Wasabi vs Backblaze: which S3-compatible cloud storage wins?
Both are S3-compatible object storage aimed at developers and businesses. Both undercut AWS S3 dramatically. Different pricing models, different focuses. Prices checked September 3, 2026.
The short answer
✓ Prices checked September 3, 2026
| Provider | Type | Storage price | Egress fees | Free tier | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wasabi | S3-compatible object storage | $6.99/TB/month (flat) | None (included) | 1 TB free trial for 30 days | Frequent downloads, backup archives |
| Backblaze B2 | S3-compatible object storage | $6/TB/month | $0.01/GB after free tier | 10 GB always free | Cold storage, developer projects |
When Wasabi wins
You download a lot. Wasabi’s flat $6.99/TB/month includes egress with no per-GB download fees. If your workload involves regularly pulling files back down (media production, backup restores, developer builds), Wasabi’s flat model saves real money vs Backblaze B2’s per-GB egress at $0.01/GB, which adds up fast on large downloads.
When Backblaze B2 wins
Cold storage where you rarely download. If you upload once and rarely retrieve, Backblaze B2 at $6/TB/month is cheaper than Wasabi. The 10 GB always-free tier is also useful for developer projects and testing. Backblaze also has a strong consumer backup product (Backblaze Personal Backup at $99/year unlimited) that Wasabi does not offer.
Where they tie
Both are S3-compatible: they work with any tool that speaks the S3 API (rclone, restic, Borg, Duplicati, Cyberduck, most backup apps). Both are dramatically cheaper than AWS S3 for comparable storage. Both have real customer support and reliability records.
The bottom line
Predictable flat pricing you can budget: Wasabi. Cold-archive workload where downloads are rare: Backblaze B2. If you also want a consumer computer-backup product: Backblaze wins by default because it has both B2 for object storage and Personal Backup for endpoint backup on one account.
Common questions
Are Wasabi and Backblaze S3-compatible with any tool?
Yes for both. Any application that speaks the AWS S3 API works with Wasabi and Backblaze B2 by pointing at the alternate endpoint. This includes rclone, restic, Duplicati, Cyberduck, Arq Backup, Synology and QNAP NAS backup, and most enterprise backup software.
Which one has a real free tier?
Backblaze B2 offers 10 GB always free (no time limit). Wasabi offers 1 TB free for 30 days as a trial. For developer testing or small hobbyist projects, Backblaze B2’s free 10 GB is more useful.
Can either compete with AWS S3?
Both undercut AWS S3 dramatically on storage. AWS S3 Standard is around $23/TB/month vs Wasabi’s $7 and Backblaze’s $6. If you do not need AWS-specific integrations (CloudFront, Lambda triggers, etc.), Wasabi or Backblaze usually wins on cost.
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