Livedrive Cloud Storage and Backup Services Review

Livedrive offers a range of cloud storage and backup services, with plans starting at 1TB of storage.

You can access your files from anywhere, on any device, with Livedrive's cloud storage solution.

Livedrive's backup services automatically back up your files, so you don't have to worry about losing important data.

The backup process is easy to set up and can be scheduled to run at specific times of the day.

Livedrive's web interface features a clean and consistent design with seven menu links for easy navigation.

You can store files in the cloud with Livedrive, and access them from anywhere with an internet connection. This is especially useful for backing up your computer and freeing up space on your hard drive.

The Briefcase feature allows you to store files online, and access and edit them from the desktop app, mobile app, or web client. You can also share files with family and friends, and play your music files directly from the browser.

For your interest: Personal Web Page

Media streaming was a game-changer for Livedrive users, allowing them to access their own music and movie collections remotely.

In September 2010, Livedrive added personal music and movie streaming to their accounts, giving users the ability to listen to their own music collections or watch their movies on a remote computer.

Transcoding was handled by Livedrive, making it easy for users to access their content from anywhere.

Livedrive also gave users FTP access, which allowed for secure and reliable file transfer.

Unlimited versioning was another feature that came with this update, giving users peace of mind knowing their files were backed up and easily recoverable.

Livedrive keeps up to 30 previous versions of files from your backup selection or your Briefcase for an unlimited period.

You can easily restore everything in your Briefcase with a single click, and Livedrive organizes items based on the original computer from which you uploaded them.

Deleted files are kept for 30 days before being removed permanently, giving you a safety net in case you accidentally delete something important.

IDrive and Livedrive offer the same file version retention, but OpenDrive keeps the past 99 versions of a file indefinitely, and SpiderOak maintains an unlimited number of versions forever.

To restore files, you need to choose a computer you’ve backed up, then select individual files or folders to restore, using the desktop app.

You can also use the web app to download individual files, giving you flexibility in how you restore your data.

Livedrive selects several folders by default for backup, including desktop, documents, pictures, music, and videos, but you'll need to manually select files you want to backup because Livedrive can’t backup by file type.

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Livedrive's web interface features a clean and consistent design with seven menu links to navigate the console.

You can drill down into individual devices or folder structures for specific items in the Devices and Latest Files sections.

The Photo Gallery functions like any other web gallery, but it's a nicer way to view folders than a typical file menu.

You can make files available at a public link or share them directly with individuals via email from the Sharing option.

The Music section organizes your uploaded audio files into a cloud player, though you must add them to a Briefcase playlist for the tunes to appear.

Files that you place in the Briefcase will automatically be synced online, allowing you to access and edit them from any device.

You can play your music files from the browser, too, by accessing the Briefcase.

The gallery feature in the web app lets you preview photos you've backed up, but it didn't show photos for the reviewer after they uploaded several.

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Livedrive's web interface features a clean and consistent design with seven menu links to navigate through. You can access your files and folders through the Devices and Latest Files links.

The Photo Gallery is a nice way to view folders, but it only sorts photos in reverse chronological order and lacks further organization options. Folders or geolocation data would greatly improve this feature.

You can share files stored in your Briefcase via public link or email, but other online backup services like Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office and OpenDrive offer more advanced sharing features.

Livedrive's Briefcase allows you to store files online only, freeing up space on your computer. However, you'll need to download the files to access them.

The Briefcase also lets you share files with family and friends, and you can play your music files directly from the browser.

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Livedrive's desktop backup app is similar to Backblaze's in its compactness and straightforwardness.

The app organizes information and settings across five tabs in a left-hand menu: Dashboard, Settings, Restore, Support, and Web.

The Dashboard displays the status of the latest backup task, along with when the next one is set to run and the remaining storage.

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To download Livedrive, you have several options. Livedrive apps are available for macOS and Windows PCs, and for Android and iOS on mobile.

You can also download an app for Xbox consoles, but keep in mind that it doesn't offer all the service's backup capabilities. It mainly lets you view uploaded and shared content and add files to your Briefcase.

To use the Briefcase feature on a Mac, you'll need to install the third-party MacFUSE utility and disable certain device security settings.

Livedrive's desktop backup app is similar to Backblaze's in its compactness and straightforwardness.

To set up Livedrive backups, you'll need to navigate the app's five tabs in the left-hand menu: Dashboard, Settings, Restore, Support, and Web. The Dashboard displays the status of the latest backup task, along with when the next one is set to run and the remaining storage.

Livedrive selects several folders by default for backup, including desktop, documents, pictures, music, and videos. It excludes some files, though, so consult the list on its website to see if they are important for you.

You'll need to manually select files you want to backup because Livedrive can't backup by file type. If you'd need that feature and like simple user experience, you can get it with Backblaze.

Once you define your backup, you can choose a number of hours between Livedrive's scans for file changes or set a specific time for it to do so every day.

Livedrive transfers files to its servers using TLS 1.2 encryption, but doesn't encrypt files locally. However, the company encrypts files at rest on its servers, splitting individual customer data across multiple systems to prevent unauthorized retrieval.

The service has servers in secure data centers in the UK, with 24/7 monitoring to detect and prevent intrusion. All data centers are ISO 27001 certified, a standard for information security management systems.

Livedrive uses AES 256-bit encryption to scramble files before uploading them, but retains the decryption key, so it doesn't qualify as zero-knowledge. This means Livedrive employees and hackers could potentially access your data if those keys were compromised.

Livedrive offers unlimited storage for its base plan, which is a great feature for those who need to back up large amounts of data.

The base plan also includes syncing of a single computer, so you can easily keep all your files up to date across devices.

Private key encryption is not explicitly mentioned as a feature.

File sharing and folder syncing are also not mentioned as features.

Livedrive keeps 30 versions of your files, which can be helpful in case you need to revert to a previous version.

The versions are kept for an unlimited period, so you don't have to worry about losing access to older versions of your files.

Here's a quick rundown of Livedrive's specs:

Initial backups can take a long time, especially if you have a lot of data to protect. It took about an hour, on average, to upload 1GB of data, which is much slower than the 24 minutes it should take in theory.

Upload speeds also depend on your internet connection. We were on a WiFi connection out of Belgrade, Serbia, with an upload speed of 6 megabits per second.

If you find that uploading your backup takes too much bandwidth, you can throttle it by going to "settings", clicking "advanced" and then "bandwidth." This can help manage your internet usage and prevent slower speeds.

Downloading, on the other hand, was relatively fast, taking only two minutes to complete. This is close to the theoretical time it should take.

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Livedrive uses TLS 1.2 encryption to transfer files to its servers, but doesn't encrypt files locally.

The company encrypts files at rest on its servers, splitting individual customer data across multiple independent systems to prevent unauthorized access.

Livedrive's data centers are based in the UK and monitored 24/7 to prevent intrusion, with all data centers being ISO 27001 certified.

You can't choose your own encryption keys with Livedrive, unlike some other services that offer this feature.

Livedrive's privacy policy states that it may collect and process data you provide, data you make public, and data you generate from using the app or site.

The service may disclose personal information to third parties, including providers of advertising, plugins, or content used on its Sites or Apps.

Livedrive has application-based two-factor authentication, which requires your account password every time you launch the program.

You can also set the program to exclude folders or file types from your backup and set upload priorities for specific file types.

Livedrive's Integrity Check verifies each of your files online against those saved on your hard drive to ensure consistency.

The company uses AES 256-bit encryption to scramble your files before uploading them, but retains the decryption key, so it doesn't qualify as zero-knowledge.

Livedrive's data centers employ 24/7 monitoring to detect and prevent intrusion, with three layers of physical data security.

Livedrive doesn't offer two-factor authentication to protect your account if someone steals your password, so make sure to make a strong one.

The backup files stored by Livedrive are AES-256 bit encrypted on its servers, but it doesn't offer complete end-to-end encryption.

You can encrypt your local Briefcase cache to protect things from your end, but backed up files aren't encrypted before they leave your computer unless you sign up for a business package.

Livedrive holds the encryption keys for your data, which means employees and hackers alike could potentially get at your data if those keys were compromised.

Livedrive has three consumer subscription plans: Backup, Briefcase, and Pro Suite.

The entry-level tier, Backup, costs $9.99 per month or $99.90 per year and gives you unlimited storage space for either one Mac or Windows PC.

No plans restrict the number of regular external drives you can back up, but you must pay extra for NAS backups.

The Briefcase plan costs $17.59 per month or $175.90 per year and lets you access, edit, and sync files across devices and on the web.

This plan includes 2TB of storage and apps for desktop and mobile platforms.

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Personal tiers start at $8.99 a month, which lets you back up an unlimited amount of data from one computer.

Annual plans offer a saving of between 16% to 20% and represent the best value.

The 2TB Briefcase-only plan costs $16 a month, while the Pro Suite, which combines unlimited backup across five devices and 5TB of Briefcase storage, costs $25 a month.

The base pricing is reasonable at $10 a month for unlimited data backed up from a single PC.

Livedrive’s sale prices are also the rollover prices, so there’s no unexpected bump in cost when your plan renews.

The Briefcase options are rather pricey considering the alternatives, many of which are free for smaller data sets.

Livedrive is a backup service that combines different types of backup and can be expanded to suit your needs, covering just about every type of device out there.

The service has a lot of flexibility when it comes to what you can back up, and how, and how much cloud storage you need to keep your files safe. You're not going to be disappointed if you choose Livedrive to backup an unlimited amount of data from a single computer.

The various Livedrive interfaces feel a little out of date, and the pricing is relatively high for what you get. Other competing products generally offer more intuitive apps.

Livedrive offers unlimited storage backup with online/device sync, and the pricing is more than reasonable. Craig, a tech expert, has found that any deal he finds is top value.

Livedrive inspires the adjective "smooth", with smooth signup, smooth setup, and smooth operation.

Livedrive's interface is user-friendly and easy to navigate, making it a breeze to pick out files and folders to be backed up on computers and phones.

The upload speeds were among the fastest we saw during testing, but be aware that upload speeds from home may be a bottleneck unless you have a business broadband connection.

You can easily flip between the two modes, standard backup and Briefcase, and configure each to use the available bandwidth smartly.

The Livedrive Dashboard on the web is the main tool for accessing, restoring, and monitoring the overall status of the system, and it's surprisingly easy to use.

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You can set certain file types as a priority, limit bandwidth use, and select only certain Briefcase files to sync to your computer, making it easy to customize the backup process to your needs.

Restoring files is simple and only takes a few clicks to initiate, whether through a standard backup or through Briefcase.

Livedrive was quick to gain access to the folders using macOS and began backing up almost immediately in our case.

Livedrive offers a range of benefits that make it a comprehensive cloud storage solution.

One of the pros of Livedrive is its flawless setup and client interface, making it easy to use and navigate. You can also enjoy fast, glitch-free performance, which is a big plus for anyone looking for a reliable cloud storage service.

Here are some of the key pros of Livedrive:

Livedrive also offers a secure way to restore data, allowing you to use the client software or download data via their web portal.

Livedrive offers a seamless setup and client interface, making it easy to get started.

The performance is also noteworthy, delivering fast and glitch-free results.

Syncing your briefcase with online editing, or using a separate service, is a convenient feature available in the Pro version.

You'll never have to worry about running out of backup space, as Livedrive offers unlimited backup.

Here are some of the key benefits of Livedrive:

Livedrive has some drawbacks, particularly when it comes to security and setup.

One major con is that you need to provide payment details upfront, which can be a turn-off for some users.

Another issue is that Livedrive doesn't offer end-to-end encryption, which is a key feature for those who prioritize online security.

Additionally, if you're looking for disk images as part of your backup package, you're out of luck with Livedrive.

Here are the cons in a quick rundown: