Carbonite Online Backup: Unlimited Storage and Smart Features Explained

Carbonite has long been a trusted name in online backup, offering unlimited storage for your files with deep integration into Windows. Its automatic selection of common data folders, combined with file versioning and strong encryption, makes it a solid choice for personal backup. In this Q&A, we break down everything you need to know about Carbonite—from how it works to its pricing and limitations.

What is Carbonite and how does it work?

Carbonite is a cloud-based backup service that automatically copies your important files to secure remote servers. Once installed, the software identifies typical user data—like documents, photos, music, and videos—and starts backing them up without manual intervention. You can also choose custom folders or let Carbonite decide what to protect. The service runs quietly in the background, continuously monitoring for changes and uploading new versions as needed. Data is encrypted both in transit and at rest, and you have the option to manage your own encryption key for added privacy. With unlimited storage, you never have to worry about hitting a cap, making it ideal for users with large media collections or multiple devices.

What key features does Carbonite offer?

Carbonite delivers several standout features that set it apart from basic cloud storage. Unlimited backup storage means you can back up as much data as you need without extra fees. Its Windows Explorer integration lets you right-click any file or folder to manually add or remove it from the backup set. The service supports file versioning, retaining older copies so you can recover from accidental edits or ransomware. Encryption is standard, with AES-256 bit protection and a private key option. Carbonite also offers automatic and manual backup modes; by default it intelligently targets common data locations, but you can start with a clean slate and select exactly what to back up. These features combine to create a flexible, user-friendly backup solution that does not require technical expertise.

How does Carbonite handle file versioning and data recovery?

File versioning is a core part of what makes Carbonite a true backup service rather than a mere sync tool. Whenever you modify a file, Carbonite saves the previous version in the cloud. This means you can go back in time to retrieve an earlier draft of a document, recover from an accidental overwrite, or undo changes made by ransomware or user error. Older versions are retained for 30 days (or longer with certain plans). To restore a previous version, you simply browse the file's history in the Carbonite web interface or client and click to download. Note that if you change a file multiple times in a day, backups can lag by up to 24 hours before reflecting the latest version—so Carbonite is not ideal for real-time backup of frequently altered files. Nonetheless, versioning provides strong protection against data loss and corruption.

What are the pros and cons of using Carbonite?

Pros:

• Unlimited storage for all your data, no matter how large your library grows.
• Seamless integration with Windows Explorer for easy manual source selection.
• Automatic backup of common data folders with the option to fully customize the source.
• File versioning ensures you can recover older versions of documents, photos, and other files.

Cons:

• Backup of files that are changed frequently can lag by up to 24 hours—so it is not suitable for real-time continuous backup.
• No built-in option to create a secondary backup to a local drive, meaning you rely solely on the cloud.
• Slightly more expensive than some other unlimited backup services, though still reasonable for what it offers.

Despite these drawbacks, Carbonite remains a strong contender for users who prioritize unlimited space and simplicity.

How much does Carbonite cost and is it worth the price?

Carbonite’s pricing is straightforward: a single annual plan typically costs around $95.99, as seen at retail. This fee covers unlimited online backup for one computer. At this price, it is a bit more expensive than competing unlimited services (some of which dip below $70/year), but the trade-off is rock-solid reliability and deep Windows integration. The cost includes all features like file versioning and private key encryption. For users with terabytes of data who want a set-and-forget solution, the premium is justified. However, if you only need to back up a few hundred gigabytes, you might find better value elsewhere. Check pros and cons to weigh the trade-offs. Overall, Carbonite delivers good value for those who demand unlimited storage and don't mind paying a small premium.

How does Carbonite protect your data with encryption?

Carbonite encrypts your files both while they are being uploaded (in transit) and while stored on its servers (at rest) using AES-256 bit encryption—the same standard used by banks and governments. By default, Carbonite manages the encryption key, but you have the option to take personal control of the key. If you choose the private key option, you set a password that even Carbonite does not know. This adds an extra layer of security because your data cannot be decrypted without your password. However, if you forget the key, Carbonite cannot recover your backup—so it is essential to store it safely. This flexibility lets you balance convenience with maximum privacy. You can also learn more about other security features in the Carbonite feature set.

How do you set up Carbonite and select files to back up?

Getting started with Carbonite is simple. After downloading and installing the client, you are guided through an initial setup wizard. By default, Carbonite automatically selects common Windows folders like Documents, Pictures, Music, and Desktop for backup—a smart starting point for most users. If you prefer full control, you can choose “Start with no files” and then manually add folders via Windows Explorer’s right-click context menu or through the Carbonite client. You can also remove individual folders at any time. The integration with Windows Explorer is one of Carbonite’s strongest features: just right-click any file or folder and select “Backup to Carbonite” (or “Stop backing up”). This makes it incredibly easy to adjust your backup set without launching a separate application. Once configured, the service runs continuously in the background, uploading new and changed files automatically.