UrBackup

UrBackup is a self-hosted backup platform covering files and disk images across computers, servers, and mobile devices. It is best for technically capable users who want an open-source server they operate themselves, with optional Windows acceleration and Hyper-V support. The trade-off is clear: control and broad coverage come with infrastructure responsibility and a per-client charge for faster Windows incrementals.

Overview

UrBackup combines client software with a server that you host and manage. Its mixed backup scope and restore modes let one deployment address file protection and full-image recovery rather than forcing a single format. Computer, mobile, and server backup are all supported, and ransomware protection is included.

The core is AGPLv3+ open-source software from UrBackup, headquartered in Ulm, Germany. That licensing and self-hosted design suit organizations that want control of storage and operations. They are a poor fit for anyone looking for a fully managed cloud service with no server administration.

Key features

File and image protection

UrBackup core handles both file backups and image backups. File protection is useful for restoring individual data, while images address broader system recovery; having both in one system is practical for mixed environments.

Broad device coverage

Support spans Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. The combination of computer, server, and mobile coverage makes UrBackup suitable for heterogeneous fleets instead of a single operating-system estate.

Windows change block tracking

The paid Change block tracking for UrBackup Client on Windows option speeds incremental image and file backups. It includes 2.x updates and works with UrBackup Server 2.x, so it targets deployments where shorter incremental windows matter and a per-client subscription is acceptable.

Hyper-V virtual machines

The UrBackup Client for Microsoft Hyper-V 2.x supports Microsoft Hyper-V 2016 or later. It backs up virtual-machine disks as images and restores those images to VHD or VHDX, making it a focused choice for Hyper-V administrators rather than a general-purpose client upgrade.

Ransomware protection

Included ransomware protection adds a security layer to the backup offering, an important consideration when backups are part of a recovery plan rather than merely an archive.

Pricing

UrBackup uses a freemium model. The free UrBackup core plan is AGPLv3+ open-source software with file and image backups on a self-hosted server; its price is custom pricing. It is the natural starting point for users willing to provide and operate the server themselves.

Change block tracking for UrBackup Client on Windows costs €15.50 a month, billed at 15.50€ excluding VAT per client. It accelerates incremental image and file backups, includes 2.x updates, and requires UrBackup Server 2.x. Because billing is per client and VAT is excluded, costs rise directly with the number of Windows clients.

UrBackup Client for Microsoft Hyper-V 2.x has custom pricing. It supports Hyper-V 2016 or later, image-based VM-disk backups, and restoration to VHD/VHDX. This is the relevant paid path for virtualized workloads, while the core plan remains the broader self-hosted foundation.

Platforms

Clients and supported deployments cover Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows. That range supports mixed personal, business, and server estates, with the Hyper-V option extending coverage to Microsoft virtualization environments.

Who it's for

Choose UrBackup if you can run a server and want open-source control over file and image backups across several device types. It is especially suitable for organizations with Windows clients that benefit from faster incremental jobs, or Hyper-V environments needing image-based VM recovery.

Look elsewhere if you want a hosted service, prefer one predictable subscription covering infrastructure, or do not want to administer backup storage and servers. The Windows acceleration add-on also demands a per-client budget, so large fleets should account for that scaling model.

Pros and cons

• Pro: File and image backups in the open-source core cover both granular recovery and whole-system restoration.
• Pro: Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android support accommodates mixed fleets.
• Pro: Computer, mobile, and server backup plus ransomware protection broaden its recovery role.
• Pro: Hyper-V 2016-or-later support includes image backup and VHD/VHDX restoration.
• Con: The core is self-hosted, so you are responsible for running the server and its storage.
• Con: Faster Windows incrementals require €15.50 a month per client, excluding VAT.

Alternatives

IDrive is a better fit when you want a freemium, hosted-oriented service with Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows coverage, plus a 100 GB Basic tier and a 0.25 USD-per-month 100 GB Mini plan for one user.

EaseUS Todo Backup suits macOS and Windows users seeking a desktop backup tool with a free plan for file, system, disk, and partition recovery, or a 39.95 USD-per-year Home Yearly plan with 1 TB cloud storage for one computer.

Infrascale Workstation Backup is preferable for cloud, storage-based subscriptions with 1 TB increments, unlimited endpoint devices, and unlimited retention.

BDRShield Endpoint Backup is an alternative for teams wanting endpoint backup with subscription or perpetual licensing and custom enterprise quotes.

Datto Endpoint Backup for Windows uses consumption-based pricing tied to storage used and has no free plan.

Backblaze Computer Backup is for users who want unlimited backup data on a hosted service, priced at $9 a month monthly or $8.25 a month on its yearly option.

NinjaOne is a paid endpoint-management alternative with pricing starting at $1.50 per device per month at 10,000 endpoints.

Axcient x360Recover is another paid, usage-based option whose endpoint rates vary by workstation or server.

For broader comparisons, see Endpoint Backup Software, Continuous Data Protection Software, Backup and Disaster Recovery Software, NAS Backup Software, and Backup software.

Verdict

UrBackup is a strong choice for technically capable users who want an open-source, self-hosted system covering files, images, computers, servers, and mobile devices. Its main reason to choose it is control with broad backup formats and platforms; its main reason to look elsewhere is the need to operate the server, with Windows acceleration adding a recurring per-client cost.