OpenDrive at a Glance
Our Rating
3 / 5 stars
[xrr rating=3/5]
Price:
- Basic: 5GB Free!
- Personal: $12.95/month, $129.00/year
- Business: $29.95/month, $299.00/year
- Click here to save over 16% on OpenDrive!
Pros:
- Windows and Mac.
- Continuous back up/syncing.
- Packages reasonable with monthly and yearly options.
- Music and video streaming.
- File sharing.
- Online editing of documents, spreadsheets and presentations.
- Can create a virtual private shared drive between users.
- Web interface is well done.
- Unlimited computer access.
- File versioning can be set from 0 to 99 versions.
Cons:
- You need to be comfortable with Windows Explorer.
- No Linux support.
- Bandwidth limits could be an issue with multiple users.
- Free account has transfer limit of 200 kb/s.
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Full OpenDrive Review
OpenDrive is one of those online backup services that is not just backup. It is backup, storage, sync and a web drive that takes the power of backing up to the cloud to the next level. The desktop client tightly integrates with the Windows Explorer interface and is makes it easy to backup and sync files from anywhere on any of your drives.
Installation
After downloading the appropriate installer for your operating system, installation is quick. Double clicking the installer icon and going through the installation wizard. You will need to restart your Windows computer after OpenDrive has installed. Just a warning in case you have other work that needs to be saved before you restart your computer.
Once your computer has restarted you will be asked to login with your OpenDrive login and password. This is one of those services where you can download the desktop client without creating an account first, if that is the case you will be prompted to create an account. When you have been logged in you can start using OpenDrive.
Backup
OpenDrive creates a virtual drive on your computer that automatically backs up and syncs data in that drive to the OpenDrive servers. It integrates with Windows Explorer so there is no client application to open like most online backup services have clients. This also means that there is no backup sets or default configuration to start backing up your files.
To start a backup with OpenDrive you open My Computer on Windows and browse to the folder of files you want to backup or sync and right click on them. You are then given a menu to Backup to OpenDrive and/or Syncronize to OpenDrive. Selecting to backup to OpenDrive will present you with the option to select the destination where the folders/files will be backed up or synced to OpenDrive.
Once you have selected the folders/files for backup to OpenDrive you will see a task manager open that will show the progress of the backup or sync. You can use the task manager to manage the progress of the files being transferred.
For people that are good at managing their files and folders this method to backup folders and files is an easy system to understand and get used to, but for those people that have trouble locating files on their computer this could be a difficult system. For example backing up an Outlook PST file that is often hard to find and even harder to backup could be difficult if not next to impossible.
Restoring
In the event that you delete files or have a hard drive failure or some other disaster you want to be sure you can restore your files. If you have access to another computer with Internet access you will be able to gain access to your files through the web. You can also install the software on another computer and simply copy your files from the OpenDrive to that computer. If you accidentally delete a file on your OpenDrive there is a trash that you can restore the file from.
If you deleted a file from your computer that OpenDrive automatically backs up and syncs it will ask you if you want to delete it from OpenDrive as well. If you still happen to delete it you have a one more chance to restore the file from the OpenDrive trash. Because there is no versioning though the file you restore might still have a problem.
You can download a zip file of your entire OpenDrive contents through the web if you need to restore all of your files. If you have a large backup be prepared to take some time downloading it.
Other Features
OpenDrive has an abundance of other features that you do not find in a simple backup service. They allow you to stream your music and video files that you have backed up using a web browser or any other computer that you have synced your files to.
OpenDrive Web Access
Accessing your files through the OpenDrive web interface is a feature that is really one of the reasons you want to use OpenDrive. Through the OpenDrive Web interface you have access to all of your files, can stream music and video, edit and create new files through Zoho that are then synced back to your desktop, share files, collaborate with others, share files to Facebook and Twitter, even sell files online.
Mobile App
I only tested the Android App and it is pretty straight forward to use. You can easily browse your files and download them to your device. There is no streaming of media files that I could tell, the app will download them and then play them. You can also upload files, but there does not appear to be any kind of automatic backup or upload of photos and videos only manual upload.
Music/Video Streaming
If you backup your music of videos to OpenDrive you can easily play them through the web interface using a browser. This is great for those people that want to have access to their music collection or videos where ever you are.
My testing of this was hit and miss. I tested streaming several MP3 files and had no luck through the web portal but if I clicked the option to get the file links the embed option would play. I tried in a couple different browsers and had the same problems. If this is the main feature for you, you might want to give it a good try before handing over your money.
Editing Documents
I tested the document editor and it was run by Zoho. I did not test the spreadsheet and presentation editor, but I imagine they are all powered by Zoho. Having the ability to edit your documents online through a web browser is a great feature that I wish other backup services had. In my testing I was able to cause some confusion with OpenDrive. I created a document in My Documents which was being backed up and synced to OpenDrive. I waited for it to be backed up online and then editor the file using Zoho. I saved the document in Zoho and closed the editor. I then opened the file using the online editor again to double check the file was saved with the new contents. I waited a few minutes and then went and edited the local copy of the file in My Documents. That file had still not synced with the online version. After saving I waited to see which file version would be kept. After a few minutes the local copy over wrote the online version. This would probably not be a problem for most people, since you would not edit the online version and then shortly afterward edit the local version.
File Sharing
File sharing can be done through either the Windows Explorer interface or through the web. In my testing it was easier to do through the web once the files were uploaded. Sharing though the web interface is as easy as finding the folder or file you want to share and clicking the Share menu item. You can then choose how you want to share the folder or file. You can also share a file to Facebook, Twitter or by email. A great way to share your latest photos with family and friends.
Manage Files via Web
You can easily manage all your files with the web interface. You can delete files and folders if you no longer need them and want to save some space. You can also upload individual files through the browser to your OpenDrive. If you want folders you can upload zip files to create folders. I also noticed you can fetch files from the web straight to OpenDrive.
Encryption
According to the OpenDrive Knowledge Base all files are transferred through a 128 bit encrypted SSL (Secure Socket Layer) connection. However they offer two levels of storage but it is important to know that all files that are not in the secure files folder are NOT ENCRYPTED. All files that are stored in the Secure Files folder are encrypted and are then not available through the website and if you forget your password your files will not be recoverable. I could not find any information on how those files are encrypted or stored.
Overall
OpenDrive is a unique online backup and storage service that offers a wide range of features that will appeal to users of every level. In my testing of the service I could easily see how useful it could be. The backup and syncing features did work well for me and the service is affordable compared to other services with similar features.
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Review updated December 6, 2013.
Comments
85 responses to “OpenDrive Review”
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I signed up for the FREE account on OSX Mavericks, and it works fine for me. I am about to a large Business Account of 100 Users. We had 100 users open a free account to test it first. Really no issues at all, although SOME Mac users on Mavericks did have issues. But it did work for me on my Mac running OS X 10.9.1
We have tested streaming mp3 as well as mp4 movies. All work, and this is on the free accounts.
Our only worry so far is the cap on daily download, which is currently 250GB per day. This means that if you add MORE users to your business account, then each user gets LESS daily bandwidth. They need to change this model.
If a Business Group adds more users, then there should be added daily limit pro rated.
We will start with a 10 User Plan and I will post an update on our findings.
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Reading the discussion here and OpenDrive said repeatedly in October that there would be an update but now January 2014 and one still has not been released. I’m getting very tired of uploading 2 GB files and at 1.98 GB the program logs me out and then must reupload that entire file. Please, either fix it from kicking me out or at least a feature to resume where an upload got cut off.
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Re: OpenDrive
A few months ago, I was given a free trial of their premium service. During that time, I experienced poor upload/download speeds.
I tried on two different eastern Canadian computers/ISP’s (one in Ontario and one in Quebec). Both could only use 1/4 or 1/3 of the line speed to upload/download.
OpenDrive support did try to work with me to solve the problem. They had me send some stat data to the Quebec ISP. The ISP responded that OpenDrive’s characterization was inaccurate.
Unfortunately, I could not sustain this back-and-forth. The trial was running out & it was difficult negotiating between these two technical entities. I simply let my service lapse.
I only mention this to caution eastern Canadian users…request a trial to make sure the service works properly from your location & ISP.
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As a consumer who is researching options for backups, my question is why a disagreement like this was not resolved when BK “reached out to [OpenDrive] privately” multiple times but could only get a resolution when the matter was made public. While I’m glad the two parties reached agreement in this case, it is NOT an example of how a company appropriately handles disputes from customers. I will leave this thread, since I have seen enough valuable information to help my decision-making. Thanks to the Cloud Storage Buzz Team for providing this valuable forum.
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Hank,
Thank you for your candor. Although we agree that this is typically not the way matters like this should be handled, and one would expect a more smooth resolution, sometimes mistakes are made. No one is perfect. We will always do our best to improve our policies and the way that issues are handled.
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What is the best way to reach you privately? Please do not ask me to open a ticket, as I have one open since April. My problem description is above and, at this time, after 10 months of not being able to make a full backup of my Mac, all I want is my money back.
Thank you.
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Pablo,
Since we do wish to divulge our private emails publicly on forums, to avoid spam, we can forward you to our General Manager if you contact us at support@opendrive.com. Just state in the email that you were referred to the GM here at this site and you will be forwarded directly. We are deeply sorry for your inconvenience and will get you taken care of ASAP.
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Opendrive and I touched based shortly after their previous post. They promptly made good on their word for a refund in light of my circumstances. Much appreciated.
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Thank you for your assistance. I simply wish to conclude with an apology to the user if I mixed them up with someone else that matches this complaint almost to a tee. If you have indeed been trying to deal with us for that long without resolution, please let us know by sending support a ticket with brief info from here and I will make sure you get your money back.
Once again we are sorry for your bad experience and hope there are no hard feelings.
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The refund has been credited to Mr. BK’s account per the request we received today. We thank you, Mr. Robertson, for allowing us this public forum to work out this particular problem. We hope it serves to show our intentions and our desire to stand by what is right. We are glad that we were able to work this out favorably and this concludes the matter. We encourage others to reach out to us privately with disputes and we assure you we will deal with them honorably and properly.
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I feel obligated to correct the untruth’s in Opendrive’s (OD) response. There were 8 emails between OD and myself on this specific topic. Here is a chronology of the substantive emails in that chain:
* Oct 8 – BK notifies OD of problem
* Oct 9 – OD email asking some background questions,said they would look in to it
* Oct 14 – BK email says have not heard anything please let me know the status
* Oct 15 – OD email says problem will be fixed in app release next week
* Oct 27 – BK email says have not heard anything, please advise status, considering cancellation
* Oct 28/29 – OD email to be patient. BK and OD back and forth re no refund and cancellation.I’m happy to post the entire email chain verbatim if there is a way to do it.
A big part of my decision to cancel was that Opendrive has not updated its Mac app since May 29 (see Opendrive’s Mac page http://bit.ly/17vripb), meaning the problem has been around for 4+ months without rectification. Hence my doubts about a timely fix.
As to OD’s other accusations, I don’t even have a Facebook account, so it is pure malicious fiction that i flooded their Facebook page with repeated messages. I did attempt to post a critical review (it was a cut/paste of my initial review on this site) on 4 other cloud review sites, but those sites either did not accept to the post (no idea why), or in at least one case, accepted the post then deleted it.
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Ok both sides have had their say now. You will not solve this problem here.
Time to close this thread and move on.
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Kudos to this website for allowing an open, transparent discussion. I left critical comments (same as my original above) on 3 other ostensibly independent cloud review websites but they didn’t post them.
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Thank you. I think open discussions here are important and that is why I will usually approve most positive and negative comments about services. There are exceptions of course but user reviews and opinions of services help people decide what services they want to trust with their data. I know on Amazon for example I often spend more time reading the reviews of the products than the official information.
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Thank you all as well for the opportunity to let us weigh in on the complaints and present our side of the story. To answer Hank’s questions:
1. The customer went back and forth with our support staff during 1 phone call and 2 emails, which is hardly going back and forth, and was asked to wait for us to complete the software update, which we are in the process of wrapping up. After that one day, he said that he was done, didn’t trust us, and demanded a refund. He then proceeded to flood our Facebook page with the same message over and over, and we deleted all but one of those messages, since the repeats were not necessary. We were not given very much time to fix the problem though. As everyone knows, with software development, it takes a lot longer than one day to verify a complaint, reproduce a problem, make the fixes, test, put the software through QA and then release an update. Most companies only release updates once per month on average but we update our software when problems are reported, as well as on a regular schedule that contains feature enhancements.
2. Our terms do state that we offer no guarantees that our software will work. This is part of all software agreements. Please feel free to look at the terms of any cloud storage provider or SaaS provider and you will see the same clause. This is standard business procedure. It means that we are not responsible for expectations and can’t be held liable for when they fail, especially when they are unreasonable. There was no misrepresentation on our part whatsoever.
3. As I said, the length of time that the customer waited before giving up and wanting to cancel was 1-2 days between phone calls to our support desk and submitted tickets. That is hardly a reasonable amount of time to fix a software bug.
We at OpenDrive run a customer-centric service, one that always puts the customers first. We listen to people, implement their suggestions whenever they are feasible and even bend our own terms when circumstances warrant it. If we are ever late with an update, it is because something else came up that was reported and we made it first priority to resolve it for that customer to allow them to have full use of the service they purchased. We attempted to out this gentleman first as well but he was unwilling to give us reasonable time to do so.
If a person waits for weeks or months for something to be delivered and it is not, then we will, just as we have many times in the past, make an exception and refund a person’s money in full. In that process, though, there should at least be cooperation, communication, and most of all patience.
OpenDrive is your best choice for cloud storage, as we cover a wider range of platforms than anyone else, have far better and more responsive customer service, roll all of the features that others offer(sync, backup, storage, hosting, etc.) into one, all for a low, reasonable price. Our customer service, security and reliability are top notch, but unfortunately, it is impossible to please everyone, but that doesn’t mean that we should allow just anyone to breach a contract when they see fit without a good faith effort to allow us to address their problems first.
We can assure you that you will not be sorry if you give OpenDrive a chance.
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Opendrive’s app simply does not work on a Mac (neither Mountain Lion nor Mavericks OS). I bought the unlimited plan then started the backup for about 400 GB of data. After uploading about 20 GB the app said “Succeeded”. So I restarted… numerous times over the course of a couple of weeks. It never finished but it said “Succeeded” each time. So not only does the the app not work, but tells you it is working so you can be fooled into thinking your data is backed up.
Went back and forth with customer service about a fix they said was coming soon. It never came so i asked for a refund. They said no refunds and informed me, in CAPS, that, “OPENDRIVE MAKES NO REPRESENTATION, WARRANTY, OR GUARANTY AS TO THE RELIABILITY, TIMELINESS, QUALITY, SUITABILITY, TRUTH, AVAILABILITY, ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE SERVICE OR ANY CONTENT ”
They acknowledged that the service did not work, but would not refund my $130. I cancelled anyway. The whole experience just felt dirty.
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BK,
We are sorry you are having trouble with our service. We are finishing up that update and will have it available soon so it will be compatible with your system. We appreciate your patience and assure you that you the service you paid for is available and you will be well under way shortly. We have a number of ways to get your data backed up. We can send you a drive that you can upload your data to for no charge or you can send us one. We assure you that you are our highest priority and we will have your issues resolved very soon. We will also credit you a free month of service for your inconvenience so you are not paying for the service during the wait period for the updates.
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I went back and forth with Opendrive customer service numerous times and they did not not offer any of the fixes proposed in your reply. Too little, too late, I don’t trust you. I still cannot get over the fact that you willfully sold me a long term service contract while you were fully aware that your service was not compatible with my Apple operating system (contrary to your advertising). Then you hid behind the disclaimers of your lawyers to refuse a refund.
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Once again, our apologies for your dissatisfaction with our service and support. We did our best to inform you of our progress and it is our standard policy to keep all of our customers in the loop regarding updates and other issues. We have reviewed our support logs and have confirmed that our staff did indeed inform you that we were working on the updates and would have them ready ASAP. You stated that you did not wish to wait the estimated timeframe and wanted to cancel your service, which is your right.
Unfortunately, due to our terms of service, we were unable to issue you the refund you requested because we were making a good faith effort to fix your problem, which did not completely disallow you access to our service, just temporarily through the Mac app. As a result of this you did not qualify for a refund, especially since this is something that is expected to be resolved very shortly, and since we were unable to find any false claims where we advertised anything that we are not able to provide.
We have a large base of Mac users who have no problems with our app whatsoever, but we cannot guarantee that there won’t be some incompatibility issues with some systems or something that may block our app from working. As these things are reported, we verify the problems and fix them quickly. For this approach to work and for any such scenario to work out successfully, there must be mutual cooperation between us and our customers and, most importantly, patience.
Please stay tuned to our support pages and blogs for news on the updates. If you wish to give us another chance once we release the app and it is more to your liking, please let us know and we will make things right for you with an extra 6 months of service at no extra charge.
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OpenDrive:
As a number of other people are doing, I’m following discussions on this site to learn more about the quality of your services and the openness and honesty of your representations. With regard to this thread BK, I have three questions.
1. Is the following info that appears in all caps (quoted from BK’s post) correct? “Went back and forth with customer service about a fix they said was coming soon. It never came so i asked for a refund. They said no refunds and informed me, in CAPS, that, ‚ÄúOpenDrive MAKES NO REPRESENTATION, WARRANTY, OR GUARANTY AS TO THE RELIABILITY, TIMELINESS, QUALITY, SUITABILITY, TRUTH, AVAILABILITY, ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE SERVICE OR ANY CONTENT ‚Äù”
2. If the above info in all caps is correct, why should anyone trust what you represent to be true about your services?
3. Why would you expect someone who wants to secure their data to wait an unspecified length of time while you were supposedly fixing the problem?
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Please stay away from OpenDrive. This company offers a sub-part product, Poor quality and slow backup service and does not process refunds due to the “terms and conditions”. Story: Last Sunday i signed up for the service and after 4 hrs realized that it was not going to work with my Mac running OSX Mavericks. I opened a ticket and received a phone call from the service desk that they have issues with the client and did not know when it was going to be fixed. I have a 40 gig hard drive to backup and the service upload 4 megabyte in 22 hrs. WOW. Anyway on Monday (Yesterday 10/29) i called to cancel the service due to the fact that they are not meeting my exceptions. Today, I received a note that my service was canceled however they will not be issuing a refund. $129 out of pocket for nothing. WOW. Stay away people.
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David,
We are sorry that you had this experience. We are working very hard to finish the Mac app update to make it compatible with a wider range of OSX systems, including Mavericks. These updates will be available very soon. Thank you in advance for your patience. We will be happy to credit you free time for the amount of time you had to wait on the updates. You should not pay for a service you are not using.
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