Top Online Backup Sites You Should Know
If you’re searching for reliable online backup sites, you’re in the right place. In this article we’ll highlight some of the best services, show what features to look for, and help you select the right one — all while making sure you know how to take advantage of deals and keep your data safe.
1. What to Look for in Online Backup Sites
Before picking a provider, check these key factors:
✅ Device & Platform Support
The best online backup sites support multiple devices (PC, Mac, Android, iOS) and backup types (files, folders, external drives). For example, IDrive supports computers, mobile devices, servers, and even backup of cloud apps like Microsoft 365. idrive.com+1
✅ Security & Encryption
Your backups should be encrypted in‑transit and at rest. Some services offer “zero‑knowledge” encryption so the provider cannot access your files.
✅ Backup Method & Restore Options
Does the service automatically detect changed files and upload only those? Can you restore older versions or lost files easily? The “3‑2‑1” backup rule is a good standard: three copies of your data, on two different media, and one off‑site. TechRadar
✅ Storage Size & Pricing
Look for reasonable pricing for the storage you need. Free tiers are nice but often limited. For example, free plans may start at 5 GB‑15 GB. MoneySavingExpert.com+1
✅ Ease of Use & Support
A good user interface, reliable customer support, and clear documentation make the difference when you need a restore or run into problems.
✅ Reputation & Reviews
Check expert reviews of “best cloud backup” services to get current insights. For example TechRadar’s 2025 list highlights some top options. TechRadar
2. Top Recommended Online Backup Sites
Here are three excellent options worth considering:
a) IDrive
Why choose IDrive:
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Supports PC, Mac, mobile devices, servers and NAS. idrive.com+1
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Offers automatic backup, archiving, versioning and even backups of cloud services like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. idrive.com
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Recognised in expert reviews as “best overall” cloud backup service in 2025. TechRadar
Considerations: -
Interface may look a bit complex for absolute beginners.
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You’ll want to check the pricing carefully for the storage amount you need.
b) Backblaze
Why choose Backblaze:
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Clear focus on “set‑and‑forget” unlimited backup for home users (depending on plan). backblaze.com+1
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Reliable, simple interface: you install the app, it backs up your files.
Considerations: -
Might not have as many extra features (e.g., cloud service backups, NAS support) as more full‑featured services.
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For business or complex backup needs you’ll want to check their advanced offerings.
c) Dropbox Backup
Why choose Dropbox Backup:
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Easy to use and integrates with everyday file storage and sharing. dropbox.com+1
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Good choice if you already use Dropbox for syncing and sharing, and want that simplicity.
Considerations: -
Although aimed at backup, it may be less focused on full system backup or external drives compared to dedicated backup services. TechRadar
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Pricing may scale quickly depending on your storage needs.
3. How to Use These Online Backup Sites Effectively
Here are practical tips to get the most from your backup service:
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Start with a free trial or free tier, to test how the backup process works and how fast restores are.
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Decide what you will back up: documents, photos, videos, system images or external drives? Some services exclude certain file types or devices.
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Schedule regular backups: set it and forget it. Automatic incremental backups help keep your data safe.
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Test a restore: it’s no good backing up if you can’t restore when you need to.
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Keep a local copy + cloud copy, as part of the 3‑2‑1 strategy: e.g., external drive + cloud backup.
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Use encryption and strong passwords, especially if storing sensitive files.
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Monitor storage usage and cost, make sure you’re not paying for much more than you need.
4. How This Relates to Hosting & Your Website
If you run a website (for example on the service linked via https://hostdiscountcode.com), your site’s files, database, media uploads all need backups. You can use one of the above online backup sites for:
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Backing up website files and databases off‑site.
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Keeping backups of your hosting control panel or server snapshots.
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Ensuring quick restore if something goes wrong with your web host or site gets hacked.
Internal link: Read more about web hosting offers at Host Discount Code.
Consider pairing your hosting provider’s backup solution with an external online backup site for redundancy.
5. Final Thoughts
Choosing the right online backup site means matching your needs (devices, storage size, restore speed) with a service that has strong security, good usability and fair pricing. The three options listed above – IDrive, Backblaze and Dropbox Backup – each address slightly different needs, so pick the one that aligns with how you work, how much data you have, and how much control or simplicity you want. Then use them smartly to protect your website, personal files and digital assets.
FAQs
Q1: What is the difference between “cloud backup” and “cloud storage”?
A1: Cloud storage (like putting files in a folder you can access online) often means manual file upload/sync. Cloud backup means the service is designed to automatically back up files, including new/changed ones, may include versioning, and is intended for restore scenarios. TechRadar+1
Q2: How much storage do I really need for backup?
A2: It depends on what you’re backing up: documents only may require few GBs; media (videos/photos) or entire system images require much more. Estimate your current data size plus growth, and consider a plan that gives you headroom.
Q3: Is free backup storage enough?
A3: Free tiers are great for testing or light usage. But for full backups of multiple devices, you’ll likely need a paid plan. Also check that the free plan supports automatic backups and restore features you need.
Q4: How often should I run backups?
A4: Ideally continuous or daily automatic backups. The more frequent, the less data you risk losing. Also schedule periodic checks that your backups are completing successfully.
Q5: If my website is hosted via a hosting provider, do I still need an external backup?
A5: Yes. While many hosting providers offer backups, having an external backup adds an extra layer of protection (e.g., if the hosting provider fails, you get hacked, or you need to migrate). You can use a service like those above to back up your site files and database and link this with your hosting at Host Discount Code.
If you like, I can also compare 5‑10 online backup sites side by side (features + pricing + best use cases) with a table for easy selection. Would that be helpful?