Carbonite vs Backblaze Business: Which Fits Your Team?

For teams choosing between Carbonite and Backblaze Business, Backblaze Business Backup generally offers better value with unlimited storage and simpler pricing, while Carbonite provides more granular admin controls and compliance features. This article compares both services across cost, features, security, and usability to help you decide which fits your team’s needs.

Background: Two Approaches to Cloud Backup

Carbonite and Backblaze are both well-known cloud backup providers, but they target different market segments. Carbonite has been a staple in small-business backup for over a decade, focusing on managed IT environments with features like centralized administration and compliance support. Backblaze, originally a consumer backup service, expanded into business with a simpler, more affordable model that emphasizes unlimited storage and ease of use. Understanding these origins helps explain their differing philosophies: Carbonite prioritizes control and compliance, while Backblaze prioritizes simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

How Each Service Works

Carbonite Business: Carbonite offers several plans (e.g., Core, Power, Ultimate) that add features like external drive backup, server backup, and hybrid cloud options. It uses continuous backup for files, with a client that runs in the background. Administrators manage users via a web dashboard, and can set policies, monitor backups, and perform restores. Carbonite also offers a “Safe” feature for local backup copies and supports Microsoft 365 backup in higher tiers.

Backblaze Business: Backblaze Business Backup is a per-computer unlimited backup service. It also offers a separate product called B2 Cloud Storage for object storage, but the backup service is the direct competitor to Carbonite. The client is straightforward: install, select files (or use default), and it backs up continuously. Admin features include user management, reporting, and two-factor authentication. Backblaze also offers a “Computer Backup” group policy for IT.

Cost Comparison

Pricing models differ significantly. Carbonite charges per computer (or per server) with tiered pricing based on features. For example, a typical per-computer plan might be around $60-$100 per year, but server and database backup cost more. Backblaze Business charges a flat rate per computer per year, currently around $60, which includes unlimited storage. For teams with many computers or large data volumes, Backblaze is usually cheaper. However, Carbonite’s higher tiers include features like SQL and Exchange backup, which Backblaze does not offer directly—you would need to use their B2 cloud storage with third-party tools for those workloads.

Key Features Compared

• Unlimited storage: Both offer unlimited for computer backup, but Carbonite’s server plans may have caps or additional costs.
• External drive backup: Carbonite includes it in higher tiers; Backblaze includes it by default on all plans.
• File versioning: Both keep multiple versions; Carbonite allows up to 30 days (or longer with add-ons), Backblaze keeps versions for 1 year or until you delete them.
• Admin controls: Carbonite offers more granular controls (e.g., per-user policies, compliance reports). Backblaze has basic user management and reporting.
• Server and database backup: Carbonite has dedicated plans; Backblaze does not, but you can use B2 with third-party tools.
• Security: Both use AES-256 encryption in transit and at rest. Backblaze offers private encryption keys (you manage them), while Carbonite also supports key management.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

A common misconception is that “unlimited” means you can back up anything, but both services have fair-use policies—they may throttle or restrict if you abuse the service (e.g., backing up server data on a computer plan). Another issue: Backblaze’s default excludes certain file types (like operating system files) and has a 100GB per file limit (which can be increased with a support request). Carbonite has similar file size limits (up to 100GB per file in higher tiers). Users often complain about slow initial backups, which is common with any cloud backup over typical upload speeds. Both offer external drive seeding (you mail a drive) for large initial backups, but Carbonite includes it in some plans, while Backblaze charges extra.

How to Choose for Your Team

Consider the following factors when deciding:

1. Data volume and type: If you have servers or databases, Carbonite’s specialized plans may be necessary. If it’s just desktops/laptops, Backblaze is simpler.
2. Budget: Backblaze is generally cheaper per computer. Calculate total cost for your number of devices.
3. Admin needs: If you need strict policy enforcement and compliance reporting, Carbonite is stronger.
4. Ease of use: Backblaze is more user-friendly for non-technical teams; Carbonite’s dashboard is more complex but powerful.
5. Restore options: Both offer file download and drive delivery (Backblaze’s restore by mail is free for a limited time; Carbonite offers similar).
6. Third-party integrations: If you need to back up Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, Carbonite has built-in options; Backblaze requires using B2 with tools like CloudBerry.

Security and Compliance

Both services are SOC 2 Type II certified and GDPR compliant. Carbonite offers additional compliance features for HIPAA and other regulations, including advanced audit logs and data residency options. Backblaze provides basic compliance but not the same depth. For teams in regulated industries, Carbonite is often the safer choice. However, both allow you to use your own encryption keys, which is critical for data privacy. Note that Backblaze’s “private key” option means if you lose your key, you lose access to your data—there is no recovery.

Alternatives to Consider

If neither fits, other options include: Datto (for MSPs), Acronis Cyber Protect (with integrated security), IDrive (competitive pricing with sync features), and Veeam (for server-heavy environments). For pure object storage, AWS S3 or Azure Blob are options but require more setup. Always test with a trial to see which interface your team prefers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Backblaze back up a server?

Backblaze Business Backup is designed for desktops and laptops, not servers. If you need server backup, you can use Backblaze B2 with third-party software like CloudBerry or Veeam, but that adds complexity and cost. Carbonite offers dedicated server plans that include SQL and Exchange support.

Which is faster for initial backup?

Both are limited by your upload speed. However, Backblaze offers a “Seeding” option where you send a hard drive to them for an initial backup, which can be faster for large data. Carbonite also offers drive seeding but may require a higher plan. In our experience, Backblaze’s client is lighter on system resources.

Can I restore files from a deleted computer?

Both services allow you to restore files from a deleted computer as long as you have an active account. Backblaze keeps data for 30 days after deletion (or longer if you pay for extended history). Carbonite also retains data for a period, but you must contact support to restore after cancellation.

Do they support external hard drives?

Yes, both back up external drives. Backblaze includes external drive backup by default, while Carbonite only includes it in higher tiers (Power and Ultimate). Note that you must have the drive connected at least once every 30 days to keep it backed up.

What happens if I exceed the file size limit?

Both have a default limit of 100GB per file (Backblaze can raise it if you ask, Carbonite’s limit is 100GB on most plans). If you have larger files, you’ll need to compress them or use a different solution. Check with support for exact limits on your plan.

Is there a free trial?

Both offer free trials: Carbonite gives 15 days, Backblaze gives 15 days as well. Use the trial to test restore speed and admin features with your actual data.

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