Data Backup

Data Backup Options Compared – Cloud vs External vs Local

February 21, 2024

Introduction

Backing up your data is one of the most important things you can do to prevent data loss. There are three main options for backing up data: cloud backup, external hard drive backup, and local backup. In this article, I will compare these three data backup options so you can decide which solution is best for your needs.

Cloud Backup Overview

Cloud backup involves backing up your data to remote servers operated by a cloud backup service provider. With cloud backup, your files are copied and stored on servers owned by companies like Backblaze, IDrive, Acronis, Carbonite, etc.

Here are some key things to know about cloud backup:

Automatic backups – Most cloud backup services automatically backup your data continuously or on a schedule. This makes the backup process hands-free.
Offsite storage – Your data is stored remotely, not on your local computer or external hard drive. This protects against local disasters like fires, floods, or ransomware.
Accessibility – You can access your backed up files from any internet-connected device. This makes cloud backups convenient when traveling.
Sharing – Cloud backups make sharing large files easy since everything is already online.
Security – Reputable providers encrypt your data and use other measures to keep it secure.

External Hard Drive Backup Overview

With an external hard drive backup, you plug an external HDD into your computer via USB to copy and store files locally.

Here are some key external hard drive backup details:

Local storage – The external drive is physically located with you for easy access to backups. But this means it could be damaged, stolen, etc along with your computer.
Manual backups – You have to manually copy files to the external drive. Automatic backup requires backup software.
Storage capacity – External HDDs are available in large capacities up to 10TB or more.
File transfer – Backups and file transfers are limited by the USB transfer speed.
Durability – External HDDs can fail or become corrupted. Drives should be replaced every 3-5 years.

Local Backup Overview

Local backup means backing up your files to an internal or external hard drive attached to your local computer.

Key things to know:

Control – You manage the backup location, schedule, software, etc. But backups must be set manually.
Speed – Backups are generally faster since everything is local and not over the internet.
Cost – Low cost as you likely already have a spare internal or external drive available.
Capacity – Limited by your extra drive space, often 1TB or less.
Security – Stored locally only, so at risk in a local disaster. Should be encrypted.

Cloud Backup vs External vs Local Backup Comparison

Here is how the key pros and cons of these three backup methods compare:

And some additional comparison points:

Restore speed: Local backups fastest, cloud backups slowest
Ease of use: Cloud backups easiest, local backups most complex
File sharing: Cloud backups make sharing easy, external backups require physical access
Backup frequency: Cloud backups continuous, local irregular if manual
Cost: Local cheapest, cloud most expensive especially at high capacities

Conclusion

In summary, cloud backup is best for hands-free automated backup and offsite security. External hard drive backup offers high capacities for local backup at a low initial cost. And local backup to an internal or external drive gives you full control of the process for fast local backups.

The best solution for you depends on your budget, how much storage you need, desire for automation, and importance of accessibility. For many individuals, an ideal approach is to use both cloud backup for critical files and external hard drive backup for massive photo/video libraries. This balances automated offsite security with large local capacities. And remember – any backup is better than no backup when disaster strikes!