IDrive vs Backblaze (2026): Which Online Backup Is Better?
By ToolVS Research Team · Updated April 10, 2026 · Based on 35+ hours of testing
Quick verdict: Choose Backblaze for simple single-computer unlimited backup at $7/mo. Choose IDrive if you need to back up multiple devices (phones, tablets, multiple computers) to one account with 5TB shared storage. Backblaze wins 7-5 overall for its simplicity and unlimited storage per computer.
Our Verdict
Backblaze
- Truly unlimited — no storage cap
- Simplest setup (5 minutes)
- Free USB drive restore
- One computer per license
- No mobile device backup
- No Linux support
🔍 Deep dive: Backblaze full analysis
Pricing Breakdown (April 2026)
| Plan | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $7/mo | Unlimited, 1 computer |
| Annual | $70/yr | Save $14/year |
| 2-Year | $130/2yr | Best per-month rate |
IDrive
- Unlimited devices to one account
- Backs up phones, tablets, and Linux
- Physical drive shipping (IDrive Express)
- 5TB shared storage (not unlimited)
- Price increases after first year
- More complex setup than Backblaze
🔍 Deep dive: IDrive full analysis
Pricing Breakdown (April 2026)
| Plan | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 10GB, 1 device |
| Personal 5TB | $79.50/yr (1st yr) | Unlimited devices, 5TB shared |
| Personal 10TB | $99.50/yr (1st yr) | Unlimited devices, 10TB shared |
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | IDrive | Backblaze | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storage | 5TB or 10TB | Unlimited | Backblaze |
| Device Count | Unlimited devices | 1 computer | IDrive |
| Mobile Backup | iOS + Android | Not available | IDrive |
| Linux | Supported | Not supported | IDrive |
| Ease of Use | More options/complex | Dead simple | Backblaze |
| Price (Annual) | $79.50/yr first year | $70/yr | Backblaze |
| Restore Speed | IDrive Express (physical drive) | Download + USB ($189 refundable) | IDrive |
| File Versioning | 30 versions per file | 30-day retention | IDrive |
| Sync Feature | IDrive Sync included | No sync | IDrive |
| Upload Speed | Good | Faster | Backblaze |
| System Impact | Moderate | Lightweight | Backblaze |
| B2/Object Storage | Not available | B2 at $6/TB/mo | Backblaze |
Which do you use?
Who Should Choose What?
→ Choose Backblaze if:
You have one computer to back up and want the simplest, cheapest unlimited backup. Set it and forget it.
→ Choose IDrive if:
You have multiple computers, phones, or tablets to back up. IDrive supports unlimited devices on one plan with file sync and Linux support.
→ Consider neither if:
You need file sharing and collaboration (use Google Drive or Dropbox) or enterprise NAS backup (try Synology or Veeam).
Frequently Asked Questions
Get our free SaaS Buyer's Guide (PDF)
Save hours of research. We cover pricing traps, hidden fees, and how to negotiate better deals.
Join 0 SaaS buyers. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Our Methodology
We tested IDrive and Backblaze on the same hardware for 30 days. We backed up 2TB of data on each, measured upload speeds, tested restores, evaluated mobile app backup, and compared total cost across multi-device scenarios.
Ready to choose?
Both offer free trials. Pick based on how many devices you need to protect.
Last updated: . Pricing and features are verified weekly via automated tracking.