Backblaze Computer Backup vs Minarca

Backblaze Computer Backup backs up computer files to cloud storage without storage limits or restrictions on file type or size. Native backup software is available for Mac and PC, and iOS and Android apps provide access to backed-up data. Files are encrypted before leaving the computer and remain encrypted in Backblaze data centers; users can choose an additional private encryption key. All accounts support two-factor verification through TOTP or SMS. Files can be restored through the web, mobile apps or a shipped hard drive, and individual backed-up files can be shared. The personal monthly option costs $9 per month for unlimited cloud backup for one computer. The yearly option is listed at $8.25 per month when paid annually, and the two-year option at $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 and SSO options for business and enterprise accounts.

Minarca is a free, open-source backup solution that places an agent on computers and uses a central server for management. It backs up Linux, Windows and macOS systems, with destinations including remote servers and external disks. Its web interface provides a dashboard, logs and statistics, while the server can keep separate repositories and disk quotas for multiple users. Minarca uses rdiff-backup for incremental backups; its maker says the reverse incremental differential method helps resist data corruption. Large restores can be handled with the local agent, while smaller datasets can be restored through the web interface. The software also creates a mirror of backed-up directories that can be accessed and restored from the filesystem, with or without the application. A central Minarca server is required to back up a desktop computer. Listed agents support Windows 10 and 11 (64-bit), macOS Catalina 10.15 and later, and 64-bit Linux, Ubuntu and Debian. The plan costs nothing and is self-hosted, with configurable user storage quotas.