iCloud is the obvious backup solution for Apple users. But behind the simplicity lies American hosting, subject to the Cloud Act. Swiss Backup by Infomaniak offers a European alternative. Should you change your habits?
iCloud: native Apple integration
iCloud is built into every Apple device. Your iPhone, Mac, and iPad automatically sync photos, documents, contacts, passwords, and complete backups. The experience is seamless: it works without thinking about it.
What iCloud backs up
- Photos and videos (iCloud Photo Library)
- iCloud Drive files
- Complete iPhone/iPad backups
- Contacts, calendars, reminders, notes
- Compatible app data
- Passwords (iCloud Keychain)
- Messages (optional)
iCloud\'s limitations
- American hosting – Data subject to the Cloud Act
- Closed ecosystem – Difficult to use outside Apple
- A meager 5 GB free – Quickly maxed out
- Not a true external backup – iCloud isn\'t a backup in the strict sense (bidirectional sync)
Swiss Backup: Swiss-made backup
Swiss Backup is Infomaniak\'s backup service. It backs up computers, servers, NAS devices, and cloud data to Swiss datacenters. Unlike iCloud, it\'s a true backup service, not a sync tool.
What Swiss Backup backs up
- Computers (Windows, Mac, Linux)
- Servers (physical or virtual)
- NAS devices (Synology, QNAP...)
- Cloud data (Microsoft 365, Google Workspace)
- Databases
- Virtual machines
Swiss Backup advantages
- Swiss hosting – Outside the Cloud Act
- Client-side encryption – Your data is encrypted before being sent
- Configurable retention – Keep versions for 30 days, 1 year, or more
- Multi-platform – Not limited to Apple
- True backup – Data preserved even if deleted at the source
Feature comparison
| Feature | iCloud | Swiss Backup |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone backup | Native, automatic | No (computers only) |
| Mac backup | iCloud Drive + local Time Machine | Dedicated agent, comprehensive |
| Windows backup | Limited iCloud Drive | Full agent |
| NAS backup | No | Yes |
| Server backup | No | Yes |
| Hosting | USA | Switzerland |
| Client-side encryption | Optional (Advanced Data Protection) | By default |
| Retention | 30 days (deleted files) | Configurable (up to several years) |
Use cases
You\'re a personal Apple-only user
If you only have personal Apple devices (iPhone, Mac) and data sovereignty isn\'t a concern, iCloud remains the most practical solution. The native integration is unbeatable.
However, supplement it with Time Machine on an external drive to have a true local backup of your Mac. iCloud alone is not a complete backup strategy.
You have professional needs
For professional use, Swiss Backup is more suitable:
- Workstation backup (Mac and Windows)
- File server or NAS backup
- Cloud data backup (Microsoft 365, Google Workspace)
- GDPR compliance with Swiss hosting
You want double protection
The optimal strategy: use iCloud for daily synchronization (convenience) and Swiss Backup for actual backup (security). The two complement each other:
- iCloud: immediate access to your files on all your Apple devices
- Swiss Backup: protection against data loss, long-term history, sovereign hosting
The 3-2-1 rule
The golden rule of backup: 3 copies of your data, on 2 different types of media, with 1 stored offsite. iCloud + local Time Machine + Swiss Backup = solid protection that follows this rule.
Security and privacy
iCloud and the Cloud Act
Apple can be compelled by US authorities to provide access to your iCloud data. The "Advanced Data Protection" feature (end-to-end encryption) limits this risk, but it\'s not enabled by default and doesn\'t cover all data types.
Swiss Backup and Switzerland
Swiss Backup encrypts your data client-side with your own key. Even Infomaniak cannot read your backups. Swiss hosting adds legal protection: no Cloud Act, strict data protection legislation.
Pricing
| Plan | iCloud | Swiss Backup |
|---|---|---|
| Free | 5 GB | No |
| 50 GB | €0.99/month | ~€2/month |
| 200 GB | €2.99/month | ~€4/month |
| 2 TB | €9.99/month | ~€9/month |
| 6 TB | €29.99/month (Apple One) | ~€15/month |
iCloud is cheaper for small volumes (light synchronization). Swiss Backup becomes competitive for larger volumes and offers professional backup features that iCloud lacks.
Limitations of each solution
iCloud limitations
- No server or NAS backup
- Limited retention (30 days for deleted files)
- Full iPhone restore only to a new/reset iPhone
- Closed Apple ecosystem
Swiss Backup limitations
- No native iPhone/iPad backup (limited to computers)
- More technical setup than iCloud
- No seamless integration with Apple apps
Our recommendation
For personal Apple users
Keep iCloud for daily synchronization, but add a real backup strategy: local Time Machine + optionally Swiss Backup for an encrypted offsite copy.
For professionals
Swiss Backup is essential for backing up workstations, servers, and NAS devices. iCloud can remain a convenient supplement for personal synchronization, but should not be your only line of defense.
For sensitive data
If you handle confidential data (client, health, legal), Swiss Backup\'s Swiss hosting offers legal guarantees that iCloud cannot provide.
Conclusion
iCloud and Swiss Backup serve different needs. iCloud excels at seamless synchronization within the Apple ecosystem. Swiss Backup excels at secure, professional backup.
Ideally, don\'t choose—combine them: iCloud for everyday use, Swiss Backup for peace of mind. Your data deserves multiple lines of defense.
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