- Backblaze alternatives at a glance
- Ten Backblaze alternatives to consider
- Change this Backblaze default if you keep it
- What to check in a backup service
- How to test a backup before you need it
- Backup mistakes to avoid
- Questions to ask a backup provider
- My plain advice on Backblaze alternatives
- Frequently asked questions
Backblaze alternatives are other ways to back up your computer or store files in the cloud, from backup apps that run on your machine to object storage services you send backups to. Pick a backup app if you want it hands-off, or object storage if you want control. Either way, test a restore before you trust it.
Backblaze made unlimited computer backup feel simple, and its B2 storage is popular with people who build their own backup setups. But it's not the only safe home for your files, and the right choice depends on how hands-on you want to be.
Here are ten Backblaze alternatives in no particular order, sorted alphabetically, from backup apps to cloud storage services. Each description comes from the vendor's own website, re-checked today. If you rely on chat apps for work files, my WhatsApp help guide covers chat backups too.
Decide whether you want a backup app or storage. A backup app watches your files and sends changes automatically. Object storage is a destination you point your own backup tool at.
Then think about restores. The whole point of a backup is getting files back quickly, so check how restores work before you pick.
Backblaze alternatives at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site describes a free version, free plan or open-source download, Trial only means a time-limited trial, and No means neither is stated. Free versions often come with limits, so check what's included before you rely on one.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arq Backup | App for encrypted backups | Back up to your own storage | Trial only |
| Cloudflare R2 | Object storage | Files you download often | Yes |
| Duplicati | Open-source backup | Free encrypted backups | Yes |
| Hetzner Storage Box | Online storage | Backups to European servers | No |
| IDrive | Cloud backup | Many devices, one account | Yes |
| Jottacloud | Cloud storage and backup | Norwegian data storage | Yes |
| Restic | Open-source backup tool | Command-line backups | Yes |
| Storj | Distributed cloud storage | S3-compatible decentralised storage | Trial only |
| Tarsnap | Encrypted backup service | Security-focused Unix backups | No |
| Wasabi | Object storage | Hot cloud storage | Trial only |
Ten Backblaze alternatives to consider
Arq Backup
Best for: People who want encrypted backups sent to the cloud storage of their choice.
Cloudflare R2
Best for: Developers who want S3-compatible storage for backups and files they download often.
Duplicati
Best for: People who want free, encrypted, scheduled backups to many cloud destinations.
Hetzner Storage Box
Best for: Users who want simple storage space for backups on servers in Europe.
IDrive
Best for: Households and small businesses backing up several computers and phones to one account.
Jottacloud
Best for: People who want backup and storage from a Norwegian provider.
Restic
Best for: Technical users who want fast, encrypted, deduplicated backups from the command line.
Storj
Best for: Developers who want S3-compatible storage spread across a distributed network.
Tarsnap
Best for: Security-minded Unix and Linux users who want strongly encrypted online backups.
Wasabi
Best for: Businesses who want S3-compatible storage for large backup archives.
Change this Backblaze default if you keep it
Here's the setting most people never look at. Backblaze's own help page says that by default it keeps a 30-day version history of your files. After 30 days, changed or deleted versions are removed, leaving only the current version.
The same page says newer versions of the app let you increase that to one year or forever. If you delete a folder and don't notice for six weeks, that setting is the difference between getting it back and losing it. Whatever you use, check how long deleted files are kept.
What to check in a backup service
- Retention: how long deleted and changed files are kept.
- Encryption: whether you can set your own private key.
- Restores: download, courier drive or both.
- Devices: computers, phones and external drives covered.
- Location: where your data is stored.
How to test a backup before you need it
- Back up a test folder with a mix of file types.
- Delete one file and restore it.
- Restore a whole folder to a different location.
- Check the restored files open correctly.
- Repeat the test every few months.
Backup mistakes to avoid
- Syncing instead of backing up. Sync copies deletions too.
- Losing the encryption key. Store it safely offline.
- Forgetting phones. Photos often live only there.
- Never testing restores. Test before you need it.
If you're reviewing every app you use, my subscription audit story shows how to spot the ones you don't need.
Questions to ask a backup provider
Backups are boring until the day you need one. These questions make sure that day goes smoothly.
- How long are deleted and changed files kept?
- Can I set my own encryption key?
- How do restores work for a whole computer?
- Where are my files stored?
- What happens if I forget to renew?
Keep the answers with your important documents. If the worst happens, you'll know exactly what to do.
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Do you make backup and storage tools? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on Backblaze alternatives
Keep two copies in different places, not one. A cloud backup plus a local drive covers most disasters, from a stolen laptop to a mistaken delete.
And test a restore today, not when you need it. A backup you've never restored is a hope, not a plan.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between backup and cloud storage?
Backup apps copy your files automatically. Cloud storage is a place to keep files or backups.
How long does Backblaze keep deleted files?
Its help page says 30 days by default, with options for one year or forever.
Is there a free Backblaze alternative?
Open-source backup apps are free, though you still need storage to send backups to.
Do I need to encrypt my backups?
It's wise. Many tools let you set a private key only you know.
Can I back up external drives?
Some services include them. Check how often they must be connected.
What's S3-compatible storage?
Storage that works with tools built for Amazon's S3 interface.
How often should backups run?
Continuous or daily backups suit most people.
What's deduplication?
It stores repeated data once, which saves space.
Can I restore files to a new computer?
Yes. Most services let you restore anywhere.
Is one backup enough?
Two copies in different places is safer.
Where should a small business store backups?
Somewhere separate from the office and from everyday file sharing.
How do I know a backup worked?
Restore a file and open it.
Can I back up a NAS?
Some services and backup apps support network drives. Check before you rely on it.
What's a courier restore?
Some providers can post your data on a drive, which helps when there's a lot to restore.
Should backups be encrypted before upload?
It's a good idea. Client-side encryption means only you can read the files.
