Cloud backup services provide crucial protection against catastrophic data loss. Having an offsite copy of your files ensures you can recover them even if disaster strikes your local devices and backups. But with so many cloud backup options available in 2023, it can be challenging to determine which one best fits your needs.
As an IT consultant who has helped many businesses develop robust data protection strategies, I‘m here to guide you through what to look for in a cloud backup service and share my top recommendations. Whether you‘re an individual looking to back up a single computer or a business needing to protect multiple employees and servers, there‘s a cloud backup solution that‘s right for you.
Why you need cloud backup
Storing a copy of your data in the cloud protects against threats to your local devices and backups, such as:
- Hardware failure (drive crashes, etc.)
- Theft
- Fire, flood, and natural disasters
- Ransomware and malware
Without an offsite backup, these events could cause permanent data loss. Cloud backup complements local backups to form a comprehensive 3-2-1 backup strategy – 3 total copies of your data, 2 on different media, with 1 stored offsite.
While file sync services like Dropbox, iCloud, and Google Drive provide some protection by storing files in the cloud, they aren‘t true backup solutions. They only protect the specific files and folders you choose to sync, not your entire system.
A real cloud backup service automatically backs up all your important data and retains multiple versions of files, allowing you to restore your system to a previous point in time. It‘s a more complete solution for data protection and recovery.
What to look for in a cloud backup service
Not all cloud backup services are equal. Focus on these key factors when evaluating your options:
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Storage capacity and cost – Look for a plan with enough capacity for all the data you need to protect at a price that fits your budget. Some plans offer unlimited storage but restrict the number of devices. Others limit capacity but allow unlimited devices.
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Security and encryption – Your cloud backup provider will be storing your private data on their servers, so strong security is a must. Look for end-to-end encryption, meaning your data is encrypted on your device before uploading and can only be decrypted with a private key. Avoid providers that can access your unencrypted data.
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Backup performance – Initial backups can take days or weeks, so backup speeds are important, especially on limited bandwidth connections. Look for features like incremental backup, bandwidth throttling, and block-level copying to maximize performance. Continuous backup, which immediately syncs file changes, provides the best protection.
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Ease of use – The best cloud backup services make it simple to select what data to back up, set a backup schedule, and restore files when needed. Avoid overly complex solutions that create more work for you.
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Supported platforms – Make sure the service supports all your devices and operating systems, including any servers and mobile devices. Also consider how you can access backups, such as via web browser, mobile apps, or virtual drive.
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Restore options – How easy is it to get your data back from the cloud? In addition to accessing files from anywhere via web browser or mobile app, look for options to have your data express shipped to you on an external drive to speed up large restores.
The best cloud backup services for 2023
With those key factors in mind, here are my top 3 cloud backup recommendations for different needs:
1. Best overall value: Backblaze
For individuals and businesses looking to back up a single computer, Backblaze offers unbeatable value. For just $7/month or $70/year per computer, you get unlimited backup storage – no need to worry about bumping up against capacity limits.
Security is solid with end-to-end encryption. By default, encryption keys are managed by Backblaze for easy recovery, but you can opt to manage your own key for ultimate privacy. Data centers are secured and backed up for redundancy.
The lightweight app runs quietly in the background, automatically backing up your entire computer and any connected drives. There are no configurable backup sets – it simply selects what to back up. Backup happens continuously as files change for excellent protection.
Restores can be done from anywhere via web or mobile app. You can also have your data express shipped to you on a flash drive or hard drive (for an extra fee) to speed up large restores.
Best for: Individuals and small businesses looking to back up 1-3 computers. If you just want a simple "set it and forget it" backup solution with unlimited storage, Backblaze is the best value.
2. Best for backing up multiple computers: iDrive
Need to back up more than one computer? iDrive lets you back up an unlimited number of PCs, Macs, smartphones, and tablets into a single account.
Plans start at 5GB for free, or 10TB for $74.62/year. That‘s pricier per computer than Backblaze if you only have a couple devices. But for larger households or businesses backing up many employee machines, iDrive quickly becomes more economical than paying per device.
iDrive offers many of the same features as Backblaze, including continuous data backup and restore. But you get more control over what files are backed up. You can easily manage backups and restores across all your devices from a web console. There are also options for iDrive to send you a physical drive to speed up initial backups and restores.
One unique feature is iDrive Express, which will send a technician to your location to help with initial backup if you have a large amount of data. Security is robust, with end-to-end 256-bit AES encryption and optional private key management.
Best for: Families and businesses backing up multiple employee computers and devices. iDrive offers the most flexibility to back up as many devices as you need, including servers, NAS and mobile, into a single account at a reasonable cost.
3. Most secure cloud backup: SpiderOak One Backup
For the privacy-conscious, SpiderOak One Backup offers arguably the most secure cloud storage and backup solution. It boasts a "zero knowledge" privacy policy – your data is encrypted end-to-end and only you can decrypt it. Not even SpiderOak‘s employees can access your data, unlike most other providers.
SpiderOak is also unique in that it doesn‘t just provide backup, but also file sync and sharing capabilities, like Dropbox. So you can use it both to back up your devices and to keep files synchronized across your devices for remote access and collaboration.
Plans start at 150GB for $6/month or $69/year. So it‘s more expensive than Backblaze or iDrive per GB, but may be worth it if you want both backup and sync in one app. And like iDrive, a single SpiderOak account can backup an unlimited number of devices.
From a security perspective, no other major cloud backup service matches SpiderOak‘s privacy policy and zero-knowledge encryption. Your data is encrypted on your device before uploading, and the keys never leave your device. There are no backdoors and not even SpiderOak staff can access your files.
Best for: Individuals and businesses who want the absolute highest level of privacy and security for their cloud backup. It‘s pricier than other options per GB, but SpiderOak‘s zero-knowledge encryption provides unmatched data privacy, plus sync/sharing features not available in most backup tools.
Other cloud backup options to consider
Beyond the top 3 picks above, there are several other solid choices depending on your needs:
- Carbonite Safe – Offers unlimited backup for a single computer at $6/month. Good budget option for those with simpler backup needs.
- Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office – Provides backup and antimalware in one. Plans w/ 1TB storage start at $49.99/year. Unique features like blockchain data notarization.
- Livedrive – UK-based provider with unlimited backup plans starting at £5/month per computer.
- Zoolz BigMind – 1TB plan for 5 computers and 5 users at $12.99/month. Integrates AI for automatic data organization.
For those who already have their own cloud storage (e.g. Google Drive, AWS, Azure, Backblaze B2), you can also consider backup software like Duplicacy, Duplicati, and Arq that let you use your favorite storage service as the backup destination. This can be more cost-effective than buying an integrated backup solution.
Getting started with cloud backup
Ready to start backing up to the cloud? Here are some tips for getting up and running quickly and smoothly:
- Inventory your data and storage needs across all devices to choose the right plan capacity.
- Install the backup software on each device and select what data to back up. To avoid long initial backup times, copy data to an external drive and have the data express shipped.
- Verify that backup is working by performing test restores of individual files and folders.
- Set up backup monitoring and alerts to ensure backups continue running successfully.
- Document your backup and recovery process so you‘ll be ready in case of emergency.
Remember, cloud backup serves as an additional offsite copy of your data – not your only copy. Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule and keep local backups as well for fast recovery.
Alternatives to cloud backup
While I believe cloud backup is the easiest and most reliable way to maintain an offsite copy of your data, there are other options:
- Rotating offsite backup drives – Regularly swap an external drive between your office and another location. More manual effort but doesn‘t require bandwidth.
- Private cloud – Set up your own cloud backup server using a NAS device or home server. Requires technical know-how to configure and secure.
- Cloud storage – Use a cloud storage service like Dropbox or Google Drive to sync important files. Not a substitute for full image backup, but provides some offsite redundancy.
Final words
With the amount of priceless personal and business data we store on our devices these days, having secure and reliable cloud backup is more important than ever. Spending a few bucks a month can save you from catastrophic data loss.
Backblaze, iDrive and SpiderOak are my top picks for most users. But there are many great options out there to suit different needs. The most important thing is to pick a solution, implement a solid backup strategy, and stick with it. Don‘t put it off until it‘s too late!