Bottom line: Backblaze is the best set-and-forget backup for a single computer with unlimited storage at a flat $9/month. It is not a sync or multi-device tool.
Backblaze has carved out a distinct niche in the crowded cloud storage market. Founded in 2007 by Gleb Budman and Billy Ng, the company's mission is simple: make backing up data easy and affordable. Its flagship product is unlimited, automatic backup for a single computer at a flat monthly fee. This focus has earned it a loyal following among users who want hands-off data protection.
What is Backblaze?
Backblaze is a specialized online backup service for personal computer users. For $9 per month or $99 per year, it provides unlimited cloud backup for one computer. Once installed, the client runs continuously in the background, uploading new and changed files from attached drives.
It is not a file-syncing service like Dropbox or Google Drive. Instead, it is a full safety net. In case of hardware failure, theft, or ransomware, a complete copy of your data is stored off-site and ready for restore.
Backblaze, Inc. is a privately-held American company headquartered in San Mateo, California. Beyond consumer backup, it operates B2 Cloud Storage, an S3-compatible object storage service competing with Amazon AWS and Microsoft Azure. This enterprise-grade infrastructure also supports the personal backup product, offering high reliability and data durability.
Who is Backblaze best for?
Backblaze is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It excels for individuals who want full, hands-off backup for a primary computer without storage caps or complex setup. It is less suitable for those who need real-time file syncing across multiple devices.
- Users with large, growing media libraries: Photographers, videographers, and music collectors with terabytes of data who dread per-gigabyte pricing.
- Non-technical users seeking simplicity: People who want "install it and forget it" protection without managing quotas or folders.
- Owners of a single primary computer: The licence is per-computer, not per-user, making it ideal for one main machine.
- Those needing a reliable "last resort" backup: Users who already have local backups but want an off-site copy for disaster recovery.
Key features
Unlimited Automatic Backup
The cornerstone feature is unlimited backup for one computer. The client scans connected internal and external drives (excluding network drives) and uploads files automatically. It detects new or modified files and adds them to your backup set. There are no storage limits, removing the anxiety of hitting a cap with large media collections.
Continuous, Throttled Backup
Backblaze backs up files continuously as they change. To avoid overwhelming your connection, it intelligently throttles upload speed. You can manually pause backups, limit speed, or schedule them for specific times, ensuring the service doesn't interfere with other online activities.
Extended Version History and Deleted File Retention
By default, Backblaze keeps file versions for 30 days and retains deleted files for 30 days. You can pay extra for extended history options: one year or forever. This is vital for recovering from data corruption or ransomware, allowing you to roll back to an earlier, uncorrupted version.
Locate My Computer and Remote File Upload
If your laptop is lost or stolen, you can log into your web account to view its last known IP address and location on a map. The "Backblaze Attached" feature lets you upload files directly to your backup via the web interface, useful for adding documents from another device.
Web-Based Restore and Physical Drive Shipment
You can browse and download files directly from the Backblaze website. For large restores over 500GB, downloading is impractical. Backblaze offers a "Restore Return Refund" service: they ship your data on a USB flash drive (up to 256GB for $99) or a hard drive (up to 8TB for $189). Return the drive and the fee is refunded.
Backblaze pricing
Backblaze's pricing is simple and transparent. For personal backup, there are two plans: monthly at $9 or annual at $99 (effectively $8.25/month). This covers unlimited backup for one computer.
The only significant add-ons are for extended version history: +$2/month for one year, or +$4/month for "forever." Drive shipment for restores is an additional, refundable cost as needed.
| Plan | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $9/month | Unlimited backup for 1 computer, 30-day version history |
| Annual | $99/year | Unlimited backup for 1 computer, 30-day version history |
| Add-on: 1-year history | +$2/month | Extended version retention |
| Add-on: Forever history | +$4/month | Extended version retention |
Compared to iCloud, Google One, or Dropbox, which charge escalating fees for more storage, Backblaze's flat rate is compelling for anyone with over 1TB of data. However, you are paying for a backup licence per computer, not storage accessible across devices. For a household with several computers, the cost multiplies, making a family plan from another provider more economical for sync-and-share needs.
What we like
- Unlimited storage model: Genuine peace of mind for users with vast data collections, eliminating constant storage management.
- Simple setup: Exceptionally straightforward, accessible even for the least technical users.
- Physical drive shipment: A practical, customer-centric solution for large restores.
- Continuous automatic operation: Backups stay current without user intervention.
- Transparent pricing: No hidden fees or surprise charges for exceeding a data cap.
What could be better
- Per-computer licensing: Backing up multiple PCs requires separate full-price subscriptions, which can become costly.
- No file syncing or sharing: Cannot replace services like Dropbox for collaboration or multi-device access.
- No NAS support: Backups are limited to directly attached drives; network-attached storage is not covered.
- Short default history: The 30-day version history is relatively short, and extended history requires a permanent monthly fee.
Backblaze verdict
Verdict: For individuals with one primary computer, Backblaze is a top-tier, outstanding-value backup solution. For multi-device syncing or whole-household needs, look elsewhere.
Backblaze delivers almost perfectly on its core promise: simple, unlimited, automatic cloud backup for a single computer at a fair price. It works silently in the background, and the peace of mind from knowing your entire system is copied off-site is significant. The physical restore option is a standout feature that solves a major real-world problem elegantly.
However, it is not a universal cloud solution. Users who need to sync files across an ecosystem of devices, collaborate on documents, or back up from a home NAS server will find it ill-suited. Its per-computer licensing also makes it less economical for families compared to multi-user plans from sync-focused providers.
If your primary need is a reliable, set-and-forget safety net for your most important computer, Backblaze is one of the best and most straightforward services available. Its limitations are by design, focusing on doing one job exceptionally well. For that job, it is a top-tier choice. If your needs extend to multi-device syncing, collaboration, or whole-household backup, consider more full ecosystems like iCloud+, Google One, or IDrive.
