Technical Review by
Craig MacAlpine
Server backup software protects physical and virtual server data against failure, ransomware, and deletion, with restoration speed and reliability under load the primary variables that separate platforms in practice. A backup that takes hours to restore is operationally equivalent to no backup during a critical incident. We reviewed the top platforms and found NinjaOne Backup, Datto Endpoint Backup for Servers, and Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud Backup to be the strongest on backup efficiency and verified restoration performance.
Server backup is unglamorous until the day you need it. A corrupted database, ransomware encryption, or a bad patch can take down your entire business in minutes. The problem is that backup choices span a wide spectrum: appliance-based solutions requiring hardware, cloud-native SaaS platforms, MSP-focused tools for managing multiple clients, and niche solutions for specific workloads like VMware or Hyper-V. Choose wrong and you’re either paying for features you don’t need or scrambling during an outage because your backup doesn’t cover your environment.
The gap between an adequate backup solution and one that actually works during a crisis is substantial. Some platforms boast extensive features but hide complexity in configuration. Others keep things simple but lack critical recovery options. The cost difference between vendors can vary dramatically based on how you measure capacity, and some vendors exploit this through licensing tricks that catch you off guard during budget season.
We evaluated multiple server backup solutions across on premises appliances, cloud-native platforms, hybrid deployments, and MSP-focused tools. We evaluated automation reliability, recovery speed and granularity, deployment complexity, alongside ransomware defense capabilities and real world pricing. We reviewed customer feedback on where platforms delivered and where expectations fell short. What we found: the right choice depends heavily on whether you’re backing up physical servers, virtualized workloads, or a mix of both.
This guide gives you the testing insights to match the right server backup solution to your environment, team size, and infrastructure.
Server backup software makes protected copies of the data, applications, and operating systems running on your physical and virtual servers, so you can restore them after a failure, ransomware attack, accidental deletion, or bad update. Backups run automatically on a schedule or continuously, and copies are stored locally, in the cloud, or both. The point that matters most is recovery: a good server backup tool lets you bring a server, a database, or a single file back quickly, and proves that the backup will actually boot before you depend on it. You pay per server, per socket, or by capacity, depending on the vendor.
Server backup tools capture data through agents or hypervisor-level integration, using full, incremental, or differential schedules, or continuous data protection (CDP) that journals changes for recovery point objectives measured in minutes. Image-based backup captures the whole system for bare-metal and dissimilar-hardware recovery, while file-level backup targets specific data. Mature platforms add deduplication and compression to shrink backup windows and storage, immutable or air-gapped copies to survive ransomware, and automated recovery testing that boots backup images to verify they restore. Recovery breadth is the real differentiator: full system, bare-metal, physical-to-virtual, virtual-to-virtual, instant VM spin-up, and granular file or application restore. Evaluate workload coverage (Windows, Linux, VMware, Hyper-V, databases such as SQL, Oracle, and SAP HANA), deployment model (appliance, cloud-native, or hybrid), multi-tenant support for MSPs, and how licensing is metered, since per-server, per-socket, and per-capacity models scale very differently.
Here is how the 10 platforms compare on deployment model and the protection capabilities that matter most for server backup.
| Product | Best For | Deployment | Immutable Backups | Ransomware Scanning | Bare-Metal / Instant Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
NinjaOne Backup
|
MSPs and IT teams wanting unified management
|
Cloud / hybrid
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Datto Endpoint Backup for Servers
|
Appliance-free cloud DR
|
Cloud
|
No
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud Backup
|
Backup plus security consolidation
|
Hybrid / cloud
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Hornetsecurity VM Backup
|
Hyper-V and VMware SMBs and MSPs
|
On-prem / hybrid
|
Yes
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
AOMEI Backupper Server
|
Budget-conscious Windows SMBs
|
On-prem / cloud
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
CrashPlan
|
Endpoint and server backup at scale
|
Cloud / hybrid / on-prem
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
|
Druva for Hybrid Workloads
|
Compliance across hybrid infrastructure
|
Cloud (SaaS)
|
Yes
|
No
|
No
|
|
N-able Cove Data Protection
|
MSPs needing efficient cloud transfer
|
Cloud-first
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Veeam Backup & Replication
|
Mid-market and enterprise virtual environments
|
On-prem / hybrid
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Arctera Backup Exec
|
SMBs wanting simple all-inclusive licensing
|
On-prem / cloud
|
No
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
We evaluated 10 server backup platforms covering physical servers, virtual environments, cloud-native deployments, and MSP-focused solutions. We combined hands-on testing with market research and customer feedback to validate vendor claims against real-world performance. This guide was written by Caitlin Harris, Deputy Head of Content at Expert Insights, with technical review by Craig MacAlpine, CEO and Founder, and is updated quarterly. Read our full methodology
NinjaOne Backup is part of a unified IT management platform built for MSPs and internal IT teams managing hybrid environments. We think it’s a strong fit for organizations that want backup tightly integrated with endpoint monitoring, patching, and remote access in a single console. NinjaOne has surpassed 15,000 backup customers as of April 2026, which speaks to the platform’s momentum.
Customers say onboarding support and training are strong, with several pointing to fast time-to-value for new teams. File-level restore from image backups gets repeated mentions as a time-saver during partial recovery. Some users report that alert threshold configuration requires trial and error to fine-tune notification behavior.
We think NinjaOne Backup works best if you already want NinjaOne for broader IT management. The backup module slots into the same console you use for patching and remote access, which reduces tool sprawl. Standalone backup buyers looking only for server protection might find better value in a dedicated backup platform.
Datto Endpoint Backup for Servers delivers cloud-native, appliance-free protection for Windows server workloads. We think the instant cloud spinup for disaster recovery is the standout capability here. If you’re an MSP or IT team managing distributed environments and want backup without hardware overhead, this removes the friction.
Customers say deployment is fast, with the agent installing quickly and integrating well with Datto RMM and Autotask PSA. The Backup Portal consolidates client oversight into a single view. Some customer reviews note that backup frequency is fixed with no option to customize scheduling intervals, which creates friction for teams with tighter RPO requirements.
We think Datto Endpoint Backup fits best if you already run Datto RMM or Autotask PSA. The integrations tighten your workflow and reduce console hopping. Flat-fee pricing with no hidden storage costs keeps budgets predictable, which is a real advantage for MSPs managing margins across multiple clients.
Best for teams consolidating backup with endpoint security
Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud combines server backup with endpoint security, email protection, DLP, and RMM in a single platform. We were impressed by the continuous backup approach, which triggers on file changes rather than fixed schedules. If you want backup tightly coupled with security monitoring and ransomware defense, Acronis is one of the strongest options in this category.
Customers say the all-in-one model reduces tool sprawl and vendor management overhead. The multi-tenant architecture and flexible licensing suit MSPs managing diverse client environments. Based on customer reviews, feature density creates a steeper learning curve for teams new to the platform, and some users report that console page loads feel slow when navigating between sections.
We think Acronis makes the most sense if your team wants backup, endpoint protection, and security monitoring consolidated into one platform. The continuous backup model and AI-powered ransomware defense are a strong combination for organizations prioritizing ransomware resilience. Storage flexibility across Acronis-hosted, Google, Microsoft, or your own cloud adds deployment options that most competitors don’t offer.
Best for SMBs and MSPs running Hyper-V and VMware
Hornetsecurity VM Backup (formerly Altaro) provides continuous data protection for Hyper-V and VMware environments. We think the CDP model and flexible offsite destination options are the real selling points here. If you’re an SMB or MSP looking for straightforward VM backup with strong support and data sovereignty controls, this is well worth considering.
Customers say the support team is a recurring strength, with average call pickup under 30 seconds getting repeated mentions. WAN-optimized replication for continuous VM replication to remote sites is valued by MSPs with distributed clients. Some users report that portal navigation became less intuitive after the Altaro to Hornetsecurity transition.
We think Hornetsecurity VM Backup fits well if you manage multiple client environments and need data sovereignty controls alongside strong CDP. The centralized portal and per-VM retention flexibility support compliance requirements. This is really beneficial if you’re looking for a backup solution alongside email security, since Hornetsecurity covers both from one vendor.
Best for budget-conscious small and mid-sized Windows teams
AOMEI Backupper Server handles backup, sync, and cloning for Windows server environments at a price point that undercuts most of the market. We think the clean interface and bare metal recovery to dissimilar hardware are the strongest selling points. If you’re a small or mid-sized team that needs reliable protection without enterprise complexity, this is a good option to consider.
Customers say the interface is clean and intuitive, with most users getting running without extensive documentation. Installation is quick, and the GUI walks you through backup and restore workflows. According to customer feedback, the platform lacks anti-tampering protection, malware scanning, and MFA, which limits its suitability for compliance-driven environments. Some users also report inconsistent support responsiveness.
We think AOMEI Backupper Server makes sense for budget-conscious SMBs that need straightforward Windows server protection without the overhead of enterprise platforms. There are trade-offs. The lack of immutability, ransomware scanning, and MFA means this isn’t the right choice for regulated environments or organizations facing active threat exposure.
Best for endpoint and server backup at scale with long retention
CrashPlan delivers continuous endpoint and server backup with unlimited storage and a focus on ransomware recovery and legal hold. We think the unlimited storage model and HIPAA compliance support are the standout features. If you need long retention periods and capacity planning isn’t something you want to think about, CrashPlan removes that overhead.
Customers say Mac support is a recurring strength, with the central console providing good visibility across users, devices, and organizations. Remote file restoration directly to endpoints saves time during incidents. Some customer reviews note that the MSP management interface is difficult to navigate compared to competitors, and RMM integrations are limited. The file-based approach means no image backups or bare metal recovery, which limits disaster recovery options for server workloads.
We think CrashPlan works best for endpoint backup at scale, especially Mac fleets. The unlimited storage model and legal hold capabilities suit organizations with data retention mandates. But the lack of image backup and bare metal recovery means this isn’t a complete server disaster recovery solution, so consider your recovery requirements carefully.
Best for organizations handling sensitive data across hybrid infrastructure
Druva for Hybrid Workloads delivers cloud-native backup for Windows, Linux, NAS, VMware, Nutanix AHV, Hyper-V, Oracle, SAP HANA, and MS SQL servers. We were impressed by the certification stack and the SaaS delivery model, which removes infrastructure management entirely. If you handle sensitive data like PII, PHI, or legal records across hybrid infrastructure, this is a very strong solution to consider.
Customers say the SaaS delivery model eliminates infrastructure headaches and scales easily by adjusting subscriptions. Global text search for fast file-level recovery across large backup sets gets positive mentions. According to some customer reviews, initial backups and large restores run slower due to the cloud-only architecture. A few users note RBAC and reporting customization options could be more granular.
We think Druva fits best if you manage sensitive data across hybrid infrastructure and need compliance coverage without running backup infrastructure. The certification stack and immutable backup model support audit requirements cleanly. The pay-only-for-what-you-use pricing model with global deduplication is a real advantage for organizations watching storage costs.
Best for MSPs needing efficient cloud transfer and data sovereignty
N-able Cove Data Protection offers cloud-first backup and disaster recovery for physical and virtual servers, workstations, and applications. We think the multi-tenant console and global data center network are the real differentiators for MSPs. If you manage multiple client environments and need data sovereignty controls, Cove handles that well.
Customers say the automated daily reporting is highly customizable and reduces manual monitoring overhead. Script-based deployment simplifies fleet-wide installation across diverse environments. Some users report that large data recoveries run slower than local or hybrid backup alternatives, and retention policy configuration during initial setup requires navigating multiple menus.
We think Cove fits well if you manage multiple client environments and value efficient cloud transfer with minimal bandwidth impact. The 30+ data center network gives you sovereignty options that most cloud-first backup tools don’t offer. The 60x smaller incremental backups are a real advantage for MSPs backing up servers over client networks with limited bandwidth.
Best for mid-size and enterprise environments needing mature server backup
Veeam Backup & Replication is the flagship product from one of the largest backup vendors globally, covering Windows, Linux, VMware, and Hyper-V servers. We think this is the most mature server backup platform on the market, and the v13 release in 2026 introduced a significant architectural shift to a Linux-based appliance model with over 100 improvements. If you need battle-tested protection with deep recovery options, Veeam is the benchmark.
Customers say backup performance is consistent across virtual server environments, with restorations working smoothly and the interface providing clear visibility into key functions. The sales team gets credit for straightforward capability discussions without overpromising. Some customer reviews flag that reporting and customization options may not meet detailed compliance requirements, and initial setup can feel unintuitive when configuring specific backup object selection.
We think Veeam fits most mid-size and enterprise environments needing mature server backup. The 25 recovery options and automatic backup testing reduce risk during actual incidents. Community editions make enterprise-grade features accessible to smaller organizations, which is a strong move for teams that want to start small and scale up.
Best for SMBs wanting simple all-inclusive licensing
Arctera Backup Exec (formerly Veritas Backup Exec) delivers backup and recovery for SMBs running Windows, Linux, and VMware servers. Backup Exec was spun off from Veritas as part of Arctera in December 2024, when Cohesity acquired Veritas’ data protection business. We think the single all-inclusive license and GDPR Guard feature are the strongest selling points for European and compliance-focused buyers.
Customers say the interface is intuitive and the licensing model is simple compared to competitors that charge per feature or per capacity tier. Granular VM backup works well, and scalability handles growth without major reconfiguration. Some users report that the platform requires a Windows Server for deployment, which limits flexibility for Linux-only environments.
We think Arctera Backup Exec suits SMBs that want a single console for hybrid cloud and on-premises workloads with straightforward licensing. The GDPR Guard feature and Entra ID backup support make this a practical choice for European organizations. With that said, there is no MSP multi-tenancy support, so service providers managing multiple clients will need to look elsewhere.
Server backup is metered in several ways, per server, per socket, per core, or by capacity, and most vendors quote based on your environment. Only a couple publish list prices. The figures below reflect published starting prices where vendors disclose them; expect final pricing to depend on server count, workload mix, retention, and contract terms.
| Product | Starting Price | Billing | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
|
NinjaOne Backup
|
Contact for quote
|
Per device, subscription
|
|
|
Datto Endpoint Backup for Servers
|
Contact for quote
|
Flat-fee, via MSP partners
|
|
|
Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud Backup
|
Contact for quote
|
Per workload, subscription
|
|
|
Hornetsecurity VM Backup
|
Contact for quote
|
Per host / per VM
|
|
|
AOMEI Backupper Server
|
$149/year or $249 lifetime
|
Per server
|
|
|
CrashPlan
|
Contact for quote
|
Per device, subscription
|
|
|
Druva for Hybrid Workloads
|
Contact for quote
|
Consumption-based
|
|
|
N-able Cove Data Protection
|
Contact for quote
|
Via MSP partners
|
|
|
Veeam Backup & Replication
|
Free Community Edition; paid contact for quote
|
Per workload / per socket
|
|
|
Arctera Backup Exec
|
Contact for quote
|
All-inclusive license
|
|
Once you've shortlisted a server backup platform, these are the steps we recommend to make sure recovery actually works when you need it.
Physical servers, VMware, Hyper-V, Linux, and databases such as SQL, Oracle, and SAP HANA all need explicit support, or you will end up running multiple tools.
File-only tools cannot rebuild a failed server from scratch, so image backups matter for true disaster recovery.
Continuous or 15-minute backups shrink the data-loss window that daily-only schedules leave exposed.
Ransomware targets backup data first, so copies that cannot be altered or deleted are your last line of defense.
A backup that has never been booted is unverified; tools that test recoverability automatically prove your restores will work before an incident.
Cloud-native is simpler but may slow large restores, while appliance or hybrid gives local recovery speed at the cost of hardware.
Restoring an infected backup reintroduces the attack, so the platform should identify the latest clean recovery point.
Regulated environments need SOC 2, HIPAA, or GDPR coverage and the reports to demonstrate it during an audit.
Per-server, per-socket, per-core, and per-capacity models diverge sharply as you grow, and hidden storage fees can blow a budget.
Service providers need a console that isolates each client's data with granular permissions, which not every platform offers.
Your ideal server backup solution depends on workload types, deployment model preference, and whether you need multi-tenant management.
For mid-market and enterprise virtual environments, Veeam Backup & Replication remains the market leader with proven reliability and extensive recovery options. Community editions make it accessible to smaller organizations.
For MSPs needing centralized multi-tenant management, NinjaOne Backup integrates with broader IT management, while N-able Cove prioritizes data sovereignty with global data centers.
For cloud-first deployments eliminating appliance hardware, Datto Endpoint Backup delivers fast deployment and instant cloud spinup for disaster recovery.
For ransomware defense and continuous protection, Acronis Cyber Protect leads with AI-powered detection and immutable storage. For compliance-heavy regulated environments, Druva and Arctera Backup Exec bring strong certification stacks.
For budget conscious SMBs needing simple Windows server protection, AOMEI Backupper offers accessible pricing.
Read the individual reviews above to dive into deployment specifics, recovery capabilities, and pricing details that matter for your specific environment.
Backup and recovery is the process of creating copies of your data and writing them out to a secondary storage environment so that you can restore them should the original versions be compromised, deleted, or destroyed.
Backing up and restoring your data manually can be challenging, time consuming, and expensive; it requires you to build and maintain the architecture of your backup environment, manually schedule and test your backups regularly, and deduplicate backups as they’re created.
Because of this, we recommend investing in a third-party backup and recovery solution that will do this for you. Third-party backup tools also often come with added security features built in, such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, role-based access, and ransomware protection. Some also offer compliance-specific features that make it easier to ensure you’re backing up, storing, and recovering your data in line with data protection and privacy regulations.
There are three main ways in which a backup and recovery solution may create backups of your server data:
Once the backup solution has used one of these methods to create copies of your server data, it writes that data out to a secondary storage facility. This could be in their own private cloud server, in a public cloud server such as Azure or AWS, or on-prem on a local hard drive, disk, or physical server. Some providers also offer hybrid storage options, which allow you to create multiple backup copies and store them both in the cloud and on-prem. This means that no single incident will be able to destroy all of your backups.
You can find more information on the types on backup storage in our market guide to cloud backup and recovery.
The first reason that you should consider backup up your server data is ransomware. Ransomware is a form of malware that holds data hostage by encrypting it, or locks users out of that data. When a threat actor successfully seizes an organization’s data using ransomware, they demand a sum of money for its return. However, it’s important to remember that you’re dealing with a cybercriminal here; paying the ransom doesn’t guarantee you’ll get your data back, nor does it ensure that the attacker will clear the malware from your systems afterwards.
The most effective and efficient way to recover from a ransomware attack is to completely wipe all your systems and storage devices, then reinstall your applications and restore your data using backups. Of course, you can only do this if you’ve created those backups in the first place *pointed look*.
The second benefit to server backup solutions is that they can help you restore data in the event it’s accidentally deleted. The best server backup solutions not only allow you to carry out full system restores, but also offer intuitive search and discovery tools that enable you to easily find and restore individual items.
Backing up your servers can also help you mitigate server downtime caused by natural disasters and hardware failures. While natural disasters are only responsible for 5% of business downtime, almost 25% of organizationsassociate old and inadequate server hardware with reliability issues and downtime. Downtime doesn’t necessarily mean permanent data loss, but it can still cause major disruptions to business operations. In the event of extended downtime caused by a flood, fire, or even just faulty server hardware, a server backup solution can help keep your business productive.
Finally, your organization may be required by federal or industry data protection standards to backup your server data. HIPAA and SOX are among those regulations that explicitly require backups, and there are many others that recommend it as a means of safeguarding your data. If you are looking for a server backup tool for compliance, it’s important that you know exactly what is required of you and find a tool that will enable you to achieve it; for example, you may need to retain backups for a specific period of time, secure them in a certain way, or store them in a certain location.
When comparing server backup software, there are a few key features that you should look out for:
Note: while all these features are important in a server backup tool, you need to prioritize them according to what’s most important to your organization. To do this, you should create an implementation strategy that outlines your main requirements before you start comparing solutions. This should include details such as your storage, retention, and data sovereignty requirements, as well as any other security and compliance needs.
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.