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- Best overall: Microsoft 365 Personal 1TB
- Best budget: Microsoft OneDrive Basic 100GB
- Best premium: Microsoft 365 Family 1TB per person
- Best for computer backup: Carbonite Safe Plus
- Microsoft 365 Personal combines 1 TB of OneDrive storage with Microsoft Office apps for one person.
- Carbonite Safe Basic focuses on automatic computer backup with unlimited cloud storage for one computer.
- Microsoft 365 Family provides up to 6 TB total storage across six people, with 1 TB per person.
- IDrive Personal and Backblaze Computer Backup are alternatives for multi-device backup and simple computer protection.
Microsoft OneDrive 1TB and Carbonite solve different storage problems: OneDrive syncs files between devices and pairs with Microsoft 365, while Carbonite focuses on automatic computer backup. For Black Friday 2026, the right choice depends on whether you want an active file workspace, a safety copy of a computer, or both. We researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to make the trade-offs easier to understand.
My pick for most people who already use Word, Excel or PowerPoint is Microsoft 365 Personal, which includes 1 TB of OneDrive storage and desktop Office apps for one person. Carbonite Safe Basic is a better fit for someone who wants computer backup without managing a file-sync workflow. The guide also compares family storage, higher Carbonite tiers and two alternatives, with straightforward picks for different needs.
How We Picked
- Storage amount and whether capacity is shared among users or assigned separately.
- Backup scope, including computer coverage, file syncing and external-drive support.
- Included software and practical value for people already using Microsoft services.
- Ease of choosing a plan based on household size, device count and backup goals.
- Plan features documented by the providers, alongside patterns in reviews and owner feedback.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Cloud storage | Device coverage | External-drive support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft OneDrive Basic 100GB | One person needing basic cloud storage | 100 GB | Multiple devices | Not a dedicated backup feature |
| Microsoft 365 Personal 1TB | One person using Microsoft 365 apps | 1 TB | Multiple devices | Not a dedicated backup feature |
| Microsoft 365 Family 1TB per person | Up to 6 people | 1 TB per person; 6 TB maximum | Multiple devices per person | Not a dedicated backup feature |
| Carbonite Safe Basic | Automatic backup for one computer | Unlimited | 1 computer | Not included |
| Carbonite Safe Plus | Computer and external-drive backup | Unlimited | 1 computer | Supported |
| Carbonite Safe Prime | Backup with an added recovery option | Unlimited | 1 computer | Included with Plus-level backup |
| IDrive Personal 5TB | Backup across multiple devices | 5 TB | Multiple devices | Supported |
| Backblaze Computer Backup Unlimited | Unlimited backup for one computer | Unlimited | 1 computer | External-drive support varies by plan terms |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
Microsoft OneDrive Basic 100GB
The Microsoft OneDrive Basic 100GB is the best entry-level cloud storage plan for one person who needs room for documents and photos, with 100 GB of storage and file access across devices.
Best for: One person needing affordable, straightforward cloud storage
- Cloud storage
- 100 GB
- Account users
- 1
- Device access
- Multiple devices
- Simple way to keep files available across devices
- Fits users who do not need a full terabyte
- Works within the Microsoft account ecosystem
- Does not include the full desktop Microsoft 365 app suite
Is the Microsoft OneDrive Basic 100GB worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Microsoft OneDrive Basic 100GB is worth considering for one person with a modest storage library. The plan provides 100 GB for files and photos, with convenient access across devices. Choose a 1 TB plan instead if your files already exceed that capacity or keep growing.
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#2 · Top pick
Microsoft 365 Personal 1TB
The Microsoft 365 Personal 1TB is the best all-in-one choice for one person who wants cloud storage and productivity apps, with 1 TB of OneDrive storage.
Best for: One person using OneDrive and Microsoft Office apps
- OneDrive storage
- 1 TB
- Included user
- 1 person
- Microsoft 365 apps
- Word, Excel, PowerPoint and more
- Pairs file storage with Microsoft 365 apps
- Offers a full terabyte for one person
- Useful for documents worked on across devices
- Not a dedicated whole-computer backup service
Is the Microsoft 365 Personal 1TB worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Microsoft 365 Personal 1TB is a strong choice for one person who uses Microsoft Office apps and wants files synced through OneDrive. The plan includes 1 TB of storage, making it more useful than a storage-only option for people who also create and edit documents.
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#3
Microsoft 365 Family 1TB per person
The Microsoft 365 Family 1TB per person is the best shared household plan for up to 6 people, with 1 TB of OneDrive storage assigned to each person.
Best for: Households sharing Microsoft 365 apps and cloud storage
- Storage per person
- 1 TB
- People covered
- Up to 6
- Maximum combined storage
- 6 TB
- Microsoft 365 apps
- Included for each person
- Keeps each person’s storage separate
- Covers up to 6 household members
- Combines file storage with Microsoft 365 apps
- More capacity than a single user needs
Is the Microsoft 365 Family 1TB per person worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Microsoft 365 Family 1TB per person is a good household choice when up to 6 people need cloud storage and Microsoft 365 apps. Each person gets an individual 1 TB OneDrive allocation, for up to 6 TB combined, rather than one shared storage pool.
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#4
Carbonite Safe Basic
The Carbonite Safe Basic is the best simple cloud-backup plan for one computer, with unlimited cloud storage for backed-up files on that computer.
Best for: One computer needing automatic online backup
- Cloud storage
- Unlimited
- Computer coverage
- 1 computer
- Backup approach
- Automatic file backup
- Designed for continuous computer file protection
- Unlimited storage suits large file collections
- Requires less manual file sorting than sync-first storage
- Does not provide the same shared-file workflow as OneDrive
Is the Carbonite Safe Basic worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Carbonite Safe Basic is worth considering for one computer that needs automatic online file backup. The Carbonite Safe Basic's unlimited cloud storage is suited to a large backup collection, while Microsoft OneDrive is the better match for actively syncing and sharing individual files between devices.
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#5
Carbonite Safe Plus
The Carbonite Safe Plus is the best Carbonite option for one computer with external-drive backup needs, with unlimited cloud storage and support for external hard drives.
Best for: Computer owners who also need external-drive backup
- Cloud storage
- Unlimited
- Computer coverage
- 1 computer
- External-drive backup
- Supported
- Adds external-drive backup to computer protection
- Unlimited storage accommodates substantial backup libraries
- Useful for people who keep files on attached drives
- Not a multi-user family storage plan
Is the Carbonite Safe Plus worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Carbonite Safe Plus is a sensible step up for anyone who wants computer backup plus protection for an external hard drive. Unlimited cloud storage helps keep larger backup sets together, but households seeking separate accounts and shared productivity apps should compare Microsoft 365 Family.
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#6
Carbonite Safe Prime
The Carbonite Safe Prime is the best Carbonite pick for one computer when courier recovery matters, with unlimited cloud backup and a recovery service option.
Best for: Users who prioritize an added recovery route
- Cloud storage
- Unlimited
- Computer coverage
- 1 computer
- Recovery option
- Courier recovery service
- Includes an additional recovery option
- Designed for computer backup rather than file collaboration
- Unlimited storage supports extensive file collections
- Extra recovery features are unnecessary for many users
Is the Carbonite Safe Prime worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Carbonite Safe Prime is a good fit for one computer when an added recovery route is important. The plan centers on unlimited cloud backup and includes a courier recovery service option. Users who mainly want live file syncing and Office apps are better served by Microsoft 365.
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#7
IDrive Personal 5TB
The IDrive Personal 5TB is the best alternative for users backing up several devices, with 5 TB of cloud storage for a personal account.
Best for: Personal backup across multiple computers and devices
- Cloud storage
- 5 TB
- Account type
- Personal
- Backup coverage
- Multiple devices
- External-drive backup
- Supported
- Offers substantial capacity for a personal backup library
- Covers multiple devices under one account
- Supports external-drive backup
- More storage than a small file collection requires
Is the IDrive Personal 5TB worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
IDrive Personal 5TB is worth a look when one personal account needs backup for several devices and a large storage allowance. The IDrive Personal 5TB's 5 TB capacity and external-drive support suit broader backup needs than a single-computer plan, while OneDrive remains stronger for document collaboration.
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#8
Backblaze Computer Backup Unlimited
The Backblaze Computer Backup Unlimited is the best straightforward alternative for one computer with extensive files, with unlimited cloud backup for that computer.
Best for: One computer needing simple, unlimited backup
- Cloud storage
- Unlimited
- Computer coverage
- 1 computer
- Backup style
- Automatic computer backup
- Simple approach to backing up one computer
- Unlimited storage suits large file libraries
- Good alternative to Carbonite for computer protection
- Not designed as a shared cloud workspace
Is the Backblaze Computer Backup Unlimited worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Backblaze Computer Backup Unlimited is a compelling option for one computer with a large file library. The unlimited backup model focuses on protecting computer data, rather than syncing a shared set of working files. Choose OneDrive when collaboration and Microsoft apps matter more.
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Is Microsoft OneDrive 1TB better than Carbonite for Black Friday 2026?
Microsoft 365 Personal 1TB is better for one person who wants file syncing and Microsoft apps, while Carbonite Safe Basic is better for automatic computer backup with unlimited storage. The services overlap in online file protection, but their main jobs differ: OneDrive keeps selected files convenient to open and share, while Carbonite focuses on restoring backed-up computer files.
Choose Microsoft 365 Personal 1TB if documents move between devices or you use Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Choose Carbonite Safe Basic if you want a backup running in the background and do not need a shared editing workflow. Skip it if you expect Carbonite to act like a collaborative OneDrive folder.
What is the difference between OneDrive storage and Carbonite backup?
Microsoft OneDrive 1TB syncs selected files across multiple devices, while Carbonite Safe Basic backs up files from 1 computer to unlimited cloud storage. Syncing is built for convenient access and file sharing; backup is built to help recover files after computer loss or damage.
A synced file change can carry across devices, which is useful for current work but is not the same as a separate computer backup history. Carbonite works more as a background safety copy, with plan features determining which drives and recovery options are included. Check the exact coverage before choosing a plan.
Which Carbonite plan is right for one computer?
Carbonite Safe Basic suits 1 computer needing online backup, Carbonite Safe Plus adds external-drive backup, and Carbonite Safe Prime adds a courier recovery option. Each tier is designed around protecting a computer rather than providing a household file-sharing space.
Basic is the straightforward pick when computer files are the main concern. Plus makes more sense when important files also live on an external hard drive. Prime is aimed at people who value the additional recovery route. Compare the supported operating systems and specific plan terms before subscribing, especially if backup of attached drives is essential.
Is Microsoft 365 Family better value than separate OneDrive accounts?
Microsoft 365 Family covers up to 6 people with 1 TB of OneDrive storage per person, for up to 6 TB combined. Separate personal accounts can also keep files distinct, but the family plan brings storage and Microsoft 365 apps together under one household subscription.
Family is a practical choice when several people need storage and productivity apps. Each person has their own allocation, helping prevent one household member’s files from consuming everyone else’s space. A single user should compare Microsoft 365 Personal 1TB instead, while a backup-focused household should compare dedicated services such as IDrive Personal 5TB.
Should you choose a backup alternative instead of OneDrive or Carbonite?
IDrive Personal 5TB covers multiple devices with 5 TB of storage, while Backblaze Computer Backup Unlimited focuses on unlimited backup for 1 computer. Both alternatives target backup needs that are different from OneDrive’s file-sync and productivity emphasis.
IDrive is a useful middle ground for people who want one account to cover several devices. Backblaze suits a person who wants a simpler computer-backup approach. Microsoft OneDrive remains the better fit for sharing and editing current files, while Carbonite Safe Plus stands out when external-drive backup is a priority.
Buying Guide
Start with your main job
Microsoft 365 Personal 1TB is for syncing active files and using Office apps; Carbonite Safe Basic is for automatic backup of 1 computer. Pick the workflow you need before comparing storage totals.
Match capacity to your library
Microsoft OneDrive Basic 100GB is for a smaller collection, Microsoft 365 Personal 1TB gives one person a terabyte, and Microsoft 365 Family provides up to 6 TB across 6 people.
Check every device and drive
Carbonite Safe Plus adds external-drive backup to its computer protection. IDrive Personal 5TB covers multiple devices. Confirm plan support for your operating system and connected drives before choosing.
Consider recovery and collaboration
Carbonite Safe Prime adds a courier recovery option, while OneDrive supports file access and sharing across devices. Choose recovery depth for backup needs or collaboration tools for shared work.
FAQ
Is Microsoft OneDrive 1TB the same as Carbonite?
Microsoft OneDrive 1TB and Carbonite are not the same service. OneDrive syncs files across devices and, through Microsoft 365 Personal, includes productivity apps. Carbonite Safe Basic focuses on automatic backup for one computer with unlimited cloud storage.
Does Microsoft 365 Personal include 1 TB of OneDrive storage?
Microsoft 365 Personal 1TB includes 1 TB of OneDrive storage for one person, along with Microsoft 365 apps. The plan suits users who want both cloud file access and tools such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint in one subscription.
Does Carbonite back up external hard drives?
Carbonite Safe Plus includes external hard-drive backup alongside computer protection. Carbonite Safe Basic is aimed at computer files, so check the specific plan terms before relying on external-drive coverage. IDrive Personal 5TB is another option with external-drive support.
Which is better for family cloud storage, OneDrive or Carbonite?
Microsoft 365 Family 1TB per person is the clearer family storage choice, covering up to 6 people with separate 1 TB allocations. Carbonite focuses on computer backup rather than shared household storage and productivity apps.
What is the best alternative to Carbonite for backing up multiple devices?
IDrive Personal 5TB is a strong alternative when one account needs to cover multiple devices and store a large backup library. Backblaze Computer Backup Unlimited is a simpler fit for unlimited backup focused on one computer.
Is Carbonite Safe Basic enough for a personal computer?
Carbonite Safe Basic is designed for automatic online backup of one computer, with unlimited cloud storage for backed-up files. Choose Carbonite Safe Plus instead when an external hard drive also needs protection.