Carbonite may suit you if you want automatic cloud backup, but the right plan depends on what you need to protect: the personal Safe plans cover one computer, while professional plans add options for multiple computers, NAS devices, and servers with set storage limits. Carbonite describes its security and restore features, but the materials reviewed do not establish independent reliability, security, or speed results. Treat prices as changeable and check the live checkout terms before subscribing.
Which Carbonite plan fits your needs?
Carbonite sells distinct personal and professional backup subscriptions. Personal Safe plans are aimed at backing up one computer; professional tiers specify support for multiple computers and, depending on tier, external drives, NAS, and servers. Personal plans list unlimited cloud storage, while business plans specify storage caps.
Personal Safe plans
| Plan | Covered devices | Storage and listed extras |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | One computer | Unlimited cloud backup; automatic encrypted backup. No automatic video backup or Webroot antivirus listed. |
| Plus | One computer and one external hard drive | Unlimited cloud backup; automatic video backup and Webroot antivirus listed. |
| Prime | One computer and one external hard drive | Unlimited cloud backup; automatic video backup and Webroot antivirus listed. |
These inclusions come from Carbonite’s personal-plan feature comparison. Carbonite names no preferred external-drive model in that comparison, so confirm that your setup is supported before relying on coverage for a particular drive.
Professional plans
| Plan | Device scope | Cloud storage |
|---|---|---|
| Core | Up to 25 computers, external drives, and NAS | 250 GB |
| Power | One server plus up to 25 computers | 500 GB |
| Ultimate | Unlimited servers plus up to 25 computers | 500 GB |
Carbonite’s professional plan comparison lists 256-bit encryption across these tiers, as well as business capabilities such as policy management, system-file backup, and bare-metal image backup and restore. The comparison does not mean that personal-plan unlimited storage applies to business subscriptions.
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
What does Carbonite cost?
Prices shown on Carbonite’s pages differ, so regard them as page-captured offers rather than stable list prices. On the home page checked September 30, 2026, the displayed promotional annual prices were Basic $75.99 (shown as $6.33 per month), Plus $78.99 ($6.58 per month), and Prime $96.99 ($8.08 per month). That page also showed crossed-out annual amounts of $95.99, $131.99, and $161.99, respectively. The separate pricing page showed a Basic one-year order total of $95.99. Carbonite’s support comparison lists one-year prices of $95.99 for Basic, $131.99 for Plus, and $161.99 for Prime, with two- and three-year totals also shown. See the Carbonite home page, personal pricing page, and support plan comparison.
Because the displayed offer and order total vary by page and purchase flow, verify the current checkout price, subscription duration, renewal price, and promotional eligibility before paying. Do not assume a monthly equivalent is a monthly-billed subscription.
Rank #2
- Easily store and access 5TB of content on the go with the Seagate portable drive, a USB external hard Drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
How file restoration works
Carbonite defines restoration as downloading backed-up files from its servers to your computer. Its Windows support guide describes two routes for personal Safe subscribers:
- Restore all files to a new or repaired computer: transfer the Safe subscription to the replacement or repaired computer and restore the backed-up files.
- Restore selected files in the application: use the Carbonite application, which the guide especially recommends for large files.
- Download small selected files in a browser: access the account online and download individual files.
The guide does not establish a tested restore duration, so allow for the possibility that restoring a large backup will take time; no specific time estimate is supported. Carbonite also says users can upgrade for automatic video backup or reduced pricing for Courier Recovery. That description does not establish that courier recovery is free or included in every plan. See Carbonite’s Windows restore guide and subscription help.
Rank #3
- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Security and performance: what is established?
Carbonite describes personal Safe backup as automatic and encrypted, and lists 256-bit encryption for data at rest and in transit. Its professional comparison also lists 256-bit encryption. These are vendor-published product claims, not an independent security assessment. The reviewed product and support materials do not provide independent reliability testing, upload or restore-speed measurements, privacy-policy analysis, or hands-on results. Carbonite’s statement that its unlimited cloud backup includes “1-click file restoration” is vendor wording, not an independently measured performance claim.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is Carbonite worth it?
The available information supports matching a plan to backup scope, not a comparative verdict on value or reliability. Basic is the personal option for one computer; Plus or Prime are the listed personal choices when you also need one external hard drive covered or want the listed video-backup and antivirus features. For a small business, choose among Core, Power, and Ultimate based on the number and type of devices and the stated storage cap—especially whether servers or NAS need protection. Use the current checkout terms to judge cost, and do not treat listed features as proof of recovery speed or independent service quality.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- High capacity in a small enclosure – The small, lightweight design offers up to 6TB* capacity, making WD Elements portable hard drives the ideal companion for consumers on the go.
- Plug-and-play expandability
- Vast capacities up to 6TB[1] to store your photos, videos, music, important documents and more
- SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps)
Rank #4
- Easily store and access 4TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
