Have you ever lost an important file and not been able to get it back again? Dropped a cup of coffee onto your laptop keyboard and waved a soggy goodbye to several weeks’ worth of work?
You’re not alone.
There aren’t many people who haven’t experienced the pain of losing data. We’ve been there. We know exactly how much it hurts. Which is why, here at BestBackups, we decided to devote our time to making it as easy as possible for you to keep your files safe – and where better to start than with the over 1.5 billion people around the world that use Windows 7, 8 and 10?
We’re also looking exclusively at online backup services (which specialise in storage space and security) here – if you’re more interested in easy access and file sharing, head over to our 5 best Cloud storage providers list, or Apple users can check out what we think are the best services for Mac.
Alternatively, read on for our guide to the 5 Best Online Backups for Windows, and find the perfect provider in minutes!
5 Best Online Backup Services for Windows 2016 Summary
Rank | Provider | Review | Price | Link |
1 | [vpnbest value=”5″]Read Review > | $5/mo | Visit Site > | |
2 | [vpnbest value=”4.5″] Read Review > | $7/mo | Visit Site > | |
3 | [vpnbest value=”4.2″] Read Review > | $7.99/mo | Visit Site > | |
4 | [vpnbest value=”4″] Read Review > | $3.71/mo | Visit Site > | |
5 | [vpnbest value=”3.7″] Read Review > | $5/mo | Visit Site > |
Winner
CrashPlan
[vpnbest value=”5″] 5/5
- PROS
- Excellent price
Easy to use
Plenty of great features
Online and offline backups
High-level security features
- CONS
- No sync or share options
Backup from limited devices
CrashPlan makes it to the top of our list simply because it’s a great all-rounder. A traditional online backup provider, you won’t find much by way of file sharing options here, but there are a whole host of other features available, all of which are extremely well designed.
Automatic file uploads continuously run in the background without slowing down your computer, and the option to backup to a local drive as well as online makes this service extra-versatile. 448-bit end-to-end encryption should reassure even the most security-conscious users, and it all comes at a very reasonable price – just $5 per month to cover one computer, and $12.50 per month to backup from up to 10 devices. There’s even a free plan, although this only offers local storage, with a 30-day trial letting you get a taste of Cloud services too.
Like the sound of CrashPlan? Give it a try by following the link below!
2nd place
SpiderOak
[vpnbest value=”4.5″] 4.5/5
- PROS
- Top-notch security
Sync and share options
Backup from unlimited devices
- CONS
- Not the easiest software to use
You might have noticed that online privacy is a hot topic at the moment. Here at BestBackups, we think that’s for a very good reason – which is why SpiderOak has nabbed the silver medal.
SpiderOakONE, their most recent offering, is all about security, with 256-bit AES end-to-end encryption, and a ‘zero-knowledge’ policy which claims that SpiderOak will never be able to access any of your personal details.
They’ve also gone to great lengths to avoid the trappings of traditional online backup services. While this has some disadvantages (it lacks the unlimited storage plan offered by many of its competitors and file sharing options are a little convoluted), it’s successful in many respects. In particular the option to backup from unlimited devices, and the associated synchronisation options, are great.
If you like the sound of SpiderOak, you can get 30GB of online storage for $7 per month, 1TB for $12 per month, or 5TB for a monthly fee of $25. There’s also a 60-day trial on offer, which lets you use up to 2GB of space free of charge. Follow the link to give it a try!
3rd place
SOS
[vpnbest value=”4.2″] 4.2/5
- PROS
- Excellent security
Broad range of features
File sharing options
- CONS
- Tricky to use
SOS is another backup service that’s made the effort to bridge the gap between online backup and Cloud storage, combining flexible storage allowances and automated backups with file sharing and synchronization options.
Although the software can be confusing at times, particularly for less experienced users, strong security features including end-to-end encryption are another added bonus, making SOS well worth a try.
You can pick your storage capacity from a broad range of options starting at $4.99 per month for 50GB, and there’s a 15-day trial in case you’d like to try before you buy. Use the link below to sign up now!
4th place
IDrive
[vpnbest value=”4″] 4/5
- PROS
- Wide variety of features
Good security
Backup from unlimited devices
Low price
- CONS
- Price increase after first year
Iffy customer service
If you’re looking for plenty of features to play around with, IDrive is an excellent choice. With the option to backup not just online but using local devices and NAS, as well as direct backups from Facebook and Instagram, you’ll have a very broad range of options available.
Security-wise, you’ll get the benefit of 256-bit end-to-end AES encryption, as well as the option to retrieve all of your files remotely by receiving a hard disk containing your data directly from IDrive. It’s not all about the frills, either – basic processes work well, and the software is easy to use. In fact, if you don’t mind some fairly poor customer service, then you should get along just fine.
IDrive offers a 5GB free plan, which can be extended to 20GB by inviting friends to sign up, and paid subscriptions are very reasonable at $3.71 per month for your first year and $4.95 per month for subsequent years.
Like the sound of IDrive? Why not follow the link to check it out
5th place
Backblaze
[vpnbest value=”3.7″] 3.7/5
- PROS
- 15-day free trial
Good security
Very easy to use
- CONS
- Few advanced options
When it comes to convenience, Backblaze is hard to beat. Adhering closely to the principle of ‘just-set-it-up-and-let-it-run’, all you need to do is give the software a few simple instructions and you won’t have to worry about it until you need to restore your saved files.
This does mean that Backblaze isn’t the best option for users looking for more advanced, customizable features, as there’s not much going on below the surface, but it does a great job of the simple processes it was made to perform.
Good security including end-to-end encryption increases its appeal, and a price tag of just $5 per month for access to full features and unlimited storage space combine to make an excellent entry level product.
Is quick and easy just what you’re looking for? Head over to Backblaze and sign up today!
Our criteria
We choose our top providers based on a number of factors, including their features, security measures, ease of use, and value for money. What’s more, all of the services we review have been tried and tested right here at BestBackups, so you can be sure that our information is up to date and based on what the software is really like, not just what the companies claim it to be!
Looking for Dropbox?
We’ve used the term ‘online backups’ for a reason here. This list is all about services that will keep a copy of all of your files locked away, safe at the back of the internet’s metaphorical storage cupboard. If you’re more interested in using a backup to share documents with friends and colleagues, or to access your files on the go, then you might want to head over to ‘5 Best Online Storage Services’.
Conclusion
There are plenty of great backup services on the market, but we’re confident that we’ve found five of the best. Whether you’re looking for convenience or customization, the perfect program is out there, and we hope that our tried and tested recommendations have pointed you in the right direction. Just pick your favorite, and wave goodbye to worrying about lost data!
A final recap
Rank | Provider | Review | Price | Link |
1 | [vpnbest value=”5″]Read Review > | 5/mo | Visit Site > | |
2 | [vpnbest value=”4.5″] Read Review > | $7/mo | Visit Site > | |
3 | [vpnbest value=”4.2″] Read Review > | $7.99/mo | Visit Site > | |
4 | [vpnbest value=”4″] Read Review > | $3.71/mo | Visit Site > | |
5 | [vpnbest value=”3.7″] Read Review > | $5/mo | Visit Site > |