Data loss can happen to anyone. Whether it’s due to hardware failure, accidental deletion, or cyber attacks, losing important files like family photos, financial documents, or creative projects can be devastating. Thankfully, online backup services provide an easy way to securely store copies of your data offsite so you’re covered in case disaster strikes.
After extensively evaluating this year’s top cloud backup options, I’m recommending my 3 favorite providers that offer excellent features at affordable prices. Read on for an in-depth look at these services so you can say goodbye to data loss worries once and for all.
Carbonite Safe Basic
Carbonite is one of the most well-known names in online backup and their Safe Basic plan is a great entry-level option for individuals. Here are some of the key advantages:
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Unlimited storage for your backed up files so you never have to worry about running out of space. Carbonite will keep unlimited versions of your saved files as long as you maintain an active subscription.
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Automatic continuous backup that runs quietly in the background to instantly save changes and additions to your protected files. Set it and forget it.
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File retention for deleted files. Even if you accidentally delete a file from your computer, Carbonite keeps it for 30 days so you can easily restore it.
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Private encryption to keep your backed up files secure from prying eyes. Files are encrypted before leaving your computer.
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Mobile app to access your backed up files from your smartphone or tablet when on the go.
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The Basic plan costs just $72 per year, which is very affordable compared to other unlimited services.
The only downside is lack of backups for your entire system and applications. But for pure file backup, Carbonite Safe Basic is easy to set up and provides great peace of mind.
IDrive Personal
IDrive takes things up a notch by providing full system image backups on top of file storage. Here are the key details for individuals:
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Store an unlimited amount of data just like Carbonite including files, photos, videos and more.
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Conduct full system image backups to capture your entire operating system, installed software, settings and all your data in one fell swoop. Restore your entire system if needed.
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Access your files from any device using the mobile app for Android and iOS.
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Share files easily and securely via IDrive share.
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Built-in file sync keeps selected files up to date across multiple devices.
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The Personal tier costs $69.50 for the first year then $79.50 upon renewal. Very cost-effective for unlimited backups!
The only drawback is IDrive lacks file versioning. But overall it provides excellent well-rounded backup capabilities for personal use.
Acronis True Image
Acronis True Image is a long-time favorite of mine due to its deep backup features and ransomware protection capabilities. Here’s an overview:
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Protect an unlimited number of PCs and Macs with a single subscription.
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Conduct full disk image backups to safeguard your operating systems and installed programs. Or back up select files and folders – your choice.
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Ransomware protection detects and stops ransomware attacks in real-time to avoid corrupted backups.
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Mobile app provides access to your backed up data from iOS and Android devices.
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File sync & share facilitates collaboration and keeping data updated across multiple PCs.
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The Essentials annual subscription costs $49.99 and covers 3 machines – a great value!
The only downside is the lack of continuous backup capabilities. But Acronis is extremely full-featured otherwise.
The Bottom Line
Losing important or sentimental data is a nightmare we all want to avoid. I highly recommend leveraging one of these excellent easy-to-use online backup solutions for complete peace of mind. With unlimited secure cloud storage and robust features at very wallet-friendly prices, Carbonite, IDrive, and Acronis are my top picks this year for saying goodbye to data loss worries once and for all. Let me know if you have any other questions!
