Carbonite

In today's digital age, losing important files can be devastating. Whether it's precious family photos, critical business documents, or years of work, data loss is a real threat. That's where Carbonite comes in—one of the most trusted names in cloud backup solutions. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about Carbonite, including features, pricing, and the best ways to save with exclusive discount codes.

What is Carbonite?

Carbonite is an American online backup service available for Windows and macOS users, now owned by Canadian software company OpenText following its 2019 acquisition. Named after the fictional substance that froze Han Solo in Star Wars, Carbonite was the first service to offer unlimited backup space for a fixed price, revolutionizing the cloud backup industry.

The company has been protecting data since 2006 and has grown to become a leading choice for both personal and business backup needs. With automatic backup capabilities and robust security features, Carbonite ensures your files are safe from hardware failures, ransomware attacks, accidental deletions, and natural disasters.

Key Features of Carbonite

Unlimited Cloud Storage

One of Carbonite's standout features is unlimited backup space for personal plans. You'll never need to worry about running out of room for your important files, making it ideal for users with extensive photo libraries, music collections, or large document archives.

Automatic Backup

Once installed, the Carbonite client software operates continuously in the background, automatically seeking out new and changed files using incremental backup. This "set it and forget it" approach means you don't have to remember to back up your files manually.

Strong Encryption

Carbonite uses 128-bit encryption to secure your files during transmission and storage. You can choose between having Carbonite manage your encryption key or keeping it yourself for enhanced privacy. Business plans offer 256-bit encryption for even stronger security.

File Versioning

The service keeps multiple versions of your backed-up files, allowing you to restore older versions if needed. According to Carbonite, the backups keep up to 12 versions of your changed files and will also keep at least three versions of a file regardless of age.

Easy File Recovery

Carbonite provides straightforward recovery options. You can restore individual files, entire folders, or your complete backup through the web interface or mobile app. For users with large amounts of data and slow internet connections, the courier recovery service ships a hard drive with your files directly to your door.

Multi-Device Access

Access your backed-up files from any device with an internet connection through Carbonite's web interface or companion apps for Android and iOS.

Carbonite Plans and Pricing

Personal Plans

Safe Basic

• Unlimited backup for one computer
• Automatic file backup (documents, photos, music)
• 128-bit encryption
• Access files from anywhere
• Standard recovery options
• Starting price: Typically around $71.99/year (with promotional discounts available)

Safe Plus

• Everything in Basic
• External hard drive backup
• Priority customer support
• Mirror image backup capability
• Starting price: Typically around $111.99/year (with promotional discounts available)

Safe Premier

• Everything in Plus
• Automatic video file backup
• Courier recovery service (physical hard drive delivery)
• Premium customer support
• Starting price: Typically around $149.99/year (with promotional discounts available)

Business Plans

Professional Core

• Backup for up to 25 computers
• 250 GB of backup space
• Centralized management console
• Starting at $24/month

Professional Power

• Backup for up to 25 computers
• 500 GB of backup space
• Server backup capabilities
• Advanced security features
• Starting at $50/month

Professional Ultimate

• Unlimited server backup
• Image backup capabilities
• Database support
• High availability features
• Custom pricing based on needs

How to Save Money on Carbonite

Current Promotional Offers

Carbonite frequently runs promotions offering discounts up to 40-75% off, especially during major sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and World Backup Day. These substantial savings make it an excellent time to sign up or renew your subscription.

Best Money-Saving Tips

1. Choose Annual Billing: Opting for yearly plans instead of monthly payments provides significant savings and locks in your rate for the entire year.

2. Watch for Seasonal Sales: Major holidays and cybersecurity awareness periods often feature the deepest discounts.

3. Use Promo Codes: Always check for available discount codes before completing your purchase. Many offer 20-40% off regular pricing.

4. Take Advantage of Free Trials: Carbonite offers a 30-day free trial on Professional plans without requiring credit card information, allowing you to test the service risk-free.

5. Sign Up for Newsletter: Receive exclusive offers and early renewal discounts directly to your inbox, potentially saving 10-20% when you renew before your current term ends.

How to Apply a Carbonite Coupon Code

Follow these simple steps to redeem your discount:

1. Visit the Carbonite website and select your desired backup plan
2. Click "Buy Now" or start your free trial
3. On the checkout page, look for the "Promo Code" or "Have a promo code?" field
4. Enter your discount code exactly as shown (codes are case-sensitive)
5. Click "Apply" to see your savings reflected in the total
6. Complete your purchase and enjoy your discounted rate

Pros and Cons of Carbonite

Advantages

✅ Unlimited Storage: Personal plans offer unlimited backup space for one device

✅ Easy to Use: Simple installation and automatic backup require minimal user effort

✅ Reliable Security: Strong encryption and secure data centers protect your files

✅ File Versioning: Keep multiple versions of files for recovery options

✅ Ransomware Protection: Can recover files from certain ransomware attacks with customer service assistance

✅ Courier Recovery: Physical hard drive delivery option for large data restoration

✅ Cross-Platform: Works with both Windows and macOS systems

Disadvantages

❌ Slower Speeds: Backup and restore speeds can be slower compared to some competitors

❌ Limited Features: Fewer customization options than some advanced backup solutions

❌ No Linux Support: Only available for Windows and macOS

❌ No Mobile Device Backup: Android and iOS device backup support was discontinued in 2019

❌ Single Device Limitation: Personal plans only cover one computer (additional devices require separate subscriptions)

❌ No Local Backup Option: Cannot create backup copies on external drives or local storage

Carbonite vs. Competitors

Carbonite vs. Backblaze

Both offer unlimited backup for personal use, but Backblaze is generally known for faster speeds and slightly lower pricing. However, Carbonite provides more granular file selection options and better integration with Windows Explorer.

Carbonite vs. IDrive

IDrive offers more flexible pricing with defined storage limits and supports more devices per account. Carbonite's unlimited storage model may be better for users with very large data sets on a single computer.

Carbonite vs. CrashPlan

CrashPlan focuses more on business users, while Carbonite offers robust options for both personal and business needs. Carbonite's interface is generally considered more user-friendly for home users.

Who Should Use Carbonite?

Carbonite is ideal for:

• Home Users: Individuals who want simple, automatic backup for one computer with unlimited storage
• Photographers: Those with large photo libraries who need unlimited cloud storage
• Small Businesses: Companies needing to back up multiple computers with centralized management
• Users Concerned About Data Loss: Anyone worried about hardware failure, theft, or accidental deletion
• Windows and Mac Users: Those seeking a reliable cross-platform backup solution

Carbonite may not be the best choice for:

• Linux users
• Those needing to back up mobile devices
• Users requiring extremely fast backup/restore speeds
• People who prefer local backup options
• Those managing large numbers of devices on personal plans

Security and Privacy Considerations

Encryption Options

Carbonite offers two encryption approaches:

1. Carbonite-Managed Keys: Convenient but means Carbonite can access your data if required by law enforcement
2. Private Encryption Keys: You maintain the only key to your data, ensuring maximum privacy (but if you lose the key, your data is unrecoverable)

Data Center Security

Encrypted files are stored on 15-drive RAID 6 storage arrays, providing redundancy and protection against hardware failures. Data is transmitted using secure SSL connections for added security during transfer.

Compliance

Business plans support various compliance requirements including HIPAA, FERPA, and GLBA, making Carbonite suitable for organizations with regulatory obligations.

Tips for Getting the Most from Carbonite

1. Customize Your Backup Selection: Don't rely solely on default settings. Review which files and folders are being backed up to ensure critical data is included.

2. Schedule Backup Times: Configure Carbonite to avoid peak hours when you need maximum internet bandwidth.

3. Monitor Backup Status: Regularly check that your backups are completing successfully through the dashboard.

4. Test Your Restore Process: Periodically verify you can successfully restore files to ensure your backup is working properly.

5. Use External Drive Backup: If you have a Plus or Premier plan, take advantage of external drive backup for additional data protection.

6. Keep Software Updated: Ensure the Carbonite client stays updated for optimal performance and security patches.

Customer Support

Carbonite offers multiple support channels:

• Knowledge Base: Comprehensive articles and guides for self-service help
• Email Support: Available for all users
• Phone Support: Priority phone support for Plus and Premier subscribers
• Live Chat: Real-time assistance during business hours
• Social Media: Active support presence on Twitter and Facebook

Final Verdict: Is Carbonite Worth It?

Carbonite remains a solid choice for users seeking simple, reliable cloud backup with unlimited storage. While it may not be the fastest service on the market, its ease of use, strong security features, and "set it and forget it" functionality make it an excellent option for home users and small businesses.

The value proposition is particularly strong when you factor in promotional discounts, which can reduce annual costs by 40% or more. For users with large amounts of data on a single computer who prioritize simplicity over advanced features, Carbonite offers excellent value.

However, if you need to back up multiple devices on a personal plan, require Linux support, or demand the fastest possible speeds, you may want to explore alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does the initial backup take with Carbonite?

The initial backup duration depends on your data volume and internet speed. For most users, it takes several days to a week to complete the first backup. Carbonite works in the background, so you can continue using your computer normally. Subsequent backups are much faster as only new or changed files are uploaded.

2. Can I use Carbonite without an internet connection?

No, Carbonite requires an active internet connection to back up files to the cloud. The service works best with a continuous connection, though it will automatically resume if your connection is temporarily interrupted.

3. What happens to my files if I cancel my Carbonite subscription?

If you cancel, your files remain on Carbonite's servers for a limited time (typically 30 days), giving you a grace period to reactivate or download your data. After this period, your files are permanently deleted.

4. Does Carbonite back up external hard drives?

External hard drive backup is available with Safe Plus and Safe Premier personal plans, and with Professional business plans. The basic Safe plan only backs up internal drives.

5. Can Carbonite protect against ransomware?

Yes, Carbonite offers protection against certain types of ransomware attacks. Because it maintains file versions, you can restore clean copies of files from before the ransomware infection. However, this requires contacting customer service for assistance.

6. How many computers can I back up with a personal plan?

Personal plans (Safe Basic, Plus, and Premier) cover one computer per subscription. To back up multiple computers, you need separate subscriptions for each device or consider a business plan.

7. Does Carbonite slow down my computer?

Carbonite is designed to operate in the background with minimal impact on system performance. It intelligently throttles backup activities when you're actively using your computer. Most users don't notice any significant slowdown.

8. Can I access my files from my smartphone?

Yes, Carbonite offers mobile apps for iOS and Android that allow you to view and download backed-up files from your smartphone or tablet. However, you cannot back up your mobile device itself to Carbonite.

9. What file types does Carbonite back up?

Carbonite backs up most common file types including documents, photos, music, and (with Premier plans) videos. By default, it excludes temporary files, system files, and program files to save space and backup time.

10. Is there a file size limit for backups?

No, Carbonite does not impose file size limits. You can back up individual files of any size, which is particularly useful for video editors and photographers working with large media files.

11. How does Carbonite's courier recovery service work?

Available with Safe Premier plans, courier recovery allows you to order a physical hard drive containing your backed-up files. Carbonite loads your data onto the drive and ships it to you overnight, which is much faster than downloading large amounts of data over the internet.

12. Can I use Carbonite for business purposes?

Yes, Carbonite offers specialized business plans (Professional Core, Power, and Ultimate) designed for small to medium-sized businesses. These plans include features like centralized management, server backup, and support for multiple computers.

13. Does Carbonite offer a money-back guarantee?

Carbonite typically offers a 30-day or 60-day money-back guarantee, depending on the plan. Check the specific terms during purchase, as these may vary with promotional offers.

14. Can I pause my Carbonite backup?

Yes, you can manually pause the backup process through the Carbonite client when you need maximum internet bandwidth for other activities. You can resume at any time.

15. What's the difference between Carbonite and sync services like Dropbox?

Carbonite is a backup service that creates copies of your files in the cloud while leaving originals on your computer. Sync services like Dropbox synchronize files across devices. Carbonite focuses on data protection and recovery, while sync services emphasize file access and collaboration.

Save Big on Carbonite Today!

Ready to protect your valuable data? Don't miss out on current Carbonite promotional offers. Visit CouponReals.com regularly to find the latest verified discount codes and special deals that can save you up to 75% on your Carbonite subscription.

Whether you're securing family memories or protecting critical business data, Carbonite provides peace of mind with reliable, automatic cloud backup. With the right coupon code, you can enjoy premium data protection at a fraction of the regular cost.

Start your backup journey today and never worry about data loss again!