Backblaze – The Best Online Backup Service for Your Data in 2024

In the digital age, safeguarding our data is a top priority for everyone. One standout for this important task is Backblaze, an online backup service that has gained popularity for its streamlined approach to data protection.

Our comprehensive review dives into why Backblaze may be your best bet in keeping your files safe and sound, offering peace of mind with robust security features.

Key Takeaways

• Backblaze simplifies data protection with unlimited automatic backups and B2 Cloud Storage, offering an accessible solution for both personal use and businesses at a competitive cost.
• The service provides robust security features such as 2048 bit public/private key encryption and AES 128 bit encryption, along with options for users to manage their own encryption keys for added privacy.
• With its user – friendly interface on desktop clients, online platforms, and mobile apps, Backblaze enables easy navigation and management of backup processes including scheduling, speed throttling, file restoration options.
• Backblaze’s pricing structure includes affordable flat rates per device for personal and business plans with additional savings available through annual prepayment discounts.
• Restoring files is straightforward using the web platform or mailed drives from Backblaze; however, download speeds may be slower than upload speeds during this process.

Overview of Backblaze

Backblaze offers B2 Cloud Storage and Computer Backup solutions for individuals and businesses, providing affordable object storage and unlimited automatic backups to the Backblaze Storage Cloud.

The company is trusted by over 500,000 customers, including well-known brands such as Streamlabs and Canal +.

Foundation and history of Backblaze

In 2007, the quest for uncomplicated online storage and data backup led Gleb Budman and Brian Wilson to establish Backblaze. They set up their headquarters in San Mateo, California, aiming to transform cloud storage by making it accessible for all.

Their pioneering service broke new ground with an offer of unlimited data backup for a flat fee — just $5 a month at the time.

This innovative approach quickly positioned Backblaze as a game-changer in the realm of data protection and recovery. With their focus on simplicity and affordability, they democratized cloud backup solutions, usually reserved for tech-savvy users or businesses with deep pockets.

Their commitment has made secure file backup not only possible but easy for countless individuals and companies worldwide.

Key products and services

Building on its solid foundation, Backblaze stands out with its high-quality products and services designed to meet the needs of individuals and companies alike. The B2 Cloud Storage offers a robust solution for storing and managing data online, providing users with S3 compatibility and seamless integration capabilities.

This platform serves as an indispensable tool for creating, collaborating on, and securely managing content.

Furthermore, Backblaze’s Computer Backup service offers peace of mind by delivering unlimited automatic backups to their secure cloud environment. Home users find simplicity in safeguarding personal files while businesses benefit from comprehensive workstation backups essential for maintaining business continuity.

With enterprise-grade security measures in place, clients can trust that their precious data is both private and well-protected during every step of the backup process.

The Cost of Backblaze

Backblaze offers a straightforward and affordable pricing model for its online backup services. Unlimited data backup is available at a monthly cost that makes securing your files a no-brainer.

Users can opt for the personal plan which costs $9 per month if going month-to-month, or save money by paying annually, bringing the price down to $8.25 per month – an option many find attractive for long-term cloud storage solutions.

Those looking to shave off additional costs from their subscription fee can benefit from an annual prepayment that includes a 15% discount across all plans. This deal underscores Backblaze’s commitment to providing value-packed services for both personal and business use, ensuring that data security does not come with an exorbitant price tag.

With unlimited storage capacity at your disposal, investing in this service guarantees peace of mind without putting pressure on your wallet.

Getting Started with Backblaze

After understanding the cost and pricing structure of Backblaze, let’s delve into how to get started with this online backup service. Here is a detailed guide on how to navigate the initial steps and make the most out of your experience:

1. Sign up for a subscription on the Backblaze website by choosing a plan that best suits your needs.
2. Download and install the Backblaze client on your device, ensuring compatibility with your operating system.
3. Upon installation, initiate the backup process by selecting the files and folders you want to safeguard and set any preferences or customization options provided by Backblaze.
4. Familiarize yourself with accessing and restoring backed-up data through the user-friendly interface, either through the desktop application or mobile app.
5. Explore additional features offered by Backblaze, such as scheduled backups, bandwidth throttling, and managing multiple devices under one account.
6. Set up multifactor authentication and private encryption keys for an added layer of security to protect your data throughout the backup process.

User Interface of Backblaze

The user interface of Backblaze offers a seamless experience, whether on desktop or mobile. With intuitive navigation and user-friendly design, accessing and managing your backed-up files is a breeze.

To learn more about the ease of use and functionality of Backblaze’s user interface, keep reading!

Desktop Interface

The desktop interface of Backblaze offers a user-friendly design, making it easy for users to navigate and initiate streamlined backup processes. With accessible backup settings, users can conveniently customize their backup schedules and select specific file types for the most efficient data protection.

Real-time status updates keep users informed about the progress of their backups, providing peace of mind knowing that their files are securely stored. Additionally, enhanced security features ensure that data is safeguarded through two-factor authentication options, further bolstering the reliability of the backup management interface.

Designed with user convenience in mind, the desktop interface empowers individuals to take control of their data protection effortlessly while benefiting from advanced features such as customizable backup schedules and streamlined access to vital information.

Mobile App Interface

Transitioning from the desktop interface to the mobile app interface, Backblaze offers a user-friendly and efficient experience for regular data backups. The streamlined interface allows for easy navigation and quick access to backup features.

Users have the convenience of running uploads on up to 100 separate threads, ensuring excellent upload speed for backing up their data seamlessly. However, it’s important to note that downloading may be slower due to the sluggish downloader.

Despite this limitation, users can rely on the mobile app interface for its simplicity and efficiency in managing their backup processes.

Backblaze’s Security and Privacy Measures

Backblaze enhances security with multi-factor authentication and integration with G-Suite single sign-on. The service employs 2048 bit public/private keys, AES 128 bit encryption, and allows users to manage their own encryption keys.

Additionally, Backblaze ensures data confidentiality with AES 128-bit encryption for data at rest and in transit. Physical data centers are safeguarded using biometric security measures and protection against natural disasters.

Users’ privacy is prioritized by Backblaze, as the service only accesses files with user consent for core functionality purposes. It collects minimal user data confined to the information provided and complies with GDPR regulations as well as EU/Swiss Privacy Shield for international data transfers.

Moving on to how Backblaze handles Data Restoration..

How Backblaze Handles Data Restoration

After understanding the security and privacy measures in place, it’s essential to know how Backblaze handles data restoration. Here is a detailed look at the process:

1. Backblaze offers the ability to back up or restore via a mailed drive.
2. When restoring files from a backup, users need to log into the online platform.
3. The download process can be sluggish and prone to crashing.
4. Data recovery involves navigating through the interface for file retrieval.
5. Users have multiple recovery options for their online storage.
6. The restore process includes checking the download speed before completion.

Speed of Backblaze’s Backup Process

In backup speed tests, Backblaze demonstrated efficiency by taking around 27 minutes to upload 1GB files initially. After modifying settings, the average backup time reduced significantly to a speedy 13 minutes and 34 seconds.

This remarkable improvement is attributed to Backblaze’s use of a block-level algorithm that efficiently backs up only the parts of files that have changed, ensuring swift and efficient backups.

Speed tests further revealed excellent upload speeds, with the capability to run uploads on up to 100 separate threads. However, it’s important to note that downloading may be slower due to the sluggish downloader.

For large backups, Backblaze offers a convenient shipping service where users can opt for a USB flash drive or external hard drive containing their data.

Moving forward in this review, we will explore the advanced features offered by Backblaze and how they cater to specific user needs.

Features of Backblaze

Backblaze offers advanced online backup features, unlimited backup for businesses, and the ability to exclude specific files from being backed up. Learn more about how Backblaze can meet your data backup needs.

Advanced Online Backup Features

Backblaze offers advanced online backup features that cater to the needs of both individual users and businesses. Below are key features that make Backblaze a leader in the industry:

1. B2 Cloud Storage: Backblaze provides cost-effective object storage for servers, media, and more, offering competitive pricing compared to traditional providers.
2. Media Archive: Backblaze’s active media archive and workflows enable content creation, collaboration, and efficient management of media assets.
3. Automatic Backups: Users benefit from unlimited and automatic backups to the Backblaze Storage Cloud for both personal and business workstations.
4. Encryption: Backblaze employs a robust encryption method utilizing 2048-bit public/private keys and AES 128-bit keys that change with every backup session. Users have the option to manage their encryption keys independently.
5. Physical Backups: In addition to cloud-based storage, users can opt for physical backups by having their data sent on a USB flash drive or external hard drive provided by Backblaze.

Unlimited Backup for Businesses

Backblaze offers businesses the advantage of unlimited backup, ensuring endless data storage without constraints. This feature allows for flexible backup options, accommodating large files and providing a streamlined process for seamless data protection.

With affordable pricing at $7.88 per month, businesses can enjoy peace of mind knowing that their valuable information is securely stored with no capacity restrictions.

Businesses benefit from the option to back up large volumes of data through USB flash drives or external hard drives, catering to varying needs with ease. Backblaze’s commitment to delivering a seamless experience for regular backups empowers businesses to prioritize data security and reliability while optimizing operational efficiency.

Backup Exclusions

To customize your backup and exclude specific files or folders, use these options provided by Backblaze:

1. Selective Exclusions: Tailor your backup by omitting specific files or folders that you don’t want to include in the backup process.
2. Customized Backup: Avoid including certain file types based on your preferences or needs, ensuring a tailored backup experience.
3. Exclude List Creation: Create a list of specific items to skip during the backup process, offering complete control over what gets backed up.
4. Limiting Backup Scope: Customize the backup to only include specific data, allowing you to avoid backing up unnecessary files or directories.
5. Specific Folder Exclusion: Choose which folders to exclude from the backup, providing flexibility and customization options for your data protection needs.
6. Personalized Exclusions: Customize your backup experience by selecting particular folders or file types for exclusion, ensuring that only relevant data is included in the backup.

Backblaze’s Pricing Structure for Multiple Devices

Backblaze’s pricing structure is simplified, focusing on providing flat rates for unlimited data backup per device. Here’s how it breaks down for multiple devices:

Each device requires an individual plan, with the personal and business backups priced identically. For those with multiple devices, this means subscribing to multiple plans, each providing the same level of unlimited storage. The B2 Cloud Storage offers a pay-as-you-use model, which could be more cost-effective for users with varying storage needs across multiple devices.

Expanding beyond individual needs, Backblaze’s user experience encompasses a range of platforms.

Backblaze’s User Experience

Backblaze offers a seamless user experience with its desktop client, website, and mobile app. The intuitive interfaces make it easy for users to navigate and manage their backups efficiently.

Windows & Mac Desktop Client

Backblaze offers a user-friendly desktop client for both Windows and Mac, providing an intuitive interface for seamless data backup. Users can conveniently schedule backups, select specific files for backup, and manage bandwidth limits through the desktop client.

The customizable settings empower users to tailor their backup preferences and monitor the status of their backups with ease.

Additionally, the desktop client enables swift file restoration, enhancing the overall user experience by offering a comprehensive suite of features to facilitate efficient data management on both Windows and Mac platforms.

Website and Mobile App

Backblaze offers a user-friendly website and mobile app, allowing seamless management of online backups. The interface is designed to be highly accessible, providing easy navigation for users to manage their data efficiently.

With a focus on simplicity and functionality, the website and mobile app enable users to upload data with ease and manage their online storage effectively.

Users can benefit from a user-friendly interface that ensures smooth accessibility and efficient data management. While the service provides fast upload speeds, it’s important to note that downloading data may take longer in comparison.

File Backup & Restoration: An In-depth Look

Explore the step-by-step process of backing up your files with Backblaze, including scheduling and speed throttling options. Then, dive into the seamless data restoration capabilities that make file recovery a breeze.

The Backblaze Backup Process

The Backblaze backup process automatically backs up data to the Backblaze Storage Cloud for home and business workstations. It offers real-time file change monitoring for continuous backups, scheduled daily backups, and manual backup options. The encryption method uses 2048-bit public/private keys and AES 128-bit keys that change for every backup session. Additionally, Backblaze demonstrates excellent upload speed, with the ability to run uploads on up to 100 separate threads. Data restoration is seamless and efficient with Backblaze’s advanced backup process.

Backup Scheduling and Speed Throttling

Backblaze offers automatic backups, allowing users to schedule backups at specific times for consistent data protection. Users can control the speed of their backups by throttling upload speeds, preventing interference with other internet activities. This feature provides the following benefits:

1. Automated Backup Scheduling: Backblaze enables users to set up automated backup schedules based on their preferences and timeframes.
2. Consistent Data Protection: The scheduled backups ensure that data is consistently protected without requiring manual intervention.
3. Speed Throttling: Users have the option to manage upload speeds, preventing disruptions to other internet activities and ensuring a smooth backup process.
4. Bandwidth Management: The option for speed throttling allows for effective bandwidth management, optimizing the backup process without impacting other online tasks.
5. Upload Speed Control: Users have control over the upload speed, providing flexibility in managing backup processes based on available internet bandwidth.
6. Internet Activity Interference Prevention: Throttling upload speeds helps prevent any interference or slowdown in other internet activities during the backup process.
7. Backup Frequency Setting: Users can define how often they want their data to be backed up, customizing the frequency based on their specific requirements.
8. Data Protection Scheduling: The scheduling feature ensures that data backups are performed according to a set timetable, enhancing overall data protection measures.

Restoring Your Backblaze Cloud Backup

Restoring your Backblaze cloud backup is a straightforward process with several key steps to consider:

1. Select the desired files or folders for restoration from the Backblaze user interface.
2. Choose the method of restoration, which can include downloading files directly from the web interface or requesting a physical drive shipment for larger data sets.
3. Utilize the real – time file change monitoring feature to ensure that any recent modifications are included in the restored backup.
4. Take advantage of Backblaze’s flexible scheduling options to initiate manual backups or set up automated daily backups for added peace of mind.
5. Use the robust encryption methods employed by Backblaze to ensure the security and integrity of your restored data.
6. Leverage Backblaze’s continuous backup capabilities to maintain an up-to-date copy of your files, allowing for seamless restoration when needed.
7. Benefit from the option of restoring specific versions of files, providing additional flexibility and control over your data restoration process.
8. Take into account any privacy laws and regulations that Backblaze adheres to, ensuring that your restored data is handled with strict privacy measures in place.
9. Access dedicated support systems provided by Backblaze to assist with any questions or issues encountered during the restoration process.
10. Evaluate your overall user experience with Backblaze’s restoration features, considering factors such as speed, ease of use, and reliability when accessing restored backups.

Review of Backblaze’s Security Measures

Backblaze employs robust security measures, including private encryption key handling and compliance with data privacy laws, to ensure the safety and protection of your valuable data.

To learn more about how Backblaze excels in safeguarding your information, continue reading our comprehensive review.

Backblaze’s Private Encryption Key Handling

Backblaze uses 2048 bit public/private keys and AES 128 bit key for encryption, providing a robust security system. Users have the option to manage their own encryption keys, ensuring full control over their data privacy.

However, it’s important to note that the flawed implementation of private keys by the company leaves potential vulnerabilities in the event of compromised networks or servers.

Zero-knowledge encryption is not automatically enabled, posing a concern regarding data security. In addition, file restoration requires users to provide Backblaze with their private encryption key via the web client, which can be seen as a barrier to convenient access and an extra step that raises some security questions.

Privacy Aspects of Backblaze

Backblaze takes data privacy seriously and adheres to strict privacy laws and policies. Understanding how Backblaze handles your personal information is crucial for ensuring the security of your data in the cloud.

Privacy Laws Backblaze Adheres to

Backblaze adheres to privacy laws and regulations by collecting personal data for account setup and maintenance, ensuring confidentiality of files stored on its servers, and obtaining user consent before accessing files.

The company shares some data with third-party service providers but only discloses information if required by law. Backblaze is committed to upholding privacy aspects such as GDPR compliance and adherence to the EU/Swiss Privacy Shield for international data transfers.

The privacy policy explicitly outlines the handling of personal information, emphasizing the protection of user data and transparency in its practices. By prioritizing user consent, confidentiality, and compliance with relevant privacy laws, Backblaze ensures a secure environment for users to store their important data while maintaining full control over their privacy settings.

Backblaze’s Privacy Policy

Backblaze’s Privacy Policy outlines how personal data is collected and used for setting up and maintaining accounts. The policy also addresses the sharing of data with third-party service providers while emphasizing the disclosure of information when required by law.

Users are provided with encryption technology, including 2048-bit public/private keys and an AES 128-bit key that changes during each backup session, offering added security measures.

Additionally, Backblaze offers multi-factor authentication and integrates with G-Suite single sign-on to enhance user security.

Backblaze’s Support Systems

Backblaze offers a responsive support ticket system, ensuring timely assistance within 24 hours. Additionally, they provide live chat support during regular business hours on weekdays, catering to customer queries in real time.

Their customer service approach is focused on prompt and efficient solutions for users.

Moreover, Backblaze’s online backup service includes advanced features such as real-time file change monitoring for continuous backup, scheduled daily backups, and manual backup options.

These capabilities empower users with flexible and reliable data preservation methods tailored to their specific needs.

Moving forward to the next sub-heading “Poised to Excel: Why Backblaze is a Leader in Online Backup Services,” let’s explore further reasons behind the company’s prominent position in the industry.

Poised to Excel: Why Backblaze is a Leader in Online Backup Services

Backblaze stands out as a leader in online backup services due to its robust offerings for both personal and business use. Backblaze’s competitive pricing, reliable performance, and exceptional security measures make it a top choice for those seeking cloud storage and data protection solutions.

The company’s commitment to user satisfaction is evident through its easy-to-use interface, advanced features like file sharing and multifactor authentication, making it an ideal option for individuals and businesses alike.

With over 500,000 trusted customers, including well-known companies such as Streamlabs and Canal+, Backblaze continues to excel as a leading provider of secure online backup services.

Moving forward into the next section: “17. Conclusion,” readers can explore how the comprehensive evaluation of Backblaze sheds light on its effectiveness as an online backup service provider.

Conclusion

In summary, selecting the best online backup service for your data is crucial in ensuring its security and accessibility. With Backblaze’s robust features like unlimited cloud storage, strong encryption methods, and cost-effective options, it stands out as a top choice for individuals and businesses alike.

Its seamless user experience and reliable customer support further enhance its appeal. Ultimately, choosing Backblaze means entrusting your valuable data to a reputable and innovative online backup service that prioritizes both security and convenience.

(Image credit: Backblaze)

Frequently Asked Questions