iCloud Backup vs. iTunes Backup: Which One Should You Choose?

Many iPhone users are confused about the differences between iCloud Backup and iTunes Backup when choosing a way to protect their data. Although both are official backup solutions from Apple, they work differently in terms of storage, backup methods, supported data, and convenience. In this guide, we will compare iCloud and iTunes backups in detail to help you understand their differences and choose the right option for your needs.

Part 1: What Are iCloud and iTunes Backup?

Before comparing iCloud Backup and iTunes Backup, let's first understand what they are and how they work.

1.1 What Is iCloud Backup?

iCloud Backup is Apple's cloud-based backup service introduced in iOS 5. When enabled on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, it can automatically back up important data and settings to your iCloud account.

iCloud Backup saves information such as app data, device settings, home screen layout, messages, and more. The backup process happens wirelessly through Wi-Fi, making it a convenient option for users who want automatic backups without connecting their device to a computer.

However, since iCloud backups are stored online and depend on network speed, the backup process may take longer, especially when you have a large amount of data.

1.2 What Is iTunes Backup?

iTunes Backup is a traditional way to back up an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch by storing a copy of your device data on a computer. Unlike iCloud Backup, it requires connecting your device to a computer using a USB cable.

iTunes Backup can save various types of personal data and settings, including app data, messages, contacts, device settings, and more. Since the backup files are stored locally on your computer, the process is usually faster and does not depend on internet speed.

Part 2: iCloud Backup vs. iTunes Backup: Key Differences

As the official backup apps, iCloud and iTunes do have distinctions. This table briefly summarizes the differences between iCloud and iTunes backups. We will continue to show the differences between iCloud and iTunes backups in the following five detailed aspects.

2.1 What Data Do iCloud and iTunes Backup Include?

The files iCloud or iTunes backup save are slightly different. Below are the lists of the files you can back up with iTunes or iCloud.

What does iTunes backup include?

• Albums, songs, playlists, TV shows, movies, podcasts, and audiobooks.
• Photos and videos.
• Contacts, messages, and calendars.
• Purchased iBooks and files.

What does iCloud backup save?

• App data.
• Device settings, home screen, and app organization.
• iMessage, SMS, and MMS.
• Photos and videos are stored on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
• Visual voicemail password (the SIM card must be in your device during backup).
• Ringtones.
• Purchased music, movies, apps, iBooks, and TV shows from the Apple services.

2.2 What Data Are Not Included in iCloud and iTunes Backup?

Also, iCloud or iTunes does not back up some types of files. Check the content below to find out what is not included in iCloud or iTunes backup.

What is not included in iTunes backup?

• Content from the iTunes or App Store or PDFs directly downloaded to iBooks.
• Files synced from iTunes or Finder, such as the imported MP3s/CDs, books, videos, and photos.
• Data already existed in iCloud, including iCloud photos, SMS, iMessage, and MMS messages.
• Apple Pay information and settings.
• Face ID or Touch ID settings.
• Apple Mail data, Activity, Health, and Keychain files.

What is not included in the iCloud backup?

• Data is stored in Gmail and Exchange mail.
• Apple Mail data.
• Data already stored in iCloud, like iMessage, calendars, notes, contacts, voice memos, iCloud photos, SMS, MMS messages, and Health data.
• Face ID or Touch ID settings.
• Apple Pay information and settings.
• iCloud Music Library and App Store content.

2.3 iCloud Backup vs. iTunes Backup: Storage

By default, iCloud automatically offers you 5GB of free storage to store photos, videos, settings, etc., when you set up an iCloud account. If you regularly back up your iDevice, the free storage may become insufficient as time goes by. If you need more storage, you can upgrade it anytime. There are some types of storage plans you can choose from: $0.99/month for 50GB, $2.99/month for 200GB, and $9.99/month for 2TB, etc. Although the monthly payments are not expensive, they are still relatively higher than most online cloud storage services. (iCloud storage is not enough?)

Comparatively, iTunes does not limit the iTunes library storage. As long as there is enough computer storage, you can store as many backup files as possible. However, the iTunes interface may slow down when the iTunes library gets large. (iPhone can't back up because there is not enough space on the computer?)

2.4 iCloud vs. iTunes Backup: Security & Encryption

Both iCloud and iTunes backups encrypt your data to protect your privacy from disclosure. The only difference is that iCloud automatically encrypts the files enabled by default, whereas iTunes lets you manually encode data. The encrypted data for iCloud or iTunes backup is displayed below.

The encrypted files in iTunes or Finder backup include:

• Your saved passwords and Wi-Fi settings.
• Call history, contacts, SMS, and WhatsApp messages.
• Photos, videos, and notes.
• Health data.
• Website history.
• The location data.

The encrypted files in iCloud backup include:

• SMS and iMessage.
• Contacts, call history, calendars, and voicemail.
• Notes, Safari browser history, and location history.
• Photos, Health data, Keychain & passwords, and device & network settings.
• 3rd-party app data, like WhatsApp, Kik, Viber, Hike, and WeChat.

Part 3: iCloud vs. iTunes Backup: Which One Should You Choose?

Created by Apple, both iCloud and iTunes backups are believed by many people to be reliable and secure to use. Apart from this, they also have other merits and demerits. We concluded all the advantages and disadvantages of iCloud or iTunes backup as below.

3.1 iCloud Backup: Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Easy and secure to use.
• Automatically back up your iDevice over a Wi-Fi network when unlocked, locked, or damaged.
• Automatically encrypt your privacy when you enable the two-factor authentication for your Apple ID.
• Easily access the iCloud backups with your iCloud account.

Cons:

• Only back up an iPhone under a Wi-Fi connection.
• iCloud backup does not include everything on your iDevice.
• Offer only 5GB of free storage.
• The speed is a bit slow when transferring large media files.

3.2 iTunes Backup: Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Back up your iDevice to a computer without using a Wi-Fi network.
• Provide unlimited storage to store files.
• Free to use.
• Able to back up your iDevice to an external drive.
• Easy to use and direct transfer.
• Encrypt your privacy manually.

Cons:

• Use a computer and USB cable to back up an iPhone.
• iTunes backup does not include some files.
• iTunes backup is not available when your iPhone is locked or damaged without enabling trust this computer.

3.3 iCloud or iTunes Backup: Which Is Better for You?

There is no absolute winner between iCloud and iTunes backup. The better choice depends on your backup needs and usage habits.

• Choose iCloud Backup if you want automatic and wireless backups without using a computer. It is convenient for quickly restoring data to a new device.
• Choose iTunes Backup if you prefer local backups and more control over your data. It is faster and does not depend on an internet connection.
• Use both methods if you want extra protection for your important data.

In short, iCloud is ideal for convenience, while iTunes is better for users who prefer offline storage and more flexibility. If you need more advanced backup features, a professional backup tool can also be a good choice.

Part 4: How to Back Up iPhone/iPad with iCloud or iTunes

Follow the steps below to back up your iPhone or iPad using iCloud or iTunes.

How to Back Up iPhone/iPad with iCloud?

Step 1. Open "Settings" on your iPhone or iPad, tap your name, and select "iCloud" > "iCloud Backup". Then turn on "Back Up This iPhone".

Step 2. Connect your device to a Wi-Fi network and a power source. Make sure the screen is locked.

Step 3. iCloud will automatically back up your device when the required conditions are met. You can also tap "Back Up Now" to start a manual backup. (iPhone won't back up to iCloud?)

How to Back Up iPhone/iPad with iTunes?

Step 1. Install the latest version of iTunes on your computer and connect your iPhone or iPad using a USB cable. (On macOS Catalina and later, use Finder instead.)

Step 2. Open iTunes and click "Trust" on your device if prompted.

Step 3. Click the device icon, select "Summary", and click "Back Up Now" under the "Backups" section. To protect your backup, select "Encrypt local backup" and set a password.

Part 5: Best Alternative to iCloud and iTunes Backup

If you want a way to back up your iPhone without iTunes or iCloud, you can try Coolmuster iOS Assistant. It is a professional app for you to back up an iPhone to a computer and restore backups from the computer to your iPhone. With it, you can back up contacts, messages, notes, and more files from your iPhone to your computer with one click.

What does Coolmuster iOS Assistant backup include?

• Contacts and messages.
• Photos, videos, and music (purchased and non-purchased).
• Notes, bookmarks, iBooks (purchased and non-purchased), and calendars.
• Apps and other files.

What is not included in Coolmuster's backup?

• WhatsApp, Viber, Kik, Facebook, and WeChat messages.
• Apple ID and Touch ID settings.
• Apple Pay information and settings.
• Apple Mail data, Activity, Health, and Keychain files.

Coolmuster backup storage:

You can back up your iPhone to a computer with Coolmuster iOS Assistant in uncountable times without a data limitation. As long as your computer storage is sufficient, you can back up anything from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to your computer at a fast speed.

Coolmuster backup pros:

• One-click operation.
• Simple, fast, and secure to use.
• Preview and selectively back up the desired files on your iDevice or back up everything on your iDevice as a whole.
• Back up both purchased and non-purchased iDevice files, such as iBooks, videos, songs, TV shows, etc.
• Easy connection.
• No data limit for backups.
• The backups are in classified groups.
• Easy reading and printing on a computer.
• Widely compatible with all generations of iPhone, iPad, and iPod.

Coolmuster backup cons:

• Not support to back up some data, like WhatsApp, Viber, Kik, Line, and WeChat messages.

Free Download for PC

 

Free Download for Mac

Follow the steps below to back up your iPhone or iPad to your computer without iTunes or iCloud using iOS Assistant:

Video Tutorial:

The Bottom Line

After reading the above information, you can easily conclude that both iCloud and iTunes backup have their advantages and disadvantages and are significant ways to back up your iPhone. It is hard to figure out which is better to use. You can choose iCloud or iTunes backup according to your needs.

Besides, you can also use Coolmuster iOS Assistant to back up your iPhone, which is easy, safe, and fast to use. Most importantly, it allows you to preview and selectively back up the purchased and non-purchased files. In my opinion, Coolmuster iOS Assistant is a more suitable backup option.

If you have any queries concerning iCloud backup vs. iTunes backup or our product, please tell us in the comment area.

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