Safeguarding your digital data is essential, but it doesn’t have to come at a cost. At freetrials.co.uk, we’ve thoroughly tested and reviewed a range of backup solutions to bring you the top free options available. Our expert team has evaluated these tools based on their features, ease of use, and reliability to ensure you’re getting the best protection for your files without spending a penny. Whether you’re looking to secure personal memories or critical business documents, our curated list of the best free backup software will help you find the perfect solution to keep your data safe and sound.
Google Drive
Google Drive is a versatile cloud storage solution that offers a generous 15GB of free space, shared across Google’s suite of services including Gmail and Google Photos. It’s an excellent choice for individuals and small teams looking for a reliable backup option.
The service seamlessly integrates with Google’s productivity tools, allowing users to create, edit, and collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations directly within the platform. Google Drive’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to organise files, share content with others, and access your data from any device with an internet connection. The automatic sync feature ensures your files are always up-to-date across all your devices.
Key Features
- 15GB free storage
- File sharing and collaboration tools
- Integration with Google Workspace
- Automatic file sync across devices
- Advanced search functionality
- Offline access to files
Google Drive’s free plan offers 15GB of storage, which is shared across Google services. For users requiring more space, paid plans start at £1.59 per month for 100GB, with options up to 30TB for power users.
Microsoft OneDrive
Microsoft OneDrive is a cloud storage service that comes integrated with Windows, making it a convenient choice for PC users. The free plan offers 5GB of storage, which is ideal for backing up essential documents and photos. OneDrive’s strength lies in its seamless integration with Microsoft 365 applications, allowing for real-time collaboration on Office documents.
The service also includes features like automatic camera roll backup for mobile devices and the ability to access and edit files offline. OneDrive’s Personal Vault adds an extra layer of security for sensitive files, using two-factor authentication and encryption to protect your most important data.
Key Features
- 5GB free storage
- Integration with Microsoft 365
- File sharing and collaboration
- Personal Vault for enhanced security
- Automatic photo and video backup
- Version history for files
The free plan provides 5GB of storage. For additional space, Microsoft offers paid plans starting at £1.99 per month for 100GB, with options up to 6TB as part of Microsoft 365 subscriptions.
Dropbox
Dropbox is a pioneer in cloud storage and synchronisation, known for its reliability and ease of use. The free Basic plan offers 2GB of storage, which is suitable for backing up essential documents and small files. Dropbox excels in its file-sharing capabilities, allowing users to easily share large files or entire folders with others, whether they have a Dropbox account or not.
The service provides a clean, intuitive interface and offers desktop applications for seamless file syncing across devices. Dropbox’s Smart Sync feature allows users to view and access all their files without taking up space on their hard drive, which is particularly useful for those with limited local storage.
Key Features
- 2GB free storage
- Easy file and folder sharing
- Cross-platform compatibility
- 30-day file recovery
- 256-bit AES and SSL/TLS encryption
- Camera upload for photos and videos
The free Basic plan provides 2GB of storage. For users needing more space, Dropbox offers paid plans starting at £9.99 per month for 2TB with the Plus plan, which includes additional features like Smart Sync and offline access.
SyncBackFree
SyncBackFree is a powerful and flexible backup solution that doesn’t require cloud storage. This desktop application allows users to create and manage multiple backup profiles, each with its own settings and schedules. It’s particularly useful for those who prefer local backups or have specific backup requirements. SyncBackFree supports various backup types, including synchronisation, backup, and restore operations.
The software can backup to external drives, network locations, or FTP servers, giving users complete control over where their data is stored. While it may have a steeper learning curve compared to cloud-based solutions, SyncBackFree offers extensive customisation options for advanced users.
Key Features
- Multiple backup profiles
- Scheduled backups
- File and folder synchronisation
- Backup to external drives and network locations
- Detailed logs and reports
- Email notifications for backup status
SyncBackFree is completely free to use, with no storage limitations other than the available space on your backup destination. For users requiring more advanced features, there are paid versions available: SyncBackSE (£45) and SyncBackPro (£54).
IDrive
IDrive is a versatile online backup service that offers a generous 5GB of free storage, making it an excellent choice for users looking to backup their most important files without cost. The service supports backing up multiple devices, including computers, smartphones, and tablets, all under a single account.
IDrive uses 256-bit AES encryption to secure your data during transfer and storage, ensuring your files remain private and protected. One of IDrive’s standout features is its IDrive Express service, which allows for faster backups and restores by shipping physical hard drives, although this is typically a paid feature. The free plan also includes real-time file sync, allowing you to access your latest files across all your devices.
Key Features
- 5GB free storage
- Multi-device backup
- Real-time file sync
- 256-bit AES encryption
- File versioning
- Web-based file access and sharing
IDrive’s free plan offers 5GB of storage. For users requiring more space, paid plans start at £59.62 per year for 5TB, which often includes discounts for the first year.
Backblaze
Backblaze is renowned for its straightforward, unlimited backup solution for personal computers. While it doesn’t offer a permanent free plan, Backblaze provides a generous 15-day free trial that allows users to experience the full range of its features. The service stands out for its simplicity – it automatically selects all user files for backup, eliminating the need for manual selection.
Backblaze offers unlimited storage for a single computer, making it an excellent choice for users with large amounts of data. The service includes features like external drive backup and a restore-by-mail option, where they can ship you a hard drive with your data for faster recovery. Backblaze also maintains file versions for up to 30 days, providing a safety net against accidental deletions or file corruptions.
Key Features
- Unlimited storage for one computer
- Automatic file selection and backup
- External drive backup
- File versioning (30 days)
- Restore-by-mail option
- End-to-end encryption
Backblaze offers a 15-day free trial with full functionality. After the trial, the service costs £5.99 per month, £60 per year, or £110 for two years per computer, all with unlimited storage.
Cobian Backup
Cobian Backup is a free, open-source backup program that offers a high level of flexibility and control for users comfortable with more technical solutions. It allows for the creation of multiple backup tasks, each with its own settings, schedules, and destinations. Cobian Backup supports various backup types, including full, differential, and incremental backups, allowing users to optimise their backup strategy for speed and storage efficiency.
The software can backup to local drives, network locations, and FTP servers, providing versatility in backup destinations. While its interface may not be as polished as some commercial alternatives, Cobian Backup offers powerful features like file compression, encryption, and event-based backups.
Key Features
- Multiple backup tasks and schedules
- Full, differential, and incremental backups
- File compression and encryption
- Backup to local, network, and FTP destinations
- Event-based backups
- Command-line interface for advanced users
Cobian Backup is entirely free and open-source, with no paid versions or storage limitations beyond the capacity of your chosen backup destination.
AOMEI Backupper Standard
AOMEI Backupper Standard is a comprehensive backup solution that offers a robust set of features in its free version. This Windows-based software provides system, disk, partition, and file backup options, catering to various backup needs. One of AOMEI Backupper’s strengths is its user-friendly interface, which makes it accessible to both novice and experienced users.
The software supports creating bootable rescue media, which can be crucial for system recovery in case of critical failures. AOMEI Backupper also includes features like scheduled backups, incremental and differential backups, and the ability to clone disks, making it a versatile tool for data protection and migration.
Key Features
- System, disk, partition, and file backup
- Incremental and differential backups
- Scheduled backups
- Bootable rescue media creation
- Disk cloning
- File sync
AOMEI Backupper Standard is free for personal use. For advanced features and business use, AOMEI offers paid versions starting from £39.95 for a lifetime license.
Paragon Backup & Recovery
Paragon Backup & Recovery Free is a powerful backup solution that offers a range of features typically found in paid software. This Windows-based tool provides options for full system backups, disk and partition backups, and file-level backups. Paragon’s free version includes the ability to create WinPE recovery media, which can be invaluable for restoring your system in case of boot failures.
The software uses pVHD (Paragon Virtual Hard Drive) as its backup format, which allows for easy browsing and recovery of individual files from backup images. Paragon Backup & Recovery also offers scheduling capabilities, allowing users to automate their backup processes.
Key Features
- Full system, disk, and file-level backups
- WinPE recovery media creation
- pVHD backup format for easy file access
- Incremental and differential backups
- Backup scheduling
- Basic disk management tools
Paragon Backup & Recovery is free for personal use. For additional features and business use, Paragon offers paid versions with more advanced capabilities.
Duplicati
Duplicati is a free, open-source backup software that offers a unique blend of powerful features and user-friendly design. It’s designed to store encrypted, incremental, and compressed backups on cloud storage services and remote file servers. Duplicati supports a wide range of cloud storage providers, including Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox, as well as protocols like FTP, SSH, and WebDAV.
One of Duplicati’s strengths is its web-based interface, which allows users to manage backups from any device with a web browser. The software uses strong encryption to protect your data, and its block-level deduplication feature helps to minimise storage usage and speed up backups.
Key Features
- Support for multiple cloud storage providers
- Strong AES-256 encryption
- Incremental backups
- Block-level deduplication
- Web-based user interface
- Scheduled and automated backups
Duplicati is completely free and open-source, with no paid versions or storage limitations other than those imposed by your chosen backup destination.
How to choose the best free backup software for you
Assess your backup needs and storage requirements
Start by evaluating the amount and types of data you need to back up. Consider whether you’re backing up personal files, an entire system, or specific applications. Determine if you require local backups, cloud storage, or both. Some free backup software may have limitations on storage capacity or file types, so ensure the solution you choose aligns with your specific needs.
Compare features and user interface
Examine the features offered by different free backup software options. Look for essential functions such as scheduling, incremental backups, and file versioning. Consider the user interface and ease of use, especially if you’re not particularly tech-savvy. A well-designed, intuitive interface can make the backup process much smoother and encourage regular use.
Check compatibility and support
Ensure the free backup software is compatible with your operating system and devices. Some solutions may work better with specific platforms or have limitations on certain systems. Additionally, look into the level of support provided, such as documentation, forums, or customer service. While free software may have limited support options, choosing a solution with an active user community can be invaluable for troubleshooting and advice.
Which Free Backup Software Is Best?
Google Drive offers a generous 15GB free plan, making it a great choice for straightforward cloud storage. We recommend it if you’re already invested in the Google ecosystem, as it provides seamless integration with other Google services and easy file sharing capabilities.
Looking for a more feature-rich backup solution? AOMEI Backupper Standard is an excellent option. This free software provides a range of backup options including system, disk, partition, and file backups. Its user-friendly interface and scheduling features make it accessible whether you’re a novice or an experienced user. We suggest it for home use if you want a powerful yet easy-to-use backup tool.
Duplicati is a solid choice if you prefer open-source solutions. It provides strong encryption, supports various cloud storage services, and allows for detailed backup customisation. While it may have a steeper learning curve, its flexibility and security features make it a top pick if you’re tech-savvy and want full control over your backup process. We recommend Duplicati for advanced users and small businesses looking for a highly customisable backup solution.
Frequently Asked Questions about Free Backup Software
What is backup software?
Backup software is a tool that creates copies of your important files, folders, or entire system, storing them in a separate location. This ensures you can recover your data in case of hardware failure, accidental deletion, or cyber attacks.
Why should I use free backup software?
Free backup software provides essential data protection without cost. It’s an excellent option for personal use or small businesses with limited budgets, offering basic features to safeguard your important files.
How secure are free backup solutions?
Most reputable free backup solutions offer decent security measures, including encryption. However, paid versions often provide more advanced security features. Always check the provider’s security policies and encryption standards before use.
What’s the difference between cloud and local backups?
Cloud backups store your data on remote servers accessed via the internet, offering accessibility from anywhere. Local backups save data to physical devices like external hard drives, providing faster access but limited to one location.
How much storage do free backup plans typically offer?
Free storage varies widely among providers. For instance, Google Drive offers 15GB, Microsoft OneDrive 5GB, and Dropbox 2GB. Some local backup software like SyncBackFree and Cobian Backup don’t limit storage but depend on your available local disk space.
Can I automatically schedule backups with free software?
Yes, most free backup software, including AOMEI Backupper Standard and Cobian Backup, allow you to schedule automatic backups. This feature ensures regular backups without manual intervention.
Are free versions of backup software suitable for businesses?
While free versions can work for very small businesses or startups, they often lack features necessary for larger organisations, such as centralised management or advanced security options. For most businesses, paid versions or enterprise-grade solutions are more suitable.
Can I use multiple free backup solutions together?
Yes, you can use multiple free backup solutions to increase your total free storage or to have both cloud and local backups. However, manage them carefully to avoid confusion and ensure all important data is covered.
What types of files can I back up with free software?
Most free backup software supports a wide range of file types, including documents, photos, videos, and system files. Some may have restrictions on certain file types or sizes, so check the software’s specifications.
How often should I back up my data?
The frequency of backups depends on how often your data changes. For personal use, weekly backups might suffice. For work-related files that change daily, consider daily backups. Many backup solutions allow you to set different schedules for different types of data.
