Arq Backup vs Carbonite
A comprehensive head-to-head comparison of two leading file storage & backup solutions in 2026. Compare features, pricing, ratings, and more to find the right fit.
Quick Verdict
Choose Arq Backup if you need Client-side encryption and prefer comprehensive paid features. Choose Carbonite if you prioritize Automatic backup and want plans starting at $6/month. Arq Backup has a higher user rating (4.5 vs 4.2).
Arq Backup vs Carbonite: At a Glance
| Criteria | Arq Backup | Carbonite |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.5 | 4.2 |
| Pricing | $50/year | $6/month |
| Pricing Model | subscription | subscription |
| Free Plan | ||
| Platforms | Windows, Mac | Windows, Mac, Web |
| Category | File Storage & Backup | File Storage & Backup |
| Founded | 2009 | 2005 |
Feature Comparison: Arq Backup vs Carbonite
| Feature | Arq Backup | Carbonite |
|---|---|---|
| Client-side encryption | ||
| Hourly backups | ||
| Network backup | ||
| Deduplication | ||
| Immutable backups | ||
| Budget controls | ||
| AWS S3 | ||
| Google Cloud | ||
| Azure | ||
| Backblaze B2 | ||
| Dropbox | ||
| Wasabi | ||
| Windows support | ||
| Mac support | ||
| Automatic backup | ||
| Continuous protection | ||
| Remote file access | ||
| Bare metal restore | ||
| Encryption | ||
| Compliance support | ||
| Microsoft 365 | ||
| Windows Server | ||
| VMware | ||
| Hyper-V | ||
| Web support |
Arq Backup vs Carbonite: Pricing Breakdown
Arq Backup Pricing
Model: subscription
- 5 computers
- Arq Cloud storage option
- Email support
Carbonite Pricing
Model: subscription
- Automatic backup
- Unlimited cloud storage
- Easy restore
Pros and Cons
Arq Backup
Pros
- Highly rated by users (4.5/5)
- Rich feature set with 14+ capabilities
- Strong Client-side encryption functionality
- Strong Hourly backups functionality
Cons
- No free plan available
- May require time to learn advanced features
Carbonite
Pros
- Highly rated by users (4.2/5)
- Available on 3 platforms (Windows, Mac, Web)
- Rich feature set with 13+ capabilities
- Strong Automatic backup functionality
- Strong Continuous protection functionality
Cons
- No free plan available
- May require time to learn advanced features
Who Should Use Arq Backup vs Carbonite?
Choose Arq Backup if you:
- Need Client-side encryption
- Have a budget of $50/year+
- Work primarily on Windows and Mac
- Value Hourly backups
Choose Carbonite if you:
- Need Automatic backup
- Have a budget of $6/month+
- Work primarily on Windows and Mac
- Value Continuous protection
Frequently Asked Questions: Arq Backup vs Carbonite
Is Arq Backup better than Carbonite?
It depends on your needs. Arq Backup has a 4.5/5 user rating while Carbonite has 4.2/5. Arq Backup excels in Client-side encryption and Hourly backups, while Carbonite stands out with Automatic backup and Continuous protection. Consider your budget ($50/year vs $6/month), platform needs, and specific feature requirements.
Which is cheaper, Arq Backup or Carbonite?
Arq Backup starts at $50/year. Carbonite starts at $6/month. Compare the specific plan features to determine the best value for your use case.
Can I use Arq Backup and Carbonite together?
While both are file storage & backup tools, some teams use complementary software together. Check each product's API and integration capabilities for compatibility. However, most users find that one solution covers their core file storage & backup needs.
What are the main differences between Arq Backup and Carbonite?
The key differences include: pricing model (subscription vs subscription), platform support (Windows, Mac vs Windows, Mac, Web), and feature focus. Arq Backup emphasizes Client-side encryption, Hourly backups, Network backup while Carbonite focuses on Automatic backup, Continuous protection, Remote file access. User ratings differ slightly: 4.5 vs 4.2 out of 5.
Ready to choose?
Explore detailed reviews, user ratings, and pricing for both Arq Backup and Carbonite.