Top 10 Cloud Backup Tools: Features, Pros, Cons and Comparison

Posted on February 20, 2026February 20, 2026 | by khushboo

Introduction

Cloud backup tools protect data by backing it up to cloud storage or by running as cloud-native services that manage backup, retention, and recovery for you. They reduce the need to manage on-prem backup infrastructure and make it easier to protect remote endpoints, cloud workloads, and SaaS data from the same place. The real value is not just saving copies, but restoring quickly and reliably, whether you need one file, a mailbox, a database, or an entire server after ransomware or an outage.

Common real-world use cases include backing up cloud virtual machines, protecting cloud databases, covering remote laptops, backing up Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace data, storing long-term backups in lower-cost cloud tiers, building immutable backups to resist ransomware, and proving recoverability through tests. Buyers should evaluate workload coverage, restore speed, retention flexibility, immutability options, encryption and access controls, multi-region design, reporting and verification, bandwidth controls, ease of management, and predictable pricing.

Best for: organizations with distributed endpoints, cloud-first infrastructure, hybrid environments, and teams that want simpler operations and strong ransomware resilience through cloud-based backup designs.
Not ideal for: environments with strict on-prem-only requirements, extremely low bandwidth locations where cloud transfer is impractical, or teams that need highly specialized recovery workflows not supported by the chosen platform.

Key Trends in Cloud Backup Tools

Rising demand for immutable backups and hardened access controls against ransomware
More backup coverage for SaaS data, not only servers and storage
Increased use of policy automation for retention, tiering, and lifecycle cleanup
Better reporting that proves restore success rather than only backup completion
Wider multi-cloud support for organizations using more than one cloud provider
More endpoint protection for remote workforces and roaming devices
Faster recovery approaches using instant restore and staged recovery where possible
Higher focus on role separation and least-privilege administration
More cost controls through tiered storage, deduplication, and smart scheduling
Stronger integration expectations with security and vulnerability workflows

How We Selected These Tools (Methodology)

Strong adoption and credibility in cloud-first backup buying decisions
Coverage across common cloud workloads, endpoints, and SaaS data where relevant
Recovery quality, including restore reliability and speed options
Ransomware resilience capabilities such as immutability and secure administration
Operational usability for policy control, reporting, and troubleshooting
Scalability signals for multi-site and large endpoint fleets
Integration fit with identity, cloud platforms, and operational workflows
Reporting and verification features for audit and recovery confidence
Support maturity through documentation, onboarding, and service options
Value alignment based on storage efficiency, reduced downtime risk, and admin savings

Top 10 Cloud Backup Tools

1: Druva Data Resiliency Cloud

Druva Data Resiliency Cloud is a cloud-native backup platform designed to reduce infrastructure overhead and protect data across endpoints, cloud workloads, and business data sources depending on configuration. It is often selected by teams that want centralized management, policy control, and cloud-first operations.

Key Features

Cloud-native management model with centralized policies
Backup coverage that can span endpoints and cloud workloads (varies by edition)
Retention and lifecycle controls designed for long-term cost management
Reporting and visibility for backup health and exceptions
Recovery workflows for common restore scenarios
Scalable operations for distributed organizations

Pros

Reduces on-prem infrastructure management for backup operations
Strong fit for remote and distributed environments

Cons

Workload coverage should be validated for your exact systems
Cloud-first model may not fit strict on-prem-only requirements

Platforms and Deployment
Platforms: Windows / macOS / Linux (varies by protected workloads)
Deployment: Cloud

Security and Compliance
Encryption and access controls: Varies / Not publicly stated
Certifications: Not publicly stated

Integrations and Ecosystem
Often aligns with cloud ecosystems and identity workflows to simplify backup operations at scale.

Identity and access alignment: Varies / N/A
Cloud ecosystem support: Varies / N/A
Automation options: Varies / N/A

Support and Community
Documentation is generally oriented for cloud deployment. Support experience depends on plan and onboarding approach.

2: Veeam Backup for Cloud

Veeam Backup for Cloud is used by organizations that want Veeam-style backup policies applied to cloud environments and services. It is often chosen by teams that want consistent operational patterns across hybrid infrastructure and cloud workloads.

Key Features

Backup policy control for cloud workloads and environments (varies by scope)
Recovery workflows designed for practical restore scenarios
Flexible retention and storage target options depending on architecture
Reporting for job status, exceptions, and recovery readiness
Integration patterns for hybrid operations
Support for scaling across multiple environments (varies)

Pros

Strong option for teams already comfortable with Veeam operations
Useful for hybrid strategies spanning on-prem and cloud

Cons

Coverage depends on the specific cloud services and editions used
Architecture planning matters for cost control and retention outcomes

Platforms and Deployment
Platforms: Windows / Linux (varies by design)
Deployment: Cloud / Hybrid

Security and Compliance
Encryption, RBAC, audit controls: Varies / Not publicly stated
Certifications: Not publicly stated

Integrations and Ecosystem
Often fits into virtualization and cloud operations that already use Veeam recovery patterns.

Cloud platform alignment: Varies / N/A
Storage target ecosystem: Varies / N/A
Automation and reporting integrations: Varies / N/A

Support and Community
Large community and partner ecosystem. Support depends on plan and deployment model.

3: Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud

Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud is commonly used by MSPs and SMBs that want cloud-based backup with security-oriented operational features. It is often chosen when teams want to protect endpoints and small infrastructure environments with simple administration.

Key Features

Cloud-based backup management for endpoints and servers (varies)
Policy scheduling, retention, and restore workflows
Centralized dashboard for multi-tenant or multi-site operations (varies)
Reporting and alerts for backup health and gaps
Practical recovery workflows for file and system restores
Operational model designed for service delivery environments

Pros

Strong fit for MSPs and SMBs needing practical simplicity
Useful when endpoint protection is a primary focus

Cons

Enterprise governance needs may require deeper policy frameworks
Workload depth should be validated for specialized systems

Platforms and Deployment
Platforms: Windows / macOS / Linux (varies)
Deployment: Cloud

Security and Compliance
Security controls: Varies / Not publicly stated
Certifications: Not publicly stated

Integrations and Ecosystem
Often aligns with service provider workflows, automation, and repeatable protection policies.

MSP tooling alignment: Varies / N/A
Automation integrations: Varies / N/A
APIs and extensibility: Varies / N/A

Support and Community
Strong MSP community footprint. Support experience varies by plan and partner model.

4: Commvault Cloud

Commvault Cloud is often selected by enterprises that want policy-driven backup across diverse workloads, including cloud environments. It is commonly evaluated when retention governance, centralized reporting, and broad workload support are important.

Key Features

Policy-based backup and retention controls across workloads
Cloud backup capabilities depending on configuration and scope
Reporting for compliance and operational visibility
Lifecycle management for tiering and long retention needs
Recovery workflows for enterprise systems (varies by workload)
Scalability for large and complex environments

Pros

Strong governance model for multi-workload enterprises
Useful for environments with complex retention requirements

Cons

Can be heavy for small teams with simple needs
Best outcomes require structured design and standards

Platforms and Deployment
Platforms: Windows / Linux (varies)
Deployment: Cloud / Hybrid (varies)

Security and Compliance
Access controls and encryption: Varies / Not publicly stated
Certifications: Not publicly stated

Integrations and Ecosystem
Often integrated with storage, virtualization, and cloud ecosystems to standardize policies across environments.

Storage platform alignment: Varies / N/A
Cloud ecosystem support: Varies / N/A
Automation and reporting integration: Varies / N/A

Support and Community
Enterprise support options are common. Documentation is substantial and onboarding typically improves success.

5: Rubrik

Rubrik is commonly evaluated for modern backup operations, policy simplicity, and strong focus on recovery confidence. It is often chosen by teams that want simpler backup management and ransomware resilience patterns for cloud and hybrid environments.

Key Features

Policy-driven backup operations with simplified administration
Recovery workflows designed for fast restore and confidence
Ransomware resilience design patterns (varies by configuration)
Reporting for compliance posture and recoverability
Scalability for enterprise and multi-site environments
Integration options for identity and security workflows (varies)

Pros

Strong operational simplicity compared to many legacy stacks
Often valued for recovery confidence and visibility

Cons

May be positioned at a premium cost compared to SMB tools
Workload coverage should be validated for your exact environment

Platforms and Deployment
Platforms: Windows / Linux (varies by protected workloads)
Deployment: Cloud / Hybrid

Security and Compliance
Encryption, RBAC, audit capabilities: Varies / Not publicly stated
Certifications: Not publicly stated

Integrations and Ecosystem
Often integrated with security operations and identity ecosystems to strengthen resilience and recovery workflows.

Identity alignment: Varies / N/A
Security workflow integration: Varies / N/A
Automation and APIs: Varies / N/A

Support and Community
Enterprise-oriented support and onboarding are common. Documentation exists and partner ecosystems are widely used.

6: Cohesity DataProtect

Cohesity DataProtect is often adopted to consolidate backup operations and scale recovery across enterprise and hybrid environments. It is commonly evaluated by teams modernizing legacy backup stacks and looking for centralized management.

Key Features

Consolidated backup management across workloads
Policy control for retention, scheduling, and lifecycle operations
Reporting and visibility for compliance and operations
Recovery workflows for common infrastructure scenarios
Scalability features for multi-site organizations
Integration alignment with broader data management ecosystems

Pros

Strong fit for consolidation and centralized backup operations
Designed for scale and policy governance

Cons

Can be more platform than needed for small environments
Architecture choices influence complexity and cost outcomes

Platforms and Deployment
Platforms: Windows / Linux (varies)
Deployment: Cloud / Hybrid (varies)

Security and Compliance
Access controls, encryption, audit visibility: Varies / Not publicly stated
Certifications: Not publicly stated

Integrations and Ecosystem
Often integrated into enterprise infrastructure and security ecosystems to standardize backup policies.

Infrastructure alignment: Varies / N/A
Security workflow integration: Varies / N/A
Automation and reporting integrations: Varies / N/A

Support and Community
Enterprise support and partner ecosystems are common. Documentation exists and structured onboarding improves results.

7: Veritas NetBackup

Veritas NetBackup is frequently used by enterprises needing stable, policy-driven protection across complex environments. It is often evaluated for large-scale operations where governance, retention, and predictable performance matter.

Key Features

Enterprise policy management for backup and retention governance
Coverage for diverse workloads including cloud scenarios (varies)
Reporting for compliance and operational tracking
Scalable scheduling and retention models for large environments
Recovery workflows suited for enterprise systems
Multi-site operational capabilities (varies by setup)

Pros

Strong fit for large environments with mature governance needs
Designed for scale and centralized operations

Cons

Can be heavy for small teams and simple environments
Administration often requires experienced operators

Platforms and Deployment
Platforms: Windows / Linux (varies)
Deployment: Self-hosted / Hybrid (varies)

Security and Compliance
RBAC and audit controls: Varies / Not publicly stated
Certifications: Not publicly stated

Integrations and Ecosystem
Often integrated into enterprise storage and infrastructure ecosystems for consistent policy enforcement.

Storage ecosystem alignment: Varies / N/A
Cloud integration patterns: Varies / N/A
Automation and reporting integration: Varies / N/A

Support and Community
Enterprise support is typical. Documentation exists and partner expertise is often used for complex deployments.

8: NAKIVO Backup & Replication

NAKIVO Backup & Replication is commonly selected by SMB and mid-market teams that want cloud-enabled backup with approachable administration. It is often valued for practical operations and cost-conscious protection design.

Key Features

Backup workflows for common infrastructure scenarios
Retention and scheduling controls for day-to-day operations
Recovery options for file and system restore scenarios
Reporting for job status, failures, and exceptions
Deployment flexibility across different environments
Practical option for smaller teams needing reliable cloud storage targets

Pros

Strong usability plus value balance for smaller teams
Practical features for common recovery needs

Cons

Large enterprises may need deeper governance and scaling features
Workload coverage should be validated for specialized systems

Platforms and Deployment
Platforms: Windows / Linux (varies)
Deployment: Cloud / Self-hosted / Hybrid (varies)

Security and Compliance
Security controls: Varies / Not publicly stated
Certifications: Not publicly stated

Integrations and Ecosystem
Often adopted in environments where simple integration and predictable operations matter most.

Virtualization and storage alignment: Varies / N/A
Automation options: Varies / N/A
Reporting integration: Varies / N/A

Support and Community
Documentation is generally accessible. Support depends on plan, with a solid SMB-focused user community.

9: MSP360 Backup

MSP360 Backup is commonly used by service providers and small IT teams that want to manage cloud backup using flexible storage choices and practical administration. It is often chosen when teams want to back up endpoints and servers to cloud storage targets.

Key Features

Backup management for endpoints and servers (varies by setup)
Ability to use cloud storage targets depending on design
Scheduling, retention, and policy controls for everyday operations
Reporting and alerts for backup health and issues
Restore workflows for common file and system recovery scenarios
Operational model designed for service delivery environments

Pros

Flexible storage target approach can help cost planning
Practical for MSP workflows and smaller IT teams

Cons

Advanced enterprise governance features may be limited
Feature depth depends on configuration and selected storage targets

Platforms and Deployment
Platforms: Windows / macOS / Linux (varies)
Deployment: Cloud / Hybrid (varies)

Security and Compliance
Security controls and certifications: Not publicly stated

Integrations and Ecosystem
Often integrated into MSP operations with scripting and workflow automation for repeatable backup service delivery.

MSP ecosystem alignment: Varies / N/A
Automation and scripting options: Varies / N/A
Reporting workflows: Varies / N/A

Support and Community
Strong MSP community footprint. Support experience varies by plan, and documentation is oriented toward practical rollout.

10: HYCU

HYCU is often evaluated for simplifying backup and recovery in environments where application awareness and platform alignment matter. It is commonly considered for modern infrastructure stacks that want more streamlined operations.

Key Features

Backup workflows designed for platform-aligned operations (varies by environment)
Application-aware recovery options for supported systems (varies)
Policy management for scheduling and retention controls
Reporting and visibility for backup posture and gaps
Recovery workflows for common restore needs
Simplified operations focus for administrators

Pros

Strong fit when supported platforms match your infrastructure stack
Simplifies backup operations compared to more complex legacy models

Cons

Coverage depends heavily on the platforms you need to protect
Teams should validate restore workflows for critical applications

Platforms and Deployment
Platforms: Windows / Linux (varies by protected workloads)
Deployment: Cloud / Hybrid (varies)

Security and Compliance
Encryption and access controls: Varies / Not publicly stated
Certifications: Not publicly stated

Integrations and Ecosystem
Often aligned with infrastructure platforms where application-aware workflows reduce operational complexity.

Platform ecosystem alignment: Varies / N/A
Automation options: Varies / N/A
Reporting integration: Varies / N/A

Support and Community
Support depends on plan and partner model. Documentation is generally oriented toward supported platform use cases.

Comparison Table

Tool Name	Best For	Platform(s) Supported	Deployment	Standout Feature	Public Rating
Druva Data Resiliency Cloud	Cloud-native backup for distributed environments	Windows, macOS, Linux (varies)	Cloud	Reduced infrastructure overhead	N/A
Veeam Backup for Cloud	Hybrid backup operations aligned with Veeam patterns	Windows, Linux (varies)	Cloud / Hybrid	Consistent hybrid policy operations	N/A
Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud	MSP and SMB cloud backup operations with simplicity	Windows, macOS, Linux (varies)	Cloud	Practical service-delivery workflows	N/A
Commvault Cloud	Enterprise governance and broad workload cloud backup	Windows, Linux (varies)	Cloud / Hybrid	Centralized policy and retention model	N/A
Rubrik	Modern cloud and hybrid backup with recovery confidence	Windows, Linux (varies)	Cloud / Hybrid	Simplified policy model and visibility	N/A
Cohesity DataProtect	Consolidation and scale for cloud and hybrid backup	Windows, Linux (varies)	Cloud / Hybrid	Consolidated platform approach	N/A
Veritas NetBackup	Mature governance for large cloud and hybrid estates	Windows, Linux (varies)	Self-hosted / Hybrid	Enterprise scale policy control	N/A
NAKIVO Backup & Replication	Value-focused cloud storage targets with usable admin	Windows, Linux (varies)	Cloud / Hybrid	Practical operations for smaller teams	N/A
MSP360 Backup	Flexible storage-target cloud backups for MSP workflows	Windows, macOS, Linux (varies)	Cloud / Hybrid	Storage flexibility for cost planning	N/A
HYCU	Simplified backup aligned to supported platforms	Windows, Linux (varies)	Cloud / Hybrid	Platform-aligned backup simplicity	N/A

Evaluation and Scoring

Weights used:

Core features – 25%
Ease of use – 15%
Integrations and ecosystem – 15%
Security and compliance – 10%
Performance and reliability – 10%
Support and community – 10%
Price and value – 15%

Tool Name	Core (25%)	Ease (15%)	Integrations (15%)	Security (10%)	Performance (10%)	Support (10%)	Value (15%)	Weighted Total
Druva Data Resiliency Cloud	8	8	7	8	8	7	7	7.60
Veeam Backup for Cloud	8	7	8	8	8	8	7	7.70
Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud	8	8	7	7	7	7	9	7.70
Commvault Cloud	9	7	8	8	9	8	7	8.05
Rubrik	9	8	8	8	9	8	6	8.05
Cohesity DataProtect	9	7	8	8	8	8	7	7.95
Veritas NetBackup	9	6	7	8	9	7	6	7.50
NAKIVO Backup & Replication	7	8	6	6	7	7	9	7.20
MSP360 Backup	7	8	6	6	7	7	9	7.20
HYCU	7	8	7	7	7	7	7	7.20

How to interpret these scores:

Use the weighted total to compare overall balance, but adjust focus based on your risks.
If ransomware resilience matters most, prioritize Security, Core, and verification workflows.
If your team is small, Ease and Value often decide whether the tool is actually used well.
If your environment spans multiple platforms, Integrations can outweigh small score differences.
Always run a pilot with real restore tests, not only backup completion checks.

Which Cloud Backup Tool Is Right for You?

Solo or Freelancer
If you mainly need protection for a laptop and a few cloud files, focus on ease, simple restores, and low management effort. Avoid complex tools you will not maintain, and test restores regularly.

SMB
SMBs need practical coverage, predictable costs, and reliable restores. Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud and NAKIVO Backup & Replication can be good fits when you want strong value and easy operations. If you are cloud-first and distributed, Druva Data Resiliency Cloud can reduce infrastructure overhead.

Mid-Market
Mid-market teams often need stronger governance, better reporting, and hybrid coverage. Veeam Backup for Cloud, Cohesity DataProtect, and HYCU can fit depending on whether you prefer a familiar backup model, consolidation, or platform-aligned simplicity.

Enterprise
Enterprises should prioritize scale, immutability, role separation, multi-site policy governance, and audit-ready reporting. Commvault Cloud, Rubrik, Cohesity DataProtect, and Veritas NetBackup are often evaluated where complex environments and high downtime costs require mature control.

Budget vs Premium
Budget-friendly tools can work well when your scope is clear and restore expectations are realistic. Premium platforms become worth it when data volume is large, compliance pressure is high, and downtime is expensive.

Feature Depth vs Ease of Use
Smaller teams benefit from tools that are easy to operate and troubleshoot. Larger teams can invest in deeper features like tiered retention policies, automation, and audit evidence workflows to reduce long-term risk.

Integrations and Scalability
Validate integrations with your cloud platform, identity system, and core workloads early. Scalability is not only about capacity, but also about reporting performance, policy management, and how the tool handles thousands of endpoints.

Security and Compliance Needs
If compliance is important, focus on encryption, role separation, audit trails, and immutability patterns. Most importantly, validate recoverability with scheduled restore tests and keep recovery access tightly controlled.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a cloud backup tool exactly?
It is software or a service that backs up data to cloud storage and provides management, retention, and restore workflows through a centralized console.

2. Does cloud backup protect against ransomware?
It can, especially if backups are immutable and access is strongly controlled. You still need strong identity protection and regular restore testing to be confident.

3. How do I control cloud backup costs?
Use retention policies, tiering, and clear backup scope. Avoid backing up unnecessary data and review storage growth trends regularly.

4. What should I back up first in a cloud-first organization?
Start with identity-related systems, critical databases, core application servers, and business documents. Then expand to endpoints and SaaS data based on impact.

5. How often should I test restores?
Test frequently for critical data and run scheduled drills for full system restores. The goal is to ensure the restore process works under pressure.

6. What is immutability and why is it important?
Immutability prevents backups from being changed or deleted for a defined period, even if an attacker gains admin access, which is a major defense against ransomware.

7. Can cloud backup replace traditional backup servers?
Often yes, especially for distributed endpoints and cloud workloads. Some environments still keep local backups for fast restores or bandwidth constraints.

8. What are common mistakes teams make with cloud backups?
Not testing restores, unclear retention policies, weak admin security, backing up too much, and assuming “backup completed” means “recoverable” are common failures.

9. Should I back up SaaS data separately?
Many organizations do, because retention and recovery features inside SaaS platforms may not match your business or compliance needs. Validate your SaaS coverage carefully.

10. What should I include in a cloud backup pilot?
Include real restores, retention enforcement, access control testing, reporting accuracy checks, and at least one ransomware-like scenario such as encrypted files or deleted data.

Conclusion

Cloud backup is not only about where the data is stored, it is about how confidently you can restore it when it matters. The best tool depends on what you need to protect, how distributed your environment is, and how strict your recovery and compliance requirements are. Start by shortlisting two or three tools from this list that match your cloud platform and workload types, then run a pilot that includes real restores, retention validation, access control checks, and reporting review. Choose the solution your team can operate consistently without shortcuts, because consistent backups plus tested restores are what turn cloud backup into real resilience.