What is Backblaze?
Backblaze is the simplest, most affordable way to back up your entire Mac to the cloud. For one flat fee, it continuously backs up everything on your computer - every file, every folder, no storage limits. It runs silently in the background and just works.
Founded in 2007, Backblaze has backed up over 2 exabytes of customer data. They're known for transparency (they publish hard drive failure statistics) and straightforward pricing with no upsells.
How It Works
Setup takes 5 minutes:
- Download and install the Backblaze app
- Create an account (or sign in)
- Let it run - initial backup happens automatically
- Forget about it - continuous backup keeps everything protected
The initial backup can take days or weeks depending on how much data you have and your upload speed. After that, changes are backed up continuously.
Key Features
- Unlimited Storage: Back up everything - no caps, no throttling
- External Drives: Backs up connected external drives too
- 30-Day File History: Recover previous versions of files (1 year with upgrade)
- Web & Mobile Access: Access your backed-up files from anywhere
- Restore Options: Download files via web, or get a USB drive shipped to you
- Encryption: AES-128 encryption, optional private key for extra security
- Inherit Backup: Transfer backup to a new Mac when you upgrade
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Truly unlimited storage
- Unbeatable price ($99/year)
- Dead simple to use
- Backs up external drives
- Reliable - been around since 2007
- USB drive restore option
- 15-day free trial
Cons
- Cloud-only (no local backup)
- Slow initial backup (upload speed dependent)
- 30-day default file history (vs. forever with some services)
- Must connect external drives every 30 days or they're removed
- One computer per license
Pricing
- Monthly: $9/month
- 1 Year: $99/year ($8.25/month)
- 2 Years: $189 ($7.88/month)
All plans include unlimited storage. Extended Version History (1 year instead of 30 days) is an additional $2/month.
Who Should Use Backblaze?
Backblaze is Perfect For:
- Everyone who needs offsite backup: It's the "1" in the 3-2-1 backup rule
- Users with lots of data: Unlimited storage beats limited cloud plans
- Set-and-forget types: Install it once, never think about it again
- Budget-conscious users: Best value in cloud backup, period
Consider Alternatives If:
- You want one app for local + cloud: Acronis combines both
- You need file sync across devices: Dropbox/iCloud are better for that
- You need bootable local backups: Backblaze is cloud-only
Backblaze vs. Other Cloud Backup
How does Backblaze compare to alternatives?
- vs. iCloud: iCloud is sync, not backup. Backblaze protects your whole Mac; iCloud just syncs certain folders. Use both.
- vs. Dropbox/Google Drive: Same issue - these are sync services. If you delete a file, it syncs the deletion. Backblaze keeps your files safe.
- vs. Carbonite: Carbonite charges more for less storage. Backblaze wins on value.
- vs. Acronis Cloud: Acronis limits storage (250GB-5TB). If you have more data, Backblaze's unlimited storage is the better deal.
See my full cloud backup comparison for more details.
My Verdict
Backblaze is the single best value in cloud backup. For $99/year with no storage limits, it's an absolute no-brainer for offsite protection. I've recommended it to clients for years, and I use it myself.
The only "catch" is that it's cloud-only - you still need local backup (Time Machine or clone software) for quick restores. But for the offsite piece of your backup strategy, nothing beats Backblaze.
If you're not backing up to the cloud yet, start here. The 15-day free trial lets you try it risk-free.
Try Backblaze Free for 15 Days
Unlimited cloud backup for $99/year. No credit card required for trial.
Start Free TrialRelated Resources
- Cloud Backup for Mac Compared - Backblaze vs Acronis vs iCloud
- Backup Software Compared - Local backup options to pair with Backblaze
- Complete Mac Backup Guide - The full 3-2-1 strategy
- Acronis Review - All-in-one alternative