Backblaze vs IDrive: which should you choose?
Quick answer: Backblaze is built for personal-backup, while IDrive suits multi-device-backup. For most users IDrive is the stronger default, but Backblaze can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case.
If you're weighing Backblaze against IDrive, the right answer depends on your priorities. Below we compare them on pricing, strengths and the use cases each one fits, then give a clear verdict.
Side-by-side
| Backblaze | IDrive | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Cloud Backup | Cloud Backup |
| What it's known for | Unlimited personal computer backup for one flat price, plus B2 object storage that undercuts AWS S3 on price and egress. | Backs up unlimited devices (PC, Mac, mobile, servers) into one account at a very low per-TB price, with disk-based courier recovery. |
| Pricing | Personal Backup ~$9/mo or ~$99/yr unlimited (1 computer); B2 ~$6/TB/mo | Free 10GB; ~$79.50/yr 5TB Personal (first year often discounted under $5), higher Team/Business tiers |
| Best audience | Individuals wanting cheap set-and-forget backup, and developers needing low-cost S3-compatible object storage. | Households and small businesses with many devices wanting one affordable backup account. |
| Best for | personal-backup, developers | multi-device-backup, value |
| Entry price | ~$8.25/mo or ~$99/yr | Free |
| Biggest strength | Simplest unlimited personal backup at a low flat rate. | One account backs up unlimited devices into a shared storage pool. |
| Main caveat | Personal Backup covers only one computer per license. | Steep renewal increase after a heavily discounted first year. |
Features compared
The feature sets only partly overlap. Here is what each one actually gives you:
Backblaze key features
- Unlimited Personal Backup for one computer at a flat price (incl. attached external drives)
- B2 Cloud Storage S3-compatible object storage at ~$6/TB/month
- Free egress on B2 up to 3x average monthly storage, then ~$0.01/GB
- No minimum storage duration on B2 (delete anytime without penalty)
IDrive key features
- Unlimited devices (PC, Mac, Linux, mobile, servers) backed up into one account
- Disk image backup and file/folder backup in one app
- IDrive Express physical disk shipping for fast initial backup and recovery
- 30 versions of each file retained; 30-day immutable snapshots vs ransomware
Pricing tiers side by side
Backblaze plans
| Plan | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Backup | ~$8.25/mo or ~$99/yr | unlimited storage, 1 computer |
| B2 Cloud Storage | ~$6/TB/mo | first 10GB free; free egress up to 3x stored data |
| B2 Overdrive | custom | high-throughput tier with unlimited free egress |
IDrive plans
| Plan | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Free | 0 | 10GB permanent free plan |
| Personal 5TB | ~$69.95 first yr, ~$99.50/yr after | unlimited devices |
| Personal 10TB+ | higher tiers | up to 100TB available |
| Team / Business | separate pricing | per-user/server |
Tiers compiled from the vendors' published plans and independent reviews; prices are approximate and change often, so confirm current figures (and your region's taxes) on each vendor's site.
Strengths compared
Where Backblaze wins
Unlimited single-computer backup paired with the cheapest mainstream S3-compatible object storage.
- Simplest unlimited personal backup at a low flat rate.
- B2 undercuts AWS S3 dramatically on storage and egress.
That makes it the stronger pick for individuals wanting cheap set-and-forget backup, and developers needing low-cost S3-compatible object storage.
Where IDrive wins
Backs up an unlimited number of devices into a single low-cost account, repeatedly PCMag Editors' Choice.
- One account backs up unlimited devices into a shared storage pool.
- Very low first-year cost per terabyte.
That makes it the stronger pick for households and small businesses with many devices wanting one affordable backup account.
Verdict: choose by fit
Pick by fit rather than by an overall score.
- Choose Backblaze if you fit its core audience — individuals wanting cheap set-and-forget backup, and developers needing low-cost S3-compatible object storage.
- Choose IDrive if you fit its core audience — households and small businesses with many devices wanting one affordable backup account.
FAQ
Is Backblaze better than IDrive?
IDrive is the stronger default for most users, but Backblaze can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case.
What is the main difference between Backblaze and IDrive?
Backblaze is unlimited single-computer backup paired with the cheapest mainstream S3-compatible object storage. IDrive is backs up an unlimited number of devices into a single low-cost account, repeatedly PCMag Editors' Choice.
Which is cheaper, Backblaze or IDrive?
Entry pricing differs: Backblaze starts at ~$8.25/mo or ~$99/yr, while IDrive offers a free tier. Compare the tiers above against your usage.
Sources
Facts above are drawn from these independent reviews and the vendors' own pages for Backblaze and IDrive: