A hard drive failure, a stolen laptop, or a ransomware infection can wipe out years of files in minutes. An online backup keeps a separate copy off site, so you can restore everything from any device. This guide covers seven services worth paying for in 2026, with the prices, limits, and trade-offs that matter before you sign up.
Best Online Backup Services Compared: Price, Storage, and Free Plans
Online backup services differ mostly in price, storage limits, and device support, so here they are side by side.
| Service | Best for | Starting price | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| IDrive | Backing up many devices | $69.65 first year for 5TB | 10GB |
| Backblaze | Unlimited storage on one computer | $99 per year per computer | No |
| Acronis True Image | Full disk images plus security | Varies by plan | No |
| pCloud | One-time lifetime payment | $199 lifetime for 500GB | 6GB |
| Arq 7 | Using your own storage | $49 one-time license | No |
| Icedrive | Free and cheap storage | $29 first year for 2TB | 10GB |
| OpenDrive | Small data sets on a budget | $50 per year for 500GB | No |
Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox do not appear in this table because they sync files instead of backing them up, and that difference matters for how you protect your data.
Is Google Drive a Backup? Backup vs Cloud Sync Explained
A backup service keeps older versions of your files, while a sync service mirrors every change, including deletions.
Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox sync a folder across your devices. If you delete a file or ransomware encrypts it, the sync service copies that change everywhere. A backup service runs from a desktop client, keeps previous versions, and lets you roll back to a clean copy. Use sync for convenience and backup for protection. Every service below works as a backup, though pCloud leans toward sync and gets a note on that in its entry.
1. IDrive: Best Online Backup for Multiple Devices
IDrive covers the widest range of devices and gives you the most storage for the money.
One IDrive Personal account backs up PCs, Macs, phones, and tablets without a device limit. The 5TB plan costs $69.65 for the first year and $99.50 per year after that. IDrive also backs up Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and NAS devices, and it offers a free 10GB tier for testing.
Pros:
- Backs up unlimited devices on one account
- Low price per terabyte
- Supports private encryption keys and password-protected file sharing
- Includes local backup and a courier service for large restores
Cons:
- Full disk imaging works only on Windows PCs
- The iOS app offers fewer backup options than the Android app
2. Backblaze: Best Unlimited Cloud Backup for One Computer
Backblaze backs up everything on a Windows or Mac computer automatically, with no storage cap.
Install the client, and Backblaze starts uploading your files in the background. Each license covers one computer, and the price is $99 per year. You can restore files through the web app or ask Backblaze to mail you a hard drive when a download would take too long. The service supports multi-factor authentication and private encryption keys.
Pros:
- Unlimited storage with a simple interface
- Mailed drive restores for large data sets
- Strong account security options
Cons:
- One computer per license
- Backup selection feels convoluted
- You can restore files only through the web app
3. Acronis True Image: Best for Full System Image Backup and Restore
Acronis True Image copies your entire drive, so you can rebuild a complete system after a crash.
The software backs up to local drives and to the cloud, syncs files, and includes ransomware and malicious URL protection. A full disk image lets you restore Windows, your apps, and your settings in one step instead of reinstalling everything. Backblaze focuses on files and folders, and IDrive offers disk imaging on Windows only, so choose Acronis if you want a complete system restore on any setup it supports. The interface has many options, so expect a learning curve.
Pros:
- Full disk image backup and restore
- Local and cloud backup in one app
- Built-in ransomware protection
Cons:
- The interface confuses first-time users
- Cloud sync needs True Image on at least two PCs
4. pCloud: Best Lifetime Cloud Storage and Backup Deal
pCloud lets you pay once and keep your storage for as long as the company runs.
The lifetime plans cost $199 for 500GB, $399 for 2TB, and $1,190 for 10TB. A free account gives you 6GB. pCloud also pulls files from Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, and Facebook, and its phone apps back up your photos. Note that pCloud works as two-way sync with file revisions kept for 15 to 180 days, not as a strict backup.
Pros:
- Lifetime pricing pays off within a few years
- Strong privacy and security
- Imports files from other online accounts
Cons:
- Revision history lasts 15 to 180 days only
- The virtual drive appears as a drive letter in Windows Explorer
5. Arq 7: Best Backup App for Your Own Cloud Storage
Arq 7 sends encrypted backups to the cloud accounts you already pay for.
The app supports Amazon S3, Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, Backblaze B2, SFTP, and S3-compatible services. You can run several backup jobs in one window. Arq costs $49 as a one-time license if you bring your own storage. Arq’s own storage costs $60 per year for 1TB and five users.
Pros:
- Works with most major storage providers
- Backs up to local and online destinations
- Clean, reliable interface
Cons:
- Does not support plain file backup or disk imaging
- Offers no sync
6. Icedrive: Best Free Online Backup With 10GB Storage
Icedrive gives you a usable free tier and cheap paid plans with an attractive client.
The free account includes 10GB and the same sync features as paid plans. Paid pricing starts at $29 for 2TB in the first year, down from a $99 regular price, and the discount ends after year one. The client runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Pros:
- 10GB free with full sync features
- Virtual drive and sync jobs
- Easy client on every major platform
Cons:
- The Mac client responds slowly
- Discounted prices apply only to the first year
7. OpenDrive: Best Affordable Backup for Under 1TB
OpenDrive offers steady pricing that does not jump after the first year.
The 500GB plan costs $50 per year, and 1TB costs $60. The backup client never overwrites files, and the service includes sharing, encryption, and mobile apps. OpenDrive has no online document editing, and its Windows and macOS clients differ in small ways.
Pros:
- Plans for most budgets with no sharp renewal increase
- True backup that keeps older files
- Reliable, bug-free clients
Cons:
- No online editing
- Minor differences between Windows and Mac clients
How to Choose an Online Backup Service: 6 Things to Check
Match the service to your device count, data size, and how you plan to restore. If you want a fast answer, pick IDrive for many devices, Backblaze for one computer with a lot of data, and Icedrive if you want to start free.
- Count your devices. IDrive covers many devices on one account, while Backblaze charges per computer.
- Estimate your data. Add up your documents, photos, and videos. Pick a plan that covers that total plus room for older versions.
- Check version retention. Confirm how long the service keeps deleted files and earlier versions.
- Use a private encryption key. Store it in a password manager. If you lose it, nobody can recover your data.
- Plan for slow restores. A large download can take days on a slow connection, so favor services with mailed drive options.
- Read renewal prices. Many first-year discounts end after 12 months.
Keep a local copy on an external drive too. Local backups restore faster, and the cloud copy covers fire, theft, and flood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best online backup service in 2026?
IDrive is the best choice for most people because it backs up unlimited devices on one account at a low price per terabyte. Backblaze is better if you want unlimited storage for a single computer.
Does online backup replace an external hard drive?
No. Use both. A local drive restores large amounts of data much faster than a download, and the cloud copy protects you from fire, theft, and flood.
Is online backup safe?
Reputable services encrypt your data in transit and on their servers. For stronger privacy, set a private encryption key that only you know.
How often should I back up my files?
Back up as often as your workload demands. Daily is the minimum for important files, and continuous backup suits active projects.
What is the cheapest online backup?
Icedrive and IDrive both offer free 10GB plans, and pCloud’s lifetime plans cost the least over several years. Check renewal prices before you commit, because first-year discounts often expire.
