Online Backup

Online Backup Reviews & Ratings


Services: Our Ratings: Bottom Line:
Carbonite Rating:stars
Excellent and comprehensive online backup with easy remote file access, exclusive discount
Mozy Rating:stars
Great low-cost online backup with exclusive discount
SugarSync Rating:stars
Fun and versatile file backup works with multiple computers; supports music streaming but no Outlook backup
IDrive Rating:stars
Solid backup with a lot of configurability; no mobile app access or file sharing
Norton Online Backup Rating:stars
Fast and transparent browser-based backup with file sharing; infrequent backup schedule
IBackup Rating:stars
Geared towards businesses; Exchange and SQL backups; compliance for financial, medical companies

NextAdvisor Online Backup Blog Headlines

Laptop theft: It happens all the time
A friend of mine had his laptop stolen this weekend. He was using it in a public place. Laptop theft is a common crime. In the neighborhood I live in, criminals make a habit of scanning coffee shops for unattended laptops. When people get up to grab a packet of sugar, go to the bathroom, [...]

What contingency plans do online backup services have in case their servers c...
The following is an actual user-submitted question: Q: What contingency plans do online backup services have in case their servers crash or are destroyed? A: For an answer to this question, we looked at a blog post written on Carbonite's blog: Carbonite uses RAID-6 redundant arrays which spread copies of the data across multiple hard [...]

iBackup special: Double the storage until June 9th
Until June 9th, online backup service iBackup is offering double the online storage for new customers and renewals. While iBackup ranks a bit lower in our reviews for everyday users, it does stand out for its enhanced plans which offer advanced options for businesses. Options such as  Microsoft Exchange, SQL Server and Oracle database backups, [...]

Mozy 2.0 launches
Today, online backup service Mozy launches version 2.0 of its backup manager. We're glad to see Mozy continue to make a great product even better. When it comes to the software, Mozy already takes the cake, but Mozy 2.0 greatly simplifies the setup process, makes using your own encryption key easier, and provides better support [...]

Q: I'm looking for a computer back up service but am concerned about HIPAA co...
The following is an actual user-submitted question: Q: I'm looking for a computer back up service but am concerned about HIPAA compliance. Are you certified for HIPAA protection and could you provide documentation? A: Thanks for the question. First, we should point out that NextAdvisor does not provide online backup services, we just review them. [...]

SugarSync discount extended
SugarSync has extended their  exclusive 15% discounts on its 60GB and 100GB plans until May 31st. SugarSync is a fun and feature-rich service that's particularly useful for those with smart phones. It does not, by default, back up as many files as Mozy or Carbonite (users must manually select email and system preferences, and Microsoft Outlook backups are not supported), [...]

If I sign up for Carbonite now and decide to cancel my subscription, what hap...
The following is an actual user-submitted question: Q: If I sign up for Carbonite now, 4/2010, and decide to cancel my subscription in 4/2011, what happens to my backed up items? A: If you cancel Carbonite you will lose remote access to those items. Here's the official word from Carbonite's help docs: If you are [...]

Norton 360 4.0 review: A good deal for great services
Symantec has just released Norton 360 Premiere Edition v. 4.0. T the suite is a pretty impressive deal at $99.99 per year, it may seem steep, but it combines a lot of useful, even essential, applications into one product. Until March 31st, customers can receive 10% off with the code SYM2010NEW. Just enter the coupon code [...]

Mozy coupon code: 20% off on online backup
Mozy, one of our favorite online backup services, is offering 20% off until the end of March. This Saint Patrick's Day inspired coupon code is GOLD. Just enter that code in at checkout to receive 20% off; this comes on top of Mozy's discounted annual plans. A one year plan will come in at a [...]

Does the Carbonite remote access feature allow me to view any file or email i...
The following is an actual user submitted question: Q: I am considering buying Carbonite and would like to know if I still need GoToMyPC remote access program if Carbonite allows for remote access? Does the Carbonite remote access feature allow me to view any file or email individually from any computer, similar to the GoToMyPC [...]

Did you know?

Did you know that an estimated 1-in-10 computer hard drives fail each year resulting in the loss of important files such as financial documents, emails, digital photos and music? Even more people, nearly 43% of all computer users, will lose some of their important files because of other computer or hardware problems. Luckily, this is totally preventable with the use of an online backup service. These services will run automated or manual backups of your computer's hard drive so that if for any reason your files are corrupted or lost they can be recovered as good as new. These services are easy to use, totally secure and will prevent losses in time and money in the event of some sort of file loss.
Read our reviews to learn more about the best online backup services

Why do I need a file backup service?

It is often said that there are two types of people in the world- those that use a hard drive backup service and those that will. Just like your health and auto insurance, online backup is something that you are very happy that you have when you need it. Online backup services store a secure backup of all the important files on your computer's hard drive so that you can retrieve them in case of file loss or corruption. This can be a life saver if your hard drive fails, your computer is stolen or you accidently erase an important file.
View all online backup services.


How does it work?

Using an online backup service couldn't be easier. In most cases it is as simple as downloading a piece of software on your computer that will automatically run in the background while you computer is turned on. Every time the software runs it checks your computer's hard drive to determine what files have changed and securely stores copies of those files for you so that they can be retrieved in the case of an unforeseen file loss or hard drive failure.
View our FAQ for more information.