Online Backup Services: Reviews

The latest version of MozyHome has earned accolades for its easy-to-use interface and fast uploads. It also offers automatic local backup to an external hard drive in addition to online storage. The Mozy client, which can… expandbe downloaded, automatically scans your files to start your initial backup, but experienced users will find plenty of manual custom options. Reviewers like that they can pause backups while doing other tasks, and previous file versions are saved for up to 30 days. Mozy updated pricing and plans in late January 2011, adding caps of 50 GB or 125 GB (*Est. $10 per month) to accounts, with additional storage available in 20 GB increments for an additional $2 per month on either plan. You can subscribe on a month-to-month, annual or biennial (2 year) basis, with those opting for annual or biennial plans receiving discounts of one or three free months, respectively. If you don't have much to back up, Mozy also offers a free account with 2 GB of online storage. MozyHome is compatible with Windows and Mac. Although backups are generally fast, reviewers warn that the initial backup can take a bit of time. Some experts also dislike that the Mozy client is always running in the background. collapse

If you want more features and greater control over your data, reviews point to SOS Online Backup. SOS Online Backup provides online backup for up to five computers, but it also has a host of other features. You can back… expandup locally in addition to online, and reviewers love that you can access your files from any web browser or an iPhone or BlackBerry. SOS Online Backup also has unlimited file versioning. Reviewers say it has more functionality than any other online backup service, and the interface is easy to use for novices, while advanced users will appreciate the customization options. The biggest downside is that SOS Online Backup is available only for Windows operating systems. Like with most online backup services, the initial upload can be very slow. collapse

Reviewers say CrashPlan+ is a great choice if you want local and online backup. It gets high marks for value because you can back up to three different locations -- online, to an external hard drive and to another… expandcomputer -- which provides better security for your data. You can even back up to a friend's computer (with permission). If local backup and back up to another computer are sufficient for your needs, the basic CrashPlan service is available for free; it is identical to CrashPlan+ but lacks the option to back up your data to CrashPlan's servers. Even though it offers numerous backup options, reviewers say CrashPlan+ is simple to use and makes it easy to select your files and the locations where you want to back up. Compared to other services, such as Mozy, reviewers say it can be more complicated to limit bandwidth when using CrashPlan. Some reviewers are disappointed that the free CrashPlan client contains ads, but those are eliminated in CrashPlan+. CrashPlan is compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems. collapse

File syncing services update your files across all your computers (and some smartphones) and allow you to access your data from any web browser. Of all the file syncing services out there, reviewers say Dropbox is the… expandbest. Dropbox, which is compatible with Mac, PC and Linux computers, is a snap to use and makes it easy to back up, sync and share your files with others. It's free for up to 2 GB of storage, or you can opt for a paid subscription for 50 GB (*Est. $120 per year) or 100 GB (*Est. $240 per year). The paid subscriptions offer additional benefits, including unlimited file versioning. Dropbox is more expensive than online backup providers such as Mozy, and it offers less storage. Even so, reviewers say it is well worth the cost if you want to share your data or sync files across multiple computers. collapse