As we enter 2024, cloud backup services have become an essential tool for protecting our most important data. In this article, I will share my picks for the top cloud backup services to consider this year based on factors such as storage space, security, file versioning, and overall value.
Carbonite
Carbonite remains one of the best all-around cloud backup services for consumers and small businesses. Some key advantages of Carbonite include:
- Unlimited storage for a flat monthly or annual fee. No limits on how much data you can back up.
- File versioning to preserve previous versions of your files. You can restore older versions if needed.
- Automatic backups that run quietly in the background once configured. No need to remember to manually trigger backups.
- Mobile apps to access your backed up files from smartphones and tablets.
For personal use, Carbonite plans start at around $6/month billed annually. Business plans with more advanced features start at around $12/month. Overall, Carbonite offers a complete and easy-to-use cloud backup solution.
IDrive
IDrive stands out for offering a ton of storage for the money. With IDrive, you get:
- Up to 5 TB of storage for around $70/year, an unbeatable value.
- Continuous syncing of files across devices. Add or change a file on one device, and it syncs everywhere.
- File sharing capabilities to securely send files to others.
- Two-factor authentication for added account security.
The main downside with IDrive is the storage limits on higher-priced tiers. But for sheer capacity per dollar spent, IDrive is hard to beat. It’s a great choice for storing vast libraries of photos, videos, and other personal files.
Backblaze
Backblaze is one of the pioneers in easy-to-use consumer cloud backup. Benefits include:
- Unlimited storage for around $70/year. Backblaze places no limits on how much you can back up.
- A fireproof option to have your data stored on specialized media designed to withstand high temperatures.
- Mobile app that makes accessing your files on the go easy.
- Accuracy in detecting and backing up new and changed files. Backblaze earns high marks for reliability.
Backblaze offers unlimited backup storage at one of the lowest prices in the industry. It’s a great choice for Mac users in particular.
Dropbox
While Dropbox may not be a full-fledged backup solution, it deserves a mention for its simplicity and ubiquity. Pros of Dropbox include:
- Easy file sharing by creating public links to individual files or folders.
- Universal syncing across all major desktop and mobile platforms.
- Integration with many third-party apps and services to extend Dropbox’s capabilities.
Free accounts come with 2-3 GB of storage. Paid plans start around $10/month for 2 TB of space. Think of Dropbox as enhanced file storage rather than comprehensive backup, but it can meet some basic backup needs.
Wasabi
For small businesses needing an enterprise-grade backup solution, Wasabi is a top choice. Wasabi offers:
- Predictable pricing with no fees for egress or API requests. Pay only for what you use.
- High security including immutability to prevent malicious editing of backups.
- Rapid restore times with Wasabi’s scalable architecture.
- Compatibility with all major backup tools and apps.
Wasabi starts at around $6/TB/month. While not cheap, Wasabi delivers excellent bang for the buck for organizations needing professional-grade cloud storage and backup.
How to Choose
When selecting a cloud backup provider, consider how much data you need to store, your budget, and any special security or compliance requirements your business may have. I recommend trying free trials when possible to evaluate providers hands-on before committing.
My top picks overall are Backblaze for unlimited Mac backup, Carbonite for set-and-forget PC backup, and Wasabi for businesses. But there are many excellent options to safeguard your data in the cloud. With the right provider, you can rest easy knowing your files are protected.
