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Backblaze Computer Backup is a paid cloud backup service for supported data on a computer and physically connected external drives. It advertises unlimited backup for that covered data, but it does not back up every file type or device: operating-system files, application folders, temporary internet files, and NAS devices are excluded. The service suits people who want an off-site copy of their changing computer files; it is not a replacement for local storage, an archive, or a sync and sharing service.
What Backblaze Computer Backup does
Backblaze describes Computer Backup as an active backup of user data on a computer and connected external drives. It updates as the computer’s selected data changes, rather than serving as a static archive. Backblaze explains the distinction in its Computer Backup overview.
“Unlimited” applies to the supported computer-backup service; it does not mean every file, storage device, or use case is covered. Backblaze says it does not back up operating-system files, application folders, or temporary internet files. NAS devices are not supported by Computer Backup; Backblaze points NAS users to B2 Cloud Storage instead. See its coverage details.
What does Backblaze back up?
| Data or device | Computer Backup coverage |
|---|---|
| Supported user data on the computer | Included in the service’s computer-backup coverage. |
| Physically connected external drives | Can be included without an additional drive charge, subject to connection and version-history requirements. |
| Operating-system files, application folders, and temporary internet files | Excluded, according to Backblaze’s coverage documentation. |
| NAS devices | Not backed up by Computer Backup; Backblaze directs users to B2 Cloud Storage for NAS backup. |
Backblaze’s “unlimited” claim is useful if your supported files take up a lot of space, but it should not be read as protection for the entire system. If you need a restorable operating system and installed applications, plan for a separate system-imaging or reinstall strategy.
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- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
How external-drive backup works
External drives must be physically connected to the computer for Backblaze to back them up. If a drive is disconnected, its backed-up files are kept only according to the account’s version-history setting. Under the default 30-day history, Backblaze recommends reconnecting the drive at least once every 30 days. Its support guidance says it sends missing-drive alerts after 14, 21, and 28 days, and that data may be removed if the drive remains disconnected beyond 30 days.
With one-year version history, the stated retention for disconnected-drive data is up to one year; Backblaze says alerts arrive after 30, 345, and 360 days. Changing the history setting does not restore data already removed. If you rely on external-drive coverage, keep the drive connected regularly and choose a retention period that matches how long it may sit unused.
What Backblaze costs
At the time of this review, Backblaze’s official pages list Personal Computer Backup at $9 per month, $99 for one year, or $189 for two years. Its pricing page also lists the annual personal plan at $99. These are Backblaze-published prices as of October 5, 2026; checkout totals and local availability may vary, so confirm the current price before subscribing.
Rank #2
- Easily store and access 5TB of content on the go with the Seagate portable drive, a USB external hard Drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
The advertised unlimited coverage can make the cost predictable for a computer with a large amount of supported data. The subscription is per plan, so consider how many computers you need covered and whether your setup includes NAS devices or excluded system files that require another solution.
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How long does Backblaze keep deleted or changed files?
Backblaze’s default version history is 30 days. A deleted file or an older version of a changed file is recoverable only while it remains within the retention period you selected. The company describes a one-year option, equivalent to 365 days, and a Forever option on its version-history feature page.
| Version-history setting | Retention | Price detail |
|---|---|---|
| Default | 30 days | Backblaze describes this as the default history. |
| One year | 365 days | Backblaze describes this option as free. |
| Forever | Files can be retained beyond one year | $0.006 per GB per month for files older than one year, according to Backblaze’s feature page. |
Version history changes how long older or deleted versions remain available; it does not turn Computer Backup into a permanent archive. Choose the setting with your deletion and drive-disconnection habits in mind.
Rank #3
- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Security and restoring files
Backblaze says files are encrypted before transmission and while stored. It also offers an optional private encryption key and two-factor verification. These are vendor-described features, not the results of an independent security audit. A private key can introduce a recovery trade-off: protect it carefully, because losing access to it can complicate recovery. Backblaze’s feature descriptions are available on its Computer Backup features page.
Backblaze offers a free restore through its web-based restore interface and a restore-by-mail drive option. Its product page says the mailed drive can be returned within 30 days for a refund. Availability, shipping timelines, fees, and return logistics can depend on location; check the terms shown for your account and destination before relying on a mailed restore.
A browser download is convenient when you need a modest set of files and your connection can handle the transfer. For a large restore or a slow connection, a mailed drive may be more practical if available where you live. Backblaze’s published material does not establish independent restore-speed results, so choose based on your data volume, connection, location, and urgency rather than an assumed speed advantage.
Rank #4
- Easily store and access 4TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Where Backblaze fits—and where it does not
Backblaze is best understood as off-site backup for supported, changing computer data. It can complement a local backup drive, giving you another copy if the computer or drive is lost or damaged. It does not replace local disk capacity: backed-up files still need to exist on your computer or connected drive to be included.
It is also not a file-sharing or synchronization platform. Backblaze Help states: “Backblaze is not a sharing service to distribute or share files over the internet or a collaboration or syncing service.” If you need shared folders, device-to-device syncing, or collaboration workflows, use a product designed for those jobs alongside—or instead of—backup.
Verdict
Backblaze Computer Backup is a straightforward option for people who want a cloud copy of supported files from a computer and connected external drives, especially when the data set is large. Its main limits are important: exclusions mean it is not a full system image, disconnected external drives are subject to retention rules, and deleted-file recovery depends on the selected history period. Confirm the current subscription and retention terms, and use a separate tool or service for NAS, archiving, local storage expansion, or syncing.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
