iCloud Backup vs IDrive
iCloud Backup
apple.comIDrive
idrive.comSide by side
| Figure | iCloud Backup | IDrive |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $0.25/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 9 | 16 |
| Spec score · Photo Storage Services | 9.3 (#5) | 9.3 (#6) |
| Spec score · Backup software | 9.0 (#14) | 9.5 (#1) |
| Spec score · Mobile Data Backup Software | 9.2 (#3) | 9.2 (#4) |
| Backup scope | file | mixed |
| Computer backup | No | Yes |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile backup | Yes | The mobile apps back up contacts, photos, videos, and calendar events; the Android app also backs up SMS and call logs. |
| Supported platforms | ios | web,windows,macos,linux,ios,android |
| Ransomware protection | No | Yes |
| Restore modes | file | mixed |
| Server backup | No | Yes |
| Paid from | 0.99 | 0.25 |
Plans
iCloud Backup
- iCloud freeFree
- iCloud 5GBPriced on request
- iCloud 5GBPrice not published
- iCloud+ 50GB$0.99 a month
- iCloud+ 200GB$2.99 a month
- iCloud+ 2TB$9.99 a month
- iCloud+ 6TB$29.99 a month
- iCloud+ 12TB$59.99 a month
- iCloud 5GBFree
IDrive
- IDrive Mini$0.25 a month
- IDrive Personal$11.99 a month
- IDrive Team$11.99 a month
- IDrive Business$59.99 a month
- IDrive Mini$3 a year
- IDrive Personal$119.88 a year
- IDrive Team$119.88 a year
- IDrive Business$239.88 a year
- BasicFree
- Microsoft Office 365 Backup$20 a year
In their own words
iCloud Backup
iCloud Backup is Apple’s iOS service for backing up and synchronizing files and other data across devices. It supports mobile and video backup, file restoration, original-quality storage, face search, shared albums, family sharing, and a desktop app. The free plan includes 5 GB. Paid iCloud+ storage starts at $0.99 a month for 50GB, with monthly tiers of 2.99 USD for 200GB, 9.99 USD for 2TB, 29.99 USD for 6TB, and 59.99 USD for 12TB. The 50GB tier adds iCloud Private Relay, Hide My Email, Custom Email Domain, and HomeKit Secure Video for one camera. The 200GB tier supports five cameras, and 2TB supports unlimited cameras; higher tiers include the preceding features. Computer and server backup are not supported, and ransomware protection is not included. The service is listed for iOS.
IDrive
IDrive backs up computers, mobile devices, servers, and NAS devices to one account, with apps and access for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and the web. Its free Basic plan provides 10 GB of storage without a credit card; paid plans start at $0.25 per month for IDrive Mini, which includes 100 GB for one user. Backup and restore options cover files, devices, earlier versions, deleted files, disk images, and IDrive Express. The service retains up to 30 earlier versions of each backed-up file, and Snapshots provide point-in-time recovery. True Archiving keeps files in the account until you delete them or run Archive Cleanup. IDrive says it encrypts data in transit and at rest using 256-bit AES, with private keys optional, and that stored versions and Snapshots support recovery after ransomware incidents. Add-ons provide backup for Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Salesforce, Dropbox, and Box. Team and Business plans include multi-user administration. Support is available 24/7 by live chat, email, and phone.