Virtual machine (VM) backup solutions are essential to any organization’s data protection strategy. These solutions allow you to create backups of your VMs and recover them in the event of data loss or corruption. With the increasing reliance on virtualization and cloud technologies, it’s more important than ever to have a reliable VM backup solution in place. In this article, we’ll look at the 12 best Virtual Machine (VM) backup solutions that you might consider for your organization.
We’ll examine the features and capabilities of each solution, as well as their pros and cons, to help you determine which one is the best fit for your needs. Whether you’re running a small business or a large enterprise, these solutions offer a range of options to ensure the availability and recoverability of your critical data and systems.
13 Best VM Backup Solutions in 2023
The following are 13 best BM backup solutions in 2023 with their features, pros, cons, and pricing
- Veeam Backup & Replication
- NAKIVO Backup & Replication
- Altaro VM Backup
- Vembu BDR Suite
- Acronis Cyber Protect
- Commvault Backup & Recovery
- Cohesity DataProtect
- Veritas Backup Exec
- Zerto Virtual Replication
- IBM Storage Protect
- Rubrik Cloud Data Management (CDM) Platform
- Iperius Backup
- Vinchin Backup and Recovery
1. Veeam Backup & Replication
Veeam Backup & Replication is one of the best virtual machine (VM) backup solutions and is a comprehensive backup and recovery solution for virtual, physical, and cloud environments. It offers a range of features, including support for cloud-native applications, granular recovery options, and advanced analytics. Veeam Backup & Replication is a software product designed for backing up and restoring data in virtualized environments. Here are some pros, cons, features, and pricing information for Veeam Backup & Replication:
Veeam Backup & Replication Features
- Supports Virtual machine (VM) backup and recovery.
- Incremental backups.
- Replication and disaster recovery.
- Integration with cloud providers such as AWS and Microsoft applications such as Exchange and SQL Server.
- Centralized management console.
- Support for a variety of storage devices and platforms.
Veeam Backup & Replication Pros
- Offers fast, reliable backups and restores for virtual environments.
- Provides several advanced features for backup and recovery, including incremental backups, replication, and restoration to dissimilar hardware.
- Offers good scalability, with the ability to manage multiple servers and workstations from a central console.
- Has a straightforward user interface and is easy to use.
Veeam Backup & Replication Cons
- Some users may find the cost of the software to be on the high side.
- May not be suitable for backing up very large datasets or for use in extremely high-performance environments.
Veeam Backup & Replication Pricing
Veeam Platform is available in two packages: Veeam Availability Suite and Veeam Backup & Replication. It is licensed with the Veeam Universal License (VUL) which is an easy-to-use, per-workload license, available via subscription or perpetual options, for protecting data across on-premises and multi-cloud environments. VUL is portable and transferable, and thus future-proof, moving easily across VMware, Hyper-V, Windows, Linux, NAS, AWS, Azure, and beyond.
You can generate a sales inquiry to get the latest pricing model from the sales team of Veeam.
2. Nakivo Backup & Replication
Nakivo is a company that provides data protection and backup solutions for businesses of all sizes. It offers Backup & Replication solutions for VMware, Hyper-V, and Nutanix AHV and replication solutions for VMware, Hyper-V, and AWS. You can easily deploy the NAKIVO solution on NAS, Windows/Linux, or as hardened VA/AMI. You can run your first VMware vSphere backup in less than 5 minutes and ensure complete data protection.
Key features of Nakivo Backup & Replication
- Backup and replication for virtualized environments, including VMware, Hyper-V, and AWS.
- Granular recovery options, including the ability to restore individual files and application items.
- Multi-tenancy support for service providers.
- Automated backup verification, ensuring that backups are consistent and can be recovered.
- Cloud backup and offsite replication.
- Compression and deduplication to reduce backup storage size.
Pros
- Affordable pricing for small and medium-sized businesses;
- Comprehensive data protection and disaster recovery solution for virtualized environments.
- Granular recovery options provide more specific recovery options in the event of a disaster.
- Multi-tenancy support for service providers allows them to manage multiple clients from a single console.
- Automated backup verification ensures that backups are consistent and can be recovered.
Cons
- Some users have reported issues with backup and recovery performance.
- The user interface may be less intuitive than other data protection and disaster recovery solutions.
- Not all features are available for all hypervisors.
It also provides the facility for offsite backup and cloud backup, which gives additional protection for the data. Nakivo Backup & Replication also has a feature of creating a bootable backup that can be used to boot a virtual machine in case of disaster.
Nakivo Backup and Replication Pricing
Starting at $229 per socket with perpetual licenses
Starting at $2.5 per workload/month with subscription licenses
3. Altaro VM Backup
Altaro VM Backup is a software product designed for backing up and restoring virtual machines (VMs) on physical, on-premises, and in the cloud. It is easy to use and offers a range of features. Altaro VM Backup is also considered in 12 best virtual machines (VM) backup solutions and is also known for its simple setup and flexible pricing options. Here are some pros, cons, features, and pricing information:
Altaro VM Backup Features
- Offers fully-featured VM backup and recovery.
- Incremental backups.
- Replication and disaster recovery.
- Integration with Microsoft applications such as Exchange and SQL Server.
- Centralized management console.
- Support for a variety of storage devices and platforms.
Altaro VM Backup Pros
- Offers fast, reliable backups and restores virtual machines.
- Provides a number of advanced features for backup and recovery, including incremental backups, replication, and restoration to dissimilar hardware.
- Has a straightforward user interface and is easy to use.
- Provides good scalability, with the ability to manage multiple servers and workstations from a central console.
Altaro VM Backup Cons
- Some users may find the cost of the software to be on the high side.
- May not be suitable for backing up very large datasets or for use in extremely high-performance environments.
Altaro VM Backup Pricing
4. Vembu BDR Suite
Vembu is a software company that provides data protection and backup solutions for businesses of all sizes. Vembu BDR Suite is also one of the best virtual machine (VM) backup solutions for small to medium sized businesses (SMBs) and offers a data protection and disaster recovery solution that includes several different products, such as Vembu ImageBackup, Vembu VMBackup, and Vembu NetworkBackup.
Key features of Vembu BDR Suite
- Data protection and backup for virtualized environments, including VMware, Hyper-V, and Nutanix AHV.
- Image-based backup and recovery, which allows for the creation of full system images.
- Granular recovery options, including the ability to restore individual files, folders, and application items.
- Multi-tenancy support for service providers.
- Comprehensive reporting and monitoring capabilities.
Pros of Vembu BDR Suite
- Affordable pricing for small and medium-sized businesses;
- Comprehensive data protection and disaster recovery solution for virtualized environments.
- Granular recovery options provide more specific recovery options in the event of a disaster.
- Multi-tenancy support for service providers allows them to manage multiple clients from a single console.
Cons of Vembu BDR Suite
- Some users have reported issues with backup and recovery performance.
- The user interface may be less intuitive than other data protection and disaster recovery solutions.
- Not all features are available for all hypervisors.
Vembu BDR also provides the facility for offsite backup and cloud backup, which gives additional protection for the data.
Vembu BDR Suite Pricing
5. Acronis Cyber Protect
Acronis Cyber Protect offers backup and recovery for VMs, as well as for physical servers and cloud environments. It is known for its easy-to-use interface and powerful recovery capabilities. Acronis Backup is a software product designed for backing up and restoring data in physical, virtual, and cloud environments. Here are some pros, cons, features, and pricing information for Acronis Backup:
Acronis Cyber Protect Features
- Physical, virtual, and cloud backup and recovery.
- Incremental backups.
- Deduplication.
- Cloud-based disaster recovery.
- Centralized management console.
- Support for a variety of storage devices and platforms.
Acronis Cyber Protect Pros
- Offers a wide range of backup and recovery options, including support for physical, virtual, and cloud environments
- Provides a number of advanced features, such as incremental backups, deduplication, and cloud-based disaster recovery
- Has a straightforward user interface and is easy to use
- Provides good scalability, with the ability to manage multiple servers and workstations from a central console
Acronis Cyber Protect Cons
- Some users may find the cost of the software to be on the high side.
- May not be suitable for backing up very large datasets or for use in extremely high-performance environments.
Acronis Cyber Protect Pricing
6. Commvault Backup & Recovery
Commvualt Backup & Recovery is a complete data management solution that includes VM backup and recovery capabilities. It offers support for a range of platforms, including VMware, Hyper-V, and AWS. Commvault is a data management software product that offers backup, recovery, and other data management capabilities for physical, virtual, and cloud environments. Here are some pros, cons, features, and pricing information for Commvault:
Commvault Backup & Recovery Features
- Backup, recovery, and archiving for physical, virtual, and cloud environments.
- Deduplication and replication.
- Disaster recovery.
- Support for a variety of storage platforms.
- Central management console.
Commvault Backup & Recovery Pros
- Offers a wide range of data management capabilities, including backup, recovery, archiving, and disaster recovery.
- Provides advanced features such as deduplication, replication, and support for a variety of storage platforms.
- Has a scalable architecture that can handle large amounts of data and support multiple servers and workstations.
- Provides a central management console for easy administration and monitoring.
Commvault Backup & Recovery Cons
- Some users may find the cost of the software to be on the high side.
- May have a steep learning curve for users who are not familiar with data management software.
Commvault Backup & Recovery Pricing
Commvault Backup & Recovery pricing is based on a subscription model, with prices starting at around $1,000 per year for a basic edition and going up to several thousand dollars per year for an enterprise edition. Prices may vary depending on the number of VMs being backed up and the features included. A free trial version of the software is also available.
7. Cohesity DataProtect
Cohesity DataProtect is an advanced and all-encompassing data protection solution designed to simplify backup and recovery processes. With a unified platform, it streamlines backup, recovery, and management tasks, eliminating the need for multiple point solutions.
Experience the power of Cohesity DataProtect with its global deduplication feature, which significantly reduces storage requirements and enhances backup performance. It offers extensive coverage for a wide range of data sources, including virtual machines, databases, and file systems, ensuring comprehensive protection.
Unlock the potential of your business with Cohesity DataProtect’s impressive features. Benefit from rapid recovery, granular file-level restores, and automated rules that optimize your operations. Seamlessly integrate with cloud services, harnessing the scalability and cost-effectiveness of cloud storage for your data protection needs.
Cohesity DataProtect Features
- Maximize storage efficiency with compression and global deduplication techniques.
- Enjoy native integration for seamless data management with leading public cloud service providers.
- Leverage instant mass restorations for quick recovery of large datasets.
- Enhance data protection with built-in ransomware detection and immutable file systems.
Cohesity DataProtect Pros
- Benefit from the availability of immutable file system capabilities.
- Enjoy easy setup and management processes.
- Secure your data with robust features that guard against ransomware and data leaks.
- Achieve data mobility through seamless connections with public cloud systems.
Cohesity DataProtect Cons
- Limited support for outdated applications and systems.
- Absence of multi-factor authentication (MFA) for Active Directory-based user accounts.
Cohesity DataProtect Pricing
While Cohesity does not publicly advertise its pricing, resellers list a one-year subscription of DataProtect starting at $1,200 for 1TB. Get in touch with their sales team to explore pricing options tailored to your requirements. Additionally, take advantage of their 30-day free trial to experience the full capabilities of Cohesity DataProtect.
Experience the power and simplicity of Cohesity DataProtect for comprehensive backup and recovery across all your environments. Safeguard your valuable data with a solution that delivers efficiency, security, and peace of mind.
8. Veritas Backup Exec
Veritas Backup Exec offers a range of options for VM backup and recovery, including support for hybrid cloud environments. It also includes advanced features like deduplication and compression to reduce storage requirements. Veritas Backup Exec is a data protection software product that offers backup, recovery, and other data management capabilities for physical, virtual, and cloud environments. Here are some pros, cons, features, and pricing information for Veritas Backup Exec:
Veritas Backup Exec Features
- Backup, recovery, and archiving for physical, virtual, and cloud environments.
- Deduplication and replication.
- Disaster recovery.
- Support for a variety of storage platforms.
- Central management console.
Veritas Backup Exec Pros
- Offers a wide range of data protection capabilities, including backup, recovery, archiving, and disaster recovery.
- Provides advanced features such as deduplication, replication, and support for a variety of storage platforms.
- Has a scalable architecture that can handle large amounts of data and support multiple servers and workstations.
- Provides a central management console for easy administration and monitoring.
Veritas Backup Exec Cons
- Some users may find the cost of the software to be on the high side.
- May have a steep learning curve for users who are not familiar with data protection software.
Veritas Backup Exec Pricing
Veritas Backup Exec pricing is based on a subscription model, with prices starting at around $1,000 per year for a basic edition and going up to several thousand dollars per year for an enterprise edition. Prices may vary depending on the number of VMs being backed up and the features included. A free trial version of the software is also available.
9. Zerto Virtual Replication
Zerto Virtual Replication also includes in 10 best virtual machine (VM) backup solutions that specializes in disaster recovery and offer a range of options for VM backup and recovery. It is known for its fast recovery times and ability to replicate data between different environments. Zerto Virtual Replication is a disaster recovery and business continuity software that provides continuous data protection for virtualized environments.
Zerto Virtual Replication Features
Some of the key features of Zerto Virtual Replication include:
- Replication of virtual machines across different environments, including on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments.
- Automatic failover and failback capabilities.
- Granular recovery options, allow for the recovery of individual files and application items.
- Non-disruptive testing of disaster recovery plans.
- Multi-hypervisor support.
- Automated disaster recovery orchestration and reporting.
Pros of Zerto Virtual Replication
- Provides a comprehensive disaster recovery solution for virtualized environments.
- Easy to use and set up, with a simple, intuitive user interface.
- Non-disruptive testing allows for regular validation of disaster recovery plans.
- Granular recovery options allow for more specific recovery options in the event of a disaster.
Cons of Zerto Virtual Replication
- May be more expensive than other disaster recovery solutions.
- Some administrators have reported performance issues with large datasets.
- Not all features are available for all hypervisors.
Zerto Virtual Replication also has good support for different platforms like VMware, Hyper-V, AWS, and Azure.
Zerto Virtual Replication Pricing
There are three licensing options offered for VMs as described below.
| Zerto Data Protection | Enterprise Cloud Edition | Migration License |
| ZDP delivers management, administration, and orchestration for backup. Always-on Local Replication Orchestrated Backup Cloning Long-Term Retention (LTR) Restore from Journal and LTR Zerto Analytics Get Started | ECE delivers management, administration, and orchestration for disaster recovery and backup. Always-on Local Replication Orchestrated Backup Cloning Long-Term Retention (LTR) Restore from Journal and LTR Zerto Analytics Orchestrated DR Always-on Remote Replication One-to-Many Replication Migrations / Moves Get Started | The Zerto Migration license delivers workload mobility for cloud migration, infrastructure modernization, and data center refreshes. Get Started |
10. IBM Storage Protect
This is a comprehensive data protection solution that includes VM backup and recovery capabilities. It offers support for a range of platforms, including VMware, Hyper-V, and Linux. IBM Storage Protect is a data protection software product that offers backup, recovery, and other data management capabilities for physical, virtual, and cloud environments. Here is some pros, cons, features, and pricing information for IBM Spectrum Protect:
IBM Storage Protect Features
- Backup, recovery, and archiving for physical, virtual, and cloud environments.
- Deduplication and replication.
- Disaster recovery.
- Support for a variety of storage platforms.
- Central management console.
IBM Storage Protect Pros
- Offers a wide range of data protection capabilities, including backup, recovery, archiving, and disaster recovery.
- Provides advanced features such as deduplication, replication, and support for a variety of storage platforms.
- Has a scalable architecture that can handle large amounts of data and support multiple servers and workstations.
- Provides a central management console for easy administration and monitoring.
IBM Storage Protect Cons
- Some users may find the cost of the software to be on the high side
- May have a steep learning curve for users who are not familiar with data protection software
IBM Storage Protect Pricing
11. Rubrik Cloud Data Management (CDM) Platform
Rubrik is a data management and protection company that provides a range of software solutions for backup, disaster recovery, and data management. The main product of Rubrik is the Rubrik Cloud Data Management (CDM) platform, which is a software-defined data management platform that provides data backup, recovery, and archival capabilities for both physical and virtual environments.
Key features of the Rubrik Cloud Data Management (CDM) platform
- Backup, recovery, and archival of data for both physical and virtual environments.
- Automated data tiering, which moves data between different storage tiers based on usage and access patterns.
- Cloud-native data management, which allows for the backup and recovery of data to and from public cloud platforms such as AWS and Azure.
- Automated disaster recovery and testing.
- Multi-cloud data management, which allows for the management of data across multiple cloud platforms.
Pros of Rubrik Cloud Data Management (CDM) platform
- Provides a comprehensive data management and protection solution for both physical and virtual environments;
- Automated data tiering and cloud-native data management can help optimize storage usage and costs;
- Automated disaster recovery and testing can help ensure data availability and integrity; and
- Multi-cloud data management allows for the management of data across multiple cloud platforms.
Cons of Rubrik Cloud Data Management (CDM) Platform
- The cost of the solution can be high.
- Some users have reported issues with the performance of the platform.
- The platform may require a certain level of technical expertise to set up and manage.
It also offers good support for different platforms like VMware, Hyper-V, AWS, and Azure. And, Rubrik CDM provides the facility for offsite backup and cloud backup, which gives additional protection for the data. It also supports a feature of creating a bootable backup which can be used to boot a virtual machine in case of disaster.
Rubrik Cloud Data Management (CDM) platform pricing
Here’s the Sales Contact for Rubrik CDM
12. Iperius Backup
Iperius Backup is a powerful and reliable backup software that can be used to back up and replicate data on Windows, Linux, and macOS systems.
Key features of Iperius Backup
- Support for a wide range of backup types, including full, incremental, and differential backups, as well as cloud backups to popular services such as Google Drive, Amazon S3, and Azure.
- Support for a wide range of backup destinations, including local and external hard drives, NAS, and tape drives.
- Advanced scheduling options, including incremental and differential backups, which allow you to schedule backups according to your needs.
- Support for backup of virtual machines and databases, including VMware, Hyper-V, and SQL Server.
- Advanced encryption and compression options, including AES 256-bit encryption and Zip compression, to keep your data secure and minimize storage space.
- An easy-to-use, intuitive interface that makes it easy to navigate and set up backups.
Pros of Iperius Backup
- It is comprehensive software that can be used for different types of backup and replication.
- It has a wide range of support for different platforms and backup destinations.
- It offers advanced scheduling options, encryption, and compression options which are very useful for safeguarding data.
- It has a user-friendly interface which makes it easy to navigate and set up backups.
Cons of Iperius Backup
- It can be expensive for some users, especially those who require advanced features such as virtual machines or database backups.
- It may require a certain level of technical expertise to set up and use, especially for advanced features.
- It may not be suitable for larger organizations that require more complex and centralized backup solutions.
Iperius Backup Pricing
Overall, Iperius Backup is a powerful and reliable backup and replication software that can be used to back up and replicate data on Windows, Linux, and macOS systems. It offers advanced features and support for a wide range of backup types and destinations, making it a good choice for businesses and organizations of all sizes. However, it can be expensive, and may not be suitable for larger organizations that require more complex and centralized backup solutions.
13. Vinchin Backup and Recovery
Vinchin Backup and Recovery is a software that provides backup and disaster recovery solutions for virtual and physical environments.
Key features of Vinchin Backup and Recovery
- Backup and restore of virtual machines (VM) and physical servers
- Incremental and differential backups
- Cloud backup support
- Granular file and folder recovery
- Support for various hypervisors, such as VMware, Hyper-V, and Nutanix AHV
Pros of Vinchin Backup and Recovery
- Easy to use: The software has a simple and user-friendly interface that makes it easy to set up and manage backups.
- Scalable: It can handle large amounts of data and can be used for both small and large environments.
- Multiple recovery options: The software provides various recovery options, including file-level and full-system recovery, which makes it more flexible and efficient.
- Compatibility: It supports multiple hypervisors and cloud platforms, which makes it more versatile.
Cons of Vinchin Backup and Recovery
- Limited reporting: The software has limited reporting capabilities, which makes it difficult to track and monitor backups.
- Limited support for physical servers: While it does support physical servers, it is primarily designed for virtual environments.
- Additional costs: Some advanced features, such as cloud backup and disaster recovery, may require additional costs.
Vinchin Backup and Recovery Pricing
13 Best Virtual Machine (VM) Backup Solutions Conclusion
In conclusion, having a reliable VM backup solution is essential for protecting your organization’s data and systems. The 13 best Virtual Machine (VM) backup solutions offer a range of options for backing up and recovering your VMs and protecting physical servers and cloud environments. When you choose a VM backup solution, it’s important to consider the specific needs and requirements of your organization.
Some factors to consider include the size of your environment, the type of workload you are running, your budget, and any regulatory compliance requirements you need to meet. You can read reviews and compare the features and capabilities of different solutions to determine which one is the best fit for your organization. By taking the time to carefully evaluate your options, you can ensure that you have a robust VM backup and recovery strategy in place to protect your critical data and systems.
