Backblaze Review: Unlimited Cloud Backup Pricing and Data Recovery Process

Backblaze review centers on its Personal Backup service, which supplies unlimited storage for one computer and attached external drives. The company, a public entity listed on NASDAQ as BLZE, launched the service to handle straightforward, automated backups for Mac and Windows users across more than 175 countries. Approximately 500,000 customers rely on it for continuous file protection without size or type restrictions.

Backblaze Pricing and Core Backup Capabilities

Personal Backup costs $9 per month, $99 per year, or $189 for two years, equating to roughly $7.88 monthly on the longest plan. Each license covers one computer, with a 15-day free trial that requires no credit card. Business Backup matches the $99 annual rate per machine but adds centralized admin controls. B2 object storage operates separately on a pay-as-you-go basis at $6.95 per terabyte monthly after the first 10 GB, which are free.

Key features include continuous automated backups, support for external drives, AES-128 encryption with an optional private key, and 30 days of version history by default. Users can extend history to one year at no extra cost or select the Forever option for an additional fee. The service publishes quarterly drive reliability statistics and emphasizes transparency in its operations. No file size or format limits apply, and a locate-my-computer tool helps track devices.

Restoration occurs through free web downloads limited to 500 GB per request or via mailed encrypted USB or hard drives. Preparation for mailed drives takes one to two business days per terabyte, with shipping handled by FedEx from the United States. Customers must return the drive within 30 days for a full refund, though return shipping costs fall on the user and accounts face a limit of five returns every 12 months.

Data Recovery, Security, and Reported User Experiences

Security relies on AES-128 encryption during transit and at rest, with the private-key option allowing users to control their own encryption. The company maintains data centers in the United States and does not publish specific third-party security certifications in its public materials. Restore reliability and support response times appear as frequent points of discussion among users.

Trustpilot shows an average rating near 1.9 out of 5 from 239 reviews, with common complaints involving unresponsive customer support, difficulties with auto-renewal billing, and occasional client bugs on macOS. Reddit threads mention incomplete backup sets and delays in receiving mailed drives. Professional review sites often assign scores between 8.3 and 9.2 out of 10, citing value from unlimited storage as a primary strength.

Compared with alternatives such as CrashPlan and IDrive, Backblaze provides simpler per-computer licensing without per-terabyte caps on the personal tier. CrashPlan typically charges higher annual fees for similar unlimited plans, while IDrive offers tiered storage with lower per-year costs but explicit limits on total data. Backblaze stands out for external drive coverage and the mailed-drive refund policy, yet it trails in multi-device support and documented support quality.

Limitations include the single-computer restriction on personal plans, potential costs for frequent mailed-drive returns, and reliance on customer-funded return shipping. Some users report restore delays during high-demand periods, and the default 30-day version history may prove insufficient for certain recovery scenarios without the paid extension. Pricing and restore terms remain subject to change and should be confirmed directly on the provider site.