Best Free Cloud Storage: Backup & Share Data Online
The Critical Role of Data Backups
The importance of data backups is frequently emphasized, yet the true value isn't often appreciated until data loss occurs. While backing up your computer's information to external storage devices is a viable strategy, utilizing free online backup services introduces a valuable layer of redundancy.
Cloud computing, previously discussed as the practice of utilizing web-based applications from providers like Google or Microsoft, can also serve as a secure, offsite location for your data backups.
Essential Data to Backup
Maintaining local backups is crucial, and these should encompass a diverse range of data types. This includes personal files stored on your PC, browser profile information, saved Wi-Fi passwords and network configurations, installed drivers, and even game data alongside game installations.
Supplementing local backups with cloud-based solutions adds an extra safeguard for your valuable information.
Exploring Cloud-Based Backup Options
Several cloud-based online backup services are available, enabling you to securely store your data remotely. These services typically offer a free tier, alongside paid subscription options that provide increased storage capacity and potentially enhanced functionalities.
Automatic backups, scheduling capabilities, file versioning, and efficient restore features are commonly included with these services.
- Some platforms allow access to your backups from any location via a web browser or dedicated mobile applications.
- Certain services also facilitate streaming of your media files directly to your mobile devices.
These features enhance the convenience and accessibility of your backed-up data, providing peace of mind and ensuring data availability when needed.
Microsoft SkyDrive
Microsoft SkyDrive provides users with 7 gigabytes of complimentary storage space. Previously, the service offered 25 GB, and existing users who initially received this larger allocation are permitted to retain it without charge.
Files saved to SkyDrive are accessible from a variety of devices, including Android phones, iPhones, iPads, and Windows phones, alongside traditional PCs and Macs.
SkyDrive facilitates the sharing of sizable files and photographs with contacts. Recipients require only a standard web browser to view the shared content.
Potential Limitations
However, utilizing SkyDrive does present certain limitations. Security measures for uploaded files are absent, making it unsuitable for storing confidential or private information.
Another consideration is that SkyDrive’s synchronization functionality is restricted to the contents of the designated SkyDrive folder. Files intended for synchronization must be located within this specific folder, which may prove inconvenient for those with established file organization systems.
Overall Assessment
Offering 7 GB of free storage, SkyDrive serves as a viable option for archiving photos and non-sensitive documents. For highly sensitive data, alternative backup services that incorporate file encryption are recommended.
We detail which services offer encryption during both upload and retrieval processes, ensuring enhanced data protection.
MozyHome Free
MozyHome Free provides users with 2 GB of complimentary storage space, with options to expand capacity through subscription-based plans. Dedicated applications are available for both Windows PC and macOS, facilitating the setup of completely automated backup processes.
Users can designate specific folders for backup and establish a schedule. Mozy then consistently synchronizes these folders online, operating autonomously without requiring ongoing user intervention.
Prior to data transmission, Mozy employs robust, military-grade encryption alongside a secure SSL connection, ensuring data confidentiality.
Efficient Backup Technology
Following the initial backup, Mozy optimizes bandwidth usage by exclusively backing up newly added or modified file segments. This approach accelerates subsequent backup operations.
The system is capable of backing up all files, even those currently open or locked, such as Outlook PST files.
Backup schedules can be configured to run during periods of computer inactivity, either on a daily or weekly basis at a user-defined time.
Data Restoration Options
Data restoration can be initiated through the software client, via a web interface, or by requesting a DVD for recovery purposes.
Windows users benefit from additional restoration methods, including right-click context menu integration and the Mozy Virtual Drive.
The service allows for the retrieval of previous file versions, extending back up to 30 days.
Mobile Accessibility
Access to Mozy backups is also available directly from Android and iOS mobile devices.
Subscription Plans
For storage requirements exceeding 2 GB, paid subscription plans are offered. A 50 GB plan is available for $5.99 monthly, while 125 GB costs $9.99 per month.
Subscribing to a 1-year plan for either of these options includes one month of free service. Opting for a 3-year plan provides three months of complimentary access.
Additional storage of 20 GB can be added for $2 per month, if needed. These plans support backup for a single computer.
Adding support for additional computers incurs a fee of $2 per month, per computer.
Plan Comparison
The features detailed above are accessible with both the free and paid plans. Exclusive benefits of the paid plans include access to live chat technical support, the ability to submit support requests, and increased storage capacity.
IDriveIDrive provides a complimentary 5 GB of storage space and supports unlimited device backups. This functionality enables users to safeguard data from all their PCs, Macs, iPhones, iPads, and Android devices within a single account.
Data transmission and storage are secured utilizing 256-bit AES encryption. A private key, exclusively known to the user, ensures data privacy and is never retained on IDrive’s servers.
The service allows for file backups from any location on your computer, preserving your existing folder organization. Furthermore, IDrive incorporates Continuous Data Protection (CDP).
CDP automatically detects and backs up file and folder modifications in real-time, ensuring up-to-date data protection. This proactive approach minimizes potential data loss.
Users benefit from the ability to restore up to 30 previous versions of any backed-up file. Storage calculations are based solely on the latest file version, with older iterations stored without additional cost.
IDrive’s web interface facilitates the creation and management of multiple accounts from a central location. Data retrieval, log report viewing, backup set management, and local restoration are also accessible through this interface.
A rapid search function, available both within the web interface and the IDrive desktop application, expedites the process of locating files for restoration. This feature enhances user efficiency.
For users requiring expanded storage capacity, paid Pro plans are readily available. These plans offer all the features of the free version, with the primary difference being increased storage allocation.
The IDrive Pro for Personal Use plan is priced at $4.95 monthly for 150 GB of storage. The IDrive Pro Family plan provides 500 GB for $14.95 per month.
Business users have access to four tiers, ranging from 100 GB to 1000 GB, with monthly costs from $9.95 to $79.95. An annual prepayment option grants two months of service free of charge.
SugarSync
SugarSync provides a complimentary storage allocation of 5 GB. Beyond functioning as a simple online backup solution, it facilitates file synchronization. This includes media like music and photos, across multiple computers and devices – encompassing Android, iPhone, iPad, BlackBerry, and Kindle Fire platforms.
Similar to services like Mozy and IDrive, SugarSync allows data backups from any designated folder on your computer’s hard drive. Furthermore, it enables selective folder sharing with family and friends. Offline file editing is supported, with changes seamlessly synchronized upon reconnection without disrupting workflow.
The platform maintains five prior versions of your files, allowing for future reference or restoration. Importantly, only the current iteration of each file contributes to your overall storage quota.
For scenarios requiring file archiving without automatic synchronization or updates, SugarSync’s Web Archive feature is available. Content within the Web Archive is accessible via web browsers and mobile applications.
Dedicated mobile applications are offered for a wide range of devices, including Android, iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, BlackBerry, and Windows Mobile. These apps allow access to your SugarSync backups from any computer, facilitate photo sharing, and enable file uploads – even from devices that are powered off.
Data transmission between your devices and SugarSync servers is secured using TLS (SSL 3.3) encryption. This ensures a secure communication channel for both backup and restoration processes. Shared folders can also be secured with additional protection for collaborators or clients.
SugarSync offers convenient tools for transferring music and photos between mobile devices and computers. Music streaming to mobile devices is also supported. On Android and iPhone, music can be synchronized for offline playback. Large files can be shared via links, avoiding the need for bulky email attachments.
Should you require more than 5 GB of storage, various paid subscription tiers are available. Options include 30 GB for $4.99 monthly, 60 GB for $9.99 monthly, and 100 GB for $14.99 monthly. An annual subscription provides two months of service at no additional cost, mirroring offers from comparable services.
SpiderOak
SpiderOak provides a secure, no-cost online storage solution offering 2 GB of space. This service facilitates online backups, file synchronization, secure sharing, remote access, and general file storage.
It is compatible with an unlimited number of computers running Windows, Mac OS X, and various Linux distributions including Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and openSUSE.
Furthermore, SpiderOak supports storage from diverse locations like USB flash drives, external hard drives, and network-attached storage devices.
Online Backup Capabilities
SpiderOak’s online backup system automatically creates backups as files are modified. Unlike some services, it preserves all historical file versions, extending beyond limited retention periods of 30 or 60 days.
Deleted files are also retained, providing a comprehensive archive of your data. Access to your data is available at any time through SpiderOak’s web interface, allowing downloads to any computer.
Synchronization and Sharing Features
The platform enables effortless and secure synchronization of any number of folders across multiple devices.
ShareRooms are password-protected spaces on SpiderOak’s servers designed for secure file sharing with others, consolidating files from various sources.
Updates within a ShareRoom are automatically propagated, and notifications regarding these changes are delivered via RSS feed.
Mobile Access
Dedicated applications are available for both Android and iOS devices, granting access to your data from any location.
These apps allow you to view, play, or listen to files stored in your SpiderOak account, participate in ShareRooms, share files, and download content for offline use.
Storage Expansion Options
Should you require more than the initial 2 GB of storage, SpiderOak’s Plus Account offers expanded capacity.
This account is priced at $10 per month for each additional 100 GB increment. An annual subscription provides two months of free service.
Additional storage can also be earned through SpiderOak’s Refer-A-Friend program, awarding both the referrer and the new user an extra 1 GB of free space.
A maximum of 10 GB of additional space can be obtained through this referral program.
ElephantDrive
ElephantDrive provides a Lite Edition plan that includes 2 GB of complimentary online backup storage. This plan incorporates all functionalities found in ElephantDrive’s paid subscriptions, such as automated online storage and backup procedures.
Military-grade encryption is utilized to secure your data, and the service supports up to three computers or devices simultaneously. Data accessibility is ensured through any device with an internet connection, alongside simplified file and photo sharing with just one click.
A key benefit of ElephantDrive is its integrated "Web Explorer" feature. This allows file access and uploads directly through a web browser, regardless of location or device. Users aren't required to utilize specific software or approved devices to manage their files.
File synchronization across all your computers, smartphones, and tablets is streamlined via the "Everywhere folder." Simply dragging a file into this folder initiates automatic replication to your other connected devices.
Any modifications made to a file within the Everywhere folder are then consistently synchronized across all devices. This ensures data consistency and up-to-date access.
Beyond the free tier, ElephantDrive offers a range of paid subscription options. These are categorized into Personal plans and Business plans, providing scalable storage solutions.
CrashPlan
CrashPlan provides a data backup solution, allowing users to safeguard their information across multiple locations at no cost for personal use. Data can be backed up to both local resources and remote systems.
Onsite backups are achieved utilizing your own computers and external hard drives. Offsite backups leverage the storage capacity of computers owned by friends and family members.
CrashPlan’s software is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including PCs, Macs, Linux, and Solaris. It supports data backups from any combination of these platforms, as well as from directly attached storage devices.
The backup process is automated, eliminating the need for manual intervention or reminders. Users have the option to schedule backups to control the timing of data transfer.
Should a backup process be interrupted, it will automatically resume when the necessary systems become available again, ensuring data integrity.
When backing up to multiple destinations, data is transferred sequentially, one location at a time. The system prioritizes destinations based on estimated completion time to expedite the overall backup process.
The free version of CrashPlan secures files with enterprise-level, 128-bit encryption before transmission to its servers. Higher-tier, paid subscriptions offer enhanced security with 448-bit encryption.
There are no file size restrictions when utilizing CrashPlan for data backups.
While the free version includes advertisements within the software interface, paid subscription options are available. These remove ads and provide increased storage capacity and additional features.
CrashPlan+ introduces advanced backup functionalities and offers online storage plans of either 10 GB or unlimited capacity. Monthly pricing ranges from $1.50 to $6.00, with discounts available for longer-term commitments.
CrashPlan PRO is designed for small businesses, providing both onsite and offsite backup capabilities with secure cloud storage. CrashPlan PROe delivers enterprise-level backup solutions, encompassing real-time, cross-platform, onsite, offsite, and cloud backups.
Further details regarding the use of CrashPlan can be found in our dedicated article on the subject.
BuddyBackup: A Peer-to-Peer Data Protection Solution
BuddyBackup functions on a principle akin to CrashPlan, enabling users to create data backups on the computers of their friends, family members, and coworkers without incurring any costs. Prior to transmission to these designated "buddies," all files undergoing backup are subjected to local encryption.
Crucially, only the data owner possesses the decryption keys, ensuring the confidentiality of the backed-up information. This means that individuals hosting your backups are unable to access the contents of your files.
Ensuring Backup Redundancy and Reliability
The system is designed to mitigate the risk of data loss due to buddy unavailability. BuddyBackup facilitates the creation of multiple backup copies, guaranteeing data safety.
By default, two copies of your data are distributed across your network of buddies. Regular integrity checks are performed to confirm the continued availability of backups on each buddy’s system.
Should a buddy experience issues – such as software uninstallation or hardware failure – BuddyBackup automatically redirects backups to alternative hosts, maintaining data protection.
Real-Time and Efficient Backup Process
BuddyBackup employs continuous monitoring of selected files for any modifications. Upon detecting a change, the system captures a snapshot of the updated file.
Only the altered portions of the file are then backed up, optimizing bandwidth usage and backup speed. Unlike traditional backup solutions, BuddyBackup eliminates the need for scheduled backups.
Data is backed up dynamically as changes occur, ensuring a consistently current backup version.
Flexible Backup Options
Beyond peer-to-peer backups, BuddyBackup also supports offline data protection. Users can back up their data to their own external hard drives for added security and control.
Data Restoration Capabilities
In the event of a computer failure, data restoration to a new machine is streamlined through BuddyBackup. Simply install and run the software on the replacement computer.
Alternatively, files can be recovered directly from a buddy’s computer using Guest Mode. This mode restricts functionality to file restoration only, preventing any additions to existing backups.
ADrive
ADrive presents a Personal Basic plan, offering 50 GB of complimentary online storage. This service incorporates functionalities for data backup, sharing, remote access, and editing, accessible wherever an internet connection is available.
Data housed within your ADrive account is universally accessible, regardless of the device or time.
The platform facilitates effortless sharing of sizable files with contacts through its File Sharing capability. A unique link can be generated for each file and distributed via email to intended recipients.
Should the need arise, file sharing can be revoked at any time, providing control over data access.
ADrive also enables direct online editing of common document types, including word processing files, spreadsheets, and presentations. Documents can be opened, modified, and saved directly within the ADrive interface.
Locating specific files is streamlined through ADrive’s integrated search tool, eliminating the need for manual directory browsing.
For users requiring expanded storage capacity, ADrive provides a range of Premium accounts. These options span from 50 GB to 10 TB and include enhanced features.
- Android and iOS mobile applications are available.
- Online collaboration tools are included.
- Shared file expiration dates can be set.
- Access via any FTP client is supported.
- A desktop application is provided for backup management on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
- The service is ad-free.
- A maximum upload size of 16 GB is permitted.
Pricing for Premium accounts begins at $6.95 monthly for 50 GB, escalating to $1,211.50 monthly for 10 TB. Discounts are offered for annual commitments of one, two, or three years.
Storage exceeding 10 TB, or even unlimited storage, is available upon direct inquiry for customized pricing.
MyOtherDrive
MyOtherDrive provides a service offering 2 GB of complimentary storage space for online data backups.
A free account includes unlimited bandwidth, automated backup processes, and security features like AES 128-bit encryption alongside HTTPS (SSL) secured connections.
Subscription Options
Access to features such as File Linking, alongside increased storage capacity, necessitates a paid subscription.
Several plans are available. The Pro plan offers options of 100 GB for $5 monthly or $55 annually, 500 GB for $10 monthly or $110 annually, and 1 TB for $20 per month – a yearly payment option is not offered for this tier.
Furthermore, a selection of Enterprise plans are available, catering to needs ranging from 1 TB up to 10 TB of storage.
These plans provide scalable solutions for diverse backup requirements.
The service aims to balance accessibility with robust features for both individual and business users.