Backblaze Computer Backup

Overview

Backblaze Computer Backup is a cloud service for backing up files from a Mac or PC. It is best suited to people who want an unlimited computer backup without managing a storage quota. The core offer is strong, but it is not a substitute for phone, tablet or server backup.

Key features

Backblaze places no storage limit on backups and accepts files of any type or size. That removes quota management for large or varied computer libraries, though the backup scope is limited to files on computers rather than servers or mobile devices. Ransomware protection is included.

Files are encrypted before they leave the computer and remain encrypted in Backblaze data centers. An optional private encryption key adds another layer of protection, and all accounts support two-factor verification through TOTP or SMS. The combination gives users meaningful protection choices, although using the private key is optional.

Restores are available through the web, mobile apps or a shipped hard drive. The physical-drive route is useful when retrieving files by download is inconvenient. Individual backed-up files can also be shared. The iOS and Android apps provide access to backed-up data; they do not back up the devices themselves.

Business accounts add multiple-user management and administrative controls. Deployment options include MSI Installer, JAMF and Munki. Business SSO supports Google and Microsoft, while enterprise accounts also support Okta and Azure AD. These administration features broaden its usefulness for organizations, but the core product remains computer-file backup.

Pricing

There is no free plan, but a 15-day trial lets prospective users evaluate the service before paying. The Personal Monthly plan costs $9 per month and covers unlimited cloud backup for one computer. It is the flexible choice for someone who wants to avoid a longer commitment, but it costs more per month than the annual options.

The Personal Yearly plan costs $8.25 per month, billed annually. The Personal Two Years plan costs $7.88 per month, paid bi-annually, and is described as saving 8%. Both retain unlimited backup; the lower monthly equivalent comes with a longer billing commitment. The service is paid rather than freemium, so there is no free tier for ongoing backup.

Platforms

Native backup software is available for Mac and PC, covering macOS and Windows computers. Web access and iOS and Android apps provide additional ways to reach backed-up files and initiate restores. Mobile support is for access and recovery, not backing up a phone or tablet.

Who it's for

This is a strong fit for individuals who need to protect a computer's files without tracking storage consumption, especially when a web, app or shipped-drive restore route matters. It is less suitable for anyone who needs mobile-device or server backup, or who requires a free plan.

Pros and cons

Unlimited backup with no file type or size restrictions: suits large or mixed computer-file collections without quota trade-offs.

Several restore routes: web, mobile apps and a shipped hard drive give users alternatives to a standard download.

Layered account and file protection: encryption, an optional private key, two-factor verification and ransomware protection address distinct security needs.

No mobile or server backup: users needing those workloads must choose another service.

No free plan: the 15-day trial is temporary, and ongoing backup requires a paid plan.

Alternatives

IDrive is worth considering if a free plan or support for Linux matters; its Basic plan includes 10 GB, and IDrive Mini offers 100 GB for one user at $0.25 a month.

VM Backup is a more relevant option for virtual-machine backup, with a free edition covering two VMs per host and a 30-day fully featured trial.

Acronis Cyber Disaster Recovery Cloud is an alternative for buyers seeking disaster recovery and willing to use pay-as-you-go pricing for used cloud storage and compute.

CrashPlan for Business is an alternative for business backup needs, including Microsoft 365 coverage with 50 GB pooled cloud storage per user on its cited plan.

Storware Backup & Recovery may suit organizations looking for a free license or a 60-day trial for virtual environments.

Bacula Enterprise is an alternative for buyers seeking endpoint-based subscription pricing and support response-time options.

Unitrends Backup offers an alternative with pricing tailored to business needs.

DataCore SANsymphony is an alternative for enterprise buyers whose pricing is based on managed capacity and an annual or multi-year term.

For broader comparisons, browse Continuous Data Protection Software, Endpoint Backup Software, Backup software or Cloud Backup Services.

Verdict

Choose Backblaze Computer Backup if you want unlimited file backup for a Mac or PC, with encryption and multiple restore routes. Look elsewhere if your backup needs include phones, tablets or servers, or if you need a free plan.