When it comes to cloud-based backups, Backblaze has positioned itself as a simple, affordable, and user-friendly solution. After using it for six years, I’ve seen both its strengths and areas for improvement. Here’s a detailed look at whether Backblaze is still worth it in 2024.
What Backblaze Does Well
Unlimited Storage Backblaze offers unlimited storage for a single computer (PC or Mac) and its connected external drives. This simplicity makes it a great entry point for those who haven’t established a reliable backup system yet. However, servers aren’t included unless you opt for their more expensive B2 Cloud Storage.
Affordability Even with price increases over the years, Backblaze remains budget-friendly. At about $100/year for unlimited data, it’s hard to beat. For context, it used to cost $5/month, but the value still holds strong compared to competitors.
File Versioning Backblaze provides versioning history, allowing you to restore previous versions of files:
Default: 30 days.
Extended Options: 1 year (free) or forever (for less than $0.01/GB/month).
This feature is ideal for recovering from accidental edits or deletions.
Restoration OptionsWhether you need a quick download of specific files or a physical drive with your data, Backblaze has you covered. They’ll even refund you for returning the physical drive.
Ease of UseWith simple setup and automatic backups, it’s accessible even to those who aren’t tech-savvy. The mobile app further enhances convenience, letting you access files on the go.
Room for Improvement
Outdated Interface While functional, both the web and mobile interfaces feel dated and can be slow to navigate. A UI refresh would go a long way in improving the user experience.
Backup Verification There have been occasional concerns about needing to double-check whether files were fully backed up. While this issue seems less frequent now, it’s worth noting for peace of mind.
Server Backup Limitations For those managing servers, Backblaze's personal plan isn’t an option. While their B2 Cloud Storage service exists, it can be prohibitively expensive for smaller users.
Is Backblaze Still Worth It?
In my opinion, yes —Backblaze remains an excellent long-term backup solution, especially for users with significant data needs and limited budgets. Its affordability, unlimited storage, and robust file versioning make it a standout option for personal backups.
Alternatives
If you need advanced features like server backups or more customization, you might explore services like IDrive or AWS Glacier. However, they often come with higher costs and complexity.
How do you back up your data? Let me know in the comments below! If you’re interested in trying Backblaze, don’t forget to claim your first month free using my link—happy backing up!
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