Online Backup Service Reviews

Updated May 2012

Online backup services can store your data in the cloud to ensure you have access to your files if disaster strikes. But which ones are easiest to use, which ones provide the best security, and which are best for businesses rather than individuals, and vice versa? Here are the answers, along with our picks for the best online backup services overall based on reviews and user reports.

MozyHome

Best online backup service

Estimated Price

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. Reviewers like that they can pause backups while doing other tasks, and previous file versions are saved for up to 30 days. Mozy's Stash tool adds file synchronization features. Mozy has 50 GB or 125 GB (*Est. $10 per month) storage plans, with additional space available in 20 GB increments for $2 more per month. Mozy also offers a free account with 2 GB of online storage and is compatible with Windows and Mac. Although backups are generally fast, reviewers warn that the initial backup can take a bit of time.

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SOS Online Backup

Full-featured online backup

$80

Estimated Price

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 or Apple devices. Facebook profiles can also be backed up. Mobile support is robust and SOS Online Backup has unlimited file versioning. Reviewers say it has more functionality than any other online backup service and an easy-to-use interface with advanced customization options. The service allows you to back up external and network drives or backup files directly to local external drives. Some critics complain that the highest tier only backs up 150 GB of data rather than an unlimited amount, and the service is more expensive than others.

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CrashPlan+

Local and online backup service

$50

Estimated Price

Critics give CrashPlan+ high marks for value because you can back data up to three different locations -- online, to an external hard drive and to another computer -- which provides better security for your data. It's also available for Linux as well as Windows and Mac. The free CrashPlan service is identical to CrashPlan+ but lacks the option to back up your data to the company's servers. Reviewers say CrashPlan+ is simple to use and makes it easy to select your files and the locations where you want to back them up. Compared to other services, reviewers say limiting bandwidth is complicated in CrashPlan+, and some reviewers are disappointed that the free CrashPlan client contains ads.

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Google Drive

Best file-synchronization service

Estimated Price

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 Google Drive is the best. The service offers 5 GB of free space, a plethora of storage upgrade options, and file versioning for 30 days or 100 revisions. Deep Google Docs integration lets you open over 30 different file types directly in-browser as well as edit the most common Office files, complete with simultaneous collaborative editing with other users. File sharing is also onboard. Google Drive supports Windows PCs, Macs and Android devices; the lack of an iOS app bothers some, while others express privacy concerns with trusting Google with their data.

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SugarSync

Customizable file-synchronization service

Estimated Price

Unlike other file-synchronization services, most of which create a designated syncing folder on your hard drive, SugarSync allows you to handpick which folders to sync. It also backs up data whenever files are altered, and the last five versions of changed files are saved on the company's servers without costing the user additional storage space. That blend of features, combined with an intuitive interface and reasonable storage prices, wins over many experts. However, experts say SugarSync transfers files somewhat slowly compared to other online backup services. SugarSync is compatible with Macs, Windows PCs and iOS, Android and BlackBerry mobile devices.

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