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What Are the Best Backup Cloud Services?
The best backup cloud services for most home users are Backblaze Personal Backup for simple, unlimited backup of one computer, pCloud Backup for people who also want cloud storage, and a do-it-yourself setup like Arq with cloud object storage for full control. Built-in options such as Windows Backup and iCloud Backup cover the basics for free or cheaply.
| Service | Type | What it backs up | Versions | Private key option | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backblaze Personal Backup | Computer backup, unlimited per computer | Whole computer plus connected external drives | 30 days standard; longer options for a fee | Yes | Windows, Mac |
| pCloud Backup | Folder backup into pCloud storage | Selected computer folders | Up to 30 days; longer with add-on | Paid Encryption add-on | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| Arq with cloud storage | Backup software plus your own storage | Any folders you choose | You set the retention | Yes | Windows, Mac |
| Windows Backup | Built into Windows | Folders, settings and apps via OneDrive | Follows OneDrive (30 days) | No | Windows |
| iCloud Backup | Built into iPhone and iPad | Device settings and app data | Latest backup per device | With Advanced Data Protection | iPhone, iPad |
| NAS backup apps | Synology Hyper Backup, QNAP HBS 3 | NAS shared folders | You set the retention | Yes | NAS |
Details come from each provider’s published pages, checked in October 2026. Pricing changes often, so confirm it on the provider’s site.
How We Compared Backup Cloud Services
We looked at the points that decide whether you get your files back:
- Coverage: does it back up the whole computer, external drives, or only chosen folders?
- Versions: how far back can you restore?
- Restores: web download, app restore, or a drive shipped to you.
- Encryption: who holds the keys?
- Ease: can a non-technical user set it and forget it?
The comparison is based on providers’ documentation and on our experience setting up and restoring from these tools. Rankings are not paid.
Short Verdicts
Backblaze Personal Backup
Backblaze backs up a whole Mac or Windows computer, including connected external drives, with no file size limit.
Its personal plan is priced per computer, with monthly, yearly and two-year options listed on its site. You can restore by web download or order a USB drive of your data, refundable if you return it within 30 days.
An optional private encryption key means only you can unlock backups. Read our full Backblaze cloud storage review.
pCloud Backup
pCloud Backup copies chosen computer folders into your pCloud storage and keeps them updated. It suits people who want one service for storage and backup. File history covers up to 30 days, with an add-on for up to a year. See our pCloud Backup review.
Arq with cloud storage
Arq is backup software that sends encrypted, versioned backups to storage you choose, such as Backblaze B2 or other object storage. It takes more setup but gives full control over retention and cost.
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Windows Backup and OneDrive
Windows Backup saves folders, settings and app lists to OneDrive. It is convenient but relies on OneDrive sync, so treat it as a first layer. Our guide to how to back up a Windows PC to the cloud shows setup.
iCloud Backup
iCloud Backup restores a whole iPhone or iPad. Add a second copy for photos. See backing up iPhone to the cloud.
NAS backup apps
Synology Hyper Backup and QNAP Hybrid Backup Sync send encrypted, versioned NAS backups to the cloud. See cloud NAS.
Who Each Service Suits
- One computer, minimal effort: Backblaze Personal Backup.
- You want storage and backup in one: pCloud Backup.
- Several computers and a technical bent: Arq with object storage.
- Phones only: iCloud Backup or Google device backup, plus a photo copy.
- A home NAS: Hyper Backup or HBS 3 to cloud storage.
What to Check Before You Buy
- Does the plan cover external drives and how often must they connect?
- How long are deleted files kept?
- Can you set your own encryption key?
- What does a full restore cost, and how long does it take?
For the full setup process, follow our pillar on how to back up to the cloud. For Macs, see Time Machine backup to cloud.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cloud backup service for one computer?
For one Windows or Mac computer, Backblaze Personal Backup is a simple choice because it backs up the whole computer and connected external drives with no file size limit at a flat price per computer. Check that its version history options fit your needs, and set a private key if privacy matters.
Is OneDrive or Google Drive a backup service?
Not fully. OneDrive and Google Drive are sync services with recycle bins and about 30 days of version history. They mirror deletions and ransomware damage to every device. Use them for working files, and add a separate backup service with longer version history for files you cannot replace.
Can cloud backup services restore my whole computer?
Most consumer backup services restore your files and folders, not a bootable copy of Windows or macOS. You reinstall the operating system and apps, then restore your data. For a complete image of the system, use a local image backup tool alongside cloud backup.
What does a private encryption key do?
A private encryption key means your backups can only be unlocked with a key or passphrase you set. The provider cannot read your files or reset the key. If you lose it, your backups cannot be recovered, so store the key safely, for example in a password manager.
How do I choose between unlimited and pay-per-terabyte backup?
Unlimited plans are simplest for one computer with lots of data, because the price stays flat. Pay-per-terabyte storage suits several devices or a NAS, since you pay only for what you store and can set retention yourself. Estimate your data size and number of devices, then compare current prices.
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