Technical Review by
Craig MacAlpine
Veeam Backup & Replication for Microsoft 365 is widely deployed for M365 data protection. Organizations evaluating alternatives typically do so because of pricing, feature gaps in newer M365 workloads, or a preference for a more cloud-native model. We compared the leading alternatives and found Backupify, Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud, and CloudAlly Backup For Office 365 to be the strongest on workload coverage, restore granularity, and total cost of ownership.
Veeam Backup for Microsoft 365 is a widely deployed backup and recovery solution that protects Exchange, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Teams data with flexible storage options and granular restore capabilities.
While Veeam is a popular solution, there are alternatives. Some platforms focus on SaaS-native deployment with minimal infrastructure requirements. Others prioritize unlimited storage, automated compliance reporting, or faster granular recovery. Making the right choice depends on your organization size, compliance requirements, and recovery speed expectations.
We evaluated 11 Microsoft 365 backup solutions across deployment models and organization sizes, evaluating each for backup reliability, restore speed, granularity, automation effectiveness, and cost transparency. We reviewed customer feedback and real-world deployment experiences to identify where platforms deliver value and where they disappoint. We spoke with MSPs managing multiple client tenants and enterprises handling sensitive data to understand which platforms match which environments.
A Veeam alternative for Microsoft 365 backup is any third-party platform that protects your Exchange, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Teams data instead of, or alongside, Veeam. Microsoft keeps the service running, but under the shared responsibility model your data is yours to protect, and native retention only holds deleted items for a limited window. Teams look beyond Veeam for different reasons: lower or more predictable pricing, a fully SaaS-native model with no infrastructure to run, unlimited storage, or coverage of newer M365 workloads. The alternatives in this guide range from MSP-focused cloud-to-cloud tools to enterprise platforms that bundle backup with security and compliance.
M365 backup platforms connect through Microsoft Graph and service APIs to capture Exchange, SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams, and increasingly Entra ID, with backup frequency from once to several times daily defining the recovery point objective. The architectural choices that separate Veeam alternatives are where data is stored (the vendor's own cloud, a hyperscaler such as AWS, or customer-controlled storage) and whether that storage sits independent of Microsoft Azure, which removes the single point of failure that affects Azure-hosted backups during a tenant outage. Recovery granularity (single item, full mailbox, or whole tenant, restored non-destructively) and immutability for ransomware defense are the other key variables. For MSPs, evaluate multi-tenant consoles, cross-tenant restore, and automatic user discovery; for regulated buyers, check SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and FedRAMP coverage plus legal hold and audit trails.
Here is how the 11 Veeam alternatives compare on the capabilities that matter most for Microsoft 365 backup.
| Product | Best For | Backup Frequency | Immutable Storage | Multi-Tenant Console | Storage Independent of Azure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Backupify
|
Hands-off MSP backup at scale
|
3x daily
|
No
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud
|
MSPs consolidating backup and security
|
Up to 6x daily
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
CloudAlly Backup For Office 365
|
SMBs wanting fast, simple deployment
|
Daily (3x add-on)
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Datto SaaS Protection
|
MSPs wanting fast setup and recovery
|
3x daily
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Dell APEX Backup Services For SaaS Apps
|
Mid-market and enterprise with Dell support
|
Scheduled
|
Yes
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Druva inSync
|
Regulated industries needing compliance
|
Daily
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Keepit Backup And Recovery For Microsoft 365
|
MSPs wanting infrastructure independence
|
Periodic
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Metallic Backup For Microsoft 365
|
Enterprises with strict data residency
|
Scheduled
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
N-able Cove Data Protection
|
Cost-conscious multi-tenant MSPs
|
6x daily (Exchange)
|
No
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Rubrik Microsoft 365 Protection
|
Enterprises prioritizing ransomware defense
|
Policy-driven
|
Yes
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Zerto Backup For Microsoft 365
|
Existing Zerto DR customers
|
Continuous (journal)
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
We evaluated 11 Microsoft 365 backup solutions, covering backup reliability and frequency, restore granularity and speed, data coverage range, automation effectiveness, storage pricing transparency, and ransomware protection capabilities. We combined hands-on testing with market research and customer feedback to validate vendor claims against real-world performance. This guide was written by Alex Zawalnyski, Journalist and Content Editor at Expert Insights, with technical review by Craig MacAlpine, CEO and Founder, and is updated quarterly. Read our full methodology
Backupify is an automated SaaS backup solution for Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, now part of the Datto/Kaseya ecosystem following Datto’s acquisition in 2014 and Kaseya’s subsequent acquisition of Datto in 2022. It runs three daily backups with unlimited storage per user and requires minimal ongoing management. We think this is a solid option for MSPs protecting multiple client environments who want set-and-forget reliability.
Long-term users report the platform works reliably with minimal attention once configured. The set-and-forget model resonates with MSPs managing large client bases. Something to be aware of is that the interface feels dated, especially when managing large customer bases or searching through backups. Folder hierarchy doesn’t display clearly, which slows file location during restores. There is no SSO for Microsoft 365.
We think Backupify fits MSPs protecting dozens of clients who want reliable, hands-off SaaS backup with unlimited storage. The fast deployment and automatic user detection are real time-savers. Power users needing advanced search or a modern interface will find limitations.
Best for MSPs consolidating backup, security, and endpoint management
Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud is one of the strongest M365 backup solutions we’ve tested, combining backup, disaster recovery, anti-malware, and endpoint management into one platform for MSPs. We scored the solution 9/10 in our hands-on review and were particularly impressed by the retention controls and resilience capabilities.
We were impressed by the retention and resilience capabilities. Acronis completed a full mailbox restore in under one minute in our testing, which is strong. The Express backup option uses Microsoft’s own storage to avoid API rate limits, which is a useful approach. SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, and HIPAA compliance are included with MFA required by default. With that said, there’s no keyword search across all mailboxes; you have to search within each individual mailbox. SharePoint recovery is all-or-nothing with no granular file or folder restore, and there’s no bulk restore for Exchange mailboxes.
We think Acronis fits MSPs ready to consolidate backup, security, and endpoint management under one platform. The six daily backups, 50-plus data center locations, and under-one-minute mailbox restores justify the investment at approximately $3.48 per user per month. The single-agent approach reduces tool sprawl and vendor coordination. Teams with basic M365 backup needs only may find this more platform than required.
Best for small to mid-sized businesses wanting minimal administration
OpenText CloudAlly Backup is one of the fastest M365 backup solutions to deploy, with backups running within minutes of initial setup. We scored the solution 9/10 in our hands-on review and were particularly impressed by the restore speed and end-user self-service recovery experience.
In our testing, CloudAlly restored a 3.8GB Exchange mailbox in under one hour with no corruption, outperforming several higher-priced alternatives. The end-user self-service recovery experience is arguably the strongest we’ve tested; users can find and restore their own files without IT involvement. Backup data is stored on AWS, which avoids the Azure single point of failure risk that affects some competitors. With that said, there’s no ransomware or malware scanning at all, and backup frequency is limited to once per day by default. A three-times-daily option is available as a paid add-on at $6 per user per year.
We think CloudAlly fits small to mid-sized businesses seeking automated M365 protection with minimal ongoing administration. The fast deployment, unlimited storage, and strong search make it a practical alternative to Veeam at $3 per user per month. Organizations needing malware scanning or multiple daily backups should evaluate alternatives with stronger security features.
Best for MSPs wanting fast setup and reliable recovery
Datto SaaS Protection is a cloud-to-cloud backup solution for Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace built exclusively for MSPs. It runs up to three daily backups of Exchange, OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams data with immutable storage in Datto’s private cloud. We think this is a strong option for MSPs wanting fast setup and reliable recovery without infrastructure overhead.
MSPs praise the quick setup and intuitive restore process. Support responsiveness gets consistent positive marks for helping resolve backup issues. Something to be aware of is that intermittent backup failures occur without clear diagnostic information, requiring support tickets to troubleshoot. The platform does not back up Exchange archive mailboxes or one-to-one Teams chats.
We think Datto SaaS Protection fits MSPs protecting standard M365 workloads who prioritize quick deployment and fast recovery. The immutable storage and global data center footprint are strong selling points. If you need Exchange archive or Teams chat coverage, evaluate alternatives.
Best for mid-market and enterprise organizations wanting Dell infrastructure
Dell APEX Backup Services For SaaS Apps is a cloud-based backup solution covering Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and Salesforce. It stores backups in isolated, immutable storage with air-gapped protection between different cloud providers. Dell has been transitioning this product line under the PowerProtect Backup Services brand. We think this is a solid option for mid-market to enterprise organizations wanting Dell’s infrastructure behind their SaaS data protection.
Customers appreciate the reliability and Dell’s proactive monitoring during day-to-day operations. The compression efficiency and air-gapped storage design give teams confidence in their ransomware defense posture. Something to be aware of is that initial costs run higher than competing SaaS backup solutions. Reporting features lack depth, with teams wanting better visibility into backup metrics and trends.
We think Dell APEX Backup Services For SaaS Apps fits mid-market and enterprise organizations handling sensitive data who want air-gapped immutability backed by Dell’s support infrastructure. The cross-cloud-provider storage separation is a real differentiator for ransomware defense. Budget-conscious teams should evaluate whether the premium pricing justifies the infrastructure advantages.
Best for regulated industries needing FedRAMP-authorized backup
Druva inSync is a cloud-native backup solution for Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Slack, and Salesforce running entirely as SaaS on AWS infrastructure. It eliminates on-premises backup infrastructure while providing compliance-aligned protection with legal hold capabilities. We think this is a strong option for regulated industries needing FedRAMP-authorized SaaS backup with detailed audit trails.
Users consistently highlight responsive support and smooth implementation. The platform runs reliably with regular backup confirmations. Something to be aware of is that reporting capabilities are underdeveloped, with teams wanting more detailed analytics on backup metrics. Interface customization options are limited for complex enterprise permission structures.
We think Druva inSync fits organizations in healthcare, finance, or legal sectors that require FedRAMP authorization, legal hold capabilities, and detailed audit trails. The global deduplication provides real storage efficiency at scale. Teams without compliance-driven requirements may find simpler and cheaper options sufficient.
Best for MSPs and enterprises wanting infrastructure independence from Microsoft
Keepit Backup And Recovery For Microsoft 365 is a cloud-native backup solution storing data independently from Microsoft’s infrastructure in dedicated, vendor-managed data centers. It offers unlimited storage with immutable backups and cross-tenant restore capabilities for MSPs managing migration projects. We think this is one of the strongest options for MSPs and enterprises wanting true infrastructure independence from Microsoft.
Customers value the independent storage architecture and the confidence it provides during Microsoft service disruptions. The multi-tenant management and unlimited storage resonate with MSPs managing multiple clients. Something to be aware of is that backup timing is periodic rather than on a fixed schedule, meaning large datasets may not complete daily backups predictably. The interface can run slowly when accessing particular files or folders.
We think Keepit Backup And Recovery For Microsoft 365 fits MSPs and enterprises that prioritize true infrastructure independence from Microsoft for their backup data. The cross-tenant restore and unlimited storage are strong differentiators for service providers. Organizations comfortable keeping backups within the Azure ecosystem may not need the extra separation.
Best for enterprises with strict data residency requirements
Metallic Backup For Microsoft 365 is Commvault’s SaaS backup solution covering Exchange, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Project data. It stores backups in air-gapped locations with flexible on-premises or cloud storage options across multiple geographic regions. We think this is a solid option for enterprises with strict compliance requirements around data residency that want Commvault’s backup heritage in a SaaS delivery model.
Users running complex M365 environments value the storage flexibility and compliance controls. Organizations already using Commvault appreciate the unified console for managing M365 alongside other workloads. Something to be aware of is that the management interface is difficult to navigate, especially during initial configuration. Teams report a steep learning curve getting comfortable with all the settings and options.
We think Metallic Backup For Microsoft 365 fits enterprises with strict compliance requirements around data residency and retention. The air-gapped storage flexibility and zero-trust controls suit regulated industries well. Teams wanting straightforward M365 backup without enterprise complexity should evaluate simpler alternatives.
Best for cost-conscious MSPs managing multiple client tenants
N-able Cove Data Protection is a cloud-first backup solution covering Microsoft 365, servers, and workstations. It runs six daily backups of Exchange and four daily backups of SharePoint and OneDrive with up to seven-year retention. We think this is a cost-effective option for MSPs managing multiple client tenants who want solid M365 backup frequency at a competitive price.
MSPs praise the pricing and straightforward management for multi-tenant environments. The backup frequency and included storage resonate with cost-conscious service providers. Something to be aware of is that portal timeouts occur when loading specific endpoints, with pages hanging or failing to load during routine management. Complex configurations beyond basic backups involve a steeper learning curve than the interface suggests.
We think N-able Cove Data Protection fits MSPs protecting multiple client M365 tenants who want strong backup frequency with included storage at a competitive price. The six-daily Exchange backups and seven-year retention handle most service provider requirements. Teams needing advanced customization or fast portal performance should evaluate alternatives.
Best for mid-to-large enterprises needing automated ransomware defense
Rubrik Microsoft 365 Protection is a cloud-native backup solution covering Exchange, OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams. Now marketed as part of Rubrik Security Cloud, it uses policy-driven SLA domains for automated protection with immutable storage architecture. We think this is a strong option for mid-to-large enterprises that need automated ransomware defense alongside their M365 backup.
Users praise the policy-driven approach for reducing manual overhead and the immutable architecture for ransomware confidence. The automated compliance reporting resonates with regulated industries. Something to be aware of is that the M365 restore process needs interface improvements, with some teams finding it less intuitive than expected. Advanced reporting lacks customization options for detailed backup job analysis.
We think Rubrik Microsoft 365 Protection fits mid-to-large enterprises handling sensitive data that want automated ransomware defense with policy-driven backup management. The immutable architecture and ML-powered threat analytics are real differentiators. Teams prioritizing granular M365 recovery over security features should evaluate alternatives with stronger restore interfaces.
Best for organizations already using Zerto for disaster recovery
Zerto Backup For Microsoft 365, powered by Keepit, is a SaaS backup solution covering Exchange, Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive. Now part of Hewlett Packard Enterprise, it stores data with 12-month default retention and unlimited retention options. We think this fits best as an extension for organizations already using Zerto for disaster recovery who want unified M365 protection under the same platform.
Users already invested in Zerto’s DR platform appreciate the consolidated management view. The journal-based recovery precision gets positive marks for granular restore scenarios. Something to be aware of is that the platform requires Windows Server as the base OS, limiting deployment flexibility. Documentation and community resources are thinner than more established standalone M365 backup solutions.
We think Zerto Backup For Microsoft 365 fits organizations already using Zerto for disaster recovery who want to consolidate M365 protection under one platform. The journal-based recovery with second-level precision is a strong differentiator. As a standalone M365 backup solution without existing Zerto investment, other options offer better value and broader deployment flexibility.
Microsoft 365 backup is usually priced per user per month, and a couple of these alternatives publish transparent rates while most quote by environment. The figures below reflect published starting prices where vendors disclose them; expect final pricing to vary with user count, retention, storage tier, and add-ons such as higher backup frequency.
| Product | Starting Price | Billing | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Backupify
|
Contact for quote
|
Per user, via Datto/Kaseya
|
|
|
Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud
|
~$3.48/user/month
|
Per workload, subscription
|
|
|
CloudAlly Backup For Office 365
|
$3/user/month
|
Per user, subscription
|
|
|
Datto SaaS Protection
|
Contact for quote
|
Per user, via MSP partners
|
|
|
Dell APEX Backup Services For SaaS Apps
|
Contact for quote
|
Per user, subscription
|
|
|
Druva inSync
|
Contact for quote
|
Consumption-based
|
|
|
Keepit Backup And Recovery For Microsoft 365
|
Contact for quote
|
Per seat, tiered
|
|
|
Metallic Backup For Microsoft 365
|
Contact for quote
|
Per user, subscription
|
|
|
N-able Cove Data Protection
|
Contact for quote
|
Via MSP partners
|
|
|
Rubrik Microsoft 365 Protection
|
Contact for quote
|
Subscription
|
|
|
Zerto Backup For Microsoft 365
|
Contact for quote
|
Subscription
|
|
Once you've shortlisted a Veeam alternative, these are the steps we recommend to make sure your M365 data is protected and recoverable.
Once-daily backups leave up to 24 hours of exposure, and retention must meet your longest compliance or legal-hold requirement.
Recovering a single email or file, or restoring to a different account, is what you will do most often, so verify the workflow works in your environment.
Check Exchange, SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams, and edge cases like archive mailboxes and one-to-one Teams chats, which some platforms exclude.
Automatic detection prevents the coverage gaps that appear when admins forget to add new accounts after license changes.
Backups held in Azure share the same outage and tenant-compromise risk as production, so independent storage removes a single point of failure.
Immutable copies an attacker cannot delete, plus point-in-time rollback to a clean state, are your core ransomware defense.
Confirm whether storage is unlimited or metered and watch for API, overage, or feature-unlock fees that make budgeting unpredictable.
Regulated environments need SOC 2, HIPAA, or FedRAMP plus legal hold and audit trails to turn backup into demonstrable compliance evidence.
A multi-tenant console with client isolation and cross-tenant restore keeps management efficient and simplifies migration projects.
Platforms that bundle backup with security or DR cut tool sprawl, but a dedicated tool may restore faster or cost less for backup alone.
No single M365 backup solution fits every organization.
For MSPs protecting multiple tenants and prioritizing simplicity, Datto SaaS Protection delivers five-minute setup with fast recovery. Three daily backups and intuitive restore operations handle most M365 scenarios. Support responsiveness matters when issues emerge.
For hands-off MSP protection across dozens of clients, Backupify handles the basics without fuss. Ten-minute deployment with unlimited storage scales efficiently.
For regulated enterprises prioritizing compliance and legal hold, Druva inSync provides FedRAMP authorization and detailed audit trails. Global deduplication reduces storage costs at scale. Responsive support and compliance depth justify the investment.
For MSPs consolidating backup and security tools, Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud combines anti-malware, patching, and backup in one agent.
For multi-tenant MSPs needing cross-tenant restore, Keepit Backup and Recovery offers unlimited storage and migration capabilities.
For enterprises prioritizing ransomware defense and automation, Rubrik Microsoft 365 Protection delivers policy-driven protection with immutable backups.
Read the individual reviews above to dig into backup frequency, restore capabilities, compliance support, and the trade-offs that matter for your specific organization.
Veeam is a global market leading provider of enterprise backup solutions, with the highest market share across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) and the third-highest share worldwide, with a popular service for backing up Microsoft 365 data. Veeam Backup for Microsoft 365 protects and restores O365 mailboxes, Exchange, SharePoint, OneDrive, OneNote, and Teams data.
The solution empowers users to backup data as often as every five minutes, with 25 different recovery options. This customization includes granular options for file-level recovery, and complete restoration of files. Files are stored in their native format, meaning the restoration process is extremely quick. Data can be stored on-premises, or in the cloud, as you see fit. Veeam is a popular backup choice due to its flexibility, granular features, trusted platform, and security features.
Organizations using Microsoft 365 should ensure they have a comprehensive backup and recovery solution in place to protect data, ensure continuity in the case of outages, and meet compliance regulations.
There are several reasons why backup data is a good idea: human error, technical glitches, natural disasters, cyber-attacks. Any of these can come out of the blue and cause catastrophic disruption to day-to-day business operations.
Microsoft 365 is a software-as-a-service application, built on a shared responsibility model when it comes to data. This means that while Microsoft is responsible for the infrastructure supporting your data – including the datacenter, network, and applications, you (as the customer) are responsible for protecting the data itself. This responsibility extends across endpoints, accounts, and requires you to implement data backup and recovery.
It’s never a good idea to keep all of your eggs in one basket, so implementing a trusted, third-party backup and recovery solution can give piece of mind that data is secure and kept under your own control. This may also be an integral requirement for cybersecurity insurance and compliance policies that require data to be secured and accessible if required to mitigate the cost of cyber-attack.
When choosing a backup and recovery solution for Microsoft 365, there are some key features to look for. These include:
You can find a full list of Microsoft 365 backup solutions that offer all of these features here.
Further reading on backup and recovery from Expert Insights — buyers' guides, comparison articles, and platform-specific shortlists.
Joel is the Director of Content and a co-founder at Expert Insights; a rapidly growing media company focussed on covering cybersecurity solutions.
He’s an experienced journalist and editor with 8 years’ experience covering the cybersecurity space. He’s reviewed hundreds of cybersecurity solutions, interviewed hundreds of industry experts and produced dozens of industry reports read by thousands of CISOs and security professionals in topics like IAM, MFA, zero trust, email security, DevSecOps and more.
He also hosts the Expert Insights Podcast and co-writes the weekly newsletter, Decrypted. Joel is driven to share his team’s expertise with cybersecurity leaders to help them create more secure business foundations.
Craig MacAlpine is CEO and Founder of Expert Insights. Before founding Expert Insights in August 2018, Craig spent 10 years as CEO of EPA Cloud, an email security provider that rebranded as VIPRE Email Security following its acquisition by Ziff Davis, formerly J2Global (NASDAQ: ZD) in 2013.
Craig is a passionate security innovator with over 20 years of experience helping organizations to stay secure with cutting-edge information security and cybersecurity solutions.
Using his extensive experience in the email security industry, he founded Expert Insights with the singular goal of helping IT professionals and CISOs to cut through the noise and find the right cybersecurity solutions they need to protect their organizations.