Cloud Backup Provider: Best Cloud Backup Services Compared

Which Cloud Backup Provider Should You Choose?

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Cloud backup providers compared (prices checked October 18, 2026)

Provider	Listed price	Storage	Devices	Private key	Platforms	Company base
Backblaze Personal	$99/year or $9/month	Unlimited	1 computer + attached drives	Optional	Windows, Mac	USA
IDrive Personal	From $6.99/month first year (5 TB, billed yearly)	5 TB and up	Multiple computers, phones, NAS	Yes	Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, NAS	USA
Carbonite Safe Basic	$76.79 first year (list $95.99)	Unlimited	1 computer	Check plan	Windows, Mac	USA (OpenText)
Arq	One-time license, or Arq Premium subscription	Your own storage, or 1 TB with Premium	Per computer	Yes, end-to-end	Windows, Mac	USA

Ten years of setting up backups has taught me that the “best” provider is the one whose restore you have actually tried. Use this page to shortlist two services. Then run a trial restore with each before you commit.

How We Evaluate Cloud Backup Services

We score each service on the factors that decide whether you get your data back. Price matters, but only after these basics are covered.

1. Version history: how long old versions and deleted files are kept.
2. Encryption and keys: whether you can hold a private key the provider cannot use.
3. Restore options: web, app and shipped-drive restores, plus any size limits.
4. Coverage: computers, external drives, phones and NAS devices.
5. Real cost: renewal price, not just the first-year offer.
6. Transparency: clear terms on data deletion, regions and security incidents.

Backblaze: Best for One Computer With Lots of Data

Backblaze Personal Backup costs $99 per year, $9 per month, or $189 for two years. It backs up one Windows or Mac computer plus directly attached external drives, with no storage cap.

Version history is 30 days by default, with longer options for an extra fee. Restores come by web download, with zip files up to 500 GB per request, or on an encrypted USB drive that is free if you return it within 30 days.

Watch out for: a disconnected external drive may be removed from the backup after 30 days on the default plan. Linux and NAS devices are not covered. Read our full Backblaze review for details.

IDrive: Best for Many Devices

IDrive Personal starts at 5 TB, listed at $6.99 per month for the first year when billed yearly, then $9.99 per month. One account covers multiple computers, phones and supported Synology or QNAP NAS devices.

IDrive keeps up to 30 previous versions of each file and holds deleted files in Trash for 30 days. You can set a private encryption key. IDrive Express can ship your data on a physical drive for fast seeding or restores.

Watch out for: you pay for capacity, so large libraries need bigger plans. Version limits count versions, not days. See our IDrive review for the full breakdown.

Carbonite: Best for Simple Single-PC Setups

Carbonite Safe Basic lists a first-year price of $76.79, against a list price of $95.99. It covers one computer with unlimited storage. The Plus and Prime plans add one external drive and extras such as antivirus and video backup.

Watch out for: introductory pricing rises at renewal, and the base plan does not cover external drives. Confirm encryption and version history details on Carbonite’s current plan page before buying.

Arq: Best for Full Control

Arq is backup software for Windows and Mac, not a storage service. You buy a one-time license, then back up to cloud storage you already own, an external drive, a NAS or an SFTP server. Backups use end-to-end encryption and an open, documented format.

Arq Premium is a subscription that adds managed storage, with the first 1 TB included. Arq pairs well with object storage such as Backblaze B2 cloud storage.

Watch out for: you manage more settings yourself, so Arq suits confident users rather than beginners.

Who Should Choose Which Service?

Quick picks by situation

Your situation	Start with
One computer, large photo or video library	Backblaze
Family with laptops, phones and a NAS	IDrive
One PC, no external drives, minimal setup	Carbonite
Linux user or technical user with own storage	IDrive or Arq
Strict privacy needs	Any option with a private key, set up carefully

Cloud Backup Provider vs Cloud Storage

Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox and iCloud are storage and sync services. They are excellent for access and sharing, but they mirror deletions and keep deleted files only for a limited time. A backup provider keeps independent copies and history.

Read cloud storage vs backup for the full difference. If you are new to the topic, start with our guide on how to back up to the cloud.

Privacy: Who Holds the Keys?

Every provider here encrypts data in transit and at rest. The difference is key control. With a private key, only you can decrypt your files, so a lost key means lost data. Store it in a password manager and on paper.

All four companies are based in the United States, so US law applies to them. If data location matters to you, check each provider’s region options when you sign up.

How to Switch Providers Safely

1. Start the new backup and let the first upload finish.
2. Run a test restore from the new service.
3. Keep the old plan active until the new one has at least 30 days of history.
4. Download anything you need from the old service, then cancel.

Our guide on how to check a backup explains the test restore in step 2.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is unlimited cloud backup really unlimited?

Usually for one computer and its attached drives, yes, but conditions apply. Backblaze, for example, may remove a disconnected external drive’s data after 30 days on its default plan. Unlimited plans also exclude network drives in many cases. Always read the eligibility rules, not just the headline.

Can I use a cloud backup provider for my business?

Yes. Most providers offer business plans with central management, user controls and billing per computer. Backblaze lists its Business plan at $99 per year per computer. Small teams should also check admin features, retention options and whether the plan covers servers or NAS devices.

Which cloud backup provider is cheapest?

It depends on how much data and how many devices you have. For one computer with a lot of data, flat-price unlimited plans often cost less per terabyte. For many devices with modest data, capacity plans can be cheaper. Compare renewal prices, not first-year offers.

Do I still need a local backup if I use a provider?

Yes. A local backup on an external drive gives fast restores and works without internet. The cloud backup protects you from fire, theft and ransomware at home. Together they cover the 3-2-1 rule, which keeps one copy off site and one copy close by.

What happens to my files if a backup company shuts down?

Reputable providers usually give notice so you can download data, but you cannot count on it. That is why your original files and a local backup matter. Keep at least one copy outside the provider, and choose companies with a long, stable track record.