When comparing Arq vs iCloud, the Slant community recommends Arq for most people. In the question“What are the best cloud backup services?” Arq is ranked 6th while iCloud is ranked 16th. The most important reason people chose Arq is:
No privacy concerns.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Only you know the encryption password
No privacy concerns.
Pro Reliable
Amazon services offer solutions with almost 100% durability and 99.99% availability. Even if the system loses data-centers, you will still be able to access your files.
Pro Can store data directly in a variety of cloud storage providers
Arq is client-side software that runs on your computer and talks directly to generic cloud data storage providers. No third-party service in the middle means lower costs, better reliability, lower risk of a service ceasing to operate, ease of migration to other storage targets.
- Amazon Glacier and/or S3
- GreenQloud
- DreamObjects
- Google Cloud Storage
- S3-Compatible Server
- SFTP Server
Pro Open document format backups
Unlike other backup programs that store data in proprietary formats, Arq stores them in an open document format allowing for easy viewing.
Pro Synchronisation and backup services
iCloud syncs a users settings and files across a range of Apple hardware making for a simple solution to backup and sync data across ones Apple devices.
Pro Documents in the Cloud
Integrates different office tools such as Keynote or Pages for writing and presentations, etc with iCloud.
Cons
Con Complicated setup
When it comes to ease of use most cloud backup service are pretty easy as it is just one signup, with Arc you need to download install and activate it to then register for an Amazon account, this extra step may be troublesome to some people or just annoying.
Con Apple devices only
Con Certain file restrictions
Does not allow uploading certain file types.