Your PC’s Ultimate Shield: Top 19 Backup Software
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12 Best PC Backup Software Shortlist
After a thorough evaluation, I've curated the 12 best PC backup software to address your needs and bridge the data protection gap.
- Acronis True Image - Best for comprehensive disk imaging
- EaseUS Todo Backup - Best for user-friendly step-by-step wizards
- Macrium Reflect - Best for rapid disk cloning and deployment
- Paragon Backup & Recovery - Best for advanced partitioning features
- AOMEI Backupper - Best for scheduled and event-triggered backups
- NovaStor - Best for businesses seeking centralized backup
- Carbonite - Best for cloud-based automatic file backup
- CrashPlan - Best for unlimited backup to external drives
- Veeam - Best for virtual machine backup and replication
- GoodSync - Best for real-time data sync and backup
- FBackup - Best for dual backup destinations (local and cloud)
- Backup4all - Best for custom backup plugins and encryption
Navigating the world of PC backup software can be overwhelming, especially with the evolving landscape of Windows 10, Windows 11, and even Android integrations. I've sifted through the best backup software options that cater to both individuals and small businesses. These programs don't just create a hard disk drive image; they offer a comprehensive backup service - be it full backups, differential backups, or even backing up individual files.
Whether you're aiming for cloud storage services, a local drive, a USB drive, or offsite solutions, it's crucial to have reliable backup and restore functions. From the free backup software for your important files and file history to the premium solutions for system backup and disaster recovery, I've read and researched them all, ensuring you're equipped for any potential setback. Your Windows backup needs and mobile devices are all considered here. Trust me, with the right backup program, losing crucial data becomes a worry of the past.
What Is a PC Backup Software?
PC backup software is a specialized tool designed to create copies of data stored on a computer, ensuring that if the original data is lost, corrupted, or compromised, it can be restored. Individuals, businesses, and institutions use these tools to safeguard valuable information ranging from personal memories in the form of photos and videos to critical business documents and records.
With threats like hardware malfunctions, software glitches, cyberattacks, or even simple human error constantly looming, backup software is a protective measure to ensure data continuity and integrity.
Overview of the 12 Best PC Backup Software
1. Acronis True Image - Best for comprehensive disk imaging
Acronis True Image specializes in creating detailed replicas of a computer's entire system, ensuring not a byte is missed. This meticulous approach aligns perfectly with its reputation as the top choice for comprehensive disk imaging.
Why I Picked Acronis True Image:
In my search for top-tier backup solutions, Acronis True Image consistently emerged as a frontrunner. I chose this software because, upon deeper evaluation, I judged its capacity for whole-system imaging unparalleled, setting it apart from its competitors. Given this, I firmly believe it stands as the best choice for users seeking an all-encompassing backup solution.
Standout features & integrations:
Acronis True Image is distinguished by its capacity to conduct full-image backups, ensuring complete system replication. Moreover, it incorporates a robust ransomware protection mechanism, providing an additional layer of safety. As for integrations, the tool partners with prominent cloud storage providers, offering users the flexibility of cloud backups.
Pricing:
From $4.16/user/month (billed annually)
Pros:
- Comprehensive full system image backups
- Robust ransomware protection
- Integration with leading cloud storage providers
Cons:
- Might be excessive for users with basic backup needs
- Can be complex for first-time users
- Advanced functionalities may have a learning curve
2. EaseUS Todo Backup - Best for user-friendly step-by-step wizards
EaseUS Todo Backup is a revered tool for its clear-cut backup processes, ensuring no user feels overwhelmed. Its step-by-step wizards are precisely what makes it an attractive option, especially for those who may be new to the world of data backups or desire simplicity.
Why I Picked EaseUS Todo Backup:
Among a myriad of backup solutions, EaseUS Todo Backup caught my attention primarily because of its unique approach to simplifying complex backup tasks. I selected this software after judging its user-friendly interface against others, determining that its wizards really are a game-changer. Thus, in my opinion, it's best for those who appreciate or require a guided experience during their backup processes.
Standout features & integrations:
EaseUS Todo Backup is renowned for its intuitive wizards that lead users through tasks like backup, restore, and cloning. Furthermore, the software offers both local and cloud backup options, catering to a variety of user needs. On the integration front, it has compatibility with popular cloud platforms such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive, allowing for diverse backup destinations.
Pricing:
From $2.50/user/month (billed annually)
Pros:
- User-friendly wizards simplify tasks
- Options for both local and cloud backups
- Integrates with major cloud storage providers
Cons:
- Advanced features might be hidden behind wizards for some
- Not the fastest backup speeds compared to competitors
- Limited customization options for power users
3. Macrium Reflect - Best for rapid disk cloning and deployment
Macrium Reflect stands as a formidable force in the realm of disk cloning, with swift deployment tools at its helm. Its prowess in quickly cloning and deploying disk images makes it a go-to choice for users aiming to reduce downtime and swiftly transition systems.
Why I Picked Macrium Reflect:
Sifting through countless backup utilities, I was drawn to Macrium Reflect because of its distinct emphasis on speed and efficiency. In determining the right fit, I juxtaposed Macrium Reflect against its peers, concluding its unparalleled cloning and deployment times made it stand out. For those in need of swift, reliable disk cloning and deployment, I genuinely believe this is the best choice.
Standout features & integrations:
At the core of Macrium Reflect lies its Disk Imaging technology, allowing for precise copies of entire storage volumes. The software also boasts the Macrium Image Guardian, which protects backup files from unauthorized access. In terms of integrations, Macrium Reflect works with various file systems, from NTFS to FAT32, ensuring a broad compatibility range.
Pricing:
From $6/user/month (billed annually)
Pros:
- Speedy disk cloning and deployment
- Protection for backup files against unauthorized changes
- Supports a wide range of file systems
Cons:
- Interface might be intimidating for new users
- Requires a steeper learning curve compared to some alternatives
- Limited cloud backup options compared to competitors
4. Paragon Backup & Recovery - Best for advanced partitioning features
Paragon Backup & Recovery delivers a robust suite of tools, primarily known for its intricate partitioning capabilities. For users who prioritize detailed control over their drive's partitions while ensuring their data remains safeguarded, this software shines above the rest.
Why I Picked Paragon Backup & Recovery:
In the vast landscape of backup software, selecting the right tool demands keen observation and comparison. Paragon Backup & Recovery caught my eye due to its unique emphasis on partitioning features that others often skim over. I determined, after having opinions shaped through careful juxtaposition, that for those seeking intricate partitioning capabilities combined with backup, this tool is the top contender.
Standout features & integrations:
Paragon Backup & Recovery boasts a comprehensive partitioning toolset, allowing for resizing, moving, and adjusting partitions with precision. Moreover, it offers differential and incremental backups, ensuring that users can capture every change without re-backing up the entire system. On the integration front, the software melds well with a wide range of storage solutions, from traditional hard drives to modern SSDs and hybrid drives.
Pricing:
From $4.99/user/month (billed annually)
Pros:
- Detailed partition management tools
- Offers both differential and incremental backups
- Compatible with a variety of storage devices
Cons:
- The interface can be complex for beginners
- Lacks some of the cloud backup options found in competitors
- Restoration process may appear convoluted to some users
5. AOMEI Backupper - Best for scheduled and event-triggered backups
AOMEI Backupper is an all-inclusive software solution designed to protect data through a range of backup strategies. One distinguishing aspect of this tool is its proficiency in facilitating both scheduled backups and those activated by specific triggers, making it ideal for users who seek automatic backup solutions based on predefined conditions.
Why I Picked AOMEI Backupper:
Navigating the sea of backup solutions, AOMEI Backupper captured my attention due to its unique blend of features. While most tools allow scheduled backups, the event-triggered feature was an aspect that, in my judgment, set it apart. Based on this distinguishing factor, I came to the conclusion that for those prioritizing automated backups following certain events, AOMEI Backupper is unmatched.
Standout features & integrations:
AOMEI Backupper offers a plethora of features such as system clone, file sync, and disk imaging. Beyond the scheduled and event-triggered backups, it also impresses with its universal restore capability. Integration-wise, it supports various storage environments, including local disks, external hard drives, and cloud storage platforms like Google Drive and Dropbox.
Pricing:
From $4.95/user/month (billed annually)
Pros:
- Offers both scheduled and event-triggered backups
- Supports a wide range of storage environments
- Features like system clone and universal restore provide added flexibility
Cons:
- Interface might seem overwhelming to new users
- Larger backups can consume significant system resources
- Initial configuration requires a bit of a learning curve
6. NovaStor - Best for businesses seeking centralized backup
NovaStor offers a comprehensive backup solution tailored specifically for businesses, ensuring data integrity and quick recovery. With an emphasis on centralized control, this tool is particularly suited for companies aiming to consolidate their backup processes and manage them from a singular point.
Why I Picked NovaStor:
In the process of selecting backup tools, NovaStor clearly stood out because of its strong focus on centralized management. In my judgment, centralizing backup operations is critical for businesses, and NovaStor's design philosophy aligns perfectly with this need. Hence, after comparing various tools, I determined that for businesses valuing a unified backup approach, NovaStor holds a distinct edge.
Standout features & integrations:
NovaStor excels with its granular backup options, allowing businesses to pinpoint exactly what they wish to safeguard. It also boasts fast recovery times, ensuring minimal operational downtime. On the integrations front, NovaStor meshes well with several enterprise-level platforms, including but not limited to Microsoft Exchange, SharePoint, and SQL Server.
Pricing:
From $20/user/month (billed annually)
Pros:
- Centralized control streamlines backup processes for businesses
- Supports granular backup options
- Compatible with major enterprise platforms
Cons:
- Might be overkill for smaller businesses or individual users
- Setup and configuration can be more complex than simpler tools
- Price point may be higher than other backup solutions
7. Carbonite - Best for cloud-based automatic file backup
Carbonite is a renowned backup solution known for safeguarding files directly to the cloud. Its prowess lies in automatically backing up critical data without user intervention, ensuring consistent protection. Given its core strengths, Carbonite stands out for users and businesses that prioritize automatic cloud-based backups.
Why I Picked Carbonite:
When selecting among the sea of backup solutions, Carbonite's emphasis on automation and cloud integration caught my attention. In comparing it with other tools, it became evident that Carbonite holds a significant edge in automated cloud backups. I chose this because of its simplicity; a user can essentially set it and forget it, knowing their data is automatically secured in the cloud.
Standout features & integrations:
Carbonite excels in its continuous backup feature, which means files are saved as soon as they are changed. Additionally, its versioning capability allows users to restore previous versions of a file, providing an extra layer of data protection. Integration-wise, Carbonite supports a broad range of operating systems and integrates with popular platforms like Windows and MacOS.
Pricing:
From $6/user/month (billed annually)
Pros:
- Continuous backup ensures real-time data protection
- Allows retrieval of earlier file versions
- Broad OS compatibility
Cons:
- Lacks some advanced features offered by competitors
- Restore process can be slow for large data sets
- Some users might prefer a hybrid (local and cloud) backup solution
8. CrashPlan - Best for unlimited backup to external drives
CrashPlan specializes in providing robust backup solutions, with a notable capability of unlimited backups to external hard drives. Its core strength centers around the flexibility and freedom it offers users, eliminating concerns of data overage or limitations. Given its distinctive features, CrashPlan is an ideal choice for those who heavily rely on external drives and want uninterrupted backup capabilities.
Why I Picked CrashPlan:
In the process of determining the right backup tool, CrashPlan stood out due to its unique unlimited backup offering for external drives. Many solutions set restrictions or limits, but CrashPlan diverges from the norm, catering to users with extensive backup needs. I chose CrashPlan because of its clear commitment to providing users with extensive, uninterrupted backup capabilities for their external storage solutions.
Standout features & integrations:
CrashPlan excels with its feature of real-time file protection, ensuring data changes are instantly mirrored in backups. Furthermore, it offers 448-bit encryption, enhancing the security of data at rest and in transit. When it comes to integrations, CrashPlan meshes well with both Windows and MacOS, ensuring a broad range of users can leverage its benefits.
Pricing:
From $10/user/month (billed annually)
Pros:
- Unlimited backup capacity for external drives
- High-grade encryption for added security
- Instantaneous file protection
Cons:
- Primarily cloud-focused, may not cater to those wanting localized solutions
- Initial backup can be time-consuming
- Interface might be overwhelming for beginners
9. Veeam - Best for virtual machine backup and replication
Veeam offers comprehensive solutions in the realm of data management, with a strong focus on backing up and replicating virtual machines. This makes it a valuable tool for organizations leveraging virtual environments, ensuring that virtualized data is both secure and easily recoverable. Given its expertise in this domain, Veeam stands as a leading choice for businesses that prioritize virtual machine protection.
Why I Picked Veeam:
In my quest to identify top-performing backup solutions, Veeam repeatedly surfaced due to its superior capabilities in virtual machine backup and replication. It's not just about the features but also how they're tailored to cater to virtualized environments. I selected Veeam for this list because, in my judgment, its offerings are well-designed to address the challenges that businesses face in managing virtual machine data.
Standout features & integrations:
One of Veeam's prime features is the Instant VM Recovery, which drastically reduces downtime by allowing users to instantly restore any virtualized application. Additionally, it offers SureBackup, a feature that automatically tests backups to ensure they will work during recovery. As for integrations, Veeam is compatible with leading virtualization platforms, such as VMware vSphere and Microsoft Hyper-V, ensuring operation across varied infrastructures.
Pricing:
From $20/user/month (billed annually)
Pros:
- Specialized in virtual machine backup and replication
- Instant VM Recovery feature
- Compatibility with major virtualization platforms
Cons:
- Might have a steeper learning curve for new users
- Pricing could be on the higher side for smaller businesses
- Some users might find the interface a bit complex
10. GoodSync - Best for real-time data sync and backup
GoodSync is a versatile tool dedicated to ensuring your data is both synchronized and backed up in real-time. For businesses and individuals who are constantly updating or changing their files and need them to be in sync across devices while ensuring backup, GoodSync proves to be a robust solution.
Why I Picked GoodSync:
During my analysis of various data synchronization tools, GoodSync continuously emerged as a strong contender. I chose it because it seemed to handle real-time data synchronization and backup with efficiency, distinguishing itself from other solutions. In my opinion, its capabilities are directly aligned with its USP, making it the best choice for users who need real-time data management.
Standout features & integrations:
GoodSync offers an end-to-end encryption feature, ensuring that data remains secure during transfer and storage. It also provides block-level data transfer, which increases the efficiency of syncing. Regarding integrations, GoodSync supports a broad range of platforms and cloud services, including but not limited to AWS, Google Drive, and Dropbox, catering to diverse user needs.
Pricing:
From $9.95/user/month (billed annually)
Pros:
- Real-time synchronization and backup capabilities
- Supports a wide range of platforms and cloud services
- Block-level data transfer for efficient syncing
Cons:
- Some users might find the initial setup a bit intricate
- Real-time syncing could be resource-intensive on some devices
- The user interface might not be intuitive for everyone
11. FBackup - Best for dual backup destinations (local and cloud)
FBackup provides a straightforward approach to ensuring your data is securely stored both on local destinations and in the cloud. By offering dual backup destinations, it caters to those who value the convenience of cloud storage but also wants the security and immediacy of a local backup.
Why I Picked FBackup:
In the myriad of backup solutions available, FBackup caught my attention due to its dual backup capability. I selected it because it offers a unique proposition - backup not just to one but two destinations. This dual backup functionality stands out in the market, and I judged it to be the best for those who want an added layer of data assurance by having both local and cloud backups.
Standout features & integrations:
FBackup boasts an automatic backup feature, which ensures your data is consistently updated in both destinations. Additionally, it comes with a backup testing feature to verify the integrity of the stored data. Integration-wise, FBackup supports popular cloud platforms such as Google Drive and Dropbox, which is advantageous for users familiar with these services.
Pricing:
Pricing upon request
Pros:
- Dual backup ensures data is stored in both local and cloud destinations
- Automatic backup feature provides consistency
- Integration with popular cloud platforms
Cons:
- Lack of transparency in pricing might deter some users
- Some advanced features might be reserved for the paid version
- The interface might be challenging for beginners
12. Backup4all - Best for custom backup plugins and encryption
Backup4all offers a comprehensive solution for users who need not only a reliable backup system but also customizability and high-level encryption. By prioritizing custom plugins and encryption, Backup4all establishes itself as a robust tool for specialized backup requirements.
Why I Picked Backup4all:
Among the variety of backup solutions I examined, Backup4all emerged as a top contender due to its emphasis on custom backup plugins and encryption. These specific features make the tool stand out, providing more personalized solutions for unique backup needs. Based on these distinct offerings, I determined that Backup4all is best for those who seek customizability in their backup process coupled with stringent encryption measures.
Standout features & integrations:
Backup4all allows users to create or use existing plugins, tailoring the backup process to specific applications or data types. The encryption feature ensures that all backed-up data remains secure and private, a crucial factor in today's digital landscape. As for integrations, Backup4all has been designed to work effectively with cloud storage solutions such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and Amazon S3, broadening the scope of backup destinations.
Pricing:
Pricing upon request
Pros:
- Offers the possibility of tailored backups through custom plugins
- High-level encryption ensures data privacy and security
- Compatible with popular cloud storage solutions
Cons:
- The customization might pose challenges for novice users
- The plethora of features could be overwhelming for some
- Absence of transparent pricing can be a drawback for potential users
Other Noteworthy PC Backup Software
Below is a list of additional PC backup software that I shortlisted but did not make it to the top 12. Definitely worth checking them out.
- Iperius Backup - Good for comprehensive enterprise solutions
- Retrospect - Good for multi-platform environment backups
- Bvckup 2 - Good for real-time data replication
- KLS Backup - Good for synchronizing across multiple devices
- SyncBackPro - Good for script customization and automation
- Handy Backup - Good for centralized backup management
- Duplicacy - Good for lock-free deduplication backup
Selection Criteria for Choosing PC Backup Software
When diving into the vast world of backup software, it's easy to get overwhelmed. The sheer number of options available can make even the most tech-savvy person's head spin. I've evaluated dozens of backup software tools, but in this case, I was really looking for specific functionalities that would cater to a variety of needs, from personal to professional backup demands. Let's dive into the criteria I deemed most essential during my research.
Core Functionality
- Automated Backups: Ability to schedule and automate backups to ensure regular data protection.
- Incremental Backups: Tools that allow for backups of only the changes made since the last backup.
- Cloud and Local Backup: Offer both local backup options (like external drives) and cloud storage backups.
- Data Compression: Efficiently compress data to use less storage space without compromising the integrity of the backups.
- Encryption: Ensure that the backed-up data is encrypted, safeguarding it from unauthorized access.
Key Features
- Deduplication: This refers to eliminating redundant copies of data, saving space, and ensuring efficiency.
- Versioning: Allows users to store multiple versions of files, useful for tracking changes and recovering previous versions.
- Remote Access: Ability to access and retrieve backed-up data from any location.
- Bare-Metal Restore: A feature that allows users to restore a computer system from "bare metal", i.e., without any requirement of previously installed software or operating system.
- Event-based Backups: Triggering backups based on specific events or actions, such as system shutdown or the closing of a particular application.
Usability
- Intuitive Dashboard: A well-organized, centralized dashboard that offers an overview of backup statuses, storage used, and any errors or issues.
- Easy Restoration Process: Restoration should be straightforward, with clear steps to recover data quickly.
- Role-Based Access: Especially important for businesses, this ensures that only authorized personnel can access, modify, or restore backups.
- Comprehensive Support: Whether it's a rich knowledge base, 24/7 customer support, or an active community forum, users should have resources available to troubleshoot and learn.
- Step-by-Step Wizards: For less tech-savvy individuals, having a wizard to guide them through the backup or restoration process can be invaluable.
Most Common Questions Regarding PC Backup Software (FAQs)
What are the benefits of using PC backup software?
Using PC backup software can be a game-changer when it comes to data protection and recovery. Here are five key benefits:
- Data Protection: Backup software ensures that your files, documents, and essential data are safe from unexpected losses due to system crashes or malware attacks.
- Easy Data Recovery: If data loss does occur, backup tools enable swift and hassle-free recovery, reducing downtime.
- Automation: Many backup solutions offer automatic backup schedules, ensuring that your data is consistently protected without manual intervention.
- Cloud and Local Storage Options: These tools typically provide both cloud-based and local storage backup options, allowing users to choose based on their preferences and requirements.
- Incremental Backups: Rather than backing up all data every time, these tools often support incremental backups, saving only changes made since the last backup, making the process faster and more efficient.
How much do these tools typically cost?
The cost of PC backup software can vary widely based on features, storage capacity, and whether they target individual users or businesses. Prices can range from as low as $5/month for basic solutions to several hundred dollars annually for enterprise-grade software.
What are the pricing models for PC backup software?
Most PC backup software comes with one of the following pricing models:
- Subscription-Based: Monthly or yearly fees for continuous use and often includes updates and cloud storage.
- One-Time Purchase: A single upfront cost that provides indefinite use of the software, though updates might be separate.
- Freemium: Basic features are available for free, with a premium version offering advanced functionalities at a cost.
What's the typical range of pricing for these tools?
For individual users, prices typically range from $5 to $50 per month. For businesses or enterprise-level solutions, prices can go up from $300 to $500 annually, depending on the features and storage capacities.
Which is the cheapest and most expensive software?
The specific names of the cheapest and most expensive software would depend on the current market offerings. However, it's essential to note that while some tools might seem expensive, they may offer a comprehensive range of features that justify the price.
Are there any free tool options?
Yes, many backup solutions offer free versions, often termed "freemium" models. These free versions usually cover basic backup functionalities, with advanced features reserved for premium, paid versions. Some popular tools like FBackup and Duplicacy have free options available, though they might have limitations compared to their paid counterparts.
Other PC Backup Software-Related Reviews
Summary
Selecting the right PC backup software is vital to ensure your data's safety and accessibility. As you navigate the plethora of options available, it's essential to pinpoint the specific needs and priorities of your use case.
Key Takeaways:
- Functionality First: Always prioritize core functionalities. Whether it's real-time sync, dual backup destinations, or specialized plugins, identify what you need the most from a backup solution and ensure your chosen tool delivers it.
- Features Matter: Look beyond basic backup. Advanced features, such as custom encryption, integrations with other software, and support for various backup destinations, can greatly enhance your backup strategy's effectiveness and flexibility.
- Value for Money: While pricing is an essential factor, it's more about the value you receive for your investment. Explore the range, from free tools to premium solutions, and find a balance between cost and the features that are indispensable for your requirements.
What do you think?
While I've done my best to curate a comprehensive list of top PC backup software, the tech landscape is vast and ever-evolving. If you've had exceptional experiences with a backup tool not mentioned here, please share.
Your insights and recommendations can help others make informed choices, and I’m always open to updating my list with valuable additions. Let me know your favorites and why you think they stand out. I appreciate your expertise and contributions to this community discussion.