Carbonite vs SpiderOak
Detailed side-by-side comparison
Carbonite
From $6/moCarbonite is a cloud backup solution focused on automatic, continuous protection of files and systems with unlimited storage options. It's designed for both businesses and individuals who want set-it-and-forget-it backup with multiple recovery methods including physical courier delivery.
Visit CarboniteSpiderOak
FreeSpiderOak is a zero-knowledge encrypted cloud storage and backup platform built for privacy-conscious users who require maximum security. It distinguishes itself by ensuring that even SpiderOak itself cannot access your data, making it ideal for sensitive information protection.
Visit SpiderOakFeature Comparison
| Feature | Carbonite | SpiderOak |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption and Privacy | Military-grade encryption protects data in transit and at rest, with Carbonite managing the encryption keys | Zero-knowledge end-to-end encryption where only the user holds encryption keys, ensuring complete privacy from the provider |
| Storage Capacity | Unlimited cloud storage on most plans, allowing backup of large amounts of data without capacity concerns | Storage is limited by plan tier rather than unlimited, with capacity tied to subscription level |
| File Versioning | Limited version history compared to competitors, with fewer retained versions of changed files | Unlimited versioning and deleted file retention, allowing access to any previous version indefinitely |
| Device Support | Supports Windows and Mac computers with external hard drive backup capability | Cross-platform support including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android with unlimited device connections |
| Backup Speed | Can be slow for initial backup of large datasets but maintains continuous backup afterward | Slower sync speeds overall due to encryption overhead during all operations |
| Collaboration Features | Primarily focused on backup and recovery with remote file access, not designed for collaboration | Includes Share Rooms feature for secure collaboration and file sharing among team members |
Pricing Comparison
Carbonite starts at $6/month with unlimited storage on most plans, making it cost-effective for large data volumes. SpiderOak starts at $0/month with a free tier but paid plans are more expensive due to premium security features, targeting users who prioritize privacy over price.
Verdict
Choose Carbonite if...
Choose Carbonite if you need unlimited storage for large backup volumes, want simple automatic backup without complexity, and prefer multiple recovery options including physical courier delivery at an affordable price.
Choose SpiderOak if...
Choose SpiderOak if you handle sensitive data requiring maximum privacy and security, need unlimited file versioning, want cross-platform support including Linux and mobile devices, or require zero-knowledge encryption where even the provider cannot access your data.
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
Carbonite
Pros
- + Unlimited storage on most plans
- + Easy setup and automatic operation
- + Strong encryption and security features
- + Multiple recovery options including courier delivery
Cons
- - Can be slow for initial backup of large data sets
- - Limited version history compared to competitors
- - Higher pricing compared to some alternatives
SpiderOak
Pros
- + Industry-leading privacy with zero-knowledge architecture
- + Strong security suitable for sensitive business and personal data
- + Unlimited versioning and deleted file retention
- + Works across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android
Cons
- - Higher pricing compared to mainstream cloud storage providers
- - Slower sync speeds due to encryption overhead
- - Less intuitive user interface than competitors like Dropbox