Acronis Backup and Restore is widely regarded as one of the top Cloud Backup solutions available. It receives an impressive rating of 8.0 out of 10. Often compared to Veeam Backup and Replication, Acronis Backup is particularly popular among large enterprises, with 53% of users according to PeerSpot research. However, its high price for storage, coupled with a subpar web portal and a challenging user experience on mobile devices, make it less suitable for home users. The basic cloud storage option starts at 500GB, which may not suffice for power users. Nevertheless, the true value of Acronis lies in its robust functionality, which we will discuss further in this article.
What is Acronis Backup and Restore?
Acronis Backup is a comprehensive protection software that offers various features to safeguard your data. It provides threat protection through Acronis Active Protection, multi-tier deduplication, blockchain notarization, off-host backup functionality, and mobile data protection. The pricing starts at $59.67 per year, reflecting the expertise and maturity of the company’s new iteration. It is a reliable solution for backup needs and also offers business-grade cloud backup capabilities. This version allows users to access new features such as remote management and additional safety measures. Additionally, there is a 30-day free trial available. The software supports both Windows and Linux systems but surprisingly lacks support for MacOS. Regardless of the operating system, Acronis Backup offers excellent backup results for data on mobile devices, public clouds, on-premises systems, and remote systems.
Acronis Backup 12.5 comes in standard and latest editions and can save data on 21 different platforms. It ensures quick recovery with a Recovery Time Objective (RTO) of only 15 seconds, which is twice as fast as its competitors. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy to use and provides enhanced security. The management of data protection is simplified, reducing manual efforts for IT personnel. Noteworthy features include zero installation, bare-metal recovery, flexible granular recovery options, and compatibility with different hardware configurations.
Cost of Acronis Backup and Restore:
In 2003, Acronis began its journey by developing local backup software, specializing in fast disc imaging. It quickly gained a positive reputation for its efficient performance. One of their offline solutions, called Acronis True Image Standard, was introduced. It allows users to back up a single machine. The pricing for this solution is $59.99 for one machine, $89.99 for three machines, and $119.99 for five machines, all with a one-time fee. Additionally, customers have the opportunity to try the software free of charge for a period of 30 days after purchase.
Furthermore, if you choose not to pay for upgrades, you can still opt for the Acronis True Image local backup software through a subscription. The subscription cost for one PC is $49.99 per year, while for three PCs it is $79.99, and for five PCs it is $99.99. All Acronis subscription plans offer discounts for the initial plan. It’s important to note that the online backup component is always included and is not limited to the Standard or Essentials versions.
When it comes to upgrading Acronis, there are two available plans: local and online. Acronis is considering a hybrid backup solution as it combines both types. The cheaper option includes 500GB of cloud storage. For a single computer, the cost is $69.99 per year, while for three computers it is $129.99, and for five computers it is $189.99. In all these plans, the amount of cloud storage remains the same, which is 500GB.
Features of Acronis Backup and Restore:
Acronis Backup and Restore offers solutions for both businesses and home offices, providing a wide range of features to ensure protection. One of its key strengths is the ability to back up various devices, including macOS, Windows, iOS, Linux desktops, Android phones, network-attached storage, and external hard drives. There are multiple backup options available to suit different needs. On desktops, the image-based backup is particularly noteworthy as it includes all user data on the device. Additionally, you can create file backups as per your preferences. Acronis supports hybrid backups and local backups, following the recommended 3-2-1 backup rules, which is highly beneficial for users. You have the flexibility to schedule backups at your convenience and even pause them if needed. Another noteworthy feature is the use of zero-knowledge encryption, ensuring enhanced security for your data.
Features of Acronis that Protect Home Office:
Its main purpose is protection, and the Home Office is an excellent choice for most home users. One of the great advantages of using the Home Office version is the ability to set up constant backups. When you select the “nonstop” option in the schedule settings, the tool quickly scans for changes and backs up all the saved files, ensuring no data is lost in case of a disaster. One limitation is the “try and decide” tool, which saves any edits in a separate copy file. You have the option to turn it off and keep the original version. It is also good for malware protection. Before downloading and opening any files, you can activate them, and if any malicious content is detected, you can reset everything.
Features in Cloud Storage:
Moving the file to conventional cloud storage is a common practice. However, it’s not one of the top-notch cloud storage tools. If you already have data in the cloud storage, it’s beneficial as it frees up space on your devices. In the “sync” tab of your laptop, you can choose the files to synchronize. Once you sign in, you’ll be able to save your data. The syncing feature in cloud storage is not limiting, but it applies only to physical files.
Features for Acronis Cyber Protect Business:
The features in the business plan are pretty impressive. They provide server guidance and allow you to connect multiple licenses to your accounts as you acquire them. You also receive assistance from other tools to manage these accounts. Some essential features include admin roles, management, and usage reports policies. Creating multiple accounts is a straightforward process without any complications. Additionally, you can access remote management features through it. Administrators can also download Acronis Cyber Protect on other devices, as well as upload, upgrade, and run files.
Additionally, the administrators can check for any safety concerns. With the affordable Acronis Cyber Plans for backup, you can access numerous features. These plans also offer extra security measures like exploit prevention and URL filtering. To prevent accidental data loss, they assist in monitoring the health of your hard disk. Furthermore, if the same file is uploaded multiple times, data deduplication is provided to ensure efficient storage
Performance of Acronis Backup and Restore:
We tested five cloud backup services, namely IDrive Personal, CrashPlan for small businesses, Carbonite Safe, Backblaze, and Acronis True Image. The tests use a Lenovo Yoga C940 14-inch Computer running Windows 10 Home 64-bit with a 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor. On the Google Pixel 3 with Android 10, we experimented with the mobile apps of these services. Each service was uninstalled from the devices before downloading and installing another one. Acronis True Image utilized an average of only 1 percent of the CPU resources during the backup process. The CPU usage during backups varied, with some services using 15% of CPU cycles and others performing better in their respective setups. Additionally, if you’re studying the effects of Adobe Premiere Pro, you can find all the necessary information in the article you’re currently reading.
User Interface:
During testing, we found that many of the features in their interface are easily accessible and readily available. The interface is into seven sections, which are shown in the left column. The content of the current section is on the right side. The first section is known as backup, where you organize your Acronis backups. In this section, there is one column that lists your backups, while the third column allows you to recover your data. Additionally, you can set up regular backups using features such as scheduling, notifications, folder or file exclusions, and network prioritization.
Pros:
- Comprehensive guide for the most popular virtual hosts
- Rapid restore options for business continuity
- Excellent support for business software
- Effective ransomware blockage
Cons:
- Cloud storage is a separate product
- Remote management is not mechanically
- Lack of intermediary cloud backup targets
Final Review of Acronis Backup and Restore:
Let’s discuss Acronis Backup and Restore in detail, covering its price, features, and more. Acronis is slightly cheaper and offers a quick and secure backup solution. It stands out as a reliable option with great features. It is considered one of the leading online backup providers. The service is user-friendly and efficient, catering to various purposes, including small businesses. Some users prefer IDrive for its latest features, while others appreciate the affordable and unlimited options offered by Backblaze. However, the cost of Acronis should not be the sole determining factor. The Acronis True Image desktop app is highly recommended as it performs well without impacting your device’s performance.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Is Acronis a good option for backup?
A: Acronis is a reliable business that prioritizes the security of users’ data. We ensure data safety through zero-knowledge encryption, which means we do not have access to or trust the contents of your files. If the content of a file is otherwise unclear, Acronis will not be able to read it.
Q: Does Acronis offer any free plans?
A: No, Acronis does not offer any free plans. However, we do provide a 30-day free trial period for our subscription plans.
Q: Does Acronis offer unlimited usage?
A: Acronis provides a product that allows you to manage an unlimited number of machines. This means you can back up and protect an unlimited number of virtual or physical machines using a single protection plan.