Quick answer
Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage - Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage wins for most builders who mainly need cheap object storage, while SimpleBackups wins if you need scheduled backup automation and restore workflows rather than raw storage.
How the free tiers compare
These products solve different problems even though both sit in storage-adjacent workflows. Backblaze B2 is an object storage layer: you get S3-compatible storage, a permanent 10 GB free allowance, free API calls in the common case, and egress that stays generous until your downloads exceed 3x average stored data. That makes it a strong fit for apps, archives, and backup destinations where storage cost and bandwidth matter. SimpleBackups is a backup operations tool: the free tier is much smaller in capacity, but it includes a real backup job, daily scheduling, email notifications, and encryption. It is less about storing files cheaply and more about running and monitoring backup jobs. Once paid, Backblaze stays usage-based and can scale gently; SimpleBackups jumps to flat subscription tiers.
Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage vs SimpleBackups free tier, side by side
| Backblaze B2 Cloud StorageFTV 35 | SimpleBackupsFTV 54 | |
|---|---|---|
| Free storageA is storage-first; B's free tier is enough for a single small backup job. | First 10 GB always free | 1 GB included SimpleStorage |
| Backup / job countSimpleBackups is the one with explicit job quotas. | Not specified | 1 included Backup Job |
| API calls / transactionsB does not list API call quotas in the input. | Class A free; Class B and C free for first 2,500 per day per class | Not specified |
| Egress / bandwidthThis is a major differentiator for download-heavy workflows. | Free up to 3x average monthly storage, then $0.01 per GB | Not specified |
| Backup frequencySimpleBackups free tier is scheduled, not generic storage. | Not specified | Daily backup frequency |
| Credit card required on free tierOnly state this for B because the field is present. | Not stated | No credit card required |
After you outgrow the free tier
Backblaze B2 uses usage-based pricing, starting at $6.95 per TB per month for storage, with egress free up to 3x average monthly storage and then $0.01 per GB. That means costs rise gradually as storage and bandwidth grow. SimpleBackups uses flat plans: Lite at $49/mo, Plus at $99/mo, and Max at $299/mo. For small-team usage, B2 is usually much cheaper if you only need storage, while SimpleBackups becomes the costlier but more operationally complete option once you need managed backup jobs and faster intervals.
Cost at real usage
| Usage | Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage | SimpleBackups |
|---|---|---|
| 10 GB stored, low download volumeB2's first 10 GB is always free; SimpleBackups includes 1 GB and 1 job. | Free (within tier) | Free (within tier) |
| 50 GB stored, one small backup workloadBackblaze storage is roughly $6.95 per TB per month, prorated by volume. SimpleBackups would need at least Lite for 50 GB included storage and 5 backups. | ~$0.34/mo est. | $49/mo |
| 200 GB storedB2 remains usage-based; SimpleBackups' Plus plan includes 200 GB and 20 backups. | ~$1.36/mo est. | $99/mo |
| 1 TB storedB2's stated storage rate is much lower than SimpleBackups' highest listed plan, but the products are not direct equivalents. | $6.95/mo | $299/mo |
Estimates, not quotes. Usage-based rates change - verify with the vendor's pricing page before committing.
When to pick each one
Pick Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage when…
- You need S3-compatible object storage for an app, archive, or backup target.
- You want a free tier that can stay useful past initial testing because storage and common API calls are permanently free within limits.
- Your main cost concern is bandwidth-heavy restores or downloads, since free egress is part of the value.
- You are building your own backup workflow and only need the storage backend, not a backup dashboard.
Pick SimpleBackups when…
- You need one place to schedule and monitor backups across servers, databases, or SaaS tools.
- You want restore workflows, alerts, and encryption included in the product.
- You only need a small starter setup with one backup job and daily frequency at no cost.
- You expect to grow into a team backup tool with access control, anomaly detection, or a disaster recovery dashboard.
Bottom line
For the most common builder case, Backblaze B2 is the better free-tier starting point if you need cheap object storage with a path to pay-as-you-go scaling. SimpleBackups is the better pick only when the thing you are buying is backup automation itself: jobs, schedules, alerts, and restore workflows. If you are deciding where to park data, B2 wins. If you are deciding how to run backups, SimpleBackups wins.
Read the full listings: Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage and SimpleBackups. Scores use the FTV methodology at /ftv. Browse more head-to-heads on /compare, or see the top-ranked free tiers on /top.