24 Server Backup Solutions & How They Compare In 2025
10 Best Server Backup Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 24 tools reviewed.
In this digital age, ransomware threats loom larger than ever. I've seen businesses crippled, losing invaluable data overnight. Server backup software is your shield against such nightmares, providing data backup directly to cloud storage. Imagine having an entire replica of your crucial files stored safely away, ready for disaster recovery.
These tools ensure robust data protection, making certain that even if calamity strikes, you can bounce back swiftly. Your concerns about losing critical information? These tools address them head-on. Dive into these solutions and regain peace of mind.
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Best Server Backup Software Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top server backup software selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for managed service providers | Not available | From $6/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 2 | Best for varied device coverage | Free plan available | From $99.50/year | Website | |
| 3 | Best for virtual environments | Not available | Pricing upon request. | Website | |
| 4 | Best for unified data storage | Not available | Pricing upon request. | Website | |
| 5 | Best for data management flexibility | 30-day free trial | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 6 | Best for cloud integration | Not available | From $7/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 7 | Best for instant data recovery | Free demo available | Pricing upon request. | Website | |
| 8 | Best for enterprise-level protection | Not available | Pricing upon request. | Website | |
| 9 | Best for business continuity planning | 14-day free trial + Free demo available | From $30/user/month (billed annually) + $100 base fee per month | Website | |
| 10 | Best for adaptive recovery intelligence | Not available | From $9/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
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Docker
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Pulumi
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Best Server Backup Software Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best server backup software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
MSP360 Managed Backup is a comprehensive solution tailored for managed service providers, emphasizing centralized backup management. By integrating features essential for managed service providers, such as SQL server backups, the platform suits those who manage backup processes for multiple clients.
Why I Picked MSP360 Managed Backup: I selected MSP360 Managed Backup after comparing several backup solutions targeted at managed service providers. Its unique set of features, especially its proficiency in SQL server backups, rendered it a step above the rest. In my assessment, for managed service providers aiming for reliable and comprehensive backup solutions, MSP360 Managed Backup is the go-to choice.
Standout Features & Integrations:
MSP360 Managed Backup shines with its centralized backup management, ensuring consistent backups across clients. The ability to efficiently backup SQL servers is an invaluable feature for providers dealing with databases.
In terms of integrations, MSP360 Managed Backup pairs with major cloud storage providers, offering flexibility in backup storage solutions.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Broad cloud storage integrations offer versatility in backup storage options.
- Efficient SQL server backup capabilities.
- Centralized backup management facilitates consistency across clients.
Cons:
- Initial configuration can be time-consuming for larger setups.
- May require hands-on training for effective utilization.
- The interface might be overwhelming for newcomers.
IDrive is a comprehensive backup solution designed to safeguard data across multiple devices. Its strength lies in the ability to cover a diverse range of devices, making it especially ideal for users who employ various gadgets in their daily operations.
Why I Picked IDrive: While choosing between numerous tools, IDrive caught my attention due to its expansive device coverage. I judged it to be superior in this regard, offering a unique advantage over many other backup solutions. This specialization, in my opinion, renders IDrive as "best for varied device coverage."
Standout Features & Integrations:
IDrive shines with its deduplication feature, which ensures that only unique files are stored, saving valuable storage space. The external drive backup feature also ensures that even data on portable storage devices is not overlooked. Additionally, IDrive supports file backup through FTP, providing flexibility in how data is uploaded to their data centers.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Support for FTP-based backups enhances flexibility.
- Provides backup for external drives.
- Deduplication saves storage space.
Cons:
- Incremental backups, though efficient, might not suit everyone's needs.
- The interface might be overwhelming for first-time users.
- Restoring larger datasets can take time.
BDRSuite is designed specifically to offer backup and disaster recovery solutions within virtual environments. By centralizing the backup storage and making it web-based, the software allows easy access and management, aligning with the needs of businesses relying on virtual infrastructure.
Why I Picked BDRSuite: I chose BDRSuite after evaluating multiple backup solutions tailored for virtual realms. What set BDRSuite apart was its intrinsic understanding of virtual challenges and its proficiency in addressing them.
In my judgment, its commitment to offering reliable solutions in virtual settings makes it the best choice for virtual environments.
Standout Features & Integrations:
One of BDRSuite's strongest features is its ability to schedule backups, ensuring data protection without manual intervention. The web-based interface allows users to access and manage their backups from anywhere.
Additionally, its backup storage management is meticulous, helping businesses optimize space and resources. As for integrations, BDRSuite pairs efficiently with major virtual platform providers, facilitating smoother workflows.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Efficient backup storage management optimizes resources.
- Robust scheduling options for automated backups.
- Web-based interface for accessible backup management.
Cons:
- The initial setup might require more hands-on configuration.
- Web-based approach might concern those used to traditional backup systems.
- New users may face a learning curve in understanding all features.
Cohesity brings together fragmented infrastructure into one consolidated platform, ensuring data stays protected and accessible. It's the convergence of backups, files, and apps into a unified storage model that offers an effective shield against data loss.
Why I Picked Cohesity: In my process of determining which tools truly make a difference, Cohesity emerged as a clear winner. The elegance with which it converges multiple data sources into a singular platform is something I hadn't seen paralleled.
I judged it to be "best for unified data storage" because, in a landscape dotted with countless apps and sources of information, having one touchpoint to prevent data loss is invaluable.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Cohesity doesn't just backup; it offers incremental backup to reduce storage space and ensure a speedy recovery. The tool shines in its ability to automate many data protection tasks, significantly reducing the risk of malware and human error. Integration-wise, it's friendly with VMWare, and Microsoft Hyper-V, and even supports popular enterprise applications like Oracle and SAP HANA.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong automation capabilities to minimize the risk of data loss.
- Incremental backup option to save space.
- Consolidation of apps into one unified storage platform.
Cons:
- The initial configuration might seem complex to some users.
- More suited for larger organizations than small businesses.
- Might require some initial training to harness its full potential.
Commvault delivers a holistic solution for data backup, recovery, and management. By ensuring tailored data protection strategies, Commvault offers its users an unparalleled degree of flexibility in managing their data assets.
Why I Picked Commvault: In the course of determining the ideal tool, Commvault stood out for its emphasis on providing flexible data management options. Comparing it to other solutions, its adaptability in addressing diverse backup and recovery needs was clear. Thus, in my assessment, it rightfully deserves the title of "best for data management flexibility."
Standout Features & Integrations:
Commvault's image backup feature is invaluable, allowing users to capture image-based backups, streamlining data recovery. The tool's commitment to cybersecurity ensures that data is not just backed up but also protected against threats. Integration with macOS provides Mac users with a reliable and efficient backup solution tailored to their operating system.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Dedicated integration for macOS ensures optimized backups for Apple users.
- Strong emphasis on cybersecurity measures.
- Image-based backup provides thorough data protection.
Cons:
- Some users might find the user interface less intuitive compared to other platforms.
- The setup process might be intricate for those unfamiliar with advanced backup solutions.
- The learning curve can be steep for newcomers.
Carbonite Server Backup is a dedicated solution designed to protect critical data, safeguarding it against unforeseen disasters. Its prowess in cloud integration offers a two-fold advantage, not only securing data but ensuring that backup processes are streamlined, capitalizing on the strength of cloud storage and offsite data protection.
Why I Picked Carbonite Server Backup: When sifting through countless options, Carbonite stood out, primarily because of its robust cloud capabilities. It wasn't just about the backup; it was the integration depth with cloud platforms, making data restoration from the cloud an effortless task for Windows servers.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Carbonite excels in real-time backup, offering both full system and granular restores. Its Bare Metal recovery ensures no business downtime. Integrations are geared towards modern businesses, with support for SQL, Exchange, and even SharePoint, ensuring businesses have wide-ranging protection.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Direct support for major databases and platforms.
- Compatible with Windows servers, covering a broad spectrum of businesses.
- Comprehensive cloud backup, ensuring offsite safety.
Cons:
- Limited options for non-Windows systems.
- Restoration speeds can vary.
- Initial setup might be challenging for novices.
Rubrik provides a comprehensive backup and recovery solution designed for enterprise-level workloads. Their quick data recovery is what sets them apart, ensuring that essential backup files are instantly accessible when they matter most.
Why I Picked Rubrik: In the vast landscape of backup software, Rubrik emerged as a unique gem. The way I determined its value was based on its exceptional promise of instant recovery. Comparing various tools, it became apparent to me that Rubrik's instantaneous approach was unmatched, cementing its position as "best for instant data recovery" in my list.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Rubrik boasts impressive features like protection for operating systems, virtual machines, and workstations. The platform ensures that backup files are always accessible and safe. Integration-wise, Rubrik blends with AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and many enterprise applications, making it versatile and adaptive to various business environments.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Versatile integrations with leading cloud platforms.
- Broad support for various operating systems and virtual machines.
- Speedy data recovery even for vast volumes.
Cons:
- Initial configuration requires technical expertise.
- Might be overkill for very small businesses.
- The interface might be overwhelming for new users.
NetBackup is a comprehensive solution that provides robust backup data measures tailored specifically for enterprises. Its enterprise-level protection ensures that larger organizations can safeguard their vast arrays of data without any hitches, streamlining the backup process.
Why I Picked NetBackup: In the process of selecting tools, I meticulously compared various solutions and their capabilities. NetBackup stood out for its dedicated enterprise-centric features and functionalities. I determined that, given its distinct edge in providing enterprise-grade backup features, it rightly deserves the title of "Best for enterprise-level protection."
Standout Features & Integrations:
NetBackup offers continuous backup, ensuring that enterprises never lose out on any critical piece of data. Furthermore, the anti-malware measures integrated into the system ensure a double layer of protection against potential threats.
For integrations, NetBackup collaborates with many cloud providers and storage systems, allowing for a flexible and efficient backup environment.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- A wide array of integrations with popular cloud and storage solutions.
- Strong anti-malware features enhance protection.
- Continuous backup ensures data safety at all times.
Cons:
- The initial configuration might be time-consuming.
- May require dedicated IT staff for optimal use.
- Can be a complex setup for smaller organizations.
Datto stands as a premier choice for businesses aiming to ensure minimal downtime and smooth operations. Its core offering focuses on robust business continuity planning, making it an essential asset for organizations that prioritize their operational resilience above all.
Why I Picked Datto: From the myriad of tools available, I chose Datto for its distinct emphasis on business continuity. My judgment, formed after diligent comparison and weighing opinions, is anchored on Datto's clear dedication to ensuring operations remain undisrupted. Its promise for business continuity planning made it an undeniable choice as the "best for business continuity planning."
Standout Features & Integrations:
Datto offers a comprehensive backup service, complete with automatic backup functionalities, differential backup options, and endpoint protection. Their system is designed for both quick data retrieval and safeguarding against potential threats.
As for integrations, Datto harmonizes well with leading operating systems, cloud solutions, and mainstream business applications, ensuring a holistic backup and recovery environment.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Robust endpoint protection.
- Versatile differential and automatic backup options.
- Specialized in business continuity planning.
Cons:
- This might entail additional costs for premium features.
- Requires periodic reviews for optimal configuration.
- Could be perceived as complex for small businesses.
Unitrends is renowned for its proficient backup and recovery solutions, particularly for businesses that rely heavily on their IT infrastructure. With its adaptive recovery intelligence, the tool offers insights that assist companies in anticipating challenges and devising timely interventions.
Why I Picked Unitrends: When determining which tool to spotlight, my choice gravitated towards Unitrends due to its unique approach to recovery intelligence. Comparing a wide array of tools, it was clear to me that Unitrends possesses an edge with its adaptive mechanisms.
Thus, it was a straightforward decision to deem it the "best for adaptive recovery intelligence."
Standout Features & Integrations:
One of Unitrends' key features is its user-friendly interface, allowing admins to manage backups efficiently, whether they're for hard drives or virtual servers. Additionally, its on-premise solution ensures data security while maintaining accessibility.
Integration-wise, Unitrends effortlessly collaborates with several virtual environments, operating systems, and dedicated storage systems, creating a flexible recovery landscape for businesses.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- The on-premise solution ensures data protection.
- Comprehensive support for both hard drives and virtual servers.
- User-friendly interface makes it accessible for admins.
Cons:
- Dependency on regular updates for optimal performance.
- Potential learning curve for less tech-savvy users.
- Might be over-comprehensive for small-scale operations.
Other Server Backup Software
Below is a list of additional server backup software that I shortlisted, but did not make it to the top 12. These are definitely worth checking out.
- CrashPlan
Good for continuous data protection for SMBs
- VM Backup
Good for virtual machine-specific backups
- Veritas Backup Exec
Good for multi-platform backup flexibility
- Barracuda Backup
Good for integrated offsite cloud replication
- Ahsay Backup Software
Good for white-labeling opportunities for resellers
- Xopero Backup and Recovery
Good for endpoint security integration
- Cove Data Protection
Good for MSPs seeking streamlined backup solutions
- BackupAssist
Good for simplified Windows server backup
- Comet Backup
Good for remote and online backup management
- Acronis Cyber Backup
Good for comprehensive cyber protection
Server Backup Software Selection Criteria
When selecting the best server backup software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like data recovery speed and storage efficiency. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Data backup and recovery
- Incremental backups
- Data encryption
- Disaster recovery
- Scheduling and automation
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Ransomware protection
- Cloud integration
- Automated compliance reporting
- AI-driven analytics
- Hybrid cloud support
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive user interface
- Easy navigation
- Customizable dashboards
- Minimal learning curve
- Responsive design
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Access to templates
- Presence of chatbots for assistance
- Availability of webinars
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- 24/7 support availability
- Multichannel support options
- Access to a knowledge base
- Prompt response times
- Personalized assistance
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing
- Transparent pricing structure
- Features offered at each pricing tier
- Discount options for long-term contracts
- Return on investment
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Overall satisfaction rating
- Feedback on reliability
- Comments on ease of use
- Reports on support quality
- User recommendations
How to Choose Server Backup Software
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
| Factor | What to Consider |
|---|---|
| Scalability | How well can the software grow with your business? Consider future data growth and the software's ability to handle increased load without performance issues. |
| Integrations | Does it integrate with existing systems? Look for compatibility with your current software stack to avoid disruptions in workflows. |
| Customizability | Can you tailor the software to fit your needs? Consider options for adjusting settings and features to align with your processes. |
| Ease of use | Is the interface intuitive? Ensure the software is user-friendly to minimize training time and increase adoption rates among your team. |
| Implementation and onboarding | How long will it take to get started? Evaluate the complexity of setup and the resources needed for a smooth transition. |
| Cost | Does it fit your budget? Compare pricing models and consider total cost of ownership, including any hidden fees or long-term commitments. |
| Security safeguards | How does it protect your data? Look for encryption standards, access controls, and compliance with industry security protocols. |
| Support availability | Is help available when needed? Check for 24/7 support options and response times to ensure you can get assistance promptly. |
What Is a Server Backup Software?
Server backup software is a specialized tool designed to capture and store copies of data present on servers, ensuring data protection and recovery in cases of accidental deletions, hardware failures, or cyber threats. Typically used by businesses, IT professionals, and organizations with significant data assets, it allows for swift restoration of essential data, safeguarding operations from potential disruptions and aiding in disaster recovery. Organizations heavily reliant on cloud applications should also consider specialized SaaS backup software to protect their software-as-a-service data.
Features
When selecting server backup software, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Data encryption: Protects sensitive information by encrypting it during transfer and storage, ensuring data security.
- Incremental backups: Saves only the changes since the last backup, reducing storage use and speeding up the backup process.
- Automated scheduling: Allows you to set regular backup intervals, minimizing the risk of data loss without manual intervention.
- Disaster recovery: Ensures quick data restoration in case of hardware failure or data corruption, maintaining business continuity.
- Centralized management: Provides a single interface to manage multiple backups, simplifying oversight and control.
- Real-time alerts: Notifies you of backup status and potential issues, enabling prompt action to resolve problems.
- Hybrid cloud support: Offers the flexibility to store backups both locally and in the cloud, catering to diverse business needs.
- Compliance reporting: Generates reports to help meet regulatory requirements, ensuring that data management practices align with industry standards.
- File versioning: Allows access to previous versions of files, aiding in data recovery and correcting errors.
- Ransomware protection: Detects and prevents ransomware attacks, safeguarding your data from malicious threats.
Benefits
Implementing server backup software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Data protection: Safeguards your business data against loss with automated backups and encryption, ensuring data integrity.
- Operational continuity: Reduces downtime with quick data recovery and disaster recovery features, keeping your business running smoothly.
- Resource efficiency: Saves storage space and time with incremental backups, optimizing resource use.
- Regulatory compliance: Helps meet industry regulations with compliance reporting features, reducing the risk of legal issues.
- Threat mitigation: Protects against ransomware attacks with built-in detection and prevention, keeping your data secure.
- Simplified management: Eases oversight with centralized management and real-time alerts, making it easier to control backup processes.
- Error correction: Allows recovery of previous file versions with file versioning, aiding in correcting mistakes and data restoration.
Costs & Pricing
Selecting server backup software requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in server backup software solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Server Backup Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | $0 | Basic backup capabilities, limited storage, and encryption. |
| Personal Plan | $5-$25/user/month | Automated backups, file versioning, and basic support. |
| Business Plan | $30-$75/user/month | Incremental backups, disaster recovery, and centralized management. |
| Enterprise Plan | $100-$200/user/month | Advanced security features, compliance reporting, and 24/7 premium support. |
Server Backup Software FAQ
Here are some answers to common questions about server backup software:
Can server backup software perform bare-metal recovery?
Yes, some server backup solutions offer bare-metal recovery, which allows you to restore your entire system from scratch in the event of a failure. This feature is useful for quickly getting your servers back online without needing to reinstall the operating system and applications separately.
How does deduplication work in server backup software?
Deduplication minimizes storage use by eliminating duplicate copies of data. When you back up data, the software identifies and removes duplicates, storing only unique data blocks. This process reduces the amount of storage needed, saving costs and improving backup performance.
How secure is my data during backup?
Data security during backup is crucial. Most server backup software encrypts data both in transit and at rest. Ensure the software complies with industry-standard encryption protocols to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access during the backup process.
Can I back up multiple servers simultaneously?
Yes, many server backup solutions allow for simultaneous backups of multiple servers. This capability helps streamline the backup process across your organization, saving time and ensuring that all critical data is protected without manual intervention.
What happens if my server loses connectivity during a backup?
If your server loses connectivity during a backup, most software solutions will pause the process and resume once the connection is restored. This feature ensures that backups are completed without data corruption, maintaining the integrity of your backup files.
What’s Next:
If you're in the process of researching server backup software, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.
You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.