Backblaze vs Dropbox: Cloud Backup vs File Sync Compared
Backblaze and Dropbox solve different problems — unlimited computer backup vs file sync and collaboration. Here's how they compare on price, features, and use case.
Updated 2026-10 · 2026
Backblaze
Unlimited cloud backup for your computer
Strengths
- +Truly unlimited storage for one flat price per computer
- +Automatic, continuous backup with no manual selection needed
- +Simple pricing — no per-GB charges or storage tiers
Weaknesses
- -Not built for file sync or real-time collaboration
- -One license per computer — doesn't scale like team storage
- -No native sharing links or document collaboration
Best for
Individuals and small teams who need cheap, hands-off backup of entire computers, not file sharing.
Dropbox
File sync, sharing, and collaboration across devices
Strengths
- +Real-time sync across desktop, mobile, and web
- +Strong collaboration: comments, sharing links, team folders
- +Integrates with Slack, Zoom, Google Workspace, Microsoft Office
Weaknesses
- -Storage is capped and expensive per TB vs Backblaze
- -Not a full computer backup — relies on selective sync of chosen folders
- -Costs scale quickly as you add team seats
Best for
Teams that need to share, co-edit, and sync files across devices and collaborators.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited storage | Yes, per computer | No, tiered (up to 3TB+ on paid plans) |
| Real-time file sync | No | Yes |
| File sharing & links | No native sharing | Yes, built-in |
| Collaboration (comments, co-editing) | No | Yes |
| Automatic full-computer backup | Yes | No (selective sync only) |
| Mobile app | Yes (restore/view only) | Yes (full sync) |
| Version history | 30 days default, extendable | 30-180 days depending on plan |
| Physical drive restore/shipment | Yes (extra fee) | No |
| Team/multi-user admin console | No (per-computer licenses) | Yes (Business plans) |
| API / developer access | Yes (via B2 Cloud Storage, separate product) | Yes |
| Approx. cost for 2TB | $9/mo covers unlimited data per computer | $11.99/mo (Plus plan) |
The Verdict
Backblaze and Dropbox aren't really competitors — Backblaze backs up your whole computer for a flat fee, while Dropbox syncs and shares specific files across your team. If you just need cheap, automatic backup, Backblaze wins on price and simplicity. If you need to collaborate on files with other people, you need Dropbox (or a similar sync tool), and many teams end up using both.
How to switch from Backblaze to Dropbox
- 1Use Backblaze's 'Restore' feature on the web dashboard to download a ZIP of your backed-up files, or order a physical USB/hard drive restore shipment if you have a large amount of data.
- 2Create a Dropbox account, install the desktop app, and set up your folder structure (e.g., Team, Projects, Archive).
- 3Copy or move the restored files from Backblaze into your local Dropbox folder so they begin syncing to the cloud.
- 4Recreate any sharing links, team folders, and permission settings in the Dropbox admin console, since Backblaze had no equivalent sharing system.
- 5Reconnect app integrations you rely on (Slack, Zoom, Google Workspace) to Dropbox instead of any manual file transfer workflow.
- 6Keep Backblaze running in parallel for a few weeks as a full-computer backup safety net before canceling, since Dropbox doesn't back up your entire machine the way Backblaze does.
Backblaze vs Dropbox: common questions
How do I export my data from Backblaze before switching to Dropbox?+
Backblaze doesn't have a one-click export since it's a backup tool, not storage. Use the 'Restore' feature on the web to download your files as a ZIP, or order a physical USB flash drive or hard drive shipment for large datasets, then copy those files into your Dropbox folder.
What do I lose moving from Backblaze to Dropbox?+
You lose unlimited, automatic backup of your entire computer — Dropbox only syncs folders you explicitly add, not your whole hard drive. You also lose Backblaze's cheap flat-rate pricing, since Dropbox charges per GB/TB and per user on team plans.
Is Dropbox's free tier enough for a small team?+
No. The free plan only gives 2GB of storage, which fills up fast with even a handful of documents or media files. Most small teams need at least the Plus ($11.99/mo, 2TB) or a Business plan to get usable storage and team sharing features.
Does Dropbox integrate with the tools we already use?+
Yes — Dropbox has native integrations with Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and Adobe apps, plus an API for custom integrations. Backblaze has no comparable integration ecosystem since it's a background backup service.
How does the cost compare over time for a growing team?+
Backblaze charges per computer ($9/mo flat, regardless of data size), so costs grow linearly and predictably with headcount. Dropbox's Business plans charge per user plus shared storage pools, so a 5-person team on Business Standard ($18/user/mo) can cost significantly more than 5 Backblaze licenses.
