Amazon S3 Glacier vs. Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage vs. Dropbox

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Amazon S3 Glacier
Score 9.0 out of 10
N/A
The Amazon S3 Glacier storage classes are purpose-built for data archiving, providing a low cost archive storage in the cloud. According to AWS, S3 Glacier storage classes provide virtually unlimited scalability and are designed for 99.999999999% (11 nines) of data durability, and they provide fast access to archive data and low cost.
$0
Per GB Per Month
Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage
Score 8.6 out of 10
N/A
Backblaze, headquartered in San Mateo, provides cloud storage and online backup, boasting trust with over an exabyte of data from customers in 175 countries. A backup service specialist, Backblaze describes their B2 cloud object storage service as S3 compatible and purpose built to provide simplicity, reliability, and affordability. B2 Cloud Storage is available at $0.005/GB/Month, with single-tier pricing.
$6
per month per TB
Dropbox
Score 8.5 out of 10
N/A
Dropbox is a cloud storage solution, equipped with features that help users to save time, improve productivity, and collaborate with others. Users can edit PDFs, share videos, sign documents, and collaborate with stakeholders without leaving Dropbox.
$9.99
per month
Pricing
Amazon S3 GlacierBackblaze B2 Cloud StorageDropbox
Editions & Modules
Bulk Retrieval Pricing
$0.0025
Per GB Per Month
Storage Pricing
$0.004
Per GB Per Month
Retrieval Pricing
$0.01
Per GB Per Month
Expedited Retrieval Pricing
$0.03
Per GB Per Month
No answers on this topic
Plus
$9.99
per month
Essentials
$18
per month
Business
$20
per month per user
Business Plus
$26
per month per user
Basic
Free
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Amazon S3 GlacierBackblaze B2 Cloud StorageDropbox
Free Trial
YesNoNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoYesNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional DetailsTwo pricing models are available: consumption-based pay-as-you-go, and capacity-based storage bundles. Pay-as-you-go consumption-based cloud storage costs $6/TB per month, with your first 10GB free. Egress is free up to 3x of average monthly data stored, and unlimited to many leading content delivery network (CDN) and compute partners. Capacity-based storage, called B2 Reserve, is designed for companies looking for all-inclusive pricing on a single invoice. Storage bundles start at 20TB and can be purchased for one, two, or three years. Egress is always free.
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Amazon S3 GlacierBackblaze B2 Cloud StorageDropbox
Considered Multiple Products
Amazon S3 Glacier
Chose Amazon S3 Glacier
Since the rest of our infrastructure is in Amazon AWS, coding for sending data to Glacier just makes sense. The others are great as well, for their specific needs and uses, but having *another* third-party software to manage, be billed for, and learn/utilize can be costly in …
Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage
Chose Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage
Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage is the best of the bunch. It's priced better than the more expensive cloud based solutions and more robust than the file storage sites like Dropbox or Google Drive.
Dropbox
Chose Dropbox
I think Dropbox is too expensive to be used as a high volume archive / backup
Chose Dropbox
Dropbox is my preferred software and data sync program. It excels in data storage, utility, price, and practicality. It’s universally accessible and has never caused any of my clients any issues. Automatic backup functions are limited, however, and could improve. Other than …
Chose Dropbox
Dropbox is the easiest and most straight forward of the bunch. I tried every similar service but always end up coming back to Dropbox
Features
Amazon S3 GlacierBackblaze B2 Cloud StorageDropbox
File Sharing & Management
Comparison of File Sharing & Management features of Product A and Product B
Amazon S3 Glacier
-
Ratings
Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage
7.9
5 Ratings
5% below category average
Dropbox
8.4
1349 Ratings
1% above category average
Versioning00 Ratings7.95 Ratings8.51122 Ratings
Video files00 Ratings8.64 Ratings8.11101 Ratings
Audio files00 Ratings8.64 Ratings8.6997 Ratings
Document collaboration00 Ratings7.01 Ratings8.41170 Ratings
Access control00 Ratings7.94 Ratings8.91247 Ratings
File search00 Ratings5.03 Ratings7.91292 Ratings
Device sync00 Ratings10.02 Ratings8.11241 Ratings
Cloud Storage Security & Administration
Comparison of Cloud Storage Security & Administration features of Product A and Product B
Amazon S3 Glacier
-
Ratings
Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage
8.0
5 Ratings
8% below category average
Dropbox
8.8
1278 Ratings
2% above category average
User and role management00 Ratings7.94 Ratings8.81139 Ratings
File organization00 Ratings6.04 Ratings8.81259 Ratings
Device management00 Ratings10.02 Ratings8.81120 Ratings
Cloud Storage Platform
Comparison of Cloud Storage Platform features of Product A and Product B
Amazon S3 Glacier
-
Ratings
Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage
9.3
5 Ratings
7% above category average
Dropbox
8.7
1268 Ratings
1% above category average
Performance00 Ratings8.85 Ratings8.41257 Ratings
Reliability00 Ratings9.25 Ratings9.11264 Ratings
Storage Reports00 Ratings10.02 Ratings8.7964 Ratings
Best Alternatives
Amazon S3 GlacierBackblaze B2 Cloud StorageDropbox
Small Businesses
Cove Data Protection
Cove Data Protection
Score 9.1 out of 10
SugarSync
SugarSync
Score 4.1 out of 10
SugarSync
SugarSync
Score 4.1 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Cove Data Protection
Cove Data Protection
Score 9.1 out of 10
Druva Security Cloud
Druva Security Cloud
Score 9.4 out of 10
Druva Security Cloud
Druva Security Cloud
Score 9.4 out of 10
Enterprises
Microsoft Exchange
Microsoft Exchange
Score 8.6 out of 10
Druva Security Cloud
Druva Security Cloud
Score 9.4 out of 10
Druva Security Cloud
Druva Security Cloud
Score 9.4 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
Amazon S3 GlacierBackblaze B2 Cloud StorageDropbox
Likelihood to Recommend
9.0
(8 ratings)
8.8
(6 ratings)
8.6
(1348 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
-
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
8.2
(41 ratings)
Usability
6.0
(1 ratings)
8.8
(3 ratings)
8.1
(496 ratings)
Availability
-
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
6.8
(3 ratings)
Performance
-
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
6.0
(8 ratings)
Support Rating
-
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
6.6
(38 ratings)
Online Training
-
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
8.2
(2 ratings)
Implementation Rating
-
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
7.5
(4 ratings)
Configurability
-
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
6.4
(1 ratings)
Product Scalability
-
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
6.6
(4 ratings)
User Testimonials
Amazon S3 GlacierBackblaze B2 Cloud StorageDropbox
Likelihood to Recommend
Amazon AWS
If your organization has a lot of archival data that it needs to be backed up for safekeeping, where it won't be touched except in a dire emergency, Amazon Glacier is perfect. In our case, we had a client that generates many TB of video and photo data at annual events and wanted to retain ALL of it, pre- and post- edit for potential use in a future museum. Using the Snowball device, we were able to move hundreds of TB of existing media data that was previously housed on multiple Thunderbolt drives, external RAIDs, etc, in an organized manner, to Amazon Glacier. Then, we were able to setup CloudBerry Backup on their production computers to continually backup any new media that they generated during their annual events.
Read full review
Backblaze
Providing the option of purchasing a much longer archive if desired or limiting the length of time in maintaining what's been saved is brilliant. It makes all the sense in the world. At the very least, unless the retention period is clearly mandated somehow, it causes a decision maker (especially a small business owner) to think strategically about what the storage needs truly are.
Read full review
Dropbox
Dropbox is well suited for sending File Requests to clients to upload documents, and for me to send File Transfers to clients with documents for them to download. I can create separate files for each client, and also create files within files, which is very convenient and useful for my business purposes. In Dropbox I can also see all of the File Requests that I have sent and it shows me how many times they've accessed it and how many files they uploaded. I can also see all of the File Transfers that I have made and whether how many times the client has accessed it and how many documents were downloaded. It also sends me notifications if the clients haven't downloaded their files yet so I can remind them. Dropbox Sign has been very easy to use, and I have already stated what could be changed with it
Read full review
Pros
Amazon AWS
  • Cheap storage of backup data.
  • Can be used as a part of the entire suite of tools from Amazon, without requiring you to leave the familiar stack.
Read full review
Backblaze
  • Tight integration with OEM backup application
  • Among the lowest price per TB cloud backup provider
  • AWS S3 service integration
  • Optional services for initial seeding of large backup data sets
  • Optional services for physical backup retrieval to speed up recovery
Read full review
Dropbox
  • I can share projects I need feedback on.
  • I can make projects available to editors so that they can do their work.
  • Dropbox is a place where I can store files that I can access from anywhere, even if I don't have my laptop with me at the time.
  • I have an old friend who is an acting professor in Tokyo. He loves the dialogue that I write in my novels. He converts chapters into scenework for his acting students. They get very excited when there's new material!
Read full review
Cons
Amazon AWS
  • Sometime due to slow drives there are operation failure noticed by us in testing
  • Cost of restoring data is high and if you have regular restoring them it is not good option and slow as well.
  • While we were setting up the system we took some support from AWS and in many cases their answers were not up to the mark.
Read full review
Backblaze
  • Deleting the data is not simpler and requires manual intervention
  • Integration with third party tools needs much improvement as there are very less tools that can be integrated.
  • Fewer data centres presently that restrict options to meet specific geographic redundancy or data sovereignty requirements.
Read full review
Dropbox
  • Admid Control Can feels little basic it can be improve by easy access quick tabs for important button.
  • Smart sync behaviour can be little confusing it can be improve by displaying more futuristic way
  • Pricing and storage facility can be improve for really more demanding for a tool can be imporve.
Read full review
Likelihood to Renew
Amazon AWS
No answers on this topic
Backblaze
No answers on this topic
Dropbox
Dropbox is a user-friendly, easy tool which requires little to no skill and they offer a free version with a good amount of storage available. There are other file sharing tools available however at a cost. Dropbox free version I have used for years and it serves every purpose I need.
Read full review
Usability
Amazon AWS
It is difficult to delete the data as you have to wait for inventory and then bucket modification has to expire.
Read full review
Backblaze
Since Backblaze added S3 compatibility a few years ago, it's become the most perfect online backup solution.
I also like their transparency in describing their platform and the reports of hard drive reliability are very interesting.
The free egress is priceless, too.
Read full review
Dropbox
It works extremely well, and we have never had any issues with connecting or sharing files. It's very easy to use, and any team member can share, add, and delete files to a virtual drive. This is extremely helpful, and it's an amazing tool to use, ensuring everyone can connect and work together effectively.
Read full review
Reliability and Availability
Amazon AWS
No answers on this topic
Backblaze
No answers on this topic
Dropbox
I really recommend the product for the Dropbox availability is a great having very very less downtimes, they errors are less I have been faced yet, due to connectivity sometimes we are getting errors. Only sometimes the limitations of some features show some errors.
Read full review
Performance
Amazon AWS
No answers on this topic
Backblaze
No answers on this topic
Dropbox
Dropbox is really useful, you can access any file from anywhere and you can upload and even edit files online, but, sometimes it can be slow. Downloading, uploading, and syncing is a bit slow, it can take several minutes. Furthermore, the search engine for large amounts of data can be slow too and it is not powerful.
Read full review
Support Rating
Amazon AWS
No answers on this topic
Backblaze
No answers on this topic
Dropbox
They immediately responded like in an example that I gave where one of our staff members accidentally deleted the whole Special Hope Network Dropbox, we immediately contacted Dropbox they walked us through the steps of how to retrieve the information and luckily enough we were able to retrieve the entire Dropbox and we have had back and forth with Dropbox on what to do when an employee leaves how to remove them how to add another employee.
Read full review
In-Person Training
Amazon AWS
No answers on this topic
Backblaze
No answers on this topic
Dropbox
The person for corporate product dealing and knowledge of the product explore and better and secure use are properly handover to us. Also provide full software and tool training from the basic to the pro level with each and every possible explanation. Provide many sessions regarding every doubt. Also Guide better suitable options for our business to migrate and integrate for the expansion in all places employee smoothly.
Read full review
Online Training
Amazon AWS
No answers on this topic
Backblaze
No answers on this topic
Dropbox
I did not personally take any training for Dropbox so I am self taught but I know when our Vice President selected Dropbox, he personally did do some training modules on it and I'm assuming it was very easy and simple to understand since he now acts like he is a pro at it!
Read full review
Implementation Rating
Amazon AWS
No answers on this topic
Backblaze
No answers on this topic
Dropbox
I needed to stay current in improving my daily operations. Dropbox
was suggested to me by a former colleague two-years ago and I've been using it just fine ever since.
Read full review
Alternatives Considered
Amazon AWS
Since the rest of our infrastructure is in Amazon AWS, coding for sending data to Glacier just makes sense. The others are great as well, for their specific needs and uses, but having *another* third-party software to manage, be billed for, and learn/utilize can be costly in money and time.
Read full review
Backblaze
Backblaze is definitely the cheapest and most cost effective out of the 6 other services I've used in the past. For personal use, they are by and away the best service available. For business use, I believe they are a very strong contender to be the #3 guys behind AWS and Linode.
Read full review
Dropbox
I prefer the layout and visual aspect of Dropbox as it mirrors my files on my computer. I feel that I am more organized, and it's easier to find my files in Dropbox than it was with Google Drive.
Read full review
Contract Terms and Pricing Model
Amazon AWS
No answers on this topic
Backblaze
No answers on this topic
Dropbox
I would recommend to this product directly to the sales team of Dropbox for the best deal provide to my referred person and provide the best service to them.
Read full review
Scalability
Amazon AWS
No answers on this topic
Backblaze
No answers on this topic
Dropbox
It's easy to integrate with the systems of Windows and Linux, easy to have web versions accessible, which provide the web login credentials. Also, it can be installed for individuals for the best autosync features.
Read full review
Professional Services
Amazon AWS
No answers on this topic
Backblaze
No answers on this topic
Dropbox
Their services are highly rated for moving massive, complex data sets from legacy on-premise servers to the cloud with minimal downtime.
Read full review
Return on Investment
Amazon AWS
  • We seldom need to access our data in Glacier; this means that it is a fraction of the cost of S3, including the infrequent-access storage class.
  • Transitioning data to Glacier is managed by AWS. We don't need our engineers to build or maintain log pipelines.
  • Configuring lifecycle policies for S3 and Glacier is simple; it takes our engineers very little time, and there is little risk of errant configuration.
Read full review
Backblaze
  • Difficult to quantify the peace of mind Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage services provides.
  • Based on the reported experiences of other Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage clients, recovery has been smooth. We have not yet had the need to use that function.
  • Because Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage's service has been seamless, I feel much more confident in their ability to deliver what they promise when we have the need to expand or enhance what we are purchasing from them.
Read full review
Dropbox
  • When it works (usually if a client already has Dropbox, so they don't get the solicitation to sign up), it works flawlessly.
  • I've had multiple clients not see the "continue with download only" at the bottom and email me to resend the media another way because they don't have a Dropbox account.
Read full review
ScreenShots

Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage Screenshots

Screenshot of Files are stored in BucketsScreenshot of B2 Cloud Storage Dashboard

Dropbox Screenshots

Screenshot of the action bar, that sits across the browser page can be used to record the screen, edit PDFs, upload files, create folders, get signatures, or send and track documents.Screenshot of Dropbox Replay, that lets collaborators leave frame-accurate feedback and markups directly on project files.Screenshot of Dropbox Capture, which can be used to take screen recordings, screenshots, and GIFs with one click and share them with a link.Screenshot of the interface where Dropbox lets users upload, edit, send, and sign PDFs in one place.