Carbonite vs Dropbox: Ultimate Comparison Guide for Business Users (Updated November 2025)

ByAlex Tech November 23, 2025

Choosing between Carbonite vs Dropbox for your business cloud storage needs requires careful consideration of features, pricing, and functionality. This comprehensive comparison will help you make an informed decision based on your specific requirements.

Table of Contents

Verdict

Carbonite excels in secure backup solutions with robust data protection features, while Dropbox offers superior collaboration tools and file-sharing capabilities. For pure backup purposes, Carbonite is the better choice, but Dropbox wins for team collaboration and everyday file access.

Comparison Table

Feature	Carbonite	Dropbox
Primary Use	Backup & Recovery	File Sharing & Collaboration
Storage Space	250GB (Basic Plan)	2TB (Professional)
Device Support	Up to 25 computers	Unlimited devices
File Versioning	30 days	180 days
Collaboration Tools	Limited	Extensive
Security	AES 256-bit encryption	AES 256-bit encryption

Pricing

Carbonite:
– Safe Backup Pro: $229/year ($19.08/month)
– Server Backup: Custom pricing
– Enterprise Solutions: Contact sales

Dropbox:
– Professional: $19.99/month
– Business: $25/user/month
– Enterprise: Custom pricing

Pros and Cons

Carbonite Pros:
– Excellent backup automation
– Strong security features
– Unlimited backup storage
– Server backup options

Carbonite Cons:
– Limited collaboration features
– Slower restore speeds
– More expensive for small teams

Dropbox Pros:
– Superior collaboration tools
– Fast sync speeds
– User-friendly interface
– Extensive third-party integrations

Dropbox Cons:
– More expensive per TB
– Limited backup features
– Privacy concerns

Recommendation

In the Carbonite vs Dropbox debate, your choice should align with your primary needs. Choose Carbonite if your priority is secure, automated backup with minimal user intervention. Opt for Dropbox if you need robust file-sharing and collaboration features for team productivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Carbonite more secure than Dropbox?
A: Both Carbonite and Dropbox offer similar security features with AES 256-bit encryption. However, Carbonite’s focus on backup means it has additional security features specifically designed for data protection and recovery.

Q: Can I use both Carbonite and Dropbox together?
A: Yes, many businesses use both services complementarily – Carbonite for systematic backup and Dropbox for day-to-day file sharing and collaboration.

Q: Which is more cost-effective for small businesses?
A: For small businesses, Dropbox is typically more cost-effective if you need collaboration features. However, if your primary need is backup, Carbonite’s unlimited storage plans may provide better value.