Best VMware Backup Tools

VMware backup solutions perform backups of virtual machines (VMs) running on VMware virtualization infrastructure. Specifically the backup and recovery of VMs and associated data, ensuring the protection and availability of virtualized environments.

There are multiple solutions on the market which provide a range of features and scalability options to cater to different environments and organizations.

Here is our list of the ten best VMware backup tools:

  1. N-able Cove Data Protection EDITOR’S CHOICE This cloud-based backup system lets you choose to back up specific data stores and a list of applications, including VMware. Each service can have different backup settings. Get started with a 30-day free trial.
  2. Vembu BDR Suite (FREE TRIAL) A backup system for VMware and also Hyper-V, Windows Server, workstations, AWS, and productivity suites. It is available for Windows, Windows, Server, and Ubuntu Linux. Access the 30-day free trial.
  3. Acronis Cyber Protect (FREE TRIAL) This cloud-based package of endpoint protection services includes a backup tool for both physical and virtual systems. Start a 30-day free trial.
  4. Veeam Backup & Replication A backup and restore service for cloud, physical, and virtual resources that includes routines for backing up VMware. It is available as a cloud service for on-premises installation on Windows Server.
  5. Hornetsecurity VM Backup & Replication A backup service specifically for virtual machines with a version for VMware and another for Hyper-V implementations. It installs on top of VMware virtualizations.
  6. Iperius Backup A backup and restore service that covers VMware and Hyper-V virtualizations. It runs on Windows and Windows Server.
  7. Nakivo Backup and Replication A backup system with ransomware protection included that has capabilities for supporting many well-known applications, including VMware virtualizations. It runs on Windows and Windows Server.
  8. Storware Backup and Recovery A flexible backup system for virtualizations, operating systems, file servers, and applications. It runs on CentOS and RHEL Linux.
  9. Unitrends Backup Implemented on a hypervisor as a virtual appliance, this backup system is suitable for VMware and Hyper-V systems and is available in free and paid versions.
  10. VSquare Backup Offers backup services for VMware, Hyper-V, and entire PCs. It installs on Windows and Windows Server.

VMware is the market-leading virtualization provider. Its products hold both the number one and number two slots in terms of the number of companies using virtualizations. These are vSphere with an 11.7 percent market share and ESX Server with an 11.22 percent share. Microsoft Hyper-V is in the number three position with 10.68 percent of the market.

There are two terms related to VMware – “virtualization” and “hypervisor.” While virtualization refers to the concept, a hypervisor is a software that creates virtual machines. Effectively, the two terms are interchangeable.

Backing up virtualizations is a flexible concept because all the hypervisor has is a mapping between an imagined architecture and the real, physical, underlying system. When you back up systems, you need to copy all of the data that the system uses. It isn’t usual to copy software because that is usually available on disks or through downloads. However, reinstalling software usually loses its settings. In addition, the configuration of a hypervisor can take a lot of work to set up, so having to go through the whole process again if a physical server gets damaged and needs to be replaced can be very time-consuming.

Backing up VMware

Backing up VMware can mean two things – copying over its configuration or extracting all of the data contained within the system represented by the hypervisor. Of course, you will need to backup all of your data anyway, so you can do that within the structure that the hypervisor creates or get under the VMware software and just take a snapshot of the entire disk.

Another complication when looking into VMware backup services is that some declare that they back up the virtual servers. In contrast, others say they backup the entire hypervisor. Of course, In reality, no one would just want to copy the server and leave out the virtual switches and VM mapping – so effectively, systems that say they only copy the server really also save the structure of the entire hypervisor. However, don’t expect the backup tool to copy over the VMware software package in all cases.

The best VMware backup tools

When looking into a really good backup system for VMware you need to adapt your search according to your current system and personal architecture preferences. In other words, you will probably prefer to have on-premises software or a cloud service. Similarly, if you already have your own cloud storage server contract sorted out, you will probably want to use that. Otherwise, you might prefer to find a system that has cloud storage included in the plan.

Our methodology for selecting a VMware backup tool

We reviewed the market for systems to backup VMWare and analyzed the options based on the following criteria:

  • The option to just store virtual host settings
  • Integration with native VMWare backup system
  • Rollback versions
  • Automated recovery to reverse tampering
  • An easy-to-use system
  • A free trial or a demo package to enable testing before paying
  • Value for money, represented by a reliable backup and recovery service at a fair price

Using this set of criteria, we looked for backup and recovery systems for VMWare and other virtualization systems.

1. N-able Cove Data Protection EDITOR’S CHOICE

N-able Cove Data Protection

N-able Cove Data Protection is a cloud-based service and is provided by the MSP division. This section offers system monitoring and management software to managed service providers. For this reason, the service is built as a multi-tenanted system. MSPs can use it directly to back up the systems of their customers or resell it, giving each customer direct access to their own sub-account to organize backups. The service can also be used by IT professionals that work in-house to support a business’s system.

Key Features:

  • Suitable for MSPs
  • Multi-tenant architecture
  • Encryption protection
  • Full or incremental backup
  • Also backs up other applications

Within the browser-based console, the user can select from a series of applications which to back up, and VMware is included in that list. Each application can have different backup settings. The service will create a local copy of the virtualization and from that store, upload the copy to the N-able cloud server. Both the transfer across the internet and the storage are protected by 256-bit AES encryption, which is considered uncrackable.

The advantage of the two storage locations is that restoring the system from the local copy is much faster. However, inevitably, the local copy shares vulnerabilities with the original, live system. Once you have a full copy in storage, the service will perform incremental updates, only copying over data that has changed. That copy in the cloud has other uses because there is nothing to stop you from using it to replicate a VMware implementation in another location.

Pros:

  • Choice of server or virtualization backup
  • It backs up the entire hypervisor
  • Option to use the backup for migration
  • Creates local and cloud copies
  • Cloud storage space included

Cons:

  • No on-premises version

This is a well-planned, easy-to-use system that has strong security and can generate extra income for MSPs. You can get a 30-day free trial.

EDITOR’S CHOICE

N-able Cove Data Protection is our number one pick for a VMware backup service because it backs up all of the virtual infrastructures. The backup system is based in the cloud and it operates both on the local system, storing a copy on-site, and on the cloud with secure storage included with a subscription. This gives double value because the local copy provides a fast restore service and the cloud-stored copy provides protection against an onsite disaster.

Start 30-day FREE Trial: n-able.com/products/cove-data-protection/trial

Operating system: Cloud-based

2. Vembu BDR Suite (FREE TRIAL)

Vembu Cloud BDR

If you want an intuitive backup service for your VMware implementations then Vembu BDR Suite is worthy of your attention. BDR stands for Backup and Disaster Recovery. This is a great free tool for backing up VMWare, Hyper-V, Windows Server, entire workstations with Windows or macOS operating systems, Office 365, G Suite, and AWS EC2 instances.

Key Features:

  • Whole server backup option
  • Free to use
  • Also backs up Hyper-V

This all sounds so fantastic that you probably wonder what the catch is. As with any free version, there are limits on the capabilities of this free service. The system will back up 10 VMs with a useful service and then allow extra VMs to be backed up with service limitations.

Pros:

  • Flexible service with a range of possible configurations
  • Server-level or application-specific backups
  • AES-256 encryption for transfer and storage protection

Cons:

  • Storage space not included

As well as the Free edition, there are four paid versions: Standard Essentials, Standard, Enterprise Essentials, and Enterprise. You can get the Standard edition on a 30-day free trial. If you decide not to buy at the end of the trial, the software switches over to the Free edition. This is on-premises software with versions available for Windows, Windows Server, and Ubuntu Linux.

Vembu BDR Suite Start 30-day FREE Trial

3. Acronis Cyber Protect (FREE TRIAL)

Acronis Cyber Protect

Acronis Cyber Protect is a cloud-based package that provides system-wide security by protecting endpoints. As this is a cloud-based service, it isn’t bound by one network and can supervise endpoints in several locations. This is ideal for managing devices in the service of work-from-home employees.

Key Features:

  • Charged per host
  • Runs as a virtual appliance
  • Malware scans
  • Also works for Hyper-V, Citrix Xen, RedHat, KVM, and Oracle VM

The Acronis backup system servers many different applications and VMware

The Cyber Protect package includes a backup system. This is offered with a range of capabilities, including the ability to backup virtual systems. This includes VMWare vSphere instances. Pricing for this tool is levied per server with no charge per VM. Acronis Cyber Protect is also able to back up Hyper-V systems.

System administrators get a choice of repository locations for their backups. They can be sent to removable storage, to an on-site server on a different site, to a private cloud server, to a public cloud system, such as AWS or Azure, and there is also an option of storing backups on the Acronis Cloud service.

The dashboard for Acronis Cyber Protect is hosted in the cloud and can be accessed from anywhere through any standard Web browser. The console is able to locate all of the services that are to be protected and also their hosts. This enables the dashboard to show the statuses of each VM and offers a one-click restoration in the event of a disaster.

The Acronis Cyber Protect system also includes a patch manager and an anti-malware system. As well as protecting endpoints, the Acronis anti-malware scans all data before it is uploaded to the backup repository.

Pros:

  • Backup service for VMWare and Hyper-V
  • Antimalware protection
  • Patch management

Cons:

  • Other systems, such as databases each require a separate subscription

Acronis Cyber Protect is offered in five editions, each with a different combination of services. You can assess the system with a 30-day free trial.

Acronis Cyber Protect Start 30-day FREE Trial

4. Veeam Backup & Replication

Veeam Backup and Replication

Veeam Backup & Replication is one service that is built into a stack of cloud services. Although it is part of a larger platform, it is possible to take on this system as a standalone utility. The Veeam backup system is a cloud-based service.

Key Features:

  • Multi-threaded
  • Fast recovery
  • Also backs up Hyper-V

The user can choose which services and data should be included in the backup plan. It is able to cover operating systems, data stores, services, and applications. Among the applications covered by Veeam Backup & Replication is VMware. The system can also manage backups for Hyper-V.

Veeam prides itself on its proprietary Instant VM Recovery system, which uses multi-threading and parallel connections to restore multiple VMs simultaneously. The service can also be used for migrations and replication.

Pros:

  • A choice of cloud and on-premises configurations
  • Back up VMware and Hyper-V plus other applications
  • Option for whole server backups

Cons:

  • Can get expensive

As this is an online service, you don’t have to worry about maintaining the software – all updates to the system occur behind the scenes on the Veeam server. This is a quick and efficient backup and replication service that is easy to use and cost-effective. The tool will backup VMware vSphere 5.5, vSphere 6.x, and vSphere 7.0. There is also an on-premises version, which installs on Windows Server, for those who prefer to manage the software themselves. You can get a 30-day free trial of Veeam Backup & Replication.

5. Hornetsecurity VM Backup & Replication

Hornet Security VM Backup dashboard

Hornetsecurity VM Backup & Replication is an on-premises package that has different versions for VMware and Hyper-V. The Hyper-V version installs on Windows Server, by the VMware version runs on top of the hypervisor, so it is flexible as far as the underlying operating system is concerned.

Key Features:

  • On-premises virtual appliance
  • Can migrate, distribute, or replicate
  • Also backs up Hyper-V

The Hornetsecurity system operates an incremental update system after an initial full backup. A full backup can also be performed on-demand at any time. This service can also be used to migrate, distribute, or replicate VMware implementations.

This service can backup VMware instances on many sites, so it is a great option for businesses that have centralized their IT services. The backup system is lightweight and operates continuously in the background without the risk of freezing the hypervisor being backed up.

This service doesn’t include storage space. However, the Hornetsecurity system includes integrations for the major cloud storage providers, so backups can be forwarded seamlessly over the internet as well as being stored locally. It is also possible to designate business-owned storage on other sites as a target for backups.

Pros:

  • Virtualization backup for VMware or Hyper-V
  • Backup multiple sites
  • Store backups locally plus on a cloud server

Cons:

  • No SaaS option

Hornetsecurity VM Backup & Replication is available for a 30-day free trial.

6. Iperius Backup

Iperius Backup

Iperius Backup offers an interface for the Changed Block Tracking (CBT) feature of VMware ESXi Free. It also has a replication service for that system. This Iperius tool is also able to back up standard ESXi and vCenter implementations. This system is also available to back up Hyper-V implementations.

Key Features:

  • Integrates with native VMWare backup processes
  • Full or incremental backup
  • Also backs up Hyper-V

By offering incremental backups, Iperius is able to work within the native services of VMware systems and minimize disruption to the hypervisor’s availability. The Iperius Backup service ensures continuity of service through its rapid restore system. On-demand full backups are also available.

Pros:

  • Backup applications, such as VMware or entire servers
  • Iperius Recovery Environment to recover files from damaged operating systems
  • Cover multiple sites and platforms with one account

Cons:

  • It doesn’t include storage space

There are four editions of Iperius Backup. The two lower versions, Desktop and Essential, don’t include options for backing up VMware virtualizations. The third edition, called Advanced is tailored to specific applications and there is an Advanced VM plan, which covers VMware systems. The top edition, called Full, also caters to VMware. You can experience the Advanced edition on a 21-day free trial. The software installs on Windows Server.

7. Nakivo Backup and Replication

Nakivo Backup & Replication

Nakivo Backup & Replication offers system protection services for vCenter-managed and standalone ESXi workloads. This system has a fast recovery service and can also be used for replication and migration. Other functions in the Backup & Recovery stable from Nakivo offer protection for Hyper-V and Nutanix and also the AWS EC2 and Azure platforms.

Key Features:

  • Back up on-premises or cloud-based systems
  • Also good for migration or replication
  • Also backs up Hyper-V and Nutanix

As well as protecting virtualizations, Nakivo can back up operating systems, including Windows editions and Linux distros. It is also suitable for backing up Active Directory, SQL Server, Exchange Server, and Microsoft Office 365.

Storage isn’t included in the Nakivo package. However, the software can easily connect to a range of storage media, including cloud services. It operates incremental backups and also makes on-demand full backup services available.

Pros:

  • Choose between application backup or entire server backup
  • Backup service for on-premises systems or cloud platforms
  • Hypervisor backups for VMware, Hyper-V, and Nutanix

Cons:

  • You need to host the software on your server

The Nakivo software is available for Windows, Windows Server, and Ubuntu, RHEL, SLES, and CentOS Linux. You can get it on a 15-day free trial.

8. Storware Backup and Recovery

Storware backup and recovery reporting dashboard

Storware Backup and Recovery is a backup and snapshot system for virtualizations and containers. This backup system can also serve and any application that can be automated through scripts. Its virtual environment support extends to cloud environments as well as on-premises hypervisors. As well as VMware, this system can protect Hyper-V, Citrix Xen Server, Red Hat Virtualization, Nutanix, Oracle VM Server, XCP-ng, oVirt, Peomox, and KVM. It also supports the OpenStack, Red Hat OpenShift and AWS EC2 cloud platforms, and Kubernetes containers.

Key Features:

  • Free version available
  • Can backup containers
  • Also backs up Hyper-V, Citrix Xen, RedHat, plus many other hypervisors

While backing up hypervisors, this system can also extend its protection to file servers, operating systems, databases, productivity suites, and mail servers. So, Storware pretty much has your whole site covered.

Pros:

  • Backs up operating systems, applications, or entire servers
  • Backs up cloud systems, such as AWS EC2
  • Can be integrated into process automation through scripts

Cons:

  • No SaaS package

This backup system is available in free and paid versions. The Free edition is limited to backing up 10 VMs. The paid version is called Commercial and it has a tailored pricing system. You can choose a charge rate per host, per VM, or by data throughput volume. This is on-premises software that installs on RHEL or CentOS Linux. You can experience it on a 60-day free trial.

9. Unitrends Backup

Unitrends Backup

Unitrends Backup is an on-premises system that is delivered as a virtual or a physical appliance. There are five editions of this system and all of them include coverage for VMware and Hyper-V implementations. The Free edition is very suitable for any size of business. It is remarkable because it doesn’t impose a limit on the number of VMs that it will backup. However, there is a limit on data throughput of 1TB per year.

Key Features:

  • Virtual or physical appliance
  • Can backup containers
  • Also backs up Hyper-V

The paid plans of Unitrends backup include services to back up other systems, not just hypervisors. However, if you are only looking for a way to back up VMware, the Free edition should be good enough.

Pros:

  • Free version has a large data throughput allowance
  • Great user interface
  • Set up backup strategies with different rules for different applications

Cons:

  • Not cloud-hosted

Unitrends is a property of Kaseya, a producer of system monitoring and management tools and it has a high standard in its GUI interface. The system is reliable and easy to use. You can get an unrestricted 30-day free trial of the paid backup system.

10. VSquare Backup

VSquare Backup

VSquare Backup offers monthly subscription plans to back up PCs and virtualizations. It is able to protect VMware and Hyper-V implementations. This system provides full backup and restore services for VMware ESX and VMware ESXi, including VMware ESXi Free.

Key Features:

  • Full or incremental backups
  • Free version available
  • Also backs up Hyper-V

The Free edition of VSquare Backup is limited to backing up only three VMs. That isn’t going to be of any use for many businesses, so you will probably need to look at the paid plans. These are Professional, Enterprise, and Corporate. These plans all include incremental backup strategies, which are easier to manage in terms of processor load than periodic full backups. You can choose where to store backup files, whether on-site, in a remote location, or on the cloud – storage space isn’t included with a subscription.

Pros:

  • Option to backup an entire PC
  • Fleet management
  • Automated incremental backups, full backup on demand

Cons:

  • Free version limited to three VMs

The software for VSquare Backup installs on Windows 10 or Windows Server. You get your first month free with any of the paid plans.

VMware backup tools FAQs

Does VMware have a backup solution?

There isn’t a native backup system built into VMware. Many users create their own scripts to copy the base files for the VMware instance to another location, thus creating their own backup service. VMware used to offer two paid add-ons to its hypervisor systems that could perform backups. These are VMware Consolidated Backup (VCB) and VMware Data Recovery (VDR), aimed at small businesses, but neither of these is still available. The current native backup system for VMware is VMware vSphere Storage APIs – Data Protection (VADP). This is an interface of functions that need to be integrated into a containing program. Typically, third-party backup systems use this API to provide backups services for customers using VMware.

What is VM backup software?

VM is a virtual machine. This is a system that creates separate servers on the hardware of a computer and they allow user accounts to operate as fully-fledged independent computers, which are the VMs. So, a user of a VM seems to be on an individual computer but, behind the scenes, is actually one of many people using a common computer. Backing up a VM involves recording the mappings and allocations that form these virtual structures. The underlying data that is stored for a user’s activity, such as documents created in Word, would usually be picked up by a file server backup.

What are the 3 types of backups?

You will encounter three backup strategies and most backup tools can implement all of them. These are full, incremental, and differential. The full backup is easy to understand and even if you decide to implement an incremental or differential backup strategy, you will always start off with one full backup and also periodically rewrite the whole backup repository with a full backup. If you have a persistent full backup policy, you will take a full copy of the target system every time. A differential backup will copy over the files that have changed since the last full backup. The incremental backup will copy files that have changed since the last incremental backup.