Livedrive

Livedrive is a cloud backup and storage service for individuals and small organizations. It combines automatic computer backup with optional synchronized storage called Briefcase.

The service provides desktop software for Windows and macOS, a web portal, and mobile applications. Users can browse, restore, share, stream, and upload selected content from supported devices.

Livedrive was founded in 2008 and is currently associated with Ziff Davis. Independent testing describes a straightforward setup process and stable desktop operation.

Livedrive Backup automatically copies selected files from one computer to cloud storage. Users can adjust folders, exclusions, backup frequency, file priority, bandwidth allocation, and integrity checks.

Briefcase provides synchronized cloud storage for accessing and editing files across supported computers and mobile devices. Pro Suite combines Briefcase with unlimited backup for up to five computers.

Mobile applications can back up phone media and documents, display photos, stream music or video, and share files. Mobile backup, uploads, and sharing require Briefcase or Pro Suite.

Pro Suite supports FTP, SFTP, and WebDAV access. Livedrive uses encrypted data transfer and supports two-factor authentication, according to independent product testing.

Recent published pricing lists three consumer plans. Prices can vary by country, billing term, taxes, promotions, and account type.

Backup costs $9.99 monthly or $99.90 annually for unlimited backup from one computer. Briefcase costs $17.59 monthly or $175.90 annually for 2TB of synchronized storage.

Pro Suite costs $27.49 monthly or $264.90 annually. It combines unlimited backup for up to five computers with 5TB of Briefcase storage and FTP, SFTP, and WebDAV access.

Published product information describes a 14-day free trial. Payment details may be required before the trial begins.

Pros

• Unlimited backup storage is available on the Backup and Pro Suite plans.
• Pro Suite combines computer backup and synchronized cloud storage.
• Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and web access support multiple device types.
• Independent testing found simple setup, reliable operation, and strong upload performance.
• FTP, SFTP, and WebDAV access add flexibility for advanced users.

Cons

• Briefcase storage is capped at 2TB or 5TB, depending on the plan.
• The standalone Briefcase plan is more expensive than some mainstream sync services.
• Mac Briefcase functionality may require the third-party macFUSE extension.
• Third-party reviews report mixed experiences with customer support and reliability.
• A public developer API or broad native integration catalog was not verified.

Backblaze is a comparable choice for straightforward unlimited computer backup. IDrive combines backup, synchronization, and multi-device support with different storage limits.

Dropbox, Google Drive, and Microsoft OneDrive are stronger alternatives for collaboration and office-focused file synchronization. CrashPlan is another backup-focused option for organizations that prioritize endpoint protection.

Does Livedrive offer a free plan?
No free permanent plan was verified. Published product information describes a 14-day trial.

Does Livedrive provide unlimited storage?
Backup plans provide unlimited backup storage for supported computers. Briefcase storage uses fixed capacity limits.

Which operating systems does Livedrive support?
Desktop software supports Windows and macOS. Mobile applications are available for Android and iOS.

Does Livedrive have an API?
No public developer API was verified during research. Pro Suite does provide FTP, SFTP, and WebDAV access.

Can Livedrive back up phones?
Yes. Mobile backup is available through the mobile applications with Briefcase or Pro Suite.

Does Livedrive support file sharing?
Yes. The mobile application and Briefcase features support file sharing.