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Backblaze is a popular, easy-to-use online backup solution for those on a budget. It offers excellent prices but is limited in terms of advanced features. Our Backblaze review covers the service in depth.
Key Takeaways: What Is Backblaze & Is It Good to Use?
Backblaze is an unlimited cloud backup service that is an excellent option for those who just want to back up their data affordably.
You can share items from your backed-up files as long as you enable Backblaze’s cloud storage.
Backblaze only offers limited scheduling options, with the default being continuous backup.
Facts & Expert Analysis About Backblaze
Staying competitive: Backblaze doesn’t offer advanced features like some other cloud backup services, which is intentional. CEO Gleb Budman explains 1 that making Backblaze simple and affordable is the competitive angle the service took to break into the cloud backup space.
Just blog it: Backblaze’s blogging presence is so robust that, when searching for information, its blog posts are the most likely search result.
It’s a bug hunt: Backblaze has a bug hunt program that offers rewards. Backblaze used to run it but now outsources it to a third party called Bugcrowd.2
Backblaze is a well-known online backup service that offers unlimited storage space at reasonable prices. As you will see in our Backblaze review, its main drawback is the lack of more advanced features. If you like having a high level of customization, check out our list of the best cloud backup services for a good alternative to Backblaze.
Still, Backblaze’s ease of use appeals to a lot of consumers, and you can back up your data in just a few clicks. As you’ll see in the following sections, it offers decent speeds, downloadable apps and excellent security. Read on to learn more about Backblaze.
07/19/2024
New images, added Backblaze 8.0 changes to review.
05/28/2024
Updated review with new information on advanced backup and security features.
07/26/2024 Facts checked
Our Backblaze review has been rewritten to include current pricing and new features.
12/06/2024 Facts checked
Added new video review of Backblaze.
What Is Backblaze & Who Is It For?
Founded in 2007, Backblaze is a cloud backup provider based in San Mateo, California. It caters to those who desire to host content, manage media or archive data, and it stores all your backed-up data on remote servers.
Backblaze is designed to offer a simplified experience. It is best for those who don’t want to fuss over backup settings or are unfamiliar with cloud backup. Personal and business plans are available for its backup service. Additionally, Backblaze has a separate service called B2.
Backblaze vs Backblaze B2
The original Backblaze software is an online backup service available on Macs and PCs, with options for personal or business use. Backblaze B2 is an object storage solution providing Infrastructure as a Service. It is not limited to a single computer or operating system. Check out our Backblaze B2 review for more.
Cloudwards Choice
Jason is an expert in cloud storage and online backup software
Backblaze is one of my favorite cloud backup services. It is a no-fuss product that you can fire up and forget about, knowing your data is safely backed up. I like its reliability and optional private encryption. However, Backblaze is not for everyone, especially those who like having greater control over and customization for their backups.
Backblaze features are limited by design, as this blog post on its website details. However, that doesn’t mean Backblaze is a barebones product. Backblaze mainly focuses on backing up your data and letting you restore it, which it does very well. We’ll look at some of its features in more detail below.
Versioning
The default versioning for files is 30 days. You can keep as many versions of a file as you want. After the 30-day mark, the oldest version of any given file will be deleted. You can’t change this option while on a trial plan.
Once you purchase a license, you can change the version history to one year or keep each version of a file forever. Any file version that’s more than a year old costs $0.006 per GB per version. This charge is on a per-month basis and is cost-effective, unless you have an entire repository of old file versions you don’t want to delete.
Locate My Computer
The “locate my computer” feature is an option in the sidebar in your account. It’s an odd feature, as its primary purpose is to help you locate your computer if it goes missing or is stolen. You can even map your computer’s location with the “map this” option.
Backblaze gives you steps to follow if you become separated from your computer, with the first option being to restore your data. This feature isn’t common for online backup services or cloud storage providers, but Backblaze offers it if you need it.
Share Files
Backblaze lets you share any file from your backup with registered and unregistered users by creating a shareable link that you can paste into an email or a message. It’s a simplified experience but has a huge catch: You’ll need to enable Backblaze B2 cloud storage. Additionally, there are no settings for links — you either share the link or delete it.
Like Backblaze, you can try B2 cloud storage for free, but you will incur a separate cost to continue using it if you go past 10GB of total storage or 1GB of downloads per day. The “share files” feature isn’t a replacement for what a dedicated cloud storage service can do.
If you want to use an online service primarily to share files, there are better options than Backblaze. Check out our article on the best Backblaze alternatives for a detailed look at other online backup options.
Inherit Backup
The “inherit backup” feature is designed to create a seamless backup between an old computer and a new one. You can access it through the desktop app. This feature does not transfer data to the new computer. Instead, it creates a separate backup containing “old-inactive” and the old computer name in the file name.
It also has what looks like a trial period. This is to prevent the old data from being overwritten with the new backup created after you install Backblaze on the new device. Once you inherit the backup state, you can download the data or leave it as is. Additionally, backups can’t be cross-platform, so a Mac backup must be on a Mac computer.
Backblaze may be light on features, but it excels in ease of use thanks to its design. Once you create an account and download the desktop app, an initial backup automatically begins. After that, you don’t really need to mess with Backblaze, as it will continuously back up your data in the background.
The desktop and web interface are integral to each other; they do not operate independently. For example, you’ll need to sign in to the web interface to use the backup on your desktop. Restoration works the same way: You can initiate it on the desktop app and also access it on the web interface.
The web interface contains more information about your backup. You can view your files and share them if you have activated those settings. Additionally, you can initiate a restoration from the web interface, but it is easier with the desktop client.
How to Get Started with Backblaze & Considerations
Getting started with Backblaze is quick and easy. You can be up and running with your data backed up in no time.
Pick a plan: Decide whether you need a personal or a business account and sign up for a free trial. To avoid confusion, a single user will have a personal plan, while multiple users will need a business plan.
Create your account: Your account will consist of your email address and a password. You can also choose where your data will be located.
Download the desktop client: This step isn’t optional, as your account won’t work correctly without the desktop app. Follow the steps to download the desktop app and log in.
Back up your data: Backblaze will automatically begin scanning and backing up all of your files. You can pause this and determine what you want backed up.
When you sign up, make sure you don’t choose Backblaze B2 — unless that is indeed what you want to use. As long as you hover over “computer backup” and “personal” in the “products” option in the menu bar, you’ll get the right product.
Backblaze macOS & Windows Apps
As mentioned above, you’ll need the accompanying desktop app for either a Mac or a PC to use your Backblaze account. The download is almost forced upon you, so as long as you follow the steps when you first sign up you shouldn’t have any issues downloading the desktop client.
The desktop app has little to offer, but it does have a functional, simple interface. There are three main options: “backup now,” “restore options” and “settings.” These function as you would expect: “Backup now” initiates a backup, “restore” gives you options to restore your data and “settings” opens a menu with a few tabs.
The options in the “settings” tab let you rename your computer or select which hard drives to back up. Another option allows you to adjust the rate at which Backblaze uploads files. The “security” tab lets you use a private encryption key (PEK), but we will go over this option in the security section.
If you want to change the backup schedule to something other than “continuous,” you can do so in the “schedule” tab. However, scheduling is limited to only once per day or whenever you manually initiate a backup. You can’t create a recurring schedule for a specific day or time.
You can determine what gets backed up or excluded. To exclude items from the backup, go to the “exclusions” tab and indicate what you don’t want to include.
Backblaze Android & iOS Apps
Backblaze does have mobile applications for iOS and Android. However, they are limited in functionality and are only connected to your computer backup. You can download files from a backup, but you can’t back up anything from your mobile device. The mobile app is only useful if you need to access your computer backup while away from your main device.
Backblaze Pricing: How Much Does Backblaze Cost?
90 % – Excellent
Backblaze’s plans provide excellent value. In fact, it is among the most affordable backup services around. Additionally, the pricing structure is clear, with options for monthly, annual and two-year plans.
Is There a Backblaze Free Plan?
Backblaze does not offer a free plan, only a 15-day free trial. If you pay for an annual or biennial plan and decide Backblaze isn’t for you, you can request a refund up to 30 days after purchasing.
Backblaze Pricing Plan Breakdown: Cost & Cloud Storage Capacity
Backblaze has a clear and upfront pricing structure: Each computer costs $9 per month to back up. A year costs $99, representing a $9 savings, and it costs $189 for two years, representing a $27 savings. You’ll get one license for a single device, though you can purchase more licenses for additional computers.
The pricing structure for the business plan is the same as for the personal plan, with each computer or workstation needing a separate license to back up data. The business plan includes tools to manage multiple computers but is essentially the same as a personal plan. Our Backblaze for Business review has more details.
Is Backblaze Really Unlimited?
Yes, Backblaze really has unlimited storage capacity. It is one of the best alternatives to Acronis because you can back up your data regardless of the total size.
Backing up and restoring files with Backblaze is simple. You have limited control over how the backup operates, with exceptions such as speed throttling and backup exclusions. Fortunately, Backblaze does have block-level backup, meaning it only updates the changed parts of a file.
Backblaze Backup Types
By default, Backblaze conducts a full disk image backup when you first create an account and install the app. After that, it continuously backs up data. You can’t choose between different types of backups, like incremental or differential, or create a hybrid that combines local and cloud backup. Devices like network-attached storage (NAS) and servers are not supported.
File Restoration
If you need to restore your data, the best way is to initiate the process through the desktop app. The latest version of Backblaze — version 9.0 as of this writing — implemented a restoration app within the desktop client. It is a dedicated interface for managing the restoration process. Simply follow the steps provided in the software to restore your data.
In addition to the app, you can download individual files, create a zip or use the mobile app. These options are all free. You can also request a USB drive from Backblaze, though there is a one-time cost of $99 for a flash drive or $189 for a hard drive, which includes shipping within and outside the U.S.
You can access these restoration options from the web interface as well, with the notable exception of the restoration app. However, you can save files as an archive to a B2 account if you have one.
Backblaze Speed
Speed is an area where Backblaze does well. It had decently fast upload speeds during our latest testing and even faster download speeds. Our testers noticed that uploads were a bit sluggish to start, and it did better with text files than with multimedia files. Downloads were faster, as Backblaze got up to speed almost immediately and stayed near its max.
Backblaze Speed Test Results
Upload Speeds
1st Test
2nd Test
Average
Upload Speeds
0:16:53
0:17:23
0:17:08
Download Speeds
1st Test
2nd Test
Average
Download Speeds
0:07:13
0:07:52
0:07:33
Notes From the Lab: Our Detailed Speed Analysis
We conducted our tests from a virtual server located in Ireland and uploaded a mix of data totaling 5GB. Our virtual server’s max speed is 100 Gbps, which we throttle to 100 Mbps for testing consistency.
Security: Is Backblaze Safe?
80 % – Good
Yes, Backblaze is safe. It encrypts data at rest and in transit using AES 128-bit encryption and protects transfers with SSL. You can learn more about SSL in our SSL vs TLS guide. Backblaze does have a private encryption key that you can enable. However, as you will see in the privacy section, it’s not completely private.
We should note that Backblaze does not use the more secure AES 256-bit encryption that is standard on most cloud-based offerings. This shouldn’t be a problem, as 128-bit is still very secure.
Backblaze Security Features
There aren’t many additional options to secure your account beyond what Backblaze provides on the backend. However, one option is enabling two-factor authentication, which you can do from the web interface.
Backblaze does a good job with privacy, offering optional private key encryption and an easy-to-understand privacy policy. Zero-knowledge encryption is off by default — you must enable it through the desktop app. More worryingly, it is not true private encryption, as you have to hand over your encryption key to restore your data.
Most of Backblaze’s data centers are located in the United States, a nation that does not put user data privacy at the forefront thanks to some of its government-friendly privacy laws. However, you have the option of choosing an EU data center when you sign up for an account. For businesses, Backblaze is HIPAA- and GDPR-compliant.
Zero-Knowledge Encryption
You can create a private encryption key (PEK) in the “security” tab in the desktop client. If you do so, you will need it whenever you decrypt your data. Only you will know your PEK — for the most part. Whenever you need to restore your data, you must send your PEK to Backblaze, which goes against the principle of zero-knowledge encryption.
Zero-knowledge encryption works by encrypting and decrypting data on your device before it is transferred to remote servers so nobody but you can see that data. With Backblaze, the decryption process takes place on its servers during restoration, which is not true zero-knowledge encryption.
Backblaze Privacy Policy
Backblaze’s privacy policy explains which data it collects and how it uses that data. The policy states that Backblaze only accesses or shares data with your consent, such as files you upload or personal data like your email address. The data it collects is related to the provision of services. Backblaze does not sell your personal data.
Backblaze Customer Support
95 % – Excellent
Backblaze offers several ways to get support if you have questions about the service or need help. There are three main ways to get help. The quickest is to refer to the documentation provided on Backblaze’s website. You can also submit a help ticket or open a chat.
Live Chat Support Speed & Quality / Email Support Speed & Quality
Backblaze has a live chat option that starts with a chatbot before connecting you to a real person. It works fine, the representatives are helpful and you don’t have to wait too long to connect if you do so during the posted chat hours.
If you don’t want to chat and can’t find the answer you need in the documentation section, you can submit a help ticket. Responses are typically sent out within one business day.
Backblaze vs IDrive: Quick Comparison
IDrive is a natural comparison to Backblaze, as both are online backup providers that offer cloud storage services. One of the biggest differences between the two services is that IDrive lets you back up multiple devices with one account, including mobile devices and other options besides your computer. We put the two services head to head in our IDrive vs Backblaze comparison.
Community Feedback: Backblaze Reviews on Reddit & Social Media
The overall consensus of the discourse surrounding Backblaze is that it is an affordable service that reliably backs up your data. Reviews on Reddit mention that it is easy to use and that it has gotten users out of tight spots more than once. 4
Some of the negative comments mention Backblaze’s limitations, such as its lack of support for attached drives and the lack of Linux support. The most common complaints are that Backblaze is not meant for advanced users and that large backups are slow. 5
The Verdict: Is Backblaze Worth It?
Backblaze is one of the better cloud backup options available. It is perfect for those who are not overly familiar with online backup or who just want a simple and efficient way to protect their data. Though Backblaze isn’t a feature-rich service, it is affordable and comes with unlimited storage space. If you need more than what Backblaze provides, check out our IDrive review.
How likely are you to use Backblaze? Do you like having more control over your backups? Which other services do you prefer? Let us know in the comments section below. Thanks for reading.
FAQ: Backblaze Cloud Backup
Backblaze only lets you back up Macs and PCs, does not support multiple devices on a single license and does not support mobile backups.
Yes, Backblaze is trustworthy. It does a good job with security and privacy, protecting your data at rest and in transit.
Backblaze offers a different service than Google Drive. Backblaze is an online backup provider, whereas Google Drive provides cloud storage.
The most common reason why Backblaze stops backing up is that the permissions on a file prevent the backup from happening. Having the file open could be another reason why Backblaze has stopped backing up.
A freelance writer for over a decade, Jason joined Cloudwards in 2022. He graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with a masters in IT. Jason enjoys helping people learn about tech products to make informed decisions. When not grappling with words, Jason spends his time reading, watching films, cooking and homebrewing.
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