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Backing up your data is an essential task that everyone should perform regularly to protect themselves from data loss due to various factors such as hardware failure, malware attacks, or even human error. With so many different backup and restore software solutions available, it can be challenging to select the right tool for your needs. This blog post will introduce you to the top seven backup and restore software available on the market, each offering unique features and advantages so that you can choose which one is right for you.
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What Backup and Restore Software Can Do?
Backup and restore software provides a set of tools that gives users the ability to protect their important files, applications, and databases from being lost due to different scenarios of data loss. These scenarios can include virus attacks, hardware failure, human error, and even natural disasters. Some of the essential features offered by backup and restore software include the ability to:
1. Automatic backup
Automatic backup is a feature that allows users to plan regular backups at set intervals or when particular events happen. They can program the backup software to make a copy of selected files or folders when any changes occur to them, which reduces the risk of losing critical data.
2. Disk imaging
Disk imaging is a beneficial feature that enables users to create a complete copy of their system, including operating systems, programs, files, and settings. A disk image makes it easier to restore a system in the event of a system crash or data loss at once.
3. Cloud backup
Cloud backup is a feature that allows users to store their data in the cloud. This allows for data protection for users who do not have the necessary space to keep their backups locally. Additionally, cloud backups enable quick data restores, even if your system or local backups have been destroyed or lost.
What Factors Should Be Considered While Choosing Backup and Restore Software?
Choosing the right backup and restore software can be overwhelming, especially if you do not know what to look for. Consider the following factors when choosing a backup and restore software:
1. Type of Backup:
Determine the type of backup method you need. There are two primary backup methods: full backup and incremental backup. Full backup includes everything on a computer, while incremental backups only include changes since your last backup.
2. Storage Capacity:
Consider how much data you need to back up and how much storage space you have to store your backups.
3. Security:
Ensure the backup software has encryption and permission control to protect your data.
4. Platform Compatibility:
Ensure the backup software is compatible with the platform you are using, whether it’s Windows, Mac, Linux, or Android.
5. Cost:
The cost of backup and restore software varies. Look for software that is within your budget and provides the basic features you need.
Top 7 Backup and Restore Software Recommendations
After evaluating various backup and restore software, our team has compiled a list of the top seven best backup and restore software available in 2021. Here are the top seven recommendations.
1. Acronis True Image 2021
Acronis True Image 2021 is one of the best backup and restore solutions available on the market. The software provides a variety of features, including flexible backup options, a clean interface, and support for various platforms such as Windows and Mac. This software offers disk imaging, incremental backups, automatic backups, and cloud backups. Moreover, Acronis True Image 2021 offers ransomware protection and blockchain authentication, making it an all-in-one backup and restore software.
Pros:
– Simple and easy to use interface
– Supports cloud backup
– Provides comprehensive protection against ransomware attacks
Cons:
– Expensive pricing
– Cloud backup storage is limited
2. EaseUS Todo Backup Home
EaseUs Todo Backup Home makes it easy to perform system backups automatically and effortlessly. The software provides rapid backup and restore for windows-based computers. The software is equipped with disk imaging, incremental backups, automatic backups, and cloud backups.
Pros:
– Automated incremental and differential backups
– Disk partition cloning
– Easy to use
Cons:
– Limited trial edition restrictions
– Limited cloud backup storage
3. NovaBackup
NovaBackup offers users flexibility with a simple backup plan to help protect their files, photos, and media. The software provides block-level backups, cloud backups, and 5 GB of cloud storage as part of its extensive features.
Pros:
– Automated cloud-based backups
– Uses encryption for data protection
– Easy to use interface
Cons:
– No free trial mode availabe
– Cloud backup pricing is high
4. Genie Backup Manager Pro
Genie Backup Manager Pro is a robust backup and restore solution for small to medium-sized businesses. This software offers block-level backups, data encryption, backup history logs, and cloud backups, making it a popular choice for businesses looking to protect their essential data.
Pros:
– Runs on all versions of Windows
– Cloud storage for backups
– Comprehensive data encryption
Cons:
– No free trial mode avialable
– No support for MacOS or Linux
5. Paragon Hard Disk Manager
Paragon Hard Disk Manager is a comprehensive backup and restore software that provides powerful backup and restore functionality with support for various storage devices. This software is designed for businesses, IT departments, and the advanced users who require specific backup configurations.
Pros:
– Professional backup and restore features
– Compatible with different storage devices
– Has a preview mode for restoring files
Cons:
– Hyper-V is not supported
– High subscription cost
6. AOMEI Backupper Professional
AOMEI Backupper Professional is an easy-to-use backup and restore software that provides system backups, disk cloning, incremental backups, and cloud backups. The software is compatible with Windows XP/Vista/7/8/8.1/10 operating systems.
Pros:
– Easy to use interface
– Cloud and local backups
– Supports universal restore
Cons:
– Limited cloud backup storage
– The Free version is limited in functionality
7. Macrium Reflect Home Edition
Macrium Reflect Home Edition is a comprehensive backup and restore software solution that offers disk imaging, disk cloning, and S.M.A.R.T. monitoring. The software is compatible with Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, and 10 operating systems.
Pros:
– Scheduled backups
– Automated backups
– Support for VBscript
Cons:
– No free version available
– No cloud backup storage
Comprehensive Comparison of Each Software
| Software | Free Trial | Price | Ease-of-Use | Value for money |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acronis True Image 2021 | 30-day trial | Starts at $49.99 | Easy to use | Expensive but comprehensive |
| EaseUS Todo Backup Home | 30-day free trial | $27.97 | Easy to use | Affordable price with basic features |
| NovaBackup | 14-day free trial | $49.95 | Very Easy to use | Relatively affordable with average features |
| Genie Backup Manager Pro | 30-day trial | $69.95 | Easy to use | Affordable with advanced features |
| Oargon Hard Disk Manager | 30-day trial | $99.95 to $699.95 | Moderate complexity | Expensive but comprehensive |
| AOMEI Backupper Professional | 30-day trial | $49.95 | Easy to use | Relatively affordable with average features |
| Macrium Reflect Home Edition | 30-day trial | $69.95 | Moderate complexity | Affordable price with basic functionality |
Our Thoughts on Backup and Restore Software
Choosing the right backup and restore software is essential for ensuring the security of your data by protecting against various forms of data loss. After assessing all factors and the seven software offerings on the market, it is clear that Acronis True Image 2021 is the clear winner. With its robust features and cybersecurity capabilities, Acronis True Image 2021 offers an efficient and comprehensive backup and restore solution. However, depending on your needs, AOMEI Backupper Professional, NoveBackup, or Macrium Refleact Home Edition is an excellent choice.
5 FAQs about Backup and Restore Software
Q1: Can backup software backup my entire computer?
A: Yes, most backup software solutions can create a complete image of your system, including the operating system, applications, files, and settings.
Q2: Is cloud backup secure?
A: Backup software that offers cloud backup typically utilizes encryption and permission control options to protect data. The security comes down to the storage provider’s reliability, so do your research before choosing a cloud storage service.
Q3. Can I restore data from an incremental backup?
A: Selected data from an incremental back up can be restored, although it can take more time than restoring from a full back up.
Q4: Can I backup or restore files without the backup software?
A: You can use the Windows Backup and Restore utilities to backup and restore selected files, but they do not offer the flexibility and robustness of dedicated backup software.
Q5: How frequently should I run backups?
A: We recommend running backups daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on your data usage and needs. Nonetheless, a regular backup schedule provides flexibility, minimizes data loss, and ensures security.
Final Words
Backing up your data is essential. Any data loss can be detrimental to individuals or businesses. We hope this blog post has provided you with useful information and insights on the top seven backup and restore software solutions on the market. Consider cost, security, ease-of-use, and storage capacity when making your final decision. Choose prudently and take care of your data.