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File Storage & Backup · head to head

Barracuda Backup vs IDrive

Barracuda Backup logo

Barracuda Backup

File Storage & Backup

Complete backup solution with built-in ransomware protection

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
IDrive logo

IDrive

File Storage & Backup

Affordable online backup with multiple device support

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only IDrive has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Barracuda Backup requires subscription commitment per terabyte of data; IDrive the advertised annual rates are first year introductory prices, with standard pricing applying from the second year onward
  • They diverge on capability: Barracuda Backup covers Unlimited cloud storage, IDrive covers Multiple device backup.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Barracuda Backup and IDrive differ
AttributeBarracuda BackupIDrive
Starting priceOn requestFree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWindows, Linux, macOS, VMware, Hyper-VWindows, Mac, Linux, Web
Founded20031995

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), user rating (Not yet rated), category (File Storage & Backup).

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 Barracuda Backup

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

Only in IDrive

  • Multiple device backup
  • True archiving
  • Continuous protection
  • IDrive Express
  • Snapshots
  • File sharing
  • iOS
  • Android

Both cover

  • Windows support
  • Linux support
  • Web support

What people use each for

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

Barracuda Backup

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

IDrive

  • Online backup for computers, servers and mobile devicesnot Barracuda Backup
  • Backing up multiple machines under one accountnot Barracuda Backup

Where each one falls short

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

Barracuda Backup

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

IDrive

  • The advertised annual rates are first year introductory prices, with standard pricing applying from the second year onward
  • The two year offer discounts only the first year, so the second year reverts to the full rate
  • Team plans tie user and computer counts to the storage tier, so 10 TB means exactly 10 computers
  • Business storage costs far more per terabyte than Personal, at $719.88 a year for 1.25 TB against $143.88 for 5 TB

Pricing, plan by plan

Barracuda Backup

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Barracuda Backup review.

IDrive

Free
  • Personal$4/month
    • 5TB storage
    • Unlimited devices
    • IDrive Express

Which should you pick?

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

Choose IDrive if

  • You need multiple device backup.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Mac, Linux, Web.
  • You also want true archiving.
IDrive review

Questions people ask

Is Barracuda Backup or IDrive better?
Neither clearly leads. Barracuda Backup starts at On request and IDrive at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Barracuda Backup or IDrive?
IDrive has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Barracuda Backup and Free for IDrive.
Does Barracuda Backup or IDrive run on more platforms?
Barracuda Backup runs on Windows, Linux, macOS, VMware, Hyper-V. IDrive runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, Web.
Can I use IDrive for free?
Yes. IDrive has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Barracuda Backup starts at On request.
What is Barracuda Backup best used for?
Barracuda Backup is most often used for enterprise data protection across physical and virtual environments, ransomware recovery and data resilience, multi-location backup and replication, compliance reporting for regulated industries. Of those, enterprise data protection across physical and virtual environments and ransomware recovery and data resilience are not what IDrive is typically brought in for.
What can Barracuda Backup do that IDrive cannot?
Barracuda Backup covers Unlimited cloud storage, LiveBoot instant recovery, Instant replacement, Ransomware protection. IDrive covers Multiple device backup, True archiving, Continuous protection, IDrive Express. Both handle Windows support, Linux support, Web support.
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