Best Backup Software: 5 Tools to Protect Your Files & Data
Laptops die, drives fail and ransomware doesn’t send a warning. Here’s how five popular backup tools compare on price, storage, security and ease of use, so you can pick one and stop worrying about your files.
Disclosure: Links in this guide go to each provider’s official website. Prices and promotions change often, so confirm current pricing on the provider’s site before you buy.
What happens if your laptop dies tomorrow? Or a failed hard drive takes ten years of family photos with it? Most people only think about backups after something goes wrong, and by then it’s too late.
Good backup software fixes that quietly in the background. It copies your files on a schedule, keeps older versions, and lets you restore them when you need to. This guide compares Backblaze, IDrive, Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office, Carbonite and EaseUS Todo Backup, five tools that take very different approaches to the same problem.
Quick Answer
What is the best backup software? For most people, Backblaze is the simplest choice: it backs up one computer to the cloud with unlimited storage for $99 a year. IDrive is better if you need to cover several devices under one account, and Acronis makes sense if you also want built-in anti-ransomware protection and full-disk imaging.
Check Backblaze’s Current Plans →Quick Comparison: Best Backup Software at a Glance
Backup is not the same as cloud storage or file syncing. Backup software keeps separate, restorable copies of your data. Sync tools mirror changes (including deletions) across devices. This table covers true backup tools only.
| Software | Best For | Cloud Backup | Automatic Backup | Key Strength | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backblaze | Simple, set-and-forget computer backup | Yes, unlimited data per computer | Yes, continuous | Flat price, no storage math | $99/year per computer ($9/month) |
| IDrive | Multiple devices, one account | Yes, shared storage pool | Yes, scheduled or continuous | Unlimited devices on one plan | $69.65 first year for 5TB; $99.50 renewal |
| Acronis | Backup plus security | Advanced and Premium plans | Yes, scheduled | Anti-ransomware and disk imaging | From $49.99/year (Essentials, local only) |
| Carbonite | Straightforward cloud backup | Yes, unlimited on personal plans | Yes, continuous | Simple setup | $95.99/year (Safe Basic, one computer) |
| EaseUS | Local backup and disk cloning | Optional 1TB add-on | Yes, scheduled | Imaging, cloning and a free version | $39.95/year (Home); free version available |
1. Backblaze — Best for Simple Computer Backup
Backblaze Computer Backup is licensed per computer and includes unlimited data. You install it, it runs in the background, and that’s about it. Backblaze is best suited to people who want cloud backup for a Windows PC or Mac without managing complicated settings.
Why We Recommend It
The pricing is easy to understand. One license covers one computer with no storage cap, which matters if you have a large photo or video library. Compared with plans that sell storage by the terabyte, there’s no need to estimate how much space you’ll use.
Key Features
- Unlimited data per computer (Windows and Mac)
- Continuous, automatic cloud backup
- 30-day version history by default, with a one-year extended option
- Business Backup plan with an admin panel for teams
Pros
- Simple setup and minimal maintenance
- Unlimited data for one flat price
- Predictable pricing across one-, monthly and two-year plans
- Business plan uses the same per-computer price
Cons
- One license covers one computer only
- Limited control over advanced backup settings
- No built-in local backup or disk imaging
Computer Backup is $9 per month, $99 per year or $189 for two years, per computer. Each additional computer needs its own license.
Security and ease of use: Data is encrypted, and setup takes a few minutes. Version history lets you recover from accidental deletion within the retention window.
Who Should Choose It?
Anyone with one main computer and a lot of data, especially photos and video, who wants the least amount of fuss.
Who Should Skip It?
Households backing up three or four computers will pay per machine. IDrive’s shared storage is often cheaper in that case. People who want full-disk images or anti-malware tools should look at Acronis.
2. IDrive — Best for Multiple Devices
IDrive sells storage rather than per-computer licenses. A Personal plan covers one user and unlimited devices, all sharing the same storage pool. That makes IDrive a strong fit for households with a mix of computers and phones.
Why We Recommend It
If you have a laptop, a desktop and a couple of phones, one IDrive account can cover them all. The trade-off is that you do have to watch your total storage. A free 10GB plan is available if you want to test the service first.
Key Features
- Unlimited devices per Personal plan, sharing one storage pool
- Option to set a private encryption key
- Personal plans from 5TB up to 100TB
- Snapshot file versioning and an IDrive Express physical-shipping option
- Team and Business plans for larger needs
Pros
- One account covers many devices
- Private key option for added control over encryption
- Flexible storage tiers as your data grows
- Free 10GB plan to test it
Cons
- First-year discounts end; renewal is higher
- Storage is capped, so large libraries need bigger tiers
- More settings than Backblaze, which can feel busy
Personal 5TB was listed at $69.65 for the first year and $99.50 per year after that in recent reviews. Monthly billing for 5TB was listed at $9.95. Larger tiers cost more.
Security and ease of use: The private encryption key means only you hold the decryption key, but if you lose it, IDrive can’t recover your data. The interface is capable but has more options than most beginners need.
Who Should Choose It?
Households and freelancers with several devices, or anyone who prefers paying for storage rather than per computer.
Who Should Skip It?
If you have one computer and a huge media library, Backblaze’s unlimited plan may be simpler and cheaper than climbing IDrive’s storage tiers.
3. Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office — Best for Backup Plus Security
Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office (the product that was formerly called Acronis True Image, and which Acronis now sells under that name again) pairs backup with anti-malware and ransomware protection in one app. It’s the most security-focused option in this list.
Why We Recommend It
Most backup tools only copy files. Acronis also tries to stop threats from reaching them in the first place. It also supports full disk imaging and cloning, which is useful when you replace a computer and want everything moved over exactly as it was.
Key Features
- Three editions: Essentials (local backup only), Advanced (500GB cloud) and Premium (larger cloud storage)
- Anti-malware and ransomware protection built in
- Disk imaging and cloning
- Windows, Mac, Android and iOS support, with 1, 3 and 5 computer packs
Pros
- Backup and cybersecurity in one product
- Full-disk imaging and cloning
- Local and cloud backup options
- Covers computers and mobile devices
Cons
- Cloud storage is capped by edition
- Cheapest edition has no cloud backup at all
- More features means a steeper learning curve
Essentials starts at $49.99 per year for one computer on Acronis’s purchase page. Advanced and Premium cost more because they include cloud storage. Prices vary by edition and number of computers, so check the current figures before buying.
Security and ease of use: Acronis has the strongest security toolkit here, but it’s also the most feature-heavy. Expect to spend a little time in setup.
Who Should Choose It?
People who want one app for backup, cloning and ransomware defense, and who don’t mind a more detailed interface.
Who Should Skip It?
If you only want simple cloud backup, Backblaze or Carbonite will be easier. If you need a lot of cloud space on a budget, the storage caps may feel tight.
4. Carbonite — Best for Straightforward Cloud Backup
Carbonite Safe is a long-established cloud backup service for Windows and Mac. Personal plans include unlimited storage for one computer, and the setup is meant to be hands-off.
Why We Recommend It
Carbonite keeps things simple. If you want to install an app and let it handle the rest, it does that well. The catch is that the entry-level plan leaves out some features that other services include.
Key Features
- Unlimited storage on personal plans for one computer
- Safe Basic, Plus and Prime tiers
- Plus and Prime add support for one external drive
- Prime adds courier delivery of recovered files
- Business plans available separately; 15-day free trial reported
Pros
- Easy setup and automatic backup
- Unlimited storage on personal plans
- Well-known, long-running service
Cons
- Basic doesn’t back up external drives or auto-select videos
- Each plan covers one computer
- Higher tiers cost noticeably more
- First-year promos revert to standard pricing
Safe Basic was listed at $95.99 per year for one computer, with first-year promotions bringing it lower. Plus and Prime were listed at $132 and $162 per year in a recent PCWorld review. Plans bill annually.
Security and ease of use: Backup is automatic and the interface is uncluttered. It’s cloud-first, so there’s little local backup control.
Who Should Choose It?
Users who want plain, automatic cloud backup for a single computer and don’t need much customization.
Who Should Skip It?
If you have an external drive full of photos, Basic won’t cover it, and Plus costs more than Backblaze’s flat $99. Multi-device households will usually do better with IDrive.
5. EaseUS Todo Backup — Best for Local Backup and Disk Cloning
EaseUS Todo Backup is a backup and disk-management toolkit rather than a cloud service first. It covers file backup, partition and whole-disk imaging, cloning and sync, with optional cloud storage.
Why We Recommend It
This is the right tool when you want to back up to an external drive or NAS and migrate your system to a new SSD. A free version exists, so you can try the basics before paying anything.
Key Features
- File, folder, partition and system image backup
- Disk cloning, including migration to a new drive
- One-way and two-way sync
- Optional 1TB cloud storage add-on
- Free edition plus a Mac version sold separately
Pros
- Lowest entry price in this list
- Free version for basic needs
- Perpetual license option, not just subscriptions
- Strong imaging and cloning tools
Cons
- Cloud storage is limited to a 1TB add-on
- Each license covers one computer
- Free version has restrictions and prompts to upgrade
Todo Backup Home was listed at $39.95 per year, $59.95 for a perpetual license without upgrades, and $79.95 for lifetime upgrades. Adding 1TB of cloud storage brings the yearly plan to $59.95. EaseUS runs frequent promotions.
Security and ease of use: The interface is friendly for an imaging tool. It doesn’t include dedicated anti-ransomware protection, so pair it with a security product.
Who Should Choose It?
People who prefer local backups, want to clone a drive, or want to avoid a long-term cloud subscription.
Who Should Skip It?
If you want automatic off-site protection for a large media library, choose Backblaze or IDrive instead.
Detailed Comparison Matrix
This matrix summarizes published plan details. Where a provider doesn’t offer a feature on its personal plans, it’s marked as not available.
| Criteria | Backblaze | IDrive | Acronis | Carbonite | EaseUS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud backup | Excellent | Excellent | Good (Advanced/Premium) | Excellent | Limited (1TB add-on) |
| Local backup | Not available | Good | Excellent | Limited | Excellent |
| Disk imaging and cloning | Not available | Limited | Excellent | Not available | Excellent |
| Storage model | Unlimited per computer | Shared pool (5TB+) | By edition | Unlimited per computer | Local plus 1TB add-on |
| Devices covered | 1 computer per license | Unlimited devices | 1, 3 or 5 computers | 1 computer per license | 1 computer per license |
| Anti-ransomware tools | Version history only | Version history only | Excellent | Version history only | Not available |
| Business plans | Yes | Yes | Separate business products | Yes | Yes (separate products) |
| Free option | Trial offered | Free 10GB plan | Check current offer | Trial reported | Free edition |
| Best use case | Simple cloud backup | Multi-device households | Security-first backup | Hands-off cloud backup | Local backup and cloning |
Which Backup Software Is Best?
Backblaze is the best backup software for most people because it combines unlimited computer backup with a simple, predictable price. The best choice changes if you have several devices, want security tools, or prefer local backups.
Backblaze
Unlimited data per computer, flat pricing and almost no setup.
Carbonite
Hands-off cloud backup with unlimited storage on personal plans.
IDrive
One account covers unlimited devices that share a storage pool.
Acronis
Backup, imaging and anti-ransomware tools in a single app.
EaseUS Todo Backup
Lowest starting price, plus a free edition and local backup tools.
Best Backup Software by Use Case
Personal Use
Backblaze for one computer; IDrive if you also want phones and a second laptop covered.
Windows
All five support Windows. Acronis and EaseUS add disk imaging for full system recovery.
Mac
Backblaze, IDrive, Acronis and Carbonite support Mac. EaseUS sells a separate Mac version.
Multiple Computers
IDrive, since unlimited devices share one plan. Acronis offers 3 and 5 computer packs.
Small Businesses
Backblaze Business Backup and IDrive Team or Business plans both have admin tools.
Cloud Backup
Backblaze or IDrive. Both are built around off-site cloud copies.
Ransomware Protection
Acronis, which adds anti-malware to backup. Others rely on version history.
Photos & Videos
Backblaze, because unlimited storage removes the need to guess your library size.
For websites rather than personal computers, backup software like this is not the right tool. See our guide to the best WordPress security plugins, and if backups are part of choosing a host, our guide to the best cloud hosting providers.
How to Choose Backup Software
Storage Capacity
Add up your documents, photos, video and any external drives. Unlimited-per-computer plans suit big libraries, while pooled storage plans suit many small devices.
Automatic Backups
Backups you have to remember don’t happen. Choose software that runs on a schedule or continuously, so protection doesn’t depend on your memory.
Security and Encryption
Encryption scrambles your data so only the right key can read it. A private key gives you more control, but nobody can recover your files if you lose it.
File Versioning
Version history lets you restore an earlier copy of a file, which helps if you overwrite something or malware encrypts it. Check how long older versions are kept.
Recovery Options
A backup is only useful if you can restore it. Look at whether you can restore single files, whole systems, or both, and how fast.
Device Compatibility
Confirm support for your operating system, and whether phones and extra computers are included or cost extra.
Pricing
Compare subscription cost against storage limits and device limits. First-year promotions can hide a higher renewal price.
Ransomware Protection
Look for version history, and for tools that detect or block suspicious encryption. Pair backup with a password manager such as those in our Bitwarden vs 1Password comparison, and consider a VPN from our list of the best VPN services on public Wi-Fi.
Ease of Use
Complicated software gets abandoned. A simple tool you actually run beats an advanced one you never configure.
Why Is Backup Software Important?
Backup software protects you from losing files for ordinary reasons, not only dramatic ones. The common causes are:
- Hardware failure: Hard drives and SSDs eventually fail.
- Accidental deletion and human error: It’s easy to overwrite or delete the wrong file.
- Theft or loss: A stolen laptop takes its files with it.
- Malware and ransomware: Files can be encrypted or corrupted.
- Corrupted files: Software crashes and bad updates can damage data.
- Device replacement: Moving to a new computer is easier with a recent backup.
How Often Should You Back Up Your Computer?
Most people should use automatic daily or continuous backup. The right frequency depends on how often your files change.
- Continuous: Best for people who work on files all day, such as writers, designers and students.
- Daily: A good default for most home users.
- Weekly: Acceptable if your files rarely change, such as an archive of old photos.
- Manual: Easy to forget, so use it only as an extra copy.
The 3-2-1 Backup Rule
The 3-2-1 rule is a simple standard for keeping data safe:
In practice: your working files, a backup on an external drive, and a cloud backup. Pairing a local tool like EaseUS with a cloud service like Backblaze covers all three.
Backup Software Head-to-Head Comparisons
Backblaze vs IDrive
The key difference is licensing: Backblaze charges per computer with unlimited data, while IDrive charges for storage across unlimited devices.
IDrive vs Acronis
IDrive focuses on cloud backup across many devices. Acronis blends backup with anti-malware and imaging.
Acronis vs Carbonite
Acronis offers more tools and more complexity. Carbonite offers a simpler, cloud-first experience.
Carbonite vs Backblaze
Both are simple, unlimited-storage cloud backup services for one computer. Backblaze’s $99 flat price includes more than Carbonite’s entry plan, while Carbonite Basic is cheaper but leaves out external drives.
Decision Framework: Which Should You Choose?
- Choose Backblaze if: you want simple, automatic backup for one computer with unlimited data.
- Choose IDrive if: you need to cover several devices from one account.
- Choose Acronis if: you want backup combined with anti-ransomware protection and disk imaging.
- Choose Carbonite if: you want straightforward cloud backup for internal drives.
- Choose EaseUS Todo Backup if: you want local backups, cloning and a lower-cost or free starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best backup software?
Backblaze is the best choice for most people because it offers unlimited backup for one computer at a flat price. IDrive suits multi-device households, and Acronis suits people who want security features built in.
Is cloud backup better than an external hard drive?
They do different jobs. A hard drive is fast and under your control, but it can fail or be stolen with your computer. Cloud backup keeps an off-site copy. The safest approach is to use both.
What is the best backup software for Windows?
Backblaze works well for simple cloud backup on Windows. For full system images and cloning, Acronis and EaseUS Todo Backup are stronger options.
How often should I back up my computer?
Use automatic daily or continuous backup. Weekly may be enough if your files rarely change. Manual backups are easy to forget.
Does backup software protect against ransomware?
Backups help you recover after ransomware, especially with version history or off-site copies. Only some tools, such as Acronis, also include anti-ransomware protection that tries to block attacks.
Is online backup secure?
Reputable services encrypt your data. IDrive offers a private encryption key option, which gives you more control but means lost keys can’t be recovered. Use a strong, unique password and two-factor authentication where offered.
How much backup storage do I need?
Add up the size of the files you want to protect, then leave room to grow. If you can’t estimate it, an unlimited-per-computer plan such as Backblaze’s removes the guesswork.
What is the 3-2-1 backup rule?
Keep three copies of important data, on two different types of storage, with one copy off-site. For example: your computer, an external drive and a cloud backup.
Final Verdict
All five tools can protect your files, but they suit different people. Pick the one that matches how you actually use your computers, then turn on automatic backup and leave it running.
| Category | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Backblaze |
| Best for Simple Cloud Backup | Carbonite |
| Best for Multiple Devices | IDrive |
| Best for Advanced Protection | Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office |
| Best Alternative / Value | EaseUS Todo Backup |
Not sure where to start? Backblaze is the easiest first step for most people, and you can always add a local backup later.
Check Backblaze’s Current Plans →
