The Smartest Cloud Backup Solution

for Users Who Want Reliable Backup Without Complexity

4.5
★★★★★
Excellent

After extensive testing of IDrive, we found it delivers one of the best value-for-money cloud backup solutions available today. Unlike many backup providers that charge per device, IDrive lets you protect multiple PCs, phones, and external drives under one account. Its combination of strong security, affordable pricing, full-device backup, and cross-platform support makes it ideal for individuals, families, and small businesses. The only downside is that the interface can feel slightly outdated compared to newer competitors.

What We Love

• Backup unlimited devices under one account
• Excellent pricing compared to competitors
• Supports Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone, and servers
• Full disk image and file-level backup options
• End-to-end encryption with private key support
• Fast upload speeds with block-level sync
• Physical data shipment service for large backups

Could Be Better

• Interface feels cluttered for beginners
• Initial backup can take a long time
• Mobile app UI needs modernization
• Some advanced features require setup knowledge

✓ Free plan available • 10GB free storage • No credit card required

Try IDrive →

What Is IDrive?

A complete overview of the platform, cloud backup capabilities, and who it’s designed for.

IDrive is a cloud-based backup and storage platform designed to protect personal and business data across multiple devices. Founded in 1995, IDrive has become one of the most trusted names in online backup, serving millions of users worldwide.

What makes IDrive different from services like Dropbox or Google Drive is that it focuses heavily on complete backup protection rather than simple cloud storage. Instead of only syncing files, IDrive can back up entire systems, external hard drives, mobile devices, NAS systems, and even servers.

The platform combines:

• Cloud backup
• File synchronization
• Disaster recovery
• Remote management
• Cloud storage sharing

—all inside one account.

IDrive is especially popular among freelancers, remote workers, photographers, content creators, and small businesses because a single subscription can cover multiple devices instead of charging per computer.

Who Is IDrive Best For?

IDrive is ideal for:

• People with multiple devices
• Families sharing one backup plan
• Small businesses needing affordable cloud backup
• Users wanting encrypted offsite backups
• Photographers and video creators storing large files
• Remote workers protecting work documents

It may not be the best choice for users wanting ultra-simple drag-and-drop cloud storage only. In that case, services like Dropbox or Google Drive are easier to use.

See IDrive in Action

1. Dashboard Overview

Manage all backups, devices, storage, and sync activity from one place.

6. The main dashboard displays connected devices, storage usage, recent backups, and sync activity. Users can manage multiple PCs, phones, and external drives from a single interface.

2. File Backup & Restore

Choose specific folders or perform full-system backups.

6. IDrive supports both scheduled and real-time backups. Restoring files is straightforward and includes version history recovery for accidentally changed or deleted files.

3. Mobile Backup

Automatically back up photos, contacts, and videos from smartphones.

8. The mobile app automatically uploads media and contacts from Android and iPhone devices, making it useful for users who frequently switch phones or want cloud photo protection.

4. Security & Encryption

Private-key encryption for maximum data privacy.

7. IDrive supports AES-256 encryption with optional private-key encryption, meaning even the company cannot access your files if you choose your own encryption key.

How IDrive Works

1. Create Your Account

Sign up for an IDrive account and choose either the free plan or a premium storage plan.

2. Install the Backup App

Download the desktop or mobile application on all devices you want to protect.

Supported platforms include:

• Windows
• macOS
• Android
• iOS
• Linux
• NAS devices
• Servers

3. Select Files & Backup Schedule

Choose folders, drives, or complete system backups. Users can create automatic schedules for daily or hourly backups.

4. Backup & Sync Automatically

Once configured, IDrive continuously uploads changed files using block-level backup technology, which speeds up transfers significantly.

Setup Advice: Use Hybrid Backup

IDrive works best when combining:

• Cloud backup
• Local external drive backup

This creates both online and offline recovery protection, reducing the risk of total data loss.

Enterprise-Grade Security

IDrive includes:

• AES-256 encryption
• Private-key encryption
• Two-factor authentication
• Ransomware protection
• GDPR compliance
• Secure SSL transfers

This makes it suitable for both personal and business usage.

Key Features

Core

Multi-Device Backup

Backup unlimited devices using one account subscription.

Core

Full Disk Image Backup

Create complete system images for disaster recovery and full PC restoration.

Core

Real-Time File Sync

Changes to files automatically sync across connected devices.

Core

Snapshot & Versioning

Recover previous file versions or restore deleted files from backup history.

Core

IDrive Express

Physical storage shipment service for faster large backups and restores.

Core

Mobile Device Backup

Automatically back up photos, videos, contacts, and calendars from smartphones.

Core

External Drive Support

Protect USB drives and external hard disks connected to your computer.

Core

NAS & Server Backup

Supports network storage devices and business servers.

Pricing Plans

Plan	Price	Best For
Free	10GB Free	Testing & personal use
Personal 5TB	Affordable annual pricing	Individuals
Personal 10TB	Higher storage needs	Power users
Team Plans	Per-user business pricing	Small teams
Business Plans	Custom	Enterprises

Annual plans are significantly cheaper than monthly competitors.

Real Cost Advantage

Unlike competitors charging per device, IDrive allows multiple device backups under one plan. This can save families and freelancers substantial money annually.

Detailed Pros & Cons

Pros

Excellent Value for Money

IDrive offers some of the cheapest multi-device backup pricing in the cloud backup industry.

Strong Security Features

Private-key encryption ensures your data stays fully protected.

Full-System Backup Support

Unlike simple cloud storage services, IDrive supports complete system imaging and disaster recovery.

Great Cross-Platform Compatibility

Works across PCs, Macs, mobile devices, servers, and NAS systems.

Physical Data Transfer Service

IDrive Express speeds up large backups using physical storage shipping.

Generous Free Plan

10GB free storage is enough for testing the platform before paying.

Cons

Interface Feels Dated

The UI is functional but less modern than newer cloud tools.

Initial Backups Can Be Slow

Large first-time backups may take days depending on internet speed.

Learning Curve for Advanced Features

Features like image backup and hybrid backup require some setup knowledge.

Limited Collaboration Features

IDrive focuses more on backup than team collaboration tools.

IDrive vs Alternatives

Feature	IDrive	Backblaze	Dropbox	Google Drive
Multi-Device Backup	✓	✗	Limited	Limited
Full System Backup	✓	✓	✗	✗
Cloud Sync	✓	✗	✓	✓
Private Encryption Key	✓	✓	Limited	Limited
External Drive Backup	✓	✓	✗	✗
Free Plan	✓ 10GB	✗	✓	✓
Best For	Complete backup	Simple unlimited backup	Collaboration	Productivity ecosystem

Which Tool Is Right For You?

IDrive – Best Overall Backup Value

Best for users wanting affordable multi-device cloud backup with strong security and full-system protection.

Backblaze – Simplest Backup Experience

Best for people wanting automatic unlimited backup with minimal setup.

Dropbox

Best for Team Collaboration

Better for file sharing and productivity workflows than complete backups.

Google Drive

Best Productivity Ecosystem

Ideal for users deeply connected to Gmail, Docs, and Google Workspace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is IDrive free?

Yes. IDrive offers a free plan with 10GB of cloud storage.

Does IDrive back up external hard drives?

Yes. External drives and USB devices are fully supported.

Is IDrive secure?

Yes. It includes AES-256 encryption and optional private-key security.

Can IDrive back up phones?

Yes. Android and iPhone backups are supported.

Does IDrive support full-system recovery?

Yes. Disk image backup allows full PC restoration after hardware failure.

Is IDrive better than Backblaze?

IDrive is better for multi-device users and advanced backup options, while Backblaze is simpler for unlimited single-computer backup.

Does IDrive work for businesses?

Yes. Business and enterprise plans support servers, NAS devices, and team management.

Final Verdict

Should You Try IDrive?

After extensive testing, IDrive remains one of the best cloud backup services for users wanting affordable, secure, and feature-rich data protection. Its ability to back up multiple devices under one subscription gives it a major pricing advantage over competitors.

The platform is not the simplest tool on the market, but users willing to spend a little time configuring backups gain excellent long-term protection and flexibility.

For individuals, freelancers, families, and small businesses, IDrive offers one of the strongest overall backup solutions available today.

Our Recommendation

Start with the free 10GB plan and test backups on your primary device. Configure automatic scheduled backups and enable private-key encryption for maximum security. If you manage multiple devices or large files, upgrading to the 5TB or 10TB plan provides excellent value compared to competing backup services.