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File Storage · head to head

Barracuda Backup vs VAST Data

Barracuda Backup logo

Barracuda Backup

File Storage

Complete backup solution with built-in ransomware protection

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
VAST Data logo

VAST Data

File Storage

All-flash storage designed to make hard disk tiers unnecessary

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Barracuda Backup requires subscription commitment per terabyte of data; VAST Data data reduction ratios drive the economics, and datasets that are already compressed, such as media or encrypted files, reduce poorly and destroy the cost per terabyte case.
  • They diverge on capability: Barracuda Backup covers Unlimited cloud storage, VAST Data covers Disaggregated architecture.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Barracuda Backup and VAST Data actually diverge.

Attributes where Barracuda Backup and VAST Data differ
AttributeBarracuda BackupVAST Data
Pricing modelsubscriptionquote
PlatformsWindows, Linux, macOS, VMware, Hyper-VLinux
Founded2003Unknown

Identical on both: starting price (On request), 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 Barracuda Backup

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

Only in VAST Data

  • Disaggregated architecture
  • Similarity-based reduction
  • All-flash single tier
  • Multi-protocol access
  • Wide erasure coding
  • GPU-oriented throughput
  • Snapshots and replication

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 VAST Data
  • Ransomware recovery and data resiliencenot VAST Data
  • Multi-location backup and replicationnot VAST Data
  • Compliance reporting for regulated industriesnot VAST Data

VAST Data

  • A GPU training cluster where storage throughput, not compute, is the bottleneck on job completionnot Barracuda Backup
  • A genomics group holding petabytes of sequencing output that must stay immediately readable rather than archived to tapenot Barracuda Backup
  • A quantitative finance team running backtests over historical market data that a disk tier cannot serve fast enoughnot Barracuda Backup
  • An organisation consolidating a fast tier and an archive tier into one system to reduce rack space and power drawnot 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

VAST Data

  • Data reduction ratios drive the economics, and datasets that are already compressed, such as media or encrypted files, reduce poorly and destroy the cost per terabyte case.
  • There is a minimum viable cluster size, so the entry cost is high and the platform is not sensible for a small footprint however attractive the architecture is.
  • Pricing is quoted against effective capacity after reduction, which means the price you signed depends on an assumption about your own data that only becomes measurable after deployment.
  • The platform has expanded into database and data catalogue functions, which broadens the roadmap but means buyers evaluating it as a file system must be careful not to be sold an adjacent product they will not use.
  • As a relatively young vendor in a market of long-lived incumbents, buyers with ten year retention requirements should press on long term support commitments and hardware availability rather than assume them.

Pricing, plan by plan

Barracuda Backup

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Barracuda Backup review.

VAST Data

On request
  • VAST Data Platform$undefined/year
    • Priced per usable capacity after data reduction
    • Hardware and software sold together or via certified partners
    • Subscription and capital purchase options

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 VAST Data if

  • You need disaggregated architecture.
  • You work on Linux.
  • You also want similarity-based reduction.
VAST Data review

Questions people ask

Is Barracuda Backup or VAST Data better?
Neither clearly leads. Barracuda Backup starts at On request and VAST Data at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Barracuda Backup or VAST Data?
Barracuda Backup starts at On request and VAST Data at On request.
Does Barracuda Backup or VAST Data run on more platforms?
Barracuda Backup runs on Windows, Linux, macOS, VMware, Hyper-V. VAST Data runs on Linux.
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 VAST Data is typically brought in for.
What can Barracuda Backup do that VAST Data cannot?
Barracuda Backup covers Unlimited cloud storage, LiveBoot instant recovery, Instant replacement, Ransomware protection. VAST Data covers Disaggregated architecture, Similarity-based reduction, All-flash single tier, Multi-protocol access.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
VAST Data: Do we still need an archive tier?

That is the central claim, and it holds when your data reduces well. Run a reduction assessment on your actual dataset before accepting the economics.

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
VAST Data: How is capacity priced?

On usable capacity after data reduction, quoted rather than published. That makes the reduction ratio assumption the most important number in the contract.

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
VAST Data: Is it suitable for a small deployment?

No. There is a minimum cluster size and the entry cost reflects it. Small footprints are better served elsewhere.

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
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