Losing critical documents or photos can be a real headache, but the best cloud backup services are here to help you.
A good backup service on your computer protects your important data files from file corruption, accidental deletion, or hardware failures. Keeping a copy of your data in a secure online backup service ensures that you will never deal with that scenario again. Your files are stored safely and securely in the cloud so that you can access them anytime, anywhere.
With cloud backup services, you do not need to upload data like you do with best cloud storage manually. They constantly copy data from your device to cloud servers that you can access anywhere around the globe as long as you have a stable internet connection. You can combine these servers with one of the best external hard drives for local offline storage and cloud storage, justifying the 3-2-1 backup rule.
Multiple services offer backup solutions; some are better than others and excel in different areas. Therefore, choosing exemplary service can take time and effort. To solve your hassle, we have compiled a list of the 10 best cloud backup services, including our picture, “TeraBox,” for the best overall.
In addition, you will also be able to distinguish between cloud backup and offline storage and how to pick up the best online cloud backup. So, be there until the last word.
The Difficulty of Data Loss
According to the Cyber Security Breaches Survey, nearly 40% of businesses have reported data breaches. One in five of those businesses will suffer loss in the form of money or other assault.
It is not always cyber-crime to blame for such loss. Data can also be lost in storage, transmission, processing, or networking. The theft or loss of the device containing data can also be among the causes.
Other common causes include human error, such as accidentally deleting data files, software corruption, computer viruses, hardware impairment, natural disasters, and power failure.
Dealing with data loss can be a real headache, resulting in destroyed business functions, damaged reputation, financial implications, reduced productivity, and other legal consequences.
To prevent such losses, the best option is to back up your data on remote servers, such as with secure cloud backup solutions. These servers protect your data from cyberattacks, natural disasters, and thefts. You can access your data wherever you are around the globe with a solid internet connection.
The Difference Between Cloud Backup and Offline Storage
Both online cloud backup and offline storage are used to store and secure data for later use. But it is important to know the difference between the two.
Cloud Backup:
Cloud backup, also known as “online backup” or “remote backup,” is a backup approach used to copy physical or virtual files or databases and send them to a secondary storage server located off-premises. This strategy is helpful to protect critical data files in case of hardware failure, system outage, natural disaster, cyberattack, or human error. Following a data loss, you can restore data from the cloud backup to its original shape or secondary environment.
SaaS providers or third-party top cloud backup services host backup services. These providers usually charge customers a recurring fee based on the storage capacity they get, user volume, server volume, data transfer bandwidth, number of initiated data recoveries, and other factors.
Top organisations leverage an online backup service to improve data protection practices, business community, and regulatory compliance requirements without overburdening their IT teams.
These services automatically back up data that users can use anytime, anywhere. However, cloud backup data can be vulnerable to cyberattacks, which is a drawback of these services.
Offline Storage:
Offline storage, also known as removable storage offline backup, is a type of storage in which data is stored on physical devices such as external hard drives, USB Flash drives, DVDs, optical discs, or other local media. This type of storage is not connected to a computer or network.
A human operator must insert or connect the physical storage device to the system to access the data.
Offline storage differs from cloud storage because it requires physical devices to store data. Unlike online cloud backup, offline storage is less vulnerable to online threats, and data can be encrypted manually in a safe place.
Often called “cold storage,” offline storage does not automatically back up data; you must do it manually. Data recovery can also be slow. It is best suited for archiving, long-term storage, or situations where internet access is unavailable.
How To Pick The Best Cloud-Based Backup For Your Data?
Now, you understand the importance of a robust, secure, reliable cloud backup service. But how do you choose the best online backup services?
Here are the critical criteria to consider while choosing a service provider:
1. Storage Capacity/Limit
How much data do you want to backup and store for later use? Do you have bulk files, including videos and photos, to back up? Look for a service provider that offers enough storage space to meet your needs now and in the future. Pooled storage for a budget-friendly price is okay because you do not run into surprise overages or next-tier price hokes. Any time you face limits, be cautious of what that could mean for scalability.
2. Price/Cost
Different cloud-based backup solutions have different pricing models. Factors like data storage and retention limits, administrative requirements, and service level agreements (SLAs) affect the pricing of these services. Therefore, know your budget and choose the service offering unlimited cloud backup solutions to assess the business’s security and compliance needs. Your needs should be based on relevant industry regulations and cyber insurance requirements.
If you have a low budget, you can choose a backup solution offering straightforward pricing for billing predictability. Find a vendor specialising in your business types, clientele, or compliance standards to get the most bang for your buck. Tailored solutions, services, and support are the best options for understanding unique challenges and helping you overcome them.
3. Security
This is arguably the most critical factor when choosing the best cloud backup solution.
The best cloud backups must be protected and encrypted to ensure recovery. Modern cloud backups leverage automation to reduce the chances of permanent data loss.
For example, anti-ransomware and data loss technology automatically removes data deletion requests from the mechanics of data deletion in a gapped archive. Only when human controls confirm the legitimacy of the deletion request are the data deleted from the archive. Such modern technologies remove the security risks of human error to reinforce data protection.
The location of your backups is critical for business continuity and disaster recovery. Your service provider must be SOC2 certified with SSAE 16 Type II certification and 99.99% reliability. Don't choose a less-than-safe vendor who can inquire about the security of their cloud and data centres.
4. Easy Backup and Recovery Process
If you face any disaster, you must restore your essential deleted files quickly, easily, and safely. Therefore, look for an automatic cloud backup solution offering an automated backup plan and user-friendly disaster recovery tools. Multiple daily backups, notifications to monitor and verify the process, instant search and filtering, and an air-gapped data archive can all improve your BDR process. These excellent capabilities allow you to back up your data with oversight and recover confidentiality.
Two-time units, Recovery Point Objective (RPO) and Recovery Time Objective (RTO) help predict the recovery process. RPO is the maximum time a business or a user can tolerate lost and unrecoverable data during an incident. It shows how often backups must occur to ensure data recovery from disaster.
Conversely, RTO measures when a disruptive event occurs even when IT resources are fully operational. This factor determines how long the company can bear a business interruption.
RPO and RTO are critical to setting expectations for downtime, disaster recovery, data restoration, and business continuity.
5. User-Friendliness
Users usually want to be able to handle their cloud backup solutions easily. Therefore, the services interface should be straightforward and come out of the box to secure your data.
Before you decide, take advantage of demo and trial opportunities to see, use, and experience the service in your environment. Read the review section to gain further knowledge about usability and access, adoption of the solution, and, thus, data security.
6. Efficient Customer Support
While recovering your data, you will need professional support. That’s why choosing the best server cloud backup solution with reliable customer support is necessary. As a new customer, you should receive onboarding and training and on-demand training to review topics and reinforce procedures.
A well-documented knowledge base of step-by-step product instructions, solution information, and feature guides is also helpful for DIY problem-solving. As a dedicated client representative, you should also get 24/7 customer support.
7. Compatibility with Major Operating Systems
Ensure the cloud backup service you select is compatible with your operating system or any other software. For example, if you are a Mac user, your solution must be compatible with macOS.
8. Integration with Other Tools or Services
Always look for an online backup provider that integrates with your tools or services. For example, the backup service must be compatible if you use Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software. Built-in integration saves you time and helps you manage data efficiently.
Top 10 Best Cloud Backups in 2024
Here are the top 10 Best encrypted cloud backup services.
1. TeraBox
Pros:
- 1TB free cloud backup space is enough to back up data from multiple devices.
- Its automation feature backs up your data, including photos, videos, and even folders.
- No compromise on security and safety.
- End-to-end file encryption, two-factor authentication, firewalls, and other AI technologies or algorithms to protect your data.
- Uploading of large files up to 20 GB
- Personal Vault option to backup and store personal data with additional security
- Save time by offering downloading in batches.
- budget-friendly paid plans with 2TB cloud backup space for only $3.49 per month
Cons:
- Our only drawback to date is the appearance of ads while using the space.
Why We Picked It?
With its 1TB of free cloud backup space, TeraBox is the leading cloud backup solution, offering tons of security and unlimited additional features. The platform provides high-quality privacy and security. All your backup data is end-to-end encrypted with two-factor authentication, firewall, AI Analysis, and Personal Vault.
Users can back up their data, including photos, high-resolution videos, documents, PDFs, and other data, from all kinds of devices. Its compatibility with Android, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Linux sets it apart.
TeraBox is the best option for individual and business purposes.
Who Is It For?
TeraBox cloud backup service is ideal for individual users or businesses looking to back up their important large-sized files such as irreplaceable photos, videos, documents, or PDFs. It is the best option for Android, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Linux users.
Specifications
Storage: 1TB free storage
File Size: no limit
Compatibility: Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux
Two-Factor Authentication: Yes
2. IDrive
Pros:
- Online and local backups simultaneously
- Compatible with multiple PCs and devices
Cons:
- One of the costliest services
Why We Picked It?
iDrive is the most comprehensive online backup service among its competitors. It comes with backup clients for nearly every PC and device. Users will also get additional storage for syncing all their devices and PCs. This allows users to share files with everyone and back them up to a local drive.
iDrive has expanded its backup offerings to cover user’s personal and team needs. Its free tier offers 10 GB of free space. Its mini tier provides up to 500 GB for $9.95 a year, and its Personal plan gives 5TB for $69.95 the first year (or $149.25 for two years) and $99.50 each year after, covering one user per multiple devices.
In addition, other Personal tiers provide 10TB, 20TB, and 50TB, with associated price increases. Team plans also cover multiple users on multiple devices with varying storage capacities and prices.
Who Is It For?
The service is best for individual users looking to manage their backup files. However, users of PCs and other devices can also benefit from this solution.
Specifications
Free Storage: 10GB
Storage: 10TB
File Size: Unlimited
Compatibility: All types of PC and devices
Two-Factor Authentication: Yes, via email
3. Backblaze
Pros:
- Simple and easy-to-use
- Cheap
- Unlimited free storage
- Generous drive-shipping policy
Cons:
- Not compatible with multiple devices
- Least efficient mobile apps
Why We Picked It?
Backblaze is one of the cheapest cloud backup services that offers gigabyte-for-gigabyte storage. It is an easy-to-use service that offers generous restore-by-email and rapid upload speeds. You can also locate a lost or stolen computer by geolocating the Wi-Fi network it connects to.
However, unlike its competitors, Backblaze lacks the cloud syncing feature and backups of networked drives. Similarly, it is only ideal for users looking to backup data from multiple devices if they have nearly unlimited storage requirements. Purchasing their yearly cost to back up each machine will be worth subscribing to.
Who Is It For?
This backup cloud solution is ideal for businesses looking for ample backup space. Similarly, users looking to backup from a single device can also use this service.
Specifications
Storage limit: unlimited
Backup for devices: 1 computer
External Drive Backups: Available
Mobile Backups: No
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Yes
Drive shipping: Restore type
4. Acronis True Image
Pros:
- Offers extensive and unique feature set
- Modern-day unique
- Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- No adverse effects on system performance
Cons:
- Complicated and extensive pricing plans
- Not an extensive range of features for home users
Why We Picked It?
Acronis True Image, now called Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office, is the most powerful and versatile online backup service provider. It offers a terrific desktop application and a wide range of backup and security options.
It is best for mobile, external, and social media backups and syncing and sharing options. The cloud backup will store the image of your hard drive, applications like OS, and everything else in the cloud storage.
Acronis also includes antivirus software, ransomware protection, a vulnerability scanner, and a bootable file-restoration tool. However, its prices can be the most frustrating, rapidly ratcheting up as you add extra devices and backup storage. Similarly, the service needs a more robust mobile and web interface than its competitors.
Who Is It For?
Acronis is the best cloud backup option for power users or those shopping for antivirus software. Moreover, users who work on computers, PCs, and mobile devices can back up their files using this service.
Specifications
Storage limit: 5TB
Device limit: Up to 5 computers with unlimited mobile devices
External hard drive backups: Available
Mobile backups: Yes
System and application backups: Yes
Two-factor authentication (2FA): No
5. CrashPlan
Pros:
- Unlimited backup cloud
- Fast upload and download file speeds
- High-quality security and scheduling options
Cons:
- Expensive pricing plans
- Requires resources during backups
Why We Picked It?
CrashPlan was the best cloud backup service provider in the market until 2017. Its unique backup services for small businesses offer speedy upload and download speeds. It has business-friendly features, including support for Red Hat and Ubuntu Linux and unlimited retention of your old-versioned files.
Users can customize everything, including backup frequency, retention of deleted files, account security, and location to download restored files. They can back up full-drive images to local drives and use Linux/macOS formatted networked drive backups. The platform offers unlimited backup space for unlimited devices when users pay $10 per month per computer.
You will need drive shipping and mobile device backups. However, mobile apps are secure but bare-bones. Moreover, they consume a fair amount of resources during backups, but you can adjust this through settings.
Who Is It For?
CrashPlan is the best backup service for small businesses looking to restore their old-versioned data. Moreover, it is best for PC users.
Specifications
Storage limit: unlimited
Device limit: Unlimited devices, fixed price per machine
External drive backups: available
Mobile backups: no
2FA: Enables
Drive Shipping: not available
6. Internxt Drive
Pros:
- Offers unlimited online storage, sync, and backup options
- Affordable lifetime pricing plans
- High-quality security and privacy
- Free 2TB account
Cons:
- Connection errors
- No convenient help desk or feedback
Why We Picked It?
Internxt is a straightforward storage and backup option that costs nothing and provides excellent backup features and tons of cloud storage. It offers a 200GB storage plan for just $4 per month or a lifetime 2TB plan with a one-time payment of $149. It has 2TB of cloud storage and backups forever.
Another great perk is that all these plans offer the same features. This means you can still benefit from the full features, including online storage, sync, backup, and sharing, even with the cheapest plans. The service is easy to use and offers users incredible features.
Who Is It For?
Internxt is the best budget plan for users and businesses who want to back up and store their important files in the cloud.
Specifications
Storage limit: Unlimited
2FA: Yes, high security
Mobile backups: Yes
7. Carbonite Safe
Pros:
- Unlimited backup storage options
- User-friendly and intuitive backup-flagging system
Cons:
- Slow file upload speed
- Costly extra features
- No mobile apps
Why We Picked It?
Carbonite Safe is one of the best cloud backup services with unlimited cloud storage. Its intuitive, user-friendly interface shows files that have been fully, partly, or not backed up. However, Carbonite does not automatically back up large files, external drives, or any kind of video file on its basic pricing plan.
To do these things, you must buy their Plus or Premium plans, which offer features similar to iDrive or Blackblaze’s basic plans. But their plans cost too much. They support multiple machines on a single account but no volume discount. Each additional machine costs as much as the first one. Moreover, upload speeds are slow, and their appealing mobile apps are no longer available. The company has not given any timetable for their return.
Who Is It For?
Carbonite is the best service for single PC users who want to back up their lost files. It is only suited for one device user.
Specifications
Device limit: Up to 5 PCs, priced per machine
Storage capacity: Unlimited
External Drive Backups: Only with Plus or Premium plans
Mobile Backups: No
2FA: Yes
Drive Shipping: Only restore type
8. NinjaOne
Pros:
- Automated backups
- Backup management from a single pane of glass
- Flexibility to store backups locally, on cloud, or both
- Granular store and encryption of backup of files with high-quality security
- Ransworm integration to protect from viruses
Cons:
- Costly backup plans
- Less efficient customer support
- Limited devices per account
Why We Picked It?
NinjaOne is a top-rated endpoint management solution that helps more than 17,000 IT teams and MSPs with quality visibility, security, and control over all endpoints. It offers an integrated platform with rich features and is easy to use.
The key features include its robust backup solution, which safeguards your important data against hardware failures, accidental deletion, and even sophisticated cyberattacks like Rainsworm. Its end-to-end data protection secures every kind of file—from entire image backups to specific files and folders—ensuring comprehensive protection of your digital environment.
Who Is It For?
NinjaOne is an ideal backup solution for IT teams and MSPs looking to control their endpoints. However, it offers fewer devices per account than its competitors.
Specifications
Data limit: Unlimited with premium plans
Device limit: Limited devices per account
Two-factor authentication: Yes
Mobile backup: no
9. Sync.com
Pros:
- Up to 5GB of free backup space per account
- User-friendly browser interface and local apps
- Personal vault for non-distributed backup
- Syncs data across multiple devices
- User-definable expiry dates for file and folder shares
Cons:
- No scheduled backups for personal vault
- Limited free storage
Why We Picked It?
Sync.com is the best online cloud backup that offers both a paid and a free tier service. The tier provides 5GB of backup cloud storage and most of the features offered in their premium tier. It is an easy-to-use service that is secure and safe. The platform has an attractive and well-designed web interface and a desktop app that works well on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
Users can easily sync their files across their devices, and its Vault option helps them back up their files without transferring them to the local Sync folder if they want to keep files unchanged or separated for any reason. Through 5GB of storage for power users and businesses, Sync.com is a reliable service with incredible functionality for users looking to keep files stored online and sync them across multiple devices without paying anything. Moreover, you can also upgrade to a paid tier for more backup storage.
Who Is It For?
Individual users looking to keep files stored online and sync them across multiple devices without spending a penny can benefit from Sync.com's services. However, due to its low backup storage capacity, it could be better for businesses and power users.
Specifications
Storage limit: Unlimited with a paid tier
Device limit: Multiple devices per account
Mobile backups: Yes
Two-factor authentication: Yes
10. SpiderOak One
Pros:
- High-quality security
- Backup from unlimited devices per account
- Robust syncing and file-sharing features
Cons:
- Difficult learning curve
- Cramped and confusing user interface compared to its competitors
Why We Picked It?
SpiderOak was the first online storage and syncing service to provide customers with a private, exclusive encryption key. It has solid file-sharing and syncing features and support for unlimited machines. If you insist, it also backs up system files and applications.
However, SpiderOak’s storage-space pricing is so high that it competes more efficiently with Dropbox than with iDrive. While its file backup speed was amazingly high, its initial speed was glacial.
Who Is It For?
It is the best option for users with ample cloud storage needs with fast file-sharing and syncing speeds. However, users looking to back up their large data files cannot choose it as an ideal solution as it mainly provides cloud storage services.
Specifications
Storage limit: Up to 5TB
Device limit: Unlimited devices
External Drive and Mobile Backups: Yes
Two-factor authentication: Only for high-quality legacy users
Drive shipping: No
What Is the Best Cloud Backup Solution for Free?
Choosing the best cloud backup option among the multiple options available can be difficult. But we have solved this puzzle for you. We have compared the top 10 best cloud storage services here, and after a brief comparison, TeraBox stands tall among all.
Why is TeraBox the best cloud Backup service?
TeraBox is the leading cloud backup service because it offers 1TB or 1024GB of free backup storage, which no one else offers. Other cloud backup services provide only a maximum of 5GB of free backup storage, which is far behind our top choice.
Its efficient working across multiple platforms, such as Android, macOS, iOS, Windows, and Linux, also makes it stand tall because others provide access across a limited number of devices. Moreover, high-quality end-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication, AI algorithms, automated backups, a Personal vault option, and other great options are the distinguishing features of our top choice that its competitors do not offer.
That’s why we call TeraBox the #1 cloud backup solution.
Can Cloud Backup Be Hacked?
Yes, cloud backups can be hacked due to weak and reused passwords, data breaches, cyberattacks, and third-party vulnerabilities. While most cloud backup service providers try to ensure security through encryption, multi-factor authentication, and access controls, no system provider guarantees 100% security except TeraBox.
In September 2023, Azure Cloud Storage recently announced that the attacker known as BlackCat had gained access to their portals via a stolen key and encrypted 39 Azure Storage accounts.
Users can protect their data from vulnerabilities by using a strong password, staying informed about potential threats, and ensuring that their service provider keeps software and security protocols up to date.
Cloud Backup Use Cases
Companies and businesses can utilise cloud backup differently according to their preferences. Let’s explore common use cases of cloud backup services.
Direct Public Cloud Backup
This option lets organisations duplicate and store their important data files in a public cloud backup. In this approach, users write data directly to the cloud provider (e.g., Google Cloud).
Companies must create data copies and send them to public cloud storage using their own backup software.
Online Cloud Backup Options
Online cloud backup solutions are an excellent option for those who want to eliminate hardware-based backups. This approach allows companies to get an all-in-one backup solution that includes backup software, a server, and storage capacity.
Backup to a Service Cloud Storage
This option allows users to write backup data to a SaaS/cloud provider offering backup services using a managed data centre. In this case, the service provider offers a backup solution or leaves backup creation to the client, with the vendor ensuring robust support and compatibility with backup tools.
Cloud-to-Cloud Backup (C2C)
Cloud-to-cloud backup is a game changer that backs up what already exists in the cloud. The data here can be stored in the cloud backup or crafted via a SaaS app. It copies data from one cloud to another, with the service provider hosting the software used in the backup process.
FAQs About Cloud Backup Best Services
How safe is online cloud backup?
Online cloud backup is safe, as most service providers ensure end-to-end encryption by following TLS/SSL encryption protocols and two-factor authentication to protect your data from cyberattacks.
TeraBox is the best, with its multi-factor authentication and AI algorithms protecting your backup data.
How much does 1TB of backup space cost?
At TeraBox, getting 1TB of free backup cloud storage costs nothing. Some platforms offer this storage free of cost, while others charge dollars to provide colossal cloud backup storage.
What are the key differences between cloud backup and backup appliances?
Cloud backup and backup appliances serve a similar purpose, but the two have some differences.
- The first difference between the two is the location of the stored data. Cloud backup stores data off-site, while backup appliances store data on private cloud backup solutions such as external drives or servers.
- Another critical key difference between the two is security. Cloud backups offer more data security than backup appliances due to their end-to-end encryption.
- In terms of cost, cloud backups are expensive compared to backup appliances.
These are the key differences between cloud backup and backup appliances.
Final Words
In conclusion, a thorough data backup system can secure important files and ensure business continuity. However, choosing the best cloud backup service to recover your data requires careful research.
We have made things easy by listing the top 10 online cloud backup service providers offering backup solutions according to customers' needs. We picked TeraBox as the leading backup solution due to its end-to-end encryption, factor authentication, support across multiple devices, backup automation, and massive 1TB free backup storage capacity.
So, go with our choice and quickly recover your important data files!