Backblaze vs Dropbox: A Comprehensive Comparison Guide

Backblaze and Dropbox are two popular cloud storage services, but they cater to different needs and offer distinct features. Backblaze is primarily a backup and storage service, while Dropbox focuses on file sharing and collaboration.

Backblaze offers unlimited storage for $6 per month, a more affordable option for large storage needs. Dropbox's base plan provides 2GB of storage, but you can upgrade to 2TB for $19.99 per month.

For individuals and small businesses, Dropbox's user-friendly interface and seamless file sharing make it an excellent choice. Backblaze's focus on backup and storage means it's ideal for those who prioritize data security and redundancy.

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Moving data from Dropbox to Backblaze can be a bit tricky, but it's definitely doable.

You can use MultCloud, a cloud file transfer manager, to transfer files directly from Dropbox to Backblaze without re-uploading. This service provides three core functions: Cloud Transfer, Cloud Sync, and Cloud Backup.

With MultCloud, you can transfer files, pictures, or videos from one cloud storage service to another, such as FTP to FTP transfer. It also supports 10 sync modes to keep your data up-to-date with "Real Time Sync".

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To use MultCloud, you need to add your Dropbox and Backblaze accounts first. Then, you can see files in the cloud from “My Cloud Drives” of MultCloud. Editing and other processing operations for files and folders are similar to Windows Explorer.

Here are the steps to automatically transfer Dropbox to Backblaze:

1. Go to the "Cloud Transfer" interface.

2. Select a file or folder in Dropbox as the source.

3. Select Backblaze or a folder in it as the destination.

4. Click on "Transfer Now".

You can also set the transfer mode, email notification, or file transfer filtering in the "Options" section. Additionally, you can schedule a specific transfer time in the "Schedule" section.

With MultCloud, you can also backup important data from Dropbox directly to Backblaze. To do this, go to "Cloud Backup" and select Dropbox or a folder within it as the source directory and Backblaze or a directory within it as the destination directory. Then click "Backup Now".

Backblaze is a better value product for backing up lots of data on one device and has a longer file version history.

Dropbox, on the other hand, comes out ahead when you need to collaborate with others, sync files between devices, or integrate third-party apps with your cloud storage.

Backblaze is also better than Dropbox for user privacy, although neither service has rock-solid privacy protections.

Here's a quick comparison of the two services:

Despite being so different, Dropbox and Backblaze share some similarities in their approach to cloud storage.

One of the main similarities is that both services allow you to store your files on the cloud, which means you can access them from anywhere with an internet connection.

Both Dropbox and Backblaze offer automatic backups, which means you don't have to manually transfer your files to the cloud. This is a huge time-saver and helps prevent data loss in case of a hardware failure.

Dropbox and Backblaze both provide file versioning, which means you can see previous versions of your files in case you need to revert to an older version.

Both services allow you to share files with others, whether it's through a link or by giving them permission to edit the file directly.

Backblaze is a more traditional online backup service that focuses on offering a cheap, secure, and easy-to-use service. It's a better value product for backing up lots of data on one device and has a longer file version history.

Dropbox, on the other hand, comes out ahead when you need to collaborate with others, sync files between devices, or integrate third-party apps with your cloud storage. It's considered one of the biggest players in the field with over 17 million paying users.

Backblaze has a sharing feature, but it's very simplistic and costs extra money. Dropbox makes sharing files so easy that it's a top cloud storage for collaboration.

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Dropbox has a feature called Dropbox Transfer that lets you send files to other people, even if they don't have a Dropbox account. This is a secure and user-friendly way to share files with anyone.

Here's a comparison of some of the key features of Backblaze and Dropbox Business:

In terms of deployment type, Backblaze supports Web Based deployment, while Dropbox Business is suitable for Web Based deployment as well.

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Dropbox offers more features and tools than Backblaze, including Data Management, File Management, and Cybersecurity Features.

Dropbox Business has functionalities like Flexible storage plans, Enterprise Mobility Management, and Audit Logs, making it a great option for businesses.

Backblaze includes features like Backup & Archive, Cost Effective, and HIPAA compatible, as well as Unlimited Storage and Bandwidth.

Dropbox makes sharing files so easy that it's one of the top cloud storage options for collaboration.

Here's a comparison of the features of Backblaze and Dropbox:

Dropbox has a selective sync tool that lets you choose whether to keep files hidden, online-only, or downloaded on a per-device and per-file basis.

Backblaze limits you to one device and has no such feature.

Dropbox Transfer is a secure and user-friendly way to share files with anyone, even if they don't have a Dropbox account.

Backblaze Personal Backup costs $9 per month, which is a competitive price considering the features you get.

You'll get unlimited data storage, automatic backups, and a one-year version history with Backblaze. If you need forever version history, it's an additional $0.006 per GB for data above 10GB that's been updated, changed, or deleted for more than a year.

Dropbox Backup has several pricing tiers, but if you're looking to compare apples to apples, let's say you have a $10 per month budget. With Dropbox, you'll get a year-long commitment, a 2,000GB data cap, and 30-day version history.

In contrast, Backblaze offers a monthly commitment, no data cap, and one-year version history for the same $10 per month. That's a significant difference in flexibility and features.

Most consumers store around 500GB of data in their personal storage clouds, but data storage is doubling about every four years. So, you can expect to run out of space in Dropbox sooner rather than later.

Here's a comparison of the two services:

With Backblaze, you get more flexibility and features for the same price, making it a better value in the long run.

When evaluating the privacy and security of cloud storage services, it's essential to consider how your data is protected. Dropbox has U.S.-based data centers and lacks zero-knowledge encryption, making your data vulnerable to government requests.

Dropbox's privacy policy also allows it to share your data with trusted third parties, including Google and Amazon. This raises concerns about data protection and control.

Backblaze attempts to use zero-knowledge encryption, but requires you to hand over your private key to recover your data, which defeats the purpose of encryption. This isn't a reliable solution for protecting your data.

SpiderOak stands out in this aspect, offering better privacy and security features than both Backblaze and Dropbox. You can find more information in our SpiderOak vs Dropbox guide.

Here are some key differences in storage requirements:

Dropbox has greatly improved my ability to keep my files organized and easily accessible across different devices, enhancing my overall productivity and efficiency.

Uploading large files, such as documents and photos, and then sharing them via Dropbox is incredibly convenient for collaborative projects.

Dropbox offers a unique advantage with LAN sync, making file sharing on low networks more accessible and efficient.

However, it can become costly when dealing with larger files.

Backblaze and Dropbox Business can be used for different purposes and are well-suited for teams with specific needs.

If you are looking for a platform that is easy to use, has low barriers to entry, and offers a lot of customization, flexibility, and integration options, then you must compare their specifications in detail at the time of demo.

Dropbox is the best option with a higher overall Wheelhouse Score, making it the top choice in our comparison of Backblaze vs. Dropbox.

Dropbox offers a free plan with unlimited 100MB transfers, making it a convenient option for sharing files with others.

You can use Dropbox's selective sync tool to choose whether to keep files hidden, online-only, or downloaded on a per-device and per-file basis.

Dropbox's sharing feature is incredibly easy to use, making it a top choice for collaboration.

Backblaze, on the other hand, limits you to one device and doesn't have a selective sync tool, making it less suitable for users who need to access files across multiple devices.

If you want to share files with others, Backblaze's sharing feature is very simplistic and costs extra money, making it less of a viable option.

Dropbox's Transfer feature allows you to send files to others, even if they don't have a Dropbox account, making it a secure and user-friendly way to share files.

The process of transferring files between cloud drives can be time-consuming and requires manual upload and download methods, but Dropbox's Transfer feature streamlines this process.

Dropbox's Backup service is a more recent addition, and it's still unclear whether it's a functional, independent product or just an add-on to their sync functionality.

If you want to use Dropbox's Backup service, you'll need to turn off other syncing and backup services, except for OneDrive.

Additional reading: Sync vs Dropbox

Both Dropbox and Backblaze focus on online backup and cloud storage, but they differ in their approach. Dropbox is known for its file syncing and sharing capabilities.

One key similarity between the two services is their versioning feature, which allows you to keep a history of changes to your files. Both Dropbox and Backblaze offer versioning for 30 to 365 days.

Dropbox and Backblaze also share some features, such as continuous backup, incremental backup, and unlimited backup. However, they have different approaches to these features.

Here's a comparison of some key features:

It's worth noting that both services have their own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between them ultimately depends on your specific needs.

Backblaze limits you to one device, whereas Dropbox can hold data from as many devices as you want.

The major drawback to Backblaze's all-you-can-eat approach to storage is that you can back up only one device at a time.

Broaden your view: Dropbox One

Dropbox has a feature called selective sync that lets you choose whether to keep files hidden, online-only or downloaded on a per-device and per-file basis.

Backblaze doesn't have this feature, which can be a major limitation for users who need to sync files across multiple devices.

Dropbox makes sharing files so easy that it's one of the top cloud storage services for collaboration.

Backblaze's sharing feature is very simplistic and costs extra money, making it less suitable for users who need to share files regularly.

Dropbox Transfer is a feature that lets you send files to other people, even if they don't have a Dropbox account, and it's a secure and user-friendly way to share files with anyone.

Backblaze is a better backup service than Dropbox, but it lacks the flexibility to be used as a cloud storage service.

Dropbox, on the other hand, is a great option for file sync, sharing, and collaboration, but it has some major privacy flaws.

We rated Backblaze and Dropbox by testing both services in real-world scenarios and looking through their privacy policies and security protocols.

Backblaze specializes in being a low-cost, no-nonsense service, but its feature list suffers as a result.

Dropbox completely drops the privacy ball, with no option for zero-knowledge encryption.

In our comparison of Backblaze vs. Dropbox, Dropbox is the best option with a higher overall Wheelhouse Score.

Ultimately, when dealing with two services that are this different, there's no one definitive answer to "which is better."

If you're looking for a platform that is easy to use, has low barriers to entry, and offers a lot of customization, flexibility, and integration options, then you should consider Backblaze and Dropbox Business.

Backblaze and Dropbox Business can be used for different purposes and are well-suited for teams with specific needs.

Dropbox started out as a syncing service, which is not the same as a backup service.

If you want to use Dropbox Backup, you have to turn off other syncing and backup services (except for OneDrive).

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