Cloud storage for backups

Table of Contents

The competition

Carbonite Basic throws a tempting offer on the table: unlimited data backup for one computer at a price slightly friendlier than IDrive or Backblaze. Sounds like a steal, right? Well, not so fast. Its private-key encryption works only on Windows, and you have to wrestle with a text file to manage your encryption key. Oh, and when we put it to the test, most of our files decided to play hide and seek and never made it into the backup.

CrashPlan's Essential plan comes in at a neat $3 per month for 200 GB, with an extra buck for every additional 100 GB. Security-wise, we applaud the mandatory two-factor authentication during sign-up, a nice carrot for peace of mind. Yet, this plan forgot to pack all our files into the backup box, and the private encryption keys? Those are locked away just for business users, leaving everyday folks out in the cold.

Livedrive tries to keep pace with the big players like Backblaze, offering unlimited data for around $100. But signing up felt like trying to crack a secret code - several payment options were declined without explanation. When we reached out to Livedrive for clarity, radio silence. Meanwhile, other reviews whispered that Livedrive skipped out on end-to-end encryption, an essential feature for anyone serious about privacy.

SugarSync positions itself as a hybrid between file sync like Dropbox and online backup, charging a hefty $225-plus yearly for just 500 GB. That’s more than double or triple what competitors charge for much larger spaces. It’s a fine service, but the price tag makes it less of a bargain and more of a luxury splurge.

We also gave a polite pass to several other services - Acronis True Image, DollyDrive, ElephantDrive Solo, IBackup, JustCloud Premium, pCloud, Rhinoback, and ShadowProtect SPX - either because their costs were steeper than a mountain trail or essential features were absent. Sometimes, it’s better to skip the extras and focus on value.

Why You Should Encrypt Your Backups

Nobody wants their personal files rummaged through by curious companies or suddenly handed over to law enforcement. That’s why most online backup services, including Rabata, offer private encryption keys to lock down your data tight. But before you dive headfirst into setting up your own key, there are a few important details you shouldn’t overlook.

The catch is simple: if the company doesn’t hold your private encryption key, neither your nosy neighbor nor the tech support can access your files. Sounds perfect, right? Well, here’s the snag - if you forget that key, you’re on your own. No password reset, no magic tricks. That’s why Rabata strongly suggests writing your key down somewhere safe or stashing it in a password manager. Losing it is like losing the map to buried treasure - except the treasure is your own data.

All the best services, Rabata included, let you access your files either through their slick desktop apps or via a web portal. But here’s the deal: to see anything, you’ll first need to enter your encryption key. Companies like IDrive, Backblaze, and Arq confirm that they never store customer keys - they delete them immediately after use to keep things locked tight. That’s comforting. However, if you’re really paranoid about data peeking during transmissions, stick to the desktop app and avoid browsers altogether.

When you restore files, it’s usually a local affair - you input the key, and your data decrypts right on your device. The service never sees your decrypted files or your key. Backblaze stands out as the odd one out here: even their app decrypts files first on their servers before sending them to you. They assure customers their keys aren’t stored, but let’s be honest, that’s a bit less reassuring when total privacy is the goal.

Worried About Losing Your Precious Files?

Losing important files is a nightmare nobody wants to face. But with Rabata, a protected cloud storage service built to keep your data safe and sound, you don’t have to lose sleep over it.

Our free cloud backup solution offers reliable, hassle-free protection that runs quietly in the background, so you can focus on what really matters.

The Best Cloud Storage and File Syncing Services You’ll Actually Use

Running out of space on your phone again? Trying to back up your computer before that inevitable crash? Or maybe you just want quick access to your files no matter where you are or what device you’re on. If your hard drive feels more like your car’s messy back seat - stuffed with random files and that important document hiding somewhere under the chaos - then it’s time to consider cloud storage. Or maybe just hire a really strict life coach.

But with hundreds of cloud storage services out there, how do you pick the one that fits your needs? It’s not just about price or how many terabytes you get. It’s about finding storage that matches your lifestyle and priorities.

Maybe you need HIPAA compliance to keep sensitive info safe. Or perhaps photo auto-backup with tidy organization is your thing. Are you streaming media online or collaborating remotely with your team? Do you want unlimited space just in case - a backup for your backup’s backup? Because hey, redundancy is the unsung hero of data safety.

At Rabata, we’ve been deep in the trenches testing dozens of cloud storage options old and new. Weeks of hands-on experience means we know what really works. So whether you’re a cloud rookie finally ditching those ancient diskettes or a seasoned pro juggling gigabytes in the digital cumulus, you’ll walk away knowing exactly which cloud storage service is your perfect match.

The Best Cloud Storage Solution for a Microsoft Office Suite Alternative

IDrive (Windows, Mac, Linux, Unix, iOS, Android, Windows Server)

IDrive stands out as a versatile backup and cloud storage tool that runs smoothly across almost every platform you can imagine. Whether you're on Windows, Mac, Linux, a mobile device, or even Windows Server, IDrive has your back. It's not just about storing files; it’s about keeping your digital life safe and accessible wherever you are.

One of IDrive’s standout features is its automatic backup system. It doesn’t just back up your local devices but also syncs data from popular cloud services. If you’re juggling Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 accounts, IDrive can seamlessly back them up. This means no more sweating over lost files after accidental deletions or crashes.

Need to ditch that pricey Microsoft 365 subscription but still want to work on your Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or PDF documents? IDrive's web app lets you create, edit, and share these documents directly in your browser. It's the perfect option for people on the go or those who switch between Mac and Windows machines without skipping a beat.

• Excellent all-around automatic backup tool for devices and cloud services
• Ability to back up Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 data
• Create, edit, and share Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF documents without needing a Microsoft 365 subscription

Now, what's the catch? Like a hungry pet, the storage space can fill up faster than you’d expect. Deleted files hang around in the cloud until you remind IDrive to run its Archive Cleanup. Without this housekeeping, you might find your storage quota shrinking quicker than anticipated.

• Storage space can be consumed quickly unless you regularly run Archive Cleanup to remove deleted files

Unlike your typical backup app that acts like a mirror-synchronizing deletions instantly-IDrive plays it differently. Think of it as your digital archivist. When you delete a file on your computer, IDrive doesn't immediately toss its copy out. This means that even if you accidentally delete an important photo or document, it’s still safe in your archive. When you’re ready to tidy up, a manual cleanup syncs everything back in line.

By 2025, IDrive has evolved from a trusty backup tool into a full-fledged cloud storage powerhouse. The web-based Office suite it offers lets you handle documents without needing to shell out extra for Microsoft’s official apps. You won’t get Outlook or the fancy AI Copilot, but for most users, this clever workaround offers fantastic value.

Backing up data from other cloud services is another feather in IDrive’s cap. Whether it’s Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, Google Drive, or even Workspace, IDrive grabs everything and stashes it safely under one virtual roof. This means no more juggling separate backup solutions.

IDrive basically covers all bases: automatic multi-device backups, external hard drive and NAS support, Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace data protection, plus universal cloud access with version control and strong encryption to keep snoopers out.

Pricing options start with a free 10GB tier to test the waters. From there, plans scale up from $9.95 per month for 5TB of storage all the way to $99.95 per month if you need a staggering 100TB. Whether you’re a casual user or a data hoarder, there’s a plan tailored to your needs.

Case study

How the Boston Red Sox revolutionize data storage in the cloud

Inside Fenway Park, home to America’s beloved Boston Red Sox, more than 50 ultra-high-speed cameras work tirelessly during each game. Together, they produce terabytes of video data, capturing every pitch, swing, and crowd cheer in stunning detail. But that’s only part of the story - Fenway’s 123 years of historic footage add layers of priceless content that demand serious storage muscle.

Managing this treasure trove isn’t a job for just any cloud storage. The Red Sox need a solution that’s not only robust and reliable but also smart with costs. That’s where Wasabi comes in. Its economic model opens up new doors, letting the team collect and analyze way more content than before. This expansion boosts their ability to make sharper, data-driven decisions on and off the field.

And it doesn’t stop there. Wasabi serves as a long-term safe haven for raw video files that might one day reveal insights through advanced video analytics or machine learning-turning yesterday’s plays into tomorrow’s game-changing strategies.

As Brian Shield, the Red Sox CTO, puts it, Wasabi’s cloud storage turns an enormous, historic media vault into a flexible tool for innovation.