If you are an existing iCloud user, Switch☨ to IDrive today at 90% off for the first year
iCloud stores your photos, videos, documents, music, apps and more, keeping them updated across all your Apple devices. However, it has its own limitations and downsides when compared with IDrive. The major benefit of using IDrive is that it is cross-platform compatible - you can backup and restore files across PCs, Macs, iPhones, iPads, Androids and Windows Phone devices.
Furthermore, IDrive uses 256-bit AES encryption, along with an optional private key for additional security - known only to you.
| Why IDrive is better: | IDrive | iCloud | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Eleven-time Editors' Choice Winner!  4.5 out of 5 2015 - 2024 |
 3.5 out of 5 |
|
Personal plans |
Starts at $99.50/year $69.65 first year 5 TB Backup + 5 TB Cloud Drive |
Starts at $11.88/year 50 GB storage |
|
Multiple computer backup with basic plan across all platforms |
Backup multiple computers - PCs, Macs, and Linux devices to a single account |
Limited backup functionality for Windows
You can backup data stored in Windows computer, provided your Apple ID is used to setup iCloud on atleast one Apple device |
|
Mobile Backup across all platforms |
iPhone, iPad, Android Backup |
For iOS devices only | |
Snapshot-based restore |
Historical view of your data lets you perform point-in-time recovery |
Does not support snapshot-based restore |
|
Local backup |
A combination of local and cloud backup for all the data on your computers, servers and mobile devices |
Does not support local backup |
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Data sync |
Online file sync is available for all plans. Activate Sync and get additional space for sync, equivalent to your backup storage plan for FREE! |
File sync is available for all plans |
|
Server cloud backup |
Available for all IDrive plans, even for the FREE account |
Does not support server backup |
|
True archiving |
Data, once backed up, is never deleted even after it is removed from its original location on your computer, unless you delete it manually |
Files once deleted from your computer are instantly removed from the cloud and from linked devices |
|
Disk Clone |
Backup entire drive on your computer, including operating system, with content and information structure intact |
Does not support disk clone |
|
Versioning |
IDrive maintains up to 30 previous versions of all the files in your account |
Maintains previous versions of only iWork documents |
|
Create user accounts within your storage space |
Available only for business plans |
You cannot share your account storage space |
|
Free physical data shipment |
IDrive Express is FREE - 1x a year for personal plans and 3x a year for businesses |
Physical shipment of data is not available |
|
Data encryption on transfer and storage |
Files are transferred and stored encrypted via 256-bit AES encryption with an optional private key. Secure 128-bit SSL links are used for all online data transfers. |
Uses 128-bit AES encryption |
|
Private key encryption |
A user-defined text string can be used to generate the 256-bit AES encryption key for encrypting all files |
User-defined text string is not supported |
|
Centralized admin console |
A web-based console to manage data backups, restores, application settings etc., on your faraway computers |
Web-only access is available to view backed up data |
|
☨ The 90% offer is applicable for the first year only. You need to provide proof of your iCloud account.
Here's what the experts say:
IDrive® secures 11th consecutive PCMag Editors' choice award
IDrive® is fast, easy to set up, and simple to use-and you won't find a better price per terabyte for backing up your devices.
An excellent suite of tools for local and internet backups, with a ton of online backup space for a good price.
A Great Storage and Backup Combo.
IDrive gets even better with unlimited backups of your Google, Microsoft cloud.
Having reviewed IDrive’s online backup service several times over the years, I’m familiar with the company’s penchant for feature-rich efforts. And RemotePC, which can leverage IDrive for backup, is the most feature-laden remote desktop software on the planet. I like the attitude-if it can or should be done, let’s just do it.
As a pure storage solution for all of your mobile photography, this is easily the most affordable unlimited option we've seen. And with IDrive's strong track record in the cloud storage realm, it's also one that you can trust.
IDrive is a top-notch cloud storage service.
Effortless remote backup - A versatile and feature-rich hybrid backup solution that’s simple to use and perfectly priced for SMBs.
IDrive - The cheapest cloud storage service of 2020 for all your files. If all you care about is lots of storage on the cheap, this service can't be topped.
IDrive is like a checklist of everything most people could want from a cloud storage service. It's fast, incredibly simple to use, and it offers excellent security so you know your files are secure at all times.
Best overall choice thanks to a rock-bottom price.
IDrive's versatile and easy-to-use platform is packed with features and different ways to back up, store and recover your company's data, which is why we named it our best pick for small businesses.
IDrive is best for anyone who has multiple machines to back up.
Online backup for the person who wants everything; Backup, storage, sharing, local backup... IDrive does just about everything.