Backblaze suits people and businesses that want set-and-forget backup of everything on a Mac or PC, including connected external drives, with unlimited data. IDrive suits anyone backing up several computers, phones, servers or NAS boxes under one account, and it has a free Basic plan with 10 GB. IDrive also keeps up to 30 previous versions of each file without counting them against your storage, while Backblaze offers Forever version retention as an option.
Backup only gets attention after something breaks, so it pays to choose before that day. I read Backblaze's personal backup and plans pages and IDrive's home and plans pages to compare what each one protects and how you get your files back.
Backblaze and IDrive at a glance
| Backblaze | IDrive | |
|---|---|---|
| Data limit | Unlimited data backup | Set storage tiers, from 10 GB free |
| Devices | Your Mac or PC plus connected external drives | Computers, phones, servers and NAS |
| Free option | Free trial, no credit card | Basic plan with 10 GB |
| Version history | Multiple versions, Forever retention optional | Up to 30 previous versions, not counted against quota |
| Restore by post | USB drive, refunded if returned within 30 days | Not covered on the pages I read |
| Business plans | Business Backup and Enterprise Control | IDrive Team and Business |
Version history works differently on each
If ransomware or a bad edit ever hits your files, version history is what saves you, and the two companies handle it differently. IDrive says it retains up to 30 previous versions of every backed-up file and that those versions don't count against your storage quota. Backblaze says you can save multiple versions of the same file and offers extended version history with Forever retention as an option for an added charge. Check which history you'd need to roll back a month of damage.
Why people choose Backblaze
The pitch here is simplicity: automatic, unlimited backup of every photo, video and file on your Mac or PC, set once. Its plans page says all user-generated data is backed up from computers and connected external drives by default. Restores can come as downloads or by post on an encrypted USB drive, which Backblaze refunds if you send it back within 30 days, and the company says it's trusted by 500,000 customers in over 175 countries.
Backblaze is also clear about account security. It offers two-factor verification by TOTP and SMS on every account, and its Enterprise Control tier adds enhanced backup lockdowns, OIDC single sign-on and restricted restore access for teams that need tighter control over who can pull files back.
Why people choose IDrive
This service is built around one account covering many devices. Its Personal plan is for one user with multiple computers, while Team and Business plans cover unlimited users and back up servers, Exchange, SQL and NAS devices too, with direct options for Synology and QNAP. IDrive also makes a useful point on its home page: sync services like Google Drive, OneDrive and Dropbox mirror your files, so a deletion or ransomware encryption copies straight across, and that's not the same as a backup.
Five checks before you pick
- Count every device that needs backing up, phones included.
- Add up how much data you have, including external drives.
- Decide how far back you'd need to restore files.
- Check whether servers or a NAS box need covering.
- Do a test restore in the first week.
For the bigger picture, read my piece on email archiving versus email backup and this guide to using cloud storage at work.
My advice on Backblaze or IDrive
If you have one or two computers stuffed with large files and external drives, Backblaze's unlimited backup is the easy answer, and the mailed-drive restore is a lifesaver after a big loss. If you're protecting a household or a small team's mix of laptops, phones and maybe a NAS, IDrive's single account and 30-version history fit better, and its free 10 GB plan lets you test the app first. Either way, keep one copy offline as well, because no single service should hold your only backup.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Backblaze unlimited?
Yes. Backblaze says its Computer Backup is unlimited data backup for a Mac or PC, including connected external drives.
Does IDrive have a free plan?
Yes. IDrive Basic is free with 10 GB and needs no credit card.
How many file versions does IDrive keep?
IDrive says it retains up to 30 previous versions of every backed-up file, and those versions don't count against your storage quota.
Can Backblaze post my data to me?
Yes. Backblaze can send your data on an encrypted USB drive, and it refunds the drive if you mail it back within 30 days.
Is Dropbox or OneDrive a backup?
IDrive argues it isn't, because sync mirrors deletions and ransomware changes across your devices, while backup keeps history.
