Backblaze B2 is usually the better pick for low-cost, flexible NAS cloud backup, while IDrive is better for users who want a simpler bundled backup app with NAS support. A Synology or QNAP owner with 4 TB of family photos, office files, and media may pay about $24 per month on Backblaze B2, before any lifecycle savings, while IDrive may look cheaper during first-year discounts but becomes less flexible when storage grows past the plan limit.
TLDR: For most off-site NAS backups, Backblaze B2 wins on transparent storage pricing, S3 compatibility, and long-term control. IDrive wins when the user wants built-in NAS backup tools, scheduled jobs, and a more traditional backup dashboard. For example, a small office backing up 2 TB from a Synology NAS may prefer IDrive for easier setup, while a media creator archiving 10 TB may save money and avoid plan ceilings with Backblaze B2.
Backblaze vs IDrive for NAS Backup: The Short Verdict
A NAS needs off-site backup because RAID is not backup. A failed volume, ransomware hit, fire, theft, or bad sync rule can wipe out local data fast. The best setup follows the 3-2-1 rule: three copies of data, two types of storage, and one copy off-site.
Backblaze and IDrive both serve that off-site role, but they work in different ways. Backblaze B2 is object storage. It is built for apps, NAS devices, and backup tools that can send data to an S3-compatible bucket. IDrive is closer to a full backup service. It offers apps, device backup, and NAS backup features through supported platforms.
The catch is that “Backblaze” can mean two different products. Backblaze Personal Backup does not back up NAS shares as a normal supported source. For NAS, the relevant product is Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage. That single detail causes a lot of wasted setup time.
How Backblaze B2 Works with a NAS
Backblaze B2 stores NAS backups in buckets. A Synology, QNAP, TrueNAS, or other NAS can usually connect through S3-compatible settings, native integrations, or third-party tools such as Hyper Backup, Cloud Sync, rclone, or Duplicati.
This approach gives administrators strong control. They can set encryption, retention, versioning, lifecycle rules, and object lock where supported. Backblaze B2 also has clear pricing based mainly on stored data. That makes it easy to estimate costs as the NAS grows.
- Best for: technical users, media teams, IT admins, and large archives.
- Main strength: low per-terabyte pricing and broad software support.
- Main weakness: setup can feel too manual for casual users.
Honestly, it feels like Backblaze B2 expects the user to know backup terms before the first upload starts. Buckets, keys, endpoints, lifecycle rules, and encryption choices are not hard, but they are not friendly either.
How IDrive Works with a NAS
IDrive aims to feel more like a backup product than raw storage. It supports many NAS environments, including common Synology and QNAP use cases, often through dedicated packages or backup apps. Users can schedule jobs, choose folders, and manage backups from a dashboard.
IDrive also offers features such as snapshots, file versioning, and device backup under one account. That can suit homes and small businesses with laptops, desktops, and a NAS under the same backup plan.
- Best for: families, small offices, and users who want guided backup jobs.
- Main strength: easier all-in-one backup management.
- Main weakness: plan limits and renewal pricing can become annoying.
IDrive often advertises steep first-year discounts. That sounds great at signup. Renewal can be a different story. Storage caps also matter. A NAS that grows from 3 TB to 8 TB can push the account into a larger plan sooner than expected.
Pricing: Predictable Storage vs Package Deals
Backblaze B2 charges by storage used, commonly around a few dollars per terabyte per month. It is simple on paper. If the NAS stores more, the bill rises. If old backup versions are deleted through lifecycle rules, the bill can shrink.
IDrive usually sells storage in fixed plan sizes. That can be cheaper for a small NAS, especially during promotions. It can also be less efficient when the data size sits just above a plan limit. Paying for 10 TB when only 5.5 TB is needed never feels good.
For a rough example, a photographer with 6 TB of RAW files may prefer Backblaze B2 because pricing follows actual usage. A home user with 1.5 TB of documents, photos, and phone backups may prefer IDrive because one plan can cover several devices.
Security and Ransomware Protection
Both services support encrypted backup workflows, but the exact protection depends on the NAS app and settings. Strong NAS backup should include private encryption keys, multi-factor authentication, limited-access credentials, and version retention.
Backblaze B2 works well with immutable-style backup plans when the tools support object lock. That can help block ransomware from deleting clean restore points. IDrive offers snapshots and versioning, which can also help recover older copies after an attack.
The key is retention. A backup that mirrors deletions instantly is risky. If ransomware encrypts files and the NAS syncs those broken files to the cloud, the off-site copy may become useless. Proper backup jobs should keep older versions for days, weeks, or months.
Speed, Restore, and Daily Use
Initial NAS backup is slow for both services if the upload connection is weak. A 4 TB NAS on a 40 Mbps upload line can take more than nine days under ideal conditions. Real uploads often take longer due to throttling, small files, app overhead, and home router limits.
Backblaze B2 restore options depend on the backup tool. Some tools restore directly to the NAS. Others require downloading archives or syncing folders back. IDrive offers a more guided restore experience in many cases, which helps less technical users.
For business use, restore speed matters more than backup speed. A cheap backup that takes two weeks to restore may be a bad fit for active project files. Critical data may need a local USB backup plus cloud backup, not cloud alone.
Which One Should a NAS Owner Choose?
Backblaze B2 is the better choice when the NAS owner wants scalable storage, S3 support, clear cost per terabyte, and control over retention rules. It pairs well with Synology Hyper Backup, TrueNAS tools, rclone, and many backup apps.
IDrive is the better choice when ease matters more than storage architecture. It is a good fit for a small office that wants NAS backup, PC backup, and simple restore tools inside one account.
A practical split works like this:
- Choose Backblaze B2 for 5 TB or more, media archives, technical teams, and custom backup rules.
- Choose IDrive for smaller NAS systems, mixed device backup, and users who dislike manual cloud setup.
- Use both local and cloud backup when downtime would be costly.
NAS Backup Setup Tips
- Encrypt before upload. The NAS or backup app should encrypt data before it leaves the network.
- Use a dedicated cloud credential. It should only access the backup bucket or backup folder.
- Keep versions. Thirty to ninety days is a common starting point for ransomware recovery.
- Test restores monthly. A backup that has never been restored is only a guess.
- Exclude junk folders. Cache files, recycle bins, and temporary renders can inflate bills.
FAQ
Can Backblaze Personal Backup back up a NAS?
No. Backblaze Personal Backup is not meant for NAS backup. NAS users should use Backblaze B2 with compatible NAS software.
Is IDrive easier than Backblaze B2 for NAS backup?
In most cases, yes. IDrive offers a more familiar backup interface. Backblaze B2 offers more control but takes more setup work.
Which is cheaper for large NAS backups?
Backblaze B2 is often cheaper and cleaner for large data sets because billing follows actual storage use. IDrive can be cheaper for smaller backups, especially with promotions.
Does a NAS still need local backup?
Yes. Cloud backup protects against site loss and major failures, but local backup gives faster restores. The safest plan uses both.
Which service is better for ransomware recovery?
Both can work if versioning and retention are configured well. Backblaze B2 with object lock can be very strong. IDrive snapshots and file versions can also help restore clean files.