As technology advances, so do the options for backing up important computer files. Carbonite has been a popular cloud backup solution for many years, but some alternatives have emerged that offer distinct advantages. This article will explore what is better than Carbonite when it comes to cloud backup services.
What are the key features of Carbonite?
Carbonite is one of the older and better-known cloud backup services. It offers plans for both home users and businesses to back up their files offsite to Carbonite’s cloud servers. Some key features of Carbonite include:
- Automatic background uploading of files to the cloud.
- Backup schedules can be customized (such as daily, weekly, etc).
- File restoration and recovery tools.
- Apps for PC, Mac, Android, and iOS to access backed up files.
- Data encryption for security.
- External hard drive seeding to speed up initial backups.
- Courier Recovery service to get large backups shipped to you.
For home users, Carbonite offers unlimited backup for one computer for around $72 per year. Business pricing starts at $599 per year for unlimited backup of one computer. So Carbonite is relatively affordable and provides comprehensive backup services.
What are some downsides of Carbonite?
While Carbonite is a solid cloud backup service, it does have some downsides to consider:
- Backup and restore speeds can be slow compared to some competitors.
- The desktop and mobile apps have a dated interface.
- No native backup software for Linux systems.
- Limited ability to backup external or networked drives.
- No two-factor authentication for added security.
- Difficult to find and download previous versions of files.
So while Carbonite handles backup basics relatively well, its shortcomings center around speed, design, and some key features missing from its service compared to alternatives.
What are some leading backup services that improve upon Carbonite?
If you’re looking for backup solutions that offer more than Carbonite can provide, here are some top services to consider:
Backblaze
Backblaze is frequently ranked as one of the best and easiest online backup services available today. Some advantages over Carbonite include:
- Faster backups and restores.
- Native Linux and Mac support.
- Backs up external drives.
- Unlimited storage for $70 per year.
- Backblaze’s B2 cloud storage service for cheap storage.
IDrive
IDrive stands out for its low pricing and extensive features list:
- Backs up computers, smartphones, Facebook, Instagram.
- Supports Linux and Mac natively.
- IDrive Express ships seed drives for faster initial backup.
- Two-factor authentication available.
- 5GB free storage tier.
- Storage plans from $52 per year for 1TB.
Acronis True Image
Acronis is a leader in hybrid backup solutions, offering both cloud backup and local external drive backup options:
- Quickly backs up entire system or files/folders.
- Local backups allow instant restores.
- Blockchain-based file certification.
- Ransomware protection.
- Facebook and mobile device backup.
- Plans from $50 per year.
Head-to-Head Comparisons
Looking at some specific head-to-head comparisons can help reveal where services like Backblaze, IDrive, and Acronis outperform Carbonite.
Carbonite vs Backblaze
| Feature | Carbonite | Backblaze |
|---|---|---|
| Backup Speed | Slow | Fast |
| Restore Speed | Slow | Fast |
| External Drive Backup | Limited | Yes |
| Linux Support | No | Yes |
| Price Per Year | $72 | $70 |
Backblaze is faster, supports Linux, and prices are comparable.
Carbonite vs IDrive
| Feature | Carbonite | IDrive |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Backup | Apps only | Phones & tablets |
| 2FA Security | No | Yes |
| Backup Types | Computer files | Computer, phone, social media |
| Lowest Yearly Price | $72 | $52 |
IDrive adds device and social media backups, security, and lower pricing.
Carbonite vs Acronis True Image
| Feature | Carbonite | Acronis |
|---|---|---|
| File Certification | No | Yes |
| External Drive Backup | Limited | Yes |
| Restores | From cloud only | Local or cloud |
| Ransomware Protection | No | Yes |
Acronis adds file certification, enhanced external drive support, local restores, and anti-ransomware tools.
Key Factors to Consider
When selecting a backup service, here are some key factors to weigh:
- Speed – How fast backups and restores can run. Essential for larger backups.
- Cost – Pricing structure for storage amounts and number of devices backed up.
- Reliability – Uptime and redundancy of backup providers servers and data centers.
- Security – Encryption methods used to protect data. Options like 2FA.
- Extra Features – File versioning, mobile/social backups, file certification, etc.
- Ease of Use – Simple setup and management is ideal for individual users.
Analyzing services across factors like these can help identify services that align best with your needs.
Our Recommended Carbonite Alternatives
Based on the factors above, here are our recommendations for services that improve upon Carbonite’s shortcomings:
Backblaze
Backblaze is our top overall recommendation due to its faster performance, lower cost, and support for external drives.
IDrive
IDrive beats Carbonite on mobile device and social media backups, security, and lower pricing.
Acronis True Image
Acronis stands out for its hybrid local/cloud backup capabilities, ransomware protection, and file certification.
Conclusion
Carbonite deserves credit for being an early and relatively easy-to-use online backup service. However, faster, more fully-featured, and more affordable alternatives have emerged to surpass Carbonite.
Services like Backblaze, IDrive, and Acronis True Image beat Carbonite when it comes to backup speed, security protections, support for external drives, and additional useful features. Their pricing is also as good or better than Carbonite.
So while Carbonite remains an adequate basic backup option, we recommend looking at some of these other top services if you want faster and more robust cloud backup capabilities.
Taking into account key selection criteria like speed, security, price, features, and ease of use, our top picks provide personalized backup solutions that surpass Carbonite in important ways. Give one of our recommended services a try to secure your important data with a better Carbonite alternative.