Backblaze is a cloud storage solution that offers unlimited backup and storage at affordable prices. While it excels in these areas, it lacks certain features and customization options. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of Backblaze and discuss its security, privacy, and customer support. Here are the key takeaways:
Key Takeaways
- Backblaze offers unlimited backup and storage at reasonable prices.
- The interface is easy to use and the upload speeds are fast.
- However, Backblaze lacks features like file syncing, mobile app, and local backup option.
- Data encryption, privacy policy, and two-factor authentication ensure security and privacy.
- Customer support is available 24/7 and includes a knowledge base and community forum.
What is Backblaze?
Overview of Backblaze
Backblaze is an established name in the cloud backup business. It offers user-friendly clients, affordability, and collaboration features such as file syncing and sharing. With Backblaze, you can easily back up your computer files and enjoy unlimited storage at reasonable prices. However, Backblaze may not be suitable for users who require advanced customization options.
How Backblaze works
Backblaze takes a simple and straightforward approach to online backup. The application is designed with just two basic panels: one for the backup status and one for adjusting settings. This minimalist design philosophy makes Backblaze easy to use, but it also means that customization options are limited. However, Backblaze excels in security, with strong encryption, hardened data centers, and two-factor authentication. The service ensures that your data is protected from accidents or theft. It’s important to note that Backblaze’s approach to zero-knowledge encryption has some flaws in the recovery process.
Features of Backblaze
Backblaze offers several key features that make it a popular choice for cloud backup:
- Unlimited cloud backup: Backblaze provides unlimited storage space for backing up all your files and data.
- Reasonable pricing: Backblaze offers affordable pricing plans, with options for both monthly and yearly subscriptions.
- Fast upload speeds: Backblaze utilizes advanced technology to ensure fast and efficient upload speeds for backing up your data.
- No file size limits: Backblaze allows you to back up files of any size, without any restrictions.
These features make Backblaze a convenient and reliable solution for protecting your important files and data.
Pros of Backblaze
Affordable pricing
Backblaze offers competitive pricing for its cloud storage solutions. With prices starting at just $0.005 per gigabyte per month for storage and $0.01 per gigabyte for downloading data, Backblaze B2 is an affordable option for individuals and businesses. The cost-effectiveness of Backblaze B2 makes it an attractive choice for those looking for reliable and affordable cloud storage solutions. In addition to its affordable pricing, Backblaze also provides features such as encryption, data redundancy, and scalability, ensuring the security and accessibility of stored data.
Unlimited storage
One of the major advantages of Backblaze is its unlimited storage. With Backblaze, you don’t have to worry about running out of space for your files. Whether you have a large collection of photos, videos, or documents, Backblaze provides you with the freedom to store as much data as you need. This is especially beneficial for individuals and businesses that deal with large amounts of data on a regular basis.
In addition to unlimited storage, Backblaze also offers a range of features to enhance your storage experience. These include automatic backups, easy file recovery, and the ability to access your files from anywhere using the Backblaze web interface or mobile app.
To give you an idea of the value Backblaze offers, let’s compare it to other cloud storage providers. While some providers offer a limited amount of free storage and charge additional fees for more space, Backblaze gives you unlimited storage at a competitive price. This means you can store all your files without worrying about exceeding storage limits or incurring extra costs.
Overall, the unlimited storage feature of Backblaze makes it a convenient and cost-effective solution for individuals and businesses in need of reliable and scalable cloud storage.
Easy to use interface
Backblaze offers an easy-to-use interface that allows users to quickly navigate and access their files. The interface is intuitive and user-friendly, making it suitable for both experienced users and those who are new to cloud storage. With its simple design and clear organization, users can easily find the files they need and perform actions such as uploading, downloading, and sharing with just a few clicks. The easy-to-use interface of Backblaze ensures a smooth and efficient user experience.
Automatic backups
One of the key advantages of Backblaze is its automatic backup feature. With Backblaze, you don’t have to worry about manually selecting and backing up your files. The software runs in the background and continuously backs up your data, ensuring that you never lose important files. This feature is especially useful for those who tend to forget to back up their files regularly or for those who want a hassle-free backup solution.
Additionally, Backblaze offers unlimited storage, so you don’t have to worry about running out of space for your backups. You can back up as many files as you need without any limitations. This is particularly beneficial for users who have large amounts of data or who frequently work with multimedia files.
In summary, Backblaze’s automatic backup feature provides convenience and peace of mind, while the unlimited storage ensures that you can back up all your important files without restrictions.
Cons of Backblaze
No file syncing
One of the missing features of Backblaze is the lack of file syncing. Unlike some other cloud storage providers, Backblaze does not offer automatic file syncing between devices. This means that if you make changes to a file on one device, those changes will not automatically be reflected on your other devices. You would need to manually upload the updated file to Backblaze on each device. This can be inconvenient and time-consuming, especially if you frequently work on multiple devices.
Limited file versioning
File versioning is an important feature to consider when choosing a cloud storage solution. It allows you to store multiple versions of a document over time, which can be useful if you need to revert back to a previous version. Unfortunately, Backblaze has limited file versioning capabilities. While it does keep previous versions of your files, it does not offer the ability to easily access or restore specific versions. This means that if you make a mistake or accidentally overwrite a file, it may be difficult to recover the exact version you need. If file versioning is a critical requirement for your workflow, you may want to consider alternative cloud storage providers that offer more robust versioning options.
No mobile app
One of the missing features of Backblaze is the absence of a mobile app. While Backblaze does offer a desktop app for Windows, Mac, and Linux, there is no dedicated app for Android or iOS devices. This means that users cannot directly access their B2 cloud storage or perform actions such as uploading or downloading files from their mobile devices. Instead, users have to rely on the web interface to access their storage and perform these tasks. However, it is worth noting that the Backblaze mobile app does allow users to access their B2 cloud storage and download files from it, although certain limitations exist. For example, there are no thumbnail previews when selecting files, so users need to double-check the file name before downloading to avoid any mistakes.
No local backup option
One drawback of Backblaze is the lack of a local backup option. While Backblaze offers online backup, it does not provide the option to back up files to an external hard drive or other local storage device. This means that if you prefer to have a physical copy of your files stored locally, Backblaze may not be the best choice for you.
Security and Privacy
Data encryption
Data encryption is a crucial aspect of any cloud storage service. It ensures that your data remains secure and protected from unauthorized access. Backblaze uses AES-256 encryption, which is one of the most secure encryption algorithms available today. This encryption standard guarantees that your data is scrambled and can only be unscrambled with the correct encryption key. Additionally, Backblaze employs client-side encryption, which means that your data stays encrypted and secure throughout the entire transfer process. This ensures that even the cloud service provider has no access to your unencrypted data. With these encryption measures in place, you can have peace of mind knowing that your data is safe and protected.
Privacy policy
The privacy policy is a little lengthy, but Backblaze has broken it down into sections, making it easier to manage. Backblaze fully complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). GDPR is designed to protect how personal information is collected and stored. Backblaze will collect information such as my email address and password required to log in. My phone number will also need to be stored if I activate two-factor authentication. However, I can relax knowing Backblaze won’t share my information with third parties without my permission.
Two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a crucial security feature offered by Backblaze. By enabling 2FA in your account settings, you add an extra layer of protection to prevent unauthorized access. Each time you log in, you will be prompted to enter an additional code that is sent to your mobile device. This code is randomized every time it is sent, ensuring that even if someone manages to obtain your password, they won’t be able to log into your account without the one-time password from your 2FA-linked device.
To further enhance security on the mobile app, Backblaze also offers fingerprint login. This feature adds an additional layer of protection to prevent unauthorized access in case your phone is compromised.
By enabling two-factor authentication, you can have peace of mind knowing that your Backblaze account is well-protected against potential security threats.
Customer Support
24/7 support
Backblaze offers 24/7 customer support to assist users with any issues or questions they may have. Whether you need help setting up your backup, troubleshooting an error, or simply have a general inquiry, their support team is available around the clock to provide assistance. You can reach them through email or live chat, ensuring that you can get the help you need in a timely manner. Backblaze also has a comprehensive knowledge base and a community forum where users can find answers to common questions and engage with other users.
Knowledge base
A knowledge base is a valuable resource for users of Backblaze. It provides a comprehensive collection of articles, tutorials, and guides that cover various topics related to using the service. Users can search for specific topics or browse through different categories to find the information they need. The knowledge base is regularly updated with new content to ensure that users have access to the latest information and solutions. It is a great tool for troubleshooting common issues, learning about advanced features, and getting the most out of Backblaze.
Community forum
The community forum is a valuable resource for Backblaze users to connect with each other, share experiences, and seek help and advice. It provides a platform for users to ask questions, discuss features, and troubleshoot issues. The forum is moderated by Backblaze staff, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for users. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, the community forum is a great place to learn from others and contribute to the Backblaze community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Backblaze offers unlimited cloud backup and reasonable pricing, making it a go-to solution for those prioritizing ease of backing up computer files. However, it lacks customization options and certain features like image-based backup and mobile backup. Despite these limitations, Backblaze is a reliable and affordable choice for individuals and businesses in need of cloud storage. With its unlimited pay-as-you-go plan and support for third-party integrations, Backblaze B2 provides ample storage space and file versioning options. While it may not have the most advanced features, it offers a user-friendly experience and competitive pricing. Overall, Backblaze is a solid option for those seeking a straightforward and cost-effective cloud storage solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Backblaze?
Backblaze is a cloud storage solution that offers unlimited backup and storage for computer files at affordable prices.
How does Backblaze work?
Backblaze works by automatically backing up your computer files to their servers, ensuring that your data is safely stored in the cloud.
What are the features of Backblaze?
Some of the features of Backblaze include unlimited storage, easy-to-use interface, automatic backups, and fast upload speeds.
What are the pros of Backblaze?
The pros of Backblaze include affordable pricing, unlimited storage, easy-to-use interface, and automatic backups.
What are the cons of Backblaze?
The cons of Backblaze include no file syncing, limited file versioning, no mobile app, and no local backup option.
How is the security and privacy of Backblaze?
Backblaze ensures data encryption, has a privacy policy, and offers two-factor authentication for enhanced security and privacy.
