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- Best overall: Backblaze Personal Backup for Windows
- Best budget: Carbonite Safe Basic for Windows
- Best premium: Carbonite Safe Prime for Windows
- Best for external-drive coverage: Carbonite Safe Plus for Windows
- Backblaze Personal Backup is a straightforward pick for one Windows or Mac computer with unlimited backup storage.
- Carbonite Safe Basic, Plus and Prime add plan choices for different backup and recovery needs.
- IDrive Personal suits households that want one account for multiple computers and devices.
- Compare computer limits, external-drive support and file history before choosing a Black Friday 2026 backup plan.
- A backup service is most useful when its software, storage rules and recovery process fit your regular routine.
Backblaze Personal vs Carbonite Black Friday 2026 comes down to backup simplicity versus a tiered set of recovery features. Backblaze Personal Backup is built around one computer and unlimited cloud backup storage. Carbonite Safe divides its personal service into Basic, Plus and Prime plans, with the higher tiers adding features such as external-drive backup or courier recovery. The right option depends on what you need to protect, not just the name on the plan.
I’m Marcus Reed, and we researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to make this guide useful before you choose a backup subscription. My pick for most people who want uncomplicated coverage is Backblaze Personal Backup; Carbonite Safe Plus stands out for households that need external-drive backup. The guide also includes alternatives for multi-device coverage and other backup priorities, plus questions to ask before buying during Black Friday 2026.
How We Picked
- Compared how many computers each plan covers and whether the plan is intended for one user, a household or a business.
- Reviewed storage policies, including unlimited backup plans and services with a defined account storage allowance.
- Checked plan distinctions such as external-drive support, video backup, file history and recovery options.
- Considered setup and ongoing use, including how much routine attention a computer backup requires.
- Used product specifications, published plan details, reviews and owner feedback; no products were detailed compared.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Computer or device coverage | Storage model | Standout feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backblaze Personal Backup for Windows | One Windows computer | 1 computer | Unlimited | 30-day default file history |
| Backblaze Personal Backup for Mac | One Mac | 1 computer | Unlimited | 30-day default file history |
| Carbonite Safe Basic for Windows | One PC, core backup | 1 computer | Unlimited | External drive not included |
| Carbonite Safe Plus for Windows | One PC and external drive | 1 computer | Unlimited | External-drive support |
| Carbonite Safe Prime for Windows | One PC and courier recovery | 1 computer | Unlimited | Courier recovery option |
| IDrive Personal | Multiple computers | Multiple devices | Account storage allowance | Up to 30 file versions |
| CrashPlan Essential | Focused one-computer backup | 1 computer | Cloud backup | One-computer focus |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
Backblaze Personal Backup for Windows
The Backblaze Personal Backup for Windows is the best simple unlimited-storage backup for one Windows computer. The Backblaze Personal Backup for Windows's 1-computer coverage makes the plan easy to understand for people who want a single PC protected without sorting through multiple personal tiers.
Best for: One Windows computer and a straightforward backup routine
- Computer coverage
- 1 computer
- Cloud backup storage
- Unlimited
- Default version history
- 30 days
- Operating system
- Windows
- Unlimited cloud backup storage for one computer
- Automatic backup suits a set-it-up routine
- One personal plan keeps the choice uncomplicated
- The plan is not designed to cover several household computers under one personal subscription.
Is the Backblaze Personal Backup for Windows worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Backblaze Personal Backup for Windows is worth considering when one Windows PC is the main priority. The plan includes unlimited cloud backup storage and 30-day default version history, while its one-computer limit makes it a weaker fit for a multi-PC household.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#2
Backblaze Personal Backup for Mac
The Backblaze Personal Backup for Mac is the best low-maintenance cloud backup for one Mac computer. The 1-computer plan pairs unlimited backup storage with automatic protection, making it a practical option for Mac owners who want an off-site copy of personal files.
Best for: One Mac and automatic cloud file backup
- Computer coverage
- 1 computer
- Cloud backup storage
- Unlimited
- Default version history
- 30 days
- Operating system
- macOS
- Unlimited cloud backup storage for one Mac
- Automatic backup reduces the need for manual file copying
- Useful off-site copy for personal documents and media
- A separate plan is needed to protect another computer.
Is the Backblaze Personal Backup for Mac worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Backblaze Personal Backup for Mac is a strong choice for a Mac owner who wants unlimited cloud backup for one computer. The 30-day default version history adds a recovery window, while people with several Macs should compare multi-computer plans.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#3
Carbonite Safe Basic for Windows
The Carbonite Safe Basic for Windows is the best entry-level Carbonite plan for one Windows computer. The Carbonite Safe Basic for Windows's 1-computer coverage and unlimited cloud backup storage focus on protecting files without paying for the added recovery features found in higher Carbonite Safe tiers.
Best for: One Windows PC with core cloud backup
- Computer coverage
- 1 computer
- Cloud backup storage
- Unlimited
- External-drive backup
- Not included
- Plan tier
- Basic
- Unlimited cloud backup for one computer
- An easy-to-understand starting point in the Carbonite Safe lineup
- Suitable for protecting everyday files on a primary PC
- External-drive backup requires a higher plan.
Is the Carbonite Safe Basic for Windows worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Carbonite Safe Basic for Windows is worth considering for one PC when core cloud file backup is the priority. The plan includes unlimited storage for that computer, but it does not include external-drive backup, so check the Plus tier if removable drives matter.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4
Carbonite Safe Plus for Windows
The Carbonite Safe Plus for Windows is the best Carbonite choice for one PC that also needs external-drive backup. The 1-computer plan adds external-drive support over Basic, making Plus a more complete fit for people who keep important files on a connected drive.
Best for: One Windows computer plus an external drive
- Computer coverage
- 1 computer
- Cloud backup storage
- Unlimited
- External-drive backup
- Supported
- Plan tier
- Plus
- Adds external-drive backup over the Basic tier
- Unlimited cloud backup storage for the covered computer
- A clear middle option in Carbonite Safe's personal lineup
- The plan still covers one computer.
Is the Carbonite Safe Plus for Windows worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Carbonite Safe Plus for Windows is a sensible choice when both a Windows computer and an external drive need backup. The plan covers one computer and adds external-drive support over Basic; compare Prime if courier recovery is a priority.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#5
Carbonite Safe Prime for Windows
The Carbonite Safe Prime for Windows is the best Carbonite tier for a PC owner who values courier recovery. The 1-computer plan includes the higher-tier recovery option, giving users an additional route for restoring files after a serious computer failure.
Best for: One Windows PC and courier recovery options
- Computer coverage
- 1 computer
- Cloud backup storage
- Unlimited
- External-drive backup
- Supported
- Plan tier
- Prime
- Includes Carbonite's courier recovery option
- Adds higher-tier features to the one-computer backup plan
- Unlimited cloud backup storage
- The extra recovery feature is less useful to people who only want basic file backup.
Is the Carbonite Safe Prime for Windows worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Carbonite Safe Prime for Windows is worth a look for one-PC owners who value courier recovery as part of their backup plan. Prime also includes external-drive support, but a person who only needs basic cloud backup can compare Carbonite Safe Basic.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
IDrive Personal
The IDrive Personal is the best alternative for people who want one account to back up multiple computers. The IDrive Personal's support for multiple devices sets it apart from the one-computer plans in this guide, while versioning helps users recover earlier file states.
Best for: Backing up multiple computers with one account
- Device coverage
- Multiple devices
- File versions retained
- Up to 30 versions
- Storage model
- Account storage allowance
- Plan type
- Personal
- One account can cover multiple computers and devices
- Retains up to 30 file versions
- Useful for a household with more than one computer
- Storage uses an account allowance rather than unlimited personal computer backup.
Is the IDrive Personal worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
IDrive Personal is worth comparing when one account needs to protect multiple devices. The service supports multiple computers and retains up to 30 file versions, but shoppers should check the plan's storage allowance against the total data they intend to back up.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
CrashPlan Essential
The CrashPlan Essential is the best alternative for users who want cloud backup centered on one computer. The CrashPlan Essential's 1-computer focus makes it a direct option to compare with Backblaze Personal Backup and Carbonite Safe when straightforward off-site file protection matters.
Best for: One computer and a focused cloud-backup plan
- Computer coverage
- 1 computer
- Storage approach
- Cloud backup
- Product category
- Personal backup
- Backup destination
- Cloud
- A focused alternative to the two leading services in this guide
- Useful for a one-computer backup routine
- Cloud backup keeps a copy separate from the computer
- Review the current plan's device and retention terms before choosing.
Is the CrashPlan Essential worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
CrashPlan Essential is worth comparing for a user who needs cloud backup for one computer. The CrashPlan Essential's focused coverage makes it a practical alternative to Backblaze Personal Backup and Carbonite Safe, though shoppers should confirm current device and file-retention rules before subscribing.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
Is Backblaze Personal or Carbonite better for Black Friday 2026?
Backblaze Personal Backup and Carbonite Safe personal plans cover one computer. Backblaze Personal Backup offers unlimited storage for one Windows PC or Mac. Carbonite Safe has three tiers: Basic for core backup, Plus for external-drive support, and Prime for its courier recovery option.
Choose Backblaze Personal Backup for a straightforward plan. Choose Carbonite Safe Basic for core backup, or Plus when you need external-drive coverage. Prime suits users who value courier recovery. For several computers, consider IDrive Personal, which supports multiple devices under one account.
What is the difference between Backblaze Personal Backup and Carbonite Safe?
Backblaze Personal Backup offers one personal plan, while Carbonite Safe has three tiers. Both provide cloud backup for a computer, but differ in external-drive support and recovery options.
Backblaze Personal Backup includes unlimited storage for one computer and 30 days of default file history. Carbonite Safe Basic provides unlimited cloud backup for one computer; external-drive backup comes with Carbonite Safe Plus and Carbonite Safe Prime. Carbonite Safe Prime also includes courier recovery.
Before choosing, check the device limit, file-history rules, and recovery process. Make sure the plan covers where your files are stored and how you want to restore them.
Which backup plan is best for external hard drives?
Carbonite Safe Plus and Carbonite Safe Prime include external-drive support for one computer. Backblaze Personal Backup also supports connected external drives, but a drive must connect periodically to remain in the backup set. Check the service’s current requirements, especially for drives that are rarely plugged in.
List the locations of your important files before choosing. A computer with a large archive on an external drive needs different coverage from one that stores everything internally. Review connection requirements, retention, and restore steps.
Which service is best for multiple computers?
IDrive Personal is the multi-device choice in this guide. Backblaze Personal Backup and the Carbonite Safe plans listed here cover one computer per personal plan, so multiple computers may require separate plans.
IDrive Personal uses an account storage allowance, while Backblaze Personal Backup offers unlimited storage for its covered computer. Count computers, phones, and tablets separately, then confirm device eligibility and estimate the total data to back up.
What should shoppers check before buying backup software?
Compare device limits, storage rules, and recovery options before choosing a Black Friday 2026 plan. Count the computers that need coverage and estimate their data, then check external-drive support, file-history limits, supported operating systems, and full-restore steps.
Automatic backup reduces manual work, but the computer needs an internet connection and the backup application must run. Review the current subscription, renewal, and cancellation terms. Choose a plan whose coverage and recovery process fit your needs.
Buying Guide
Count the computers and drives first
Backblaze Personal Backup and the Carbonite Safe personal plans here cover one computer each. List every computer and external drive that needs protection. IDrive Personal supports multiple devices; Carbonite Safe Plus and Carbonite Safe Prime add external-drive support for one computer.
Match storage to your files
Backblaze Personal Backup and Carbonite Safe provide unlimited cloud storage for the covered computer. IDrive Personal uses an account storage allowance. Check the size of your photos, videos, and documents against the plan rules.
Check version history and restore options
Backblaze Personal Backup includes 30 days of default version history, and IDrive Personal retains up to 30 file versions. Carbonite Safe Prime includes courier recovery. Review current retention rules and the steps for restoring files or replacing a failed computer.
Choose a plan that fits your routine
Confirm external-drive connection requirements, supported operating systems, and how the backup application fits your daily setup. Regular connections and a working internet connection help keep backups current.
Review the subscription terms
Before buying on Black Friday 2026, check the subscription duration, renewal terms, cancellation process, and included features. Assess the ongoing plan and confirm its coverage still fits after the holiday period.
FAQ
Is Backblaze or Carbonite better for one computer?
Backblaze Personal Backup is a strong fit for one computer when unlimited storage and a simple plan matter most. Carbonite Safe Basic also covers one computer with unlimited cloud backup, while Carbonite Safe Plus and Prime add features such as external-drive support and courier recovery.
Does Backblaze Personal Backup include unlimited storage?
Backblaze Personal Backup includes unlimited cloud backup storage for its covered computer. The personal plan is built around one computer, and its default version history is 30 days. Check the current terms for external-drive connection rules and any extended-history options before subscribing.
Which Carbonite Safe plan backs up an external hard drive?
Carbonite Safe Plus and Carbonite Safe Prime include external-drive backup, while Carbonite Safe Basic does not. Each plan covers one computer. Compare the full plan details and drive requirements before buying if an external drive stores important files.
Can Backblaze Personal Backup protect multiple computers?
Backblaze Personal Backup is designed to cover one computer per personal plan. A household with several computers should compare the cost and administration of separate plans with a multi-device option such as IDrive Personal, which supports multiple devices under one account.
What is the difference between Carbonite Safe Plus and Prime?
Carbonite Safe Plus adds external-drive backup to the one-computer Carbonite Safe plan. Carbonite Safe Prime includes external-drive support and adds Carbonite's courier recovery option. Choose based on whether the additional recovery route is useful for your backup needs.
Is IDrive Personal better than Backblaze Personal Backup?
IDrive Personal is a better fit when one account needs to cover multiple devices. Backblaze Personal Backup is simpler for one computer and includes unlimited cloud backup storage. Compare IDrive's account storage allowance with the combined data from all devices before deciding.