FileShot vs Backblaze B2: Encrypted Sharing vs Cloud Backup
— Written by Brendan, Founder of FileShot.io
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Backblaze B2 | FileShot |
|---|---|---|
| Zero-Knowledge Encryption | No (server-managed keys) | Yes (AES-256-GCM client-side) |
| Primary Purpose | Cloud backup & object storage | Encrypted file sharing |
| Free Storage | 10 GB (B2 Cloud Storage) | 50 GB (10 GB per file) |
| Account Required | Yes | No |
| S3-Compatible API | Yes | No (not needed for sharing) |
| File Sharing Links | Basic (public URLs) | Yes (encrypted, password-protected, expiring) |
| Password Protection | No | Yes (free) |
| Built-in Tools | None (storage API only) | PDF editor, converter, compressor, metadata scrubber, virus scanner, and more |
| Desktop App | Yes (backup client) | Yes (Windows, macOS, Linux) |
| P2P Transfer | No | Yes (WebRTC) |
| Encrypted Chat | No | Yes |
| Pricing Model | $7/mo unlimited backup; B2 pay-per-GB ($6/TB/mo) | $2/mo (Lite), $5/mo (Pro), $12/mo (Creator) |
Different Products for Different Problems
Backblaze and FileShot solve fundamentally different problems. Backblaze started in 2007 as a continuous backup service: install their client, and every file on your computer is automatically backed up to their servers. In 2015 they launched B2 Cloud Storage, an S3-compatible object storage service priced at $6 per terabyte per month. Both products are about storing your data reliably and affordably.
FileShot is about sharing files privately. Files are encrypted in the browser with AES-256-GCM before upload, the decryption key lives in the URL fragment (never sent to the server), and you get a secure link to share. No account required, no install required. The two services complement each other more than they compete, but if you're choosing where to put a file you need to share, the differences matter.
Encryption: The Critical Difference
Backblaze is not a zero-knowledge provider. With Backblaze Personal Backup, your files are encrypted in transit and at rest, but Backblaze holds the encryption keys. You can set a private encryption key, but key management is still server-assisted. With B2 Cloud Storage, files are stored as objects with server-side encryption (SSE) managed by Backblaze. In both cases, Backblaze can technically access your files.
FileShot is zero-knowledge by design. Encryption happens in your browser before any data is transmitted. The server stores only ciphertext. The decryption key exists only in the URL fragment, which browsers never send to servers. Even under legal compulsion, FileShot cannot decrypt your files. If the privacy of the files you're sharing matters, this architectural difference is decisive.
Sharing vs. Backup
Backblaze excels at backup. If your hard drive fails, you can restore everything. B2 is excellent developer infrastructure — hosting static assets, storing application data, feeding CDNs. But neither product is designed for secure file sharing. B2 can generate public URLs for objects, but there's no password protection, no expiration control, no encryption of the shared link.
FileShot is purpose-built for sharing. Every shared link is encrypted, can be password-protected, has configurable expiration (1 day to unlimited), supports QR code sharing, and includes virus scanning. You also get the full tool suite (PDF editor, file converter, metadata scrubber, compressor, archive builder) and features like P2P transfer and encrypted chat.
Pricing
Backblaze Personal Backup costs $7/month for unlimited backup from one computer. B2 Cloud Storage is pay-as-you-go at $6/TB/month for storage plus download bandwidth costs. FileShot's free tier offers 50 GB of storage with a 10 GB per-file limit and 90-day expiry. Paid plans start at $2/month (Lite) with 50 GB per file, Pro at $5/month with 100 GB per file, and Creator at $12/month with 300 GB per file. For file sharing, FileShot is significantly cheaper. For full-machine backup, Backblaze's $7/month unlimited plan is still strong value.
Who Should Choose FileShot?
If you need to securely share files with zero-knowledge encryption, password protection, and expiration control, FileShot is the right tool. If you need continuous whole-machine backup or S3-compatible object storage for application infrastructure, Backblaze covers those needs. Many privacy-conscious users use both: Backblaze for backup, FileShot for sharing.
For secure, private file sharing with zero-knowledge encryption, try FileShot free or explore our plans.