Best Cloud Backup Services 2018. Finding the best online backup service can be a real chore, which is why Cloudwards.net has done a big chunk of the work for you.
Several backup services offer free online backup plans. The only catch with a free plan is that you're heavily restricted, at least compared to their premium offerings, as to how much data you're allowed to back up.
Aside from a relatively small amount of storage, a free online backup plan is usually identical to the not-so-free plans offered by the same company. This means that as long as a free plan has enough storage space for your data, and meets any other criteria you have, you can have a complete and permanent backup solution for free!
Below is a list of the best free online backup plans, sorted by the amount of free online backup space offered.
If you find that a free cloud backup plan just won't cut it, see our List of Online Backup Services for your not-so-free options. Some services even offer plans with unlimited storage: Unlimited Online Backup Plans. See our Business Online Backup list for business-class plans.
Online backup is usually the way to go, but if you're not so sure, check out our updated Free Backup Software list for the best free traditional backup programs.
The free online backup options below are truly free. We have not included any trial or temporary plans. See our Online Backup FAQ for more information.
Please let me know if anything below needs updated.
MiMedia
What We Like
Apps for Windows and Mac.
Works on mobile apps.
10 GB of free storage.
Well-designed interface.
What We Don't Like
Expensive plans for more storage.
Poor customer support.
Not as secure as other options.
Best Online Backup For Mac 2018
MiMedia gives out 10 GB of free storage space and offers automatic backups.
A downside to MiMedia is that it can only be used for photos, movies, music, and documents. Common file types like ZIP and EXE will not be backed up.
However, MiMedia is a nice choice if storing media files is all you're concerned about.
A mobile app and a Windows desktop program are available for uploading your media files.
IDrive Basic
What We Like
Works with Windows and Mac.
Use on mobile devices.
Encrypted file transfers.
5 GB of free storage.
What We Don't Like
Includes popup ads.
Poor customer support.
Average user interface.
IDrive's Basic plan grants 5 GB of free online storage space.
As like most of the other free backup offerings, you get to enjoy all the features of IDrive's premium offering: IDrive Pro.
One special bonus with IDrive Basic: unlimited device backup. In other words, you can backup all of the computers, smartphones, and tablets in your home that you wish, all to this single account. Just keep the total under 5 GB!
IDrive works on Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP, Windows Server 2008 and 2012, and macOS Snow Leopard and newer.
Best Online Backup Service 2018
Jottacloud Free
What We Like
Affordable.
Easy to use.
Works well on mobile.
Free plan offers 5GB of storage.
What We Don't Like
Overly simplistic interface.
No file encryption.
Performance can vary.
The Jottacloud Free online backup plan offers 5 GB for free, with the ability to increase it by 100 GB through friend referrals. It supports backup from an unlimited number of devices and functions just as the for-pay plans that are also available.
The servers Jottacloud uses are located in Norway.
Memopal
What We Like
Automatically backup storage and files.
No permanent free plan.
Cross platform.
Encrypted file storage.
What We Don't Like
Interface is not intuitive.
Slow performance.
Memopal offers 3 GB for free and allows installation from an unlimited number of computers.
Memopal's backup software is supported on just about every operating system and has apps for every mobile device imaginable. If you're having trouble finding a free online backup plan because you're using Linux and have a BlackBerry, then you're in luck.
Backblaze
ElephantDrive Lite Edition
What We Like
2 GB of free online storage.
Easily syncs devices.
Easy to use.
Encrypted files.
What We Don't Like
User interface is not intuitive.
Low file size limits.
No unlimited plan.
ElephantDrive's Lite Edition plan offers 2 GB of free online backup space.
The Lite Edition has all the great features that ElephantDrive's premium plans have including military grade encryption, support for up to three computers or devices, and of course automatic backup.
However, you're limited to only 100 MB file uploads and the same user account can only be used on up to three devices.
Online Backup For Mac 2018
More About Free Online Backup
ADrive and SugarSync used to have free plans but eventually ended them. Mozy was another free online backup service, but is now owned by Carbonite.
