Introduction

Cloud Backup Tools are specialized software services that automatically copy and store your data on remote, off-site servers via the internet. Unlike traditional local backups—which involve physical hard drives or tapes kept on the premises—cloud backup ensures that your data is geographically separated from your primary location. This protects against physical disasters like fires or floods and provides a robust defense against cyber threats that often target local networks first.

In today’s hybrid work era, these tools are essential for maintaining business continuity. They provide a centralized way to manage data residing on diverse devices, from office servers to remote laptops. When evaluating these tools, users should look for incremental backup capabilities (to save bandwidth), versioning (to roll back to specific points in time), encryption standards, and the Recovery Time Objective (RTO)—how quickly you can get back to work after a loss.

Best for: IT managers, small business owners, and enterprise security officers who need to protect a distributed workforce. It is particularly vital for industries with high compliance requirements, such as healthcare, legal, and finance, where data loss can lead to significant legal and financial penalties.

Not ideal for: Organizations with massive, multi-petabyte datasets and extremely limited internet bandwidth, where the time required for initial uploads would be prohibitive. For these users, a hybrid approach using local NAS storage with selective cloud tiering is often a more viable alternative.

Top 10 Cloud Backup Tools

1 — IDrive

IDrive is a versatile, high-performance backup solution that caters to both personal and enterprise needs. It is best known for its “unlimited devices” approach, allowing users to back up every laptop, smartphone, and tablet under a single account.

• Key features:
  • Multi-Device Backup: Protect PCs, Macs, iPhones, Androids, and servers with one subscription.
  • IDrive Express: A physical shipment service to speed up initial data seeding or large-scale restores via hard drives.
  • Snapshots and Versioning: Retain up to 30 historical versions of files to defend against ransomware.
  • IDrive Thin Client: A lightweight web-based console to manage backups for remote computers globally.
  • Continuous Data Protection: Automatically detects changes to files and backs them up in near real-time.
  • Server Backup: Specialized support for SQL, Exchange, Oracle, and SharePoint environments.
• Pros:
  • Excellent value for money, offering high storage capacities at a lower cost than most competitors.
  • The ability to back up mapped drives and external hard drives adds significant flexibility.
• Cons:
  • The user interface can feel a bit cluttered and dated compared to modern SaaS platforms.
  • Customer support response times can be inconsistent during peak hours.
• Security & compliance: 256-bit AES encryption, optional private key (Zero-Knowledge), HIPAA, GDPR, and SOC 2 compliant.
• Support & community: Extensive video tutorials, 24/7 chat support, and a growing knowledge base for IT administrators.

2 — Backblaze (Business)

Backblaze is synonymous with simplicity. While they offer a popular personal backup service, their business-tier offerings—including the B2 Cloud Storage—are designed for high-scale efficiency and ease of use.

• Key features:
  • Unlimited Computer Backup: A flat-rate model for backing up entire workstations without worrying about storage limits.
  • B2 Cloud Storage: An S3-compatible object storage layer for developers and enterprises.
  • Restore by Mail: Backblaze can ship an encrypted 8TB hard drive containing your data anywhere in the world.
  • Centralized Admin Console: Easily manage multiple users, view backup statuses, and handle billing from one spot.
  • Incremental Backup: Only uploads the parts of files that have changed, drastically reducing bandwidth usage.
  • Data Threading: Allows users to adjust the number of upload threads to maximize speed on high-bandwidth connections.
• Pros:
  • The most “set-it-and-forget-it” tool on the market; it requires almost zero manual intervention.
  • Extremely competitive pricing for their B2 object storage, often much cheaper than AWS or Azure.
• Cons:
  • The standard computer backup lacks the granular file-selection depth found in IDrive.
  • No native backup support for mobile devices (viewing files only).
• Security & compliance: SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA (with BAA), and private encryption key options.
• Support & community: Renowned for their “Drive Stats” blog and transparency; support is primarily via email and chat.

3 — Acronis Cyber Protect

Acronis has pioneered the merger of backup and cybersecurity. In 2026, it is less of a simple backup tool and more of a comprehensive endpoint protection platform that happens to include world-class cloud storage.

• Key features:
  • Active Protection: AI-based behavioral analysis that detects and stops ransomware in its tracks.
  • Unified Management: Combines backup, disaster recovery, malware protection, and patch management in one agent.
  • Vulnerability Assessment: Scans your systems for security holes before they can be exploited.
  • Universal Restore: Easily move your data from physical hardware to virtual environments or different hardware.
  • Acronis Cloud Storage: Proprietary global data centers optimized for high-speed recovery.
  • Blockchain Notarization: Uses Acronis Notary to ensure that files have not been tampered with since they were backed up.
• Pros:
  • A one-stop-shop for IT security, reducing the need for separate antivirus and backup vendors.
  • Exceptional recovery speeds and “bare metal” restore capabilities.
• Cons:
  • The complexity of the platform means a steeper learning curve for non-technical users.
  • The pricing is on the higher end of the spectrum due to the included security features.
• Security & compliance: AES-256 encryption, MFA, SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA, and FIPS 140-2.
• Support & community: 24/7 global enterprise support, dedicated account managers for large firms, and an active certification program.

4 — Carbonite (by OpenText)

Carbonite is a veteran in the cloud backup industry, known for its focus on small to mid-sized businesses. It offers a range of solutions from simple endpoint backup to complex server migration tools.

• Key features:
  • Carbonite Safe: Simple, unlimited backup for individual computers and workstations.
  • Image Backup: Creates a full system “image” to restore entire operating systems and applications.
  • External Drive Support: Can include external hard drives in the cloud backup schedule.
  • Remote Deployment: Admins can push the backup agent to hundreds of computers simultaneously.
  • Web-Based Restore: Access and download individual files from any browser at any time.
  • Carbonite Migrate: Specialized tools to help move data between cloud environments with zero downtime.
• Pros:
  • Reliable and stable performance with a long history of serving the SMB market.
  • Excellent administrative controls for managing a fleet of remote laptops.
• Cons:
  • Initial backups can be slower than competitors like Backblaze or IDrive.
  • Unlimited plans are tied to a single computer, which can get expensive for users with multiple machines.
• Security & compliance: SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, and data encryption at rest and in transit.
• Support & community: US-based telephone support, comprehensive self-help guides, and an extensive webinar library.

5 — Druva (Data Resiliency Cloud)

Druva is a cloud-native powerhouse built on AWS infrastructure. It is designed for modern enterprises that have moved away from physical data centers and need to protect SaaS data and cloud workloads.

• Key Features:
  • SaaS Protection: Dedicated backup for Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Salesforce, and Slack.
  • Air-Gapped Backups: Keeps data in a separate, isolated cloud environment to ensure it survives a local breach.
  • Global Deduplication: Only stores one copy of redundant data across the whole company, saving massive storage costs.
  • Automated Compliance: Scans backups for sensitive data like credit card numbers or PII to ensure GDPR compliance.
  • Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS): Spin up your critical VMs directly in the cloud during an outage.
• Pros:
  • No hardware to manage; it is entirely SaaS-based, making it incredibly scalable.
  • Superior protection for Microsoft 365, which is often underserved by traditional backup tools.
• Cons:
  • Not suitable for businesses that still rely heavily on legacy on-premise hardware without internet access.
  • The pricing model is consumption-based, which can lead to unpredictable monthly costs.
• Security & Compliance: FIPS 140-2, SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, FedRAMP, and ISO 27001.
• Support & Community: High-tier enterprise support, a dedicated “Customer Success” program, and deep technical whitepapers.

6 — Veeam (Data Platform)

Veeam is the industry standard for virtualized environments. While they began as an on-premise software company, their cloud-integrated solutions in 2026 are among the most powerful for hybrid infrastructures.

• Key features:
  • Veeam Cloud Connect: Send backups directly to a service provider’s cloud without a complex VPN.
  • Direct-to-Object Storage: Back up directly to AWS S3, Azure Blob, or Google Cloud Storage.
  • Instant VM Recovery: Boot a failed virtual machine directly from the backup file to minimize downtime.
  • SureBackup: Automated testing to verify that your backups will actually work when you need them.
  • Immutable Backups: Protect against ransomware by making backups “un-deletable” for a set period.
  • Multi-Cloud Mobility: Easily move workloads between AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
• Pros:
  • Unrivaled flexibility; it works with almost any storage hardware or cloud provider you choose.
  • The most reliable recovery platform for complex server environments and databases.
• Cons:
  • Requires a high level of IT expertise to configure and manage effectively.
  • Pricing can be complex, involving both software licenses and third-party cloud storage costs.
• Security & compliance: End-to-end encryption, MFA, SOC 2, GDPR, and HIPAA.
• Support & community: One of the largest user communities in the world; extensive certification paths (VMCE) and 24/7 support.

7 — MSP360 (formerly CloudBerry)

MSP360 offers a unique “Bring Your Own Storage” model. They provide the management software and interface, but you choose where your data is stored (AWS, Azure, Wasabi, etc.).

• Key features:
  • Multi-Cloud Choice: Connect to over 20 different cloud storage providers.
  • Centralized Management: A web-based console to monitor and trigger backups for thousands of endpoints.
  • File-Level and Image-Based Backup: Choose between backing up specific folders or the entire OS.
  • Ransomware Protection: Detects unauthorized encryption and alerts the administrator immediately.
  • SaaS Backup: Modules for Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace.
  • White Labeling: Ideal for IT consultants (MSPs) who want to sell backup under their own brand.
• Pros:
  • Offers the most control over where your data physically lives and how much you pay for storage.
  • Very fast performance because you can choose the cloud data center closest to your office.
• Cons:
  • Managing two separate bills (MSP360 + Cloud Storage) can be annoying for some users.
  • Initial setup requires a bit of cloud “know-how” to connect APIs and storage buckets.
• Security & compliance: AES-256 encryption, GDPR, HIPAA, and support for cloud-native security features.
• Support & community: Strong community forums, responsive technical support, and extensive documentation.

8 — CrashPlan

CrashPlan has refocused its efforts entirely on the “small business and enterprise” endpoint market. It is a specialist tool designed to protect the work that happens on laptops and desktops.

• Key features:
  • Continuous Data Protection: Backs up new data as it is created, rather than waiting for a scheduled window.
  • Unlimited Versioning: Keeps every version of a file forever (unless you choose to prune them).
  • Legal Hold: Specialized tools to preserve data for legal discovery or HR investigations.
  • Flexible Retention: Define different rules for how long data is kept for different departments.
  • Smart File Prioritization: Ensures your most important work is backed up first during a large upload.
  • Self-Service Restore: A simple interface for employees to recover their own lost files without calling IT.
• Pros:
  • The unlimited versioning is a lifesaver for creative professionals and researchers.
  • Very lightweight agent that doesn’t slow down the user’s computer.
• Cons:
  • No support for server-side applications like SQL or Exchange.
  • Pricing is per-user, which can become expensive for larger teams.
• Security & compliance: SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO 27001. Private key encryption is standard.
• Support & community: Highly rated “Customer Champions” support team and an extensive online help center.

9 — Arcserve (ShadowProtect)

Arcserve provides a highly robust “hybrid” solution. It is designed for businesses that want a local backup for speed but need a cloud copy for ultimate disaster recovery.

• Key features:
  • VirtualBoot Technology: Boot a backup as a VM in seconds, either locally or in the Arcserve Cloud.
  • Global Deduplication: Highly efficient data reduction to minimize cloud storage costs.
  • Arcserve Cloud Services: A dedicated disaster recovery cloud with full failover capabilities.
  • Unified Console: Manage physical servers, virtual machines, and cloud instances in one view.
  • One-Click Failover: Automated orchestration to bring your whole office back online in the cloud.
• Pros:
  • One of the best tools for achieving very low RTOs (Recovery Time Objectives).
  • Excellent for businesses that have a mix of old physical servers and new cloud VMs.
• Cons:
  • The interface can be very technical and intimidating for non-IT staff.
  • The pricing is geared toward the mid-market and enterprise, making it pricey for very small teams.
• Security & compliance: AES-256 encryption, SOC 2, HIPAA, and GDPR.
• Support & community: High-quality enterprise support and a network of specialized VARs (Value Added Resellers).

10 — SpiderOak (CrossClave)

SpiderOak is the “Fort Knox” of cloud backup. They are famous for their “No-Knowledge” policy, ensuring that not even the company’s engineers can see your data.

• Key features:
  • No-Knowledge Encryption: Everything is encrypted on your device before it ever touches the cloud.
  • Point-in-Time Recovery: Roll back your entire system to exactly how it looked before a ransomware attack.
  • CrossClave Collaboration: A secure workspace for teams to share and back up files together.
  • Deduplication: Efficiently manages storage space without compromising privacy.
  • Cross-Platform Parity: Offers identical features for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• Pros:
  • The absolute best choice for privacy-conscious organizations like law firms or journalists.
  • The software is built with a “security-first” rather than “feature-first” mindset.
• Cons:
  • Upload speeds can be slower due to the intense encryption process happening locally.
  • If you lose your master password and your backup keys, your data is gone forever—there is no “reset password” button.
• Security & compliance: The highest level of Zero-Knowledge security, GDPR, and HIPAA.
• Support & community: Privacy-focused community and a very dedicated technical support team.

Comparison Table

Evaluation & Scoring of Cloud Backup Tools

To provide an objective overview, we have evaluated these tools using a weighted rubric that reflects the priorities of a modern IT department in 2026.

Which Cloud Backup Tool Is Right for You?

Solo Users vs SMB vs Mid-Market vs Enterprise

If you are a solo user or a freelancer, Backblaze or IDrive are the most logical choices; they provide massive storage for a single price and require very little maintenance. SMBs (up to 50 employees) will find the best balance in Carbonite or MSP360. For Mid-Market and Enterprises, the decision usually boils down to Druva (if you are cloud-native) or Veeam/Acronis (if you still have local servers and high security needs).

Budget-Conscious vs Premium Solutions

If budget is your primary concern, IDrive often wins on pure storage-to-dollar ratio. Backblaze is also a top contender for budget-conscious workstations. On the premium end, Rubrik (though not on this list) and Druva command a higher price but offer automated compliance and disaster recovery features that can save millions in the event of an attack.

Feature Depth vs Ease of Use

If you want ease of use, Backblaze is the king; you install it and never look at it again. If you need feature depth—such as the ability to script backups or integrate with complex virtualized networks—Veeam and Automox (via integrations) are the superior choices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is cloud storage (like Google Drive) the same as cloud backup?

No. Cloud storage is for syncing and collaboration. If you delete a file on your PC, it usually deletes on Google Drive too. Cloud backup is a “versioned” copy; it keeps multiple versions from different dates, allowing you to go back in time to before the data was deleted or corrupted.

2. How long does the initial backup take?

It depends on your data size and upload speed. If you have 1TB of data and a standard upload speed, it could take several days. Many providers like IDrive and Backblaze offer “Express” services where they ship you a physical drive to speed up this first step.

3. Will cloud backup slow down my internet?

Most modern tools use “throttling” and “scheduling.” You can set the backup to only run at night, or tell it to only use 20% of your available bandwidth so it doesn’t interrupt your Zoom calls.

4. What is “Zero-Knowledge” encryption?

This means that only you have the “key” to your data. The backup company does not have it. This is great for privacy, but be careful: if you lose your key, the company cannot reset it for you, and your data will be lost forever.

5. Do I need cloud backup if I use Microsoft 365?

Yes. Microsoft is responsible for the infrastructure, but you are responsible for the data. If an employee accidentally wipes a SharePoint site or a ransomware attack hits your OneDrive, Microsoft generally cannot restore that data after 30 days.

6. Can I back up my smartphone too?

Most tools like IDrive and Acronis have mobile apps that back up your photos, videos, contacts, and calendars. However, specialized endpoint tools like CrashPlan focus only on laptops and desktops.

7. What happens if I go over my storage limit?

Most providers will alert you, and some will automatically move you to the next tier. Tools like Backblaze (for workstations) are unlimited, so you never have to worry about hitting a cap.

8. Is my data safe in the cloud?

Statistically, your data is safer in a Tier-4 data center (like those used by AWS or Veeam) than it is on a hard drive in your office. These facilities have 24/7 security, fire suppression, and redundant power.

9. Can I back up my external hard drives?

Yes, tools like IDrive and Carbonite specifically allow for the inclusion of external drives, provided they are plugged in when the backup runs.

10. How often should I run a backup?

The industry best practice is “Continuous Data Protection” (CDP) or at least once every 24 hours. The more often you back up, the less data you lose if a crash happens at 3 PM on a Tuesday.

Conclusion

The “best” cloud backup tool in 2026 is the one that fits your specific workflow and risk tolerance. If you are a privacy advocate, SpiderOak is your choice. If you are an IT admin managing a fleet, NinjaOne or Acronis provide the best control. And if you are a business owner who just wants peace of mind, Backblaze remains the gold standard for simplicity.

Ultimately, the cost of a cloud backup subscription is negligible compared to the cost of recreating your company’s data from scratch. Choose a tool that offers encryption, versioning, and ease of restore, and ensure that you test your recovery process at least twice a year.