Backblaze Comprehensive Backup Service

Backblaze offers a comprehensive backup service that covers all your data, including your computer, phone, and external drives. This service is designed to ensure that all your files are safely backed up and can be easily restored if needed.

With Backblaze, you can backup your entire computer, including your operating system, programs, and files. You can also backup your external hard drives, as well as your iPhone and iPad.

Backblaze uses a robust and secure cloud storage system to store your backups, which are then easily accessible from any device with an internet connection. This means you can access your files from anywhere, at any time, as long as you have a stable internet connection.

Backblaze offers automatic and continuous backups, which means your files are backed up in real-time, so you don't have to worry about setting up manual backups.

Backblaze offers continuous backup, which means your files are backed up in real-time as you create or modify them.

This feature is especially useful for novice users or those who don't want to fuss with settings.

The backup process starts by backing up all the documents on your computer, then it keeps track of when you create a new file, change a document, or whatever, and uploads the new/modified documents to a secure and encrypted data center.

Backblaze also offers incremental backup, which means it only updates the changed parts of a file, not the entire file.

This feature is great for large files or for users who need to conserve bandwidth.

In addition to continuous and incremental backup, Backblaze also offers image-based backup, which creates a complete copy of your hard drive.

This feature is useful for users who need to restore their entire system or for those who want to create a backup of their operating system.

Backblaze's backup features also include speed throttling, which allows you to control the amount of bandwidth used during backups.

This feature is great for users who have limited bandwidth or for those who want to prioritize their internet usage.

Here are some of the key features of Backblaze's backup:

Backblaze takes security and privacy seriously, and it shows in their encryption methods. They use AES 128-bit encryption to protect your files, both at rest and in transit.

This level of encryption is still very secure, and it's unlikely you'll ever need to worry about your files being compromised. However, if you're extremely security-conscious, you can create your own private encryption key to add an extra layer of protection.

To create a private encryption key, you'll need to use the Backblaze desktop app and enable it in the security tab. This key will be required whenever you need to decrypt your data, so make sure to store it safely.

One thing to note is that if you lose or forget your private encryption key, your files will be unrecoverable. This is a trade-off for the added security, but it's worth considering if you have sensitive information stored on Backblaze.

Backblaze also offers multi-factor authentication, which can be enabled through the web interface. This adds an extra layer of security to your account, making it more difficult for unauthorized users to access your data.

Here's a breakdown of Backblaze's security features:

Overall, Backblaze's security features are robust and effective, making it a great choice for anyone looking to protect their data.

Signing up for Backblaze is a breeze, requiring only an email address and password. Backblaze then generates a custom installer bound to your account, which downloads and installs quickly.

The service works with both macOS and Windows computers, and it offers apps for Android and iOS devices. However, it's not available for Linux systems.

You can pause the backup process immediately after it starts, but making changes requires dealing with Backblaze's exclusion-based system, which can be a hassle.

The desktop interface of Backblaze is easy to navigate, and signing up requires just an email address and password.

You'll need to sign up for Computer Backup, not B2 Cloud Storage, to get started with the service. Backblaze then generates a custom installer bound to your account, which downloads and installs quickly.

The interface is user-friendly, and it works with both macOS and Windows computers. It also offers apps for Android and iOS devices, making it a great option for those with multiple devices.

If you want more control over what gets uploaded to the cloud, you might find the initial backup behavior a bit annoying. You can pause the backup process immediately after it starts, but making changes requires dealing with the exclusion-based system.

Backblaze can back up files on your computer, but it can't be used for disk imaging. If you need to create a fully bootable backup, you might want to consider a different service, like ShadowProtect SPX Desktop or IDrive.

Backblaze's mobile apps are available for both Android and iOS devices, and they're pretty straightforward to use. The main screen shows all the backup devices linked to your account.

You can access any files you downloaded from your backup from the hidden left-hand menu or visit the app settings. The Settings section is similarly sparse, with only a few options like remembering your login info and enabling biometric login.

Browsing for backed-up files can be a bit tedious, as you can only navigate your file tree one level at a time. However, Backblaze does allow you to move back up the file tree without starting from the top, which is a nice touch.

The app's search bar works fine, but there's no way to filter files by type or size in the results. This might be a minor inconvenience, but it's not a deal-breaker.

You won't find options for automatically backing up photos, videos, or contacts on your phone, which is a limitation compared to some of Backblaze's competitors. However, you can manually upload to a B2 bucket if you need to.

Backblaze's backup and recovery process is surprisingly simple. You can restore your data from the website, where you'll find a folder structure that mirrors what you see on your computer. You can navigate through the folders to see all the files that are backed up on Backblaze.

To recover your files, you log in to the Backblaze website, click on “View/Restore” files, enter your Private Encryption Key, and then choose what you want to recover. This process is surprisingly straightforward, even for those who are not tech-savvy.

You can choose to recover all your files, just some, or even just one single file. Restoring a file doesn't “wipe out” your current data set. Backblaze keeps your data until you say otherwise.

Restoring Data Options

The last option, USB Hard Drive, is part of Backblaze's excellent Cloud Restore service, which is helpful in case something disastrous happens to your current computer or if you want a faster way to move files.

Backblaze keeps a copy of your files for 30 days. This means if you delete a file on your computer, it will also be removed from Backblaze's servers after a month.

If you make changes to a file, Backblaze will keep multiple versions of it. For example, if you start a text document, add to it, edit it, and add to it again, Backblaze will have four different versions of the file.

To navigate to specific versions of a file or folder, choose the date range for files backed up when you're in the Restore view.

One downside to Backblaze's 30-day limit on file protection is that if you leave an external hard drive unplugged from your computer for longer than a month, Backblaze will delete it from their system.

Backblaze's CEO, Gleb Budman, has suggested extending the 30-day limit to 60 or 90 days, but this has not yet happened.

Here are some backup options to consider if you're not happy with Backblaze's 30-day limit:

You can recover your data from Backblaze by logging in to the website, clicking on "View/Restore" files, and entering your Private Encryption Key.

The process is surprisingly simple, and Backblaze shows you a folder structure that mirrors what you see on your computer. You can navigate through the folders to see all the files that are backed up on Backblaze.

To get your files from Backblaze to you, you can choose to have them put the files onto a USB flash drive (up to 128 GB for $99), an external Hard Drive (up to 3 TB for $189), or simply download a ZIP file (no cost to download).

Restoring a file doesn't "wipe out" your current data set. Backblaze keeps your data until you say otherwise.

Backblaze keeps 100 days' worth of versions for each file, and every file version that has been backed up is retained. You have the option to increase the retention period of files to forever for an additional fee.

You can also download individual files, create a zip, or use the mobile app to restore your data. These options are all free.

Here's a summary of the restore options:

You receive an email alert when your restore is ready, and if you have a large amount of data to restore, you can also download the Backblaze Downloader, which the company says should allow for faster and more reliable downloads than the browser.

Backup File Speed is an essential factor to consider when choosing a backup service. Backblaze performed well in our tests, with an average upload time of 13:34 (minutes:seconds) after adjusting the settings.

The initial backup time with default settings was around 27 minutes, but this improved significantly with the suggested modifications. This shows that the service can adapt to different network speeds, from 10Mbps to 16Mbps upload.

Backblaze's upload speeds were decent, with an average time of 0:17:08 in our latest testing. However, it did better with text files than with multimedia files.

To give you a better idea of Backblaze's upload speeds, here's a comparison with other services in our tests:

Backblaze is a cost-effective online backup service, especially for those with just one computer to worry about.

It costs $9 per month or $99 per year for unlimited cloud backup storage for one computer. You can also pay $189 every two years for the service.

Backblaze's unlimited storage is generous, especially compared to SpiderOak One Backup, which charges $115 annually for just 400GB of space.

However, if you need to back up multiple computers, the cost increases significantly, to $350 per year for five PCs.

You can change which device is associated with Backblaze by transferring the license or inheriting the backup state on the new device.

Transferring the license will delete your backed-up files, while inheriting the backup state will remember the files you backed up on the prior system to avoid duplication.

It's worth noting that other services, like IDrive, let you add multiple computers and mobile devices to one account, and start at $79.50 per year for 5TB of storage.

To cancel your Backblaze account, you'll need to delete all active backups, remove unused licenses, and then delete the account on the My Settings page.

This process is more complicated than other online backup services, so be sure to follow the steps carefully.

If you enabled the optional B2 Cloud storage capability on your account, there are additional steps for canceling it.

Backblaze has a live chat support system available most working hours, during weekdays, in case you have any questions or need help.

If you're looking for a more robust file-sharing experience, consider checking out our article on the best Backblaze alternatives. IDrive, for instance, offers 100GB to 5TB of storage for $2.95 a month, making it a great option for those who need to share large files.

IDrive also stands out for its ability to back up multiple devices with a single account, including mobile devices and computers. This is a significant advantage over Backblaze, which has more limited device support.

If you're looking for an even more affordable option, Carbonite offers unlimited space for about $5 a month. However, be aware that the Mac app has been known to cause issues due to high CPU usage.

Here are some of the top Backblaze alternatives:

Carbonite is another well-known cloud backup service that offers unlimited space for about $5/month, making it a good alternative to Backblaze.

The price is right, but in our experience, the Mac app has been troublesome, causing hang-ups due to high CPU usage.

It's a solid option to consider, but be aware of its potential issues, especially if you're a Mac user.

IDrive offers cloud storage services that allow you to back up multiple devices with one account, including mobile devices and other options besides your computer.

IDrive lets you back up multiple devices with one account, making it a convenient option for those with multiple devices to protect.

The service is a natural comparison to Backblaze, as both offer online backup services.

IDrive's ability to back up multiple devices makes it a great choice for those who have multiple devices they want to protect.

IDrive's features and pricing are worth considering when looking for a cloud storage solution.

If you're looking for alternatives to Backblaze, there are several options worth considering. IDrive is a natural comparison, offering cloud storage services and the ability to back up multiple devices with one account.

One of the biggest differences between IDrive and Backblaze is that IDrive lets you back up mobile devices and other options besides your computer. This makes it a great choice for those with multiple devices to back up.

IDrive offers various plans, including 100GB for $2.95/month. Acronis Cyber Protect is another option, offering 50GB for $3.33/month.

Zoolz Home is a cloud backup service that offers 1TB for $5.83/month. SpiderOak ONE offers 5GB for $3.58/month, while Duplicati offers 1TB for $5/month.

If you're looking for a service with unlimited space, Carbonite might be a good choice, but be aware that its Mac app has had issues with high CPU usage.

Backblaze is a top-notch cloud backup service that I highly recommend. It's a no-fuss product that you can install and forget about, knowing your data is safely backed up.

One of the key benefits of Backblaze is its unlimited backup space, which means you never have to worry about running out of storage. This is especially useful for those with large collections of photos, music, and documents.

Backblaze is also incredibly affordable, with prices starting at just $5/month. This makes it an excellent option for those on a budget who still want reliable cloud backup.

However, it's worth noting that Backblaze has some limitations, including limited features and device limitations. This means it may not be the best choice for those who need more advanced customization options.

If you're looking for a cloud backup service with more features, you may want to consider alternatives like IDrive or SpiderOak One Backup. But for those who want a simple, reliable solution, Backblaze is an excellent choice.

Here are some of the top cloud backup services to consider:

Backblaze's technical infrastructure is built on a robust and scalable architecture. This allows them to store and manage massive amounts of data.

Backblaze's data centers are located in the United States, Canada, and Ireland, providing low-latency access for users worldwide.

Backblaze offers a range of storage options, including personal, business, and B2 cloud storage solutions.

The B2 CLI is a command-line tool that gives you easy access to all the capabilities of B2 Cloud Storage. It's a powerful program that provides command-line access to the B2 service.

To get the best user experience, it's recommended to use the latest API version interface provided by the b2 command in your terminal. This will give you all the latest features and performance.

However, if you're writing a reliable, long-running script, you'll want to ensure it won't break when a new version of the b2 command is released. In that case, you should use a version-bound interface like b2v4, which will always provide the same API version 3 interface.

Using a version-bound interface like b2v4 provides several benefits, including guaranteed stability and security, as well as all the bug fixes. It's a great option for scripts that need to be reliable in the long term.

Here are the different API version interfaces you can use:

When using a Docker image, it's a good idea to specify the version explicitly, especially in long-term support scripts. This ensures you're using a stable version of the image.

You can use the b2:latest version, thanks to the ApiVer methodology, without worrying about compatibility issues.

To use the b2v4 command from the Docker image, you'll need to mount local files in the Docker container. This allows you to access the command from within the container.

Backblaze costs $5 per month or $50 per year, per computer. This is a relatively affordable option for cloud backup.

The initial indexing process can take some time, but it's worth it for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your files are backed up. It will index your computer for all documents, music, movies, photos, and other files.

Backblaze will then begin backing those files up to the data center, where they'll be encrypted for added security. This is a crucial step in protecting your sensitive data.

The upload speed will depend on your internet connection, with faster connections uploading more data per day. On a pretty good internet connection, Backblaze will upload 50+ GB per day.

On a slower, DSL connection, it could be as little as 5-10GB per day. I've experienced this firsthand with my Time Warner internet connection, which has a 5Mbps upload speed.

Backblaze offers unlimited backup storage for a single PC, making it a great option for those who don't want to fuss over settings.

The service doesn't have a folder-syncing option, nor can it back up your mobile devices, so it's best suited for people with one PC.

Here's a quick rundown of Backblaze's specs:

Backblaze's simplicity and affordability have helped it stay competitive in the cloud backup space.

Backblaze offers unlimited storage for a single PC, which is a great feature for those who don't want to worry about running out of space.

The base plan includes backup for one computer, which is a good starting point for individuals or small households.

Backblaze keeps 30 versions of your files for 30 days, which is a good safety net in case you need to recover an older version of a file.

Here are the key specs at a glance:

Backblaze's competitive edge lies in its simplicity and affordability, which is a deliberate choice by the company to break into the cloud backup space.

The service doesn't offer advanced features, but that's intentional.

Backblaze's blogging presence is so robust that it's often the most likely search result when looking for information about the service.

A bug hunt program used to be a part of Backblaze, but it has since been outsourced to a third party called Bugcrowd.

Backblaze offers unlimited storage space at reasonable prices, making it a well-known online backup service.