Backblaze vs Carbonite
For most people, Backblaze is the simpler choice when you want one predictable personal-backup plan for a computer and connected external drives. Carbonite may fit better if you want to compare plan tiers for features such as external-drive backup, antivirus, video backup, or courier recovery.
Both services focus on automatic cloud backup rather than general-purpose file syncing. The best choice depends on your device setup, retention needs, restore preferences, and willingness to compare plan details before checkout.
At a glance
| Criterion | Backblaze Personal Backup | Carbonite Safe |
|---|---|---|
| Main model | Automatic computer backup with unlimited-data positioning | Automatic backup plans for one computer |
| Current published annual price | $99 per year for Personal Backup | Pricing varies by Basic, Plus, and Prime plan, with promotions shown during purchase |
| External-drive backup | Covers connected external drives; USB drives attached during installation are automatically included | Available by plan tier |
| Version retention | Default 30-day history, with one-year and Forever options available | Check the selected plan’s current retention terms before buying |
| Restore approach | Download restores and other restore options available through the service | Prime includes courier recovery availability |
| Security documentation reviewed here | Encrypts files before transfer, sends them through an encrypted connection, and stores them encrypted | Review Carbonite’s current security documentation for the chosen plan |
| Best fit | People who want straightforward, broad backup coverage for a computer and attached drives | People who need to compare feature tiers before choosing a plan |
| Key pricing caution | Forever retention can add storage-based charges after one year | Promotional pricing may apply only to qualifying new customers |
Backblaze lists Personal Backup at $99 per year and presents it as unlimited backup for user-generated data on a computer and connected external drives. Its pricing page also describes automatic backup for computers and attached drives. Backblaze’s plan page is the best place to confirm the plan before subscribing.
Carbonite’s personal offering uses Basic, Plus, and Prime tiers. The provider states that some features, including automatic video backup and Webroot antivirus, are offered with Plus and Prime plans. Its site also notes that promotions may apply at checkout and may be limited to new direct customers. Carbonite’s pricing page should be checked for the current price and included features.
What separates the two services
Backblaze
One personal plan emphasizes automatic computer and external-drive backup. Almost any USB hard drive connected during installation is automatically included; verify the final backup selection.
Carbonite
Basic, Plus, and Prime package features differently. Match the selected tier to your external-drive, video, and recovery needs.
Keep a local copy
A separate local copy of critical work can make large restores faster alongside cloud protection.
Pricing, retention, and restoration
Backblaze base price
Personal Backup is listed at $99/year, with unlimited backup for the covered computer and connected external drives.
Version history
Backblaze’s default is 30 days. One-year and Forever options depend on account and software settings. Forever retained data older than a year can cost $0.006/GB/month while the option remains active and the account is in good standing.
Carbonite plans
Compare each tier’s annual and renewal price. Promotions may be temporary or restricted. Prime includes courier recovery availability, subject to eligibility and current terms.
Backblaze refunds
Monthly subscriptions are not refundable. One- and two-year plans have a different refund window; check the policy before choosing the billing term.
Security and backup experience
Backblaze encryption
Backblaze says files are encrypted before transfer, in transit, and at rest. Review account recovery, multi-factor authentication, restore permissions, and private-key recovery implications.
Carbonite controls
Check the selected plan’s current security and recovery documentation, not just a general encryption claim.
Backup speed
Upload rate, file size and count, computer performance, and bandwidth limits affect completion. Initial backups are usually larger than later incremental updates.
Restore speed
A multi-terabyte download can take substantial time. Compare restore methods and test a small recovery before an emergency.
What to compare
Use these criteria to decide which service fits your situation:
- •Device and drive coverage: Confirm how many computers need backup and whether external drives are included.
- •Plan complexity: Decide whether you prefer one broad plan or feature tiers.
- •Retention needs: Consider how long you need deleted or older file versions.
- •Restore urgency: Think about whether a large online download would be practical.
- •Budget over time: Compare renewal pricing, promotions, retention charges, and billing terms.
- •Security controls: Review encryption, account protection, and recovery settings before uploading sensitive files.
If you want automatic backup for a computer and connected external drives with a published flat annual plan, then Backblaze is usually the clearer fit. Its approach makes sense for users who do not want to sort through several personal tiers.
If you need features that depend on a higher plan, such as Carbonite’s Plus or Prime additions, then compare Carbonite’s tiers line by line. Choose it only after confirming that the plan includes the drives, recovery method, and extras you actually need.
If you regularly edit or delete large files, then examine version retention before deciding. Backblaze’s Forever option can preserve deleted and changed files, but its storage-based charge can increase the long-term cost.
If a large restore must happen quickly, then evaluate restoration methods before subscribing. Carbonite’s Prime plan advertises courier recovery availability, while other backup approaches may rely more heavily on downloading restored data.
Tradeoffs and caveats
Check coverage
Confirm folders, external drives, file types, and version history. “Unlimited” capacity does not mean every recovery scenario is covered.
Check the selected tier
Carbonite’s lower-cost tiers may omit expected features. Compare promotional and renewal prices.
Test your setup
Run the initial backup when your connection can support it, verify a restore, and record the renewal date to avoid unwanted overlap.
Want a clearer view of your subscriptions?
Subpilot helps you track your subscriptions in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Backblaze or Carbonite better for external hard drives?
Backblaze is often the simpler option for an external-drive setup because it states that USB-connected drives attached during installation are automatically backed up. Carbonite can include external-drive backup by plan tier, so verify that the selected tier covers your drive.
Which service has better security?
Backblaze documents encryption before transfer, encrypted transmission, and encrypted storage. Security is not a single-feature comparison, though. Review each provider’s current account controls, recovery process, and plan-specific terms before choosing.
Is Backblaze cheaper than Carbonite?
Backblaze publishes Personal Backup at $99 per year. Carbonite uses several tiers and may show new-customer promotions, so the answer depends on the plan and the price at purchase. Compare the renewal cost and any feature upgrades, not just the first payment.
Should I choose courier recovery over online restoration?
Courier recovery can be useful when you need a large restore and downloading it would take too long. If your recovery needs are small or occasional, an online restore may be sufficient. The right choice depends on your data size and connection speed.
For a straightforward personal backup plan with connected-drive coverage, Backblaze is the stronger default choice. For a tiered plan with specific added features, Carbonite deserves a closer plan-by-plan review. Before subscribing, verify your device coverage, retention setting, restore route, and renewal terms.
Sources
Official provider pages for the plans, billing terms, and account actions discussed in this guide. Confirm the terms shown in your own account before making changes.
| Source | Status |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Backblaze Cloud Backup | Official source |
| Cloud backup for home, individuals & families | Carbonite | Official source |
| Does Backblaze support external hard drives? – Backblaze Help | Official source |