Pros
- Lots of storage with unlimited plans available
- Competitive pricing and money back guarantee
- Fully automated back-ups of new and changed files
- Backs up external hard drives
- Free trial requires no credit card
- Sync, share, backup, and store – all in one service
- 24/7 support – email and phone
Cons
- No hard disk recovery option
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The Geek’s Take
Wading through the ever growing list of online data backup solution that are on the market is a little overwhelming. That’s where we come in, and we won’t mince words – ZipCloud is one of the most impressive solutions that we’ve seen. It offers the features you expect like automatic backups and mobile/browser based tools for managing your files, along with some additional add-ons like data syncing, unlimited file versioning, and file sharing. The support offered is second to none as well with 24/7 access to phone and email help. For the $4.95 a month Home Plan, ZipCloud offers 75GB of storage, with unlimited storage just $2 more, which is also one of the best values we’ve seen. It’s an easy selection for Editors’ Choice alongside Carbonite.
Full Review
Ease of Use
As have its competitors featured in this roundup, ZipCloud has done everything it can to make backing up your data effortless. Initial setup involves signing up for an account, downloading the software, and following the step-by-step process of choosing which folders and files should be backed-up. ZipCloud takes over from there, backing up your files to the cloud and encrypting them for security where they’re they’ll be safe for when you need them.
After that initial setup, ZipCloud works in the background, syncing files you’ve edited and copying new files to your back up folders. The process is totally automatic – you just let it do its thing. ZipCloud does also offer drag and drop backup options and back up of selected files, although we’re still not sure why you’d opt for that over autopilot.
Should you need to, restoring files from ZipCloudp is easy. You have the option of performing a full system data restore of everything you’ve backed up, or pick and choose specific files or folders. In just minutes, you’ll be on your way to recovering all of your data, though, a complete restore could take a while. And unfortunately, a getting your restore on a hard disk isn’t an option at any subscription level.
Features
As if saving you from the potential loss of wedding pictures, home movies, and your copy of the White Album wasn’t enough, ZipCloud also offers quite a few additional features and add ons to their service to sweeten the deal. Unless otherwise noted, all features outlined below are available with the basic Home subscription.
- Web/Mobile Access – ZipCloud offers access to your files not only from any online computer, but from any mobile device as well, anytime. Even better, you can stream video and music from the cloud straight to you device, meaning your collection is with you anywhere and everywhere.
- File Syncing - ZipCloud also offers a file syncing service similar to Dropbox, making it easy to work on the same file from multiple locations.
- File Sharing – Quickly and easily share files with friends and to social networks
- External Hard Drive Backup – include your external storage devices in your automated backups for even more redundancy.
For a full list of ZipCloud features, check out their site.
Support
Where support has traditionally been an area where data backup solutions often disappoint, ZipCloud shines bright. They offer 24/7 access to phone and email help, meaning experts are available around the clock to assist with the backup and restore process. It’s a nice safety net, even if it’s something you may or may not actually use. In addition, ZipCloud’s knowledgebase is packed with video tutorials and a detailed FAQ to help even the most novice user get up and running quickly.
Value
At around $60 a year for the 75 GB Home plan, ZipCloud is one of the most reasonably priced data backup solution we’ve reviewed. Even more impressive, for just $84 a year, ZipCloud offers unlimited storage without the upload throttling that holds Carbonite back. Tack on the features we listed above and the comprehensive 24/7 support, and you’ve got yourself an affordable data backup solution at an impressive value.
Summary
We wouldn’t steer you wrong folks – ZipCloud is the complete package and well worth your hard earned money. The value, features, support, and storage options are really without equal as far as we’ve seen. If you’re on the fence about ZipCloud, there’s a no obligation, no credit card required trial available via the link below. We’re sold though. It’s an Editors’ Choice.
Can’t decide on a cloud-based backup storage solution? Check out our handy comparison chart!