Backblaze is a cloud storage service that offers a unique pricing model. Backblaze costs $5 per month for unlimited storage.
One of the key benefits of Backblaze is its unlimited storage option, which makes it a great choice for users with large amounts of data. This option is available for $5 per month.
Backblaze also offers a 15-day free trial, allowing users to test the service before committing to a paid plan.
Pricing and Cost
Backblaze offers a clear and upfront pricing structure, with each computer costing $9 per month to back up. You can pay annually or biennially, with a $9 savings on the annual plan and a $27 savings on the biennial plan.
Backblaze's pricing is cost-effective compared to other online backup services, especially for unlimited cloud backup storage for one computer. It costs $9 per month or $99 per year, and you can pay $189 every two years for the service.
The company doesn't have a permanent free account level, but you can get a 15-day trial. Carbonite charges a similar rate for unlimited storage to back up one personal computer, but Backblaze's unlimited storage is generous, especially compared to SpiderOak One Backup.
You'll get one license for a single device, though you can purchase more licenses for additional computers. This means that if you need to back up five PCs, the cost increases to $350 per year.
Backblaze's pricing is simple and the same for home and business, with options for monthly, annual, and biennial plans. The cost has risen over the years, but it's still a good deal for users with lots of data who need unlimited space.
If you have a large amount of data, Backblaze's pricing can save you money. However, for more experienced users with normal-sized data sets, better bargains abound.
You can store data on Backblaze B2 for $0.005 per GB per month, and the daily download cost is $0.01 per GB. This cost is calculated hourly and is free while under 10GB.
The pricing for Backblaze B2 is tied to the upload or download size, with options for data mail service to transfer large amounts of data or avoid slow connection speeds.
Features and Capabilities
Backblaze offers a range of features to help you protect your data. It has a default versioning for files that is 30 days, but this can be increased to one year or forever with a license purchase.
The cost of storing old file versions is $0.006 per GB per version per month, which is relatively cost-effective. This feature is especially useful if you need to keep a record of changes to your files over time.
Backblaze also allows you to share files from your backup with others using a shareable link, but this requires enabling Backblaze B2 cloud storage. This feature is not a replacement for a dedicated cloud storage service.
Here are some of the key features and capabilities of Backblaze:
Capabilities
Backblaze is an online backup service that offers a range of features and capabilities to help you protect your data.
It's designed to focus on backing up your data and letting you restore it, which it does very well. Backblaze has a default versioning for files of 30 days, but you can keep as many versions of a file as you want, and even change the version history to one year or keep each version forever with a paid license.
You can share any file from your backup with registered and unregistered users by creating a shareable link, but you'll need to enable Backblaze B2 cloud storage to do so.
The "inherit backup" feature is designed to create a seamless backup between an old computer and a new one, but it doesn't transfer data to the new computer.
Backblaze also offers a range of features, including:
- Backup
- Backup Scheduler
- Continuous Backup
- Incremental Backup
- Image-Based Backup
- External Drive Backup
- NAS Backup
- Server Backup
- Hybrid Backup
- Mobile Device Backup
- Unlimited Backup
- Unlimited Devices
- Speed Throttling
- Block-Level File Copying
- Multithreaded Backup
- Restore
- Courier Recovery Service
- Browser Access
- Mobile App Access
- Versioning
- Deleted File Retention (30 days)
- Security
- Private Encryption
- At-Rest Encryption
- In-Transit Encryption
- Encryption Protocol (AES 128-bit)
- Two-Factor Authentication
- Hardened Data Centers
- Proxy Server Settings
- HIPPA Compliant
- Support
- 24/7 Support
- Live Chat Support
- Telephone Support
- Email Support
- User Forum
- Knowledgebase
- File Sharing
- Device Sync
- Free Trial (15 days)
Backblaze B2 is a relatively simple online backup service that offers unlimited storage, supports multi-factor authentication and private encryption keys, and allows you to back up or restore via mailed drive.
It's ideal for novice users or those who don't want to fuss with settings and only have a single computer, and it's easy to set up and works in the background to protect your files.
Backup File Speed
Backblaze took around 27 minutes to upload three 1GB file sets with the default settings.
The service's performance improved significantly after adjusting the threading/throttling settings, even with variations in the home Ethernet network.
Backblaze's average time was 13:34, slightly slower than IDrive's 12:29 and ElephantDrive's 12:44, but quicker than Zoolz BigMind's 13:55.
The test device was a Dell Inspiron tower running Windows 10 with a 256GB SSD and 32GB RAM.
Backup time will matter most when you're running the process for the first time on a computer.
Faster backups make the process more convenient, but available computer resources and network speed will affect your experience.
API Transactions
Backblaze B2's API transactions are a key feature to consider.
Class A transactions are completely free and include uploading data into your account or deleting files. This is a huge cost savings, especially for large data uploads.
Class B and Class C transactions, however, incur a fee. Class B transactions include downloading, creating buckets, and creating keys or copying files.
For Class B transactions, the cost is $0.004 per 10,000 transactions, but only if you exceed 2,500 transactions in a day. This can add up quickly if you have high usage.
Class C transactions also incur a fee, and include downloading, creating buckets, and creating keys or copying files. The cost is $0.004 per 1,000 transactions, with a cap of 2,500 transactions per day.
Pros and Cons
Backblaze offers some amazing benefits that make it a great choice for online backup. It's very affordable, especially for unlimited backup.
One of the biggest advantages of Backblaze is its price. Affordable plans make it an attractive option for those on a budget. You can get unlimited storage for one PC, which is a huge plus.
Backblaze is perfect for those who are new to online backup or want a simple and efficient way to protect their data. It's easy to use, even for those with minimal online backup experience.
Here are some of the key pros and cons of Backblaze:
- Affordable plans
- Minimal setup
- Customizable file versioning
- Many third-party integrations
- Mobile apps
However, Backblaze does have some limitations. It can be light on features, and it has fewer data centers compared to some of its competitors. Additionally, its speeds can be slower, which may be a concern for some users.
Overall, Backblaze is a solid choice for those who want a hassle-free online backup experience. Its affordable prices and ease of use make it a great option for individuals and small businesses.
Backup and Restoration
Backblaze's backup and restoration process is surprisingly straightforward.
You can initiate a full disk image backup when you first create an account and install the app, and then Backblaze will continuously back up your data. This process is block-level, meaning it only updates the changed parts of a file.
The latest version of Backblaze, version 9.0, has implemented a restoration app within the desktop client, making it easier to manage the restoration process.
You can restore your data through the desktop app, or use the web interface to download individual files, create a zip, or request a USB drive. The USB drive option comes with 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.
Backblaze retains 100 days' worth of versions for each file, and you can specify the backup device used and the backup frequency if you're looking for a specific version of a file.
You can also increase the retention period of files to forever for an additional fee, which costs $0.006 per GB per month for versions of files updated, changed, or deleted more than one year ago.
Restoring data is accessible via the My Restores menu and is available for seven days after your initial request, and you'll receive an email alert when your restore is ready.
You can also download the Backblaze Downloader, which the company says should allow for faster and more reliable downloads than the browser.
Cloud Solutions
Backblaze offers a great option for small businesses, delivering enterprise-grade security at a cost-effective price.
Backblaze personal backup is a great choice for solo entrepreneurs like myself.
The pricing model is very competitive, making it an attractive option for businesses looking for a scalable online backup solution.
Backblaze can back up unlimited data, so businesses can grow without worrying about outgrowing their backup solution.
This means you can focus on running your business, not worrying about backup capacity.
Backblaze for Business is the solution for companies that need to back up more systems.
Management and Control
Backblaze offers a Business Backup plan that includes centralized management features, allowing IT administrators to manage backups for multiple employees.
This plan ensures that all critical business data is securely backed up, no matter the source, whether it's Veeam, NAS, or server backups.
Backblaze provides a business cloud backup solution that integrates seamlessly with existing infrastructure, making it a hassle-free addition to your IT setup.
The centralized management features of Backblaze's Business Backup plan give you peace of mind, knowing that all your business data is protected and easily recoverable.
Return and Refund
Backblaze B2 has a transparent pricing model, but what happens if you're not satisfied with their service? You can cancel your account at any time, but it's worth noting that the free account offers 10GB of storage, which is a great starting point.
If you're using the free account, you'll have 1GB of daily download bandwidth to work with, which is a decent amount for small-scale projects or personal use.
Backblaze B2 doesn't offer refunds, so it's essential to understand their pricing and features before signing up.
Return
If you're considering using Backblaze B2 for cloud storage, it's essential to understand their return policy. Backblaze B2 has a free account with 10GB of storage.
You can use this free account to test the service and get a feel for how it works. The free account includes 1GB of daily download bandwidth.
Don't worry if you need to download large files; you can do so with the free account, just be aware of the 1GB daily limit. Class B transactions, which are connected to downloads, are also included in the free account, with a limit of 2,500.
Class C transactions, which are not related to downloads, are also included in the free account, with a limit of 2,500.
Should You Purchase?
If you're considering purchasing Backblaze, the ease of its backup process is a major selling point. The service is extremely simple and foolproof, especially if you opt for the 'Forever' version history.
Backblaze knows of no simpler online backup service, so if you're looking for a hassle-free experience, it's a great choice. Be aware, though, that the limited retention option might not be ideal for everyone.
If you're unsure about the limited retention, consider upgrading to the full-year option right off the bat. This will ensure you have a more comprehensive backup history.
Comparison and Evaluation
Backblaze B2 is a cost-effective option for IaaS services, with plans that are among the most affordable in the market.
Its accessibility is another plus, with a web interface that works on any operating system, and a mobile app for iOS and Android that lets you access your data on the go.
However, its limited servers can result in slow speeds if you're not located in the U.S. or Europe.
IaaS Comparison
Backblaze B2 is a solid choice for those looking for an IaaS service, but it's not the only option. It offers affordable plans, with a web interface accessible from any operating system, and a mobile app for iOS and Android.
One of the main drawbacks of Backblaze B2 is its limited servers, which can result in slow speeds if you're not located in the U.S. or Europe. This is a significant consideration for those who need fast access to their data.
Backblaze B2 is not the most feature-rich IaaS service, but it's a great option for those who want a simple and reliable solution. It's perfect for those who just want to back up their data without worrying about complex settings.
If you're looking for other IaaS services to consider, you're in luck. Backblaze B2 competes with some of the biggest IaaS services, offering a secure service for low prices.
Be sure to check out our best online backup roundup to compare offerings and find the best fit for your needs.
What Makes the Best Online Service?
To qualify as the best online service, it must meet four essential criteria.
The first criterion is that the service must be reliable, with a strong track record of uptime and minimal downtime.
An online backup program must meet four essential criteria to qualify as the best online backup service, as stated in my books.
The second criterion is that the service must offer robust security features to protect user data.
Online backup programs should also have a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to set up and manage backups.
The third criterion is that the service must be scalable, able to handle large amounts of data and growing user needs.
A good online backup service should also provide flexible storage options, including the ability to choose from different storage plans and locations.
Specifications and Details
Backblaze offers unlimited backup storage for a single PC, making it a great option for those who want a simple setup process without worrying about storage limits.
Their Base Plan includes backup for 1 computer, which is ideal for individuals who only need to back up one device.
You can store an unlimited amount of data with Backblaze, giving you peace of mind knowing your files are safe.
The service keeps 30 versions of your files for 30 days, which is a great feature for those who work on documents or projects that require frequent revisions.
Here are the key specifications of Backblaze's Base Plan:
Backblaze doesn't offer private key encryption, file sharing, or folder syncing, so keep that in mind if you need these features.
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