World Backup Day 2026: Everything — and I mean EVERYTHING — you need to keep your data safe from loss and disaster
I found the best deals on hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, memory cards, NAS, and software and cloud backups
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Tuesday March 31, is World Backup Day. It’s that necessary annual reminder to back up all our important data and documents. And with so many different ways to back up your files, once you’ve set it up, you can leave it unattended, safe in the knowledge that if the worst happens, you’re protected.
Below you'll find a comprehensive collection of our favorite backup products and methods, including HDDs and SSDs — both internal and external — portable flash drives, SD cards, NAS systems, and software and cloud backup solutions.
Where possible, I’ve tried to hunt down the lowest prices available for each item, focusing on deals and limited-time discounts. Over the course of the week, I’ll be checking regularly to make sure prices stay accurate and all the products are still in stock.
The ongoing memory crunch does mean prices for some items remain higher than usual, particularly SSDs and other flash-based storage, and demand for high-capacity memory and storage continues to grow. Although deals still appear regularly, they don’t usually last long.
We're also running our World Backup Day 2026 live blog with news, updates, and expert advice.
Internal SSDs
Internal SSDs are standard in modern PCs, with SATA and NVMe types delivering fast storage in sizes up to 8TB, although 2TB currently offers the best balance of cost and capacity.
With a sustained read speed of 14.9 GB/s and a write speed of 14.5 GB/s, this is one of the fastest SSDs right now. It has an exceptionally high endurance as well at 5600 TBW. As for others it comes with a 5-year warranty
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This high-performance PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD delivers extremely fast read speeds up to 7,450MB/s, making it ideal for demanding workloads and large file transfers. With a roomy 4TB capacity, it offers plenty of space for projects, applications, and fast system storage in modern high-end PCs. There's a version with a heatsink for $766.
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This 4TB NVMe SSD delivers speeds up to 7,250MB/s, giving modern PCs and laptops fast boot times and smooth file transfers. Support for both PCIe Gen 4 and select Gen 5 configurations adds flexibility, while advanced caching technology helps maintain strong performance during demanding workloads and large transfers.
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The T710 is the cheapest large-capacity PCIe 5.0 SSD around. It has a best-in-class sustained read speed of 14.9 GB/s but a more pedestrian 13.8 GB/s on writes. On the hand, it has a cool (pun intended) integrated graphene heatsink to keep temperatures down.
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It is, at least on paper, slower than the 9100 Pro (14.1 / 12.6GBps) but regularly competes against Samsung’s finest SSD on benchmarks and reviews. A very good SSD if you don't want to spend the extra to get the performance boost. In our review we said it was "definitely worth the investment".
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The SN8100 PCIe 5.0 SSD has the fastest speed with reads at 14.9GBps and a bit less (14GBps) on writes. Backed by a 5-year warranty, it remains one of the best SSDs money can buy.
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This 4TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD delivers read speeds up to 7,000MB/s and strong write performance for fast transfers and responsive system performance. With a large 4TB capacity and pricing at better than half price, it offers huge storage and speed at a reasonable cost.
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This 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD delivers read speeds up to 7,400MB/s and write speeds up to 6,800MB/s, offering fast boot times and quick file transfers. Its PCIe Gen 4 x4 interface and compact M.2 2280 design make it a strong upgrade for modern desktops and laptops. In our review we said it "outclasses its pricier competition."
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The Crucial - P510 1TB is a high-speed PCIe Gen 5 x4 NVMe M.2 SSD designed for laptops and desktops. It delivers exceptional performance for demanding applications, offering fast data transfer rates and reliable storage.
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This 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD delivers ultra-fast read speeds up to 7,400MB/s and strong write performance for demanding workloads. Built with 3D TLC NAND and a dedicated DRAM cache, it maintains consistent speed during large file transfers, making it a reliable choice for high-performance PCs and workstations.
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This 1TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD in the M.2 2280 form factor, is rated for up to 7,100MB/s reads and 6,000MB/s writes. Built with Micron 3D NAND, it delivers faster boot times, quicker file transfers, and snappier everyday performance compared with Gen 3 or SATA SSDs.
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The WD Black SN850X is a high-end PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD designed for elite gaming and workstation use. It offers sequential read speeds up to 7,300MB/s and write speeds up to 6,600MB/s, with capacities ranging from 1TB to 8TB.
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The Samsung 9100 Pro 8TB delivers a massive 8TB of super-fast PCIe 5.0 storage. It reaches speeds of up to 14,800 MB/s in sequential read and 13,400 MB/s in sequential write, ensuring gamers and creatives get superb performance all the time, every time.
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The GameStop 1TB NVMe SSD is a PCIe Gen4x4 drive rated for up to 7,400MB/s read speeds and 6,400MB/s write speeds. It includes a built-in heatsink and fits standard M.2 slots.
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This 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD delivers read speeds up to 7,400MB/s and fast write performance for quick file transfers and responsive system performance. Its M.2 2280 design fits modern PCs and laptops, and the included $15 promotional gift card adds extra value to the overall deal.
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The Crucial BX500 is an entry-level SATA SSD designed for budget-conscious users seeking faster performance than traditional hard drives. Available in 1TB, 2TB and 4TB capacities, it offers sequential read speeds up to 540MB/s and write speeds up to 500MB/s.
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This twin-pack of 2TB SATA SSDs offers a simple way to boost storage and speed in desktops or older systems. With read speeds up to 520MB/s and broad SATA compatibility, it’s a practical upgrade for replacing hard drives or expanding storage without spending heavily on newer NVMe hardware.
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This 2TB SATA SSD delivers read speeds up to 560MB/s, making it a simple way to speed up older laptops or desktops still using hard drives. The included $15 promotional gift card adds a little extra value to the purchase.
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This 1TB SATA III SSD delivers read speeds up to 560MB/s, making it a simple upgrade for laptops or desktops still running slower hard drives. Its 2.5-inch design fits widely compatible systems, and using promo code SUSF2445 knocks an extra $5 off the already low price.
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This 2TB SATA III SSD uses 3D NAND and SLC cache technology to boost everyday performance, delivering speeds far faster than traditional hard drives. Its slim 7mm design fits laptops and desktops easily, while built-in reliability features help protect data and keep systems running smoothly over time.
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Internal HDDs
Internal HDDs remain a popular choice for large-capacity storage, with desktop and NAS models offering dependable performance in sizes up to 24TB, making them ideal for backups, media libraries, and long-term data storage at a lower cost per terabyte.
The Western Digital 24TB WD Red Pro is a massive-capacity internal hard drive designed for demanding NAS and enterprise environments. Built for reliability and performance, it supports multi-user workloads and is ideal for data-intensive applications, backups, and large-scale storage needs.
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Available in capacities from 2TB to 12TB this NAS drive is rated for 180TB/year workload2 and 1M hours MTBF4 and it comes with a 3-year limited warranty. A 7200RPM class speed and large 512MB cache help maintain steady performance, while CMR technology supports reliable data handling.
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This high-capacity 24TB hard drive offers massive storage for backups, archives, and large media collections. With a 7200RPM rotational speed and read and write speeds up to 285MB/s, it delivers dependable performance.
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This 8TB internal hard drive provides plenty of space for photos, videos, backups, and large media libraries. With a 5400RPM speed and a generous 256MB cache, it delivers steady everyday performance, making it a practical option for desktops that need reliable mass storage at a lower cost than SSDs.
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This 10TB internal hard drive delivers dependable high-capacity storage for desktops handling large files and demanding workloads. Built with CMR technology and advanced caching features, it helps maintain steady performance, while long-term reliability is supported by a five-year limited warranty for added confidence.
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This 8TB desktop hard drive offers dependable everyday storage for documents, photos, and large media collections. With a 256MB cache and SATA 6Gb/s support, it delivers steady performance, while included cloning software helps simplify upgrades or backups when replacing an older drive in existing systems.
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Portable SSDs
Portable SSDs offer fast, compact storage for backups and travel, with capacities reaching up to 8TB, although 1TB to 4TB models remain the most common choices for everyday use.
This portable SSD delivers read speeds up to 2000MB/s, making it ideal for quick file transfers and backups on the go. With 500GB of storage, drop-tested durability, and both USB-C and USB-A cables included, it offers reliable, flexible storage for travel, work, and everyday use.
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This compact external SSD offers 2TB of fast storage with USB4 speeds up to 4000MB/s read and 3600MB/s write. It’s lightweight, powered by USB-C, and ideal for quickly transferring large files, backing up data, or expanding storage for work and creative projects.
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Earning 4.5 stars and a TechRadar Pro Recommends badge after testing, the SanDisk Extreme has long been one of our top-recommended external drives for most professionals. It has read speeds up to 1050 MB/s and 1,000MB/s write speeds, with an IP65 ruggedness rating.
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This portable SSD from Crucial works on computers, mobile devices, and games consoles. The plug-and-play device features a simple, compact design, with up to 1050MB/s read speeds . The 4TB model is priced at $355.
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This SSD boasts 2TB storage space, 5-year warranty, and a compact, portable design. We enjoyed testing out this unit (see our review here), which offered fair performance but an outstanding price.
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Easily one of our favorite external SSDs, the WD My Passport is a speedy unit with some good security features behind it. And the portability here is ideal for anyone who needs storage on the go.
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Portable external storage designed for Mac offers up to 5TB capacity in a sleek metal enclosure. USB-C and USB 3.1 compatibility ensure fast connections, while included software imports cloud and social content and provides password protection with AES hardware encryption.
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The Crucial X10 drew inspiration from the existing X-series line and delivered a durable, cost-effective option for those who need reliable USB storage. Capable of transfer speeds of up to 2100Mb/s, it works with a Windows PC, Apple Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, Android, Linux, and consoles.
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This 2TB portable SSD delivers fast read and write speeds up to 2000MB/s, making it ideal for moving large files quickly and keeping projects accessible on the go. Its USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C connection ensures wide compatibility across modern devices.
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This is a drive for when security is essential. Built-in hardware encryption and automatic locking help protect sensitive data, while USB-C connectivity ensures compatibility across desktops, laptops, smartphones, and Macs. Capacity ranges from 500GB to 2TB with read speeds up to 1000MB/s.
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This rugged 4TB portable hard drive is built to handle travel, with resistance to drops, dust, and rain for added peace of mind. USB 3.0 support ensures steady transfer speeds, while compatibility with both Mac and PC systems makes it a dependable option for backups and file storage.
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This 2TB portable SSD delivers fast read speeds up to 2,100MB/s and strong write performance for quick backups and large file transfers. Its compact USB-C design works across PCs and Macs, while the durable build makes it a reliable option for carrying important files between home, office, and travel.
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The SanDisk Extreme Pro Portable 4TB SSD is a high-performance external drive designed for professionals and power users. With USB4 connectivity, it delivers blazing-fast read speeds up to 3,800 MB/s and write speeds up to 3,700 MB/s, making it ideal for 4K/8K video editing, large file transfers, and gaming. Its rugged design offers IP65 water- and dust-resistance, drop protection, and a forged aluminum chassis.
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External HDDs
External HDDs offer convenient, plug-and-play storage for backups and large files, with portable and desktop models available in sizes up to 24TB, making them a practical choice for expanding storage without opening your PC or upgrading internal hardware.
This 16TB external desktop hard drive provides massive storage for backups, media libraries, and large files. USB 3.0 connectivity enables steady transfer speeds, while plug-and-play setup makes it easy to start using right away on compatible desktop systems without complicated installation steps.
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This slim external hard drive offers simple automatic backups and secure storage with built-in password protection and 256-bit AES hardware encryption. With capacities up to 5TB, USB compatibility, and included management software, it provides reliable everyday storage backed by a three-year limited warranty.
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This external hard drive offers fast data transfers through USB 3.0 while remaining compatible with older USB 2.0 ports. High-capacity storage provides room for backups and large files, and NTFS formatting supports Windows systems right out of the box with reliable everyday performance.
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This 5TB portable hard drive provides plenty of space for backups, media, and large files in a slim, travel-friendly design. USB 3.0 connectivity allows quick transfers, and using promo code SUSF98 takes $10 off, making it an even more attractive storage deal.
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This is a versatile and portable storage solution. With 5TB of space, it’s ideal for backing up files, storing games, or transferring media between devices. The USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface ensures fast data transfer speeds and broad compatibility with PCs, consoles, and more.
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Desktop NAS
Desktop NAS systems provide centralized storage for homes and small offices, with multi-bay designs supporting large-capacity drives and RAID options, making them ideal for backups, media streaming, and secure file sharing across multiple devices on the same network.
This 2-bay NAS system combines an Intel quad-core processor and 8GB DDR5 memory. The combo includes dual 10TB drives to deliver reliable network storage right out of the box. With support for additional M.2 drives and a fast 2.5GbE port, it’s well suited for backups, media storage, and shared files.
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This four-bay NAS is built for fast home storage and powered by an Intel x86 quad-core chip, 4GB of RAM, and a 2.5GbE port for quick file transfers. It supports 4K media streaming, quiet operation, simple mobile setup, and large expansion up to 120TB. Read our review to see what we thought of it.
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This 4-bay NAS is perfect for versatile setups that need up to 120TB of storage, while reaching SATA SSD speeds (using RAID). Think DVR, NVR and large file repositories. It has two 2.5GGbE ports and comes with up to five-year warranty. We gave it a 5/5 in our review and applauded its vast library of free business and smart home apps.
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This four bay desktop NAS supports up to 120TB of storage and includes 8GB LPDDR4X RAM, 2.5GbE networking and a 4K HDMI port. It offers remote access, an AI powered photo album and a beginner friendly interface. The diskless unit targets home and small office users who want simple setup and flexible expansion. In our review, we said it offered an "elegant design that delivers the basic functionality that most NAS users need at a price they can afford."
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The QNAP TR-004 is a four bay direct attached storage enclosure that connects over USB C to Windows, macOS and Linux systems. It supports hardware RAID modes including 0, 1, 5, JBOD and individual disks, making it useful for backups or as an expansion unit for compatible QNAP NAS models. The diskless unit includes lockable bays and works as standalone external storage.
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This is a simple one bay NAS with a preinstalled 2TB hard drive for basic home cloud storage. It connects to your router to provide shared access for Windows and older macOS systems. The closed system design aims to reduce security risks, and included tools support automated backups and private folder sharing.
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Like its bigger brother above, this 2-bay NAS is powered by an Intel x86 quad-core chip, 4GB of RAM, and a 2.5GbE port for quick file transfers. It can run 4K media streaming easily and supports up to 50 independent user accounts.
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USB drives & memory cards
Flash drives and memory cards provide compact, portable storage for photos, videos, and everyday files, with capacities ranging from a few gigabytes to several terabytes, making them a convenient choice for cameras, laptops, and quick file transfers between compatible devices.
The Kingston DataTraver Max is a blazingly fast USB flash drive that packs in the performance of an external SSD in small chassis. Thanks to a combination of high-speed USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C connector and fast TLC flash memory from Micron TLC, you can expect this flash drive to offer spectacular speeds. In our five-star review we said it was a "USB flash drive that packs the performance of an NVMe SSD."
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Lightweight, capless design, loads of storage, long warranty, and ultra-fast speeds - we had no hesitation in giving the Adata Elite UE800 USB flash drive our Editor’s Choice award following our review.
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For lightning-fast speeds and a razor-sharp design, the Patriot Supersonic Rage Prime is an exceptional little device that can outpace many SSDs. It's also available for a little less than many competing brands, meaning you also get incredible value for money with this nifty pen drive.
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This 128GB USB flash drive delivers fast USB 3.2 performance in a compact, retractable design that helps protect the connector during travel. Built-in Microban antimicrobial protection helps reduce bacteria growth, while optional password software and broad compatibility make it practical for everyday storage use.
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This 128GB flash drive delivers fast transfer speeds up to 420MB/s read and 380MB/s write, making it ideal for moving large files quickly. A durable aluminum casing adds protection, while built-in encryption and password support help keep sensitive files secure across compatible USB devices.
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This flash drives features a capped design for protecting as well as read/write speeds of 80Mbps and 20Mbps respectively. These are not the fastest speeds out there so if you require something with more oomph, then check out some of the other USB drives in this roundup.
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This is one of the largest USB flash drives on the market, both in terms of its physical dimensions as well as its storage capacity, offering a mind-blowing 2TB of SSD storage space. It also offers blazing-fast speeds (thanks to its USB 3.2 Gen 2 standard), with up to 600MB/s read speeds.
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This high-speed SD card delivers read speeds up to 285MB/s and write speeds up to 220MB/s, making it suitable for demanding video recording and rapid photo capture. Durable design resists water, shock, and temperature extremes, and includes recovery software support.
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This 256GB SD card delivers shot speeds up to 140MB/s and transfer speeds up to 200MB/s, making it ideal for smooth 4K video capture and fast file handling. Its durable build resists water, shock, and harsh conditions, helping protect data during demanding outdoor use.
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This 64GB SDXC memory card delivers read speeds up to 95MB/s with Class 10 and U3 ratings, making it suitable for Full HD and 4K video recording. Its full-size design works with cameras and camcorders, providing dependable storage for photos, video, and everyday shooting tasks.
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This SD memory card offers reliable storage for photos, videos, and other digital content, making it a practical choice for everyday photography and recording. With Class 10, U3, and V30 ratings, it supports smooth 4K video capture and dependable performance across compatible cameras.
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This UHS-II SD card delivers read speeds up to 250MB/s, helping capture high-quality photos and smooth 4K video with minimal delay. Fast transfer performance speeds up post-production workflows, while backward compatibility ensures reliable use across newer cameras and older UHS-I devices alike.
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Software & cloud
Software and cloud backup solutions protect important files by creating secure copies on local drives or remote servers, helping guard against hardware failure, accidental deletion, or cyber threats while making it easy to restore data when problems occur.
I personally swear by Backblaze for backing up my computers. You get unlimited data backup and can access your data from anywhere and all for under $100 a year.
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The Basic plan provides unlimited encrypted cloud backup for one computer. It protects documents, photos, and music, supports malware recovery, allows instant data access, and offers courier delivery of recovered files for an additional fee, but does not include antivirus or automatic video backup features.
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The Plus plan covers one computer and one external hard drive with unlimited encrypted cloud backup. It protects documents, photos, music, and videos, includes Webroot antivirus, supports malware recovery, allows instant file access, and offers courier delivery of recovered files for an additional fee required.
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The Basic plan provides unlimited encrypted cloud backup for one computer. It protects documents, photos, and music, supports malware recovery, allows instant data access, and offers courier delivery of recovered files for an additional fee, but does not include antivirus or automatic video backup features.
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This one-year plan protects three computers with local backup and anti-ransomware security. It includes flexible backups, active disk cloning, quick recovery, and universal restore tools that help restore entire systems or files quickly after failures, attacks, or unexpected data loss.
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This plan protects three computers with local and cloud backup, including 256GB cloud storage. It offers flexible backups, active disk cloning, quick recovery, universal restore, ransomware and identity protection, virus blocking, automatic cloud replication, and Microsoft 365 backup support.
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This plan protects three computers and includes 1TB of cloud storage. It features flexible backups, disk cloning, quick recovery, ransomware and identity protection, virus blocking, Microsoft 365 backups, blockchain file certification, electronic signatures, and the option to expand storage up to 10TB.
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Lifetime license provides all-round backup, sync, and cloning software for personal Windows PC use. Designed for a single computer, it helps protect files and systems with reliable backup and restore tools, ensuring long-term data security without recurring subscription fees. There are other editions discounted for World Backup Day.
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Wayne Williams is a freelancer writing news for TechRadar Pro. He has been writing about computers, technology, and the web for 30 years. In that time he wrote for most of the UK’s PC magazines, and launched, edited and published a number of them too.
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