Backblaze Computer Backup

Overview

Backblaze Computer Backup is a paid service for protecting files on Mac and Windows computers in the cloud. It is best suited to individuals and organizations with large or unpredictable file collections who want one computer backup without a storage quota. Its strongest case is unlimited capacity paired with multiple restore routes; it is a poor fit if you need phone or server backup.

Backblaze has operated since 2007 from San Francisco and says it serves 500,000 customers in more than 175 countries. It is publicly traded as BLZE, a useful signal for buyers considering the provider’s long-term corporate footing.

Key features

Backups have no storage limit and accept files of any type or size. That removes the need to curate a computer’s backup around a fixed allowance, which is especially useful for media libraries and other large collections. The scope remains file backup from a computer: mobile backup and server backup are not included.

Native backup software is available for Mac and PC. Backed-up files can be reached from the web or from iOS and Android apps. Those mobile apps are access and restore tools, not a way to back up a phone or tablet, so households wanting one service for all device data will need another product.

Files are encrypted before leaving the computer and remain encrypted in Backblaze data centers. Every account can use TOTP or SMS two-factor verification, and an optional private encryption key adds another layer of control. Ransomware protection is included. The private key is valuable for users who want additional custody of encryption, although it is an option rather than a mandatory setting.

Restores can be started on the web, in the mobile apps, or through a shipped hard drive. The drive option provides a practical alternative when a large download is inconvenient. Individual backed-up files can also be shared, which is useful for sending a protected copy without restoring an entire computer.

Business accounts add multiple-user management and administrative controls. Deployment supports MSI Installer, JAMF, and Munki. Business single sign-on works with Google and Microsoft, while enterprise accounts add Okta and Azure AD. These administration and deployment tools make the service more plausible for managed fleets than a consumer-only backup utility.

Pricing

There is no free plan, but a 15-day trial lets prospective users evaluate the service before paying. The Personal Monthly plan costs $9 a month, billed monthly, with unlimited cloud backup for one computer. It is the flexible choice for short-term or uncertain commitments, but it has the highest effective monthly rate.

The Personal Yearly plan costs $8.25 a month, billed annually, with unlimited backup data. Choose it when you expect to keep coverage for a year and want a lower monthly equivalent without committing to two years.

The Personal Two Years plan costs $7.88 a month, paid bi-annually, and is marked as the best value with 8% savings. It suits users confident they will retain coverage for two years; the longer billing commitment is the trade-off for the lowest listed rate. The same pricing is also presented as the Two Years plan, with unlimited backup data.

All three personal terms retain the central benefit: unlimited backup data. The shorter terms buy flexibility, while the longer terms reduce the effective monthly cost. No personal tier is a quota-limited alternative.

Platforms

Computer backup runs on Windows and macOS. Web access and restore are supported, and iOS and Android apps provide access to backed-up files. The mixed endpoint support is broad for access, but the actual backup target is the computer rather than mobile devices or servers.

Who it's for

Choose Backblaze for a Mac or PC with a large, varied, or growing file collection, particularly when a fixed cloud allowance would be restrictive. It also fits users who value encryption controls, ransomware protection, two-factor verification, and the option of a shipped-drive restore.

Look elsewhere if phone and tablet backup is a requirement, if server protection is central, or if you need a free tier. Organizations can benefit from the administrative, deployment, and SSO features, while a single casual user may not need those business controls.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Unlimited storage with no file-type or file-size restrictions avoids quota management.
• Pro: Web, mobile-app, and shipped-hard-drive restores provide alternatives for both small and large recoveries.
• Pro: Encryption in transit from the computer and at Backblaze, optional private keys, two-factor verification, and ransomware protection strengthen protection.
• Con: Backup covers computer files, not mobile devices or servers.
• Con: There is no free plan, and the lowest monthly equivalent requires a two-year billing commitment.
• Con: Mobile apps access saved files but do not create mobile backups.

Alternatives

IDrive is the better starting point if you want a freemium service, Linux support, or a low-cost 100 GB option such as IDrive Mini at $0.25 per month; its listed plans use storage quotas rather than Backblaze’s unlimited model.

EaseUS Todo Backup suits Windows and macOS users seeking a free plan with file, system, disk, and partition backup and recovery, or a paid 1 TB cloud tier rather than unlimited storage.

Infrascale Workstation Backup is an alternative for storage-based subscriptions in 1 TB increments with unlimited endpoint devices and retention.

BDRShield Endpoint Backup is worth considering when you need Linux, self-hosting, or enterprise subscription and perpetual-license choices.

Datto Endpoint Backup for Windows is aimed at buyers who prefer consumption-based pricing tied to storage used.

UrBackup is a self-hosted, open-source option for file and image backups.

NinjaOne is the alternative when endpoint management is the priority, with a listed plan starting at $1.50 per device per month at 10,000 endpoints.

Axcient x360Recover is another paid endpoint backup choice with usage-based rates that vary by workstation or server.

For broader comparisons, see Endpoint Backup Software, Continuous Data Protection Software, Cloud Backup Services, and Backup software.

Verdict

Backblaze Computer Backup is a strong recommendation for anyone protecting one or more Mac or PC file collections who wants unlimited capacity and dependable recovery choices. Its main reason to choose it is the combination of uncapped storage, solid account protection, and a shipped-drive restore path. Look elsewhere if your requirement includes mobile or server backup, a free plan, or a shorter commitment at the lowest monthly rate.