Backblaze Review – Is It Really the Best Cloud Backup Solution in 2025?

Ever lost a hard drive packed with personal photos, work documents, or even entire client projects? It’s more than frustrating it’s a disaster. That’s why having a reliable cloud backup solution like Backblaze has never been more essential. In this comprehensive Backblaze review, we’ll explore why it remains a top contender in cloud backup services for 2025.

In the world of online storage, backup automation, and data protection, Backblaze has earned its stripes by offering simple, affordable, and unlimited online backup options.

With increasing data threats from ransomware, hardware failure, and accidental deletion, cloud-based solutions have become the gold standard for safeguarding digital lives. But here’s the real question does this Backblaze review prove it still stands tall in 2025 amid a sea of competitors like iDrive, Carbonite, and Acronis?

Let’s dive deep into this secure cloud backup service, unpack its features, assess its performance, and discover if it’s still the go-to solution for personal and business users looking for reliable, automated, and scalable cloud backup.

What is Backblaze?

The Origin Story

Backblaze was established in 2007 with a bold vision: to make cloud backup accessible, simple, and budget-friendly for everyone from casual users to tech-savvy professionals. Over the years, it has grown from a startup into a dominant force in the cloud backup and data protection space. Today, it’s recognized for offering secure, scalable, and cost-effective solutions for individuals and businesses alike. As demand for digital archiving and disaster recovery — especially useful when combined with Why Everyone’s Switching to Wasabi Cloud Storage grows, Backblaze remains a top contender with a loyal customer base and consistently positive reviews.

Who Is It For?

Backblaze is designed for anyone who needs a reliable, automated backup solution. It’s perfect for freelancers, creative professionals like photographers and videographers, remote employees needing secure offsite backup, and small to mid-sized businesses wanting to safeguard sensitive documents. It’s also ideal for users seeking an easy-to-use platform with unlimited storage and continuous cloud backup capabilities. Whether you’re storing family photos or mission-critical files, Backblaze ensures your data is protected against loss, corruption, and cyber threats like ransomware.

Backblaze Key Features

Unlimited Backup Storage

Unlike other cloud backup services that impose strict data caps, Backblaze offers truly unlimited backup you can upload terabytes of data without worrying about space. This is especially useful for professionals who deal with large files, such as 4K videos, RAW photography files, or extensive software archives. It’s a game-changer in the world of data continuity, read more in our Cloud Storage for Business guide, remote file protection, perfect for creatives and teams working remotely as explored in Best Cloud Storage for Photos, and long-term cloud storage.

Easy-to-Use Interface

Backblaze has one of the most intuitive user experiences among online backup tools. After installation, the software automatically selects all user data folders for backup no configuration needed. The interface is streamlined for simplicity, allowing users with no tech background to navigate the system. It’s a perfect fit for people who value usability, automation, and hands-free data backup.

Speed and Performance

Thanks to incremental backups and data deduplication, Backblaze runs smoothly in the background without hogging system resources. Uploads are throttled smartly to avoid disrupting your bandwidth, making it ideal for both home and office setups. Whether you’re backing up from a laptop on Wi-Fi or a desktop via Ethernet, the system ensures efficient performance and seamless data synchronization.

Restore by Mail Option

If disaster strikes, you don’t need to wait days for downloads Backblaze can overnight a USB flash drive or external hard disk containing your files. You’ll get a full refund upon return. This physical data recovery option is ideal for users with limited bandwidth or urgent disaster recovery needs. It’s a thoughtful feature for those relying on offline backup retrieval.

Version History & File Retention

Backblaze keeps 30 days of file versions and deleted items, ensuring you can roll back to older copies when needed. Users can upgrade to a 1-year version history essential for file management as detailed in Document Version Control Software or forever version retention, offering excellent flexibility for project-based workflows or regulatory compliance. This makes it suitable for those who need data lifecycle management, accidental deletion recovery, or compliance-focused archiving.

Backblaze Pricing Structure

Business Backup Plans

Backblaze Business Backup is built specifically for organizations that require secure, scalable, and easy-to-manage cloud data protection. Whether you’re managing a distributed team or maintaining sensitive data across multiple devices, Backblaze’s business solution helps ensure business continuity with minimal IT overhead.

There are two core products for businesses:

• Backblaze Business Backup: Ideal for small to medium-sized businesses, this service offers backup for individual workstations and laptops with centralized user management. Admins can monitor devices, restore data remotely, and enforce backup policies.
• Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage: An object storage solution designed for businesses needing more control and customization. It’s compatible with S3 APIs, making it a powerful alternative to AWS at a fraction of the cost. You can use it to store server backups, NAS data, media libraries, and application data.

Key Features:

• Centralized Admin Console – Manage all endpoints, track backup status, and deploy updates from a single interface.
• Unlimited Version History – Optional upgrade to store every version of every file indefinitely.
• Flexible Storage Integrations – Connect with Synology, QNAP, Veeam, MSP360, and other backup software.
• Team & Role Management – Assign backup permissions and roles across departments or clients.
• Compliance Ready – Supports SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA (with BAA), and CCPA standards.

Pricing:

• Endpoint Backup: $70/year per computer, billed annually.
• B2 Cloud Storage: $5/month per TB stored, $0.01/GB download.

Whether you’re a startup or scaling enterprise, Backblaze offers a powerful, low-maintenance business backup platform that helps minimize downtime and safeguard data from ransomware, human error, or hardware failures.

Personal Backup Plans

Backblaze Personal Backup is designed for individuals and professionals who need a simple, reliable, and hands-free solution to protect their personal data. Whether you’re a content creator with terabytes of video files or a remote worker managing important documents, this plan delivers essential cloud protection with minimal configuration.

Key Features:

• Unlimited Data Backup – Automatically backs up user data with no cap on file size or type, making it ideal for large media libraries.
• Automatic & Continuous Backup – Runs silently in the background, updating only changed files to save bandwidth.
• External Drive Support – Includes external hard drives as long as they’re plugged in at least once every 30 days.
• Flexible File Recovery – Restore data from any browser, or opt to receive your files via mailed USB or hard drive.
• File Versioning Options – Default retention of 30 days with optional upgrades: 1-year version history ($2/month) or Forever Version History ($0.006/GB/month).
• Mobile Access – Browse and download your backup files on the go via Backblaze’s iOS and Android apps.
• Top-Tier Security – Files are encrypted during transfer and storage, with an optional private encryption key for zero-knowledge security.

Ideal For:

• Creative Professionals – Photographers, videographers, designers.
• Remote Employees & Students – Ensure daily work and study files are always protected.
• Digital Nomads & Travelers – Safe, off-site cloud access for important documents.

Pricing:

• $9/month per computer (billed monthly)
• $99/year (billed annually – save 17%)
• $189 every 2 years (save even more long-term)

This pricing is straightforward and includes unlimited backup storage, full encryption, and web-based file restoration for a single device.

Backblaze’s Personal Backup Plan mirrors the same scalable, reliable structure offered in their Business Backup solutions just simplified and optimized for individual users. With flat pricing, unlimited storage, and seamless automation, it stands out as one of the most powerful personal backup tools on the market.

How Backblaze Works – Step-by-Step

1. Install the app on your Mac or PC
2. It automatically scans and backs up your data
3. You can exclude folders or files if needed
4. Runs silently in the background
5. Easily restore files via the web or USB delivery

Security and Privacy: Is Your Data Safe?

One of the top priorities when choosing a cloud backup service is knowing your data won’t be compromised. Backblaze takes a proactive approach to both security and privacy, offering robust encryption, compliance with international data protection laws, and options for zero-knowledge privacy.

Encryption and Zero-Knowledge

All files are encrypted on your computer before being transmitted using AES 128-bit encryption, and then transferred over a secure SSL connection. Once uploaded, the data remains encrypted in Backblaze’s data centers. For an additional layer of security, users can set a personal encryption key ensuring that only they can decrypt and access the backed-up files. This is referred to as a zero-knowledge backup, meaning even Backblaze itself cannot access your data.

Compliance and Certifications

Backblaze aligns with top compliance frameworks to help businesses and users meet industry-specific regulatory requirements. These include:

• SOC 2 Type II certification
• GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)
• CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act)
• HIPAA (via Business Associate Agreement)

These certifications make Backblaze a viable solution for businesses in healthcare, legal, finance, and other regulated industries.

Physical and Operational Security

Backblaze operates its own secure data centers in the U.S. with strict physical access controls, redundant power, and disaster recovery protocols. Servers are monitored 24/7, and all data is stored redundantly to prevent loss from hardware failure.

In summary, Backblaze combines military-grade encryption, user-controlled security, and global privacy compliance to ensure your data remains safe from prying eyes, cyberattacks, and loss events. Whether you’re an individual or a business, you can trust that your data is backed up securely and handled with the utmost care.

Pros and Cons of Using Backblaze

Choosing a cloud backup provider always comes down to trade-offs what features matter most to you, and where are you willing to compromise. Backblaze excels in simplicity and affordability, though it may not be the best choice for every type of user or use case.

Pros:

• Unlimited Backup: One of the few cloud backup solutions that offers truly unlimited storage at a fixed price.
• Straightforward Pricing: No complicated tiers or confusing usage-based fees just flat-rate simplicity.
• Automatic & Continuous Backup: Once installed, it quietly protects your files in real time without any manual work.
• Restore by Mail Option: Ideal for large data sets or limited bandwidth situations get your files shipped to your door.
• Easy Setup & Lightweight Client: Perfect for non-technical users, with a “set it and forget it” philosophy.
• Version History Options: Flexible retention for file versions, including the option for forever storage.
• Strong Security: AES 128-bit encryption with optional private keys and SOC 2 compliance.

Cons:

• No Mobile Device Backup: While you can access files via mobile apps, it doesn’t back up iPhones or Android devices.
• Single Device Licensing: One subscription covers only one computer; extra devices require separate plans.
• No Syncing or File Sharing: It’s a backup solution, not a collaboration or cloud sync tool like Dropbox or Google Drive.
• Basic Feature Set: Great for backup, but lacks advanced tools for power users like integrated scripting or hybrid backup options.

In short, Backblaze is an excellent fit for users who prioritize automatic, low-cost, and reliable data backup but less ideal for teams needing sync, sharing, or more complex infrastructure options.

Backblaze vs. Competitors

Feature	Backblaze	iDrive	Carbonite	Acronis
Price	$9/month	$6.95/month	$6/month	$49.99/year
Unlimited?	✅	❌ (5TB cap)	✅	❌
Ease of Use	✅	❌	✅	❌
Restore by Mail	✅	✅	❌	❌

Backblaze wins in simplicity and unlimited space. If you need syncing or mobile backups, iDrive may suit you better.

Customer Support and User Experience

Backblaze offers email and chat support for both personal and business users, providing direct access to customer service representatives during standard business hours. While 24/7 support is not currently available, most users report receiving helpful responses within a few hours. In addition to real-time support, Backblaze maintains a comprehensive online knowledge base filled with step-by-step tutorials, FAQ pages, and troubleshooting guides. For those looking to learn best practices or resolve issues independently, this resource is extremely valuable.

Moreover, Backblaze’s community forums are actively moderated and include contributions from long-time users and Backblaze team members. These forums serve as a space to share tips, ask questions, and explore more advanced use cases. This layered support system combining direct contact, self-help tools, and peer discussion ensures that users at any technical level can find the help they need.

Who Should Use Backblaze (and Who Shouldn’t)?

Backblaze is a great fit for individuals and businesses seeking a straightforward, affordable, and dependable cloud backup solution. But just like any service, it shines brightest for specific user groups.

Who Should Use Backblaze:

• Freelancers and Creatives – If you work with large media files (like RAW images or 4K video), Backblaze’s unlimited storage and seamless automation are a dream. No need to micromanage files just install it and let it back everything up.
• Remote Employees & Digital Nomads – Backblaze is perfect for professionals on the move who need secure, off-site backups and access to files from anywhere.
• Small Business Owners – The business plan offers central admin controls, compliance features (HIPAA, SOC 2, GDPR), and scalable pricing, making it ideal for companies with remote teams and sensitive data.
• Non-Tech-Savvy Users – Backblaze’s intuitive interface and “set-it-and-forget-it” design mean anyone can use it effectively without IT expertise.
• Regulated Industries – With compliance-ready features and secure encryption, it’s a solid backup solution for legal, healthcare, and financial organizations that must meet strict data security standards.

Who May Not Be the Best Fit:

• Power Users Needing Hybrid Backups – If you want to combine local and cloud backups or need granular backup scheduling, Backblaze lacks advanced hybrid capabilities.
• Users Needing File Syncing or Sharing – Unlike Dropbox or Google Drive, Backblaze is built strictly for backup not real-time collaboration, cloud editing, or syncing across devices.
• Mobile-Only Users – Backblaze doesn’t support mobile phone backups (though you can access your desktop files via mobile apps).

In essence, Backblaze is built for users who want a simple, affordable, and secure way to back up their computer data especially large, irreplaceable files. However, those looking for an all-in-one productivity suite or real-time team collaboration may want to look elsewhere.

FAQs

1. Can I use Backblaze to back up more than one computer?

No, each Backblaze Personal Backup plan covers only one computer. If you have multiple devices, you’ll need to purchase additional licenses one for each device.

2. How long does Backblaze keep deleted files?

By default, deleted files and old versions are kept for 30 days. However, you can upgrade to 1-Year Version History or Forever Version History for extended retention, which is great for data recovery and long-term archiving.

3. Does Backblaze support mobile device backups?

Currently, Backblaze does not back up smartphones or tablets. However, you can access and download your backed-up desktop files using the Backblaze mobile app on iOS and Android.

4. Can Backblaze backup external hard drives?

Yes, Backblaze supports external drives, but you must plug them in at least once every 30 days to ensure they remain included in your active backup set.

5. What happens if I switch to a new computer?

You can transfer your Backblaze license to a new machine by signing into your account, deactivating the old computer, and installing Backblaze on the new device. Your backup history will remain available for 30 days.

Final Verdict: Is Backblaze Worth It in 2025?

After examining Backblaze from every angle features, pricing, security, performance, and customer satisfaction it’s clear that Backblaze continues to be one of the best value-for-money cloud backup providers available in 2025.

Its strength lies in offering unlimited backup with automated protection, combined with simple onboarding, flat pricing, and enterprise-grade security features. For individuals, digital creatives, freelancers, and small business owners who don’t want the hassle of managing complex systems or paying for bloated features they don’t use, Backblaze provides exactly what’s needed: reliable, hands-free, and scalable data backup.

While it may not replace cloud sync platforms like Dropbox or OneDrive, and lacks advanced hybrid backup features preferred by IT administrators, it delivers precisely on its promise straightforward, secure cloud backup that just works.

Whether you’re storing family memories, business-critical documents, or terabytes of creative work, Backblaze is a rock-solid choice for data durability, disaster recovery, and long-term digital preservation.