Overview

The plans range from free personal workstation backup to paid options for macOS/Linux, Windows desktops, Windows Server, SQL Server, and broader file, image, SQL Server, and Exchange coverage. That structure helps buyers pay for a defined workload, but it makes the choice less simple than a single broadly inclusive desktop plan. Mobile backup is not supported.

Key features

File and image backup: The free plan includes both for a personal workstation, a useful starting point for an individual who needs more than file copies. It does not replace the paid plans for Windows desktop or server workloads.
Recovery tools: Bare-metal restore, bootable recovery media, and incremental images support whole-machine recovery and ongoing image backups. These are valuable when restoring a system matters, not just recovering individual files.
Image protection and destinations: Image encryption and cloud image destinations support protected off-machine image copies. Ransomware protection is included, though its specific operation is not described.
Multiple workloads: Coverage includes computer and server backup, with mixed backup scope and restore modes. The Ultimate plan adds file, image, SQL Server, and Exchange backup; its unlimited cloud storage allowance is a notable distinction from the narrower plans.

Pricing

The free plan costs 0.00 USD per free and includes personal workstation backup, file and image-based backup, and forum-based support. It is the clearest fit for an individual workstation user willing to rely on forum support; it is not the paid Windows desktop, server, or SQL plan.

Paid annual subscriptions are priced by platform and workload:

Pro (macOS/Linux): 19.99 USD per year for locally managed macOS/Linux backup. It is the lowest-priced paid option, but its scope is limited to those systems.
Desktop: 29.99 USD per year for Windows desktop backup. The price excludes VAT.
Server: 109.99 USD per year for Windows Server backup. The price excludes VAT, and the higher cost is appropriate only when server coverage is needed.
SQL: 124.99 USD per year for SQL Server backup. The price excludes VAT and targets a specific workload rather than general desktop backup.
Ultimate: 179.99 USD per year for file, image, SQL Server, and Exchange backup, with an unlimited cloud storage allowance. It is the broadest stated option, but costs substantially more than the platform-specific plans.

A 15-day trial is offered. The annual terms are stated for paid plans; VAT is explicitly excluded for Desktop, Server, and SQL.

Platforms

MSP360 Backup supports Windows, macOS, and Linux, with separate plan coverage for Windows desktops, Windows Server, SQL Server, and macOS/Linux. It does not support mobile backup, so it is not a fit for protecting Android or iOS devices.

Who it's for

Choose it if you need workstation or server backup on a supported operating system and value image recovery options. The free plan suits personal workstation use, while organizations should select a paid tier according to whether they need desktop, server, SQL Server, or the broader Ultimate workload set. Look elsewhere if mobile coverage is essential or if you need a plan that does not require matching the subscription to a specific system or workload.

Pros and cons

Pro: Free personal workstation backup includes both file and image-based backup, making it a substantive no-cost starting point.
Pro: Bare-metal restore and bootable recovery media support recovery beyond restoring individual files.
Pro: Ultimate combines file, image, SQL Server, and Exchange backup with unlimited cloud storage allowance.
Con: Paid pricing is split by platform and workload, so buyers need to choose the matching tier rather than assume one plan covers all needs.
Con: VAT is excluded from the stated Desktop, Server, and SQL prices.
Con: Mobile backup is not supported.

Alternatives

IDrive is worth considering if you want a backup option with mobile and web platforms as well as desktop operating systems; its IDrive Mini plan is 0.25 USD per month for 100 GB and one user.

Duplicati may suit buyers who prefer a free plan capped at monitoring up to 2 machines and viewing the last 200 backups, or a Pro plan at 2.00 USD per month.

Vinchin Backup & Recovery is an alternative if protecting up to 3 virtual machines on a permanent free edition matches your needs.

VM Backup may be a better fit when a free edition for 2 VMs per host or a 30-day fully featured trial is the priority.

Bareos offers a free open-source community edition with public repository access and complete source code, which may appeal to buyers prioritizing those attributes.

Veeam Agent for Microsoft Windows is another option for Windows users who need one free backup job targeting a local drive, network shared folder, or Veeam backup.

EaseUS Todo Backup may fit users looking for free file, system, disk, and partition backup and recovery, or a yearly Home plan at 39.95 USD per year for one computer and 1 TB cloud storage.

AOMEI Backupper is a Windows alternative with a perpetually free Standard plan for PC backup.

Browse Backup software, SaaS Backup Software, Email Backup Software, Backup and Disaster Recovery Software, Google Workspace Backup Software, and Disk Imaging Software for more options by category.

Verdict

MSP360 Backup is a strong candidate for individuals who want free workstation file and image backup, and for organizations that need one of its defined desktop, server, or SQL workloads. Its recovery tools and Ultimate plan’s broad coverage are the main reasons to choose it; buyers needing mobile backup or a simpler all-purpose plan should look elsewhere.

	Cohesity DataProtect	MSP360 Backup
Free plan	No	Yes
Free trial	No	No
Paid from	—	$1.67/mo
Open source	No	No
Platforms	—	Linux, macOS, Windows
Free plan	No	Yes

Cohesity DataProtect vs MSP360 Backup

Cohesity DataProtect

MSP360 Backup