IDrive Cloud Storage is one of the top cloud services in the market. The company offers a cross-platform backup service that allows you to sync your data across all devices. It is not limited to operating systems or type of devices. Whether it is a Mac, Windows, iOS or Android device, the backup solution offers services across these platforms.
In this article, we will evaluate the features of this cloud service in order to point out the pros and cons you may be interested in knowing before you decide to try this storage service. Being one of the first companies to offer cloud storage solutions, IDrive has managed to develop its services into a robust system that can help individuals and businesses. So the natural question arises: what makes IDrive better than the rest of cloud storage providers? The answer can be found in this in-depth review made by Cloud Storage Advice.
Features
IDrive offers continuous data protection. This feature helps you make continuous backups to your data instead of making scheduled updates. When dealing with a data set that is always changing, this feature comes in handy to ensure that all your changes, even the minor tweaks are kept up to date.
It is one of the most updated and progressive cloud service providers. The company even had a special support for the Windows Phone. It is diversified to ensure that whatever platform you are using, you can access your data anywhere.
This service also has the Snapshot feature that helps you to restore your PC to a point in time. The feature keeps different states of your machine to ensure that it is ready for restoration.
It also has an online dashboard that is similar to the local client. This helps you to adjust settings remotely, including turning the continuous data protection on and off.
Also, you can make a copy of the data that is backed up online. Simply put, the service offers the Rule of Three feature. It gives you the chance to maintain the original data, its copy and a copy of the copy.
Pricing
The service also comes in various storage packages. With one annual payment, you can choose the 2TB package for $69.5 all the way to 5TB for $99.5. There is also a business option that gives you 250 GB all the way to 12.5TB.
Although there is no option for unlimited services, you can progressively adjust your subscription to take care of your changing needs.
Pros
The drive continuously syncs your machine to ensure there is a robust redundancy all the time. Based on your backup schedule or its default continuous backup, the system helps your data stay secure.
The service is cross-platform. Regardless of the device you are using, you can access your data anywhere.
The snapshot feature helps you restore your data in case your machine is attacked by malware, ransomware or runs into other problems.
It also provides efficient file sharing. You can simply get a link of the data and share it through email, Twitter, Facebook or whichever platform you intend to use. The share option gives you the possibility to set permissions on who can edit or view the data. This feature also applies to docs files. It enables team editing.
Another plus is the archiving option. This ensures that your data is not lost due to carelessness. Online data deleting can only be done manually. You can use the archive cleanup tool to help match the data on your machine to what you have on the drive.
You can keep a backup of your social media photos and videos from sites like Instagram and Facebook.
It offers an extra layer of data security for businesses. This helps you to keep multiple copies of the data.
It has met various regulatory and standards requirements including HIPAA. It is secured by 256-bit AES encryption.
It has a free version of 5GB if you do not have the need for large storage.
Cons
One of the key drawbacks of the storage service is the overage charges whenever you exceed your storage limit. You will end up paying 50 cents/gigabit monthly.
It offers poor upload and download speeds of your data
It has a 10 GB limit on uploads
It can be challenging to understand its user interface
Verdict
Regardless of the drawbacks, IDrive offers satisfactory performance for regular security and backup needs. For personal use, you can start with the free 5GB before you can decide on upgrading. It can be a good start for small businesses before making changes to another cloud service. It offers a good balance between price, quality, and functionality.