Backblaze Review
Backblaze offers unlimited backup solutions for personal computers and businesses, allowing users to back up files like documents and photos to the cloud.
Backblaze, established in 2007, is a cloud storage and backup service known for its user-friendly interface and simple pricing. It offers unlimited backup solutions for personal computers and businesses, allowing users to back up files like documents and photos to the cloud. Compatible with macOS and Windows, Backblaze safeguards data from hardware failures and accidental deletions.
A key feature is its unlimited storage plan, which lets users back up as much data as needed for a fixed monthly or annual fee. Additional features include file versioning for restoring previous versions and ransomware detection for added security. Its powerful search capabilities simplify locating and restoring files.
Backblaze also offers B2 Cloud Storage for businesses, designed for developers to store and retrieve data via API or web interface. With competitive pricing and robust features, B2 Cloud Storage effectively competes with major providers while maintaining reliability. Overall, Backblaze is a solid choice for secure and affordable data protection.
4.8
Pricing
Personal Backup ₹586
Key Features
Multi User Sharing ✓
Backup ✓
Smart sync ✓
Personal Solution ✓
Business Solution ✓
Ranked 3 from 22 Cloud Storage
Performance: |4.9| 
Backblaze is known for its fast and efficient backup solutions. It offers unlimited data storage for personal and business users, and its continuous backup feature ensures that your files are backed up in real time. Users generally report quick upload speeds, particularly for large files, although actual speeds can vary based on your internet connection.
Uptime: |4.9|
Backblaze boasts a strong uptime record, typically around 99.99%. The company employs multiple data centers and redundancy measures to ensure data availability and reliability. Regular updates and maintenance help maintain this high uptime.
Customer Service: |4.8|
Backblaze offers customer support via email and an extensive online knowledge base. While response times can vary, many users report that support is helpful and knowledgeable. The company has a strong community presence and regularly engages with users through forums and social media.
Pricing: |4.7|
Backblaze’s pricing is competitive, especially for individuals and small businesses. They offer:
Personal Backup: $7/month for unlimited backup of personal computers.
Business Backup: Starting at $70/year per computer, also offering unlimited storage.
B2 Cloud Storage: Pay-as-you-go model with a rate of $0.005/GB per month, suitable for developers and businesses needing scalable storage solutions.
Overview
Backblaze Provides Affordable, Unlimited Online Backup Service
Backblaze is known for delivering a dependable and budget-friendly online backup solution for home and small business users. It ranks among the most popular cloud backup providers, and it’s easy to see why. The service offers unlimited, secure data backup in a user-friendly package, making it an ideal choice for beginners.
However, Backblaze does have some limitations. Backups can be slow and might disrupt other online activities.
While it covers all the basics, Backblaze lacks certain customization options that its competitors provide, such as the ability to select specific files for backup, back up data from mobile devices, and include system and application files. Additionally, features like permanent cloud storage for files you delete from your computer require an extra fee.
Although Backblaze offers unlimited storage and imposes no file size limits, a single subscription only covers one computer. You can purchase additional subscriptions for extra devices, but this will incur extra costs. Other cloud backup services, like iDrive, allow unlimited devices but do not provide unlimited storage—there’s always a catch!
No single backup solution fits everyone perfectly. I’ve conducted a comprehensive review of Backblaze, covering its features, performance, security, and privacy policies, so you can make an informed decision. Read on to discover all the details and see if Backblaze is the right fit for you.
What Is Backblaze
Backblaze is a cloud storage and backup service that specializes in providing simple, affordable, and reliable data protection solutions. It is particularly known for its unlimited backup service for personal computers, allowing users to back up their files automatically and securely to the cloud.
Who Is It For?
Individuals: Perfect for everyday users who want to protect their personal files, photos, and documents without the hassle of manual backups.
Small Businesses: Ideal for small businesses that need an efficient and cost-effective way to back up important data without investing in complex IT solutions.
Freelancers and Creatives: Beneficial for those who work with large files (like videos and graphics) and require reliable backup solutions to prevent data loss.
Users Seeking Simplicity: Great for people who prefer a set-it-and-forget-it solution, as it requires minimal configuration and maintenance.
FEATURES |4.9|
Unlimited Backup: Backblaze offers unlimited storage for personal backups, allowing users to back up as much data as needed for a fixed monthly fee without worrying about storage limits.
B2 Cloud Storage: This service is tailored for businesses and developers, providing cost-effective cloud storage with an API for easy data access and management.
File Versioning: Users can restore previous versions of files, giving them the ability to recover from accidental changes or deletions.
Ransomware Protection: Backblaze includes built-in ransomware detection to safeguard against malicious attacks, helping users protect their data.
User-Friendly Interface: The platform features a simple and intuitive interface, making it easy for users to set up automatic backups and manage their data without technical expertise.
Key Features for Quick and Easy Cloud Backup
| Data Server Locations | Northern California, Arizona, Amsterdam |
| Backup and Restore Options | Continuous/scheduled backups, external drive backup, idle backups, backup status reports, offline restore option |
| Limits and Restrictions | No limitations on file size or type, no fair use limits, no bandwidth throttling |
| Supported Applications and Operating Systems | Windows 7 and later, macOS X 10.8 and later, iOS, and Android mobile apps |
| Encryption Keys | Transfer encryption key (via AES 128-bit), optional private encryption key |
| File Access | Available through web and mobile apps |
| File Sharing | ✔ |
Backblaze offers all the essential features needed for backing up your files, with an incredibly straightforward setup (which I’ll discuss further in the Ease of Use section below). It stands out as one of the few online backup services providing unlimited storage at remarkably affordable rates, although it does have some limitations.
One key feature that Backblaze lacks is the ability to create a full image or mirror backup. A mirror backup replicates everything on your computer’s hard drive, including operating system files, applications, preferences, and settings.
In case of a disaster, while you can’t use Backblaze to restore your system, you can rest assured that all your critical files and data are safe and secure.
Effortless Automatic Backups in Just a Few Steps
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.By default, Backblaze backs up all your computer data—documents, photos, music, and videos—as well as data stored on attached external drives.
The default setting is for continuous backup. After the initial backup, when your computer is on and connected to Wi-Fi, Backblaze automatically scans about once an hour to index, process, and upload new or changed documents. However, I found that this could limit my ability to work online—details can be found in the Performance section.
Using the settings panel, you can schedule backups for specific times that are convenient for you, avoiding interference with other online activities. You can also manually initiate a backup by clicking the Backup Now button.
Backblaze can back up emails from applications stored on your computer (such as Outlook, Apple Mail, or Thunderbird), but it cannot back up emails from online servers like Gmail, which is disappointing. Since Backblaze cannot back up a file or application while it is in use, ensure you close your email at least once daily to capture any changes.
Backblaze retains deleted files and previous versions for only 30 days.
You can extend archived storage for up to a year for a monthly fee or indefinitely for a fee per GB, which can increase the overall cost of the service.
Three Ways to Restore Your Data
If you experience a system failure or data loss, Backblaze offers three options for restoring your files:
Download via Zip File: Backblaze will send your data as a zip file over an encrypted SSL connection at no cost. This is ideal if you have a fast internet connection and a manageable amount of data to restore, as Backblaze limits each request to 500GB of data.
Restore via Flash Drive or USB Hard Drive: For larger data sets, Backblaze can send your restored files on a flash drive or USB hard drive for a fee. You can also opt for encrypted data at no extra charge for added security. Return the hard drive within 30 days to receive a full refund.
Restore from B2 Cloud Storage: If you’ve stored files in Backblaze’s B2 Cloud, which provides enterprise-grade object storage, you can restore them as decrypted zip snapshots. Simply select the files you need, and the system will provide an estimate of the cost. Up to 10GB of B2 storage is free, while additional fees depend on data volume, bandwidth usage, and the number of transactions. You can access B2 Cloud Storage from any computer with any operating system.
Strong Security Settings, But with Room for Improvement
Backblaze uses AES 128-bit encryption for file protection, which is less secure than the AES 256-bit encryption favored by cybersecurity experts. However, Backblaze takes measures to strengthen security.
Files are encrypted on your computer before being transferred via a secure SSL (https) connection to Backblaze’s data centers, where they remain encrypted. The service also offers two-factor authentication (2FA). Once 2FA is activated, a six-digit code will be sent to your phone each time you log in, ensuring an extra layer of security.
For maximum security, create a private encryption key (PEK) for your account. This is a personal password known only to you, and Backblaze does not store it. Make sure to note your password and store it safely, as you won’t be able to retrieve your files if you forget it.
Popular Cloud Storage
Service Offered
Backblaze offers two main services: personal backup and B2 Cloud Storage. The personal backup service provides unlimited data backup for Windows and macOS computers, allowing users to automatically back up files like documents and photos to the cloud. It features file versioning for restoring previous file versions and includes ransomware detection to protect against malicious attacks.
In addition, Backblaze provides B2 Cloud Storage for businesses and developers. This scalable service allows users to store and retrieve data via a simple API or web interface, offering a cost-effective solution for various storage needs. With transparent pricing based on storage and download usage, B2 Cloud Storage is an affordable alternative to major cloud providers, ensuring data security and accessibility for all users.
Resources and Solutions
Backblaze offers a range of resources and solutions designed to meet the needs of both individual users and businesses. Its primary services include personal backup, providing unlimited data backup for Windows and macOS, and B2 Cloud Storage, which allows businesses and developers to store and retrieve data via a simple API.
Additional features include file versioning for easy restoration of previous file versions, ransomware detection for enhanced security, and various data restoration options. Backblaze also provides comprehensive documentation and a knowledge base, along with community forums for user support, mobile apps for on-the-go access, and dedicated customer support to assist users with any inquiries.
PROS AND CONS OF BACKBLAZE
Pros of Backblaze
Unlimited backup for personal computers
Affordable pricing with straightforward plans
User-friendly interface and easy setup
Automatic and continuous backups
Strong security features, including ransomware detection
Cons of Backblaze
Limited file-sharing features
No built-in file sync feature
B2 Cloud Storage pricing can increase with high usage
Initial backup can take time depending on data size
Limited customer support options for free users
Why you should consider Backblaze?
You should consider Backblaze for its reliable and cost-effective cloud backup solutions. Offering unlimited backup for personal computers, it allows users to store extensive data without worrying about storage limits. Its straightforward pricing model ensures simplicity, and automatic backups run in the background, making it ideal for individuals and small businesses seeking a hassle-free solution.
Another compelling reason to choose Backblaze is its robust security features and excellent performance. With built-in ransomware detection and file versioning for easy recovery, users are well-protected against threats. Additionally, B2 Cloud Storage provides a scalable option for businesses to manage data via API. Backblaze’s strong reputation for reliability and positive user reviews highlight its commitment to secure and accessible data protection for all users.
EASY OF USE |4.9|
Backblaze is designed with user-friendliness in mind, making it easy for both tech-savvy individuals and novices to set up and manage their backups. The installation process is straightforward; users simply download the application, and it automatically detects files to back up, requiring minimal input. Once set up, Backblaze runs in the background, ensuring continuous protection without the need for manual intervention.
The intuitive interface allows users to easily navigate settings, view backup status, and restore files with just a few clicks. This emphasis on ease of use ensures that users can focus on their work while having peace of mind that their data is securely backed up.
Backblaze shines in its simplicity, offering an easy-to-use experience
Its zero-configuration setup means you won’t find many customization options, but this is balanced by a clear control panel that makes managing your account and starting backups a breeze.
All the key features for starting your backup are accessible from the control panel’s menu bar. By clicking on Settings, you can adjust preferences, manage throttling, and control the bandwidth available to the service. However, compared to some competitors, Backblaze lacks a few options, such as:
Scheduling backups for certain times or days
Automatically pausing backups during video streaming or online presentations
Adjusting bandwidth usage according to a set schedule.
You’ll need to manually exclude the files and folders you don’t want to back up, which can be quite tedious. For my initial backup, I had to sort through over 68,000 folders and files, and many users may have even more.
To save time, I excluded files by type, such as PDF, JPEG, or XLSX. However, this isn’t a perfect solution. For instance, excluding JPEGs might speed up the process, but it also means you risk leaving important photos out of your backup, making them vulnerable to loss.
Although Backblaze isn’t flawless, it offers some standout features that I really appreciated.
Access, Download, and Share Files Across Devices with B2 Cloud
While Backblaze doesn’t support syncing across multiple devices, all personal and business backup plans come with 10GB of free file storage and sharing via B2 Cloud, Backblaze’s cost-effective, enterprise-grade cloud storage.
Once B2 is activated, you get 1GB of free daily download bandwidth along with the 10GB of storage and file-sharing capacity.
When you share a file, such as a document, photo, or video, anyone with the direct link can access it.
Revamped Mobile App Simplifies On-the-Go Access
Backblaze recently upgraded its mobile app for iOS and Android. While you still can’t create an account or back up data directly from your mobile device, the new version makes it easier to browse, download, view, and share your backed-up files from anywhere.
You can share files via text, email, or upload them to your social media, though some options differ between Android and iOS. For instance, on an iPhone, downloaded files are stored in Backblaze’s domain space, protected by iOS. On Android, they’re saved in the general downloads folder without the same level of protection.
You can access your Backblaze account from multiple Android or iOS devices to view and share your backed-up files, as long as you log in with your username and password. With Family Sharing enabled on iOS, up to six family members can use the app.
There’s a 30MB download limit for files on both Android and iOS.
Easily Track Your Computer if Lost or Stolen
One unique feature Backblaze offers is its “Locate My Computer” option, which can assist you or the authorities in finding a lost or stolen laptop. To use it, you’ll need to enable location tracking in your account. If you find this feature too intrusive, you can easily turn it off via the control panel.
Setting Up an Account
Creating a Backblaze account is simple. Download the Backblaze software to your PC or Mac, run the installer, and follow the prompts.
Once the installation is done, the control panel will open. You can either click “Continue” to start an automatic backup of all your data or choose “Pause” and head to “Settings” for further customization.
In the settings panel, you can schedule backups, select files to exclude, review security and privacy options, and check the status of your latest backup. It also shows how many days are left in your free trial.
After installing the software, you can manage your account via the online dashboard. Some features, like specific privacy settings, are only accessible by logging into your account online.
While Backblaze makes it easy to upload all your data, selecting only a few specific files or folders can be challenging. Backblaze is designed to back up everything on your computer, except for operating system files, application files, empty folders, or temporary internet files.
Unlike other services where you select which files to back up, with Backblaze, you choose which files to exclude. Deciding which method suits you best is important.
Keep in mind that your initial backup may take several hours or even days, depending on the amount of data. Your computer must remain connected to Wi-Fi and stay awake (be sure to disable sleep mode) for the backup to finish.
Getting Started
Create an Account: Sign up on the Backblaze website using your email and password. Start by utilizing the free trial to examine the features.
Download and Install: Download the Backblaze application for Windows or macOS and install it on your computer.
Set Up Backup Preferences: Customize your backup settings by selecting specific folders or file types to include or exclude.
Start the Backup: Initiate the backup process, which will run automatically in the background.
Monitor Backups: Use the interface to check backup progress, restore files, and manage settings anytime.
GTMetrix
PERFORMANCE |4.9|
Use Manual Controls to Optimize Performance
The speed and effectiveness of your backups are primarily influenced by the reliability and speed of your internet connection, as well as your proximity to one of Backblaze’s data centers located in California, Arizona, and Amsterdam. Since I’m situated on the East Coast of the US, I am not particularly close to any of these locations.
When setting up your online account, Backblaze allows you to choose your preferred data center. It’s best to select the one closest to you for optimal performance, but be aware that this choice cannot be changed later.
Using Backblaze’s preliminary speed test, I measured my download and upload speeds at various times: weekday mornings, noon, and around 6 PM, along with my estimated weekend performance.
I found that my fastest upload and download speeds occurred on weekdays at noon, with an upload speed of 1.12 Mbps and a download speed of 13.36 Mbps. In the early evening, my upload speed dropped to .97 Mbps, while weekend speeds fell even further to .64 Mbps.
After installing the Backblaze software, I received a more accurate estimate for how long my initial backup would take. Backblaze projected that it would take four days to complete my initial backup due to my slow upload speed of .26 Mbps, which was even lower than the speed test results suggested!
An effective backup service should operate reliably in the background without straining your internet connection or consuming excessive bandwidth. However, this was not my experience, prompting me to reach out to customer support.
They recommended that I cancel the continuous backup and schedule the initial backup for after my work hours. They also suggested increasing the number of threads (simultaneous upload connections) to improve the transmission speed.
Backblaze automatically configures throttling and threading to optimize your internet bandwidth usage, adjusting to fluctuations in your connection speed to ensure seamless backups.
However, depending on your internet speed, you may need to manually adjust these settings, as I did, to accelerate the process.
After finishing the initial backup, I restored the default settings for automatic throttling and threading but kept scheduling my backups for off-peak hours.
PRIVACY |4.8|
Privacy Policies Raise Concerns
Backblaze is based in California, but it also operates a data center in the Netherlands, which means it complies with both U.S. privacy regulations and EU data protection laws, known as the GDPR. While the complete details of its privacy policy are available in its knowledge base, here are some key points you should be aware of:
Personal Information: Backblaze collects personal data, including your email address, phone number, and billing details.
Browsing Activity: The company also tracks your browsing activity, such as page visits and clicks, which it may share to enhance its services.
Cookies and Tracking: Backblaze utilizes cookies and similar tracking technologies to gather personal information that may be shared with third parties for functions like payment processing, sending SMS notifications, or providing customer support and online chat services.
Unfortunately, Backblaze does not recognize Do Not Track settings in your browser, meaning you cannot opt out entirely. However, you can manage your preferences for marketing emails and third-party cookies in your account settings.
To unsubscribe from marketing emails, you must go to the Preferences section in your online dashboard (this option isn’t available in the web app’s control panel). I also used my browser settings to block third-party cookies that tried to load when I logged into my Backblaze account, and you might consider doing the same.
It’s important to note that Backblaze may share your personal information with third parties if required by a court order, law enforcement, public authorities, or for national security reasons.
For this reason, when setting up your account, you should select your data center location wisely. Choosing Amsterdam can help you avoid being subjected to U.S. national security laws, such as the Patriot Act.
Additionally, to further safeguard your file privacy and enhance security, I highly recommend setting up a Private Encryption Key (PEK), which will protect your files in case Backblaze is ever compromised.
If you do not configure a Private Encryption Key (PEK), your files will be encrypted and inaccessible; however, the encryption key needed to decrypt them will be kept on the Backblaze server. This setup increases the risk of your data being exposed in the event of a hack or privacy breach.
SUPPORT |4.7|
Customer service and Support
Backblaze offers robust customer service and support options to assist users with their cloud storage and backup needs. Here are some key features of their support services:
Support Options
Help Center: Backblaze has a comprehensive Help Center that includes articles, guides, and FAQs covering a wide range of topics related to backup, recovery, and account management.
Email Support: Users can submit support tickets via email, and the Backblaze team typically responds within a reasonable timeframe, offering personalized assistance for specific issues.
Community Forum: The Backblaze community forum allows users to ask questions and share experiences with other users, which can be helpful for troubleshooting and advice.
Status Page: Backblaze maintains a status page that provides real-time updates on system performance and any ongoing issues, ensuring users are informed about service availability.
Live Chat: Depending on the plan and availability, Backblaze may offer live chat support for immediate assistance.
Documentation: For more technical users, Backblaze provides detailed documentation on features, integrations, and troubleshooting.
Tips for Contacting Support
Provide Details: When reaching out for help, include relevant details such as your account information and a description of the issue to expedite the resolution process.
Check the Status Page: Before contacting support, check the status page to see if the issue is known and being addressed.
Customer Feedback
Backblaze generally receives positive feedback for its customer support, with users appreciating the responsiveness and clarity of the support team.
Security
Backblaze prioritizes security to protect user data during transmission and while stored in the cloud. It uses AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) with 128-bit encryption for files, ensuring protection against unauthorized access. Additionally, Backblaze employs TLS (Transport Layer Security) to encrypt data in transit. Users can also set their own encryption keys for added control over security.
To combat threats, Backblaze includes built-in ransomware detection that alerts users to potential attacks, helping prevent data loss. The platform offers versioning, allowing users to restore previous file versions if they are modified or deleted. With a strong focus on data integrity and user control, Backblaze ensures that your files are securely backed up and protected against various threats.
Review
PRICING |4.7|
Basic Cloud Storage and Online Backup Plans
Backblaze offers a straightforward and affordable plan for personal online cloud backup, charging a flat fee for unlimited backup on a single computer. You have the option to pay monthly or receive a discount for prepaying for a full year, which costs you for 10 months instead of 12. Additionally, there’s a greater discount for committing to a two-year plan.
For businesses, Backblaze provides a similar, uncomplicated plan with extra features, including the option to add multiple users to your account. The cost of this plan depends on the number of licenses and whether B2 Cloud Storage for server or network-attached storage (NAS) backup is included. Each license, like the personal plan, covers one computer.
Here are some key points to consider:
You can take advantage of a free 15-day trial to evaluate if Backblaze is the right cloud backup solution for you. No payment information is required during the trial, and customer support informed me that providing payment details would result in immediate cancellation of the trial.
If you choose to subscribe, Backblaze will automatically bill your credit card or bank account monthly if you’ve authorized electronic payments. Alternatively, you can opt for a one-time invoice for a one- or two-year plan. Backblaze accepts all major credit cards but does not support PayPal, Bitcoin, or other payment methods.
Regardless of your chosen billing cycle, you can cancel at any time, but there are no refunds for the months you have used the service.
I found the cancellation process somewhat complicated. First, I had to delete all my backups and then remove licenses before I could delete my account on the My Settings page. If you have both a backup account and a separate B2 cloud account, you must cancel each one individually.
After canceling your account, ensure you also uninstall the web app from your computer.
Backblaze
PERSONAL BACKUP
₹586
/MONTHS
Backblaze
PERSONAL BACKUP
₹586
/MONTHS
Backblaze Alternatives
Frequently Asked Question.
Backblaze is a cloud backup service that provides unlimited storage for personal computers and scalable cloud storage for businesses. It offers automatic backups, file versioning, and security features like ransomware protection.
Backblaze offers personal backup for $7 per month or $70 per year. B2 Cloud Storage pricing starts at $0.005 per GB for storage and $0.01 per GB for downloads.
Yes, Backblaze offers a 15-day free trial for new users, allowing them to explore the features before committing to a subscription.
Backblaze supports both Windows and macOS operating systems, making it accessible for a wide range of users.
Yes, Backblaze can back up external drives as long as they are connected to your computer and selected for backup in the settings.
Backblaze uses AES 128-bit encryption for data at rest and TLS for data in transit. Users also have the option to set their own encryption keys for added security.
If you lose data, you can easily restore it through the Backblaze interface. You can choose to restore files via a web download or request a USB drive with your data.
The initial backup time depends on the amount of data being backed up and your internet speed. After the initial backup, Backblaze runs continuous backups in the background.
Yes, you can access your backed-up files from any device with internet access through the Backblaze web interface.
Yes, Backblaze provides file versioning, allowing you to restore previous versions of files for up to 30 days.
B2 Cloud Storage is Backblaze’s cloud storage solution for businesses and developers, offering scalable storage with a pay-as-you-go pricing model and API access for data management.
Yes, Backblaze offers customer support through email and chat, along with a comprehensive knowledge base and community forums for users to seek assistance.