iCloud Backup
iCloud Backup: A convenient automatic backup for Apple mobile devices, with storage plans from $0.99/month. Ranked #92 of 150 in Backup Software by our editors (3.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for iPhone users seeking automatic device backup.
At a glance
- Editor score3.0 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best foriPhone users seeking automatic device backup
- Free planYes
- Server backupNo
- Facts checked19 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Automatically backs up settings, app data, and device layout over Wi-Fi
- Restores from backup during setup of a replacement or erased device
- Optional end-to-end encryption with Advanced Data Protection
Where it doesn't
- Coverage is limited to iOS devices
- Photos, videos, and messages are backed up only if not already synced to iCloud
- No computer or server backup
Our verdict on iCloud Backup
iCloud Backup is Apple’s cloud backup feature for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Vision Pro. It is aimed at Apple mobile-device owners who want a periodic copy of device information and settings without starting each backup manually. When a device is connected to power, locked, and on Wi-Fi, backup can run automatically; users can also start one from device settings. A backup can be restored during setup of a replacement or erased device, making this a focused option for device migration and recovery rather than a general computer or server backup service.
The free iCloud 5GB plan backs up and syncs data across devices. Paid iCloud+ plans begin at $0.99 per month for 50GB and add iCloud Private Relay, Hide My Email, Custom Email Domain, and HomeKit Secure Video for one camera. The 200GB plan costs $2.99 per month and includes the 50GB plan features plus HomeKit Secure Video for five cameras; 2TB costs $9.99 per month and supports unlimited cameras. The 6TB and 12TB plans cost $29.99 and $59.99 per month, respectively, and include the preceding plan’s features. These are US prices displayed on Apple’s main iCloud page.
Backup scope includes downloaded app data, device settings, Home Screen layout, and app organization. Photos, videos, and messages are included only when they are not already synced to iCloud, so the backup’s contents depend on which iCloud services are in use. Apple Watch backup is included with the paired iPhone backup, and iCloud Photos, iCloud Drive, and Messages in iCloud are part of the surrounding ecosystem. Advanced Data Protection offers optional end-to-end encryption. Choose iCloud Backup for Apple device recovery and integrated storage; choose another product if you need computer or server coverage or broader platform support.
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iCloud Backup pricing
All 6 iCloud Backup plans and prices →
iCloud Backup fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Computer backup | No |
| Mobile backup | Yes |
| Server backup | No |
| Backup scope | File |
| Restore modes | File |
| Ransomware protection | No |
| Supported platforms | ios |
| Deployment | Mobile |
| Platforms | iOS |
| Integrations | 4 integrations: iCloud Photos, iCloud Drive, Messages in iCloud, Apple Watch |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | apple.com |
| Facts checked | 19 Sep 2026 |
iCloud Backup integrations
iCloud Backup lists 4 integrations on its own site.
- iCloud Photos
- iCloud Drive
- Messages in iCloud
- Apple Watch
Alternatives to iCloud Backup
- Veeam Backup & ReplicationA wide-ranging backup platform for enterprise virtual and hybrid environments.9.4
- Rubrik Security CloudA cyber-recovery platform built around immutable backup, threat investigation, and clean-state recovery.9.2
- NAKIVO Backup & ReplicationA broad VM backup platform with recovery, replication, and disaster-recovery workflows.8.8
See all iCloud Backup alternatives →
Also Ranked In
iCloud Backup is ranked in 4 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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