Best Backup Software in 2026
Never lose important files with reliable backup protection.
TL;DR
Backblaze is the simplest and best value for personal computer backup—unlimited storage for $99/year. iDrive offers better value for multiple computers and includes mobile backup. Time Machine (Mac) and File History (Windows) work well for local backup. For business, Acronis and Veeam lead the enterprise space.
Everyone knows they should backup their data. Almost no one does it properly until they lose something irreplaceable. Good backup software runs invisibly in the background, protecting everything automatically. The best backup is one you don't have to think about—set it up once and forget it exists until you need it. The cost of any backup solution is trivial compared to lost family photos or business data.
What Is Backup Software?
Backup software copies your data to a separate location so you can recover it if something goes wrong—hardware failure, theft, ransomware, or accidental deletion. Modern backup includes cloud backup (offsite), local backup (external drive), and hybrid approaches. Good solutions automate the process so it happens without thinking.
Why Backup Matters
Hard drives fail. Laptops get stolen. Ransomware encrypts files. Accidents happen. Without backup, data loss is permanent. The 3-2-1 rule is the gold standard: 3 copies of data, on 2 different media types, with 1 copy offsite. Good backup software makes this achievable without complexity.
Key Features to Look For
Automatic Backup
essentialRuns without manual intervention
Cloud Storage
essentialOffsite protection against local disasters
Versioning
essentialRecover previous versions of files
Encryption
importantProtect backup data from unauthorized access
Unlimited Storage
importantBack up everything without worrying about size
File Restore
importantEasy recovery of individual files
Full System Restore
nice-to-haveRecover entire computer after failure
Mobile Backup
nice-to-haveProtect phone photos and data
How to Choose Backup Software
- Determine what you need to protect—just files or full system
- Consider whether you need offsite (cloud) protection
- Evaluate how many computers/devices need backup
- Check recovery options—file-level vs full system
- Factor in long-term storage costs
Pricing Overview
Personal backup ranges from free (built-in tools) to $100/year for unlimited cloud. Business solutions vary widely by scale.
Free
$0
Local backup only (Time Machine, File History)
Personal
$50-100/year
Unlimited cloud backup for one computer
Family/Business
$100-500/year
Multiple computers and devices
Top Picks
Based on features, user feedback, and value for money.
Backblaze
Top PickSet-and-forget cloud backup at unbeatable value
Best for: Individuals wanting simple, unlimited cloud backup
Pros
- Unlimited storage
- Simple $99/year pricing
- Truly set-and-forget
- Restore via mail or download
Cons
- One computer per license
- No local backup
- External drives must connect monthly
- Limited business features
iDrive
Best value for multiple devices and mobile
Best for: Families and small businesses with multiple computers
Pros
- Multiple computers
- Mobile backup included
- Local + cloud hybrid
- Good business options
Cons
- Storage limits (not unlimited)
- Interface less polished
- Slower uploads initially
- Marketing can feel aggressive
Time Machine (Mac)
Built-in Mac backup that just works
Best for: Mac users wanting local backup without complexity
Pros
- Built into macOS
- Completely free
- Very easy to use
- Excellent file recovery
Cons
- Requires external drive
- No cloud option
- Mac only
- No offsite protection
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Only having one copy of important data
- Not testing that backups actually work
- Keeping backup drive connected to computer (ransomware risk)
- Relying only on cloud sync (not true backup)
- Waiting until after a loss to start backing up
Expert Tips
- Follow 3-2-1: 3 copies, 2 media types, 1 offsite
- Test restoration periodically—untested backups don't count
- Use both local and cloud backup for best protection
- Encrypt backups, especially cloud ones
- Set up backup today—tomorrow may be too late
The Bottom Line
Backblaze for simple personal backup. iDrive for multiple devices. Time Machine + Backblaze together provides excellent protection for Mac users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cloud sync (like Dropbox) the same as backup?
No. Sync mirrors your current files—if you delete or a file gets corrupted, that change syncs too. Backup preserves point-in-time copies you can restore from, even if current files are damaged.
How much storage do I need for backup?
Depends on your data. Most people have 200GB-1TB to back up. Services like Backblaze offer unlimited, removing the guesswork. Check your current disk usage to estimate.
How often should backups run?
Continuously or daily for important data. Most modern backup software runs in the background automatically. The goal is that you never lose more than a day's work.
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