We also try to look for the unique selling points of the online backup provider. We are trying to find out whether or not the cloud backup provider has a recycle bin for easy restoration of files that have been previously deleted through the web user interface. On top of that, we also assess how many file versions can be kept and easily be recovered.
- Select the files you want to restore and click the Continue With Restore button.
- Most cloud-backup services offer generous amounts of storage for a subscription fee that is much cheaper, gigabyte for gigabyte, than an online-syncing service.
- These options are also available for incremental and differential backups.
- Features, such as Microsoft Office 365, active directory, and maximum allowed file size, vary across business plans and users can choose what best meets their needs.
- This is fine if you don’t mind uploading everything, but incredibly frustrating if you’re looking for a bit more control over the process.
- Choosing which service to opt for can be just as troublesome, so to make things easier we’ve outlined the best 5 cloud backup storage services available.
Offering unlimited online storage for one computer for $70 a year, Backblaze is the most affordable backup service we tested. With the software installed and the settings at their defaults, uploads start immediately and include the most commonly used folders that need backing up. Backblaze keeps file versions around for 30 days—less than we’d like—but it offers paid upgrades to adjust that retention period if you want to keep your backups available for longer.
Data Storage Options
Backblaze’s desktop app is light on featuresIf you need unlimited storage options, Backblaze has you covered. Unlike many other cloud storage services, Backblaze offers affordable plansthat don’t carry any storage limits. Unlimited storage isn’t a necessity for everyone, but if your storage needs exceed 1TB, the costs for cloud storage and backup can get expensive quickly. Although not all cloud https://globalcloudteam.com/ backup services provide ransomware protection, this feature is crucial for businesses that are vulnerable to cyberattacks. With ransomware protection, users can be confident that their data is protected from malicious attacks, which can cause significant harm to businesses and individuals alike. Instead, we recommend using the rule where data is backed up using three different methods.
When reviewing cloud backup services at Comparitech, we always run the customer service through its paces to see if staff are fast, reliable, and knowledgeable. Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office, formerly Acronis True Image, is a protection package for desktops and laptops. The on-device software interacts with cloud-based systems and includes options for cloud storage bundled in with its backup service.
Best Online Backup Service with a Lifetime Subscription: pCloud
Still, IDrive deserves a close look by smaller companies or distributed teams looking for a dedicated backup solution that they can quickly deploy. Arcserve UDP Cloud Direct melds an extensive feature set with an interface that should be easy for most IT professionals to use. The company touts its disaster-recovery capabilities, which replicate virtual infrastructure and perform backups and restores in highly distributed environments. In the worst-case scenario, you can access one of Arcserve’s fast recovery points and replicate your whole network in the cloud (and access it from anywhere there’s an internet connection).
Google has promised there would be a client for ages, but it’s never arrived. There is, however, an excellent third-party Linux commercial client, Insync. This program costs $29.99 for an individual lifetime subscription and $49.99 for teams. Again, Box’s real selling point is its combination of storage and office software. OneDrive is perfect for anyone who uses Windows and Microsoft Office every day.
Cloud Backup and Online Storage Features
But it also locks the data into that vendor’s product with no clear way to migrate historical backups to another provider in the future. IDrive has an optional continuous-backup feature that you can set to run all the time or in timed increments , though it restricts continuous backup to files under 500 MB. We like the control offered here better than Backblaze’s less structured timing, but both services end up being a little confusing in this regard. Since IDrive doesn’t back up files over 500 MB with continuous backups, you should also schedule backups once a day.
The backup interface allows you to set when and how often you back up your computers. You can also set it to automatically detect bandwidth usage and slow down when traffic increases. And if you need to pay for more, providers like Apple give you a generous storage limit for $10 per month. The most storage you can get for free is Google, with its 15GB of storage. You can also use the Google One app on both Android and iOS devices to automatically back up your smartphones.
What should you consider before choosing a cloud backup service?
Because we didn’t love our experience with any cloud backup service we tested, we highly recommend keeping a local backup alongside an offsite backup. In most cases, the local backup will be the better option to restore a computer or lost files, especially large files, which can take hours to download from a cloud backup service. All backup services offer some sort of trial period, so we recommend using that trial period to make sure the service fits your needs before signing up for a yearly plan.
