Having backup software can mean the difference between a days long process or a couple hours. When there’s a computer crash or virus that causes irreparable damage to files you may lose them forever. With backup software you can prevent that by keeping an updated log of all important files safe elsewhere. There’s a lot of different software available to help with storing your backup data. It can range from single computer use to businesses with massive amounts of storage. Below is a list of the six of the best backup software available now. Each software has unique features and specific downsides to help decide what the best choice is for you.
The Top 6 Best Backup Software
- Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office – Best for Security
- BackBlaze – Best for Beginners
- Paragon Backup & Recovery – Best Restore Tool
- EaseUS Todo Backup – Best for Multiple Computer Systems
- IDrive – Best for Small Backups
- ShadowProtect SPX – Best for Business Use
1. Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office – Best for Security
PRICING: $49.99 a year for one computer
Acronis is a great option thanks to its backup features that simultaneously saves to a local location as well as to the cloud. Taking away the stress of a possible malfunction in either backup. However, the cloud backup capability is only available on higher subscription plans. Another key feature is its security tool that prevents ransomware. It has the ability to detect and can even reverse the attack. The security feature is available when subscribed for a year. A key note about Acronis is that they offer subscriptions based on how many computers you need. The first subscription tier will cover up to 5 computers for the price of $99.99. The cloud feature is not available on the first tier though. So if that is a necessary feature, be sure to choose the second tier or higher.
KEY FEATURES:
- Security features
- cloning tool
- Local or cloud saving options
REASONS TO BUY:
- disk image back capabilities
- Based on how many computers you need
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Slows computer down
- Not great at blocking all malware types
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2. BackBlaze – Best for Beginners
PRICING: $70 per year
BackBlaze is great with its ease of use. Anyone who is new or not as good with technology will appreciate how simple it is to use this software. For those who prefer to have full control over how and what is backed up, this software may not be the best choice. BackBlaze does not offer a lot of features that allow customization or searching. Their focus is to backup everything or nothing with little in between. BackBlaze also offers security features that protect you using authentication and encryption. One thing to note about their security features is that it has the ability to locate a missing or stolen computer. A very important feature for anyone who travels with their personal computer.
KEY FEATURES:
- No storage limit
- Security features
- Automatic backup
- Scheduled backups
- Missing computer locator tool
- File sharing
- Restoration by a shipped external hard drive or via web
REASONS TO BUY:
- 15 day free trial
- Great for new tech users
- Quick to setup and complete backup
- Has an app available on Android and iOS
- Supports windows and Mac users
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Only available for one computer
- No file explore feature
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3. Paragon Backup & Recovery – Best Restore Tool
PRICING: $79.95 for up to three personal computers
Paragon is another software that is great for those with little tech experience. One of their key features is a tool that assists with helping backup the files that are important to you. Another important feature is their recovery tool. Using a USB, you are able to restore your computer in worst case scenarios. It’s important to note that while Paragon offers this product to both business and personal users, they have separate products based on whether you intend to use it for personal or business use.
KEY FEATURES:
- Automated backup tool
- Recovery assistance
- Scheduled backups
- Customisable automations
- Assisted recovery media preparation tool
REASONS TO BUY:
- Great for new tech users
- Single user or business options
REASONS TO AVOID:
- No cloud storage option
- Does not support Mac
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4. EaseUS Todo Backup – Best for Multiple Computer Systems
PRICING: $39.95 for a year for personal use
EaseUS is a great software for those who need simple tools or for those who want one single backup. If you’re looking for more hands on tools and regular check ins, you would be best to get the higher tier version. The base version offers a lot of key tools to allow most users the ability to backup their information as needed. Easeus allows you to find the correct subscription based on what type of backup you need, whether it is personal use or if you are a technician who has access to several different machines.
KEY FEATURES:
- Full or selective backup options
- Automatic backup options for specific files
- Restore tools
- Local or cloud saving options
- Compression tool
- Security features
- Pre-OS tool
- Clone tool
REASONS TO BUY:
- Great for new tech users
- Supports windows and Mac users
- One time fee or yearly options
- single user or business options
- disk image backup capabilities
- 30 day money back guarantee
REASONS TO AVOID:
- No scheduled backup option
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5. IDrive – Best for Small Backups
PRICING: Free limited edition or $59.62 per year for personal use
IDrive is a simple to use software that has a lot of great features. One of them allows users to store as many versions of backups as they want. They also continuously backup your files, which can be good. However if you’re the type that likes to decide what is saved, this could be a nuisance. It’s important to note that a lot of the features are not available for the free version. The free version of IDrive only allows 10 GB of space, so you will need to be very selective if you choose this version. The first paid subscription tier provides 5 TB of space or for a higher cost you can get up to 10 TB. Having the ability to pay for exactly how much you need is a great feature to have. Another important note about the first paid tier is that it allows unlimited computers. Keep in mind that it does limit to only one person though.
KEY FEATURES:
- Has a mobile app
- Restore via email
- No limit on devices
- Local or cloud saving options
- Cross computer syncing
- File sharing
- Security features
- Multiple device backup available
- Physical storage delivery option
REASONS TO BUY:
- Quick setup
- Simple UI
- Has an app available on Android and iOS
- disk image back capabilities
- Single user or business options
REASONS TO AVOID:
- There is a limit on storage
- Downloads take a while
- Free version is limited
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6. ShadowProtect SPX – Best for Business Use
PRICING: $99.95 with the option to purchase one year of maintenance for an additional price
ShadowProtect is great for ensuring that the files you’re backing up are still good. They have an automatic verification feature that runs periodic checks on your backup files to ensure they are still functioning. The company recently merged with arcserve, so if ShadowProtect SPX isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, they offer a range of other backup software.
KEY FEATURES:
- Quick recovery
- Automatic file verification
- Alerts and notifications
- Security features
- Cloud storage option
- Scheduling tool
- System migration tool
REASONS TO BUY:
- Supports windows and Linux users
- Good for one personal or business use
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Does not support Mac
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References and Links
- https://techjury.net/best/windows-backup-software/
- https://www.pcmag.com/picks/best-backup-services
- https://www.techradar.com/best/best-backup-software
- https://www.acronis.com/
- https://www.backblaze.com/
- https://www.paragon-software.com/
- https://www.easeus-software.com/
- https://www.idrive.com/
- https://www.storagecraft.com/