When comparing Arq vs Backblaze, the Slant community recommends Backblaze for most people. In the question“What are the best cloud backup services?” Backblaze is ranked 2nd while Arq is ranked 6th. The most important reason people chose Backblaze is:
The default configuration includes everything except for system files to be backed up. That also includes external USB drives. This will work for most people. It can, of course, be customized to each person's liking.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Only you know the encryption password
No privacy concerns.
Pro Reliable
Amazon services offer solutions with almost 100% durability and 99.99% availability. Even if the system loses data-centers, you will still be able to access your files.
Pro Can store data directly in a variety of cloud storage providers
Arq is client-side software that runs on your computer and talks directly to generic cloud data storage providers. No third-party service in the middle means lower costs, better reliability, lower risk of a service ceasing to operate, ease of migration to other storage targets.
- Amazon Glacier and/or S3
- GreenQloud
- DreamObjects
- Google Cloud Storage
- S3-Compatible Server
- SFTP Server
Pro Open document format backups
Unlike other backup programs that store data in proprietary formats, Arq stores them in an open document format allowing for easy viewing.
Pro Beginner-friendly defaults
The default configuration includes everything except for system files to be backed up. That also includes external USB drives. This will work for most people. It can, of course, be customized to each person's liking.
Pro No file size or traffic restrictions
There are no limitations of file size or amount of data you can upload. The $5/mo plan gets you unlimited cloud storage.
Pro Excellent restoration performance
Backblaze creates a zip file of all your files for you to download, thus decreasing the amount of data you need to download and increasing the speed of the download since it's one connection instead of multiple that need to be opened and closed for a list of files.
Pro Secure
AES encrypted files are transferred over a secure SSL connection.
Pro Download any backed-up files from any web browser
Some backup services like Carbonite require a client to be installed to restore files. Backblaze allows you to login and download any or all files from a web browser, meaning it also serves as an ad-hoc cloud storage platform.
Pro Users can order a physical copy of their data
You can have a flash drive or an external hard drive delivered to you. They cost $99 and $189 respectively.
Cons
Con Complicated setup
When it comes to ease of use most cloud backup service are pretty easy as it is just one signup, with Arc you need to download install and activate it to then register for an Amazon account, this extra step may be troublesome to some people or just annoying.
Con No Linux support
There's no Linux client for Backblaze.
Con Pay extra to keep deleted files permanently
Additional $2/Month plus $0.005/GB/Month for files updated, changed, or deleted more than one year ago.
Con Backblaze does not support network (NAS) drives
If you use a thing like Drobo, Backblaze will not back it up.