Box vs CrashPlan
Detailed side-by-side comparison
Box
FreeBox is an enterprise-grade cloud content management and file sharing platform focused on secure collaboration, workflow automation, and compliance. It offers unlimited storage across paid plans and integrates with over 1,500 business applications, making it ideal for teams that need to actively collaborate on files.
Visit BoxCrashPlan
From $10/moCrashPlan is an enterprise-focused cloud backup solution providing automatic, continuous data protection for endpoints including desktops, laptops, and servers. It emphasizes data loss prevention with unlimited backup storage per device and centralized management for IT administrators.
Visit CrashPlanFeature Comparison
| Feature | Box | CrashPlan |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use Case | Active collaboration, file sharing, and content management with real-time co-editing and workflow automation | Automatic continuous backup and disaster recovery with file versioning and data protection |
| Storage Capacity | Unlimited storage on all paid plans for active file management and sharing | Unlimited cloud backup storage per device for archived and protected data |
| Security & Compliance | Enterprise-grade with granular permissions, compliance certifications (HIPAA, FINRA, FedRAMP), and encryption | Military-grade AES 256-bit encryption with end-to-end security focused on data protection |
| Collaboration Features | Robust real-time collaboration with co-editing, task assignments, comments, Box Relay workflow automation, and Box Sign for e-signatures | No collaboration features; designed solely for backup and recovery purposes |
| Integration Ecosystem | Extensive integrations with 1,500+ apps including Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Slack, and other productivity tools | Limited integrations; focused on backup functionality rather than app ecosystem connectivity |
| File Versioning | Version control available for tracking changes and restoring previous versions of actively shared files | Advanced file versioning and retention policies specifically designed for long-term backup recovery |
Pricing Comparison
Box starts at $0/mo with a limited free tier (10GB), while paid plans are more expensive but include unlimited storage and collaboration features. CrashPlan starts at $10/mo with no free tier, offering unlimited backup storage per device at a competitive price point for backup-focused solutions.
Verdict
Choose Box if...
Choose Box if you need active file collaboration, content management, workflow automation, and team sharing with extensive app integrations. It's best for organizations prioritizing real-time collaboration and document management over pure backup.
Choose CrashPlan if...
Choose CrashPlan if your primary need is automatic continuous backup and disaster recovery for endpoints with unlimited storage. It's ideal for organizations focused on data protection, compliance, and preventing data loss rather than active file collaboration.
Get Your Free Software Recommendation
Answer a few quick questions and we'll match you with the perfect tools
Select the category that best fits your needs
Pros & Cons
Box
Pros
- + Enterprise-grade security with granular permissions and compliance features (HIPAA, FINRA, FedRAMP)
- + Unlimited storage on all paid plans, including individual accounts
- + Robust integration ecosystem with native apps for productivity tools
- + Advanced collaboration features including task assignments and workflow automation
Cons
- - More expensive than consumer-focused alternatives like Dropbox or Google Drive
- - Interface can feel complex for individual users or small teams
- - Limited functionality on the free tier with only 10GB storage
CrashPlan
Pros
- + Unlimited backup storage without throttling
- + Strong security with end-to-end encryption
- + Excellent file version history and retention policies
- + Reliable cross-platform compatibility
Cons
- - No free tier for individual users
- - Higher price point compared to consumer alternatives
- - Initial backup can be slow for large datasets