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Choose pCloud for a browsable cloud photo library; choose Backblaze Computer Backup for automatic off-site backup of your computer and directly connected external drives. They solve different problems, so compare how you access and recover photos—not just the advertised storage amounts. For valuable archives, a local copy and a separate off-site backup can complement either service.
pCloud vs Backblaze: the key differences
| Decision | pCloud | Backblaze Computer Backup |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Cloud storage with syncing, access, sharing, and photo browsing. pCloud plans | Automatic backup for a computer and eligible directly connected external drives. Backblaze Computer Backup |
| Price and capacity | On pCloud’s annual plan page, checked October 5, 2026: 500 GB for $49.99/year, 2 TB for $99.99/year, or 10 TB for $299.99/year. Prices and plan inclusions may change and can vary by region. pCloud annual plans | Backblaze lists $9 per month and unlimited backup, with annual and two-year license options also shown. Prices and terms may change. Backblaze Computer Backup |
| Photo workflow | Product features include photo and video access, RAW access and previews, computer-folder backup, mobile photo backup, and sharing. pCloud cloud storage | Automatic computer backup; eligible directly connected USB, FireWire, and Thunderbolt drives can also be included. It is not presented as a comparable browsable photo-library service. Backblaze external-drive backup |
| Recovery history | The annual plan page describes file version restoration and recovery from up to 30 days ago. pCloud annual plans | 30 days included; one year can be enabled at no cost; Forever history is available for an added fee for files older than one year. Backblaze version history |
| NAS | NAS support is not established by the cited product information. | Computer Backup does not cover NAS; Backblaze directs NAS users to its separate B2 product. Backblaze external-drive guidance |
When pCloud is the better fit
Pick pCloud when you want a cloud-accessible library you can browse, sync, and share, rather than backup that mainly serves as a recovery source. Its product page describes access to photos and videos, RAW previews, computer-folder backup, and mobile photo backup, plus pCloud Drive for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It also describes access to files without occupying local disk space. These are provider-described features, not independent test results. pCloud cloud storage features
Match the plan to the archive
pCloud’s annual plan page listed 500 GB for $49.99/year, 2 TB for $99.99/year, and 10 TB for $299.99/year when checked on October 5, 2026. Treat these as listed annual prices on that date, not guaranteed future or region-independent prices. Compare the plan’s usable capacity with your existing library and expected growth, and verify local pricing and current inclusions before subscribing. pCloud annual plans
Browse, organize, and share
The same plan page describes pCloud Photos timeline and map views, an opt-in AI organization feature, syncing across devices, and sharing files or folders through direct links. If you need a gallery-like way to reach and share selected work, those capabilities align more closely with the workflow than a computer-backup product does. pCloud plan features
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Do not assume every outside photo source can keep syncing into pCloud. Its Help Center says third-party backup can import files from services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and Google Photos, but some integrations—including Instagram and ongoing Google Photos backups—are no longer available because of API changes. pCloud third-party backup help
When Backblaze Computer Backup is the better fit
Choose Backblaze when your main goal is automatic off-site protection for the computer holding your working photo collection and directly attached external drives. Backblaze lists Computer Backup at $9 per month with unlimited storage, and also shows annual and two-year license options. Its product page advertises a 15-day complimentary trial without a credit card; confirm current pricing and terms before purchase. Backblaze Computer Backup
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Include directly connected photo drives
Backblaze says Computer Backup can cover external drives connected to the computer by USB, FireWire, or Thunderbolt, and that multiple drives can be attached to one computer. The drive needs to remain selected and connected as required by the backup workflow. Check drive selection in the application settings rather than assuming every attached volume is included. Backblaze external-drive guidance
Backblaze’s support article says its deduplication can recognize files already uploaded if they are moved or renamed. That can help avoid treating a reorganization as an entirely new upload, but it does not remove the need to confirm the relevant drive remains selected. Backblaze guidance on moved or renamed files
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Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Plan for NAS separately
Backblaze Computer Backup does not back up NAS devices. Backblaze points NAS users to B2, a separate product, so photographers whose archive lives on a NAS should not count on the computer-backup plan to protect it. Backblaze external-drive and NAS guidance
Compare recovery history before you commit
Version history affects how far back you can go after deleting files, overwriting edits, or discovering a problem late. pCloud’s current annual plan page describes recovering data from up to 30 days ago. Backblaze includes 30 days, offers a free option to enable one year, and lists Forever history for $0.006/GB per month for files older than one year. Backblaze’s extended-history terms and billing should be verified before relying on them. pCloud annual plans · Backblaze version history
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Backblaze describes retrieving files through the web and its iOS or Android apps, as well as a mailed-drive restore option. Consider how much data you might need to recover and which restore method would suit you before treating backup as a complete recovery plan. Backblaze Computer Backup
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Use a local copy as part of the backup plan
A cloud service and an external hard drive can serve different recovery needs: the cloud copy is off-site, while a local drive can provide another copy close at hand. Backblaze describes an external drive as a useful backup, but warns that a computer and drive kept together share exposure to events such as fire, flood, or theft. A drive stored beside the computer is not an off-site copy. Backblaze external-drive guidance
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
- Keep a local copy of your photo archive on a drive sized for your library and growth.
- Maintain an off-site copy through a cloud service appropriate to your workflow.
- Check that the folders or external volumes you care about are actually included.
- Review recovery history and restore options against how long it might take you to notice missing or damaged files.
Which service should you choose?
- Choose pCloud if you want a cloud library for browsing, RAW previews, sharing, syncing, and a known capacity-based plan.
- Choose Backblaze Computer Backup if automatic off-site backup of a computer and directly connected photo drives matters more than a general-purpose photo-library interface.
- Consider both with a local copy if you want separate ways to access and recover a valuable archive.
- If your archive is on a NAS, investigate a NAS-compatible option such as Backblaze B2 rather than assuming Computer Backup covers it.
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.
