plans are offered by Zoolz Cloud, all of which are purchased for a full year at once. Each supports unlimited users.
- 1 TB: $199.99 /year2 TB: $399.99 /year5 TB: $999.99 /year10 TB: $1999.99 /year20 TB: $3599.99 /year50 TB: $8999.99 /year
Zoolz used to offer Zoolz Home, a consumer-class plan, but it was discontinued in 2020.
Livedrive Review
Livedrive is an online backup service that offers an interesting mix of backup plans, a cost effective way to add computers, and a really nice computer and mobile app interface.
Comes with unlimited online storage
There are two backup plans to pick from
Support for more computers can be added on an as-needed basis
Works with mapped drives and external drives
Includes a built-in player/viewer for some files
Runs on mobile devices, too
Can back up continuously or between certain hours only
There are lots of files that it won’t back up
Doesn’t support offline backup or restore
Lets you back up folders only, not specific files
Not every plan supports file sharing
Deleted files are gone forever after 30 days
Livedrive Backup and Pro Suite are the two backup plans you can purchase. They both offer unlimited online backup, but the Backup plan only supports backing up one computer, whereas the Pro Suite can back up up to five computers.
Livedrive Backup runs $8.99 /month, and Pro Suite is $25 /month. All Livedrive online backup plans offer significant discounts if you prepay for one year.
Another plan offered by Livedrive is called Briefcase, which is just an online storage plan that offers 2 TB of space—it doesn’t back up your files like a regular backup plan. Other features are included, though, like file sharing, file editing, file syncing, and more. This comes in at $16 /month.
If you purchase the Pro Suite plan, you get 5,000 GB of cloud storage and the added Briefcase features.
“Military grade” AES-256 encryption, an excellent interface, and competitive pricing make any of the Livedrive plans a good choice.
Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office
Acronis, maker of the popular Cyber Protect Home Office backup software program (formerly called Acronis True Image), backs up your computer and keeps it secure.
Decently priced
Doubles as antivirus protection
No month-to-month option
No unlimited option
Might be too much if all you want is online backup
The Advanced package is the lowest tier that includes cloud storage. It’s $54.99 /year for 50 GB of backup space for one computer. If you need 500 GB, the price jumps up to $89.99 /year.
The other option is called Premium, and it’s $124.99 /year with 1 TB of backup space. With this one, you can purchase more space for an additional price, anywhere from 2–5 TB.
The prices above don’t include first-year discounts and are for backing up just one computer. You can instead pick the three or five computer options to back up more, but the price, of course, goes up, as well.
Among other options, you can also encrypt your files with a password, schedule the backup to run at a later time, and choose a specific country for the data center where the files will be stored.
IDrive
IDrive is similar in most ways to other online backup services. Maybe the best thing about it is that there is a free offline backup option, something we haven’t seen with any other service and should come in really (really) handy for large initial backups.
Physical backup and restore option
Back up an unlimited number of devices from one account
30 previous file versions are retained
Not always dependable
Some other features that make this one stand out among the competition include mapped drive support, disk imaging, and excellent mobile apps. There’s also the simple Basic Client you can opt for if you’re not interested in all the extra settings in the full version.
The completely free plan gives you up to 5 GB of storage.
IDrive Personal comes in a few tiers and offers support for backup from 1-10 computers (depending on the tier):
- 5 TB for $79.50 /year for 1 computer10 TB for $99.50 /year for 1 computer20 TB for $199.50 /year for 1 computer
There’s also a Team plan if you need more users (5–500), as well as business-class pricing and storage options up to 50 TB. For just photo backup, you might prefer the unlimited IDrive Photos.
All plans are offered in one-year and two-year prepayment forms, both of which are usually discounted. The prices you see above are non-discounted, one-year prices. Check their website for the most up-to-date pricing with discounts included.
We found the software to be no more or less intuitive than any other online backup services. However, if their unique features are high on your priority list, it may be just what you’re looking for in an online backup service.
Degoo
Degoo prides itself as a “top secret” cloud drive.
Inexpensive compared to similar services
Supports zero-knowledge encryption
Upload files through the web app
Share files with non-users
Has trouble previewing images from the mobile app
Bulk downloading is for paid users only
You can purchase Pro for $3 /month, which comes with 500 GB of storage for 10 devices.
The Ultimate plan is a bit more at $10 /month, but you also get 5 TB of storage for an unlimited number of mobile and desktop devices. It’s identical to Pro feature-wise, but also includes “photo storage maximizer.”
Degoo uses zero-knowledge encryption so that not even their employees can access the files in your account. Its use of storage replication means your files are backed up in chunks across different countries so that even if a data center is breached, there isn’t enough information to access a whole file. Sharing backed up files is supported, too.
It’s free for the first 20 GB, with an opportunity to get 5 GB more. A free account doesn’t include zero-knowledge encryption, does include ads, can only back up files from three computers, and will expire if you don’t use it every 90 days.
Degoo works on Android, iPhone iOS, and web.
Norton’s Security Software
Norton, the makers of popular computer security and antivirus software, provides automatic online backup in its security software.
Includes security tools
Heavy first-year discount
Isn’t unique if you’re attached to a different antivirus solution
Lots of differences between the plans can make deciding on one difficult
Odd range of storage capacity options
Norton AntiVirus Plus: 2 GB for $59.99 /year and one deviceNorton 360 Standard: 2 GB for $89.99 /year for three devicesNorton 360 Deluxe: 50 GB for $109.99 /year and five devicesNorton 360 with LifeLock Select: 250 GB for $179.99 /year and 10 devices
Keep in mind, these backup services are usually heavily discounted for the first year, sometimes as much as 80% off; the website lists all the current deals.
If online backup is all you need, you might not like Norton’s software because each backup plan is just part of a larger suite of security tools. However, if you don’t currently have an antivirus program on your computer, then getting one with backup included is a nice deal.
ElephantDrive
ElephantDrive offers a couple easy to understand plans to choose from.
Password protected link sharing
Large max file size
Share files with non-users
No option for two-factor authentication
The cheapest of these plans is $8.33 /month for 1,000 GB of backup space and support for three sub accounts, if you pay $100 for a whole year at once (the other option is $10 month-to-month).
You can add more space for the same price and storage as the month-to-month option—for example, 1 TB for $100 /year, 2 TB for $200 /year, etc. The maximum storage plan you can pay for is 15 TB, but if you want more, you can contact their support team.
Check the link below for the other plans you can choose from. The family plan maxes out at 50 TB, and there’s an unlimited business plan.
One really cool feature is you can share a folder with your colleagues via a URL link, and the changes you collaboratively make automatically sync to each other’s devices. Many online backup services only allow backup from your approved devices and only via their proprietary software.
Data Deposit Box
Data Deposit Box is an online backup provider that charges month to month and offers a free 14-day trial before you buy.
File versioning is supported
Can enable 2-step verification
Disable backups during selected hours
Web-based management
No Linux app
The plan costs $.10/GB for what you use, with a minimum of $20 a month after your 14-day free trial. NAS device users get a 90-day free trial and 100 GB of perpetual free storage for all ASUSTOR NAS devices.
Unlimited devices and users are supported, so this is great for families where everyone needs backup space. You can use the same account on multiple computers so that everybody can share in the cloud storage.
Data Deposit Box sports all the excellent features of any online backup service that’s in it for the long run, including an excellent history of data recovery, top-of-the-line security, file sharing, free customer service, and more.
ADrive
ADrive is an online backup service that sports some interesting features, like WebDAV support, online document editing, file sharing with password protection and expiration, and more.
Cheaper options for 3-year prepayments
60-day free trial (no payment info required)
Several file transfer methods are supported
Large, 16 GB max file uploads
More plans to pick from than other services
Bare bones, boring website design
There are several Personal Premium plans listed on ADrive’s site, ranging anywhere from $2.50 /month for 100 GB of space up to $250 /month for 10,000 GB, with several options in between. If you need more space than that, you can go up to “unlimited” by contacting their sales team.
These plans can be had at deeply discounted prices if you prepay for a longer time period, up to three years. For example, the 100 GB plan is just $1.67 /month if you buy it for three years at $60.
Multi-user business plans are also available that start out at 200 GB for 10 users for as low as $4.67 /month, and go up to 20 TB for 1,000 users for $700 /month (more can be had by contacting them).
Memopal
Memopal is a European online backup service with support for a wide range of operating systems, both desktop and mobile.
Has a completely free plan
Access backed up files from any computer
Share your files
Auto-arranges photos for easy access
Unlimited file versioning
Checkout page is priced in euros
There’s a single, 500 GB personal-level plan with different prices depending on the number of users you want. You can add up to 10 users, with each new user adding an extra charge; for example:
- 3 GB for FREE1 user for $79 /year5 users for $395 /year10 users for $790 /year
There’s also a business plan that can support up to 50 users and that can be expanded beyond 500 GB. You can order from the U.S. and will be charged in USD when paying in PayPal. However, if you pay via a major credit card, the currency depends on the card’s standard.
Software or apps for Memopal are available for Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android, and BlackBerry.
Total Defense Online Backup
Total Defense Online Backup is another service that offers a number of popular features, like an online and local backup with the same tool, file sharing, and more.
Great if you also need internet security software
Cheaper if you pay for two or three years
Use on up to 10 devices
Must also install their security program
No app for Linux
Only three storage options
There are two ways to get online backup with Total Defense, and with both, you also get their Internet Security program:
- Ultimate Internet Security: $99.99 /year with 25 GB of storage for 10 devicesPremium Internet Security: $59.99 /year with 10 GB of storage for five devices
You can buy either plan at two or three-year prepayments to bring the price down. For example, the 25 GB plan comes out to $8.33 /month for the one-year price, but if you pay for three years upfront for $199.99, the monthly equivalent drops to $5.56.
OpenDrive
OpenDrive is yet another online backup service that we hear good things about. They allow streaming videos and music, public folders, and lots more.
Unlimited storage space option
Customize the plan to your needs
Works on mobile and desktop devices
2FA via your phone
Promote to earn free space
Share direct download links.
Can’t bulk pause web uploads
In addition to the 5 GB free option, there’s one consumer-grade plan called Personal Unlimited. It costs $9.95 /month and offers an unlimited amount of storage space for your backed up files. Prepay for one year at $99 to bring that down to $8.25 /month. You can add computers for $9.95 per computer, up to three extras for a total of four.
You also have the option of a custom plan. Choose the online backup space you need, how much bandwidth you expect to use each day, and the number of users that should have access to the backups. Most of you probably won’t find a better deal using the custom plan, but you might if you have a small amount to back up.
The cheapest plan you can make here is $50 /year ($4.17 /month) for one user who needs 500 GB of storage and 25 GB of daily bandwidth.
OpenDrive also has a free plan that offers 5 GB of storage, but since this plan doesn’t offer file versioning or any kind of encryption, we’d stick to the Personal Unlimited plan if you’re looking for a true cloud backup solution from this company.
MiMedia
MiMedia has four backup plans, but they’re severely limited in what you can back up. The only supported files are images, videos, documents, and music files.
Decent range of plan options
Quick signup with Facebook or Google
Import from other services like Dropbox, Facebook, Google, etc.
Good-sized free plan
Auto-organizes files by type (photos, videos, etc.)
Two-step authentication option
Limits the file types you can back up
Can’t upload folders from the web app.
This service is much different than the others from this list because nearly all of them can upload many more file types, like EXE, ZIP, 7Z, ISO, and others.
These are MiMedia’s plans:
- Starter: 10 GB for FreeBasic: 500 GB for $7.99 /monthPlus: 1 TB for $9.99 /monthPremium: 2 TB for $15.99 /month
Plans can be purchased at a slight discount if you prepay for a year at once. For example, with the Basic plan, paying monthly for a year equates to $96, or you can buy a year at once with one payment of $85.
Backing up with this software is great if you only need to store things like your photos and music. For support for a wider range of file types, we suggest using a different service from this list.
MiMedia can be used on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
Jottacloud
Jottacloud is another online backup service with a free plan, as well as an unlimited one, plus support for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
Unique file versioning method
Upload folders and files from the web app
Several storage options, including a free one
Includes Office Online
Will reduce upload speed after 5 TB of use on unlimited plan
No desktop app for Linux (only a command-line tool)
There’s one FREE plan that allows one user to back up as much as 5 GB.
Personal and Home plans are available, too. Personal provides unlimited backup space for $9.90 /month or as low as $8.25 /month with a one-year plan of $99. Home includes anywhere from 1 TB to 10 TB of shared storage space for five family members, starting at $6.99 /month, or $5.83 /month for the $69.90 /year option.
File versioning works a bit differently with Jottacloud. Most online backup services keep old versions of files available for restore based on length of time, like 30-day, 60-day, even unlimited. This one keeps the last five versions no matter the length of time.
Files you delete from your computer are kept in the Trash folder for 30 days, giving you plenty of time to restore that accidentally removed file.
There’s also a business plan for small and large companies that supports 1 TB of space for anywhere from two to an unlimited number of users.
Jottacloud’s servers are located in Norway.
MyPCBackup
MyPCBackup is another online backup service with a really user-friendly web interface and a good selection of backup plans. Every user starts off with 1 GB of free storage.
All plans are identical apart from storage space
Try it out with the 1 GB free plan
It’s cheaper the more you pay up front
Features that are normally built-in, cost extra in this service
Ultimate: 4 TB for $14.44 /monthPremium: 1 TB for $11.94 /monthHome/Pro: 250 GB for $10.69 /month
Each plan can be had for several dollars less per month if a full year (or even two) is paid up front. There’s also a six-month option for all three plans. Since you can’t add more than one device per plan, each device you want to back up requires a plan of its own.
Also available through the link below are add-on services, like a 5 GB sync folder, network drive and external hard drive support, hourly backup, and bigger maximum file size limit, each of which come with an additional monthly payment.
MyPCBackup is owned by Just Develop It (JDi), which also owns ZipCloud, Instant Computer Backup, JustCloud, Backup Genie, and additional online backup services with similar feature sets and pricing. It didn’t feel right profiling them individually in this list considering how incredibly similar they are.
Didn’t See an Online Backup Service?
Please let us know if we missed an online backup service and you’d like to see it reviewed and included above.
