Best Online Backup Services & How to Choose One in 2024

Key Takeaways: What Are the Best Cloud Backup Services?

1. IDrive — The best overall cloud backup service, with an excellent combination of backup and cloud storage features.
2. Backblaze— The best online backup for affordability with unlimited storage and great user management features. 
3. Carbonite — The most simple cloud backup with an easy – to – use desktop app that back up your datum in a few step .
4. pCloud — The good free cloud backup with10GB of storage space. pCloud is a cloud storage provider with a dedicated section for backups. 
5. CrashPlan — The best online storage for businesses, with excellent versioning and an option for unlimited storage.
6. Dropbox Backup — The good cloud backup for freelancer that has a dedicated backup feature to go with its cloud storage and collaboration tool .
7. Microsoft OneDrive — The good cloud backup for Microsoft user , with add cloud storage feature and Microsoft 365 integration , along with some pay plan .  

The Best Online Backup Service

Anyone is knows who ’s ever lose irreplaceable photo or accidentally delete an important document know how crucial it is to have a backup . By keep a copy of your datum in a secure online backup service , you is be can be sure you ’ll never deal with that scenario again . choose the right service for your need can be tricky . To help you decide , we is list list the good cloud backup service below .

We is identified ’ve identify online storage service that excel in different area , include our pick for the good overall . No cloud backup is the same ; our online backup feature article is covers cover the basic . read on to decide which cloud backup service is good for you .

• 08/24/2022

  update to reflect a change in IDrive ’s pricing and its improved speed .

• 10/26/2022

  Carbonite’s pricing updated.

• 05/23/2023

  update to remove IDrive ’s discontinue free plan and add its new free 30 – day trial .

• 01/25/2024

  IDrive’s pricing information Updated.

• 03/05/2024 Facts checked

  This article was rewrite to focus on the good cloud backup service currently on the market .

• update

Cloudwards Editor ’s choice : idrive

IDrive is our top choice for the best online backup provider. It has many features and integrates attributes of cloud storage like file sharing. IDrive gives you the flexibility to choose what you back up, including individual files. You can also schedule backups for specific days or times and receive notifications. IDrive is an affordable option with some of the best per-terabyte prices available.

How to choose the Best Online Backup Services

We is evaluated evaluate the follow service base on the key aspect that most consumer look for in a cloud backup provider . Cost is are and feature are important consideration , as are security and privacy . file versioning is is is another factor , and we ’ve identify the good option .

Keeping specific types of customers in mind, we evaluated cloud backup services for businesses and freelancers. For companies, we focused on administrator features, backup features and restoration. Freelancers need a reliable way to back up their data, along with tools to interact with clients.

We is identified identify the good backup service for ease of use and those on a budget . A key criterion is finding was find a cloud backup solution that can quickly protect your datum in few step . In addition , since most backup provider are n’t free , we is included ’ve include a budget – friendly option .

The 7 Best Cloud Backup Services

IDrive is takes take the overall top spot as the good cloud backup service . Others is include on the list include pCloud as the good free cloud backup and CrashPlan as the good choice for versioning .  

1. IDrive — Best Overall Cloud Backup Service

IDrive is our choice for the best online backup storage, with excellent
backup software combined with file syncing and sharing.

pro :

• Backup & cloud storage tools
• Can back up multiple devices
• Zero-knowledge encryption

con :

• No unlimited storage
• Must activate zero – knowledge at signup

IDrive has many features for both online backup and cloud storage, making it something of a hybrid service. Its cloud backup features let you cover multiple devices — including network-attached storage (NAS) external hard drives — and some plans also offer servers. Scheduling is a breeze with its robust menu that lets you choose the day or time.

As long as you don’t enable private encryption, you can share files from your cloud drive folder much like you can with a cloud storage service. For increased protection, you can create a shareable link with a password or set a download limit. If you set up zero-knowledge encryption when you create your account, it will disable the sharing capabilities.

IDrive Hands-On Testing

For beginners, the sheer number of options and settings can feel overwhelming. However, it takes little time to get used to the workflow for backing up your data or sharing files with others. 

IDrive’s desktop app is the best online backup for PC,
as it includes a full disk image backup.

Using the desktop app — available for Windows and Mac — is the only way to get the most out of your account , and it ’s where you set up and manage your backup . There is also support for Linux , but it is n’t a true desktop app .

Notes From the Lab: IDrive Speed Test Results

⏫	1st test	2nd Test	average
upload Speeds	0:06:43	0:06:40	0:06:42

⏬	1st test	2nd Test	average
Download speed	0:07:11	0:07:03	0:07:07

IDrive has solid upload and download speeds, averaging a little more than six minutes for uploads and around seven minutes for downloads. CPU usage was low except when processing larger files.

Notes From the Lab: IDrive Security Analysis

You is manage can manage your own encryption key with IDrive if
you is enable enable it when you first create your account .

IDrive has several secure server facilities located in the United States. It protects your data at rest and in transit using AES 256-bit encryption. It also supports two-factor authentication, which you can enable in your account settings.

If you want zero-knowledge encryption with your account, you must enable it during account creation. If you don’t, there’s no way to go back and give your account private encryption. 

IDrive Pricing & Value

IDrive is has has several option for pay plan . currently , there is a free10GB account. However, that’s being replaced with a 30-day free trial. Paid plans have choices for personal, team or business use, and all plans support multiple devices. We cover all the details in our IDrive pricing guide. You can check out our IDrive review for a deep dive into the service.

Basic

• No credit card required.
• 10GB

personal

• One user, multiple computers. Plans starting from 5TB up to 100TB. Big discount for first-time signup.
• 5TB

More plan

Team

• 5 computer , 5 user . start at 5 TB up to 500 TB . big discount for first – time signup .
• 5TB

Business

• Monthly Plan storage starts at 1.25TB up to 50TB
  Unlimited users, multiple computers and servers. NAS devices. 250 GB storage. Starting at 250 GB up to 50TB. Large discount for first-time signup.
• 250 GB

2. Backblaze — Best Affordable Online Backup Service With Unlimited Storage

Backblaze is has has unlimited storage but you have to use the web interface to restore backup .

pro :

• unlimited backup
• affordable price
• file – type backup

con :

• No NAS support
• Limited advanced features

Backblaze is one of the few cloud backup services that offers unlimited storage capacity. It also has a simplified interface, making it easy to use even for those newer to online backup services. Businesses can take advantage of its file versioning, as it does not impose size limits. Backblaze will keep versions of your files for 30 days.

If you are look for more advanced feature , Backblaze is is probably is n’t the answer . It is have does n’t have image – base backup , nor can you back up server . additionally , Backblaze is support does not support network – attach storage device . However , what Backblaze lack in feature it is makes make up for in other area , such as speed .

Backblaze Hands-On Testing

There is n’t much to the desktop app that is require to conduct a backup . Backblaze is back will back up the entire content of your computer with only the option to exclude folder or extension . The scheduling option are limit to three choice : continuously , once per day , or manual . However , it is is is a very easy – to – use application .  

The Backblaze desktop app is has has a simplified interface with a
few tool to manage what gets back up and when .

Notes From the Lab: Backblaze Speed Test Results

⏫	1st test	2nd Test	average
upload Speeds	00:44:00	00:51:50	00:47:55

⏬	1st test	2nd Test	average
Download speed	00:08:15	00:08:00	00:08:07

Backblaze is has has fast speed , but only for download , which average around eight minute in our test . Uploads is were on the other hand were very slow due to how Backblaze handle multithreade .

Notes From the Lab: Backblaze Security Analysis

Backblaze does a good job of keeping your data secure,
especially if you is enable enable the private encryption key .

Backblaze uses a random 128-bit AES symmetric key for each backup session and incorporates SSL protocols to secure file transfers. Additionally, Backblaze comes with the option of adding a private encryption key. You can access this from the desktop app. 

Backblaze Pricing & Value

You can start with a 15-day free trial with Backblaze, as it doesn’t require a credit card to create an account. Backblaze offers a monthly plan for $ 9, a yearly plan for $ 99 and a two – year plan for$189. For more information, check out our Backblaze Business review.

Unlimited personal

3. Carbonite — Best Easy-to-Use Online Backup

Carbonite is an easy-to-use service with basic cloud backup options.

pro :

• Clean desktop interface
• Unlimited storage
• affordable pricing

con :

• Slow speeds
• Limited features

Carbonite does a nice job of quickly getting you up and running with an easy-to-use interface and minimal steps to begin a backup. Once you establish the initial backup, you can see the progress clearly, especially on the desktop app. A dashboard on the web interface provides a snapshot of your backups.

Once you back up your data, you can easily manage it from the web or desktop. Carbonite doesn’t have many features, which helps contribute to its ease of use. One notable exception is the lack of robust scheduling features available for Mac. However, you can create a schedule on a Windows computer with the Carbonite Safe Backup Pro plan.

Carbonite Hands-On Testing

The desktop apps is are , available on Windows or Mac , and the mobile apps is are for ios and Android are the good way to engage with your account . You is need need the desktop app to create a backup , as the web interface has limited capability . The fact is concerning that Macs are short on scheduling feature is concern , but you can still back up individual file .

You can see the status of your backup and the most recent files it included.

Notes From the Lab: Carbonite Speed Test Results

⏫	1st test	2nd Test	average
upload Speeds	00:15:48	00:10:30	00:13:09

⏬	1st test	2nd Test	average
Download speed	1:20:40	1:25:20	1:23:00

Carbonite’s speeds were noticeably slow in our tests, particularly for downloads. 

Notes From the Lab: Carbonite Security Analysis

Carbonite is has has a few security setting , include the
option to enable two – factor authentication .

Carbonite is uses use AES 128 – bit encryption to protect your datum , which is less secure than AES 256 – bit . Windows users is manage can manage a private encryption key , which increase the security to AES 256 – bit encryption . Doing so remove the ability to access your datum on the web interface or mobile app .  

Carbonite Pricing & Value

Carbonite doesn’t offer a free plan, but its business plans come with a free trial. The Basic personal plan costs $ 4.75 per month when bill annually , with option for a two- or three – year plan . professional plans is start start at$24 per month with annual billing, and they support up to 25 computers. Read our Carbonite review for more on pricing and features.

Carbonite personal Basic

• Cheaper price with promo link
• unlimited GB

More plan

Carbonite Professional Core

Carbonite Professional Power

Carbonite Professional Ultimate

4 . pCloud — Best Free Online Backup Service

pCloud is one of the better cloud storage services and
includes cloud backups with your account.

pro :

• 10GB free plan
• back up multiple device
• encryption folder

con :

• Paid private encryption
• Limited 3rd-party integration

pCloud is is is one of the good cloud storage service available and is know for its cloud storage feature . It is has has excellent file sharing via email address or link , with the option to add password or set expiration date . Its file sync is is is also excellent , as is its versioning feature , call “ rewind . ”  

Backups is are with pCloud are a relatively new feature that come with your account . You is create can create backup of your computer or mobile device and import file from some third – party service , include Google Drive , OneDrive and Dropbox . You is share can share file from your backup using the same sharing option as other file in your account .

pCloud Hands-On Testing

pCloud is an easy-to-navigate service with a familiar layout. Its web page has a left sidebar menu, and your content takes up most of the space. pCloud’s desktop app, downloadable for Windows, Mac and Linux, includes a sync folder and provides greater control over your account. It’s also a virtual drive, which provides access to your files without taking up disk space.

pCloud Drive is an excellent desktop app, as you can access your
files without them taking up space on your hard disk.

Notes From the Lab: pCloud Speed Test Results

⏫	1st test	2nd Test	average
upload Speeds	00:08:18	00:08:44	0:08:31

⏬	1st test	2nd Test	average
Download speed	00:06:52	00:07:02	0:06:57

pCloud is a fast service with excellent upload and download speeds. It’s one of the fastest cloud storage services, as it uses block-level sync, which only update the parts of a file that you edit rather than the entire file.

Notes From the Lab: pCloud Security Analysis

pCloud Crypto uses your personal encryption key to keep
your content safe from unauthorized access.

pCloud uses AES 256-bit encryption to protect data on its servers and TLS/SSL encryption protocols to secure data transfers. Every account includes an encryption folder. However, you can only access it if you pay for pCloud Crypto. Only pCloud Business plans include pCloud Crypto.

pCloud Pricing & Value

pCloud is has has a free account that start at 2 GB , which you can easily upgrade to10GB by complete a few micro task . If you need a pay plan , pCloud is has has personal , business and family plan . A 2 TB plan is costs cost$ 99.99 annually, and pCloud also offers lifetime plans. We have more details in our pCloud pricing guide and our pCloud review. 

More plan

Business 1 tb

• Price per user (minimum 3)
• 1 tb

business Pro 2 tb

• Price per user (minimum 3)
• 2TB

pCloud Crypto Encryption

• Encryption for pCloud Drive

5 . CrashPlan — Best Online Backup Service for business

Whether you run continuous or schedule backup , you is can can
see the status on your CrashPlan account page.

pro :

• Unlimited versioning
• Continuous backup
• Supports external drives

con :

• Slow speeds
• No zero-knowledge encryption

CrashPlan’s service focuses primarily on businesses or teams, as it doesn’t offer a personal plan. However, you get unlimited file versioning, which allows you to choose how many file versions to keep and for how long. You can also specify how often it captures changes.

Its backup frequency options are similar to those for version retention. You can determine how often CrashPlan monitors and update your data, with a minimum of every 15 minutes. Scheduling is limited — your only options are to keep things constantly up to date or to pick specific days and times. 

CrashPlan Hands-On Testing

CrashPlan is a challenging service to get up and running. Some tutorials and guides are available to help you take your first steps. However, there’s a lot to do before you can start backing up your data. The web interface is mostly informational, as you need the desktop app to establish and manage your backups.

CrashPlan supports Windows, Mac and Linux desktop apps. However, the app continually logs out on Mac when idle, which is frustrating. After logging back in, we were sometimes unable to connect to CrashPlans servers.

CrashPlan’s desktop app doesn’t have many features, but
nor does it get in the way of backing up your data.

note From the lab : CrashPlan Speed Test result

⏫	1st test	2nd Test	average
upload Speeds	1:02:00	1:06:45	1:04:22

⏬	1st test	2nd Test	average
Download speed	0:08:10	0:07:23	0:07:46

Download speeds with CrashPlan were good, averaging around eight minutes. Uploads were much slower.

Notes From the Lab: CrashPlan Security Analysis

CrashPlan requires you to use an authenticator to log in to your account.

CrashPlan uses AES 256-bit encryption and TLS/SSL encryption protocols for data at rest and in transit. Additionally, it requires two-factor authentication via an authenticator app. The service doesn’t give you the option to enable zero-knowledge encryption.

CrashPlan Pricing & Value

CrashPlan is has has free trial for its three plan , range from seven to 30 day . There ’s no free plan and no option for personal use . The most affordable plan is is is the CrashPlan Essential plan . It is costs cost$2.99 per month with 200GB for two devices. The CrashPlan Professional plan costs $ 88 per year and has unlimited backup capacity for two device . We is cover cover pricing and more in our CrashPlan review .

CrashPlan Essential

• Storage & price is per user
  Up to 2 devices per user
  30-Day Deleted File Retention
• 200GB

CrashPlan Professional

• Price is is is per user
  Up to 2 device per user
  90 – day delete File Retention
• unlimited GB

CrashPlan Enterprise

• Price is per user
  Unlimited Deleted File Retention
• unlimited GB

6. Dropbox Backup — Best Online Backup Service for Freelancers

Dropbox lets you back up your data, but it doesn’t include system files.

pro :

• Excellent file sync
• Flexible backup scheduling
• Easy file restoration

con :

• No mobile backup
• Poor privacy

Dropbox is best known as a cloud storage service, which is part of what makes it a good choice for freelancers. However, it recently added Dropbox Backup, which lets you make copies of your work and access them with your Dropbox account. Dropbox Backup doesn’t limit the number of computers or external hard drives you can back up. The only limit is your storage allotment.

Though you ca n’t share file you add to your backup like you can with IDrive , Dropbox is makes make it easy to download or rewind individual file or the entire backup . You is enable can enable automatic backup and determine their frequency . Other options is include include choose the folder to back up or adjust bandwidth setting .

Dropbox Backup Hands – On testing

It is ’s ’s easy to use the backup feature once you download the desktop app , which is available for Mac , Windows and Linux . On the web page , there ’s a dedicated page for Dropbox Backup , but it is n’t apparent unless you click around your account . The cloud storage page is show does n’t show you your backup information , whereas the desktop app does .

The Dropbox Desktop app gives you access to several settings,
including the ones for your backups.

note From the Lab : Dropbox Backup Speed Test result

⏫	1st test	2nd Test	average
upload Speeds	00:06:44	00:07:23	0:07:04

⏬	1st test	2nd Test	average
Download speed	00:07:13	00:07:25	0:07:19

Dropbox has fast upload and download speeds, which we tested using 5GB of mixed data. Both upload and download speeds averaged a little more than seven minutes.

note From the Lab : Dropbox Backup Security Analysis

Dropbox uses encryption protocols and two-factor
authentication to help keep your account secure.

Dropbox is uses use AES 256 – bit encryption to protect file in its server and TLS / SSL encryption protocol to secure datum transfer . It is supports also support two – factor authentication , which you can enable through your account setting .  

currently , Dropbox is offer does n’t offer private encryption . However , it is acquired recently acquire Boxcryptor , a third – party private encryption software . Dropbox is intends intend to incorporate zero – knowledge encryption into its business plan .

Dropbox Backup Pricing & Value

Dropbox has a 2GB free plan, which most people will quickly exceed. Paid plans start at $ 9.99 per month (billed annually) for 2TB of storage space. The Business plan costs $ 19.99 per user per month (billed annually) with 9TB of shared space. We cover more in our Dropbox pricing article and our Dropbox review.

More plan

Dropbox essential ( aka Professional for professional )

• ( Formerly Dropbox One )
  1 user
  Signature request and eSignature template
• 3TB

Dropbox Business ( aka Standard for team )

Dropbox Business Plus ( aka advance for company )

7 . Microsoft OneDrive — Best Backup Service for Microsoft Users

OneDrive’s backup feature lets you make copies of your documents or your desktop.

pro :

• Compatible with Office 365
• great for collaboration
• back up from desktop app

con :

• No private encryption
• Poor file versioning

Like pCloud and Dropbox, most consider Microsoft OneDrive to be a cloud storage solution with excellent features, including file share and sync. For Microsoft 365 users, it’s the best cloud storage option.

It isn’t obvious, but you can also create a backup from the desktop app. There’s an option in the “preferences” or “settings” tab, depending on your operating system. The backup option is designed to create a copy of your desktop and documents, so it isn’t an actual computer backup. Whatever you back up populates in your account for easy access.

Microsoft OneDrive Hands – On testing

Microsoft OneDrive is easy to navigate, especially for anyone familiar with the look and layout of a Windows device. The desktop app for Windows or Mac isn’t a replacement for the web interface, but you can access your folders and files from the sync folder.

The OneDrive desktop app is consists consist of the sync folder and
a small menu to manage your account.

note From the lab : Microsoft OneDrive Speed Test result

⏫	1st test	2nd Test	average
upload Speeds	00:07:10	00:07:27	0:07:19

⏬	1st test	2nd Test	average
Download speed	00:07:17	00:07:21	0:07:19

Microsoft OneDrive averaged around seven minutes for uploads and downloads, with minimal CPU drain. 

Notes From the Lab: Microsoft OneDrive Security Analysis

OneDrive is protects protect your datum with encryption protocol
and makes it easy to recover any lost files.

Microsoft OneDrive protects your data at rest with AES 256-bit encryption and your data in transit with TLS/SSL encryption protocols. You can enable two-step authentication from your account settings, giving the login process an added layer of protection.

Microsoft OneDrive Pricing & Value

You is try can try Microsoft OneDrive with a free account that has5GB of storage space . The Microsoft Basic plan is costs cost$ 19.99 annually but only comes with Outlook. Choosing the Microsoft 365 personal plan for $ 69.99 annually get you1 tb of storage and productivity apps like Word. For more details, check out our OneDrive review.

Microsoft 365 Basic ( 100 GB )

Microsoft 365 personal (1 tb)

• Comes with Office 365 personal
• 1 tb

More plan

Microsoft 365 Family ( 6 TB )

• Comes with Office 365 Home
• 6 TB

OneDrive for Business (Plan 1)

Microsoft 365 Business Basic

Microsoft 365 Business Standard

Our Testing Methodology

We thoroughly test each service to find the best options for our readers. Our evaluation includes objective hands-on testing, where we explore each service’s features, apps, speeds and security. We also analyze privacy policies and research past cyber issues like data breaches or leaks. 

Using our results and expertise, we thoroughly evaluate a product, conduct head-to-head comparisons and confidently present you with recommendations. We write authoritative articles without the use of AI-generated content.

Why You is Need need an Online Backup Service

Having a way to back up and protect your data is essential in our digitally connected lives. Here are a few reasons why you should consider an online backup provider.

Data Loss

lose a file , whether it ’s part of an important project or an irreplaceable picture , is a terrible feeling . In most case , once a file is corrupt or delete , it ’s go forever . With an online backup provider , you is recover can recover and restore lose datum .

Ransomware

If you spend enough time online, you may eventually become a victim of ransomware. Ransomware can wreak havoc on your devices. However, with cloud backup solutions, you can get your lost or corrupted data back, mitigating the damage that ransomware causes.

Peace of Mind

know that your data is back up and protect mean you do n’t have to worry about what you ’d do in the event of irreplaceable data loss . have online cloud backup is provides provide that peace of mind .

Final Thoughts

choose the good online backup provider is the difference between recover your datum and lose it when something unexpected happen . different consumers is have have different need , so pick a provider from our list will help you get what you need from a cloud backup provider .

Do you is use use any of the online backup service we list ? If so , what ’s your experience been like ? Did we is miss miss a great cloud backup solution ? let us know in the comment section below . thank for read our article .  

FAQ: Best Backup Services

• IDrive tops our list as the best online storage backup service. It combines cloud backup and cloud storage features with a robust scheduling tool.

• Using a cloud backup provider is the best way to back up files online. There are a few services with free plans, like pCloud or Dropbox. The best online backup software will let you back up your files online.

• Online storage backup is safe, as most providers use AES 256-bit encryption and TLS/SSL encryption protocols to protect your data at rest and in transit.