IDrive Cloud Backup Review

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IDrive ranks highly as one of the best cloud-based solutions and backup providers out there, backing up and protecting all your multiple devices, at a single price. But is it really any good? In this IDrive review, you’ll learn everything you need to know to get the most out of IDrive’s cloud backup solution.

From $2.95 per year

Get 5TB of cloud backup for $7.95 (50% off)

IDrive Review Summary (TL;DR)
Rating
Rated 3.8 out of 5
(13)
Price from
From $2.95 per year
Cloud Backup / Storage
10 GB – 50 TB (10 GB of free storage)
Jurisdiction
United States
Encryption
TLS/SSL. AES-256 encryption. Two-factor authentication
E2EE
No
Customer Support
24/7 via live chat, email & phone
Refund Policy
30-day money-back guarantee
Supported Platforms
Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android
Features
Backup multiple unlimited devices. IDrive Express™ fast backup/restore. IDrive® Snapshots historical restore. Snapshots and versioning. Computer clone backups
Current Deal
Get 5TB of cloud backup for $7.95 (50% off)

Key Takeaways:

IDrive is an easy-to-use online backup service that offers a free basic 5GB plan, unlimited devices on some subscription plans, and 256-bit AES encryption for extra security. It has a strong emphasis on data security and offers data encryption options and security tools.

IDrive offers a variety of backup options, including local backups, cloud backups, and hybrid backups, with scheduled backups for peace of mind and fast upload speeds.

IDrive’s cons include limited sharing options, no unlimited backup storage space, and a potentially slow restoration process.

Pros and Cons

IDrive Pros

  • Easy to set up and use online backup service.
  • Free basic 5GB plan available.
  • Backup from multiple PCs, Macs, iPhones, iPads, and Androids into a single account – at a single price.
  • Unlimited devices on many subscription plans.
  • 256-bit AES encryption for extra security.
  • Sync and share function.
  • Bulk uploads to move data easily.
  • Fast upload speeds.
  • Scheduled backups for peace of mind.
  • Local backups, cloud backups, and hybrid backups (a combination of both)
  • Good mobile app for when you’re on the go.

IDrive Cons

  • Basic sharing options.
  • No unlimited backup storage space.
  • The restoration process can be slow.

DEAL

Get 5TB of cloud backup for $7.95 (50% off)

From $2.95 per year

IDrive is an excellent example of a service that gives you security and protection for your files, easy access, and a simply designed UI/UX. 

It also offers amazing backup options that reduce the need for a large or removable hard drive on your PC or laptop. Your PC will run more efficiently, and you will be able to access files, wherever you are. 

There are many pros to the IDrive solution, and as nothing is perfect, there are also some cons. I’ve listed the top ten pros to give you a quick overview of the product and the features and benefits available.

Plans & Pricing

There are four different pricing plans for IDrive, and there’s one out there to suit everyone. 

The prices range from a free plan offering 10GB of storage and cloud backup space to a business plan with unlimited users. The paid plans cost from for IDrive Mini plan up to $1159.95 for the 50 TB IDrive Business plan. The business plans from 1.25 TB can be paid monthly, but all other IDrive options are payable annually. 

idrive pricing plans

Paying annually for a cloud-based solution can be a deal-breaker for those who would rather pay monthly.

The good news is that there are special offers to be had at certain times of the year, which can significantly reduce the cost. You can get up to 25 percent off your chosen annual plan or 50 percent off your two-year plan. 

You can also sign up for a free 30-day trial of the solution that gives you access to all features and 1TB of storage. IDrive will take your credit card details to sign up, so you need to remember to cancel this before the trial ends. 

There’s great news for students or educational institutions. You can sign up for IDrive for 50 percent of the standard cost.

PlanStorageUsersDevices
Basic10 GB of Storage – No credit card is required1 User
IDrive Personal5 TB1 UserUnlimited devices
10 TB1 UserUnlimited devices
IDrive Team5 TB5 Users5 Devices
10 TB10 Users10 Devices
25 TB25 Users25 Devices
50 TB50 Users50 Devices
IDrive Business250 GBUnlimited UsersUnlimited Devices
1.25 TBUnlimited UsersUnlimited Devices
2.5 TBUnlimited UsersUnlimited Devices
5 TBUnlimited UsersUnlimited Devices
12.5 TBUnlimited UsersUnlimited Devices
25 TBUnlimited UsersUnlimited Devices
50 TBUnlimited UsersUnlimited Devices
DEAL

Get 5TB of cloud backup for $7.95 (50% off)

From $2.95 per year

You should know that if you exceed your storage limit then IDrive will charge you for this. The charges would be $0.25 for each GB per month for the Personal plan and $0.50 for each GB per month for the Team and Business plans.

Cloud Backup Features

IDrive is a cloud backup software solution that was first launched in 1995 (when it was known as iBackup). Since then, it has been constantly updated in line with its competitors and continues to be one of the best online backup providers available.

idrive backup features

IDrive offers an excellent combination of cloud-based backup and storage to cover all your specific needs, whether personal or business. It ticks many boxes regarding the IDrive features, and I go through them in more detail in this review.

Ease of Use

IDrive has an extremely user-friendly interface that is easy to understand and navigate for even the most un-tech savvy of us out there. The homepage is clean-looking, without unnecessary elements that confuse rather than engage.

Sign Up for IDrive

Signing up to IDrive was simple; On the website, click ‘Sign Up.’ The sign-up page will give you the options available, from the free plan with 5 GB of storage to the business plan with 50 TB of storage. 

The majority of subscriptions from IDrive are paid annually or every two years. The more you pay upfront, the more discount you receive for signing up. 

You can save up to 50 percent on many subscriptions when signing up for the first time. Fill out your personal details and payment information, add a master password, and then ‘Create my account,’ simple!

idrive create account

User Interface and Navigation

The IDrive UI/UX is clear and straightforward on both the internet and the desktop application. It doesn’t have lots of color or images jumping out at you, so you can see exactly what you’re looking for.

You need to download and install the desktop application on your PC. This is simple to do and once it’s installed everything you need is at your fingertips.

Web Interface

The web interface is clear and concise. The easy-to-navigate menus down the homepage’s left sidebar take you to all of your backup and sync locations. The tabs available are:

idrive dashboard

Cloud Backup: This is where you choose the files that you want to back up and check on their progress. 

Sync and Cloud Storage: This simply gives you an overview of all synced data in your sync folder and your IDrive cloud storage. You can add files to your sync folder to be synced across all connected devices.

Dashboard: This gives you an overview of all connected devices and the files or folders that have been backed up. You can select backup files and download them to a new location or the original location. 

The Dashboard also gives you a settings option. This is where you can adjust notifications, add continuous backup and personalize other settings on your account.

idrive settings

Web Logs: This section allows you to view and report on all user activity completed within the IDrive browser.

web user logs

Trash: You can see all synced and backed-up files and folders that have been deleted over the previous 30 days. This area gives you the chance to restore the files if needed. 

Desktop Application

The desktop application is simple and easy to use. As with the web interface, it’s navigated using the menus in the sidebar. The tabs available are:

idrive desktop app

Backup: This is where you can choose the files that you want to back up and check on the progress. 

Restore: This gives you an overview of all connected devices and the files or folders that have been backed up. You can select files and download them to a new location or the original location. You can also delete backed-up data that you no longer require. 

Scheduler: This is where you can schedule your backups. This can be done daily or on set days by using the controls within this tab.

idrive schedule backup

Sync: This gives you an overview of all synced data in your sync folder. You also have the option to move the folder to a new location within this tab.

Server Backup: Within this tab, you can select different types of servers to back up. This includes MS SQL, Exchange, and Oracle, amongst others. It’s not something I need to ever worry about but larger businesses, especially ones with servers in different locations, would find this feature useful.

idrive server backup

Settings: This is where you adjust notifications, add continuous backup and personalize other settings on your account.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for in the tabs, on both the web and the desktop application, there’s a simple search tool that will allow you to locate just about anything. 

DEAL

Get 5TB of cloud backup for $7.95 (50% off)

From $2.95 per year

Support

If you have problems logging into your IDrive account or any issues using IDrive, You can check out their website’s extensive FAQ section to help answer your question quickly.

If you can’t find what you need in the FAQs, there are several different ways to contact the IDrive support team:

  • Phone support.
  • Online chat support.
  • Email support.
  • Support form.
customer support

As IDrive is based in the US, the phone lines are working on Pacific Standard Time. You’ll need to remember this if you’re not currently in the US. The online chat, email, and support fill-out form can be used 24/7, so you’ll always be able to get ahold of someone to solve your issues.

Accessing Files On The Go or Offline

The web app works in pretty much the same way as the desktop app, giving you the same clear and simple view. You can continue to control each connected device from the app, and it lets you back up or restore files while on the go.

However, the primary function of the mobile app is to back up photos or videos to the cloud. You can also manage the files and folders that you have shared from any device and the ones that have been shared with you.

A great feature of IDrive is that you can access and edit your files when you have no internet with the offline view feature. It’s relatively easy to add files to the offline view by going to the home screen and clicking on ‘Access and Restore.’ 

You need to select the device folder where the files are located and click on the three dots, selecting the Edit/Share option. Select the files you want to access and click on ‘More’ this will allow you to select ‘Add to Offline.’

You can then access the chosen files when you’re on the go and don’t have internet. You will need to sync the files again once online to upload any changes you may have made.

Password Management

It’s difficult to remember the passwords needed for every account you have, as everything requires different credentials. This isn’t a problem with IDrive. 

There’s no problem if you forget your password on your IDrive account; if you click on ‘forgot password’ on the login page, it will take you to an update password section. Completing your email address here, it will send you a link to your email address that will allow you to update your password.

idrive password management

If you have too many passwords to remember, you can log into your IDrive account using your Google credentials. You can also use your Apple ID, but this limits some aspects of your account, such as IDrive online backup and IDrive photos. 

Your IDrive account will need to have the same email address linked to sign in with your Google credentials, and you’ll need to remember your Apple ID to log in using this option. It’s an excellent option to use if you have trouble remembering passwords for your different accounts.

You can also log in to your IDrive account by using Single Sign-On (SSO) if this is something that you use for your business. By clicking on the SSO logo on the login page, you will just need to enter the email address that is used to access your central identity provider (IdP). 

You will then need to enter the password to access your organization’s network. This will be authenticated and will redirect you to your IDrive account.

Security and Privacy

IDrive keeps your data safe and secure with excellent security features, which they are constantly updating to give you absolute peace of mind. 

idrive backup encryption

All data is encrypted, and the use of AES 256-bit file encryption is for all files at rest. This encryption means that only you and IDrive can get access to your data. You can protect your files and data further by creating a private key, meaning that only you will be able to access your files. You need to have a good memory and not forget the key if you choose this option. 

One negative about using a private encryption key is that you cannot utilize the sharing functionality as this is unavailable to those with a private encryption key.

Two-factor authentication (2FA) can be added to your IDrive account, giving you an additional layer of security. This two-step service asks for verification in the form of a password and a second layer of confirmation from a device you own, such as a code sent to your email address or your phone number. 

IDrive offers End-to-end encryption (E2EE), which is also known as zero-knowledge encryption. This means that IDrive cannot share your files with anyone as only you have the key to decrypt your data. Zero-knowledge encryption is only available if you select a private encryption key at sign-up, so bear this in mind when creating your account. 

Simply put, the only way that anyone will be able to access your data unauthorized would be to get access from the data centers in the US physically. IDrive protects your data from theft by having an around-the-clock security presence, motion sensors, video surveillance, and security breach alarms at their data centers. 

They also protect against natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and fire by storing everything in braced racks on raised floors. They also have temperature control systems and state-of-the-art smoke alarms to keep your data safe.

Not only is IDrive security conscious when it comes to your data, but it also protects your privacy and is General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliant. They only collect the personal information required to create your account, and they claim to never share this information with other parties without your consent.

DEAL

Get 5TB of cloud backup for $7.95 (50% off)

From $2.95 per year

Sharing and Collaboration

File sharing and collaboration on IDrive is simple and is a great feature of this online backup solution. You can also sync data between devices without increasing your storage requirements which is a win for any business out there. 

To sync specific files, you will need to create a sync folder that you can position anywhere you want. You can then add it as part of your regular backup if required. Alternatively, you can set up selective sync that allows you to sync specific files that will sync to particular devices at specified times.

To share a synced file or any of your backed-up data, you find the file you want on the app or IDrive website and then right-click, selecting the share option. This will then bring up a box for you to add the people that you want to share it with. You can also set the permissions to view or edit before sending the link and add a message for the recipient. 

The recipient will then receive an email with a link to the file or folder that you have shared with them. 

You need to remember that if you choose the private encryption key for your account to enable zero-knowledge security, you cannot share your files or folders with others. This could be a deal-breaker for some businesses who require both options as many cloud-based solutions offer both as standard.

Backup and Restoration of Files

IDrive comes into its own when it comes to the backup and restoration of files, as this is where it excels. It allows you to back up data individually or as disk cloning – a complete mirror image of your hard drive. 

idrive backup

Your backup can be saved locally or on the cloud for an unlimited number of PCs, laptops, mobile devices, and even servers. The backups can be scheduled to run to suit your requirements and can be completed hourly, daily, or at a time to suit your needs. 

If you miss a scheduled backup, you can let IDrive know to start this once your device is switched on. You can also set up a notification to tell you by email if a backup has succeeded or failed. 

IDrive supports both multithreaded and block-level transfers meaning that you can either backup multiple files at once or scan all files, backing up the modified elements of the files. This option will increase the speed of backups and save data.

If you have lots of smaller files less than 500MB, continuous data protection could be the thing for you. By turning this on in the settings area, it will keep all files that are smaller than 500MB backed up continuously each time changes are made locally.

Other excellent features include a file versioning capability that lets you restore files from the previous 30 versions of any given file. IDrive also supports incremental backup to the cloud to reduce the time it takes to upload new and changed files.

Speed

If you’re backing up large files and folders, you need this to be completed as quickly as possible, especially if you’re backing up a mirror image of your hard drive. 

IDrive speeds are not the best; however, they’re not the worst when looking at competitor solutions. When tested, the upload speeds were as expected, but the download speeds took around double the time as expected. 

The speed of syncing and backup will also depend on your internet network and location. As the IDrive data centers are in the US, you will get a speedier download when located in the US than if you’re elsewhere in the world. You will need to consider this if you manage a global business with employees located worldwide.

Free vs Premium Plan

The free personal plan from IDrive gives you 10GB of online backup and storage space free of charge. While this isn’t a huge amount, it will allow you to see the solution at work and what it has to offer. The free plan is available for as long as you want it; it’s not time-based, which is a bonus.

If you decide to upgrade to a premium plan, you can benefit from huge discounts when signing up. You can get 25 percent off your first-year plan; if you choose to pay for two years upfront, you will benefit from a 50 percent discount.

The premium plans offer a massive amount of storage that can be increased if you need a little extra space. 

You can access the business plans on unlimited devices with unlimited users, which is great for a growing business as you don’t need to pay extra for adding anyone to your IDrive account.

DEAL

Get 5TB of cloud backup for $7.95 (50% off)

From $2.95 per year

Extras

IDrive Photos

IDrive Photos is a relatively new service offered by IDrive to store your photos and videos. This is an excellent option for those who don’t need to store large files and lots of data but have many personal photos that are difficult to hold on other platforms.  

The IDrive Photos cloud storage app offers unlimited storage space and auto uploads. It also gives you a timeline view and a favorites album so you can view all of your favorites in one place. 

The app works on iOS and Android devices and is a great alternative to the Google Photos app, especially as this no longer offers unlimited storage for your photos. 

IDrive Photos doesn’t provide the additional recognition or organizational features of Apple Photos or Google Photos, but it’s excellent value for money with unlimited storage and full-resolution images.

IDrive Express

If you need to back up, sync or transfer a huge amount of data in a short period, IDrive Express could be just the thing for you. IDrive will send you a physical storage device that can connect to your computer. You can then use the IDrive local backup feature to transfer your data quickly to the storage device.

idrive express

The storage device is then shipped back to IDrive, and they will then download your data to your IDrive cloud account. Your data will be secure during the process as it remains encrypted at all times. You will need to make sure that you have a private key for ultimate security. 

While this isn’t a feature I would use, I can see how it would be helpful for those who have masses of archived data that need to be stored in one place.

You can get this service for free on many of the IDrive plans. There are limits on how many times you can use it throughout the year free of charge, but it’s a great addition to get all of your data in one place quickly and easily, without using extra bandwidth. 

IDrive Mirror

IDrive Mirror is a great feature that allows you to create a complete mirror image of your entire computer and servers, storing it in the cloud. The number of computers able to be backed up to a single account is unlimited. This will protect you against cyber attacks and ransomware. 

The number of cyber threats is increasing, and IDrive Mirror gives you an additional layer of security, protecting your data from any attacks or security breaches. This feature gives you an effective disaster recovery plan without the need for a local storage device. Put your mind at ease today by signing up and preventing cyber threats on your entire computer system.

IDrive Compute

IDrive Compute is an Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) software designed to help businesses set up virtual private servers (VPS), manage projects, and schedule backups via IDrive’s platform. Enterprises can use it in areas such as real-time communication, remote monitoring of assets, and autonomous vehicles.

Questions & Answers

What is IDrive?

IDrive Inc. is based in Calabasas, California, and operates IDrive®, RemotePC™, and IBackup®. IDrive does just about everything you need an online backup service to do – local and cloud backup, cloud storage, file sharing, hard drive cloning, disk image backups, and folder syncing.

What makes IDrive a top-notch cloud backup service provider?

IDrive is a cloud storage service that offers powerful backup software and backup services for all types of data, including server backups. With IDrive, users receive subscription options that can be tailored to meet individual needs, making it an ideal choice for both personal and business use.

The services provided by IDrive are among the most secure and reliable in the industry, using encryption options that keep data safe and secure. Additionally, IDrive supports a variety of operating systems, mobile devices, and desktop clients that make it easy to access data from anywhere.

As a top-rated backup provider, IDrive is the go-to solution for those seeking reliable and best cloud storage and online backup services.

What are the subscription options provided by IDrive?

IDrive offers flexible subscription options for both personal and business users, making it easy to choose a subscription package that meets individual needs. Personal users can choose from IDrive Basic and IDrive Personal, with the former providing up to 5 GB of free storage and up to 5 devices, while the latter can provide unlimited devices and storage.

For business users, IDrive provides subscription options that include IDrive Business and IDrive Enterprise, both of which offer advanced features such as user management, priority support, and unlimited device backup.

With IDrive’s subscription options, users can choose the plan that makes the most sense for their needs and budget, ensuring that they’re getting the most value from their backup and cloud storage services.

How Safe is IDrive?

IDrive uses 256-bit AES to encrypt and protect all data locally. You can then create a private encryption key for your account, meaning that only you have the information to access your data. If using a private encryption key, you need to make sure that you store the key somewhere. If you lose this, your encrypted files will become inaccessible to both you and the IDrive online backup service.

IDrive also uses two-factor authorization, offering further protection for your data and peace of mind for you. 

How does IDrive ensure secure and reliable data storage?

IDrive offers excellent data storage options and backup services that allow customers to store a vast data set that is secure and accessible anywhere. IDrive provides data storage options that support file backup, ensuring that valuable data is regularly backed up and protected in the cloud.

Additionally, users can choose from different encryption options, such as having an encryption key private to the user or having an encryption key option that is managed by IDrive. IDrive also protects data with security tools that prevent unauthorized access, misuse, or data loss.

As one of the most secure and reliable data storage providers, IDrive is a top choice for those looking for robust and dependable cloud backup solutions.

How does IDrive’s file syncing system ensure data consistency and accessibility?

IDrive’s file syncing system makes it easy for users to keep their files up-to-date and accessible no matter where they are. With IDrive’s file syncing tools, users can easily sync files between their devices, ensuring data consistency across all devices.

IDrive’s advanced file syncing technology maintains a syncing system that supports file syncing in real-time, with minimum storage usage, and without compromising on the accessibility of the data. This makes it highly efficient and seamless for users to access their data from desktop clients or mobile apps.

As a highly dependable file syncing provider, IDrive’s syncing system ensures users never have to worry about losing their data or worrying if they have the latest version of their files.

What operating systems are supported by IDrive?

IDrive Backup supports a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux. The IDrive desktop client is available for Windows and Mac, while the Linux version can be accessed through the command line interface. Additionally, IDrive also provides mobile apps for both iOS and Android platforms, allowing users to access and back up their data from their mobile devices.

This extensive support for different operating systems makes IDrive a highly accessible and versatile backup and cloud storage service. Users can use IDrive on any device of their choice without facing any compatibility issues, ensuring that their valuable data is always accessible and protected.

What kind of customer service and tech support does IDrive provide?

IDrive offers reliable and efficient customer service and tech support to ensure that its users have the best experience possible while using the service. IDrive’s support team is always available to help with any questions or concerns that customers may have.

In addition, IDrive offers a comprehensive and easy-to-use knowledge base that is accessible to all customers. The website also contains a range of useful resources, including tutorials and webinars, that customers can use to familiarize themselves with the IDrive service.

Customers can also reach out to IDrive’s support team via phone, email, or chat, and receive assistance from a knowledgeable and experienced tech support representative. With its priority support for paid subscribers, IDrive goes the extra mile to ensure that its customers receive the best customer service and technical support.

How does IDrive ensure seamless customer experience and priority support?

IDrive provides an all-inclusive cloud storage service for both personal and business use, including services such as IDrive personal, IDrive Basic, password manager, desktop client, desktop clients, web client, and mobile apps.

The company is dedicated to providing top-notch customer service, which customers can expect from an experienced customer service representative that is highly trained and knowledgeable about IDrive services.

Additionally, priority support is offered to those who have subscribed to the IDrive service, ensuring that any issues or problems are addressed as quickly as possible. Customers can rely on IDrive to provide exceptional customer service and priority support when it comes to using their cloud storage services.

How Do I Access Synced Files on IDrive?

You can access all files via the IDrive UI/UX on the website and the mobile app. You simply sign in to IDrive using your own credentials and click on Sync and Cloud storage. You will then see all files and folders available.



Click on download, and the files will then become available to you to view, edit, or share.

How Do I Schedule a Backup on IDrive?

You can easily schedule a data backup from all connected computers, updating each device’s data protection. 
By clicking on the scheduler button, it will give you the option to set the day, time, and frequency for backup.



You can also choose to be notified when backups are complete by selecting the Email notification option.

Can I Delete Files From My IDrive Account?

Yes, you can delete files from your account, and this is easy to do. All you need to do is hover your cursor over the file name, click the box at the side of the file name to select it, and click on delete. 

If you want to delete more than one file, just click on the box at the side of the files that you want to delete and choose delete. It will ask if you’re sure you want to move the files to trash to ensure that you’re not deleting the files in error.

Can I Restore Files and Folders From the IDrive Web Account?

If you’ve deleted files in error, don’t worry. You can restore these from your IDrive web account by going to the dashboard. Click on a computer option, and this will then show you the backup screen. 

Once you’re on this screen, you should choose ‘restore’ and ‘online account’ for the local device. It will then show you all files and folders that have been deleted. Select the ones you want to restore and choose a location for them to be restored to, then click the restore button.

Is iDrive Good for Photo Storage?

The iDrive online backup allows you to store your photos and videos, including a compressed backup of all images. 

However, you can store and view your photos on your mobile device using the IDrive Photo Backup app. This is a simple UI/UX that is an excellent alternative to Google photos.

IDrive has just launched its new service – IDrive Photos – where you can back up all your photos and videos from your iOS or Android device with original resolution and no storage limits.

What are the other features and services provided by IDrive?

In addition to backup and cloud storage services, IDrive offers a range of other features that set it apart from its competitors. One such feature is disk image backup, which provides a complete backup of your system, including the operating system, settings, and applications. IDrive also allows users to manage their backups, users, permissions, and sharing options through user management, ensuring full control over the data.

Additionally, IDrive provides fast transfer speeds, making it easy to upload and download files quickly from the cloud. With a robust network infrastructure and an intuitive change button, IDrive also ensures that users can make changes to their data quickly and securely. User privacy is also a top priority for IDrive, which is evident in its privacy policy, which is designed to ensure user data is kept safe and secure at all times.

IDrive also offers an affiliate commission program that rewards users for referring friends and clients. Lastly, IDrive provides cloud storage reviews and tutorials to help new customers navigate the downloading process and understand the benefits of cloud storage.

Our Verdict ⭐

IDrive is an excellent online backup solution with the bonus of a considerable amount of cloud-based storage available with the premium plans. It’s reasonably priced, with lots of different level plans, giving you a great choice to suit both your personal and business requirements. 

Secure Your Digital Life Today with iDrive

Discover the power of modern cloud storage with IDrive. Benefit from enhanced security measures, user-friendly interfaces, and flexible pricing plans. Protect your data from ransomware attacks with point-in-time recovery and enjoy the convenience of syncing multiple devices from a single account.

Why not give it a go and sign up for the free trial. This will provide you with the chance to see how it works for yourself, and you can then decide if it’s the right solution for you!

Recent Improvements & Updates

IDrive is constantly improving and updating its cloud storage and backup services, expanding its features, and offering more competitive pricing and specialized services for its users. Here are the most recent updates (as of March 2024):

  • Recognition and Awards:
    • IDrive and RemotePC were honored in PCWorld’s roundup as the Best of the Best in PC hardware and software for 2023/2024.
    • RemotePC Team received a 5-star review from ITPro.
    • IDrive won PC Magazine’s Editor’s Choice for the 9th consecutive year.
    • How-to Geek rated IDrive Backup 9/10, praising it as a great storage and backup combo.
  • Product Enhancements and Launches:
    • IDrive® e2 introduced a free Object Storage Cloud Migration Tool, allowing users to transfer data from other providers with no data minimums.
    • IDrive has enhanced its cloud-to-cloud backup capabilities, including new Google Shared Drive backup functionality to protect shared Google Workspace data.
    • IDrive® e2 launched an on-premise S3 compatible object storage device at VeeamON 2023, aimed at simplifying data management, storage, and protection.
    • IDrive Backup added unlimited cloud-to-cloud backup, enabling users to safeguard all of their Microsoft Office 365 & Google Workspace data.
  • Expansion and Regional Developments:
    • IDrive® e2 is now offering hot S3 compatible object storage with a new storage region in Singapore.
    • At NAB 2023, IDrive® e2 announced SSD-based object storage to accelerate overall storage performance.
  • Performance and Affordability Improvements:
    • IDrive® e2 offers hot S3 Object Storage with optimized performance for Veeam® Backup Replication™ v12 and improved performance for Rclone.
    • IDrive® e2’s hot object storage is now 85% more affordable than Amazon S3.

Reviewing IDrive: Our Methodology

Choosing the right cloud storage isn’t just about following trends; it’s about finding what genuinely works for you. Here’s our hands-on, no-nonsense methodology for reviewing cloud storage services:

Signing Up Ourselves

  • First-Hand Experience: We create our own accounts, going through the same process you would to understand each service’s setup and beginner friendliness.

Performance Testing: The Nitty-Gritty

  • Upload/Download Speeds: We test these in various conditions to evaluate real-world performance.
  • File Sharing Speeds: We assess how quickly and efficiently each service shares files between users, an often overlooked but crucial aspect.
  • Handling Different File Types: We upload and download diverse file types and sizes to gauge service versatility.

Customer Support: Real-World Interaction

  • Testing Response and Effectiveness: We engage with customer support, posing real issues to evaluate their problem-solving capabilities, and the time it takes to get a reply.

Security: Delving Deeper

  • Encryption and Data Protection: We examine their use of encryption, focusing on client-side options for enhanced security.
  • Privacy Policies: Our analysis includes reviewing their privacy practices, especially regarding data logging.
  • Data Recovery Options: We test how effective their recovery features are in the event of data loss.

Cost Analysis: Value for Money

  • Pricing Structure: We compare the cost against the features offered, evaluating both monthly and annual plans.
  • Lifetime Cloud Storage Deals: We specifically look for and assess the value of lifetime storage options, a significant factor for long-term planning.
  • Evaluating Free Storage: We explore the viability and limitations of free storage offerings, understanding their role in the overall value proposition.

Feature Deep-Dive: Uncovering Extras

  • Unique Features: We look for features that set each service apart, focusing on functionality and user benefits.
  • Compatibility and Integration: How well does the service integrate with different platforms and ecosystems?
  • Exploring Free Storage Options: We evaluate the quality and limitations of their free storage offerings.

User Experience: Practical Usability

  • Interface and Navigation: We delve into how intuitive and user-friendly their interfaces are.
  • Device Accessibility: We test on various devices to assess accessibility and functionality.

Learn more about our review methodology here.

DEAL

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From $2.95 per year

What

IDrive

Customers Think

Takes a bit getting used to

Rated 4.0 out of 5
January 2, 2024

The continuous backup and the ability to backup multiple devices is a big plus. The interface can be a bit clunky, but once set up, it’s a reliable way to keep my data backed up and safe.

Avatar for Uri B
Uri B

Upload Speed was Unusable

Rated 1.0 out of 5
July 27, 2023

I opened a free account to test drive. It took 23 minutes to upload 1.6Gb. Horrible. I tried several times without any change. It would take two months to upload my data. I engaged their Support – they suggested I snail mail them a USB. Useless :/

Avatar for Peter
Peter

Disappointing Customer Service and Limited Features

Rated 2.0 out of 5
April 28, 2023

I’ve been using IDrive for a few months, and I’m not very impressed. The user interface is confusing, and some of the features are limited compared to other backup and storage solutions. Additionally, the customer service is terrible. I’ve had issues with my backup not completing, and when I reached out to their support team, they were not very helpful and took a long time to respond. Overall, I would not recommend IDrive based on my experience.

Avatar for Lisa Jones
Lisa Jones

Great Backup and Storage Solution with Some Minor Flaws

Rated 4.0 out of 5
March 28, 2023

Overall, I’m quite satisfied with IDrive. The automatic backup feature works flawlessly, and I love the fact that I can access my files from anywhere using the mobile app or web interface. However, I’ve experienced some minor issues with the file syncing feature, and the upload speeds can be a bit slow at times. Also, the pricing can be a bit confusing, and it would be great if they offered more transparency on their plans. Despite these minor issues, I still think IDrive is a great backup and storage solution.

Avatar for David Smith
David Smith

Slow backups from MacOS!!!

Rated 1.0 out of 5
March 17, 2023

I am trying to backup from MacOS and it has taken 72 hours to back up 15% of a 500 GB drive. At this rate the whole backup will take 20 DAYS!!! I have Verizon Fios 1Gb internet service and I leave the computer plugged in to the power adapter with sleep mode set to “Never”. This is a ridiculous JOKE of a service!

Avatar for LK
LK

The Best Backup and Storage Service I’ve Used

Rated 5.0 out of 5
February 28, 2023

I’ve been using IDrive for a while now, and I can confidently say that it is the best backup and storage service I’ve ever used. It is incredibly easy to use, and the automatic backup feature ensures that all my important files are securely backed up to the cloud without any effort on my part. I also love the fact that I can access my files from anywhere, on any device. The mobile app is excellent, and the web interface is very user-friendly. I highly recommend IDrive to anyone looking for a reliable backup and storage solution.

Avatar for Jennifer Davis
Jennifer Davis

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References

Mathias Ahlgren is the CEO and founder of Website Rating, steering a global team of editors and writers. He holds a master's in information science and management. His career pivoted to SEO after early web development experiences during university. With over 15 years in SEO, digital marketing, and web developmens. His focus also includes website security, evidenced by a certificate in Cyber Security. This diverse expertise underpins his leadership at Website Rating.

The "WSR Team" is the collective group of expert editors and writers specializing in technology, internet security, digital marketing, and web development. Passionate about the digital realm, they produce well-researched, insightful, and accessible content. Their commitment to accuracy and clarity makes Website Rating a trusted resource for staying informed in the dynamic digital world.

Shimon Brathwaite

Shimon is a seasoned cybersecurity professional and published author of "Cybersecurity Law: Protect Yourself and Your Customers", and writer at Website Rating, primarily focuses on topics related to cloud storage and backup solutions. Additionally, his expertise extends to areas such as VPNs and password managers, where he offers valuable insights and thorough research to guide readers through these important cybersecurity tools.

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