
Each method has its merits, but more and more frequently, backup companies give you both options. Online backup services encrypt your data for security and send it to the backup company's servers for off-site storage. The first makes a copy of your data that you store wherever you choose, such as on an external hard drive. In previous years, we differentiated between local backup software and online backup services.

What would you do if your hard drive crashed, you accidentally deleted important files, or you lost your laptop? Or what if a fire or flood meant the end of your digital media and documents? Using a backup service is one of the best ways to protect yourself against these and other types of data loss. Read our editorial mission (Opens in a new window) & see how we test (Opens in a new window). Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions.

