In this comprehensive article, we take a close look at two popular cloud storage solutions, Backblaze and iCloud. We delve into their pricing structures, features, security measures, and performance capabilities to help you make an informed choice after knowing the difference between iCloud and Backblaze B2. Additionally, we introduce MultCloud, a handy tool for managing various cloud services efficiently.
Cloud storage is where we store our cherished memories, essential documents, and critical data. Two giants in the cloud storage arena are Backblaze and iCloud. But which one is the right choice for your needs? In this article, we'll embark on a journey to compare Backblaze vs iCloud, exploring their key differences and similarities.
iCloud is a cloud storage platform designed to accommodate a wide array of data types, including PDFs, Word files, videos, and more. Launched by Apple on October 12, 2011, iCloud falls under the umbrella of cloud computing services. It offers users an Apple ID, serving as the gateway to their iCloud accounts. In 2018, this service boasted a user base of a staggering 850 million individuals. iCloud's accessibility extends to MAC, Windows, and iOS platforms, making it highly versatile.
Backblaze, much like iCloud, offers data storage services. Within its repertoire, Backblaze provides two distinct services: B2 cloud storage and computer backup. B2 cloud storage offers storage solutions comparable to those of Amazon S3, while the second service serves as an online backup tool. This tool ensures that data, whether on Windows or macOS operating systems, is securely backed up to an offsite data center.
Before getting the full comparison between Backblaze and iCloud, you can first take a look at this brief comparison table to find their main differences.
| Backblaze | iCloud | |
|---|---|---|
| Free Storage | 10 GB | 5 GB |
| Max Storage | Unlimited | 2 TB |
| Max File Size | 5 GB | 50 GB |
| Operating System | Mostly on iOS and macOS devices | Any type of device |
| File Encryption | Not locally encrypted | Encrypted at servers |
| File Versioning | Fully supports | Partially supports |
| Cost Effective | Less costly | More costly |
When it comes to choosing a cloud storage service, pricing is often a crucial factor. Backblaze offers competitive pricing with a straightforward structure. For just $7 a month, you can enjoy unlimited storage, making it an excellent choice for users with large data volumes. In contrast, iCloud offers 5GB of free storage, with tiered pricing plans such as 50 GB for $0.99 200 GB for $2.99, and 2 TB for $9.99 that cater to various needs.
Both Backblaze and iCloud come with a range of features designed to enhance your cloud storage experience. iCloud excels in syncing your data across Apple devices, making it a top choice for Apple enthusiasts. Backblaze, on the other hand, focuses on backup and data recovery, providing robust solutions for safeguarding your files.
Security is paramount in the world of cloud storage. Backblaze employs encryption at rest and in transit, ensuring that your data remains secure. Additionally, it offers two-factor authentication for an added layer of protection. iCloud, being an Apple product, boasts top-notch security features, including end-to-end encryption for certain types of data. However, it's worth noting that Backblaze provides more granular control over your encryption keys.
When it comes to performance, Backblaze is renowned for its high-speed backup and restoration capabilities. Uploading and retrieving files is a breeze, thanks to its robust infrastructure. iCloud, too, offers impressive performance, particularly for users within the Apple ecosystem. It seamlessly syncs data across devices, ensuring you have the latest version of your files at your fingertips.
The decision between iCloud and Backblaze ultimately boils down to your specific needs and preferences. Remember to consider factors like security, performance, and additional features when making your decision.
Since Backblaze offers unlimited cloud storage at a cheaper price than iCloud, you can migrate your iCloud files to Backblaze if your iCloud lacks storage. However, the normal cloud-to-cloud migration of downloading and uploading may not be suitable for your requirements due to the massive data you own. Instead, you can use a professional cloud-to-cloud transfer service, MultCloud, to seamlessly move from iCloud to Backblaze.
Step 1. Sign up for the MultCloud website.
Step 2. Click the button “Add Cloud” and choose iCloud Drive or iCloud Photos to add to MultCloud through two-factor authentication. After that, choose Backblaze to add to MultCloud as well.
Step 3. Click “Cloud Transfer” from the left, select iCloud files and folders as the source, and choose a place in Backblaze as the destination. Then click “Transfer Now” to let MultCloud move data from iCloud to Backblaze as soon as possible.
In the ongoing Backblaze vs iCloud showdown, there is no definitive winner. Each cloud storage solution has its strengths and weaknesses, catering to different user profiles. Whether you opt for Backblaze, iCloud, or both, it's essential to manage your cloud storage efficiently.
Besides, if you want to use both services at the same time, you can use the Cloud Sync function of MultCloud to sync iCloud with Backblaze in real time or other powerful sync modes.