Choosing a cloud backup service sounds simple until you count up your devices. Most households today have two or three laptops, several smartphones, maybe a tablet, and a NAS drive full of irreplaceable photos. That changes the math dramatically, and it’s exactly where IDrive and Backblaze split into two very different philosophies.
Backblaze built its reputation on one beautifully simple idea: unlimited storage for a single computer at around $99 per year. No storage cap, no file-size limit, no frills. For a single-computer household, it’s hard to beat. But the moment you add a second machine, a phone, or a NAS drive, you’re looking at additional subscriptions that add up fast.
IDrive takes the opposite approach. One account covers unlimited devices, computers, phones, tablets, and NAS drives, sharing a pooled storage bucket. For families, home offices, and small teams where multiple devices need protection, that single-account model can be significantly cheaper and far simpler to manage. This comparison breaks down every angle so you can pick the right one for your situation.
⚡ Quick Verdict
- →Pick IDrive if you need to back up multiple computers, mobile devices, and a NAS under one affordable account.
- →Pick Backblaze if you need unlimited storage for a single computer at the lowest possible annual price.
📋 Table of Contents
IDrive Overview
IDrive is a veteran cloud backup service that’s been protecting personal and business data since 1995. What sets it apart is its device-agnostic model: a single IDrive plan covers an unlimited number of computers, smartphones, tablets, and NAS devices, all sharing one storage pool. The 5TB plan typically runs around $79.50 per year (often discounted to $2.95 for the first year), making it exceptional value for anyone protecting more than one device. IDrive also supports continuous backup, 30-day versioning, end-to-end 256-bit AES encryption, and a physical drive shipping service for large initial uploads or rapid disaster recovery. If you’re looking for a multi-device cloud backup solution for families, IDrive is consistently one of the top recommendations.
Backblaze Overview
Backblaze is best known for its Computer Backup product: unlimited storage for one computer at $99 per year (or $9/month). The proposition is brutally simple, install the app, it backs up everything on that machine, with no storage limits and no per-file restrictions. Backblaze also offers Backblaze B2, a developer-focused cloud storage product similar to Amazon S3. For a single-computer user who wants maximum simplicity and doesn’t need to cover phones or additional machines, Backblaze delivers outstanding value. The tradeoff is scope: each additional computer requires its own subscription, mobile devices aren’t supported in the backup product, and NAS drives are not covered under the standard plan.
Pricing Compared
Pricing is where the two services diverge most sharply depending on your household or office setup. Backblaze charges $99/year (or $9/month) per computer, that’s a flat, predictable price with no storage ceiling for that one machine. IDrive’s 5TB plan runs $79.50/year at standard pricing, though first-year promotions regularly bring it down to $2.95.
For a single computer, Backblaze is actually cheaper in year two and beyond if you have a lot of data. But the math shifts immediately when you add devices. Two computers on Backblaze costs $198/year. On IDrive, those same two computers, plus your phones and a NAS, still cost $79.50/year. For three or more devices, IDrive wins on price without any contest.
IDrive also offers a free tier with 10GB of storage, which Backblaze doesn’t match. Both services offer a 30-day free trial. IDrive’s business plans start at $99.50/year for 250GB across all users, scaling up from there. Backblaze for Teams adds multi-user billing at the same per-computer rate.
Storage & Device Coverage
IDrive’s device coverage is its headline feature. One account backs up an unlimited number of Windows PCs, Macs, iPhones, Android phones, tablets, and NAS drives. All of these share the plan’s storage pool. The 5TB plan is generous enough for most families and small offices. NAS support is a genuine differentiator, Backblaze’s standard Computer Backup product does not cover NAS drives (though B2 can be used with third-party tools for NAS). If you have a Synology or QNAP filled with family photos, IDrive is the clear choice. For broader context on protecting all your personal data, see our guide to the best cloud backup services for personal use.
Backup Features & Speed
Both services offer solid core backup features, but IDrive goes broader. IDrive supports continuous backup (files backed up as you save them), scheduled backups, and manual on-demand backups. It keeps 30 versions of each file, supports local drive-to-drive backup alongside cloud backup, and includes an IDrive Express physical shipping service for fast initial uploads or large restores. Backblaze also offers continuous backup and maintains versions for 1 year (or forever with the Extended Version History add-on). Backblaze’s initial backup speed is generally fast, though both services are subject to your upload bandwidth. Neither service throttles your backup by default, and both allow bandwidth scheduling to avoid impacting daytime internet speeds.
Recovery & Platform Support
Recovery options are comparable between the two. IDrive lets you restore files via the desktop app, web interface, or mobile app. For large restores, IDrive’s physical drive service ships a hard drive with your data, useful after a disaster when you can’t wait days for a download. Backblaze also offers a Restore by Mail service (a USB drive mailed to you, with a refund if you return the drive within 30 days). Web restores are available on both. Platform support: IDrive covers Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux (command-line). Backblaze Computer Backup supports Windows and Mac only, no native Linux or mobile app backup.
IDrive vs Backblaze: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | IDrive | Backblaze |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | Yes (10GB) | No |
| Storage Limit | 5TB - 100TB plans | Unlimited (1 computer) |
| Devices Covered | Unlimited devices | 1 computer per plan |
| NAS Backup | Yes (native support) | No (B2 workaround only) |
| Mobile App Backup | Yes (iOS & Android) | No |
| Continuous Backup | Yes | Yes |
| Versioning | 30 versions | 1 year (extendable) |
| Encryption | 256-bit AES, private key option | 128-bit in transit, 256-bit at rest |
| Business Features | Yes (IDrive Business) | Yes (Backblaze for Teams) |
| Starting Price | $79.50/yr (5TB) | $99/yr (unlimited, 1 PC) |
Which Should You Choose?
Pick IDrive if: You have more than one device to protect. You want to cover computers, phones, tablets, and a NAS under a single subscription. You want a free tier to test with. You need Linux support or a private encryption key option.
Pick Backblaze if: You only need to back up a single Windows or Mac computer. You have enormous amounts of data on that one machine and want unlimited storage without worrying about caps. You prefer the simplest possible setup with zero configuration decisions.
🎯 Protect Every Device With IDrive
One account. Unlimited computers, phones, tablets, and NAS drives. First-year plans from $2.95.
Try IDrive Free →Frequently Asked Questions
Does IDrive back up unlimited devices?
Yes. A single IDrive plan covers an unlimited number of devices, Windows PCs, Macs, iPhones, Android phones, tablets, and NAS drives, all sharing the plan’s storage pool.
Does Backblaze back up mobile devices?
No. Backblaze Computer Backup is limited to Windows and Mac computers. Mobile devices like iPhones and Android phones are not supported under the standard backup plan.
Which is cheaper, IDrive or Backblaze?
For a single computer with unlimited data, Backblaze at $99/year can be cheaper than IDrive’s 5TB plan at $79.50/year if you exceed 5TB. For multi-device households, IDrive is almost always significantly cheaper since one plan covers all devices.
Does IDrive support NAS backup?
Yes. IDrive natively supports NAS devices including Synology and QNAP. Backblaze’s standard Computer Backup plan does not support NAS, you’d need to use Backblaze B2 with third-party software.
Is there a free plan for IDrive?
Yes. IDrive offers a free tier with 10GB of storage. Backblaze does not offer a free backup plan, though it does provide a 30-day trial.
What happens to my Backblaze backup if I cancel?
Backblaze keeps your data for 30 days after you cancel your subscription, after which it is deleted. IDrive similarly removes data after account cancellation but gives you the option to export before deletion.
Does IDrive offer end-to-end encryption?
Yes. IDrive uses 256-bit AES encryption and offers a private encryption key option, meaning IDrive staff cannot access your data. Backblaze encrypts data in transit and at rest but does not offer a user-controlled private key for the standard backup product.
Can I restore my files via physical drive with IDrive?
Yes. IDrive offers its Express service, which ships a physical hard drive with your backed-up data for large restores. Backblaze offers a similar Restore by Mail USB service, with a refund if you return the drive within 30 days.
Does Backblaze support Linux?
No. Backblaze Computer Backup does not have a native Linux client. IDrive supports Linux via a command-line interface, making it the better option for Linux users.
Which service is better for small businesses?
IDrive is generally better for small businesses due to its multi-device coverage, NAS support, and business-specific plans. Backblaze for Teams works well for companies with many single computers but no NAS or mobile backup needs.
How many file versions does IDrive keep?
IDrive retains up to 30 previous versions of each backed-up file. Backblaze retains versions for up to 1 year by default, with an Extended Version History add-on available for an additional fee.
Is IDrive good for family backup?
Yes. IDrive’s unlimited device policy makes it one of the best cloud backup options for families. One plan can cover every family member’s laptop, smartphone, and shared NAS without additional subscriptions.
Final Word
Both IDrive and Backblaze are trustworthy, well-established cloud backup services. The decision comes down to your device count. If you have one computer and want the simplest, cheapest unlimited-storage backup available, Backblaze is a fine choice. But for anyone protecting a household or small office with multiple computers, phones, tablets, and a NAS, IDrive’s unlimited device model delivers far better value and broader coverage under a single subscription. The free 10GB tier and frequent promotional pricing make it easy to get started without committing to the full annual price. For more alternatives in this space, see our roundup of best cloud backup services for personal use and our guide to multi-device cloud backup for families.