Backblaze Computer Backup

Backblaze Computer Backup stores computer files in cloud backup without limits on storage, file type or file size. Native backup software is available for Mac and PC, and backed-up data can be accessed through iOS and Android apps. Files are encrypted before they leave the computer and remain encrypted in Backblaze data centers; users may add an optional private encryption key. Accounts support two-factor verification through TOTP or SMS. Restores are available through the web, mobile apps or a shipped hard drive, and users can share individual backed-up files. The listed personal monthly option costs $9 per month for unlimited cloud backup for one computer. Other listed personal options are $8.25 per month when paid annually and $7.88 per month when paid bi-annually. A 15-day trial is available, but there is no free plan. Business features include multiple-user management and administrative controls, with deployment tools such as MSI Installer, JAMF and Munki. SSO options differ by account type: business accounts list Google and Microsoft, while enterprise accounts list Okta and Azure AD.

Backblaze Computer Backup offers unlimited computer-file backup with several restore routes and mobile access to backed-up data. Check the billing term carefully: the listed $7.88 per month option is paid bi-annually.

It suits people who want unlimited cloud backup for a Mac or PC and access to backed-up files on mobile devices. Business and enterprise account details may also interest teams needing administration, deployment tools or SSO.

Overview

Backblaze Computer Backup is a cloud service for backing up files from Mac and PC computers. It is best for people who want to protect a computer without managing a storage quota; it is not a fit for backing up phones, tablets, or servers.

Unlimited file storage and several ways to restore data make it a focused option for computer backup. Its main trade-off is scope: the mobile apps provide access to backed-up files, not mobile-device backup.

Key features

Backups have no storage limit and accept files of any type or size, so users with large or varied computer libraries do not have to ration space. Backup is limited to files, however, rather than server backup or a broader device-protection plan.

Files are encrypted before leaving the computer and remain encrypted in Backblaze data centers. An optional private encryption key adds another protective measure, and all accounts can use TOTP or SMS two-factor verification. Ransomware protection is also included. These safeguards are useful for users concerned about account and backup security, though the private key is optional.

Restores are available through the web, mobile apps, or a shipped hard drive. The drive gives users an alternative to downloading their files, while individual backed-up files can be shared. The iOS and Android apps are useful for reaching saved data away from a computer, but they do not back up the phone itself.

Business features include multiple-user management and administrative controls. Business deployment supports MSI Installer, JAMF, and Munki; business SSO works with Google and Microsoft, while enterprise accounts also support Okta and Azure AD. Those controls broaden the service's use for organizations, although the consumer plans are centered on one computer.

Pricing

The Personal Monthly plan costs $9 a month, billed monthly, and includes unlimited cloud backup for one computer. It suits someone who wants the shortest billing commitment, but users covering more than one computer should not assume that this plan provides multiple seats.

Personal Yearly costs $8.25 a month, billed annually. Personal Two Years costs $7.88 a month, paid bi-annually, and is marked Best value with 8% savings. Both retain unlimited backup; the lower monthly equivalent comes with a longer commitment. Check the billing term carefully before choosing the two-year option.

There is no free plan, but a 15-day free trial gives prospective users a chance to assess the service before paying. The monthly plan's flexibility costs more per month than the longer terms, while the longer terms require paying on their stated annual or bi-annual schedule.

Platforms

Native backup software is available for Mac and PC. Web access and iOS and Android apps support access to backed-up data, but mobile backup is not included. Linux is not among the supported platforms.

Who it's for

Choose Backblaze if you want unlimited cloud backup for computer files, value a choice of restore routes, and can commit to a personal plan's billing term. It is less suitable if you need mobile-device or server backup, a free ongoing tier, or Linux support.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Unlimited storage with no file-type or file-size restrictions avoids quota management for large computer libraries.
• Pro: Web, app, and shipped-drive restore options give users more than one way to retrieve backed-up files.
• Pro: Encryption, optional private keys, two-factor verification, and ransomware protection provide several security measures.
• Con: Backup covers computer files, not mobile devices or servers, so it cannot serve as a single backup plan for those needs.
• Con: There is no free plan, and the lowest monthly equivalent requires the longer bi-annual payment term.

Alternatives

IDrive is worth considering for a free tier or a 100 GB option at $0.25 a month for one user; Backblaze instead offers unlimited computer backup.

UrBackup may suit users who want free, open-source file and image backups with a self-hosted server rather than Backblaze's paid cloud approach.

Acronis Cyber Disaster Recovery Cloud is an alternative for readers seeking a disaster-recovery service with pay-as-you-go cloud storage and compute.

Bacula Enterprise is an alternative for organizations looking for an annual subscription priced by secured endpoint count and support response time.

Carbonite Safe is another paid option: its Basic plan is $95.99 a year for one computer with unlimited storage, while Plus is $131.99 a year and adds one external hard drive.

VM Backup is a better match for readers focused on virtual machines, with a free edition capped at two VMs per host.

Veeam Agent for Mac offers a free macOS edition limited to one backup job and without direct backup to object storage.

Storware Backup & Recovery is another freemium option, with a free license that does not include technical support.

Browse Continuous Data Protection Software, Backup software, Endpoint Backup Software, or Cloud Backup Services for more options.

Verdict

Backblaze Computer Backup is a strong choice for an individual who wants uncapped backup for one computer and flexible restore routes. Choose it for unlimited file coverage and straightforward security controls; look elsewhere if you need mobile or server backup, Linux support, or a free plan.