Instead of relying on external hard drives or other local storage devices, cloud backup solutions store your data on remote servers, making it accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
This also makes it a great option for backing up multiple computers, as you can access and manage all your backups from a single account.
The advantages of cloud backup include:
- Accessibility: Backed-up data can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Automatic Backup: Scheduled backups can be automated to ensure data is consistently protected.
- Scalability: Easily adjust storage capacity as your needs change, without needing to purchase new hardware.
- Security: Data is protected off-site and secured with encryption, access controls, and authentication mechanisms.
- Cost Efficiency: Pay-as-you-go or subscription models eliminate the need for upfront hardware investments.
- Reliability: Cloud providers use redundant systems to minimize the risk of data loss.
How to Choose a Cloud Backup Provider
When choosing a cloud backup solution for multiple computers, there are several factors to consider:
- Storage Capacity: How much storage space do you need to back up all your computers? Consider your current and future needs.
- Cost: Evaluate pricing models and factor in potential costs like data overages.
- Security: Ensure the solution offers strong encryption and robust security measures.
- Backup and Recovery Process: Assess the ease of backing up and restoring data, including automation capabilities.
- Additional Features: Consider features like file versioning, cloud-to-cloud backup, and mobile device support.
- User-Friendliness: Choose a solution with a straightforward interface and easy-to-use tools.
- Customer Support: Look for responsive and helpful customer support, including a knowledge base and 24/7 availability.
- Compatibility: Ensure the solution is compatible with your operating systems and other software.
Read also: #5 Best Cloud Backup for Multiple Computers
Top Cloud Backup Providers for Multiple Computers
Here’s an overview of some of the top cloud backup providers for multiple computers, including their features, pricing, and user reviews:
IDrive Personal
IDrive Personal is a robust cloud backup service that offers a compelling combination of features and affordability.
It stands out by allowing you to back up an unlimited number of computers to a single account, making it a cost-effective choice for users with multiple devices.
Storage plans range from 5TB to 100TB, catering to various needs.
IDrive Personal also includes features such as file versioning, cloud-to-cloud backup, and mobile device backup.
Features:
- Unlimited device backup
- 10TB of storage
- External drive backups
- Mobile device backups
- System and application backups
- Two-factor authentication
- Drive shipping
Pricing:
- Starts at $99.50 per year for 5TB of storage.
User Reviews:
- IDrive is praised for its comprehensive features, affordable pricing, and strong security measures.
- Some users have reported slow file transfer speeds and occasional issues with the mobile app.
Backblaze
Backblaze is a popular cloud backup service that offers unlimited storage for a single computer at a competitive price.
It’s known for its simplicity and ease of use, making it a good option for users who want a hassle-free backup solution.
Backblaze is built on a “cloud 2.0” framework, which prioritizes user freedom in data storage and usage.
Unfortunately, each Backblaze account is limited to a single computer.
Features:
- Unlimited storage
- External drive backups
- Drive shipping for restores
- Private key encryption
- Two-factor authentication
Pricing:
- $99 per year for unlimited storage.
User Reviews:
- Backblaze is praised for its unlimited storage, affordable price, and user-friendly interface.
- Some users have reported slow restore speeds and limited features compared to other providers.
Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office
Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office is a comprehensive cloud backup and security solution that offers a wide range of features, including unlimited storage for unlimited devices, full disk image backup, and ransomware protection.
It’s a powerful option for users who want a complete solution that can protect their data from all threats.
However, it’s also one of the more expensive cloud backup services.
Features:
- Unlimited storage
- Full disk image backup
- Local drive backups
- Backups of Linux/macOS-formatted networked drives
- Antivirus software
- Ransomware protection
- Vulnerability scanner
- Bootable file-restoration tool
- Microsoft 365 backup
- File synchronization and sharing
Pricing:
- Starts at $49.99 per year.
User Reviews:
- Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office is praised for its comprehensive features, strong security, and fast backup speeds.
- Some users have reported a complex interface and occasional performance issues.
CrashPlan for Small Business
CrashPlan for Small Business is a cloud backup service designed for small businesses, offering unlimited storage and a variety of features, including file versioning, external drive backup, and server backup.
It’s a good option for businesses with high storage needs, but it’s more expensive than some other options.
Features:
- Unlimited storage
- Fast upload and download speeds
- Security and backup scheduling options
- Point-in-time recovery
- Unlimited versioning
Pricing:
- Starts at $8 per user per month.
User Reviews:
- CrashPlan for Small Business is praised for its unlimited storage, fast performance, and comprehensive data protection.
- Some users have reported a complex interface and limited mobile device support.
SpiderOak One
SpiderOak One is a cloud backup service that prioritizes security and privacy.
Offers end-to-end encryption and a zero-knowledge policy, meaning that your data is encrypted before it leaves your computer and that SpiderOak One cannot access your data.
However, it’s a more expensive option than some of the other services on this list, and it doesn’t offer unlimited storage.
Features:
- Unlimited device backup
- Strong security
- Sharing and syncing features
- Point-in-time data restoration
- Starts at $69 per year for 150GB of storage.
User Reviews:
- SpiderOak One is praised for its strong security and privacy features, as well as its unlimited device support.
- Some users have reported slow speeds and a high price compared to other providers.
Read also: #13 Best Cloud Backup Services for Android
Security and Privacy Considerations for Cloud Backup
When choosing a cloud backup service, it’s important to consider the security and privacy of your data. Here are some key factors to look for:
- Encryption: The service should use strong encryption methods to protect your data in transit and at rest.
- Data Centers: The service should store your data in secure data centers with appropriate physical and environmental security measures.
- Compliance: The service should comply with relevant industry regulations and data protection laws.
- Privacy Policy: The service should have a clear privacy policy that explains how your data is collected, used, and shared.
- Data Redundancy: Consider the 3-2-1 backup strategy, which recommends keeping three copies of your data on two different media, with one copy stored off-site. This helps ensure data availability even in case of a disaster.
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Final Thoughts
Choosing the best cloud backup for multiple computers depends on your specific needs and budget.
IDrive Personal offers the best value for users with multiple computers, as it allows unlimited device backups for a single price.
Backblaze is the most affordable option for users with a single computer who need unlimited storage.
Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office is the most comprehensive solution, but it’s also the most expensive.
CrashPlan for Small Business is a good option for businesses with unlimited storage needs, but it’s more expensive than some other options.
SpiderOak One is a good option for security-conscious users, but it’s also one of the more expensive options and doesn’t offer unlimited storage.
No matter which service you choose, be sure to consider the security and privacy of your data. Choose a service that uses strong encryption, stores your data in secure data centers, and complies with relevant regulations.
The future of cloud backup is moving towards continuous data protection (CDP) and immutable backups. CDP provides more granular and real-time backups, minimizing data loss.
Immutable backups ensure that once data is backed up, it cannot be altered or deleted, even by attackers. These trends will further enhance the security and reliability of cloud backup solutions.
Read also: #7 Best Cloud Backup for iPhone (better than icloud)
What To DO NEXT
Don’t wait until you experience data loss to realize the importance of cloud backup. Protect your valuable data today by choosing a cloud backup solution that meets your needs and budget.
| Provider | Storage Capacity | Pricing | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| IDrive Personal | 5TB to 100TB | Starts at $99.50 per year for 5TB | Unlimited device backup, external drive backups, mobile device backups, system and application backups, two-factor authentication, drive shipping |
| Backblaze | Unlimited | $99 per year | Unlimited storage, external drive backups, drive shipping for restores, private key encryption, two-factor authentication |
| Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office | Unlimited | Starts at $49.99 per year | Unlimited storage, full disk image backup, local drive backups, backups of Linux/macOS-formatted networked drives, antivirus software, ransomware protection, vulnerability scanner, bootable file-restoration tool, Microsoft 365 backup, file synchronization and sharing |
| CrashPlan for Small Business | Unlimited | Starts at $8 per user per month | Unlimited storage, fast upload and download speeds, security and backup scheduling options, point-in-time recovery, unlimited versioning |
| SpiderOak One | 150GB to 5TB | Starts at $69 per year for 150GB | Unlimited device backup, strong security, sharing and syncing features, point-in-time data restoration |
