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File Storage · head to head

Arq Backup vs Barracuda Backup

Arq Backup logo

Arq Backup

File Storage

Mac and Windows backup to your own cloud storage

From
$50/year
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Barracuda Backup logo

Barracuda Backup

File Storage

Complete backup solution with built-in ransomware protection

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Arq Backup runs on Mac and Windows only; Barracuda Backup requires subscription commitment per terabyte of data
  • They diverge on capability: Arq Backup covers Client-side encryption, Barracuda Backup covers Unlimited cloud storage.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Arq Backup and Barracuda Backup actually diverge.

Attributes where Arq Backup and Barracuda Backup differ
AttributeArq BackupBarracuda Backup
Starting price$50/yearOn request
PlatformsWindows, MacWindows, Linux, macOS, VMware, Hyper-V
Founded20092003

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (File Storage).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Arq Backup

  • Client-side encryption
  • Hourly backups
  • Network backup
  • Immutable backups
  • Budget controls
  • AWS S3
  • Google Cloud
  • Azure

Only in Barracuda Backup

  • Unlimited cloud storage
  • LiveBoot instant recovery
  • Instant replacement
  • Ransomware protection
  • Site-to-site replication
  • VMware
  • Hyper-V
  • Microsoft 365

Both cover

  • Deduplication
  • Windows support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Arq Backup

  • Data protectionnot Barracuda Backup
  • Disaster recoverynot Barracuda Backup
  • Business continuitynot Barracuda Backup
  • Ransomware protectionnot Barracuda Backup
  • Compliancenot Barracuda Backup

Barracuda Backup

  • Enterprise data protection across physical and virtual environmentsnot Arq Backup
  • Ransomware recovery and data resiliencenot Arq Backup
  • Multi-location backup and replicationnot Arq Backup
  • Compliance reporting for regulated industriesnot Arq Backup

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Arq Backup

  • Runs on Mac and Windows only
  • Arq 7 is licensed per computer, and continuing to receive updates after the first year costs $25 per year per computer
  • Arq Premium covers up to 5 computers, so larger households or teams need more than one subscription
  • Arq Premium includes 1TB of storage and charges $0.0059 per GB per month beyond it

Barracuda Backup

  • Requires subscription commitment per terabyte of data
  • Complex appliance-based architecture

Pricing, plan by plan

Arq Backup

$50/year
  • Arq Premium$50/year
    • 5 computers
    • Arq Cloud storage option
    • Email support

Barracuda Backup

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Barracuda Backup review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Arq Backup if

  • You need client-side encryption.
  • You work on Windows, Mac.
  • You also want hourly backups.
Arq Backup review

Choose Barracuda Backup if

  • You need unlimited cloud storage.
  • You work on Windows, Linux, macOS, VMware, Hyper-V.
  • You also want liveboot instant recovery.
Barracuda Backup review

Questions people ask

Is Arq Backup or Barracuda Backup better?
Neither clearly leads. Arq Backup starts at $50/year and Barracuda Backup at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Arq Backup or Barracuda Backup?
Arq Backup starts at $50/year and Barracuda Backup at On request.
Does Arq Backup or Barracuda Backup run on more platforms?
Arq Backup runs on Windows, Mac. Barracuda Backup runs on Windows, Linux, macOS, VMware, Hyper-V.
What is Arq Backup best used for?
Arq Backup is most often used for data protection, disaster recovery, business continuity, ransomware protection. Of those, data protection and disaster recovery are not what Barracuda Backup is typically brought in for.
What can Arq Backup do that Barracuda Backup cannot?
Arq Backup covers Client-side encryption, Hourly backups, Network backup, Immutable backups. Barracuda Backup covers Unlimited cloud storage, LiveBoot instant recovery, Instant replacement, Ransomware protection. Both handle Deduplication, Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Arq Backup: What are the different licensing models for Arq?

Arq 7 is a perpetual license with a one-time purchase and 1 year of free updates, then $25/year for continued updates. Arq Premium is a subscription model covering up to 5 computers with 1TB of included cloud storage.

Source
Barracuda Backup: How is Barracuda Backup licensed?

Barracuda uses a 'capacity-based, all-inclusive subscription model' based on a 'per-terabyte subscription model'. You 'pay for only what you need to protect today'.

Source
Arq Backup: Is there a trial period before purchasing Arq?

Yes, Arq 7 includes a 30-day free trial.

Source
Barracuda Backup: What is included in the subscription cost?

The subscription covers appliance hardware, software, support, Barracuda Cloud Storage, and Barracuda's Instant Replacement service with no hidden fees mentioned.

Source
Arq Backup: What are the storage costs beyond the included 1TB with Arq Premium?

Additional storage is billed at $0.0059/GB per month beyond the 1TB included with Arq Premium.

Source
Barracuda Backup: Can I add more storage later without replacing equipment?

Yes. You can 'easily add extra TBs as your needs expand' without replacing hardware or shipping new appliances.

Source
Arq Backup: Can I access my backup data directly or is it in a proprietary format?

Arq uses open and documented backup formats with transparent storage, allowing users direct access to encrypted backup data.

Source
Barracuda Backup: Does Barracuda offer a free trial?

Yes, Free Trials are available. However, specific trial duration is not detailed on the pricing page. Use the Build and Price tool or contact sales for trial details.

Source
Arq Backup: Are perpetual licenses from earlier Arq versions still compatible?

Yes, perpetual licenses from Arq 5 and earlier remain compatible with Arq 7.

Source
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