XSIBackup

Overview

XSIBackup is an on-premises backup and replication tool for VMware ESXi virtual machines and host configuration. It is aimed at professional system administrators comfortable with command-line tools. Its range of backup and recovery options is useful for ESXi environments, but the maker is out of business and has not accepted new orders since July 15, 2024.

Key features

Administrators can use local or IP backups, differential backups, replication, and cloud backup to SSH servers. Block-level deduplication writes to NFS-mounted filesystems or filesystems reached over SSH, helping reduce storage use across local and remote destinations. Remote backup servers support private-key authentication, which can help keep backup storage in an isolated zone.

Free, Pro, and DC editions include granular recovery of individual files and unlimited restore points. Backups can be certified with SHA-1 integrity checks. The product also supports Synology NAS at the binary level when run as root, and XSIDirector for automated deployments. These options make it more than a simple full-VM copy tool, though command-line operation makes it a better fit for administrators than teams seeking a graphical workflow.

XSIBackup supports VMware ESXi 5.5–8.0, including ESXi Free. It does not support hot backup of datastores extended across multiple physical disks, a material obstacle for environments using that layout.

Pricing

The free edition is limited to 100GB of local backups, so it suits smaller or exploratory setups rather than broader backup needs. Pro removes the stated VM-size restriction for licensed use and adds IP backup, while DC costs more for two keys, full CBT support, and instant differential capability. A purchased license includes one year of support for installation and backup-job configuration. The company is no longer accepting orders, so the paid editions and their renewals are not currently purchasable.

Platforms

XSIBackup is Linux-based and self-hosted, with on-premises deployment for VMware ESXi 5.5–8.0. It supports cloud backup targets and off-site replication, but these are destination options for an on-premises backup tool rather than a hosted service.

Who it's for

XSIBackup is best suited to professional system administrators who prefer command-line tools and need ESXi-specific backup, replication, or file-level recovery. Its free local tier may be useful for a small deployment within the 100GB cap. It is a poor choice for teams that require a currently orderable commercial license, GUI-led administration, or hot backups of datastores spanning multiple physical disks.

Pros and cons

• Pros: The free edition supports local backups up to 100GB, offering a no-cost way to cover a constrained ESXi setup.
• Pros: SSH destinations, private-key authentication, and off-site replication give administrators options for separating backups from the host.
• Pros: Granular file recovery and unlimited restore points apply across all three editions.
• Cons: The maker is out of business and has stopped taking new orders, undermining the practical value of its paid tiers and renewal terms.
• Cons: The tool does not support hot backup for datastores extended over multiple physical disks.
• Cons: Command-line orientation will not suit teams that need graphical administration.

Alternatives

Virtual Machine Backup Software is a useful place to compare other tools for this category. VM Backup is worth considering for a free-forever allowance of two VMs per host and a 30-day fully featured trial. Storware Backup & Recovery offers a free license without technical support and a 60-day trial for up to 20 virtual environments, making it an option to assess when trial coverage matters.

Veeam Agent for Mac is a macOS alternative with a free edition limited to one backup job and no direct object-storage backup. Vinchin Backup & Recovery has a permanent free edition covering up to three virtual machines. Iperius Backup provides a free Windows edition, while its Basic plan adds drive imaging, disk cloning, bare-metal restore, and cloud and file-transfer targets. Uranium Backup offers a free file-and-folder edition and paid tiers with drive imaging, FTP backup, synchronization, and service support.

Asigra Cloud Backup uses a pay-as-you-go subscription based on protected source data, with no upfront investment and unlimited retention. Veeam Backup & Replication is another option; its Data Platform Essentials plan is sold in increments of five licenses and covers up to 50 workloads.

Verdict

Choose XSIBackup only if its command-line ESXi workflow and free local backups within 100GB fit your needs, and you can work without new paid licenses or orders. Its ESXi-focused backup and recovery breadth is the draw; the closed business is the decisive reason most organizations should look elsewhere.