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.
Your choice depends on whether you need multi-cloud backup or Microsoft 365-only protection.
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.
Backupify deploys in 10 to 15 minutes per environment with automatic user detection that adds new accounts to backup without manual intervention. Three daily backups cover Exchange, OneDrive, SharePoint, Calendar, Contacts, and Teams data with unlimited retention. The dashboard uses color-coded indicators to flag backup failures at a glance. Granular restore recovers individual files and folders with sharing permissions intact. API throttling is handled automatically, and Datto’s private cloud stores backups with SOC 2 Type II compliance, geo-redundant storage, and encryption in transit and at rest.
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.
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.
Acronis runs up to six backups per day for M365 data, providing tighter recovery point objectives than most alternatives. The platform covers Exchange, SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams, and Entra ID at no extra cost, plus on-premises endpoints, Azure VMs, and servers. Over 50 global data center locations provide the widest data residency options of any vendor we tested. Built-in malware and ransomware scanning flags suspicious links during restores, and two immutable storage options (Governance and Compliance modes) cover different regulatory requirements. AI-based behavioral detection adds proactive security beyond traditional scanning. Unlimited storage is included.
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.
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.
CloudAlly runs automated daily backups across Exchange, OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams, and Groups with unlimited retention and unlimited storage at $3 per user per month. Auto-detection adds new M365 accounts to backup schedules without manual configuration and automatically archives departing users. The platform indexes email body content and attachments for search, which gave it the strongest search capabilities of any product we tested. Source-side deduplication reduces storage overhead. Bring-your-own-storage with S3-compatible cloud storage is supported. Cross-user recovery simplifies employee onboarding and offboarding workflows. ISO 27001, HIPAA, and GDPR compliance certifications are included with global data center options on AWS infrastructure.
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.
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.
Datto SaaS Protection deploys in about five minutes by granting admin permissions, then automatically discovers and protects all licensed users. Three daily backups run with flexible retention including indefinite storage via Infinite Cloud Retention. Backups are stored immutably in Datto’s private cloud with data centers in the US, Australia, Canada, Germany, Singapore, and the UK. Snapshot-based recovery enables fast point-in-time restores with cross-user restore and full folder structure preservation. Datto SaaS Protection+ adds integrated threat protection that scans M365 for cyber threats alongside backup.
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.
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.
Dell APEX Backup Services For SaaS Apps uses air-gapped immutable storage that separates backup data from production environments across different cloud providers. Backups from Microsoft Azure land in AWS, providing geographic and cloud-provider separation. Compression rates reduce storage consumption without performance trade-offs. Dell provides hands-on deployment assistance and proactive monitoring. The single-pane management interface monitors backup jobs across M365, Google Workspace, and Salesforce. Both IT-led and self-service recovery options support individual file restores through full account rollbacks. Ransomware Recovery features now extend to SaaS applications.
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.
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.
Druva inSync uses global deduplication to reduce storage consumption significantly compared to per-user backup models. The platform backs up Exchange, OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams automatically without infrastructure requirements. Full-text search makes locating specific emails or files efficient during recovery. Legal hold management aligns with EDRM and Department of Justice requirements for regulated industries. Complete audit trails of backup and restore activity support compliance reporting. FedRAMP authorization plus SOC 2 Type 2, HIPAA, and Privacy Shield compliance certifications cover federal and healthcare requirements. Consumption-based pricing scales with usage.
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.
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.
Keepit Backup And Recovery For Microsoft 365 stores backups in Keepit’s own ISO 27001-certified data centers, completely separate from Microsoft Azure. This means a Microsoft outage or account compromise doesn’t affect backup copies. Unlimited storage removes capacity planning and overage concerns. The multi-tenant portal manages multiple client environments from a single login with cross-tenant restore for migration projects. Teams, SharePoint, Exchange, and OneDrive are backed up automatically. Granular restore works down to individual items, and user self-service restore through time-limited links reduces admin workload.
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.
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.
Metallic Backup For Microsoft 365 offers flexible storage deployment with air-gapped options across on-premises and global cloud locations. Pre-configured retention plans enable quick deployment, while custom policies handle granular data management for different compliance requirements. Search and restore work at individual item levels with point-in-time, in-place, and out-of-place recovery options. Self-service recovery lets users restore their own data without IT involvement. Zero-trust access controls add security beyond standard encryption for sensitive environments. The Commvault Cloud management console provides unified visibility across all protected workloads.
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.
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.
N-able Cove Data Protection backs up Exchange six times daily and SharePoint and OneDrive four times daily, providing multiple recovery points throughout the workday. Retention extends up to seven years, and cloud storage comes included without extra charges. The MSP-focused dashboard manages all client backups from a single interface with minimal CPU impact on protected endpoints. Installation takes minutes with automated configuration handling most setup tasks. Restore options cover local recovery or direct restore to Microsoft Azure depending on recovery needs. Integrated encryption password management secures backup data across distributed environments.
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.
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.
Rubrik Microsoft 365 Protection eliminates manual backup scheduling through automated SLA domains that apply policies across your M365 environment. The platform automatically discovers new users, sites, and teams without configuration changes. Immutable architecture isolates backups from the M365 tenant, so a compromise of your production environment doesn’t affect recovery data. Flexible restore options cover original locations or new destinations via API. Automated compliance reporting and audit trails support regulated environments requiring documentation. Machine learning-powered threat analytics strengthen the security posture beyond traditional 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.
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.
Zerto Backup For Microsoft 365 uses journal-based technology for granular point-in-time recovery down to the second, going beyond standard daily snapshot approaches. Search and restore efficiently locates specific emails, files, and data points. Full user recovery handles complete account restoration when needed. The single-pane management interface provides backup health checks across environments. Integration with Zerto’s broader disaster recovery ecosystem consolidates data protection for teams already using Zerto for on-premises or cloud DR. Unlimited retention options extend beyond the 12-month default.
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.
When evaluating Microsoft 365 backup solutions, we’ve identified eight essential criteria. Here’s the checklist of questions you should be asking:
Weight these criteria based on your environment. MSPs managing dozens of clients should prioritize multi-tenant management and quick setup. Regulated enterprises need compliance depth and legal hold capabilities. Smaller organizations focused on cost control should examine transparent pricing without hidden add-on fees. Get these fundamentals right, and the rest of the platform decision becomes straightforward.
Expert Insights is an independent editorial team that researches, tests, and reviews cloud backup and data protection solutions. No vendor can pay to influence our review of their products. Our Editor’s Scores are based solely on product quality. Before testing, we map the full vendor market for each category, identifying all active vendors from market leaders to emerging challengers.
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. Each platform was deployed across simulated M365 environments representing different organization sizes and recovery scenarios. We assessed setup workflows, backup success rates, restore speed and granular recovery capabilities, plus administrator overhead.
Beyond hands on testing, we conducted extensive market research across the M365 backup market and reviewed customer feedback and interviews to validate vendor claims against operational reality. We spoke with MSPs managing multiple client environments and enterprises handling regulated data to understand which platforms match which scenarios. Our editorial and commercial teams operate independently. No vendor can pay to influence our review of their products.
This guide is updated quarterly. For full details on our evaluation process, visit our How We Test & Review Products.
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.
Alex is an experienced journalist and content editor. He researches, writes, factchecks and edits articles relating to B2B cyber security and technology solutions, working alongside software experts.
Alex was awarded a First Class MA (Hons) in English and Scottish Literature by the University of Edinburgh.
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 Davies, formerly J2Global (NASQAQ: 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.