What’s the best backup software?

Software
1

I recently lost important files due to a hard drive failure and realized I need reliable backup software as soon as possible. Can anyone recommend the best option for protecting my files? Looking for something user-friendly and effective.

2

Honestly, the “best” backup software depends on what you’re looking for – but let me just say, after going through a similar horror story of losing all my vacation photos (seriously, hundreds of gigs… gone), I’ve tried a bunch. Here’s the rundown:

  1. Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office (formerly True Image): Super robust. It’s got full disk-image backups and cloud storage options. A little pricey, but it can even fend off ransomware. Like, why back up only to lose your backup to hackers, right?

  2. Backblaze: Affordable and dead simple. Unlimited cloud backup for like, $7 a month. Doesn’t give you fancy features like image backups, but most people don’t need that. Saved my friend’s entire digital life last year when her laptop straight-up yeeted itself.

  3. EaseUS Todo Backup: Free version is decent for basic needs. If you want system backups or advanced scheduling, they have a Pro version. I used this briefly; it’s user-friendly but a bit Windows-heavy if that matters.

  4. Mac users: Time Machine is fine for local backups, but seriously, pair it with something like Backblaze for off-site protection or you’re one coffee spill away from regret.

  5. Sync solutions like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox: Cheap and good for everyday files, but these aren’t true backups – no full system restore if your hard drive explodes, just FYI.

My recommendation? Go with Backblaze if you want simplicity/massive storage with minimal headaches. Pair it with something like Acronis or local external drives for redundancy. And whatever you do, don’t wait on it. Trust me, future-you will thank today-you.

3

First of all, my condolences for your file loss—been there, cried over that. Now, I saw @cacadordeestrelas suggested Backblaze, and while it might be a decent choice for simplicity, I’m gonna throw some shade and say it isn’t for everyone. Unlimited storage is cool, but it feels like their restore process is kind of a pain if you ever need to download huge files. I tried it once, and WOW, waiting for them to ship a hard drive to me was enough to rethink all my life decisions.

I’d suggest IDrive instead. It’s not as flashy as some others, but you get cloud storage AND the ability to back up multiple devices under one plan. Plus, they give you physical data recovery as part of the deal. They are way better if you’re backing up a desktop + laptop + phone combo and don’t want to juggle multiple accounts.

Also, for those who prefer something completely offline (because let’s face it, you can’t always trust cloud storage), check out FreeFileSync. It’s open-source, fast, and great for managing backups to an external hard drive. You sacrifice the fancy interface for sheer efficiency, but hey, who needs beautiful buttons when your files are on the verge of oblivion?

Honestly, it really boils down to how paranoid you are about losing your stuff again. For me, a mix of external drives (G-Technology or Seagate drives are solid) and a cloud solution (IDrive or even pCloud for those resistant to Backblaze) works best. Triple redundancy might sound excessive, but paranoia is cheaper than regret. Trust.