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Ensuring the security of your data has become a top priority for both consumers and entrepreneurs alike. Today’s businesses face numerous cyber threats from around the globe, which can potentially spoil their operations in just moments. In 2019 alone, over 164.68 million sensitive data records were compromised in the United States, illustrating the critical importance of protecting your information.
Having a reliable backup of your business data is essential. Imagine losing everything due to a system failure, malware attack, or ransomware—what would your plan be? This is precisely where top-tier backup software becomes indispensable. Whether you’re looking to transfer your data, set up a new system, or restore lost information, having strong backup tools is crucial. I’ve evaluated and ranked the best backup software options, considering features like security, affordability, customer support, user-friendliness, and more. Let’s explore the options.
What Is the Top Backup Software for This Year?
Here are my top selections for the best backup solutions currently available.
1. Backblaze
Backblaze stands out as one of the leading backup software options. Its straightforward cloud backup service allows businesses to store vital data efficiently and economically. It offers unlimited file backups regardless of size and ensures rapid data transfer speeds.
Best For:
It is especially ideal for small enterprises seeking a reliable and cost-effective cloud backup solution for critical business files.
Key Features:
- Version History – Automatically preserves previous or deleted versions of files for up to a year, with optional lifetime storage for select files at an extra charge.
- Automatic Throttling and Threading – Adjusts backup speeds based on your internet connection, ensuring minimal disruption.
- Mobile Applications – Allows quick access to your files on iOS and Android devices. You can browse media, open documents, or share images directly from your phone.
- Secure Encryption – Files are encrypted by default and transmitted securely via SSL or FTP to Backblaze’s data centers, safeguarding your data at all stages.
Advantages:
- You can manage bandwidth effectively by toggling the automatic throttle feature, controlling how much internet resource is used during backups, disk imaging, or cloning.
- The manual threading option allows multi-threaded backups depending on your internet capacity, speeding up the process.
- Mobile access enables you to browse and download files conveniently on your smartphone or tablet.
- The platform includes biometric security methods, two-factor authentication, and round-the-clock staff support for maximum data safety.
- Restoring data is simplified with policies that don’t require a subscription, making recovery straightforward.
Disadvantages:
- Subscription plans are limited to a single computer per account.
- Mobile apps do not support file synchronization with Backblaze accounts.
Pricing:
The monthly fee is $6, while an annual plan option is available at an affordable rate of $60.
2. Unitrends
Unitrends offers comprehensive data backup solutions, catering to large-scale enterprise needs with advanced features and robust security measures.The software provides a free backup solution for Hyper-V and VMware environments, allowing users to secure up to 1 TB of data at no cost. For more advanced capabilities such as cloud integration, granular data protection, and global data deduplication, paid plans are available.
Best for:
Ideal for IT administrators seeking a reliable free backup tool.
Key features include:
– Simplified Management: An easy-to-use interface combined with pre-integrated backup appliances helps reduce management time by up to half.
– Customizable Dashboard: Manage numerous backups effortlessly with just a couple of clicks, while role-based access controls ensure secure, self-service recovery options.
– AI-Powered Ransomware Detection: The system intelligently analyzes data patterns to alert administrators about potential ransomware threats, identify critical data points, and initiate local system synchronization.
– Automated Verification: Its Recovery Assurance feature automatically tests full application restores, assesses recovery times, spots potential recovery risks, checks compliance with SLAs, and suggests corrective actions.
Pros:
– Seamless integration with third-party cloud services for affordable cloud storage options.
– Fast recovery options for VMware vSphere, Windows, Hyper-V, OneDrive, and Bare Metal recovery.
– Efficient in diagnosing and fixing VSS and other software issues that could disrupt backup and restore processes.
– Free version available.
– Easy to upgrade to higher plans when needed.
Cons:
– Subscription costs are relatively high compared to other backup solutions.
– Backups for SQL and SharePoint can be somewhat slower.
Pricing:
The annual subscription rates start at $349 per resource and go up to $1699 for enterprise-level deployments. A free plan supporting up to 1TB of backup storage is also offered.
3. AOMEI Backupper
AOMEI Backupper boasts a user base exceeding 20 million across more than 180 countries. It offers two main versions — Business and Home — tailored to different usage needs.
Best for:
Suitable for individual users and small businesses with future expansion plans.
Key features:
– Multiple Backup Options: Supports system, disk, partition, and file backups for tailored data protection.
– Scheduled Backups: Automate backups daily, weekly, or monthly to ensure no data gets overlooked.
– Backup to Various Storage Devices: Easily create backups on internal or external devices like SSDs.
– Disk Space Management: Automatically deletes old backups to free up storage and uses differential or incremental backups to maximize space efficiency.
Pros:
– Simplifies mass deployment of backup images across multiple computers.
– Quickly create portable backup versions by copying the installation files.
– Supports unlimited backups and restores across numerous computers and organizations.
– Provides strong technical support.
– Reduces administrative costs effectively.
– Equipped with a knowledge base for NAS and PXE Network Boot Tools.
– User-friendly interface making it accessible for beginners.
– Includes open-source tools such as Image Deploy, PXE Boot, and OneKey Recovery.
– Premium editions include lifetime updates.
– 90-day money-back guarantee.
– Offers a free edition for basic needs.
Cons:
– Exclusively available for Windows users.
– The user interface can have minor bugs.
Pricing:
A lifetime license typically costs around $60.
4. NovaStor
NovaStor provides comprehensive protection for files, folders, applications, and entire systems, guarding against data loss. It also offers seamless access to a team of backup experts available 24/7, ensuring you get professional support whenever needed. With its user-friendly features and dedicated customer service, NovaStor is designed to meet diverse backup needs efficiently.
Best For:
NovaStor is ideal for IT professionals seeking a budget-friendly backup solution that effectively addresses their data protection requirements.
Key Features:
- Flexibility – Supports multiple operating systems and virtualization platforms. It is compatible with various third-party business applications, including Windows 10 and Vista, Linux, VMWare, and Hyper-V.
- Unlimited Scalability – Capable of handling rapidly growing data volumes. Its distributed architecture ensures high throughput with minimal network impact.
- Comprehensive Support – Offers troubleshooting and assistance via email, phone, and remote access.
- Automation – Facilitates automatic backup and restore tasks, including monitoring and reporting, with centralized media management. The entire process runs seamlessly with high fault tolerance.
Advantages:
- Multistreaming significantly speeds up backup and restore procedures.
- You can remotely oversee backup jobs across multiple locations from a single interface.
- The platform supports multi-tenancy, providing faster data transfer speeds and secure end-to-end encryption.
- Manage local and offsite cloud backups effortlessly.
- Regularly monitor backup operations at remote work sites centrally.
- Managed Service Providers can host client data securely in their own datacenters.
Disadvantages:
- Some configuration options for backups may appear complex for everyday users.
- Does not offer image-based backup capabilities.
- Generally priced higher compared to other backup solutions in the market.
Pricing:
NovaStor’s annual subscription plans start at $2,500 and can go up to $9,500. Custom quotes are available for tailored plans based on specific requirements.
5. NAKIVO
NAKIVO specializes in providing efficient and trustworthy backup solutions for virtual environments such as Hyper-V, VMware, and Nutanix AHV. It combines enterprise-level data protection with affordability, making it suitable for a wide range of organizations. Key features include extensive support, disaster recovery automation, and more.
Best For:
NAKIVO is especially well-suited for companies in need of cost-effective backup options for physical servers, virtual environments, and cloud systems.
Key Features:
- Image-Based Backup – Creates complete copies of virtual machines, including all system files, disks, and configurations.
- Incremental Backup – Backs up only changed data, reducing backup times and minimizing network load.
- Flexible Backup Options – Supports up to 4,000 recovery points, enabling quick restores. Uses a Grandfather-Father-Son retention policy to rotate backups daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly.
- Storage Efficiency – Eliminates duplicate data blocks to optimize storage space, increasing data capacity up to tenfold.
Advantages:
- Includes built-in support for truncating logs from Exchange and SQL servers, helping to free storage space.
- Enables LAN-free data transfer for faster and more secure backups.
- Utilizes network acceleration techniques to compress data and speed up backups, achieving up to twice the speed and reducing network congestion.
- Offers bandwidth management controls to regulate data transfer rates.
- Reduces snapshot overhead by creating exact copies of VMs instantly, conserving storage.
- The software can be installed with a single click on Windows systems.
- Shredded application objects and individual files from deduplicated and compressed backups.
Cons:
- New users might find the user interface a bit overwhelming or clunky.
Pricing:
The pricing tiers start at $99 per socket and go up to $399 per socket, depending on the plan chosen.
6. Retrospect
Retrospect is highly regarded for comprehensive data protection and cloud backup solutions. It offers a free trial lasting 45 days and is especially popular among Mac users. Its features include robust email data protection and various data security measures.
Best For:
Retrospect is ideal for individual users and small to medium-sized businesses seeking affordable backup options for Mac devices.
Key Features:
- Email Security: Strong protection for email services such as Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo, and AOL, with compliance features for GDPR and other regulations.
- AI-Powered Backup Scripts: Uses advanced algorithms like linear regression and decision trees to optimize backup efficiency across all sources.
- Monitoring Compatibility: Easily integrates with modern monitoring tools like Slack, Nagios, and IFTTT.
- Mobile App Support: Compatible with Apple devices including iPhone, iPad, and iPod for monitoring backups remotely.
Pros:
- Supports multiple encryption standards, including AES-256, for securing data during transit and at rest.
- Allows long-term data retention, with backups available for up to five years.
- Enables targeted backups based on conditions such as dates, file names, and types for cloud storage.
- Uses incremental backups to reduce duplication and optimize storage use.
- Offers a fully functional free trial period.
Cons:
- Not designed for large-scale enterprise deployment.
- Lacks an Android mobile application, limiting mobile device compatibility.
Pricing:
Official website does not specify the pricing details, but reviews suggest a one-time fee of approximately $49.
7. IDrive
IDrive provides unlimited backup options for multiple devices, including PCs, Macs, iOS, and Android devices. Its user-friendly dashboard simplifies managing and accessing backup data for users.
Best For:
Those seeking a reliable backup solution for small businesses will find IDrive highly suitable.
Key Features:
- Real-Time File Sync: Sync files instantly across all linked devices without affecting storage limits.
- Snapshots and Version History: Access previous versions of files and recover data from specific points in time; offers ransomware protection.
- Disk Image Backup: Complete backup of drives or selected folders maintaining the original structure.
- Mobile Apps: Robust apps for iOS and Android allow you to manage backups on the go.
Pros:
- Retains up to 30 previous versions of files for easy recovery.
- The Archive Cleanup feature effectively removes outdated data to free storage space.
Ensure your backups are current to prevent any data loss. Use detailed activity reports, share reports, and backup status updates for thorough insights. Protect your files with 256-bit AES encryption during both storage and transfer, using a custom key you define. Improve network performance by compressing data and performing incremental backups. Manage and restore data remotely through a web-based console on any machine. Secure online backups for a variety of servers, including MS SQL, Office 365 Mailbox, MS Exchange, SharePoint, Hyper-V, Oracle, Linux, and VMware environments. Install IDrive remotely across multiple Windows Server machines for easy deployment. It complies fully with data security regulations such as SOX, HIPAA, GLBA, and SEC/FINRA. Monitor all backup activities conveniently from a single administrative interface.
However, a downside is that IDrive does not offer unlimited storage options. The service provides a free plan with 5GB of storage, while paid plans start at $52.12 for up to 2TB of space.
Carbonite offers both individual and small business cloud backup solutions. It provides a free 30-day trial so users can test its features before purchasing. Designed mainly for personal use and small enterprises, Carbonite is praised for its user-friendly installation and setup, along with reliable data recovery options in case of malware attacks. Its end-to-end encryption ensures data security during backups and at rest. Affordable subscription plans make it accessible for individuals and small businesses alike.
Pros include robust data migration tools that facilitate seamless cloud transitions or transfers between services. It also offers disaster recovery as a service (DRaaS), keeping critical applications online. Advanced features such as legal hold, remote wiping, and location tracking help manage employee endpoints. Carbonite protects up to 25 computers, enabling file recovery even after ransomware attacks. The platform supports multiple databases and platforms like MySQL, Oracle, and Hyper-V, and uses incremental backups to optimize storage usage. However, the software sometimes requires server reboots, and restoring data can be slow.
Pricing begins at $24 per month, with plans reaching up to $83.34 per month when billed annually.
Backup Radar specializes in backup reporting and compliance, designed to help organizations streamline verification processes. It is particularly suitable for companies aiming to automate their backup remediation procedures. The tool integrates with service ticketing systems such as Autotask and ConnectWise, allowing for automated remediation workflows. It also offers scheduled, ad-hoc, and branded reports to keep all stakeholders updated. The platform’s automatic ticketing system reduces manual errors and enhances efficiency, making it ideal for organizations seeking to simplify backup management and compliance tracking.
- Defines data policies easily with customizable thresholds for simplified management.
Advantages:
- Maintains a backup log to monitor data history effectively.
- Features a flexible architecture designed with a security-first approach, ensuring fast performance and high system availability.
- Generates customized, branded reports for better presentation and analysis.
- Includes a highly responsive mobile interface for on-the-go access.
- Supports multi-factor authentication (MFA) for enhanced security.
- Offers prompt and reliable customer support services.
- Displays each backup report visually within the audit interface for easy review.
Disadvantages:
- May be cost-prohibitive for small businesses.
- Has a complex user interface that may require a learning curve.
Pricing:
The monthly subscription costs $99 when paid annually.
10. IvyBackup
IvyBackup offers three editions—home, standard, and pro—oriented to cater to diverse user needs. Its interface is straightforward, supporting event-based or manual scheduled backups.
Ideal For:
It is well-suited for Windows users seeking reliable backup solutions.
Core Features:
- Multilingual Support – Available in several languages such as French, German, Italian, Russian, and more.
- Custom Backup Options – Configure backups to include specific files instead of entire databases, saving time and storage space.
- Lightweight Design – Cloud-based and resource-efficient, reducing hardware expenditure.
- Error Prevention During Restoration – Checks data for duplicates, corruption, or malware before restoring, ensuring integrity.
Strengths:
- User-friendly interface simplifies backup creation.
- Security is robust with 256-bit AES encryption and routine security audits.
- Backup history is easily tracked and filtered by date.
- Supports automated backups on daily, weekly, or monthly schedules.
- Flexible destination options include local drives, Dropbox, Google Drive, and network shares.
- Incremental backup technology minimizes redundancy.
- Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Customer support available via email for assistance.
Weaknesses:
- Not suitable for large-scale enterprise use.
- Does not include support for phone or live chat inquiries.
Pricing:
Subscription costs range from approximately $19.95 to $34.95 per month, billed annually.
11. Ashampoo Backup Pro 15
Ashampoo Backup Pro 15 provides dependable protection against malware, ransomware, and system errors in Windows. It also offers tools for backing up specific files or disk regions and managing backups efficiently.
Ideal For:
It is designed for IT administrators seeking a high level of customization in their backup strategies.
Core Capabilities:
- Full Partition Backups – Easily back up entire disk partitions to any location with a simple setup process.
- Automatic Incremental Updates – Keeps backups current by automatically updating files as changes occur.
- UEFI Compatibility – Supports recovery of corrupted operating systems with automatic reinstallation and booting.
- System Optimization Tools – Use the Windows Optimizer to fine-tune system settings, free disk space, and improve performance.
Pros:
- Provides immediate protection against malware threats
- Enables backups of entire disk partitions or individual files
- You can save your backup data on external devices like external hard drives or USB flash drives
- The innovative Infinite Reverse Incremental technology minimizes storage needs, saving up to half of your space
- The backup process adapts dynamically based on available system resources, ensuring efficiency
- Offers robust end-to-end encryption to secure your database
Cons:
- The user interface can be difficult for beginners to navigate
- The process of creating recovery drives is somewhat slow
Pricing:
The downloadable version is available for $25.
12. Genie9
Genie9 delivers an affordable, efficient backup solution ideal for freelancers and small startups. It supports multiple platforms like Windows and Linux, with intelligent features that ensure smooth media access.
Best For:
It is perfect for freelancers who need reliable and budget-friendly data backup tools.
Key Features:
- Simple Setup – Configure backups in just three steps and begin safeguarding your data within minutes after installation.
- Disaster Recovery – Quickly restore your data using an easy, wizard-driven interface for reliable recovery.
- Manage Backups – Control when backups run or let Genie automate the process. You can also set the system to shut down after backup completion.
- Backup Monitoring – Use the Genie Timeline mobile app to stay informed about the latest backup status and details.
Pros:
- Supports offsite backups for added security
- Built-in search functionality for easy file location
- Timeline view helps track previous versions of files
- Includes file versioning support for restoration flexibility
- The ‘swiftRestore’ feature allows fast recovery of selected files or folders
- Supports incremental backups with rollback options to optimize time and storage
- No software required to access backup files directly
- Utilizes strong 256-bit AES encryption for data security
Cons:
- Lacks support for USB 4.0 connections
Pricing:
Monthly plans start at approximately $11.
13. Synametrics
Synametrics is a secure backup tool that keeps your files protected from unauthorized access. It supports multiple platforms, including Unix, Windows, and macOS X, making it suitable for diverse business environments.
Best For:
It’s ideal for organizations seeking a high level of privacy for their backup data.
Key Features:
- File Sharing – Easily distribute files across multiple devices within LAN or over the internet.
- SyncriBox – A secure, private cloud alternative to services like DropBox, ensuring no unauthorized third-party access, with no bandwidth limits or monthly fees.
- Cloud Snapshots – Create backup snapshots quickly and effortlessly using popular cloud storage options such as Google Storage, Amazon S3, or Microsoft Azure.
- Multi-Machine Synchronization – Keep folders and files synchronized across multiple devices in real-time, with changes reflected immediately.
Pros:
- Supports multiple security tiers for enhanced data protection
The backup solution provides universal access, making it compatible with all devices, including Mac, Windows, and Linux. It uses incremental data storage to optimize space usage and prevent duplicate files. You can easily share project files with individual or multiple users, and the system automatically syncs your changes across all connected devices. It features a multi-layered backup system and is a completely on-premises solution, ensuring data privacy and control. The software generates highly detailed and interactive data reports, and its web-based interface allows remote access from anywhere in the world. For personal use, it’s free of charge.
However, the software has some drawbacks. It does not offer 24/7 live chat support, which may be essential for urgent help. Additionally, it might be considered somewhat costly relative to the backup features provided. The paid plans start at $49 per year.
Note: Other backup tools not discussed here include products like Acronis True Image, EaseUS Todo Backup, Paragon Backup & Recovery, and Backup4all.
What is Backup Software?
Backup software is designed to create exact copies of your important digital data, such as files, folders, videos, servers, and applications. Its main goal is to protect your information from being lost, corrupted, or accidentally deleted. These tools effectively minimize risks associated with data loss or damage by ensuring you have reliable copies that can be restored whenever needed.
How Do You Use Backup Software?
There are three main types of backups to consider: full, differential, and incremental. Your choice depends on your specific needs. The process for creating full backups is fairly similar across different programs, while differential and incremental backups may have varying steps.
Let’s walk through how to perform a full backup using MiniTool ShadowMaker as an example. First, download and install the software. You’ll be prompted to select whether to back up locally or remotely. Next, choose what to back up — this could include specific files, your Windows system, installed programs, or entire disks.
Afterward, select the destination for your backup files, such as a folder on your PC, an external drive, or a USB stick. Once everything is set, click the Backup button to initiate the process. Your data will then be copied to the chosen location, ensuring safety against data loss.
Finally, the backup process will start. Once completed, you’ll have a secure copy of your data that can be restored if necessary.Here are some common features you might want in your system backup tool:
strong>Here are some of them:
1. Data Compression
In professional environments, backup software often needs to manage enormous volumes of data. Handling such large data sets requires significant storage space, which isn’t always practical. To solve this, a good backup tool should be capable of compressing data, reducing its size to save space.
2. Backup Scheduling
Scheduling backups is vital whether you’re working professionally or personally. While creating backups isn’t complicated, busy schedules can lead to forgetting or neglecting this task. Backup scheduling allows you to set specific times and frequencies for backups in advance, ensuring regular data protection without manual intervention. Once scheduled, the software handles the process automatically.
3. Data Security
Cybercriminals aren’t only targeting your primary files but can also compromise backup copies. Simply creating backups without considering security measures leaves you vulnerable. A reliable backup tool should include features like end-to-end encryption, password protection, user access restrictions, whitelisting, and two-factor authentication. These features help keep your backups safe from unauthorized access.
4. Mobile Platform Integration
Good backup software should connect seamlessly with smartphones and tablets, enabling you to monitor backup activities, perform administrative tasks, set permissions, and receive notifications directly on your mobile devices. This integration makes managing backups more flexible and accessible. Additional desirable features include notifications about backup status, support for running multiple backups simultaneously, and virtualization capabilities.
Executive Summary
In summary, the best backup software tools can help you store large amounts of data securely and efficiently. However, it’s important to evaluate each option carefully to find one that best fits your specific needs.
For individuals like freelancers or small business owners, options such as Unitrends and Synametrics offer free versions along with affordable premium plans. Large organizations with complex backup requirements might consider more comprehensive solutions like Backup Radar or Nakivo. If you prefer a one-time purchase without recurring fees, AOMEI Backupper offers a license for a single payment of $60.
Are there other backup tools not mentioned here? Feel free to share your suggestions in the comments.
Recommended Reading on StepThroughThePortal.com: If you’re exploring more options to secure your data, check out my reviews of the best data recovery software and my selections for the top database software of 2025.