SOS Online Backup

Reviewers say SOS Online Backup -- which backs up Windows PCs, Macs, iPhones and Android devices -- offers more functionality than nearly any other online backup provider, although that comes at a cost. If you don't mind paying a bit extra for additional control over your data, experts say SOS Online Backup is the best option available. If you just need basic online backup, reviewers prefer MozyHome (*Est. $6 per month for 50 GB).

Like MozyHome, SOS Online Backup doesn't offer an unlimited storage option; instead, the basic plan saves up to 50 GB of data from up to five different computers or devices. 100 GB (*Est. $100 per year) and 150 GB (*Est. $150 per year) options are also available, with discounts available with multi-year subscriptions. There are no unlimited storage plans. SOS Online Backup is definitely among the higher-priced online backup services.

That price includes several security protections, however. SOS Online Backup protects your data locally with 256-bit AES encryption, transfers information to the company's servers over a 128-bit SSL connection. It then secures your data even further at its data center, slapping an additional layer of 1,024-bit AES encryption. That's far more protection than most online backup services offer. Additionally, the service never deletes your data, even if you do; it offers unlimited file versioning, meaning that if you unexpectedly need a file you deleted a year ago, SOS will let you restore it.

As far as the service itself goes, critics say it is simple to set up and operate. Although SOS Online Backup offers deeper customization options than any other online backup service, experts say that even novice users will be able to navigate the interface like a professional. Both uploads and downloads move quickly, and restoring files is painless. You can also backup your files locally, to an external hard drive.

SOS Online Backup is packed with features. While most online backup services only backup Windows PCs or Macs, SOS can also backup iPhones, Facebook profiles, Android phones or tablets, and external hard drives or network attached storage drives. File sharing, an option missing from basic online backup services, is included. Android and iOS apps are also available.

NotebookReview.com has the best comparative review of SOS Online Backup; editors test five online backup providers and rate each one, although pricing and other fine details have changed since the comparison was published. Test-based reviews are also available at Expert Reviews, NextAdvisor.com and PCMag.com.