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Comparing the Top Cloud Backup Providers for Your Needs

What is cloud backup?

A cloud backup service is a service that allows users to store copies of their data on remote servers, typically managed by a third-party provider. The data is stored in the cloud, which refers to a network of servers connected to the internet. This allows users to access their data from any device with an internet connection.
Cloud backup services are designed to provide an additional layer of protection for data, in case the original copies are lost, damaged, or deleted. Users can schedule regular backups of their data, or they can manually initiate a backup at any time.

Why are cloud backup services important?

Cloud backup services are important because they provide a secure, off-site location for businesses and individuals to store their data. In the event of a data loss or disaster, having a backup stored in the cloud allows users to quickly and easily retrieve their data and get back to work. Cloud backup services also help save time and resources by automating the backup process and eliminating the need for physical storage solutions.

How much does a cloud backup service cost?

Cloud backup services typically offer a variety of plans and pricing options to suit different needs and budgets. Some services offer unlimited storage, while others have limits on the amount of data that can be stored. Some services also offer additional features – either for free or at a cost – such as file sharing and collaboration tools, or tools for recovering lost or damaged data.

Pros and cons of cloud backup services

Here are some of the pros and cons of using a cloud backup service:

Pros of cloud backup services

Offsite storage: Cloud backup services store data on remote servers, which means that the data is protected even if the user's device or local storage is lost, damaged, or stolen.
Automatic backups: Many cloud backup services allow users to schedule regular backups, which can save time and ensure that data is being regularly protected.
Accessibility: Cloud backup services allow users to access their data from any device with an internet connection. This can be convenient for people who need to access their data from multiple locations or devices.
Scalability: Cloud backup services can typically store large amounts of data, and users can often purchase additional storage if needed.
Disaster recovery: In the event of a disaster, such as a fire or flood, data stored in the cloud will still be accessible, which can be critical for businesses.
Cost-effective: Cloud backup services can be more cost-effective than other backup solutions, as they do not require the purchase of additional hardware or software.

Cons of cloud backup services

Dependence on internet connectivity: In order to access data stored in the cloud, users need to have an internet connection. This can be inconvenient in areas with limited or unreliable internet access.
Security concerns: Some users may be concerned about the security of their data when it is stored in the cloud. While most cloud backup services have robust security measures in place, there is always a risk of data breaches or unauthorized access.
Cost: Depending on the service and the amount of data being stored, cloud backup services can be expensive.
Complexity: Some cloud backup services may have a learning curve or require technical knowledge to set up and use effectively.
Limited control: Users may have limited control over how their data is stored and managed by the cloud backup provider.
Overall, the pros and cons of using a cloud backup service will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the user. It is important to carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks before deciding whether a cloud backup service is the right choice.

Top 10 cloud backup services

Our favorite cloud backup service is Backblaze, which we are using here at Nanowerk. It offers unlimited storage for both personal and business use at a low cost and it???s easy to set up. It allows users to schedule automatic backups and includes features for file recovery and restoration Pros: Unlimited storage, automatic backups, good customer support Cons: Limited file sharing options, may not have advanced features for businesses.
Prices start at $7 per month ($70 annually or $130 bi-annually) with unlimited data.
There are many other cloud backup services and solutions available, and the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Some of the top cloud backup services and solutions include (in alphabetical order):
Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office (formerly Acronis True Image) is a cloud backup and recovery solution that offers both personal and business plans. It allows users to schedule automatic backups and includes features for file recovery and restoration. Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office also includes tools for disk cloning and system migration. Pros: Offers both personal and business plans, includes tools for disk cloning and system migration, good customer support Cons: May be expensive for some users, may have a learning curve for some features.
Prices start at $79.99 per year for the personal ???Essentials??? plan (3 users) and $84.99 per year for the personal ???Advanced??? plan (3 users, 50 GB) plan. Premium plans start at $189.99 for 3 computers and 1TB.
Amazon S3 (Simple Storage Service) is a cloud storage service that is designed for businesses and developers that offers additional features such as data transfer and data management tools. Pros: Scalable storage, good for large businesses, integrates with other Amazon services Cons: May be expensive for some users, may have a learning curve for some features.
With Amazon S3 you pay only for what you use - there is no minimum charge. There are six Amazon S3 cost components to consider when storing and managing your data???storage pricing, request and data retrieval pricing, data transfer and transfer acceleration pricing, data management and analytics pricing, replication pricing, and the price to process your data with S3 Object Lambda. It offers a wide range of storage options, with prices starting at $0.023 per GB per month.
Carbonite is a cloud backup service that offers several different plans for both personal and business use. It provides users with unlimited storage and the ability to schedule automatic backups. Carbonite also includes features for file sharing and collaboration. Pros: Unlimited storage, automatic backups, good customer support Cons: Limited file sharing options, may be expensive for some users.
Prices start at $6 per month for 1-3 computers, $24 per month for up 25 computers and $50 per month for computers and servers.
CrashPlan is a cloud backup service for small businesses and enterprise customers that offers unlimited storage with no file size restrictions and the ability to schedule automatic backups. It includes features for file recovery and restoration and offers good customer support. Pros: Unlimited storage, automatic backups, military grade AES-256 at-rest file encryption. Cons: May be expensive for some users.
Prices start at $10 per month per user for the Small Business plan (up to 100 users).
Dropbox is another popular cloud storage service that offers backup capabilities. It provides users with 2 GB of free storage and the option to purchase additional storage. Dropbox allows users to store and access their files from any device, and it includes features for collaboration and file sharing. Pros: Large user base, good for file sharing, easy to use Cons: Limited free storage, may not be suitable for large businesses.
It provides single users with 2 GB of free storage and the option to purchase additional storage at a cost of $9.99 per month for 2 TB or $16.58 per month for 3 TB as well as a family plan with up to 6 users and 2TB for $16.99. For teams of 3+ users there a several plans starting at $15/month.
Google Drive is a cloud storage service that also offers backup capabilities. It provides users with 15 GB of free storage and the option to purchase additional storage. Google Drive allows users to store and access their files from any device, and it includes tools for collaboration and sharing. Pros: Large free storage allowance, integrates with other Google services, easy to use Cons: Limited control over security settings, may not be suitable for large businesses.
It provides users with 15 GB of free storage per account and the option to purchase additional storage at a cost of $1.99 per month for 100 GB, $2.99 per month for 200 GB, or $9.99 per month for 2 TB. Google Drive allows users to store and access their files from any device, and it includes tools for collaboration and sharing.
iCloud is a cloud storage service offered by Apple. It is primarily used by Apple users to store and access their data across devices When you sign up for iCloud, you automatically get 5GB of free storage. If you need more iCloud storage or want access to premium features, you can upgrade to iCloud+, which offers 50 GB ($0.99 per month) 200 GB ($2.99 per month) and 2 TB storage options ($9.99 per month).
IDrive is a cloud backup service that offers unlimited storage and the ability to schedule automatic backups. It includes features for file sharing and collaboration and offers tools for disk imaging and system migration. Pros: Unlimited storage, good for file sharing, offers tools for disk imaging and system migration Cons: May be expensive for some users, may not have advanced features for businesses.
Prices start at $79.50 per year for the Personal plan (1 user, 5 TB) and $99.50 per year for the Team plan (5 computers, 5 users).
Microsoft OneDrive allows users to store and access their files from any device and includes tools for collaboration and file sharing. Pros: Integrates with other Microsoft services, offers useful productivity tools, good for file sharing, offers free storage for Microsoft 365 subscribers. Cons: Limited free storage for non-subscribers, may not have advanced features for businesses.
It offers 5 GB of free storage (???OneDrive Basic???). Paid plans start at $59.99 per year with 1 TB storage space and the use of MS Office apps (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook). A family plan for up to six users costs $79.99 per year and offer 1TB per user.
Sync.com is a file storage and document collaboration platform that helps teams stay safe, secure and connected in the cloud. It allows users to store and access their files from any device and includes tools for file sharing and collaboration. Pros: Unlimited storage, good security features, integrates with other apps. Cons: May not have advanced features for businesses, may not have as many integrations as some other services.
The free plan includes 5 TB and basic sharing. Prices for the Solo Basic individual plan are $8 per month (2 TB, advanced sharing tools) and $20 per month for the Solo Professional individual plan (6 TB, advanced sharing tools, custom branding). Team plans for 2 or more users start at $6 per user per month (1 TB).

Key takeaways for choosing the right cloud backup provider

Ultimately, the best cloud backup service or solution for you will depend on your specific needs, your level of expertise, and your budget. It is important to carefully consider your options and choose a service that offers the features and level of protection that you require.