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Data Science AnalyticsTop 12 Best Remote Back Up Software of 2026
Compare remote back up software options for offsite and remote backups, with tradeoffs and fit notes for IT teams selecting storage and restore tools.
How we ranked these tools
Vendors set the topic, but our editors set the inclusion criteria and the evaluation framework before research starts.
Agents extract product evidence with provenance, then collect written reviews and transcribe video reviews and podcasts.
Framework: Features 40% · Ease 30% · Value 30%
Gitnux may earn a commission through links on this page — this does not influence rankings. Editorial policy
Datto SIRIS is the best choice for remote teams that need appliance-managed image recovery because its restore testing workflows are repeatable before an actual incident, while Backblaze is a strong alternative for hands-off endpoint backups since its continuous change tracking keeps uploads low-effort with straightforward file-level restores.
Editor’s top 3 picks
Three quick recommendations before you dive into the full comparison below — each one leads on a different dimension.
Datto SIRIS
Appliance-run restore testing workflows provide repeatable validation before a real incident.
Best for: Fits when remote teams need appliance-managed image recovery with consistent retention and offsite disaster readiness.
Veeam Backup and Replication
Editor pickVeeam’s granular recovery interface enables file-level retrieval from restore points without mounting full backups.
Best for: Fits when remote sites need standardized restore workflows and application-consistent backups across many servers.
Backblaze
Editor pickIncremental forever style client-side change tracking that drives low-effort uploads for continuously backed endpoints.
Best for: Fits when remote teams want hands-off endpoint backups with file-level restores and minimal admin policy branching.
Comparison Table
Datto SIRIS
enterpriseBackup and disaster recovery platform with remote appliance-based image backup and cloud failover.
Appliance-run restore testing workflows provide repeatable validation before a real incident.
Datto SIRIS uses an image-level backup approach that captures entire machine state, which enables faster bare-metal restores than file-only recovery. The appliance includes a built-in orchestration layer for backup jobs, retention policy enforcement, and restore testing workflows. Offsite protection is typically handled by replicating backup data to secondary Datto storage, which supports disaster recovery planning across sites.
A key tradeoff is that SIRIS is appliance-centric, so capacity planning, refresh cadence, and storage growth often require on-prem hardware management. It fits best when a remote team needs repeatable disaster recovery runs for laptops and servers with centralized monitoring and predictable restore paths.
- +Image-level snapshots support bare-metal style recovery workflows
- +Automated retention policy enforcement reduces operator cleanup tasks
- +Centralized management supports consistent policies across remote sites
- +Built-in restore testing workflows reduce restore readiness uncertainty
- –Appliance-centric architecture increases hardware and capacity management overhead
- –Fine-grained application awareness is limited compared to agent suites
- –Large-scale endpoint diversity can require careful policy tailoring
- –Incremental storage growth planning can be operationally time-consuming
IT operations teams
Centralized backup policy for multiple sites
Fewer missed backups
Managed service providers
Tenant separation across remote customer installs
Consistent restore outcomes
Show 2 more scenarios
Small enterprise IT
Rapid bare-metal recovery planning
Shorter downtime
Image-based backups support disaster recovery planning after full system failures.
Remote endpoint support
Laptop and workstation recovery
Faster incident recovery
Agent-based imaging enables restore of full machine state without file-only triage.
Best for: Fits when remote teams need appliance-managed image recovery with consistent retention and offsite disaster readiness.
Veeam Backup and Replication
enterpriseEnterprise backup platform with remote site replication and cloud-tier storage integration.
Veeam’s granular recovery interface enables file-level retrieval from restore points without mounting full backups.
Veeam Backup and Replication centers on job-based protection for virtualized environments and file and system recovery use cases through agents and application integrations. Restore support includes granular file recovery and bare-metal restore paths so recovery can scale from single files to full server rebuilds. Centralized configuration lets teams standardize schedules, retention policy, and backup verification behavior across many protected assets from one management layer.
A key tradeoff is that large multi-site environments benefit from careful repository sizing and network planning to prevent backup window failures. Veeam works well when remote teams need repeatable recovery procedures with consistent runbooks, and when data movement must be scheduled through controlled repositories and WAN-optimized paths.
- +Granular file and volume restore from centrally managed restore points
- +Application-aware backups improve consistency for common server workloads
- +Extensible disaster recovery orchestration with repeatable test workflows
- +Centralized policy and job management across many protected systems
- –Large deployments require disciplined repository and storage layout planning
- –Remote site recovery planning can get complex with multiple repositories
- –Some workflows depend on add-ons for cloud or advanced storage integration
- –Initial design of retention and verification policies takes time
Midmarket IT operations teams
Standardize recovery across remote office servers
Faster, consistent restores
Security and compliance owners
Control backup integrity and recovery readiness
Reduced recovery uncertainty
Show 2 more scenarios
Infrastructure teams running virtualization
Recover VMs with consistent granularity
Lower restore downtime
Application-aware processing plus granular recovery reduces time-to-recover for compromised or deleted items.
Disaster recovery coordinators
Test failover plans without manual rebuilding
Repeatable DR tests
Orchestrated disaster recovery testing uses the same restore assets and configurations as real recovery.
Best for: Fits when remote sites need standardized restore workflows and application-consistent backups across many servers.
Backblaze
SMBUnlimited cloud backup for personal computers and business workstations with automatic remote storage.
Incremental forever style client-side change tracking that drives low-effort uploads for continuously backed endpoints.
Backblaze fits remote backup needs with an agent-based continuous backup model that targets endpoints and stores data in Backblaze-managed storage. It uses incremental forever style change tracking so uploads focus on new and modified data instead of full re-sends.
Restore workflows center on file recovery and download delivery, which suits small to medium recovery windows for individual users and shared documents. Admin control is mainly account-level configuration for backup coverage and retention choices rather than deep per-folder policy management.
- +Continuous backup uploads only new and modified data blocks
- +File-level restore supports granular recovery for common endpoint scenarios
- +Centralized account configuration reduces per-device admin overhead
- +Archive-style restore delivery works well for non-admin end users
- –Limited admin governance for per-folder or per-user retention policies
- –Not designed for image-level or bare-metal restore workflows
Small business IT teams
Cloud backup for a limited server set
Remote server data recoverable
Home computer users
Continuous backup without local hardware
Personal files stay recoverable
Show 2 more scenarios
Media and production teams
Retain large source media remotely
Media assets preserved remotely
Saves source files and other large objects to a remote repository for durable retention.
IT and data protection teams
Immutability and retention for protected data
Protected data stays recoverable
Applies retention and immutability settings so selected data remains recoverable for a defined period.
Best for: Fits when remote teams want hands-off endpoint backups with file-level restores and minimal admin policy branching.
Acronis Cyber Protect
enterpriseIntegrated backup and cybersecurity platform with remote agent management for endpoints and servers.
Bare-metal restore capability built for full system recovery from stored recovery points.
Acronis Cyber Protect is built around agent-based, image-level protection that targets fast system recovery and supports bare-metal restore. Endpoint and server protection policies can be centrally configured, then applied with change-aware scheduling so protected systems remain current between backup windows. The console also provides operational views for job status, recovery points, and restore task outcomes.
- +Central console manages endpoint and server backup policies from one place
- +Image-based backups support bare-metal restore for offline disaster recovery
- +Recovery workflows include both system restore and file-level retrieval
- +Job monitoring exposes recovery point status for operational oversight
- –Agent-based deployment adds rollout and ongoing inventory management effort
- –Deep automation requires planning around policy design and credential setup
- –Remote restore testing needs deliberate scheduling to stay reliable
- –Granular recovery still depends on the presence of valid recovery points
IT admins managing endpoints
Recover laptops after ransomware
Shortened downtime after incidents
Small IT teams
Consolidate remote backup governance
Less fragmented administration
Show 2 more scenarios
Cloud VM operators
Protect cloud-hosted servers
Faster rebuild readiness
Use agent-based image backups to create recovery points for VM disaster recovery planning.
Compliance-focused operations
Support audited recovery procedures
Cleaner recovery evidence
Track backup job outcomes and recovery point availability to support documented restore workflows.
Best for: Fits when distributed teams need image-level disaster recovery with consistent central governance.
IDrive
SMBCloud backup service supporting multiple devices with remote management and snapshot retention.
Restore-centric recovery workflows that combine file retrieval with system-oriented restore steps from the IDrive backup catalog.
IDrive differentiates itself with cross-platform remote backup that includes both continuous-style protection options and straightforward restore workflows. It supports agent-based backups for laptops and servers plus account-level management for centralized policy control.
- +Centralized console for managing backup schedules across multiple endpoints
- +Retention policies let teams control how long backups stay available
- +Restore workflows support both file recovery and broader system recovery
- +Cross-platform agents cover common Windows and macOS environments
- –API and automation surface is limited compared with backup platforms built for integration
- –Block-level change tracking is not as granular as some enterprise imaging tools
- –Throttling and WAN optimization controls are less fine-grained for constrained networks
- –Governance features like detailed RBAC and audit reporting are not as deep
IT teams managing endpoints
Recover files across distributed devices
Faster cross-device recovery
Mobile workers and small teams
Access backup history across devices
Current files accessible anywhere
Show 2 more scenarios
Individuals and families
Back up household computers and phones
Accidental deletion recoverable
Backs up files, photos, and device data into one cloud repository for recovery after loss or deletion.
Project teams and operators
Roll back versions after file edits
Earlier version restored
Uses file history and retention settings to restore an earlier usable project file version.
Best for: Fits when remote teams need scheduled endpoint backups with manageable retention and reliable restore paths.
CrashPlan
SMBCloud backup software focused on endpoint data protection for small businesses and enterprises.
Granular file restore from prior backup points with item-level selection in the recovery workflow.
CrashPlan targets agent-based remote backup with a focus on keeping file and folder data recoverable after endpoint loss or failure. It centers on continuous and scheduled backup jobs that capture changes over time and support granular file recovery during restore.
- +Agent-based backups provide straightforward file-level recovery for end users
- +Restore workflows support selecting specific items from prior backup points
- +Central console lets administrators assign backup policies to multiple endpoints
- +Continuous and scheduled job options support mixed backup cadences
- –Restore scope is strongest for files and folders, not full image recovery
- –Cross-endpoint orchestration and API-based automation surface are limited
IT teams managing business devices
Back up endpoints under shared policies
More consistent endpoint coverage
Small business IT staff
Restore files to the failed endpoint
Selected data restored
Show 2 more scenarios
IT administrators
Define retention-based recovery windows
Recovery points follow policy
Configures retention rules so administrators control which versions remain available for recovery.
Employees and help desk teams
Restore an earlier version of one file
Single file recovered
Browses retained file versions and restores an item from an earlier recovery point.
Best for: Fits when remote teams need dependable file-level restores with centralized backup policy assignment.
Carbonite
SMBCloud-based remote backup for endpoints and servers with automatic file synchronization.
Guided restore flows for endpoint recovery, including system-image restore without manual reconstruction from raw snapshots.
Carbonite is a remote backup solution that focuses on continuous endpoint protection and scheduled backups for Windows and macOS systems. It creates restore points on managed endpoints and supports restoring files and system images without requiring direct access to original media.
- +Endpoint-first backup workflow with both file and image restore options
- +Central console supports managing backup policies across multiple remote devices
- +Automated scheduling and retention configuration reduces manual backup handling
- +Restore experience is guided for common recovery scenarios
- –Fine-grained backup orchestration and per-application controls are limited
- –Advanced governance features like detailed RBAC and audit export are not emphasized
- –Cross-site disaster recovery orchestration workflows are not the core focus
- –Restore testing and verification controls require deliberate operational process
IT teams managing distributed fleets
Run scheduled or continuous cloud backups
Consistent off-site copies
Small to mid-sized IT teams
Protect server files and system data
Critical data recoverable
Show 2 more scenarios
Desktop support and admins
Rebuild systems from stored images
Less manual rebuild work
Restores an image-backed system to replacement hardware or after operating system failure.
Employees and help desk teams
Recover deleted or overwritten files
Faster user-driven recovery
Restores individual files and folders from available backup versions after accidental changes.
Best for: Fits when distributed teams need endpoint backups with centralized policy management and reliable file restore paths.
MSP360 Backup
SMBBackup software that sends data to remote cloud storage destinations including AWS, Azure, and Backblaze B2.
Recovery verification built into restore workflows for endpoint jobs, paired with job-level retention controls.
MSP360 Backup targets remote backup workflows for endpoints and office locations, with agent-based protection and centralized scheduling. It focuses on file and system-level protection with restore-focused tooling, including recovery verification options and per-job retention settings.
- +Central console manages job scheduling across remote endpoints and servers
- +Configurable retention per protection job supports policy alignment
- +Restore-oriented workflow supports granular recovery after failures
- +Recovery verification options reduce blind-restore risk
- –Deep integration with hypervisor-level orchestration is limited versus Veeam
- –Advanced governance like detailed RBAC and audit log granularity is not as strong
- –Large-scale WAN optimization options are less explicit for high-throughput sites
- –Immutable or air-gapped repository controls are not as explicit as dedicated backup suites
Distributed SMB IT teams
Schedule remote office backups centrally
Reduced admin effort
Server and systems administrators
Back up servers and supported workloads
Recoverable workloads available
Show 2 more scenarios
Organizations and MSPs
Send backups to chosen storage targets
Storage not tied to one provider
Routes backup data to local repositories, network storage, or selected public cloud storage providers.
Security-conscious IT teams
Restore from ransomware-affected points
Targeted recovery after tampering
Uses retained recovery points and scoped restore workflows to recover files or systems after encryption.
Best for: Fits when mid-market teams need centralized endpoint backups with job-level retention and routine restore testing.
Restic
API-firstCommand-line backup program with encrypted, deduplicated backups to remote repositories over SFTP and S3.
Client-side encryption with snapshot-based restores driven from a content-addressed repository.
Restic provides encrypted, client-side backups to remote repositories, with restore operations driven by its content-based snapshot history. It is distinct for its use of a single, portable repository format that can target many storage backends using the same tooling.
- +Client-side encryption keeps plaintext off the remote repository
- +Portable repository format works across many object storage backends
- +Snapshot history enables versioned restores from a single repo
- +Granular file restore supports point-in-time recovery
- –Command-line operations require scripting for scheduled backups
- –Large-scale administration needs its own tooling and monitoring
- –Restore performance depends on network speed to the repository
- –Deduplication efficiency varies with file churn patterns
IT administrators
Workstation backups to remote storage
Recover files from a chosen snapshot
Small IT teams
NAS shared-folder versioning
Keep versioned copies for restores
Show 2 more scenarios
Server admins
Offsite backups for infrastructure
Maintain recoverable copies offsite
Admins push encrypted server backups to object storage targets outside the source environment.
Virtualization administrators
KVM host and VM file protection
Create recoverable host and VM data
Admins use scripts and snapshots to back up KVM host filesystems and VM images to remote storage.
Best for: Fits when teams need encrypted remote backups from endpoints or servers with scripting-driven scheduling.
Duplicati
SMBOpen-source backup client supporting encrypted incremental backups to remote cloud and S3-compatible storage.
Web UI job management with per-backup retention and detailed restore of individual files.
Duplicati fits small IT teams and self-directed admins who need remote back up software driven by a browser-based configuration and frequent scheduled exports to remote storage. It runs as a client that can encrypt data before upload and store backups in common cloud or object destinations.
- +Browser-based job configuration with detailed logs and history
- +Client-side encryption option that protects data before upload
- +Chunked incremental mechanism designed to reduce upload volume
- +Restore focuses on granular file recovery from backup sets
- –Large-scale fleet governance needs extra process around provisioning
- –No built-in replication or disaster orchestration for full server images
- –Restore workflows can require manual destination and selection steps
- –Some remote storage destinations need careful option tuning
Small IT teams and admins
Schedule shared folder backups remotely
Centralized recurring protection
Remote work administrators
Protect workstation documents offsite
Offsite recovery points
Show 1 more scenario
Home and small office users
Back up NAS folders and shares
Consistent scheduled protection
It can schedule backups from local paths and network-share locations to compatible remote repositories.
Best for: Fits when small teams need offsite, encrypted folder backups to cloud storage without disaster-recovery appliances.
NovaBACKUP
SMBBackup software for Windows servers and endpoints with remote network and cloud backup targets.
Recovery media creation to support system restoration workflows after workstation disk failure.
NovaBACKUP is remote back up software that centers on managing backup jobs to cloud or remote storage destinations while keeping restores workflow-driven for endpoints and servers. It supports image-based and file-based backup modes, plus scheduling and retention so remote copies stay current.
- +Image and file backup modes cover both system recovery and user data
- +Configurable scheduling with retention supports ongoing remote copies
- +Recovery media creation helps restore after disk failure
- +Encryption options support protecting data before it leaves the endpoint
- –Remote replication and failover orchestration are not as appliance-centric
- –Automation and integration depth are thinner than enterprise backup suites
- –Cloud-target flexibility depends on supported remote destination types
- –Large environments need more attention to job sprawl control
IT administrators
Restore workstation system image
Workstation returns to service
Disaster recovery teams
Rehearse system restore steps
Tested restore procedure
Show 2 more scenarios
IT support staff
Migrate to replacement drive
Replacement drive boots correctly
Support restores an image or clones a disk so the system runs on a replacement drive with minimal downtime.
Small and mid-size IT
Maintain scheduled remote backups
Scheduled remote copies preserved
Teams run recurring backups that hold regular copies on selected remote destinations for routine recovery coverage.
Best for: Fits when IT teams need remote endpoint backups with recoverable images and practical recovery media.
Arq Backup
SMBClient-side encrypted backup software that sends data to user-selected remote cloud destinations.
Block-level deduplication with change-block tracking minimizes repeat transfers for large, frequently modified files.
Arq Backup performs continuous remote backups from Windows and macOS with a local scheduler that pushes encrypted data to an external repository. It supports file-based backup with block-level deduplication and change tracking so only new blocks need transfer after the initial sync.
- +Block-level change tracking reduces WAN transfer after initial seeding
- +Repository encryption protects data before it leaves the endpoint
- +Automated backup runs with clear logs and restore history
- +Restore supports granular file recovery from the same backup sets
- –Centralized RBAC and audit log controls are limited compared with enterprise tools
- –Restore scope is strongest for files, not full bare-metal workflows
Distributed workers
Encrypted laptop backups across locations
Laptop data remains recoverable
Individuals and small businesses
Offsite backup to cloud or object storage
Offsite copy maintained
Show 2 more scenarios
Small businesses and advanced users
Keep multiple versions with retention rules
Controlled history retained
Maintains multiple backup versions while applying retention and repository cleanup rules.
Individuals and office teams
Restore a file after accidental changes
Prior usable file restored
Browses stored versions to recover deleted, overwritten, or corrupted files without restoring an entire disk image.
Best for: Fits when small teams need encrypted offsite file recovery with deduplicated transfers.
Conclusion
After evaluating 12 remote back up software, Datto SIRIS stands out as our overall top pick — it scored highest across our combined criteria of features, ease of use, and value, which is why it sits at #1 in the rankings above.
Use the comparison table and detailed reviews above to validate the fit against your own requirements before committing to a tool.
Frequently Asked Questions About Remote Back Up Software
How do Veeam Backup and Replication and Datto SIRIS differ for bare-metal restore workflows?
Which tools provide central administration and job-level control across multiple endpoints?
How do Restic and Duplicati handle encryption and restores to remote storage repositories?
What breaks if endpoint backups require per-folder policies instead of account-level coverage?
How do image-based tools and file-based tools differ in recovery time expectations for remote teams?
How do agent-based and agentless approaches change rollout and operational overhead?
Which solutions include recovery verification inside restore workflows for endpoint backups?
How do Acronis Cyber Protect and NovaBACKUP differ in recovery media creation and restore preparation?
When do administrators need API-driven automation and where do Veeam and Restic fit?
What data migration steps matter when moving from one remote backup system to another?
Tools reviewed
Primary sources checked during evaluation.
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.
How to Choose the Right Remote Back Up Software
We separate options most by how they handle restore confidence, day-to-day retention, and manageability of connections and devices. If a tool’s restore verification, retention controls, and automation fit your workflow, you’ll feel the difference quickly.
Restore verification for backups
Why it matters
Restore verification for backups matters because “completed” jobs can still hide broken data. For remote back up software, you want proof that data can be brought back, not just stored.
How to check
Ask for a demo that runs a restore test (not just a status check) and shows what is verified. Then ask whether verification can be scheduled and what level of restore it covers, such as a file-level test.
Retention controls and delete behavior
Why it matters
Retention controls and delete behavior determine what you can recover after policy changes, user mistakes, or ransomware events. Remote back up software often needs clear rules across endpoints and over time.
How to check
In a configuration walkthrough, locate where you set how long backups remain and whether old sets are automatically purged. Ask what happens when an endpoint is removed—does the backup data remain until expiration or disappear immediately.
Endpoint provisioning and onboarding
Why it matters
Endpoint provisioning and onboarding controls how reliably remote devices join the protection plan. If onboarding is inconsistent, your coverage gaps appear exactly when users are traveling or off-network.
How to check
Request to see how a new endpoint gets assigned to the right backup set and schedules. Ask for a sample workflow for bulk enrollment, such as a device-group approach, and confirm where you can view onboarding status.
Audit log for backup actions
Why it matters
Audit log for backup actions helps you track who changed settings and when backups ran. For remote back up software, this is how you answer internal questions after incidents and internal access reviews.
How to check
Ask to view an audit log that records admin changes, backup job events, and restore attempts. Confirm whether you can export the log and whether it captures user identity and timestamps.
Schedule control and bandwidth limits
Why it matters
Schedule control and bandwidth limits help remote uploads run without disrupting users. If a tool can’t steer when and how data moves, you’ll see uneven protection quality across locations.
How to check
In the settings, look for options to set backup windows and limit transfer rates during working hours. Then ask how the product behaves when network speeds drop—does it queue, throttle, or skip work.
Restore workflow for end users
Why it matters
Restore workflow for end users determines how quickly teams can recover without waiting for admins. Remote back up software that supports controlled restore paths reduces downtime during common file issues.
How to check
Run a demo where a user selects what to restore and verify what permissions apply. Ask whether restores can be done by admins only, by users with scoped rights, and how restore results are tracked.
Red flags
- Restore verification is claimed but no restore test is shown
- Retention deletes endpoints immediately with no clear delay
- Audit logs omit who performed restores or configuration changes
Fit by situation
- If you have frequent helpdesk requests for lost files, prioritize restore workflow for end users.
- If your team must prove recovery readiness, prioritize restore verification for backups.
- If remote devices connect over variable networks, prioritize schedule control and bandwidth limits.
Funding and competing interests
This study was co-funded by several of the vendors assessed in it. No single vendor funded it. Funders could propose the market studied.
They had no role in selecting vendors, setting or weighting criteria, analysing data or drawing conclusions, and they received the same factual-accuracy check as every other vendor assessed.
Market definition, inclusion rules and criteria weights were fixed by an editor before research began and did not change afterwards. Editorial process →
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