Top Backup Software Comparison
By Amanda Reyes | Published: 2025-03-16 | Category: Backup Software
About Backup Software
Backup software creates copies of data (files, folders, applications, or entire systems) to protect against data loss from hardware failure, accidental deletion, malware, or disasters. These copies can be stored locally, on external drives, network locations, or in the cloud for recovery purposes.
Scoring Criteria
- → Features
- → Performance
- → Ease of Use
- → Security
- → Support
- → Value
The Best Backup Software
#10
Unitrends Backup
By Kaseya
Enterprise-focused backup and continuity solution available as software or integrated physical/virtual appliances.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, Linux, VMware, Hyper-V, XenServer, AWS, Azure, Google Cloud
Best For: Enterprise Backup, Disaster Recovery, Backup Appliances, Cloud Backup & DR, Ransomware Recovery
Key Features
- ✓All-in-One Solution: Combines software, hardware (optional), and cloud services. (Core Offering)
- ✓AI-based Ransomware Detection: Analyzes backup patterns to detect potential ransomware. (Included)
- ✓Recovery Assurance: Automated testing of backups and DR plans. (Included)
- ✓Cloud Hooks: Integration with public clouds for long-term retention and DR. (Included)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.8 / 10.0)
Pricing
Unitrends Backup Software
$349.00 / Annual per resource (approx, starts at)
- Software deployment
- Protection for various workloads
- Replication
Limitations: Requires user-provided hardware/storage
Recovery Series Appliances
$1500.00 / Upfront hardware cost + subscription (approx)
- Integrated hardware/software
- Various sizes
- On-premise focus
Limitations: Higher initial cost
Unitrends Helix
Contact Vendor
- Remediation tool for Kaseya VSA incidents
Limitations: Specific use case, not general backup
Pros
- + Comprehensive enterprise feature set
- + Integrated appliance options simplify deployment
- + Strong ransomware detection and recovery features
- + Automated backup testing
Cons
- - Can be expensive, especially appliances
- - Interface less intuitive than some competitors
- - Primarily targets larger businesses
Verdict
"A robust enterprise backup and disaster recovery solution, particularly strong for organizations looking for integrated appliances or advanced ransomware protection."
#9
Nakivo Backup & Replication
By Nakivo
Fast and reliable backup solution focused on virtualized environments, cloud, and physical servers, often praised for its performance.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, Linux, VMware, Hyper-V, Nutanix AHV, AWS EC2, Microsoft 365
Best For: Virtual Machine Backup, Cloud VM Backup, Microsoft 365 Backup, Physical Server Backup, Disaster Recovery
Key Features
- ✓Fast Backup Speed: Utilizes various technologies for high-performance backups. (Core Feature)
- ✓Broad Platform Support: Covers virtual, physical, cloud, and SaaS workloads. (Included)
- ✓Instant Recovery: Granular restore for files, objects, VMs. (Included)
- ✓Ransomware Protection: Immutable repositories, backup scanning. (Included)
Scorecard (Overall: 8.3 / 10.0)
Pricing
Free Edition
Contact Vendor
- Backup for 10 workloads
- Basic features
- Community support
Limitations: Limited features & support
Pro Essentials / Enterprise Essentials
$199.00 / Annual per workload (approx, starts at)
- Full feature set for smaller environments
- 24/7 support
Limitations: Maximum workload limits
Enterprise / Enterprise Plus
$399.00 / Annual per workload (approx, starts at)
- Advanced features
- Role-based access
- Tape support
- Oracle backup
Limitations: Higher cost
Pros
- + Excellent backup and recovery performance
- + Intuitive web interface
- + Wide platform support including M365
- + Competitive pricing, especially for smaller environments
Cons
- - Some advanced features reserved for higher tiers
- - Can be resource-intensive
Verdict
"A strong Veeam competitor, particularly appealing for its performance, ease of use, and value in protecting virtual, physical, and cloud workloads."
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#8
Paragon Hard Disk Manager
By Paragon Software Group
Comprehensive suite for disk management, including backup, recovery, partition management, and data wiping.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows
Best For: Disk Management, System Backup, Partitioning, Data Migration, Secure Wipe
Key Features
- ✓Backup & Recovery: File-level and image-based backups with various scheduling options. (Included)
- ✓Partition Manager: Create, resize, merge, format partitions. (Included)
- ✓Drive Copy/Migration: Clone disks or migrate OS to new hardware (e.g., SSD). (Included)
- ✓Data Wiping: Securely erase data from disks or partitions. (Included)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.5 / 10.0)
Pricing
Hard Disk Manager Advanced
$79.95 / Perpetual (1 PC)
- Full backup & recovery
- Partitioning
- Drive copying
- Data wiping
- Recovery media builder
Pros
- + All-in-one disk management toolkit
- + Reliable backup and recovery features
- + User-friendly interface
- + Good partitioning capabilities
Cons
- - Primarily focused on local operations
- - Cloud backup options are limited compared to dedicated services
- - Windows only
Verdict
"A powerful toolkit for users needing more than just backup, offering solid disk imaging alongside comprehensive partition and drive management features."
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#7
MSP360 Managed Backup (formerly CloudBerry Backup)
By MSP360
Flexible backup software that integrates with various third-party cloud storage providers.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Windows Server
Best For: Cloud Backup (BYOS), Managed Service Providers (MSPs), Server Backup, Cross-Platform Backup
Key Features
- ✓Bring Your Own Storage (BYOS): Connects to AWS S3, Azure, Backblaze B2, Wasabi, Google Cloud, etc. (Core Concept)
- ✓Multiple Backup Types: Supports image-based, file-level, SQL Server, Exchange backup. (Included)
- ✓Centralized Management: Web-based console for managing multiple endpoints (MSP version). (Included (Managed Backup))
- ✓Compression & Encryption: Reduces storage costs and secures data before transfer. (Included)
Scorecard (Overall: 8.2 / 10.0)
Pricing
Desktop Pro
$49.99 / Perpetual (per endpoint)
- File & Image backup
- Connects to cloud storage
- Encryption
Limitations: No server OS, No central management
Managed Backup Service
$6.00 / Monthly (per endpoint, tiered)
- Central management
- All backup types
- Reporting
- Multi-tenant options
Limitations: Requires separate cloud storage costs, Subscription-based
Pros
- + Supports wide array of cloud storage providers
- + Highly configurable and flexible
- + Strong feature set for various backup types
- + Good option for MSPs
Cons
- - Requires managing separate cloud storage account and costs
- - Interface can be complex
- - Perpetual license lacks central management
Verdict
"An excellent, flexible choice for users and MSPs who want control over their cloud storage provider while needing robust backup features."
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#6
Macrium Reflect
By Macrium
Robust disk imaging, cloning, and backup software for Windows PCs, known for its reliability and speed.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, Windows Server
Best For: System Imaging, Disk Cloning, Local Backup, Disaster Recovery, Windows Backup
Key Features
- ✓Disk Imaging: Create full, differential, and incremental images of disks. (Core Feature)
- ✓Rapid Delta Restore (RDR): Quickly restore images by copying only changed data blocks. (Included)
- ✓ViBoot: Instantly boot backup images as Hyper-V virtual machines. (Included (Paid versions))
- ✓Rescue Media Builder: Create bootable recovery media (USB/DVD/ISO). (Included)
Scorecard (Overall: 8.0 / 10.0)
Pricing
Reflect Free
Contact Vendor
- Disk imaging
- Cloning
- Rescue media creation
Limitations: Non-commercial use only, Limited features (no incremental, no viBoot)
Home
$69.95 / Perpetual (1 PC)
- Free features
- Incremental backups
- Ransomware protection
- Basic support
Workstation/Server/Server Plus
$75.00 / Perpetual (per endpoint, starts at)
- Home features
- viBoot
- Advanced support
- Server OS support
- Exchange/SQL backup (Server Plus)
Pros
- + Excellent performance for imaging and cloning
- + Reliable backups and restores
- + Powerful free version for basic imaging
- + Granular control over backups
Cons
- - Interface can be intimidating for novices
- - Free version lacks key features like incrementals
- - Primarily focused on local/network backup (not cloud-native)
Verdict
"A top-tier solution for Windows disk imaging and local backup, favored by tech enthusiasts and professionals for its speed and reliability."
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#5
Carbonite Safe
By OpenText
User-friendly cloud backup service focused on simplicity for home users and small businesses.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Best For: Personal Cloud Backup, Home Office Backup, Small Business Data Protection
Key Features
- ✓Automatic Cloud Backup: Set and forget backup for documents, photos, music, etc. (Core Feature)
- ✓Unlimited Cloud Storage: Most plans offer unlimited storage for one computer. (Included (most plans))
- ✓Web-based Restore: Access and restore files from any internet-connected device. (Included)
- ✓Courier Recovery: Option to have data shipped on a physical drive. (Paid Add-on/Higher Tiers)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.7 / 10.0)
Pricing
Safe Basic
$83.99 / Annual
- Unlimited backup for 1 computer
- Automatic backup
Limitations: No external drive backup, No video backup by default
Safe Plus
$119.99 / Annual
- Basic features
- External drive backup
- Automatic video backup
Safe Prime
$149.99 / Annual
- Plus features
- Courier Recovery service
Pros
- + Very easy to set up and use
- + Unlimited storage on most plans
- + Good customer support options
- + Automatic backup minimizes user effort
Cons
- - Can be slower than competitors
- - Higher cost compared to some unlimited providers
- - Per-computer pricing model
Verdict
"A solid, user-friendly cloud backup choice, especially for non-technical users who prioritize ease of use and automatic protection."
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#4
Backblaze Personal Backup
By Backblaze
Simple, set-it-and-forget-it unlimited cloud backup for a single computer.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Best For: Personal Cloud Backup, Simple Computer Backup, Unlimited Storage Need
Key Features
- ✓Unlimited Backup: Backs up all user data on a single computer for a flat fee. (Core Feature)
- ✓Automatic & Continuous Backup: Runs in the background automatically. (Included)
- ✓Restore via Web/App or Shipped Drive: Download restores or request a USB drive/hard drive. (Included (drive cost refundable))
- ✓Versioning: Keeps previous versions of files (default 30 days, extendable). (Included)
Scorecard (Overall: 8.0 / 10.0)
Pricing
Personal Backup
$9.00 / Monthly
- Unlimited backup for one computer
- Automatic backup
- External drive backup
- Mobile access
Limitations: One computer per license, No server backup
Personal Backup (Annual)
$99.00 / Annual
- Same as Monthly
Personal Backup (2-Year)
$189.00 / Biennial
- Same as Monthly
Pros
- + Extremely easy to use
- + Truly unlimited backup storage
- + Affordable flat-rate pricing
- + Reliable performance
Cons
- - Only backs up one computer per license
- - Limited configuration options
- - No Linux client
- - No advanced features like imaging
Verdict
"The ultimate choice for users who want dead-simple, unlimited cloud backup for a single Mac or PC without complex options."
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#3
IDrive Personal
By IDrive
Versatile cloud backup service offering backup for unlimited devices with a single account, including computer, mobile, and server backup.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Windows Server
Best For: Personal Cloud Backup, Small Business Backup, Multi-device Backup, Server Backup
Key Features
- ✓Multi-Device Backup: Back up unlimited PCs, Macs, mobiles, and tablets to one account. (Core Feature)
- ✓IDrive Express: Physical shipment service for initial backup and quick restores. (Free 1x/year (Personal))
- ✓Snapshot Recovery: Historical view of data for point-in-time recovery. (Included)
- ✓Server & Database Backup: Supports backup for SQL, Exchange, Oracle, SharePoint. (Business Plans)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.8 / 10.0)
Pricing
Basic
Contact Vendor
- 5GB storage
Limitations: Limited storage
Personal (5TB)
$79.50 / Annual (often discounted first year)
- 5TB cloud storage
- Unlimited devices
- IDrive Express
Business (250GB)
$99.50 / Annual (often discounted first year)
- 250GB cloud storage
- Unlimited users/computers/servers
- Server backup
- Priority support
Pros
- + Excellent value, backs up unlimited devices
- + Supports wide range of platforms
- + Physical backup/restore option (Express)
- + Includes snapshots and versioning
Cons
- - Upload/download speeds can sometimes be slow
- - Interface feels slightly dated
Verdict
"A top value proposition for users needing to back up multiple devices to the cloud without breaking the bank."
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#2
Veeam Backup & Replication
By Veeam
Powerful and flexible backup, recovery, and replication solution primarily for virtualized environments and enterprise workloads.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, Linux, VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V, Nutanix AHV, AWS, Azure, Google Cloud
Best For: Enterprise Backup, Virtual Machine Backup, Cloud Backup, Disaster Recovery, Data Center Protection
Key Features
- ✓VM Backup & Replication: Agentless backup and replication for VMware and Hyper-V. (Core Feature)
- ✓Instant Recovery: Quickly restore VMs, files, and application items. (Included)
- ✓Scale-out Backup Repository: Manage backup storage repositories as a single pool. (Included)
- ✓Cloud Tier: Archive backups to object storage (AWS S3, Azure Blob, Google Cloud). (Included)
Scorecard (Overall: 8.5 / 10.0)
Pricing
Community Edition
Contact Vendor
- Backup for 10 workloads
- Basic functionality
Limitations: Limited scalability and support
Standard/Enterprise/Enterprise Plus
$400.00 / Annual per workload (approx)
- Full feature set
- Scalability
- Advanced recovery options
- 24/7 Support
Limitations: Complex licensing, Higher cost
Pros
- + Industry leader for virtual environments
- + Highly reliable and feature-rich
- + Excellent recovery options
- + Strong community and support
Cons
- - Can be complex to configure and manage
- - Primarily focused on enterprise/virtualization
- - Licensing can be expensive
Verdict
"The go-to solution for businesses heavily invested in virtual infrastructure, offering unparalleled features and reliability for complex environments."
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View Top Ranked Software
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#1
Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office
By Acronis
Comprehensive personal backup solution with integrated anti-malware and cybersecurity features.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Best For: Personal Backup, Home Office, Data Protection, Anti-Ransomware
Key Features
- ✓Full Image Backup: Creates an exact replica of your entire system drive. (Included)
- ✓Cloud Backup: Securely stores backups in the Acronis Cloud. (Tiered Storage)
- ✓Active Protection: Real-time protection against malware and ransomware. (Included)
- ✓Universal Restore: Restore system to dissimilar hardware. (Included)
Scorecard (Overall: 8.3 / 10.0)
Pricing
Essentials
$49.99 / Annual
- Local Backup
- Active Protection
- Ransomware Recovery
Limitations: No Cloud Backup
Advanced
$89.99 / Annual
- Essentials Features
- Cloud Backup (500GB)
- Microsoft 365 Backup
Premium
$124.99 / Annual
- Advanced Features
- Cloud Backup (1TB-5TB)
- Blockchain Notarization
- Electronic Signatures
Pros
- + Integrated cybersecurity features
- + Versatile backup options (local, cloud, hybrid)
- + Good performance
- + Mobile backup support
Cons
- - Subscription model can be costly
- - Interface can feel busy for beginners
Verdict
"An excellent choice for individuals and home offices needing robust backup combined with strong security against modern threats."
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Final Thoughts
The backup software market offers diverse solutions catering to different needs, from simple personal cloud backup to complex enterprise data protection. Key differentiators include platform support, feature depth (imaging vs. file-level, cloud vs. local), ease of use, security integration, and pricing models (subscription vs. perpetual, per-device vs. unlimited). Leading products often combine robust features with reliability and adequate performance.
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