Carbonite vs IDrive

Detailed side-by-side comparison

Carbonite

From $6/mo

Carbonite is a cloud backup solution that emphasizes simplicity and unlimited storage for automatic, continuous data protection. It's designed for users who want a set-it-and-forget-it backup system with robust recovery options including physical courier delivery.

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IDrive

Free

IDrive is a feature-rich cloud backup platform that stands out by allowing unlimited devices to be backed up under a single account. It offers comprehensive cross-platform support and strong security features at highly competitive pricing, making it ideal for families and small businesses.

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Feature Comparison

Feature	Carbonite	IDrive
Storage Capacity	Unlimited cloud storage on most plans, allowing users to back up as much data as needed without worrying about storage limits	Fixed storage tiers (starting with free 10GB plan), with capacity limits based on subscription level rather than unlimited storage
Device Support	Typically covers one computer per license, requiring additional subscriptions for multiple devices	Unlimited devices can be backed up under a single account, including computers, mobile devices, and servers across all platforms
Encryption & Security	Military-grade 256-bit encryption with automatic key management handled by Carbonite	256-bit AES encryption with the option for users to maintain their own private encryption key for enhanced security
Version History	Limited version history compared to competitors, typically retaining fewer previous versions of files	Comprehensive versioning system that retains up to 30 previous versions of each file for recovery
Recovery Options	Multiple recovery methods including web restore, direct download, and courier recovery service that delivers a physical hard drive with your data	Standard web-based restore and download options, with disk image backup capability for complete system recovery
Initial Backup Speed	Can be slow for initial backup of large datasets, though continuous backups proceed smoothly thereafter	Also experiences slow initial backup for large datasets, with continuous backups running more efficiently after completion

Pricing Comparison

IDrive offers significantly more affordable pricing starting at free (with paid plans around $79.50/year for 5TB), while Carbonite starts at $6/month with unlimited storage. Carbonite provides better value for users with massive storage needs, while IDrive is more cost-effective for families or businesses with multiple devices but moderate storage requirements.

Verdict

Choose Carbonite if...

Choose Carbonite if you need unlimited storage capacity for a single device, prefer the simplicity of automatic backup without configuration, or want premium recovery options like courier delivery for critical data restoration.

Choose IDrive if...

Choose IDrive if you need to back up multiple devices (computers, phones, tablets, servers) under one account, want control over your encryption keys for maximum security, or are looking for the most budget-friendly option with comprehensive versioning features.

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Cloud Storage

Pros & Cons

Carbonite

Pros

+ Unlimited storage on most plans
+ Easy setup and automatic operation
+ Strong encryption and security features
+ Multiple recovery options including courier delivery

Cons

- Can be slow for initial backup of large data sets
- Limited version history compared to competitors
- Higher pricing compared to some alternatives

IDrive

Pros

+ Extremely affordable pricing compared to competitors
+ True unlimited device backup from single account
+ Strong security with end-to-end encryption options
+ Comprehensive versioning with up to 30 previous file versions

Cons

- Initial backup can be slow for large datasets
- Interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
- Customer support response times can be inconsistent