Backblaze Computer Backup

Overview

Backblaze Computer Backup is a paid cloud backup service for files on Mac and Windows computers. It is best for people who want to protect a computer without managing a storage quota. Unlimited storage and several restore routes are compelling, but the service does not back up phones, tablets, or servers.

Key features

Backblaze places no limit on storage and accepts files of any type or size, so large or varied computer collections do not require quota management. The scope is narrower than the headline capacity suggests: it backs up computer files, not mobile devices or servers.

Files are encrypted before they leave the computer and remain encrypted in Backblaze data centers. An optional private key adds a further protection option, and every account supports TOTP or SMS two-factor verification. Ransomware protection is included. These safeguards are useful for protecting backups and account access, though using a private key is optional.

Files can be restored through the web, mobile apps, or a shipped hard drive. That range suits both individual retrieval and cases where downloading is inconvenient. The iOS and Android apps provide access to backed-up data; they do not back up the devices themselves. Users can also share individual backed-up files.

Business features include multiple-user management and administrative controls. Deployment supports MSI Installer, JAMF, and Munki; business SSO supports Google and Microsoft, while enterprise SSO adds Okta and Azure AD. These administration tools matter to organizations, but they do not change the computer-focused backup scope.

Pricing

There is no free plan, but a 15-day trial lets prospective users evaluate the service before paying. The Monthly plan costs $9 a month and includes unlimited backup data for one computer. It is the most flexible billing option, though it costs more over time than committing to a longer term.

The Personal Yearly plan is $8.25 a month, billed annually, with unlimited backup data. It reduces the monthly rate in exchange for annual billing. The Personal Two Years plan is $7.88 a month, paid bi-annually, and is marked as saving 8%; it offers the lowest stated monthly rate but requires the longest commitment. All three plans include unlimited backup data, so the trade-off is billing flexibility rather than storage capacity.

The pricing information also gives annual and two-year figures as $8.25 per year and $7.88 per year, respectively, while describing both plans as monthly rates billed annually or bi-annually. The plan terms above reflect the stated monthly rates and billing periods.

Platforms

Native backup software is available for Mac and PC, with backed-up files accessible through the web and iOS and Android apps. Mobile access is useful when retrieving files away from the computer, but it is not a substitute for mobile-device backup.

Who it's for

Choose Backblaze if your priority is unlimited cloud backup for a computer's files, with multiple ways to retrieve them and encryption options. It is less suitable if you need phone or tablet backup, server coverage, or a free plan.

Pros and cons

• Pro: No storage limits or file-type and size restrictions, which suits large or mixed computer collections.
• Pro: Web, app, and shipped-hard-drive restores provide alternatives to downloading files.
• Pro: Encryption, an optional private key, two-factor verification, and ransomware protection strengthen the backup offering.
• Con: Backup covers computer files rather than mobile devices or servers, so it cannot serve as a single backup solution for those needs.
• Con: There is no free plan, and the lowest monthly rate requires a two-year billing commitment.

Alternatives

Consider IDrive if you want a free plan or broader platform coverage, including Linux; its Basic plan has 10 GB of storage, while IDrive Mini is $0.25 a month for 100 GB and one user. Choose EaseUS Todo Backup if a free Windows or Mac option for file, system, disk, and partition backup and recovery is more important than Backblaze's unlimited cloud storage; its Home Yearly plan is $39.95 a year for one computer and 1 TB of cloud storage.

Infrascale Workstation Backup is another paid alternative with a storage-based cloud plan in 1 TB increments, unlimited endpoint devices, and unlimited retention. BDRShield Endpoint Backup offers a free plan and trial, with endpoint/workstation backup under custom-quote subscription or perpetual licensing. Datto Endpoint Backup for Windows uses consumption-based pricing tied to storage used, with pricing requested from Datto.

NinjaOne is an endpoint-management alternative with a plan starting at $1.50 per device per month at 10,000 endpoints. Axcient x360Recover offers usage-based pricing with endpoint rates varying by workstation or server. UrBackup is a free-plan alternative whose core is open-source, self-hosted file and image backup software.

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

Verdict

Backblaze Computer Backup is a strong fit for anyone who wants unlimited cloud backup for a Mac or PC and values encryption plus flexible restore methods. Its main advantage is removing storage limits; look elsewhere if you need mobile or server backup, a free tier, or more flexible billing than its paid plans allow.