Livedrive Review
Livedrive is a cloud storage service offering secure solutions for individuals and businesses to store, share, and manage files online. Launched in 2008, it provides unlimited online storage, enabling users to back up and access their files from any internet-connected device.
it provides unlimited online storage, enabling users to back up and access their files from any internet-connected device. Key features include automatic backups, file versioning, and easy recovery, catering to those who prioritize data security and accessibility.
A notable aspect of Livedrive is its file-sharing capabilities. Users can share files or folders via password-protected links, accommodating various file types for seamless sharing. Additionally, the media streaming feature allows access to media files without downloading, making it convenient for on-the-go users.
For businesses, Livedrive offers tailored solutions that enhance collaboration and data management. Features like user management, team folders, and detailed reporting streamline workflows and ensure data compliance. With robust security measures, including encryption and secure data centers, Livedrive is a versatile choice for personal and professional use.
4.5
Pricing
Backup ₹827
Briefcase ₹1183
Pro Suite ₹1774
Key Features
Multi User Sharing ✓
Backup ✓
Smart sync ✓
Personal Solution ✓
Business Solution ✓
Ranked 10 from 22 Cloud Storage
Performance: |4.9| 
Livedrive offers cloud storage solutions that are designed for fast file syncing and access. Users generally report good performance, especially with their backup and file retrieval processes, though speed can vary based on internet connection.
Uptime: |4.9|
Livedrive typically aims for high uptime and reliability. While specific statistics may vary, they often highlight their commitment to maintaining their services without interruptions. Checking user reviews or third-party monitoring services might provide additional insights into their uptime record.
Customer Service: |4.8|
Livedrive offers customer support through various channels, including email and live chat. While some users report positive experiences, others have noted delays in response times. The overall sentiment can vary, so looking at recent reviews can give a clearer picture.
Pricing: |4.7|
Livedrive provides several pricing plans based on storage needs and features. They usually offer options for personal and business users, often including features like backup, file sharing, and collaboration tools. It’s worth checking their website for the most up-to-date pricing and any promotional offers.
Overview
Unlimited Cloud Backup with Extra Features
In today’s fast-paced, tech-focused world, “unlimited” is a buzzword that draws attention. From unlimited mobile data to now, unlimited cloud backup, it’s a feature that excites many users.
Livedrive stands out as a service offering not just unlimited cloud backup but also optional cloud storage with syncing, sharing, and editing capabilities.
You can back up media files, documents, and most application files on both Windows and Mac. Livedrive also provides a mobile app for iOS and Android, as well as Windows tablets, allowing you to access, restore, and back up photos and videos on the go.
Like any reliable cloud backup service, Livedrive uses military-grade encryption to secure your files and includes file versioning, making it easy to restore them in case of data loss.
While its basic plan is minimal, you’ll need to pay more for additional features. However, if you’re seeking an easy-to-use backup solution, Livedrive is certainly worth considering.
What Is Livedrive
Livedrive is a cloud storage and backup service designed for individuals and businesses. It offers a variety of features that make it easy to store, sync, and access files securely from multiple devices. Key offerings include:
Cloud Backup: Automatic backup of files from your computer to the cloud, ensuring data safety and recovery options.
File Syncing: Sync files across multiple devices, so users can access their documents, photos, and other files wherever they are.
Who Is It For?
Individuals: Ideal for users who want to back up personal data, like photos and documents, and need access across different devices.
Small to Medium-Sized Businesses: Useful for businesses looking to secure their data and ensure easy file sharing among team members.
Creative Professionals: Great for photographers, videographers, and designers who need to store large files and access them remotely.
FEATURES |4.5|
You Get What You Pay For
| Data Server Locations | UK |
| Backup and Restore Options | Continuous or scheduled backups, external drive backups, status reports via desktop app, no offline backup or restore options |
| Limits and Restrictions | No file size limits, some file type restrictions, fair use policies apply, optional bandwidth throttling |
| Applications and Operating Systems | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Windows tablets |
| Encryption | TLS 1.2 256-bit encryption for data transfers |
| File Access | Accessible via desktop app, web, and mobile apps; optional multi-device syncing |
| File Sharing | ✔ |
As mentioned, Livedrive’s basic plan is quite minimal. It offers secure, unlimited backup for one computer, along with NAS support and the same version retention as higher-tier plans.
However, if you want to back up multiple computers or take advantage of advanced features like mobile backup, file syncing, sharing, and Linux file transfer protocol (FTP), you’ll need to upgrade to a higher plan.
Backups
Livedrive allows you to back up unlimited user files from your computer or an external USB hard drive, but it doesn’t support system files, temporary files, programs, or operating systems. While Livedrive aims to “mirror” the files on your device, it won’t create a full system image or clone your computer.
When Livedrive says “mirror,” it refers to maintaining exact copies of your files on its servers. Any changes you make to a file are automatically updated in your backup, which is what other providers call continuous backup.
By default, Livedrive backs up your Desktop, Documents, Music, Pictures, and Movies folders. You can customize the folders it backs up, but it doesn’t allow for backing up individual files.
After choosing your folders, the initial backup begins automatically. Future backups will also run on their own, but you can adjust the schedule to run continuously (at intervals from 1 to 24 hours) or at a specific time each day.
Restores
You can perform a Livedrive restore through the desktop app, web portal, or mobile device. While you can’t back up individual files, you do have the option to restore them individually.
Version Recovery Options
Livedrive gives you two choices for recovering file versions: you can either download the latest version or choose a specific version based on a particular date and time. The service retains up to 30 versions of each file, which is especially useful if you accidentally overwrite or corrupt a file.
However, Livedrive operates more like a syncing service for deleted files. When you delete a file from your device, it is also removed from your backup. The deleted file will remain available for recovery for 30 days before being permanently deleted. In contrast, IDrive offers true archiving, retaining deleted files until you choose to remove them.
Livedrive does not offer any offline restore options, like courier recovery services.
Security
Livedrive uses military-grade security, including multiple layers of encryption up to TLS 1.2 256-bit, depending on what your operating system supports.
The platform provides two-factor authentication and allows you to require a password each time the software starts. However, it does not support private encryption key creation.
While files are encrypted during transfer, they are not encrypted on your device. Additionally, files stored in your Briefcase are not encrypted by default, so you’ll need to manually adjust the Briefcase security settings to ensure their protection. (For more on the Briefcase feature, see Ease of Use.)
Popular Cloud Storage
Service Offered
Livedrive offers a range of services designed to meet the needs of both individuals and businesses. Key features include unlimited online storage, automatic backups, and file versioning, which help ensure that users’ data is securely backed up and easily retrievable. The platform allows for convenient file sharing through password-protected links and supports media streaming, enabling users to access their content without downloading.
For businesses, Livedrive provides collaboration tools like team folders and user management to enhance productivity. With robust security measures, including encryption, and cross-platform compatibility for various devices, Livedrive delivers a comprehensive cloud storage solution that prioritizes ease of use and data protection.
Online Backup
Livedrive’s online backup service provides a secure solution with unlimited storage, allowing users to back up extensive data without space concerns. It features automatic backups that can be scheduled, ensuring consistent protection without manual effort.
With file versioning, users can restore previous file versions in case of accidental deletions or changes. Robust security measures, including encryption during transfer and storage, protect sensitive data from unauthorized access. Overall, Livedrive combines ease of use and strong security, making it an excellent choice for individuals and businesses seeking data protection.
PROS AND CONS OF LIVEDRIVE
Pros of Livedrive
Unlimited storage for personal and business plans
Automatic backups and file versioning
User-friendly interface and easy setup
Strong security features, including encryption
Cross-platform compatibility for various devices
Cons of Livedrive
Limited customer support options
Some users report slower upload speeds
Higher price compared to some competitors
No free tier available for testing
Limited advanced collaboration features
Why you should consider Livedrive?
You should consider Livedrive for its comprehensive and user-friendly cloud storage solutions that cater to both personal and business needs. With unlimited storage, automatic backups, and file versioning, Livedrive ensures your data is securely backed up and easily recoverable. Its robust security features, including encryption, provide peace of mind for sensitive information, while the convenient file-sharing options and media streaming capabilities enhance collaboration and accessibility.
Additionally, the platform’s cross-device compatibility and intuitive interface make it easy to manage your files from anywhere, making Livedrive a reliable choice for effective data protection and management.
EASY OF USE |4.5|
User-Friendly Interface: Livedrive’s intuitive interface allows for easy file management and access without technical expertise.
Simple Setup and Compatibility: The service offers easy setup with automatic backups and works across devices (Windows, macOS, mobile), ensuring a consistent experience.
Livedrive is designed with user-friendliness in mind, making it accessible for both tech-savvy users and those new to cloud storage. Its intuitive interface allows for easy navigation, enabling users to quickly upload, organize, and manage their files with minimal effort. The setup process is straightforward, with automatic backup options that can be configured with just a few clicks. Livedrive also offers cross-platform compatibility, ensuring a seamless experience across various devices, including Windows, macOS, and mobile platforms.
Overall, Livedrive’s focus on simplicity and ease of use helps users efficiently protect and access their data without the hassle often associated with cloud storage solutions.
Simplicity at Its Best
Livedrive excels in keeping its service straightforward. The installation process is hassle-free, and selecting folders is incredibly simple—so much so that even a beginner could easily manage it. The platform also boasts several useful, user-friendly features.
Briefcase
One of Livedrive’s standout features is its Briefcase, which sets it apart from competitors, though it does come at an additional cost.
Briefcase lets you sync, access, and edit files across your computer, tablet, or phone. You can also back up photos and videos from your mobile devices and share files with others.
What makes Briefcase truly unique is that it functions as storage rather than a backup. Think of it like a cloud-based external hard drive. You can store files in your Briefcase and free up space on your device without losing access to those files.
Files saved in your Briefcase automatically sync across all your devices. If you make changes or delete a file in Briefcase, those changes will apply universally. Keep in mind, there’s no 30-day retention policy—once you delete a file from Briefcase without restoring it to your computer first, it’s permanently gone.
Uploading files to Briefcase can only be done via the web portal, and each file is limited to 2GB in size.
User-Friendly Web Portal
Livedrive’s web portal serves as a seamless extension of the desktop app, and in some aspects, it’s even better.
Not only does the web portal offer the same restore functionality in a more visually appealing layout, but it also enhances file accessibility. While the desktop app’s Restore tab lists all your backed-up files in the same format with no previews, the web portal displays recognized file types uniquely. It even allows you to preview images and watch videos in full.
Limitations of the Web Portal
The web portal does have some drawbacks: you can’t open document files or run backups directly from it. All backups must be performed using the desktop app.
Enhanced Mobile App for Premium Plans
With Livedrive’s basic plan, you can easily access your account and restore files from your mobile device. However, upgrading to a higher-priced plan unlocks additional features, such as backing up photos and videos, accessing your Briefcase, marking files as favorites, and sharing content.
One of my favorite features in Livedrive’s mobile app is the Music & Playlist function. This allows you to stream music you’ve backed up through Livedrive directly from the app. You can search for tracks by artist, album, year, or genre, and even create your own playlists.
Account Setup
Creating an account with Livedrive is straightforward. First, you select a plan, and after that, you just need to provide a few details. Livedrive will guide you through the installation process of the desktop app.
You’ll need to adjust your computer’s privacy settings to permit downloads from Benjamin Fleischer (the developer of Livedrive) for the desktop app to install. However, Livedrive makes this easy by providing clear instructions on what to do.
If you opt for the Standard setup option, Livedrive will begin backing up all the supported folders on your computer automatically once the desktop app is installed.
The only aspect of the account setup that may become complicated is adjusting the advanced settings if you find the default configurations don’t meet your needs.
Getting Started with Livedrive
Sign Up: Visit the Livedrive website, choose a plan, and create your account.
Download Software: Download the Livedrive application for your device and install it.
Set Up Backups: Configure automatic backup settings by selecting files and folders to protect.
Organize Files: Use the interface to arrange your files and folders for easy access.
Explore Features: Familiarize yourself with file sharing and media streaming options.
GTMetrix
PERFORMANCE |4.5|
Mixed Backup Speeds and Technical Hiccups
To evaluate Livedrive’s backup speeds, I conducted three tests using a 3GB folder containing documents, photos, and videos. I observed varying performance levels and encountered some troubling technical issues.
Here are the results from my backup tests, along with my internet speeds during the uploads. (For reference, I typically achieve upload speeds of around 8Mbps and download speeds of 29Mbps, while being 30 miles away from the nearest data center.)
Livedrive doesn’t automatically throttle bandwidth, but you can modify the throttling settings in the advanced options. I kept mine at the default setting for my backups.
The 76 minutes it took to complete my 3GB backup on Tuesday was slightly longer than what I’ve experienced with most competitors—I’ve tested quite a few. However, the 36 minutes it took on Friday was quicker than many, which was surprising since my speed test indicated I was getting a much slower upload speed that day.
I can accept inconsistent speeds, but the multiple technical issues raised more concerns for me.
Before running my first backup, I noticed a difference between the size of the folder I selected on my computer (3GB) and the amount of data Livedrive reported (2.79GB). I reached out to customer support regarding this discrepancy. (See the Support section for more on my experience.)
While backing up, Livedrive provides status updates on its Dashboard, displaying the overall completion percentage and the estimated time remaining. However, I found that these metrics are not always accurate.
Once your backup is complete, the status update will confirm its completion, but it won’t indicate the exact time it finished. As anticipated, only 2.79GB of my 3GB folder was uploaded.
Before starting my second test, I attempted to delete my folder for a re-upload, but found it difficult to remove folders or files. The only way to effectively delete folders from your backup is by removing your entire device from Livedrive.
When I began the second test, something felt off, and it became clear when my backup completed in just three minutes: Livedrive had only backed up 282.4MB of my 3GB folder. Upon checking, I realized that the 3GB folder on my computer had somehow reduced in size! I contacted customer support to find out what had happened. (Refer to the Support section for the outcome.)
PRIVACY |4.5|
A Worldwide Service with European-Level Privacy
Livedrive is a UK-based company that operates UK data centers and adheres to EU privacy regulations. It is registered under the Data Protection Act and with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
Although the service is accessible globally, Livedrive does not take responsibility for any personal data transferred outside the European Economic Area (EEA).
During the signup process, Livedrive collects your email address and password, as well as your name, postal code, country, and credit card information.
Livedrive will utilize your personal information to deliver services, operate and enhance its websites and applications, communicate with you, conduct surveys, ensure security, and comply with legal requirements.
Your personal data may be shared with legal and regulatory authorities, external advisors and processors (including accountants, lawyers, and payment service providers), as well as third-party providers of advertising, plugins, or content utilized on its websites or applications.
If you engage with third-party advertisements, plugins, or content, it’s advisable to review the privacy policies of those third parties, as Livedrive is not responsible for the privacy of those interactions.
Your personal data may appear on your profile page and could also be visible in other areas of your account. You can choose to make certain information public through features like sharing files from your Briefcase. If you intend to use these features, ensure that you only include personal information on your profile that you are comfortable making public.
Livedrive protects your files on its servers by masking them and distributing your data across multiple independent systems, none of which contain sufficient information to retrieve an individual file in an unauthorized manner.
SUPPORT |4.6|
Sure! If you need information or support regarding LiveDrive’s services, you can typically find help in several areas:
FAQs: Check the FAQ section for common questions about account management, file sharing, and technical issues.
Support Tickets: Most services offer a way to submit a support ticket for more specific issues. This allows you to describe your problem in detail.
Live Chat: If available, live chat can be a quick way to get answers from a support representative.
Contact Information: Look for a “Contact Us” page that provides phone numbers or email addresses for customer support.
User Guides: Many platforms have documentation or user manuals that can help you navigate their services.
Security
Livedrive emphasizes security in its cloud storage by using strong encryption for data transfer and at rest, safeguarding files from unauthorized access. SSL/TLS protocols ensure data protection during uploads and downloads, and files are stored in secure data centers compliant with industry standards.
Additionally, Livedrive offers file versioning and recovery options, allowing users to restore previous versions of files if deleted or changed. These security measures and recovery features make Livedrive a reliable choice for individuals and businesses looking to protect their data in the cloud.
PRICING |4.7|
Two Backup Plans and One Briefcase to Choose From
Livedrive offers three plan options: Backup, Briefcase, and Pro Suite. If your main focus is cloud backup, the Backup plan provides unlimited cloud backup for one computer.
For those seeking cloud storage with syncing, sharing, and file editing capabilities, the Briefcase plan offers 2TB of storage.
The Pro Suite combines both services, allowing cloud backup for up to five computers and 5TB of cloud storage, along with all its features and functionalities. This plan also enables you to back up photos and videos from your tablet and mobile devices but comes at more than double the cost of the Backup plan.
You can opt for monthly or annual subscriptions, and Livedrive offers a 14-day free trial for any of its plans. However, you’ll need to provide a credit card initially, and you will be charged automatically if you don’t cancel before the trial ends.
Livedrive accepts payments via Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Maestro cards.
Lastly, while I’ve heard that some users experienced difficulties canceling their Livedrive accounts, I did not face any issues. Although you can’t cancel online, you can easily do so by calling Livedrive, and they will assist you over the phone.
Livedrive
BACKUP
₹827
/MONTHS
Number of users: 1
Livedrive
BRIEFCASE
₹1183
/MONTHS
Livedrive
PRO SUITE
₹1774
/MONTHS
Number of users: 5
Livedrive
BACKUP
₹827
/MONTHS
Number of users : 1
Livedrive
BRIEFCASE
₹1183
/MONTHS
Livedrive
PRO SUITE
₹1774
/MONTHS
Number of users : 5
Livedrive Alternatives
Frequently Asked Question.
Livedrive is a cloud storage service that offers unlimited online storage for backing up and accessing files from any device.
Livedrive offers personal plans starting at $8.99 per month, while business plans start at $15 per user per month.
Livedrive does not offer a free trial, but users can sign up for a subscription with a monthly payment option.
Livedrive supports various platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, ensuring cross-device compatibility.
Users can set up automatic backups to select files and folders, allowing Livedrive to back up data at scheduled intervals without manual intervention.
Yes, Livedrive uses strong encryption during data transfer and storage to protect your files from unauthorized access.
Livedrive requires an internet connection to access files stored in the cloud; however, users can sync specific files for offline access.
File versioning allows users to access and restore previous versions of their files, providing a way to recover from accidental changes or deletions.
Livedrive enables users to share files or folders through secure, password-protected links, making collaboration easy and secure.
Livedrive provides email support, a knowledge base with FAQs and guides, and live chat options for immediate assistance.