SugarSync has become one of the most popular names when it comes to online backup and file syncing. It offers a practical solution to avoid losing your data and to ensure that you can access it whenever you need it, even if you are on the go. It enables users to backup and sync music, photos and other data across multiple devices, giving you a versatile experience. Thanks to SugarSync it is possible to keep your files and folders safe in the cloud. If you are not near your computer, or something has happen to it, you will still be able to access your data with the help of SugarSync.
One of the advantages of SugarSync is that it is easy to use and its drag-and-drop functionality gives you the possibility of moving entire folders into the cloud. You can transfer data into the My SugarSync folder, which can be accessed from anywhere. Files and folders can be synced with a single click and since the interface is uncluttered and user-friendly, you will be able to take advantage of all the functionality that SugarSync supports. The syncing features enable users to share data across different platforms and devices. Plus, the shared folders give you the chance to collaborate with colleagues and they support Outlook. The backup features work well and the settings let you prioritize uploads and downloads.
Although SugarSync offers many convenient features, there are some downsides that may prompt customers to consider other options. For instance, SugarSync is more expensive than other providers. The plans for individual users start at $7.49 for 100 GB and go up to $18.95 per month for 500 GB. There is a free option available and it gives you 5 GB, but it only allows you to try the service for 30 days. Something else that should be noted is that SugarSync is not a zero-knowledge provider and while it uses TLS to protect data during transfer and AES-256 encryption in storage, it doesn’t offer user-side encryption keys. If you are looking for a backup solution that is similar to SugarSync but that may offer other advantages, you can consider the sites like SugarSync below.
IDrive
IDrive focuses on backup but it also offers convenient syncing functionality that ensures that any changes on your data, are automatically updated across all your devices. One of the features that sets IDrive apart from other providers is its free offline backup solution. This is a great solution for large backups and it allows you to secure a lot of data, without spending hours uploading it. You can simply request an external drive with 3.5TB of capacity, save the data (it will be encrypted using 256-bit AES) that you want to back up and then send it back to IDrive. Your files will be uploaded to your account, saving you a lot of bandwidth and hassle. This option can be requested up to three times per year. In addition, you can get hard copies of your data if you want to be on the safe side.
The sharing features are also quite good and you can easily create and share links to allow friends, family or colleagues to access certain files. The high quality of the service and the seamless performance of its backup functionality are some of the reasons why IDrive should be considered. In addition, the prices of the plans are very affordable. They have a free solution that gives you up to 5 GB of space. Currently, their Personal plan is available for just $52.12 for the first year, which means that the monthly cost is less than $4.50. Even at the normal price of $69.50, IDrive is a cheaper alternative to SugarSync and other providers.
JustCloud
Based in the UK, JustCloud is an online backup and storage service that helps you to keep your data protected, and it is recognized for its fast performance and ease of use. JustCloud combines online backup, file syncing and file sharing, giving you a comprehensive solution to protect your data and to keep it accessible, whenever it is needed. You can backup photos, videos, documents and more, and access them from on the go, using your mobile devices, or from any computer. JustCloud allows you to share files and folders with friends and family via email, Facebook or Twitter. Files can be synced to multiple devices by adding them to your sync folder. JustCloud allows you to select entire folders in your system and they will be automatically saved to your online backup storage.
In terms of security, JustCloud uses 256-bit AES encryption and stores data in Google Cloud Storage servers. While this ensures that your data can be recovered whenever needed, it may cause concern since the information may be subject to surveillance from government organizations, given that Google is known for collaborating with them. If privacy is your main concern, this could be a major issue but if you only want to prevent loss of data and keep some files in the cloud that don’t contain sensitive information, JustCloud would be just fine. The restoration functionality could be improved as at the moment it is not particularly efficient. In terms of pricing, JustCloud is not considerably cheaper than SugarSync but it offers regular discounts and if you opt for a 2 year plan, you can end up paying just $8.19 per month.
