iCloud Backup vs Shroud.email

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.

Shroud.email creates email aliases that forward incoming messages to your real inbox, keeping the real address private. It removes tracking pixels from forwarded mail and proxies email images through its servers. You can delete or disable aliases and block individual senders, and the service says it works with all email providers, including Gmail and Proton Mail. Paid users can attach custom domains, configure catch-all aliases, and recreate those addresses elsewhere if they leave. The API manages aliases and discovers custom domains with bearer-token authorization. The project is open source under AGPL v3 and includes a Docker Compose deployment for self-hosting. Self-hosting requires a public server with ports 25, 80, and 443 open, plus keys for S3-compatible storage. Detected spam remains viewable in the web portal for seven days. The hosted service is EU-hosted on renewable energy. The Free plan costs nothing and includes five aliases and tracker blocking; the paid plan has no listed price and renews annually.