Bareos

Bareos is a backup product for computers and servers, with support for Linux, macOS, Windows and web access. It suits people managing mixed systems who want a free, open-source edition or can meet the paid plan’s 10-unit minimum. Its chief trade-off is clear: Community costs nothing, while a paid Subscription starts at €480 a year.

Overview

Bareos covers both computer and server backup, with mixed backup and restore modes and ransomware protection. That combination makes it relevant to environments with more than one kind of system, rather than only individual computer backup. Its Community edition makes the product accessible without a subscription, but the paid option’s minimum commitment is a meaningful barrier for small deployments.

Key features

• Computer and server backup: Covering both use cases makes Bareos a practical candidate for mixed environments. Readers looking only for a single-platform or narrowly defined workflow may not need that breadth.
• Mixed backup and restore modes: A range of modes gives it scope across varied backup and recovery needs, though the specific modes are not defined here.
• Ransomware protection: This adds a relevant safeguard for users choosing backup software with recovery from ransomware in mind.
• Open-source Community edition: The free edition includes public repository access and complete source code. That is a substantial advantage for users who value source access and can make use of a community release.

Pricing

Bareos uses a freemium model. The Community plan costs nothing, requires no subscription, and includes an open-source community edition, public repository access and complete source code. It is the natural fit for users who want a no-cost option and are comfortable with the community edition.

The Subscription plan costs €480 a year and has a 10-unit minimum. That starting price and minimum make it better suited to deployments that need a paid subscription and can use at least 10 units; it is a poor match for a small, one-unit requirement. The plan terms given do not define additional inclusions.

Platforms

Bareos supports Linux, macOS, Windows and web access, as well as self-hosted deployments. This spread is useful for teams working across desktop and server environments, though it does not by itself establish specific integrations or deployment workflows.

Who it's for

Bareos is best suited to users who need computer and server backup together, value ransomware protection, and want either full source access at no subscription cost or a paid option for at least 10 units. Look elsewhere if you need a paid plan for fewer units or if the listed platform range does not match your environment.

Pros and cons

• Pro: The free Community plan requires no subscription and provides the complete source code and public repository access, giving technically capable users a cost-free route.
• Pro: Computer and server backup, mixed restore modes and ransomware protection make it relevant to varied backup needs.
• Con: Subscription requires at least 10 units, excluding smaller paid requirements.
• Con: The specific backup and restore modes are not defined, so users with precise workflow requirements should confirm the fit before choosing.

Alternatives

Amanda is a free, open-source alternative for users seeking Linux, macOS, Windows or self-hosted support; its Community Edition is provided as-is.

MSP360 Backup offers a free personal workstation plan with file- and image-based backup and forum-based support, making it a more focused option for personal workstation backup.

Storware Backup & Recovery offers a free license without technical support and a 60-day trial for up to 20 virtual environments, which may suit users comparing a time-limited trial or virtual-environment coverage.

Veeam Agent for Mac has a free edition for macOS, limited to one backup job and without direct backup to object storage; choose it when that narrower Mac-specific scope fits.

Datto Endpoint Backup for Windows uses consumption-based pricing billed on storage used, an alternative for users who prefer usage-based billing.

UrBackup offers AGPLv3+ open-source software, file and image backups, and a self-hosted server for users considering that approach.

AvePoint Cloud Backup is another backup option.

OpenText Data Protector offers a socket-based Express option designed for highly virtual environments, with agentless VMware and Hyper-V protection.

Browse Backup and Disaster Recovery Software, Cloud Backup Services, NAS Backup Software and Backup software for more options.

Verdict

Choose Bareos if you need computer and server backup, want ransomware protection, and value a free Community edition with complete source code. The main reason to look elsewhere is the paid plan’s 10-unit minimum, which makes it a poor fit for small paid deployments.