Our verdict
Backblaze for simple, unlimited computer backup; IDrive for many devices, servers and SaaS in one account.
Backblaze offers unlimited per-computer backup and low-cost B2 storage. IDrive backs up unlimited devices into a shared storage pool with snapshots and SaaS backup.
Choose Backblaze if…
- You want unlimited storage per computer
- You want the simplest setup
- You need low-cost B2 storage
Choose IDrive if…
- You have many devices to protect
- You need server and SaaS backup
- You want snapshots
Side by side
| Criterion | Backblaze | IDrive |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 8.4 / 10 | 8.2 / 10 |
| Features & fit | 7.8 | 8.2 |
| Ease of use | 9.4 | 7.6 |
| Value for money | 9.2 | 9.0 |
| Support & reliability | 8.0 | 7.6 |
| Security & privacy | 8.4 | 8.4 |
| Integrations & ecosystem | 7.2 | 7.6 |
| Starting price (indicative) | Computer backup around $9 / computer / month (billed annually for less) | Business from around $100 / year for 250 GB |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Laptop backup across a team | Small businesses with many devices |
Feature by feature
| Feature | Backblaze | IDrive |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing unit | Per computer | Per storage pool |
| Unlimited data | Yes | No |
| Unlimited devices | No | Yes |
| SaaS backup | No (via partners) | Yes |
| Physical restore | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Simple computer backup | Many devices and servers |
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 |
IDrive
| Plan | Indicative price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Personal | ≈ $99.50 / mo | 5 TB per year (≈$8.29/month) |
| Business | ≈ $99.50 / mo | 250 GB per year, unlimited users |
| Enterprise | Custom quote | Quote |
| Team size | Backblaze | IDrive |
|---|---|---|
| 5 seats | $6 (B2 Cloud Storage) | Flat pricing |
| 10 seats | $6 (B2 Cloud Storage) | Flat pricing |
| 25 seats | $6 (B2 Cloud Storage) | Flat pricing |
Indicative USD list prices; excludes tax, add-ons and promotions. Confirm on each vendor’s site.
Pricing
Backblaze charges per computer with unlimited data. IDrive charges by storage pool with unlimited devices.
Scope
IDrive covers phones, servers and SaaS. Backblaze Computer Backup focuses on computers.
Simplicity
Backblaze is extremely simple.
Pricing model
Backblaze charges per computer for unlimited data. IDrive charges by storage pool, with a single plan covering many devices and users. For a few computers with large amounts of data, Backblaze is often simpler; for many devices with modest data, IDrive can be cheaper.
Coverage
IDrive backs up computers, servers, mobile devices and cloud apps such as Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace from one account. Backblaze Computer Backup focuses on computers, with B2 Cloud Storage available as a target for servers and NAS.
Pros & cons
Backblaze
- Unlimited data per computer
- Very easy setup
- Low storage costs
- No SaaS app backup
- Limited server features
IDrive
- Unlimited devices per account
- Snapshots and versioning
- Courier seed and restore
- Storage capped by plan
- Dated interface
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.
IDrive
- Multi-device backup. Computers, phones and servers.
- Snapshots. Point-in-time restores.
- IDrive Express. Physical drive shipping.
- SaaS backup. Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace.
Integrates with: Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, NAS devices.
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).
Skip IDrive if…
- Users wanting unlimited storage per device
- Teams wanting a modern UI
Best for: Small businesses with many devices; Teams wanting server and SaaS backup; Budget-conscious buyers.
Switching between Backblaze and IDrive
Migration difficulty: Easy
Install the new client, complete the first backup, verify restores, then remove the old client.
- Install the new client on a pilot device.
- Seed the first backup.
- Test a restore.
- Roll out to all devices.
- Cancel the old service after verification.
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. IDrive | 8.2 | 7.6 | 9.0 | 7.6 | 8.4 | 7.6 | 8.20 |
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 unlimited?
Computer Backup is unlimited per computer.
Does IDrive back up Microsoft 365?
Yes, on business plans.
Does Backblaze or IDrive have a free plan?
Backblaze has a free trial but no permanent free plan; IDrive has a free plan. Indicative starting prices: Backblaze — Computer backup around $9 / computer / month (billed annually for less); IDrive — Business from around $100 / year for 250 GB.
Which scores higher in our review, Backblaze or IDrive?
Backblaze scores 8.4/10 and IDrive 8.2/10 on our weighted rubric. Backblaze leads on 3 of six criteria. A higher score does not make it right for every buyer — see the “choose if” lists above.
