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File Storage · head to head

Barracuda Backup vs Carbonite

Barracuda Backup logo

Barracuda Backup

File Storage

Complete backup solution with built-in ransomware protection

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Carbonite logo

Carbonite

File Storage

Simple and reliable cloud backup for businesses

From
$6/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Barracuda Backup requires subscription commitment per terabyte of data; Carbonite upload speeds are significantly slower than competitors due to lack of block-level algorithms and multithreading
  • They diverge on capability: Barracuda Backup covers Unlimited cloud storage, Carbonite covers Automatic backup.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Barracuda Backup and Carbonite actually diverge.

Attributes where Barracuda Backup and Carbonite differ
AttributeBarracuda BackupCarbonite
Starting priceOn request$6/month
PlatformsWindows, Linux, macOS, VMware, Hyper-VWindows, Mac, Web
Founded20032005

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (File Storage).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Barracuda Backup

  • Unlimited cloud storage
  • LiveBoot instant recovery
  • Instant replacement
  • Ransomware protection
  • Deduplication
  • Site-to-site replication
  • Exchange
  • SQL Server

Only in Carbonite

  • Automatic backup
  • Continuous protection
  • Remote file access
  • Bare metal restore
  • Encryption
  • Compliance support
  • Windows Server
  • Mac support

Both cover

  • VMware
  • Hyper-V
  • Microsoft 365
  • Windows support
  • Web support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Barracuda Backup

  • Enterprise data protection across physical and virtual environmentsnot Carbonite
  • Ransomware recovery and data resiliencenot Carbonite
  • Multi-location backup and replicationnot Carbonite
  • Compliance reporting for regulated industriesnot Carbonite

Carbonite

  • Data protectionnot Barracuda Backup
  • Disaster recoverynot Barracuda Backup
  • Business continuitynot Barracuda Backup
  • Ransomware protectionnot Barracuda Backup
  • Compliancenot Barracuda Backup

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Barracuda Backup

  • Requires subscription commitment per terabyte of data
  • Complex appliance-based architecture

Carbonite

  • Upload speeds are significantly slower than competitors due to lack of block-level algorithms and multithreading
  • Bandwidth throttling control is limited, preventing users from managing full bandwidth allocation
  • Mobile apps and web access are more limited than sync-first services like Dropbox or Google Drive
  • Uses AES-128 encryption instead of industry-standard AES-256
  • Hybrid backup support is restricted to professional plans, unavailable for personal users

Pricing, plan by plan

Barracuda Backup

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Barracuda Backup review.

Carbonite

$6/month
  • Basic$6/month
    • Automatic backup
    • Unlimited cloud storage
    • Easy restore

Which should you pick?

Choose Barracuda Backup if

  • You need unlimited cloud storage.
  • You work on Windows, Linux, macOS, VMware, Hyper-V.
  • You also want liveboot instant recovery.
Barracuda Backup review

Choose Carbonite if

  • You need automatic backup.
  • You work on Windows, Mac, Web.
  • You also want continuous protection.
Carbonite review

Questions people ask

Is Barracuda Backup or Carbonite better?
Neither clearly leads. Barracuda Backup starts at On request and Carbonite at $6/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Barracuda Backup or Carbonite?
Barracuda Backup starts at On request and Carbonite at $6/month.
Does Barracuda Backup or Carbonite run on more platforms?
Barracuda Backup runs on Windows, Linux, macOS, VMware, Hyper-V. Carbonite runs on Windows, Mac, Web.
What is Barracuda Backup best used for?
Barracuda Backup is most often used for enterprise data protection across physical and virtual environments, ransomware recovery and data resilience, multi-location backup and replication, compliance reporting for regulated industries. Of those, enterprise data protection across physical and virtual environments and ransomware recovery and data resilience are not what Carbonite is typically brought in for.
What can Barracuda Backup do that Carbonite cannot?
Barracuda Backup covers Unlimited cloud storage, LiveBoot instant recovery, Instant replacement, Ransomware protection. Carbonite covers Automatic backup, Continuous protection, Remote file access, Bare metal restore. Both handle VMware, Hyper-V, Microsoft 365, Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Barracuda Backup: How is Barracuda Backup licensed?

Barracuda uses a 'capacity-based, all-inclusive subscription model' based on a 'per-terabyte subscription model'. You 'pay for only what you need to protect today'.

Source
Carbonite: Does Carbonite offer unlimited storage?

Yes, Carbonite's personal plans (Safe Basic through Safe Server Ultimate) offer unlimited cloud storage, though business plans have tiered storage starting at 250 GB.

Source
Barracuda Backup: What is included in the subscription cost?

The subscription covers appliance hardware, software, support, Barracuda Cloud Storage, and Barracuda's Instant Replacement service with no hidden fees mentioned.

Source
Carbonite: What is Carbonite's pricing?

Personal plans range from $4.91 to $83.33 per month with annual billing. Business plans start around $50-$75 per endpoint annually, with volume discounts available for multi-year contracts.

Source
Barracuda Backup: Can I add more storage later without replacing equipment?

Yes. You can 'easily add extra TBs as your needs expand' without replacing hardware or shipping new appliances.

Source
Carbonite: How fast are Carbonite's upload speeds?

Carbonite's upload speeds are notably slow and are consistently identified as the platform's main weakness. The lack of block-level algorithms and multithreading contributes to these speed limitations.

Source
Barracuda Backup: Does Barracuda offer a free trial?

Yes, Free Trials are available. However, specific trial duration is not detailed on the pricing page. Use the Build and Price tool or contact sales for trial details.

Source
Carbonite: What encryption does Carbonite use?

Carbonite uses AES-128 encryption at rest, which is an unusual choice in 2026 when AES-256 is the industry standard.

Source
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