What is the best cloud backup service?

If you mean online backup—a service that automatically copies your computer’s files to the cloud—my pick for most people in 2026 is IDrive. PCWorld’s current 2026 roundup also ranks IDrive as its best cloud backup overall.

My picks

🏆 Best overall: IDrive

IDrive is particularly compelling if you have more than one device. It can back up PCs, Macs, Linux machines, iPhones, iPads, Android devices, external drives, and supported NAS systems under one account. It also offers snapshots/versioning and full-machine backup.

Its biggest advantage over Backblaze is flexibility: you're not limited to backing up one computer. IDrive also supports up to 30 previous versions of files and offers a physical-drive recovery service for large restores.

🥈 Best for simplicity: Backblaze

If you have one Windows PC or Mac and just want everything backed up automatically, I'd actually choose Backblaze.

It automatically backs up your data and connected external drives, with unlimited backup capacity and file size. Current pricing is $99/year for Personal Backup.

The tradeoff is that Backblaze Personal Backup isn't intended as a general cloud-storage/sync service, and NAS/network drives aren't included.

My quick recommendation:

• One computer → Backblaze
• Multiple computers/phones/NAS → IDrive
• Need full system images + security features → Acronis
• Business computers → CrashPlan

If you tell me how many computers/devices you have and roughly how many TB of data, I can narrow it down to the best plan and price for you.

🏆 Best overall: IDrive

IDrive is particularly compelling if you have more than one device. It can back up PCs, Macs, Linux machines, iPhones, iPads, Android devices, external drives, and supported NAS systems under one account. It also offers snapshots/versioning and full-machine backup.

Its biggest advantage over Backblaze is flexibility: you're not limited to backing up one computer. IDrive also supports up to 30 previous versions of files and offers a physical-drive recovery service for large restores.

🥈 Best for simplicity: Backblaze

If you have one Windows PC or Mac and just want everything backed up automatically, I'd actually choose Backblaze.

It automatically backs up your data and connected external drives, with unlimited backup capacity and file size. Current pricing is $99/year for Personal Backup.

The tradeoff is that Backblaze Personal Backup isn't intended as a general cloud-storage/sync service, and NAS/network drives aren't included.

The best overall cloud backup service is IDrive , offering the absolute best balance of value, multiple-device support, and comprehensive features.

While IDrive is the top choice for most users, the perfect service depends on your exact setup, budget, and hardware. Below is the breakdown of the top industry-tested options.

📊 Top Cloud Backup Services Compared

🔍 Deep Dive: The Top 3 Recommendations

1. IDrive — Best Overall Service

• Device Flexibility: Unlike standard services, a single subscription lets you back up every computer, phone, tablet, and network-attached storage (NAS) drive in your house.
• Deep Versioning: It stores up to 30 historical versions of your files indefinitely, protecting you against accidental overwrites.
• The Catch: If you go over your data limit, the overage fees can accumulate quickly.

2. Backblaze — Best for Pure Simplicity

• Set and Forget: It offers a streamlined app that sits in the background and automatically uploads everything on your machine to the cloud.
• True Unlimited: There are zero caps on file sizes or total data amounts.
• The Catch: Licenses are strictly locked to one computer. It does not back up mobile devices or network drives under personal accounts.

3. Acronis True Image — Best for Full System Recovery

• Complete Cloning: Instead of just saving folders, it creates complete mirror images of your hard drive so you can restore your entire operating system if your hardware crashes.
• Built-in Security: Includes built-in AI malware blocks to prevent ransomware from encrypting your files.
• The Catch: The software is resource-heavy and carries a much higher annual price tag.

💡 Backup vs. Storage: A Quick Warning

Do not confuse cloud backup with cloud storage (like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox). Cloud storage tools are designed to sync a single folder for daily access and collaboration. Dedicated cloud backup services run silently in the background to replicate your entire computer structure so you can recover everything after a total system failure.

To narrow this down, let me know:

• How many devices (PCs, Macs, phones) do you need to protect?
• Roughly how much data (in gigabytes or terabytes) do you have?
• Do you prefer a set-and-forget setup or advanced imaging features?

The "best" cloud backup service depends on whether you are looking to back up an entire computer automatically, manage huge quantities of data, or use a hybrid sync-and-share tool.

Note: True automated backup services (which mirror and protect your entire drive over time) differ from cloud storage/sync services like Google Drive or Dropbox, which are designed for active file collaboration rather than disaster recovery.

The top-rated cloud backup services categorized by their strengths include:

• IDrive Personal (Best Overall)
  • Pros: Allows unlimited devices (PCs, Macs, iPhones, Androids) under a single account, supports external hard drive backups, and keeps historical versioning of files indefinitely (until you run an archive cleanup).
  • Cons: Uses a tiered storage quota (e.g., 5TB or 10TB plans) rather than being completely unlimited.
  • Best for: Households or individuals with multiple gadgets, phones, and computers.
• Backblaze (Best for Unlimited Storage / Hands-Off Simplicity)
  • Pros: Offers truly unlimited data storage for a single computer at a flat yearly rate. It runs quietly in the background and doesn't make you calculate gigabytes or terabytes.
  • Cons: Restricted to one computer per license, doesn't back up mobile devices, and only retains deleted files for 30 days.
  • Best for: Power users with massive media libraries or heavy hard drives on one primary machine.
• pCloud (Best Hybrid / Lifetime Option)
  • Pros: Blends file syncing with robust backup features, fast upload speeds, and a rare lifetime subscription model so you can avoid recurring annual fees.
  • Cons: Zero-knowledge privacy encryption (pCloud Crypto) costs extra.
  • Best for: People who hate monthly/yearly subscriptions and want a virtual drive that works seamlessly across devices.
• Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office (Best for Power Users & Local/Cloud Hybrid)
  • Pros: Offers complete disk-image cloning, active ransomware defense, and flexible choices between local local-drive backups and cloud backups.
  • Cons: Can be pricey and has a steeper learning curve if you just want simple file archiving.
  • Best for: Tech enthusiasts and professionals who want absolute control over full system recovery.

If you can tell me how much data you need to back up and how many devices you want to protect, I can help you pick the most cost-effective service for your setup.

For most people, Backblaze is the best cloud backup service right now.

My picks

• 🥇 Best overall: Backblaze — Simple, automatic computer backup with unlimited data for $99/year. It backs up user-generated data, including connected external drives, without file-size restrictions.
• 🥈 Best for multiple devices: IDrive — Better if you want to back up several PCs/Macs plus phones and other devices from one account. Its Personal plan currently offers 5 TB, with promotional pricing of $6.99/month for the first year when billed annually.
• Best if you want a huge amount of data: Backblaze, because its personal computer backup is unlimited.

Which I'd choose

If your goal is simply “I want my computer automatically backed up so I don't lose my photos/documents if my hard drive dies,” choose Backblaze.

If you want backup + syncing across multiple computers/phones, I'd choose IDrive.

One important distinction: services like Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox are primarily cloud storage/sync, whereas Backblaze and IDrive are designed specifically for backup. For protecting irreplaceable files, dedicated backup is generally what I'd recommend.

If you tell me what devices you want to back up (Windows/Mac/iPhone/Android), roughly how many TB you have, and whether you want to back up external drives, I can tell you which one is the best fit and cheapest for you.

The “best” cloud backup service depends on what you’re backing up, but the current leaders are:

My pick by scenario

• One laptop/desktop with lots of photos, videos, or files: choose Backblaze.
• A household with several computers and phones: choose IDrive.
• You want a complete disaster-recovery solution (restore an entire machine): consider Acronis.
• You run a small company: look at CrashPlan or business-oriented plans.

A couple of important notes:

• Services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive are excellent for syncing and sharing, but they are not always a replacement for a dedicated backup service because accidental deletions or ransomware can sync to the cloud too.
• For critical data, many experts recommend a 3-2-1 backup approach: three copies of data, on two types of media, with one copy off-site.

If you tell me (1) Windows or Mac, (2) how many devices, (3) how many TB of data, and (4) personal or business use, I can narrow it to the best choice.

The absolute best cloud backup services based on expert evaluations are IDrive Cloud Backup for overall features and value, and Backblaze Backup for streamlined, unlimited storage. While IDrive stands out for its multi-device support, other services excel in specialized areas like security or full-disk imaging.

Top Cloud Backup Services

• IDrive Cloud Backup : This service provides the most comprehensive set of backup tools on the market.
  • Unlike most competitors that limit accounts to one computer, IDrive lets you back up unlimited PCs, Macs, iPhones, Androids, and Network-Attached Storage (NAS) devices into a single shared pool of storage.
  • It includes file syncing, a 10GB free tier, and optional private key encryption for maximum privacy.
• Backblaze Backup : This is the best "set-it-and-forget-it" option for users who want zero hassle.
  • It offers truly unlimited storage for a flat fee per computer, meaning you never have to worry about running out of space or managing data caps.
  • It runs silently in the background, automatically uploading changed files. However, its mobile app is limited to file viewing rather than full device backups.
• Acronis True Image : This platform is the ideal choice if you want cybersecurity integrated directly into your backups.
  • It combines full-disk image backups with active malware and ransomware protection to prevent malicious software from locking up your archive.
  • It features incredibly fast upload speeds but comes at a higher annual price point than its competitors.

Features Comparison

Important Disambiguation: Backup vs. Cloud Storage

It is crucial to note that dedicated backup services operate differently than productivity cloud storage apps like Microsoft OneDrive or Google Drive. Apps like OneDrive mirror a specific folder for daily file sharing and collaboration. True backup services work in the background to mirror your entire hard drive structure, keeping hidden folders and system files safe in case your device completely dies.

To help narrow down the ideal choice, let me know:

• How many devices do you need to protect?
• Approximately how much data (in gigabytes or terabytes) do you have?
• Do you need to back up mobile phones or network drives , or just a single computer?

The "best" cloud backup service depends entirely on whether you want to protect a single computer, back up an entire household's worth of multi-platform devices, or merge file-syncing with deep security.

The top-rated cloud backup and storage services are organized below by their standout strengths:

• iDrive — Best Overall & Best Value for Multiple Devices
  • Pros: Allows you to back up an unlimited number of devices (PCs, Macs, iPhones, Androids, and external drives) under a single account. It also supports true disk imaging, point-in-time snapshots, and hybrid local/cloud backups.
  • Cons: Storage is capped (rather than unlimited), and large initial uploads or full data restorations can take time.
• Backblaze — Best for Set-It-and-Forget-It / Unlimited Storage
  • Pros: Offers truly unlimited data backup for a single computer (including attached external hard drives) for a flat yearly fee. It runs quietly in the background without nagging configuration, and offers physical hard drive shipping if you need a rapid disaster recovery restore.
  • Cons: Limited to a single computer license per fee (no mobile device backups or server-level features on the standard personal tier).
• pCloud — Best Hybrid Cloud Storage & Speed
  • Pros: Combines active file syncing, a virtual local drive, lightning-fast transfer speeds, and scheduled backups. A major differentiator is their rare lifetime access plans (one-time payment) alongside standard subscriptions.
  • Cons: Client-side zero-knowledge encryption (pCloud Crypto ) costs extra as an add-on.
• Acronis True Image — Best for Security & Full System Imaging
  • Pros: Combines robust cloud backup with active, built-in cybersecurity and anti-ransomware protection . Excellent for full disk-image backups and rapid hardware recovery.
  • Cons: Significantly more expensive than basic archivers, and the software footprint is heavier on system resources.
• Proton Drive — Best for Privacy & Zero-Knowledge Security
  • Pros: Features strict end-to-end encryption where even the provider cannot read your files. Great for privacy-conscious individuals looking for a clean, secure ecosystem.
  • Cons: Lacks traditional automated "entire system/disk image" background computer backup features; functions more as a secure cloud drive and folder sync.

To help narrow down the ideal choice, let me know:

• How many devices (and what operating systems) do you need to back up?
• Roughly how much total data do you have?
• Do you prefer a set-it-and-forget-it archive like Backblaze, or a multi-device toolkit like iDrive?

If you mean true backup—automatically protecting your computer’s files so you can recover them after a drive failure, ransomware, theft, or accidental deletion—my top pick is IDrive for most people.

My picks

🏆 Best overall: IDrive

IDrive is particularly good if you have multiple computers or a large amount of data. Its Personal plans support multiple computers and include backup for PCs, Macs, Linux machines, iPhones/iPads and Android devices; it can also back up external drives and supported NAS devices.

Its current standard pricing starts at 5 TB for $9.99/month when billed annually (with a promotional first-year price currently shown lower), while larger plans go up to 100 TB.

🥈 Best for "set it and forget it": Backblaze

If you just want your entire computer continuously backed up without thinking about it, I'd choose Backblaze. It offers unlimited data backup for $99/year, automatically backs up user-generated data and connected external drives, and supports encrypted backups and two-factor authentication.

The catch is that Backblaze is designed around backing up one computer per license, so IDrive is usually more attractive for households with several machines.

My bottom line

• One computer, simplicity above all: Backblaze
• Multiple computers / lots of data: IDrive
• Windows + Microsoft 365: OneDrive + a dedicated backup service
• Photos/files primarily in Google's ecosystem: Google Drive can complement a backup service

One important point: cloud sync isn't the same as backup. If you accidentally delete or corrupt a file and that change syncs everywhere, you don't necessarily have a safe backup. For important data, I recommend the 3-2-1 approach: 3 copies, 2 different types of storage, 1 off-site.

If you tell me what you're backing up (Windows/Mac/iPhone, approximate TB, number of computers, and whether photos are important), I can narrow it down to the best plan and likely cost for you.

If you mean cloud backup for a personal computer, my top pick in 2026 is Backblaze.

🏆 Best overall: Backblaze

• $99/year for unlimited backup
• Automatically backs up your computer and connected external drives
• No file-size or data-cap limits
• Very simple: install it, and it continuously backs up your data
• Good choice if you want “set it and forget it” protection.

🥈 Best if you have multiple computers: IDrive

IDrive is better if you need to back up several computers, phones, NAS devices, or external drives. Its current Personal plans include 5 TB for one user across multiple computers, with pricing starting around $11.99/month before promotional discounts.

Quick comparison

My recommendation: If you have one Windows PC or Mac and mainly want protection against hard-drive failure, theft, ransomware, or accidental deletion, get Backblaze. If you have several computers or lots of different devices, I'd choose IDrive instead.

If you tell me what devices you want to back up (Windows/Mac/iPhone/Android/NAS), roughly how many TB you have, and whether you want cloud sync as well as backup, I can narrow it down to the best option for you.

IDrive is widely recognized by tech experts as the best overall cloud backup service for most users, balancing feature depth, multi-device support, and competitive pricing.

However, the "best" service ultimately depends on whether you want to back up a single computer with massive files, manage multiple devices across a family, or prioritize absolute privacy.

Top Cloud Backup Services Compared

• IDrive (Best Overall & Best Value)
  • Best For: Users with multiple devices (PCs, Macs, smartphones, and tablets) who want comprehensive backup and sync features under one account.
  • Key Features: Supports an unlimited number of devices per account, excellent file versioning (keeps past 30 versions of files indefinitely), disk imaging, and IDrive Express (which lets you seed or recover large data quantities via a physical hard drive shipped to you).
  • Pricing: Tiered capacity plans (e.g., 5TB or 10TB) with aggressive first-year promotional discounts.
• Backblaze (Best for Unlimited Single-Computer Storage)
  • Best For: Users who have a massive amount of data on a single laptop or desktop and don't want to worry about storage caps or quotas.
  • Key Features: Truly unlimited backup data for a single computer (including attached external hard drives). It runs automatically in the background with a simple "set-it-and-forget-it" interface.
  • Pricing: Flat monthly or yearly rate per computer (licenses are sold per machine).
• Acronis True Image (Best for Power Users & Disk Imaging)
  • Best For: Tech enthusiasts and advanced users who want complete hybrid backup—local drive imaging combined with cloud destination cloning.
  • Key Features: Full active disk cloning, robust ransomware protection built into the app, and fast local recovery.
  • Pricing: Annual subscription model with tiered feature sets.
• pCloud (Best Hybrid Cloud Storage & Media Backup)
  • Best For: People looking for active file syncing, easy file sharing, and media streaming alongside automated backups.
  • Key Features: Mounts as a virtual local drive, fast syncing speeds, and an intuitive interface with a built-in media player. Offers rare lifetime one-time payment options.
  • Pricing: Yearly plans or high-value lifetime single-payment licenses.

Quick Selection Guide

• Choose IDrive if you need to protect your phone, a laptop, and a desktop all on the same plan.
• Choose Backblaze if you have a single computer packed with terabytes of video or photo files and want unlimited space without tier limits.
• Choose Acronis True Image if you need full bare-metal system recovery and advanced security utilities.

If you tell me how many devices you need to back up and roughly how much data you have, I can recommend the most cost-effective plan for your specific setup.