Best cloud backup

10 services on test

W e all know the importance of backing up our data, but it’s easy to find excuses not to do it. Setting up an external drive or NAS box, for example, is an expense and a hassle. However, the modern generation of cloud backup services make the job effortless. Getting started is as easy as downloading and installing a lightweight client – and then sitting back, secure in the knowledge that your files are being continuously replicated to a remote data centre. You can download copies whenever you need them, and the off-site approach means they’re safe even if your home is hit by a fire or burglary.

Of course, not all cloud backup services are the same. Depending on who you go with, you’ll pay differing amounts for different allowances of online storage. Performance may vary, with some systems taking much longer to back up and restore files than others. Features can make a difference, too: for example, some clients will let you set up multiple backup sets, and duplicate your backups to a local drive for easy restoration, while others keep things as simple as possible.

We’ve put ten of the biggest cloud backup services to the test, to help you find one that’s worth entrusting with your precious data.