Several backup services offer free online backup plans. The only catch with a free plan is that, compared to their premium plans, you’re restricted in how much data you’re allowed to back up.
Aside from the relatively small amount of storage space you’re allowed to use, a free online backup plan is usually identical to the paid plans offered by the same company. This means that, as long as a free plan has enough storage space for your data and meets your other criteria, you can get a complete and permanent backup solution for free!
Alternatives to a Free Online Backup Plan
The list of the best free online backup services below is sorted by the amount of backup space offered. If you don’t find what you need here, there are alternatives you could explore:
Cloud backup is usually the way to go, but you can also check out our Free Backup Software list for the best free onsite backup programs.
If a free cloud backup plan won’t cut it, see our List of Online Backup Services for some paid options. Some services even offer plans with unlimited storage.
The free online backup options below are truly free. We’ve not included any trial or temporary plans.
MiMedia
MiMedia gives out 10 GB of free storage space and offers automatic backups.
Apps for Windows and Mac.
Works on mobile apps.
10 GB of free storage.
Well-designed interface.
Expensive plans for more storage.
Poor customer support.
Not as secure as other options.
A downside to MiMedia is that it can only be used for photos, movies, music, and documents. Other common file types like ZIP and EXE aren’t backed up. However, it is a nice choice if storing media files is all you’re concerned about.
A mobile app and desktop programs for both Windows and Mac are available for uploading your media files.
IDrive
IDrive’s Basic plan grants 10 GB of free online storage space and additional space if you recommend the service to friends.
Works with Windows and Mac.
Use on mobile devices.
Encrypted file transfers.
Includes popup ads.
Poor customer support.
Average user interface.
As with most other free backup offerings, you get to enjoy all the features of IDrive’s premium offering.
One special bonus with IDrive Basic is unlimited device backup. You can back up as many computers, smartphones, and tablets as you wish to this single account, as long as you keep the total under 10 GB.
IDrive works on Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows 2019 Server, Windows 2016 Server, Windows 2012 Server, Windows 2008 Server, Windows Home Server, Windows 2003 Server (Service Pack 2), as well as macOS Mavericks and newer.
Jottacloud
The Jottacloud online backup plan offers 5 GB for free. It functions just as the for-pay plans that are also available.
Easy to use.
Works well on mobile.
Free plan offers 5GB of storage.
Overly simplistic interface.
Performance can vary.
The servers Jottacloud uses are located in Norway.
macOS and Windows are both supported.
Memopal
Memopal offers 3 GB for free.
Automatically backup storage and files.
Cross platform.
Encrypted file storage.
Interface is not intuitive.
Slow performance.
The backup software is supported on just about every operating system and has apps for every mobile device imaginable. If you’re having trouble finding a free online backup plan because you’re using Linux and have a BlackBerry, then you’re in luck.
