Our verdict
Backblaze is the simpler, more predictable choice for backing up business laptops and desktops. Carbonite makes sense if you also need server backup from the same vendor or buy through an OpenText partner.
Backblaze and Carbonite both offer simple cloud backup for business computers. Backblaze Computer Backup is famous for unlimited data per computer at a flat price, plus inexpensive B2 cloud storage. Carbonite, part of OpenText, offers computer backup plans and server backup products for businesses that want one vendor for both.
Choose Backblaze if…
- You want unlimited backup per computer at a flat price
- You want a simple set-and-forget client
- You may use B2 cloud storage for servers or NAS
- You want courier restore options for large data sets
C Choose Carbonite if…
- You want one vendor for computer and server backup
- You need bundled backup with other OpenText security products
- You prefer quote-based professional plans
- You want image-based server backup options
Side by side
| Criterion | Backblaze | Carbonite |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 8.4 / 10 | 7.9 / 10 |
| Features & fit | 7.8 | 7.6 |
| Ease of use | 9.4 | 8.4 |
| Value for money | 9.2 | 7.4 |
| Support & reliability | 8.0 | 7.6 |
| Security & privacy | 8.4 | 8.4 |
| Integrations & ecosystem | 7.2 | 7.0 |
| Starting price (indicative) | Computer backup around $9 / computer / month (billed annually for less) | From around $6 / month per computer (billed annually) |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Laptop backup across a team | Small offices wanting simple backup |
Feature by feature
| Feature | Backblaze | Carbonite |
|---|---|---|
| Price (indicative) | ~ $9 / computer / month (unlimited data) | From ~ $6 / computer / month (annual) |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Unlimited data per computer | Yes | Varies by plan |
| Server backup | Via B2 and partners | Yes (server products) |
| Courier restore | Yes | Varies |
| Version history | 30 days default; extended options | Varies by plan |
| Admin console | Yes | Yes |
| Best fit | Simple, unlimited computer backup | Combined computer and server backup |
Pricing compared
Backblaze
| Plan | Indicative price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Backup | ≈ $9 / device / mo | Per computer; less on annual billing |
| B2 Cloud Storage | ≈ $6 / mo | Per TB stored per month |
C Carbonite
| Plan | Indicative price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Core | ≈ $6 / device / mo | Billed annually |
| Professional | Custom quote | Quote / bundle |
| Server | Custom quote | Quote |
| Team size | Backblaze | Carbonite |
|---|---|---|
| 5 seats | $6 (B2 Cloud Storage) | $30 (Core) |
| 10 seats | $6 (B2 Cloud Storage) | $60 (Core) |
| 25 seats | $6 (B2 Cloud Storage) | $150 (Core) |
Indicative USD list prices; excludes tax, add-ons and promotions. Confirm on each vendor’s site.
Pricing
Backblaze Computer Backup is around $9 per computer per month (less billed annually) with unlimited data. Carbonite's Core plan is around $6 per computer per month billed annually, with professional and server plans by quote.
Data limits
Backblaze backs up unlimited data per computer, including external drives that are connected regularly. Carbonite plans vary in what they include; check limits on your plan.
Servers and NAS
Backblaze B2 is low-cost object storage that many backup tools can target for servers and NAS. Carbonite offers dedicated server backup products.
Restores
Both allow web restores. Backblaze can ship data on a drive for large restores.
Admin
Both offer business admin consoles to manage computers and billing centrally.
Pros & cons
Backblaze
- Unlimited data per computer
- Very easy setup
- Low storage costs
- No SaaS app backup
- Limited server features
C Carbonite
- Automatic and easy
- Server and SaaS options
- Reputable vendor
- Price per computer adds up
- Less control
Key features of each
Backblaze
- Unlimited backup. Back up all files on each computer.
- Groups. Central management for businesses.
- B2 Cloud Storage. S3-compatible object storage.
- Version history. Configurable retention.
Integrates with: Windows, macOS, Synology, Veeam.
C Carbonite
- Automatic backup. Continuous file backup.
- Server backup. Images and databases.
- Microsoft 365 backup. Email and file protection.
- Versioning. Restore earlier versions.
Integrates with: Microsoft 365, Windows Server, SQL Server.
Who should avoid each
Skip Backblaze if…
- SaaS app backup
- Complex server imaging
Best for: Laptop backup across a team; Simple set-and-forget; Cheap S3-compatible storage (B2).
C Skip Carbonite if…
- Technical users wanting fine control
- Budget-first multi-device backup
Best for: Small offices wanting simple backup; Non-technical owners; Server backup needs.
Switching between Backblaze and Carbonite
Migration difficulty: Easy
Computer backup clients are easy to swap. Keep the old service until the new one has completed initial backups.
- Install the new client on each computer.
- Wait for the initial upload to complete (this can take days).
- Test restoring a few files from each computer.
- Uninstall the old client and cancel the subscription.
- Document the restore process for staff.
Weigh it your way
Adjust the weights to your priorities to see which tool comes out ahead for you. Print or export the result for your team.
| Tool | Features | Ease | Value | Support | Security | Integrations | Your score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Backblaze | 7.8 | 9.4 | 9.2 | 8.0 | 8.4 | 7.2 | 8.42 |
| 2. Carbonite | 7.6 | 8.4 | 7.4 | 7.6 | 8.4 | 7.0 | 7.90 |
Drag the sliders to match your priorities. Scores are our editorial sub-scores; weights start at the values we publish on the methodology page. Nothing you change is stored or sent anywhere.
How our scores and weights work · Add a third tool side by side
Frequently asked questions
Is Backblaze really unlimited?
Backblaze Computer Backup includes unlimited data per computer, including regularly connected external drives.
Does Carbonite back up servers?
Yes, through its server backup products.
Is cloud backup enough on its own?
Follow the 3-2-1 rule: three copies, two media, one off-site. Cloud backup is your off-site copy.
How long do initial backups take?
It depends on data size and upload speed; large drives can take days.
Does Backblaze or Carbonite have a free plan?
Backblaze has a free trial but no permanent free plan; Carbonite has a free trial but no permanent free plan. Indicative starting prices: Backblaze — Computer backup around $9 / computer / month (billed annually for less); Carbonite — From around $6 / month per computer (billed annually).
Which is cheaper for a team of 10, Backblaze or Carbonite?
On indicative list prices, the cheapest paid plan that fits 10 users costs about $6 per month on Backblaze (B2 Cloud Storage) and about $60 on Carbonite (Core), so Backblaze is cheaper at that size. Taxes, add-ons and discounts are excluded — and the plan you actually need may be higher.
Which scores higher in our review, Backblaze or Carbonite?
Backblaze scores 8.4/10 and Carbonite 7.9/10 on our weighted rubric. Backblaze leads on 5 of six criteria. A higher score does not make it right for every buyer — see the “choose if” lists above.
