JustCloud Cloud Storage Review
JustCloud is a cloud storage and online backup solution that makes protecting your files and photos a breeze. This service uses the Google powered cloud to keep your files safe, secure, and easily accessible from anywhere from any device.
If you're just getting started with online backup, or looking to get into cloud storage for the first time, then JustCloud is worthy of your consideration. This software is perfect for beginners because it's very easy to setup and virtually no learning curve involved. Just simply install the application and follow the setup wizard to instantly begin backing up your files to the cloud.
Key Features:
- Easily access your files from anywhere with Iphone and Android apps
- Sync multiple devices and computers into a single account
- Automatic backups that run silently in the background
- Free 1GB accounts are available
- Easily share your files and folders with friends
Backup and Restoration
Downloading the software to the system was pretty quick. All we had to do was log in. After that, JustCloud popped up with two options: Either all the files inside "My Documents" can be uploaded automatically, or users can select their specific folders.
As we opted for manual selection, the entire drive directory opened, and it was easy to check mark the folders needed to be backed up. While we were doing this, the software slowed down a bit. We don't know what it was, but we had to restart it.
After selecting files, we hit the upload button, and files started uploading to the cloud server. The upload process can take a long time depending on how many files you have chosen and your upload speed. Since we only uploaded a few files as a test, it was done quickly.
If you need to change this selection, it's not very easy. You need to go into the Settings, then click on the “Selection” tab and modify the selection.
There is also an option to schedule backups according to your time and pause backups at a specific time of the day. Also, JustCloud enables users to do manual backups.
While checking the Settings, we also came across the file restrictions. As a free user, the maximum file size that you can upload is 5 MB, which is obviously very, very limited. While other cloud services do have specified file storage quotes, they don't have file size limits. And even if you upgrade to a premium version, the maximum file size can only be 1 GB.
Apart from that, it also has an incremental backup option, which means only the parts of the file that are modified by the user are uploaded. This, of course, saves bandwidth and time.
Restoration is pretty straightforward as well. The “Restore” button is right on top with the other options. You can directly select which files need to be restored. What we loved about it was that JustCloud also restores the original file structure which could come in handy if you lose all your data.
In our tests, we found out that the backup and restoration speed of JustCloud was better than most of the backup services available on the market right now.
There is also a great feature called “Locate My PC” that can locate your system according to its IP address.
File Sync & Sharing
JustCloud is one of the few backup services that provides file syncing and sharing as well. Its syncing doesn't work the same way as Dropbox or Google Drive. First of all, all the data is not synced. Instead, only the files that are uploaded in the “Sync Folder” are synced with the local system.
Also, instead of making sure that the local system already has the latest copy of the file available, JustCloud only downloads the file when you click on it. Then, you can access it. It isn’t a major problem but may prove to be an issue if you are trying to access a large file. If you need to download it every time you need it, the purpose of file syncing is defeated.
While testing on Windows, we also found out that it integrates with Explorer, which means that once you have downloaded the software, you can just right-click on any file and directly upload it to JustCloud.
JustCloud also has file versioning, which means that even after you have uploaded a new version of the file, you can retrieve and download an older version of it as well. You can also retrieve deleted files from your JustCloud account.
Privacy and Security
The data you upload in JustCloud is encrypted with 256-bit secured socket layer encryption which is very secure. Many of the competing backup services use 128-bit encryption, so this is a step up from there. JustCloud stores all of its data on the Google Cloud Platform.
If you have critical data that needs to be moved to the cloud, and you are not so keen on Google or the NSA going through it, we really wouldn't recommend this.
Web & Mobile App
JustCloud features a web and mobile app so that you can connect to your files while you’re on the move. The app is free and enables you to edit, upload or view and sync across all of your devices with ease.
The service has apps for Mac OS X (10. 5 and later), Windows (XP, Vista, 7, and 8, for both 32-bit and 64-bit systems), iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, and Blackberry. With its sharing options, it's extremely easy to upload pictures on JustCloud and later share them on Facebook or Twitter.
JustCloud uses a desktop app which backs up all of your files to the cloud. Once your files are backed up, you are able to sync and access them across any of your devices from anywhere in the world. JustCloud will back up whichever files you choose.
Pricing & Plans
JustCloud lays out all of their pricing and plans right on the site. They feature multiple options across their plans which is nice. Subscription terms range from monthly to 24-months. 6-month and 12-month plans are offered in between.
Essentially, there are three kinds of plans.
- Home: 75 GB storage
- Premium: 250 GB storage
- Ultimate: 1 TB storage
All these plans have different subscriptions depending upon the time period that you choose: 1 month, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months.
JustCloud also offers additional services which require an additional yearly payment. These services auto-renew each year. A few of the services offered include sync folders in a variety of sizes, supercharged backups, additional license, hourly backups, recycle bin, and network drive support.
Final Verdict
If you're looking for an inexpensive way to backup your photos and files and share them with friends and family, then JustCloud is perfect for you. The installation process and user interface is extremely simple to use. But if you're a business owner that's looking for more robust features, then you'd be better off looking at other providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is JustCloud?
JustCloud is a software and service that allows you to backup and protect your photos and files into the Google powered cloud. Your files are then accessible from anywhere in the world from any device with an internet connection.
How Much is JustCloud?
The price for JustCloud is $10.69 per month for the Home/Pro plan which includes 75GB of storage. The Premium Plan costs $11.94 per month and includes 250GB of storage. The Ultimate Plan costs $14.44 per month and includes 1TB of space. Discounts are available for 6, 12, and 24 month subscriptions.
How Do I Get Rid of JustCloud on My Mac?
Follow these steps to remove JustCloud from your Mac computer.
- If the JustCloud software is running, force quit via Apple Menu --> Force Quit
- Find the JustCloud icon in your Mac Applications folder.
- Then drag the JustCloud icon to the trash.
