This article is especially for best computer backup software. There’s an ancient adage among the brightest of the geek-world that goes something like this: “bad things” happen. And by that, people usually mean hard disks breaking at the worst possible time, not to mention security breaches, ransomware, and who knows what other catastrophic occurrences that may result in the loss of valuable data, including terabytes of cat images. As a result, today’s article is on the best computer to computer backup software available, with a focus on free or low-cost options.
All kidding aside, the best Windows backup software on one’s computer is just as vital as, say, defrag software. Yes, we are aware that both Windows and Linux have defragmentation tools built into their operating systems. However, as we’ve already stated (many times), dedicated/third-party software is orders of magnitude better and more feature-rich than OEM software, and this is especially true for backup software, partition software, and cloning software.
With that in mind, let’s go over the fundamentals of selecting the top backup software for your computer, followed by a look at what the open market has to offer.
How to Select Best Backup Software 2021
Backup solutions are similar to prepping in that they indicate that you are preparing to deal with the worst-case situation, i.e. a hard drive crash, whether we are talking about “civilians” or business customers. Because losing vital data is, shall we say, unpleasant, best backup software was created, and yes, we are aware of the existence of cloud backup options, such as One Drive or Google Drive; nevertheless, to put it simply, it is not ideal to store sensitive data on someone else’s servers.
You may have an encrypted archive in the cloud and another on your personal hard drive kept in a Swiss bank vault as a relatively safe alternative. Because, yes, redundancy is the name of the game in the world of best backup software, and since external hard drives are dirt cheap these days, let’s focus on that for a bit. Here are some things to look for in the best backup software :
Best backup software is classified into two types: file-based best backup software and imaging-based backup software. If you wish to be able to restore a computer’s system from scratch, with the operating system, applications, and everything installed and operational, you’ll need image-based software or an imaging tool.
best computer backup software that targets files is known as file-based backup software. Because imaging tools picture the contents of your HDD, you’ll need an internal/external HDD or a NAS to store your data.
File-backup software, on the other hand, necessitates less additional storage. The best of both worlds is hybrid best computer backup software, a beast that gives both file backups and imaging features; the icing on the cake is automated cloud backup, which means that if you add data to your computer, they are automatically transferred into the cloud for redundancy purposes. If we’re talking about sensitive information, encryption choices are also significant, but in the end, it’s up to you to pick which program offers greater functionality, not to mention budget concerns.
Stay tuned for the meat and potatoes of today’s article:
The Best Backup Software 2021
Acronis True Image
If you’re into the best backup software, Acronis True Image is the one to beat; to put it another way, think Apple’s Time Machine meets Windows Recovery and they have a blue-eyed kid named Acronis. We’re only kidding, but this is the grandpa of top backup software, as you can see if you do a little internet study. That is also why we selected to examine it first, as True Image is a complete cyber protection solution for both home and enterprise customers, combining cutting-edge backup technology with anti-malware solutions to secure your valuable data, computers, apps, and whatever else Alex Jones could create.
Acronis True Image has a lot to offer, including full mirror-imaging, all-in-one recovery drives, and even disk cloning, and you can retrieve your data from any device/from anywhere in the globe because it integrates with cloud data backup software. That means you can securely sync and share your cache without worrying about internet pirates because True Image includes AI software that detects and prevents cryptojacking and ransomware in real-time.
AOMEI Backupper
Speaking of having a backup solution for everything important in your life, I’m writing this using the mobile internet on my smartphone, and this time we’re examining AOMEI Backupper, which is well-known in the geek world. AOMEI, like Acronis, is a significant name in the market, and their Backupper only works on Windows devices, which accounts for roughly 90% of PCs and laptops globally. Okay, we made that number up, but the point is, if you aren’t a Windows user, move on to our next option.
Even if the Backupper is only accessible for Windows, it still provides a lot of bang for your buck, and don’t worry, there is freeware available. If you want the full-featured bundle, you’ll have to upgrade to the Pro/Workstation editions, which are obviously paid-for. The free edition, on the other hand, is more than adequate for the typical Joe Digital, as it provides a comprehensive all-in-one data protection/disaster recovery solution. AOMEI is more than just a data backup/restoration software; it also allows you to take a picture of a specific image on your HDD and clone it later to another SSD/HDD or whatever device you like.
AOMEI Backuper is a complete software bundle that allows you to backup your entire Windows system or only your important data.
EaseUS Todo Backup Free
If you know what you’re talking about when it comes to top computer backup software, EaseUS Todo Backup Free comes to mind almost immediately. So, what exactly is it? To put it simply, EaseUS Todo Backup is a popular freeware utility that assists users in protecting their valuable data through automatic backups. That’s quite cool, isn’t it?
This is fantastic because it is both free and automatic. Here’s how it works: with just a few clicks, you may accomplish full data protection by either recovering a backup of your operating system or restoring it on a new HDD/SSD (whatever hardware you have).
The nicest part about EaseUS Todo Backup is that it doesn’t require any technical knowledge to use it to its full capacity, which is unusual nowadays. Essentially, this well-designed freeware has extensive backup options in its free edition, making it ideal for safeguarding partitions, files, or disks/the entire system if that’s your thing. Furthermore, EaseUS Todo Backup may clone your disk if you want to upgrade, or convert your traditional HDD to a lightning-fast SSD for improved performance. There is also a recovery tool, which is useful if your machine has been infected with ransomware or if it crashes unexpectedly.
PARAGON Backup & Recovery Free
As the name implies, this is a stand-alone, entirely free computer backup software that does the job without fuss.
So, since you asked, here’s what it can do:First, it may create backups of your complete Windows operating system, or of partitions and/or particular data, if you like.If necessary, data will be restored quickly in WinPE, making typical tragedies such as hard disk failure or the ubiquitous BSODs a thing of the past if you choose Paragon as your digital guardian angel.
Remember that all of these capabilities are entirely free in an easy-to-use and intuitive piece of software with over 6 million users (no kidding either).
Ashampoo Backup Pro 14
When it comes to quick and easy computer backup software for Windows, Ashampoo Backup Pro 14 comes to mind. The most recent version is $50 per PC (if not on sale), and it is a good image solution for those who do not want to spend a fortune on backup software.
Ashampoo basically accomplishes 90% of what Acronis does, which indicates the company has selected a medium route in terms of imaging solutions, i.e. this is a sort of compromise for those on a tight budget trying to address their problems at a reasonable price.
To give you an idea of the new features in Ashampoo Backup Pro 14, we must mention cloud storage capabilities. This implies that your data will be saved elsewhere, and even if calamity hits, you will be OK, or at least your data will be fine if not you. Tech support is excellent, which is a significant reason to purchase data imaging software rather than rely on freebies.
Furthermore, the backup engine has been entirely rebuilt, and it is now better than ever, and there is a new automatic verification of backups for added security. Ashampoo Pro 14 includes powerful scheduling settings, is simple to use, and trustworthy. It may backup disks, partitions, or entire systems, as well as incremental file and image backups, saving space and time.
Genie Backup Manager Home
When everything else fails, go rub an old lamp in your attic and, if you’re lucky, Genie Backup Manager will appear to save the day. Seriously, this computer backup software suite is pretty interesting because it checks all of the major boxes on our list. For starters, it’s very adaptable because it supports three backup types: complete, incremental, and mirror. There is also an automated backup scheduler, and, most importantly, you may backup your valuable data to virtually any form of media.
Genie data backup software works seamlessly with external/local/FTP/FTPS, network, DVD, CD, or Blu-ray storage.
If that isn’t enough to impress you, there’s also a Disaster Recovery module that covers your entire system, as well as state-of-the-art 128, 192, and 256-AES encryption for your documents, images, movies, and everything else you want to secure. ZIP password protection is also available, and this Genie is intelligent enough to backup encrypted HDDs/SSDs.
NovaBACKUP PC
NovaBACKUP for PC is promoted as the BEST data backup software for Windows, with a price tag of around $50.
To begin with the obvious, this best pc backup software is offered in a “paid-only” form, i.e. a yearly subscription model, but don’t worry, there is a 15-day free trial available on their website if you want to give it a try.
If you can put a price on the integrity of your data, and that price is more than ten cups of coffee, NovaBACKUP for PC is an intriguing solution for security-conscious individuals, as it can help you with virtually all backup issues, as it is perfectly capable of creating full disk images or even network drive copies. On top of that, you’ll get cutting-edge internet security and endless customization choices, all at a reasonable price. One of NovaBACKUP for PC’s strengths is security, as the default option is to never upload files to a remote server and does not even connect to the internet, implying that it is designed entirely for local backups.
If you want to keep your data safe from prying eyes, NovaBackup offers AES-256 encryption; nevertheless, there is no ransomware scanner in the picture. However, in terms of best pc backup software, you get everything you need: data backup, disk imaging tools, robust restoration features, anti-virus, and, last but not least, a clean and user-friendly interface.
Cobian Backup
Even though Cobian Backup is an underdog in comparison to our prior selections, if you’re seeking for freeware with solid encryption to back up your valuable data, this is it. Cobian does not have an eye-catching interface and appears simple at first glance, but what it lacks in appearance it makes up for in features and solid alternatives.
To begin, Cobian allows you to run several backup jobs, each with its own set of options such as encryption, location, security, and so on.
Furthermore, each of the jobs can be done automatically on its own timetable. Cobian also supports network backups and FTP, and with all of these wonderful features included for free, well…just go for it and thank us later.
O&O DiskImage
When it comes to windows backup software alone, O&O DiskImage, currently in its 14th version, comes to mind.
This windows backup software allows you to back up an entire machine or individual files if necessary, but the best part is that you may use your PC during the process, which means that O&O DiskImage uses few resources.
It’s nothing to write home about, but it’s great to know.
The rest of the package is a no-brainer: you receive drive imaging, file/folder backup software reviewed, restoration, and drive cloning, so you’re covered on all fronts. The DiskImage To Go function, which protects you from practically any disaster imaginable by producing a rescue boot medium with an image attached, is new in the 14th generation, as is support for VHDX (Virtual Hard Disk Format).
FBackup
Fbackup is yet another freeware program for Windows users. Don’t worry if you haven’t heard of this one; it’s typical, but this little-known treasure is wonderful if you’re seeking for extremely functional freebies. Actually, there are two versions of Fbackup: the free one and the premium (paid for) Backup4all Professional, which means that if you’re not satisfied with the “peasant” version, you can cough up a few greens and you’ll be a made-man (or girl).
The free version, on the other hand, is more appealing, with over 4 million downloads. This is most likely due to Fbackup’s clean and simple user interface, which guides you through the backup process smoothly and effectively, thanks to a friendly wizard-like creature who asks you where you want to store the data (backup), what exactly do you want to backup, how to run it, when to run it, and so on and so forth. Fbackup uses automated backup operations to secure entire drives or files/folders, and it also features password security and compression to help you conserve space.
Backblaze
Finally, but not least, we offer Backblaze, the backup option of the future. We’re only kidding, but what distinguishes Backblaze in this niche is that it provides a B2 Cloud Storage solution, which means that it is a data storage provider that offers two products: an Amazon-like (S3) cloud storage deal, as well as computer backup via an online tool that works with both Mac and Windows, which is pretty cool.
Because the service is primarily aimed at companies and high-end users, all of your data will be saved offsite at Backblaze’s storage centers. Backblaze provides limitless file sizes and storage space, as well as industry-leading AES encryption, data compression, bandwidth optimization, and all the other high-end features one would expect from a premium service.