Summary:

This time around I reviewed CrashPlan’s online backup service to see how they compared to similar products on the market. Here’s what I found out:

Pros:

• unlimited storage space
• unlimited file versioning
• bandwidth throttle controls
• remote wipe feature

Cons:

• limited support hours
• can’t back up mobile devices
• no geo-redundancy in place

Overall Score: 81/100

The name of the game with CrashPlan is definitely their unlimited everything. Though they’re lacking a certain user-friendly quality to their software, there’s no doubt they’re a great deal at just $5 per month.

To get CrashPlan, sign up here:  CrashPlan

To see the highest rated Online Backup Service that scored a 93/100 go here: IDrive Online Backup

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Life is full of surprises, and we capture these irreplaceable moments in photographs, memories, and messages.

Memory keeping has changed over the last decade, and the heavy stacks of photo albums have been replaced with SD cards and the occasional digital frame.

Where the threats to our photos and documents used to be in the form of fires and floods, in the digital era it’s become viruses and theft.

So many of us never even print off our photos anymore – they sit in My Pictures, circulate on social media, and maybe pass through a few inboxes as digital greeting cards over the holidays.

As those files and photos sit on our hard drives though, they are at risk of being lost forever. Anything can happen to a computer, just the same as a cherished box of photos or a file cabinet.

Devices get stolen, infected, lost, broken – the list goes on.

Online file backup makes sure that these files are never gone forever, and protects them with strong security measures to keep your data private and secure.

There are a lot of backup services available, so here I’ll fill you in on what features to look for, and what all that tech speak means.

We’ll also be taking a closer look at CrashPlan’s backup service to see how they compare.

Will CrashPlan Work on My Operating System?

The easiest way to start whittling down your list of options is by looking at which operating systems their software is compatible with.

If you need to use a backup service on your iPhone and PC, it needs to be compatible with both.

As far as CrashPlan goes, their software is compatible with just about everything. You can use it on a variety of mobile devices, as well as Windows, Mac, and even Linux systems.

Mobile Options

Mobile compatibility is super important when selecting a backup service as well.

Ideally, you want a service that allows you to access and view your backed up files on an easy to use app, as well as back up your data on those mobile devices.

CrashPlan has apps for Android and Apple devices, so you can use it on just about anything.

Their mobile apps allow you to sync up with your accounts, though you can’t actually back up the devices themselves.

Rating: 3/5 – No mobile backup

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What Kind of Features Does CrashPlan Have?

These are the basic features you’ll find with an online backup service.

Most of them are pretty important to a plan that functions and meets your basic storage needs, but there may be a few in here you can live without.

I’ll explain what they mean and how they work, and then you can decide for yourself which ones are must-haves.

Feature #1: Storage Space

This is probably the most crucial feature to look at, as going over your storage allowance can result in some hefty penalty fees (kind of like data overages on your cell phone plan).

Storage space limitations can vary a lot, but most service plans tend to allow up to 500 GB. There are a lot of unlimited plans out there too, but the price of these tends to reflect that.

With CrashPlan though, it actually doesn’t. Despite their completely reasonable price tag, their personal backup plan still comes with completely unlimited storage space.

Rating:  5/5 – Unlimited storage space

Feature #2:  File Size

Some online backup services also restrict file size, depending on who you go with. This is usually to prevent massive data dumps as soon as you sign up, but it sucks nonetheless.

This isn’t a very common problem you’re run into, but make sure to double check with their service reps before you get too committed first, just to be sure.

CrashPlan has zero limitations on file sizes or types that you can store, so they’re perfect for everything from zip files to PDFs.

Rating:  5/5 – No file restrictions

Feature #3:  File Recovery

We’ve all been there – you’re cleaning house on your hard drive, erasing files you think you don’t need, when you suddenly realize you’ve thrown more in the recycling bin than you should have.

File recovery lets you have a redo, and gives you a time frame for recovering files that you delete from your online backups.

With CrashPlan, there actually are no restrictions – their system keeps deleted files forever.

I guess technically that means they’re never actually deleted, so you never have to worry about losing, well, anything.

Rating:  5/5 – Unlimited file recovery

Feature #4:  File Versioning

This is a feature that allows you to recover previous versions of files.

As you modify your files and they’re backed up, a lot of services will allow you to access the previous versions, even if new ones have been saved over them.

Typically I see around ten versions available for recovery with a backup service, but with CrashPlan, you get unlimited versioning.

I don’t even know how it’s possible, but somehow these guys give you unlimited storage, unlimited recovery, and unlimited versioning. Don’t ask questions, just reap the rewards.

Rating:  5/5 – Unlimited file versioning

Feature #5:  Continuous Backup

Continuous backup never stops, even when you forget to move things to your cloud.

It’s basically an automatic backup of any changes to files, new files, moved files, whatever – it all gets backed up automatically, and you never have to worry about it.

Of course, CrashPlan does continuous backup, and also allows you to schedule them yourself, so you can make sure you’re getting all the bandwidth to yourself when you don’t want a backup process running.

Rating:  5/5 –Automatic backup options

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Feature #6:  External Hard Drive Backup

External hard drives are great for freeing up some space on your computer, but they’re not the safest or most reliable way to store your files.

A lot of companies also allow you to back up your external storage devices and keep those files on the cloud for safe keeping.

CrashPlan does it again, with online backup that keeps your files safe, even when your hard drive isn’t.

Rating:  5/5 – Includes external hard drive back up

Feature #7:  File Sync

This is a handy feature for people that want to be able to access their backed up data on the go. With file syncing, you can tap into the cloud on any of your devices.

CrashPlan’s mobile apps allow you to access and manage your backed up files on the go, so you’re always connected, and always on top of things.

Rating:  5/5 – Mobile sync options

Feature #8:  File Sharing

This is a handy feature for the social customers.

If you have some backed up photos that you’d like your family to have access to, you can e-mail them the backed up file link, or share it on social media to get them connected.

Unfortunately, there are no sharing options or features with CrashPlan.

If you want to be able to share your files with other people, you’ll want to look into a service like Google Drive that allows you to share videos and photos with selected users.

Rating: 0/5 – No sharing features

Feature #9: Throttle Controls (Bandwidth)

Ah, I love throttle controls. The thing is, file backups tend to be black holes for bandwidth, and they can really slow down your connection.

Typically when you’re backing things up, you’re not doing much else until the process is complete.

Throttle controls put you in the driver’s seat, allowing you to increase or decrease the amount of bandwidth the backup service gets so you can optimize your system to your needs.

Not only does CrashPlan come with unlimited bandwidth, but their throttle controls allow you to optimize your processes and connection for whatever you need to do at the time.

Rating:  5/5 – You’re in control of bandwidth allocation

Feature #10: Free Trial

There’s no better way to know if a service is going to work for you than by trying it out yourself.

Most companies offer some kind of free trial for you to take their services for a test spin, usually at least a month.

CrashPlan hangs right in there, with a 30 day free trial service package for new customers to check out before they commit to purchasing a service agreement.

Rating:  4.5/5 – 30 day trial

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How Secure Is It?

There are a lot of questions being raised right about the security of online backup services and cloud storage, and for good reason. Backup services are a lot like putting your money in the bank, only without a way to recover what was stolen. These are a few features to look for when you’re shopping around to make sure the backup service you choose is secure enough to keep your files private and secure.

Feature #1:  Geo Redundancy Backup

What geo-redundancy refers to is having your data backed up in at least two separate locations.

This way, in the event of a physical catastrophe like a flood or earthquake, while your files may be lost on the server in one location, they’re still (likely) safe at the other one.

This feature isn’t terribly common, but it’s pretty crucial to keeping your files safe, and definitely acts like an insurance policy.

Unfortunately, CrashPlan only has one data center, so if it goes, there is no alternative location for your data.

Rating:  0/5 – Only one data center

Feature #2: Data encryption

To keep your files secure and private in route to the backup servers, most services use at least some form of basic encryption to protect your data in the event that it gets intercepted.

With security concerns topping the list of reasons people hesitate to use backup services, this an important feature to pay attention to.

Most backup services use the same encryption the US military does – 256 bit. CrashPlan actually uses a less common form, 448 bit Blowfish algorithms.

These encryption methods are basically the same in terms of security, with variations that may make one a slightly better option in certain scenarios.

Overall though, Blowfish is every bit as secure, if not a less common means of encryption.

Rating:  5/5 – Ultra secure Blowfish encryption

Feature #3: User-Owned Encryption Key

This is a feature that not everybody may use, just because of the amount of responsibility that it puts on you, the user, to keep track of your key, but it’s a serious step towards truly independent security.

Basically, a user-owned encryption key means that you and only you will have the key to decrypt your files – literally nobody else can access them, not even the backup company.

Of course, this means if you misplace or forget the key, you’re on your own.

Your files remain encrypted and inaccessible, so it’s worth deciding if you’re responsible enough to hold onto this information before you decide to go this route.

CrashPlan gives their users the option to create their own encryption key, so if you think you can handle keeping track of it, only you will be able to unlock your files.

Rating:  5/5 – Set your own encryption key

Feature #4: Server Ownership and Third Party Involvement

This is a really important feature to me. I feel like the fewer people that are involved in storing my data, the safer it’s going to be.

We’ve all heard reports of employees stealing and selling celebrity photos from their cloud storage accounts, and with only one company involved, scenarios like this are a lot less likely to happen.

(Although, I still wouldn’t back up your boudoir photos just to be safe).

Most companies do not specify this information on their websites, so you may have to do a little bit of digging, but make sure that from storage to encryption, they are the only ones involved with securing your data.

Also ensure that they own the servers where it’s all stored. CrashPlan owns and maintains all of their servers, so there are no third parties involved with storing or securing your data.

Rating:  5/5 – No third party involvement

Feature #5: Remote Wipe

This feature is an extra, and isn’t really integral to protecting your files on the cloud, but definitely helps to prevent your information on your actual device from falling into the wrong hands.

Remote wipe allows you to wipe your device from your backup account in the event that your device is stolen.

With CrashPlan, you can remotely erase any sensitive files or information on your device if it’s ever stolen, protecting you from things like fraud and identity theft.

Rating:  5/5 – Includes remote wipe feature

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Is it Easy to Use?

There’s nothing more irritating than paying for something that’s a complete pain to use. The same goes for backup software.

What you’re looking for here are features that are easy to find and access, a dashboard that’s not cluttered or complicated, and a backup process that’s simple and straightforward.

Setting up CrashPlan was pretty straightforward – just go their website, and download the software. From there, the installation wizard handles the rest.

It takes a few minutes to install, but once it does, you just create an account (if you haven’t already), and you’re ready to start using it.

Right off the bat I wasn’t crazy about the look of this software. It’s not that it was too complicated, it was more that the layout looked too simple, and I had a hard time visualizing where to start.

Backing up seems simple enough, but the interface itself just isn’t very user-friendly – I kind of just had to fumble my way around until I understood how it worked.

It’s not that the software is overly-complex, it’s really not bad, but I think it could be a lot more intuitive. I’ve just seen better programs, and this one doesn’t stand out to me.

Rating: 2/5 – Not very user-friendly

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What If I Need Help?

Great customer service is a must for me, no matter what I’m buying. Since these companies are providing you with a service, great support is absolutely a requirement.

Here are just a few things you should look into to make sure whoever you choose is going to be there when you need them.

24/7 Support?

This is the first thing I look at when I’m checking out a company’s customer service.

My biggest pet peeve is having to wait to get help, so 24/7 support is an absolute must for me – it means faster responses, no matter when I’m having problems.

CrashPlan’s customer service team isn’t available 24/7. Their live phone support has standard business hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday (US Central time).

They claim their e-mail support is 24/7, but I think it’s a lot more likely that they just get to these as soon as they can (otherwise they would have a live chat feature, right?).

Rating: 2.5/5 – Limited support hours

Channels

When it comes to support, I really prefer that there’s a live way to get in touch with them.

E-mail is great for issues that aren’t really pressing, but if I’m having issues with my account, I want help and I want it fast.

Most companies offer e-mail support and either phone or live chat assistance, though both is best.

CrashPlan has live phone support for issues that require immediate attention, and an e-mail ticketing system for things that can generally wait.

Rating:  4/5 – E-mail and phone support

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How Much Does CrashPlan Cost?

With so many options out there, prices are really competitive for online backup services right now.

The variety of features available can play a big role in pricing, but most online backups run between $5 and $10 per month, or between $40 and $50 per year, depending on pricing structure.

CrashPlan is pretty reasonably priced. The way their structure works is they charge you monthly for a year’s subscription.

So the monthly rate is within reason, but looking at the whole year it’s a bit higher than what other companies charge. Either way though, for $5 a month, their service is well worth it.

Rating:  5/5 – Lots of features at a great price

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Conclusion

Hopefully you understand how all of these features work now, and the geeks-speak has been decoded for you. Let’s recap and see how CrashPlan held up in our review.

Pros:

• compatible with all major systems
• mobile apps
• unlimited storage space
• no file size or type restrictions
• unlimited file recovery period
• unlimited file versioning
• continuous backup
• external hard drive backup
• file syncing
• you can control the bandwidth used
• 30 day free trial
• strong encryption
• option for user-owned encryption key
• no third party involvement
• remote wipe feature
• e-mail and phone support
• very affordable

Cons:

• can’t back up mobile devices
• no sharing options
• no geo-redundancy
• not the most user-friendly software design
• limited support hours

Overall Score: 81/100

All in all, CrashPlan is a feature-loaded backup service that is extremely secure, with a slew of extras that make using it convenient and comprehensive.

The only real drawbacks were in their customer support limitations and less than stellar software design. For $5 a month though, it’s not a bad deal at all.

To get CrashPlan, sign up here:  CrashPlan

To see the highest rated Online Backup Service that scored a 93/100 go here: IDrive Online Backup