Carbonite vs IDrive

Cove Data Protection

NAKIVO Backup & Replication

IDrive

IDrive is a cloud backup and storage service with folder sync, bandwidth controls, and file-sharing capability for the corporate sector. Available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, it keeps folder & file versions for 30 days and backs up data from PCs, devices, and network drives.

Cove Data Protection is a cloud-first backup and disaster recovery service for servers, workstations, and Microsoft 365™, all managed from a multitenant web-based dashboard. 


Fast, affordable and top-rated data protection solution for virtual, physical, cloud and SaaS environments.

Systems Administrator

Founder

After being a customer for fifteen years, I am thoroughly disappointed with Carbonite's product and their complete unwillingness to refund anything for the time my PC spent not being backed up last year.

They market heavily, so customers recognize and trust the name, though I do believe that they shouldn't.

Carbonite lets users backup all the data on their computer as long as it’s connected to the internet. It is a cybersecurity software that allows businesses to back up their files and digital assets, as well as recover them in the event of a data loss.

Access Controls/Permissions

Activity Monitoring

Archiving & Retention

Automatic Backup

Backup and Recovery

Backup Scheduling

Cloud Backup

Compliance Management

Compression

Continuous Backup

Data Migration

Data Recovery

Data Replication

Data Security

Data Storage Management

Disaster Recovery

Encryption

Endpoint Protection

File Management

File Transfer

Incremental Backup

Local Server Options

Monitoring

Policy Management

Real-Time Monitoring

Reporting/Analytics

Secure Data Storage

Threat Response

Web Access/Restoration

Most reviewers indicate Carbonite offers affordable pricing and good value for unlimited backup, and they appreciate discounts for multiple devices. Some reviewers feel the price is high for server backups or advanced features, and they mention limited functionality in lower tiers.

Value for money

Reviews for Carbonite come from a wide variety of industries, including Information Technology and Services (10% of reviewers), Health, Wellness and Fitness (6%), and Computer Software (6%). The most frequent use case for Carbonite cited by reviewers is backup (90% of reviewers).

Carbonite

Android

Windows

Web-based

CrashPlan

Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage

Basic

Plus

Prime

Director of Technology

We recently encountered a problem that broke a large portion of our backups.

IT Lead

It is based on amount of storage and we continually have to adjust our plan.

Transfer speed is terrible and the app crashes frequently

IT Consultant

Can be pricy when you have lots of storage on office 365

Carbonite has been a great application for backing up computers.  

This took over 2 weeks to completely recovery via carbonite.

Owner

Simple installation and scheduling - Easy to restore backups-Excellent support- Impressive array of plugins (like backup for SQL Server, Exchange Server, Cloud-to-Cloud)-

Great service, support, and very easy to deploy

Business Development

Top quality product, retrieval was made easy enough.

Contract Manager

Unfortunately my computers had to be reimaged due to malware, my credit card was compromised  and I was just starting over when I found out Carbonite had deleted my data 5 days before.  

VP IT

Easy to setup and use for file backups and recovery.

I love seeing the reports pop on the screen saying my system just backed up XXXXXXX number of files. And at any time, I can open the software and see the files and view my backup on the Cloud.

I had one email that stated my subscription had expired because my Credit card had changed.

I don't have to worry about it keeping my data safe with the automatic backups.

I am using Carbonite Safe CE 22.2 -- I have clients that say they have a backup to Google or other service, and quite frankly they don't understand the complexity they will go through to try to retrieve their data.

The online portal is very slow, and doesn't add much value to the tool.

Account Manager

Random invoices though about our contract were puzzling at times.

I have stored in my system at this moment in time 249,577 files - work from over 10 years is compiled here for my marketing clients.

About 20 years of data was wiped out .I talked to a manager and she said that it is industry standard practice.

clunky, hard to manage, not intuitive, restoring is not easy or simple, high priced compared to others.

Office Manager

If a document was accidently deleted, you could go into your account online and retrieve it for a short period of time.

Diretor of Creative Content 

You get unlimited storage for the tier I chose which is not true of Dropbox, OneDrive, GoogleDrive, and others.  

Executive Director

With the amount of digital files one stores over time, it is critical to know that they are safe and in one location.

The backup is usually more than 60 days old.

IT Support Manager

I ave had to use the backups to recover failed drives, and ransomed disks.

As I was recommended to Carbonite by my IT guy, he is the one installed the software and also uploaded all of the docs and files when I purchase new hardware.

Project Manager

Transferring files and large deliverables that our company receives never takes long and we are given an incredible amount of space for an inexpensive cost, so it frees up our hard drives at work.

I finally came back to them this last year and felt such relief when I implemented the program.

Disaster Recovery Architect

This product is great for backing up areas of my computer that OneDrive doesn't.  

The only drag is the amount of time it takes to get all your data back.

Head Coach

Challenge  to remove backed up files you delete from machine.  

Carbonite checks the backups on a continuous basis for ransomware.

I liked that it backed up all of my data itself and that I didn't have to do it manually.

Does not work well for business that try to access the files.

Business Manager

It has gotten me back up through crashes and new computers flawlessly.

Independent Financial Adviser

I was not happy with how long it took to do the initial backup but in talking with my compiter rep.

Systems Architect

It also had a feature to back up the entire system that could be used to restorer after a hardware failure.

I have used Carbonite with the exception of one short period for over 10 years.

The best features were continuous synchronous backup, and backup with encryption.

IT Manager

I was having trouble restoring files and was able to get a support agent on the phone within 10 minutes and within another 5-10 minutes we were good to go.

We have computers "die" all the time and without carbonite (or a similar service) we would be in danger of losing years worth of work.

Overall, I would highly recommend Carbonite, as it is our favorite online storage software in comparison to others and we have used it without any issues for a couple of years now when working with other studios, freelancers, and clients.

Associate Executive Director

We love that we can count on Carbonite to have our files/data backed up when we need it.

Backup and Restore

Data Backup

File Upload

Security and Access Control

Backup

Customer Support

Computer Crash

Storage Space

Service

Performance and Speed

Small Business

Mid-size Business

Large Enterprises

Freelancers

Most reviewers indicate Carbonite offers affordable and reasonable pricing, especially for unlimited backup and essential features, making it a cost-effective solution for many users. They appreciate the peace of mind and ease of use included at a fair price, with some noting discounts for multiple devices. Some reviewers feel the price is a bit high compared to competitors, particularly for server backups or after recent price increases, and mention that reduced functionality may require more expensive plans. Some users say the value could be better if more features were included in lower-priced tiers.

OpenText

Salesforce Backup

OpenText Cloudally Backup for Salesforce

30,000 Backup Customers.
Comprehensive. Proven. Secure.
Salesforce SaaS Backup and Recovery

User

IDrive has not responded to my support request after nearly a week.

Not Applicable

The 24/7 customer support is responsive and helpful, always ready to assist with any issues.

Activity Dashboard

Activity Tracking

Alerts/Notifications

Automated Scheduling

Backup Log

Bare-Metal Restore

Cloud Computing

Collaboration Tools

Data Synchronization

Document Management

Document Storage

Email Alerts

File Sharing

HIPAA Compliant

Mobile Access

Multi-Device Support

Multiple Format Support

Remote Monitoring & Management

Remote Server Options

Reporting & Statistics

Scheduled/Automated Reports

Search/Filter

Secure Login

Self Service Portal

Two-Factor Authentication

User Management

VM Backup

Reviews for IDrive come from a wide variety of industries, including information technology and services (8% of reviewers), photography (8%), and computer software (7%). The most frequent use case for IDrive cited by reviewers is backup (85% of reviewers).

Users and use cases

Most reviewers indicate that IDrive offers strong value for money, especially for large storage needs and families. Some reviewers feel that costs rise sharply after promotions, and they report frustration with inflexible upgrades and unclear pricing.

The IDrive integration most frequently cited by reviewers is Synology Drive, a file sharing product rated 4.4 out of 5 for its integration with IDrive.

Integrations

IDrive is a backup program with key features that include secure data storage, cloud backup, backup and recovery, backup scheduling, incremental backup, encryption, and more.

Linux

iPhone

iPad

Chromebook

Google Drive

Amazon S3

MEGA

Dropbox Backup

pCloud Business

Google Cloud Storage

Google Cloud

DiskStation

IDrive Mini

IDrive Personal

IDrive Team

IDrive Business

Limited folder selection flexibility

Professor

The default include directories don't cover the needs of many users (certainly not mine), yet there is no initial prompting to help the user decide what is worth including.

43% of reviewers feel negative about Folder Backup. Reviewers indicate that selecting folders for backup is tedious, often requiring manual checking of each item. Users say the default settings do not meet their needs, and there is a lack of guidance for choosing important folders. Many find navigation through folder structures cumbersome, especially when dealing with large directories or many subfolders. Some mention that moving or managing backed-up folders is restrictive, and the web interface does not always upload complete folder contents.

Challenges with external drives

Self

I have all my OneDrive data stored on an external SSD drive and CDP doesn't work with it.

Music producer 

It took my a long time to be able to back up an external hard drive second volume

49% of reviewers feel negative about External Drive Backup. Reviewers indicate difficulties backing up external drives, especially on Mac systems, with some unable to add or access these drives as intended. Users say continuous data protection and certain backup features do not work with external storage. Many find the setup process for external drives confusing or cumbersome, and some experience failures or long delays during large initial backups. These limitations are particularly frustrating for those relying on external drives for primary storage.

Outdated and clunky design

Project Director

Some of the available functions/settings not easy to find within the interface

Steel Detailer

The user interface (UI) is clunky and can be difficult to navigate.

35% of reviewers feel negative about User Interface. Users describe the interface as old-fashioned, basic, and sometimes confusing to navigate. They say the design lacks modern aesthetics and can be unintuitive, especially for new users. Reviewers mention slow loading times, inconsistencies between the web and app interfaces, and difficulty finding certain settings or functions. Many feel the user experience would benefit from a significant update to improve both visual appeal and overall usability.

Carbonite vs IDrive Comparison (2026)

Carbonite

IDrive

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives