Backblaze stands out as a trusted provider offering home and small business users a cost-effective solution for online backups. It has gained immense popularity in the realm of cloud backup companies, and in my opinion, rightfully so. The allure lies in its offering of unlimited and secure data backup, wrapped in a user-friendly package that can be effortlessly set up, making it an ideal choice, especially for those new to the concept.
While Backblaze shines in many aspects, it does come with a few small drawbacks. One such drawback is the potential slowness of backups, which can occasionally interfere with other online activities. Additionally, compared to its competitors, Backblaze lacks certain customization features that enable users to select specific files for backup, including data from mobile devices, system files, and application files. Besides these drawbacks, I’m gonna tell you everything you need to know about Backblaze, because all the other features they offer, are amazing!
Unlimited cloud storage for 7 USD/month. I’m sure you can’t find this with no other storage provider, so read my review and see why Backblaze is the perfect solution for all your data backups, whether you’re a photographer, media manager, a graphic design artist, or a music collector like myself.
Unlimited online backups with Backblaze storage service
Nevertheless, Backblaze remains an excellent option for unlimited online backups, primarily due to its remarkably low cost of online storage. This affordability factor makes it particularly appealing for media and entertainment professionals who deal with large amounts of data. Furthermore, the reliability and user-friendly nature of Backblaze’s service contribute to its appeal. However, it’s worth noting that Backblaze has limited support for external hard drives and may exhibit slower upload speeds compared to other cloud storage providers.
Overall, Backblaze caters to those seeking a straightforward and hassle-free backup experience, albeit with slightly fewer customization options than some of its competitors. It strikes a balance between affordability, reliability, and ease of use, making it a viable choice for individuals and businesses in need of efficient online data backup.
While Backblaze gives you unlimited storage and doesn’t limit the size of files you back up, a subscription covers just one computer. You can add more subscriptions for additional devices, but it’ll cost you. Some other cloud backup services cover unlimited devices, such as iDrive (but you don’t get unlimited storage with iDrive – there’s always a drawback somewhere!)
Backing up just one computer may be sufficient for most users because it is often the primary device where important files and data are stored. By backing up this device, users can ensure that their critical data is protected in case of a hardware failure, theft, or other unexpected events. Additionally, many cloud backup services offer synchronization features that allow users to access their files from multiple devices, even if they are not all backed up to the cloud. However, for users who need to back up multiple devices or require more storage space, adding additional subscriptions may be necessary.
No single backup service is the right choice for everyone. I’ve thoroughly reviewed Backblaze, including its features, performance, security, and privacy policies, so you don’t have too.
Why Backblaze is the right cloud storage for me!
Because I have a very large audio library myself, with all lossless audio tracks, I was looking for cloud storage to secure my files there. It had happened to me a few times that one of my hard drives got stuck and I saw 2TB of storage space go up in smoke in one fell swoop. That was the moment I decided to connect to the storage cloud.
Then my search for as much storage as possible began, for a cloud provider that facilitated unlimited storage so that I could put my large amount of storage somewhere safe. So not a provider where you could get 5GB of storage or 10GB of storage or 15GB of free storage because I had to have something that could store 30TB. Because as I said, my audio library is really big and I need a lot of storage!
I found all this at Backblaze! I currently have 30TB! data storage there for a fixed amount per month which means my storage costs are 7 USD and even if another 10TB is added, my monthly amount will not be increased. Where can you get 30TB storage for 7 USD/month? Nowhere else!
In the meantime, I have used the Backblaze backup services a few times. For example, I have already had a crashed disk 3 times, but because everything is safe in the cloud, I was able to ask Backblaze to make a backup disk for me of the data that was lost. The data remains in the cloud for 30 days after the crash. Backblaze then sent me a new 4TB disk with my own data on it. Really a fantastic system if you ask me and I am now no longer afraid of losing important files.
Backblaze: Reliable and Secure Cloud Backup Solution for Your Essential Files
Backblaze provides all the essential features necessary for backing up your files, boasting a remarkably simple setup process. One standout advantage is its offering of unlimited storage, available at incredibly affordable prices.
However, there are a few aspects where Backblaze falls short. Notably, it does not offer full image or mirror backups, which encompass a complete replication of your computer’s hard drive, including operating system files, applications, preferences, and settings. In the unfortunate event of a disaster, Backblaze cannot restore your computer’s system. Nevertheless, it ensures the safety and security of all your important files and data.
Despite the absence of full image or mirror backups, Backblaze remains a reliable and secure solution for backing up your crucial files and data. While you may not be able to restore your computer’s system using Backblaze, you can still retrieve all your backed-up files and data, providing peace of mind.
In the face of a disaster, users can swiftly resume their work by restoring their files and data onto a new computer or hard drive. Furthermore, Backblaze’s service is designed to be fast and efficient, with automatic backups seamlessly running in the background without disrupting your workflow.
Effortless and Convenient Backups with Backblaze’s Automatic Cloud Storage Service
Backblaze simplifies the backup process by seamlessly safeguarding all your computer data, including documents, photos, music, videos, and even data stored on external drives. With its default continuous backup setting, Backblaze automatically scans your files approximately once every hour, efficiently indexing, processing, and uploading any new or modified documents.
To further personalize your backup experience, you can easily schedule backups at a specific time of day that suits your convenience, ensuring they don’t interfere with other online tasks. Moreover, initiating a backup manually is as simple as clicking the Backup Now button.
The Backup Now feature in Backblaze’s backup service empowers users to manually trigger a backup for their files and data. This capability proves invaluable when you want to ensure immediate backup of recent changes or when you need to prioritize specific files or folders for backup.
By clicking the Backup Now button, the backup process initiates, which may take some time based on the volume of data and the speed of your internet connection. Once the backup is complete, you can have peace of mind, knowing that your crucial files and data are securely stored in the cloud.
Online backup from e-mail providers
Backblaze can back up emails from accounts stored on your computer (like Outlook, Apple Mail, or Thunderbird), but not from an online server like Gmail, which is disappointing.
Since Backblaze can’t back up a file or application, it is not strange that Backblaze does not back up online services like Gmail because these services are already backed up by the service provider. Online email services like Gmail typically have their own backup and recovery systems in place to protect user data.
Additionally, backing up online services like Gmail would require access to the user’s login credentials, which could pose a security risk. Therefore, it is recommended that users rely on the backup and recovery systems provided by their online service providers for these types of applications when it’s in use, be sure to close your email at least once a day to back up any changes.
Backblaze stores deleted files and previous versions of files for 30 days
Backblaze’s ability to store deleted files and previous versions of files for up to 30 days, with the option to extend storage for a longer period of time, is a great benefit compared to other backup services. Many other backup services only store deleted files and previous versions of files for a limited amount of time, or may not offer this feature at all.
This means that if a user accidentally deletes an important file or needs to recover an older version of a file, they may not be able to do so with other backup services. Backblaze’s extended storage options allow users to keep their deleted files and previous versions of files for longer periods of time, giving them greater peace of mind and flexibility in their backup and recovery processes.
While the extended storage options do come at an additional cost, they are still relatively affordable compared to other backup services that may charge higher fees for similar features.
Three Options to Restore Your Data
Backblaze offers two options for restoring data in the event of a system failure or loss. The first option is to download the data to a zip file and have it sent to you over an encrypted SSL connection at no charge. This option is best suited for users with fast internet connections and limited amounts of stored data, as Backblaze will only do this for up to 500GB of data per request.
The second option is to have Backblaze put your restored files on either a flash drive or a USB hard drive for a fee. This option is ideal for users who have backed up large amounts of data and may not have fast internet connections or sufficient storage space on their devices. The drive will be shipped to you, and you can even choose to have your data encrypted for an extra layer of security at no additional charge. If you return the drive within 30 days, you will receive a full refund. These options provide users with flexibility in how they restore their data, depending on their individual needs and circumstances.
There’s also a third option. This third option to restore files is a good alternative because it allows users to restore files that have been moved to Backblaze’s enterprise-grade object storage, known as B2 Cloud Storage. These files are stored securely as a decrypted .zip snapshot, which can be easily accessed and restored by the user. The cost of restoring these files is based on the amount of data stored and bandwidth used, as well as the number of transactions involved. However, up to 10GB of archived B2 storage is included in the user’s account at no charge, making this option a cost-effective solution for many users.
Additionally, B2 Cloud Storage can be accessed from any computer using any operating system, providing users with flexibility and convenience in their backup and recovery processes. Overall, this option provides users with a secure and reliable way to store and restore their data online.
Strong Security Settings Makes Cloud Storage Work
Backblaze has strong security settings in place to protect user data. While it uses Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) 128-bit encryption, which is considered less secure than AES 256-bit encryption, Backblaze takes several steps to address this weakness. Firstly, files are encrypted on the user’s computer before being transferred over a secure SSL (https) connection to a Backblaze data center where they are stored and encrypted again. This double encryption process provides an additional layer of security for user data.
In addition to encryption, Backblaze offers two-factor authentication as an extra security measure. Once enabled, each time a user signs into their account, a six-digit code will be sent to their phone. The user must enter this code in order to log in securely. This helps prevent unauthorized access to the user’s account even if someone else has obtained their login credentials.
Backblaze’s strong security settings provide users with peace of mind that their data is being protected from potential threats such as hackers or cyber attacks. While AES 128-bit encryption may not be the most secure option available, Backblaze’s additional security measures help address this vulnerability and ensure that user data remains safe and secure at all times.
Backblaze offers users the option to set up a private encryption key (PEK) for their account, which is a private password known only to the user and not stored by Backblaze. This provides an additional layer of security for user data, as even if someone gains access to the user’s account, they will not be able to decrypt the data without the PEK.
It is important to note that if a user forgets their PEK, they will not be able to access their files. Therefore, it is crucial that users record their password and keep it in a secure place where they can easily retrieve it if needed. This ensures that users have complete control over their data and can access it whenever necessary while maintaining the highest level of security possible.
Scheduling backups and accessing all types of cloud storage files is easy
Backblaze is known for its ease of use, which is due in part to its zero-configuration setup. This means that users do not need to spend time customizing their backup settings, as Backblaze automatically backs up all user data by default. This makes it easy for users to get started with the service and begin backing up their data right away.
In addition to its zero-configuration setup, Backblaze has a straightforward control panel that makes it easy to manage user accounts and backups. All the essential features are easily accessible from the control panel’s menu bar, including settings for preferences, throttling, and bandwidth usage. This allows users to quickly adjust their backup settings as needed without having to navigate through complex menus or settings.
Backblaze’s ease of use makes it a popular choice among users who want a simple and straightforward backup solution that doesn’t require a lot of customization or technical expertise.
While some competitors may offer a wider range of customization options, Backblaze’s zero-configuration setup and straightforward control panel make it easy for users to manage their backups without needing to spend time adjusting settings.
That being said, Backblaze does offer some basic customization options such as the ability to adjust throttling and bandwidth usage. Backblaze does offer the ability to schedule backups for specific hours and days. Users can set up a custom backup schedule by clicking on the “Schedule” tab in the Backblaze control panel and selecting their preferred backup frequency and time of day.
Additionally, Backblaze offers a feature called “Automatic Throttle” which automatically adjusts bandwidth usage based on network activity, allowing users to continue using their internet connection without interruption while backups are running.
Overall, Backblaze’s focus on simplicity and ease of use may make it a better choice for users who want a backup solution that is easy to set up and manage without needing to spend time adjusting settings. However, users who require more advanced customization options may prefer a competitor that offers a wider range of features.
Manually exclude the files and folders you don’t want to back up
It is generally better to save everything you can when it comes to cloud storage backups because it provides an extra layer of protection against data loss. While it may be tempting to exclude certain files or folders to save time and storage space, doing so can leave important data vulnerable to loss in the event of a hardware failure, theft, or other disaster.
By backing up all files and folders, users can ensure that their data is protected and easily recoverable in the event of a problem. Additionally, many cloud storage providers offer unlimited storage plans or low-cost options for storing large amounts of data, making it easier and more affordable than ever to back up all of your important files.
While manually excluding files and folders can be a tedious process, many backup solutions offer automatic file exclusion based on file type or other criteria. This can help streamline the backup process while still ensuring that all important data is protected.
View, Download, and Share Data across Multiple Devices with B2 Cloud object storage
Viewing, downloading, and sharing data across multiple devices with B2 Cloud is a great option because it provides users with a low-cost, enterprise-grade cloud storage solution that includes 10GB of free file storage and sharing. This allows users to easily store and share important files with others, whether they are colleagues, friends, or family members.
In addition to the free file storage and sharing, B2 Cloud also offers 1GB per day of free download bandwidth. This means that users can download up to 1GB of data per day without incurring any additional charges.
When users share a document, photo, or video through B2 Cloud, it can be accessed by anyone with a direct link to the file. This makes it easy to collaborate on projects or share files with others without needing to worry about complicated permissions or access controls.
Overall, B2 Cloud provides an affordable and easy-to-use solution for storing and sharing files across multiple devices. While it does not support multi-device syncing like some other backup solutions, its focus on low-cost storage and simple file sharing make it a great choice for many users.
An Updated Mobile App Makes It Easy to Access All Your Data on the Go And Use cloud storage wherever you are
The updated app from Backblaze makes it easy to access all your data on the go by providing a more user-friendly interface for navigating, downloading, viewing, and sharing backed-up files from your Backblaze account. While you cannot set up an account or back up data from your mobile device, the updated app allows you to easily access all of your backed-up files from anywhere with an internet connection.
This is particularly useful for users who need to access important files while on the go or away from their computer. With the updated mobile app, users can quickly and easily download or share files with others without needing to be at their computer.
The app from Backblaze provides a convenient way for users to access their backed-up data on the go and is a great addition to the company’s suite of backup solutions.
The Backblaze app allows users to share files via text or email, or upload them to their social media accounts. However, there are some differences in how these options work on Android and iOS devices.
For example, when you download data on an iPhone using the Backblaze app, it is stored in the Backblaze domain space and is protected by iOS. On an Android phone, downloaded data is stored with other data in the downloads folder.
Users can access their Backblaze account from multiple Android and iOS mobile devices as long as they log in with their username and password. Additionally, up to six family members can share the iOS app with Family Sharing enabled in the app.
It’s important to note that there is a limit on the file size that can be downloaded on Android and iOS phones – it’s just 30MB. This means that larger files may need to be accessed from a computer or other device.
While there are some differences between how the Backblaze app works on Android and iOS devices, it provides a convenient way for users to access and share their backed-up data from anywhere with an internet connection.
Locate Your Computer If It’s Lost or Stolen
The Locate My Computer feature from Backblaze is a useful tool that can help users locate their laptop if it’s lost or stolen. To activate this feature, users will need to allow mapping in their account. Once enabled, the feature will periodically update the location of the computer and display it on a map in the Backblaze control panel.
If you’re concerned about privacy and don’t want your location to be tracked, you can easily disable the mapping feature in the control panel. This gives users control over whether or not they want to use this feature.
The Locate My Computer feature is a great addition to Backblaze’s suite of backup solutions and provides an extra layer of security for users who are concerned about losing their laptop or having it stolen.
Setting Up an Account on Backblaze cloud storage provider
Setting up a Backblaze account is quick and easy. Users can download the Backblaze software to their PC or Mac, run the installer, and follow the on-screen instructions. Once installation is complete, the control panel will open and users can either click Continue to launch an initial automatic backup of all their data or click Pause and then Settings for additional customization.
From the settings panel, users can schedule backups, choose which files they want to exclude from their backup, view security and privacy settings, and confirm the status of their most recent backup. Backblaze also provides information on how many days are left in the free trial.
Setting up a Backblaze account is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few minutes. The software is user-friendly and provides users with a range of customization options to ensure that their data is backed up securely and efficiently.
Backblaze provides users with an online dashboard that allows them to manage their account and access additional features and preferences. Once the software is installed, users can log into their online account to view their backup status, manage billing information, and adjust privacy settings.
Some features and preferences, such as certain privacy settings, can only be accessed by logging into the online account. This ensures that users have complete control over their data and can customize their backup settings to meet their specific needs.
Overall, the online dashboard is a useful tool for managing your Backblaze account and provides users with a range of customization options to ensure that their data is backed up securely and efficiently.
Backblaze is designed to back up everything on your computer except operating system files, applications files, empty folders, or temporary internet files. This means that it can be difficult to select just a few important files or folders for backup. Instead, users must choose the files they want to exclude from the backup.
Other backup services require users to choose the specific files they want to back up. Users will need to decide which approach is right for them based on their specific needs.
It’s important to note that an initial backup of your computer may take hours or even days if you have a lot of data to back up. Additionally, your computer must be connected to Wi-Fi and awake for the backup process to be completed.
Use Manual Controls to Optimize Performance
Backblaze allows users to manually control certain settings to optimize performance. The speed and performance of your backups ultimately depend on the speed and reliability of your internet connection and how close you are to one of Backblaze’s data centers.
When setting up an online account, Backblaze allows users to select their preferred data center. It’s recommended that users choose the data center closest to them for optimal performance. However, it’s important to note that once a data center is selected, it cannot be changed.
My fastest upload and download speeds: 76GB a day
After installing the Backblaze software, users will receive an estimate of how long their initial backup will take. This estimate is based on the speed and reliability of the user’s internet connection.
Backblaze estimates the time required for an initial backup by analyzing the user’s upload speed. This estimate can be helpful in planning for how long the backup process will take.
However, it’s important to note that a backup service should run reliably in the background without taxing your internet services or using up too much bandwidth. In the picture below you can see my file transfer speed is 63Mbps.
Backblaze automatically sets throttling
Backblaze automatically sets throttling and threading to ensure the most efficient use of your internet bandwidth and to adjust to changes in your connection speed. This helps to ensure that backups are seamless and do not interfere with other internet activities.
However, depending on the speed of your internet connection, you may need to manually adjust settings to speed up the backup process. Once the initial backup is complete, users can reset the default automatic throttling and threading settings.
It’s also recommended that users schedule their backups for off hours when internet usage is typically lower. This can help to further optimize performance and reduce any potential interference with other internet activities.
Privacy Policies Raise Concerns
Backblaze is headquartered in California and has a data center in the Netherlands, which means it adheres to both US privacy laws and EU data protection legislation, including the GDPR.
When using Backblaze, users should be aware that personal information such as email address, phone number, and billing information is collected. Additionally, Backblaze collects information from browsing activity such as page visits, clicks, and other online interactions. This information may be shared in order to provide and improve services.
For more detailed information on Backblaze’s privacy terms, users can refer to the company’s knowledge base. Overall, it’s important for users to be aware of what personal information is being collected and how it may be used when using any online service.
Backblaze’s privacy policies may raise concerns for some users. The company uses cookies and similar tracking technology to collect personal information, which may be shared with third parties for various purposes such as processing payments, sending SMS notifications, or providing customer support and online chat services.
One potential issue is that Backblaze does not acknowledge Do Not Track settings on users’ browsers. This means that there is no way to opt out of tracking through this method. However, users can set preferences in their account for marketing emails and third-party cookies.
Overall, it’s important for users to be aware of how their personal information is being collected and used when using any online service. While Backblaze’s privacy policies may raise concerns for some users, the company does provide options for managing marketing emails and third-party cookies within user accounts.
Ultimately, it’s up to individual users to decide whether they are comfortable with Backblaze’s privacy policies and how their personal information is being collected and used.
To opt out of marketing emails from Backblaze, users need to go to the Preferences settings in their online dashboard. It’s important to note that this cannot be done in the web app’s control panel.
Users can also use their browser settings to block third-party cookies that may try to load when logging into their Backblaze account.
It’s worth noting that Backblaze may disclose personal information or share data with third parties if required by judicial order, law enforcement, public authorities, or for purposes of national security.
When setting up an account with Backblaze, users have the option to choose their data center location. I advise to chose Amsterdam as a data center location because it adheres to both US privacy laws and EU data protection legislation, including the GDPR.
Choosing Amsterdam as a data center location may help users avoid being subject to US national security legislation like the Patriot Act. This is because Backblaze’s data center in Amsterdam adheres to both US privacy laws and EU data protection legislation, including the GDPR. The GDPR provides stronger protections for personal data than US privacy laws, and Backblaze’s compliance with this regulation may help users avoid being subject to certain US national security legislation.
And to further protect the privacy of your files and enhance security, I strongly recommend setting a PEK, which protects your files in the event that Backblaze is hacked. PEK stands for Personal Encryption Key. It is an additional layer of security that users can set up to protect their files in the event that Backblaze is hacked.
When a user sets up a PEK, their files are encrypted with a key that only they know. This means that even if Backblaze’s servers are compromised, the hacker would not be able to access the user’s files without the PEK.
If a user does not set up a PEK, their stored files are still encrypted and unreadable. However, the encryption key used to decrypt them is stored on Backblaze’s server, which could potentially make the data more vulnerable to a hack or privacy issue.
Setting up a PEK is an optional but strongly recommended step for users who want to further protect the privacy and security of their stored files.
Backblaze offers three support options
Backblaze offers three support options to its users: live chat, email, and a knowledge base. While phone support is not available, users can access these three options to get help with any issues they may encounter.
- Live chat is available Monday-Friday from 9am-12pm and 1pm-5pm PST. Users can chat with a Backblaze representative in real-time to get help with their issue.
- Email support is also available through Zendesk. When contacting customer support through the website portal, users will be asked to set up a separate support account for Zendesk. Once this account is set up, users can email their questions to customer support.
- Finally, Backblaze’s knowledge base contains tutorials and articles that can help users walk through setup and resolve most issues on their own. While some of the help answers may occasionally be outdated, the knowledge base remains a comprehensive resource for users seeking assistance.
Backblaze’s support options are more than adequate for most users’ needs. While some users may prefer phone support for serious technical issues, the rapid response time and helpful service provided by Backblaze’s live chat and email support make them valuable resources for anyone using the service.
Basic Plans for Online Backup and Cloud Storage
The fact that there is only one basic plan for Backblaze’s online backup and cloud storage service is great because it simplifies the decision-making process for users. With only one plan to choose from, users don’t have to spend time comparing different options or trying to figure out which plan is right for them.
The basic plan is affordable and straightforward. Users pay a flat fee for unlimited backup for one computer, with the option to pay by the month or prepay for a full year at a discounted rate. There’s even an additional discount available for users who commit to a two-year subscription.
Backblaze’s simple pricing structure makes it easy for users to understand what they’re getting and how much they’ll be paying. This can be especially helpful for individuals who are new to online backup and cloud storage services and may not be familiar with all of the different pricing models that are available.
Backblaze offers a similarly uncomplicated plan for businesses, with some additional features. The business plan allows users to include multiple users on their account, and the cost of the plan is based on the number of licenses needed. Each license covers one computer.
In addition to online backup, the business plan also includes B2 Cloud Storage for server(s)/network-attached storage (NAS) backup. The cost of the plan varies depending on whether or not B2 Cloud Storage is included.
Backblaze’s business plan is designed to be simple and straightforward, with pricing based on the number of licenses needed and optional add-ons like B2 Cloud Storage. This can make it easy for businesses to understand what they’re getting and how much they’ll be paying, without having to navigate complex pricing structures or confusing feature sets.
Important things to consider when deciding whether to use Backblaze’s cloud backup service.
Firstly, it’s worth noting that Backblaze offers a free 15-day trial period, which can be a good way to test out the service and see if it meets your needs. During the trial period, you don’t have to provide payment information, and sharing payment details would immediately cancel the trial.
If you decide to subscribe after the trial period, Backblaze will automatically bill your credit card or bank account each month if you have authorized automatic electronic payments. Alternatively, you can choose to be invoiced once for a one- or two-year plan. It’s important to note that Backblaze accepts all major credit cards but does not accept PayPal, Bitcoin, or other payment methods.
Finally, it’s worth noting that no matter which billing schedule you choose, you can cancel at any time. However, there is no refund available if you cancel partway through a billing cycle. This is something to keep in mind when deciding whether to commit to a longer-term subscription plan.
Cancelling your subscription
It may be a bit complicated to cancel your subscription to Backblaze’s backup service. In order to cancel your account, you will need to first delete all of your backups and then remove any licenses associated with your account. Once you have done this, you can delete your account on the My Settings page.
If you have both a backup and a separate B2 cloud account, you will need to cancel each individually. It’s also important to note that after cancelling your account, you should delete the web app from your computer as well.
While this process may seem a bit complicated, it’s worth noting that Backblaze does this all because of keeping your files safe and they offer customer support if you need assistance with cancelling your account. You can contact their support team via email or live chat for help with any issues or questions related to cancelling your subscription.
How does Backblaze match up to the competition?
Backblaze is known for being a reliable and affordable cloud storage service, and it has been compared to other major players in the industry. According to a review by PCMag, Backblaze is an excellent choice for personal cloud backup, offering unlimited storage and a simple pricing structure. It also received high marks for its ease of use and fast upload speeds. You can read all about it in the comparison between Backblaze, Carbonite, Crashplan & IDrive.
In terms of business cloud backup services, Backblaze has also been compared to other providers like Carbonite and CrashPlan. While each service has its own strengths and weaknesses, Backblaze is often praised for its affordability and straightforward pricing structure.
Overall, Backblaze is considered to be a strong competitor in the backup industry, offering reliable service at an affordable price point. However, as with any service, it’s important to evaluate your own needs and compare different providers before making a decision.
Is Backblaze a secure cloud storage?
Backblaze is considered a reliable and affordable unlimited cloud backup service that is easy to set up and use. It offers adequate security features and excels at ensuring that all of your data is secure and easily restorable in case of a disaster or computer crash. While there may be some minor performance issues and limitations with the mobile app, these are considered minor flaws in an otherwise reliable service.
However, if you require more advanced features or greater control over your backups, such as the ability to sync your devices or back up system files and applications, then other backup services like iDrive may be a better fit for your needs. Ultimately, the choice of which backup service to use depends on individual needs and preferences.
Backblaze is recommended for those who prioritize ease of use, affordability, and dependable service for personal and small business cloud backup. It offers unlimited storage and a simple pricing structure, making it an attractive option for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it backup solution. Backblaze also excels at ensuring that all of your data is secure and easily restorable in case of a disaster or computer crash.
As you can see, almost 30TB of music files, all back-upped in the cloud with Blackblaze.
FAQ
Is online backup and storage safe?
Online backup and storage with Backblaze are considered safe and secure. Backblaze uses industry-standard encryption to protect your data both during transmission and while it is stored on its servers. Your data is encrypted using a 128-bit AES encryption key before it leaves your computer, and the encrypted data is transmitted over a secure SSL connection to Backblaze’s servers.
Once your data arrives at Backblaze’s servers, it is stored in an encrypted format that can only be decrypted using your unique encryption key. This means that even if someone were to gain access to Backblaze’s servers, they would not be able to access your data without your encryption key.
In addition to encryption, Backblaze also employs other security measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and physical security measures to protect its servers from unauthorized access.
Overall, the process of online backup and storage with Backblaze involves encrypting your data before it leaves your computer, transmitting it securely over the internet to Backblaze’s servers, storing it in an encrypted format that can only be decrypted using your unique encryption key, and employing various security measures to protect against unauthorized access.
How is Backblaze better than iCloud or Google Drive and is it the best cloud storage service you can find?
Backblaze is considered better than iCloud or Google Drive for backup purposes due to its focus on providing a simple, reliable, and secure backup service. Backblaze’s primary function is to securely backup your important data so that in the event of a disaster, you can recover it. This means that Backblaze has more robust backup features than iCloud or Google Drive.
Backblaze is known for its security and privacy measures. It uses industry-standard encryption to protect your data both during transmission and while it is stored on their servers. Your data is encrypted using a 128-bit AES encryption key before it leaves your computer, and the encrypted data is transmitted over a secure SSL connection to Backblaze’s servers.
On the other hand, both Google Drive and Apple iCloud have privacy issues and other vulnerabilities because they provide services in addition to cloud storage and use customer information for other business purposes. For example, Google Drive scans your files for advertising purposes, which raises privacy concerns.
Backblaze’s focus is on providing a simple, reliable, and secure backup service makes it a better option than iCloud or Google Drive for those who prioritize backup functionality over additional features like file syncing or collaboration tools.
Is it smart to keep all your data in the cloud?
Keeping all your data in the cloud has several advantages. First, it provides an additional layer of protection against data loss due to hardware failure, theft, or natural disasters. By storing your data online, you can access it from anywhere with an internet connection and you don’t have to worry about losing your data if your computer or external hard drive fails.
Second, cloud storage services typically offer robust security features such as encryption and multi-factor authentication to protect your data from unauthorized access. This means that your data is often more secure in the cloud than it is on a local device.
Third, storing your data online allows you to easily share files and collaborate with others. You can grant access to specific files or folders to other users, which makes it easy to work on projects together.
However, it’s important to note that relying solely on cloud storage for backup purposes may not be sufficient. It’s always a good idea to use more than one backup method to protect your data in the event of a natural disaster or hardware crash. An online backup service that stores your encrypted data in the cloud is an essential part of a smart data protection plan. You should pair it with local backup on an external hard drive for added redundancy and peace of mind.
Can cloud storage be hacked?
While nothing is 100% safe from today’s sophisticated cybercriminals, a hack of a cloud storage data center is unlikely. Cloud storage services have many cybersecurity resources to protect their customers’ data. They use advanced data encryption, 24-hour monitoring, and other dedicated resources to maintain data security.
However, it’s important to note that cloud storage can still be vulnerable to hacking if proper security measures are not taken. For example, weak passwords or unsecured networks can make it easier for hackers to gain access to your cloud storage account.
Many well-publicized hacks, like the 2016 iCloud breach that exposed celebrities’ photos, are the result of the use of passwords easily identified by the hackers, not cloud-specific vulnerabilities. This highlights the importance of using strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication to protect your cloud storage account.
While no system is completely foolproof against hacking attempts, cloud storage services have many security measures in place to protect your data and are generally considered a safe and secure way to store your files.
Does Backblaze offer a hybrid cloud for free storage?
Backblaze does not offer free hybrid cloud storage for several reasons.
- Cost: Providing hybrid cloud storage incurs additional infrastructure and operational costs. Backblaze is not able to cover these costs without a paid subscription model, but it’s for such a low price anyone can afford it.
- Focus on core services: Backblaze primarily focuses on delivering reliable and cost-effective online backup and cloud storage services. By concentrating on their core services, they can provide a high-quality user experience and differentiate themselves in the market.
- Business needs: Hybrid cloud storage is often used by businesses and organizations with specific requirements in terms of security, scalability, and integration. These needs are often better served through custom business solutions, which typically require a paid subscription.
The bottom line: Backblaze is the best cloud storage provider and features the best cloud storage services of 2023
In conclusion, Backblaze stands out as the top cloud storage provider, offering the best cloud storage services of 2023. With its robust storage infrastructure, expansive storage capacity, and reliable storage servers, Backblaze provides a cloud storage solution that meets the diverse needs of users.
Whether you require a private cloud or prefer to utilize the benefits of public cloud storage, Backblaze has you covered. Their cloud storage options are flexible, allowing you to access and store your data from desktop and mobile devices.
With generous, unlimited storage space, for example, 2TB of storage, or as big as your external drives are (which can be, like in my case, 30TB) you can securely store a significant amount of data. Backblaze’s cloud-based storage services deliver seamless connectivity to the storage cloud, enabling you to access your files and resources whenever you need them.
Backblaze offers really competitive pricing, making it a cost-effective choice for cloud storage. Whether you’re an individual or a business, choosing Backblaze ensures that you have the right cloud storage solution for your needs.
Experience the convenience, reliability, and affordability of Backblaze’s top-tier cloud storage services in the ever-evolving world of cloud computing. I compared all others like IDrive, Acronis, NordLocker, Zoolz Cloud, Carbonite and Livedrive and I’ve found that Backblaze is the most affordable, unlimited cloud storage solution. Try it yourself, you will be amazed how smoothly the backup process is. You can start with a 15-day free trial so you can check out all the neat features.
