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Borg Backup vs Datto SIRIS

Borg Backup logo

Borg Backup

Software

Deduplicating archiver with compression and encryption

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Datto SIRIS logo

Datto SIRIS

Software

All-in-one business continuity and disaster recovery

From
$1095/one-time + recurring
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Borg Backup has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Borg Backup linux, macOS and BSD only; Windows is not a supported platform; Datto SIRIS requires on-premises appliance, not purely cloud-native
  • They diverge on capability: Borg Backup covers Content-defined chunking, Datto SIRIS covers Instant virtualization.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Borg Backup and Datto SIRIS actually diverge.

Attributes where Borg Backup and Datto SIRIS differ
AttributeBorg BackupDatto SIRIS
Starting priceFree$1095/one-time + recurring
Pricing modelfreeUnknown
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsLinux, MacLinux, Virtual Environments
Founded20152011

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

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 Borg Backup

  • Content-defined chunking
  • Deduplication
  • Compression
  • Authenticated encryption
  • Pruning
  • Mount archives
  • SSH
  • BorgBase

Only in Datto SIRIS

  • Instant virtualization
  • Screenshot verification
  • Ransomware detection
  • Inverse chain technology
  • Cloud-first architecture
  • Automated DR testing
  • VMware
  • Hyper-V

Both cover

  • Linux support

What people use each for

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

Borg Backup

  • Deduplicated backups where daily full snapshots would otherwise be expensivenot Datto SIRIS
  • Encrypted backup to a server you do not fully trust, since the server never sees plaintextnot Datto SIRIS
  • Browsing previous versions by mounting an archive over FUSEnot Datto SIRIS
  • Scripted server backups with no agent or daemon to runnot Datto SIRIS

Datto SIRIS

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

Where each one falls short

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

Borg Backup

  • Linux, macOS and BSD only; Windows is not a supported platform
  • Command-line only, with no graphical interface in the project itself
  • Version 2.0 is still in beta, so production use means staying on the 1.4 line
  • Restoring requires the Borg tooling, since archives are a deduplicated chunk store rather than plain files

Datto SIRIS

  • Requires on-premises appliance, not purely cloud-native
  • Initial setup and hardware costs can be substantial for smaller MSPs

Pricing, plan by plan

Borg Backup

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Deduplication
    • Compression
    • Encryption

Datto SIRIS

$1095/one-time + recurring

No published plan breakdown. See the Datto SIRIS review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Borg Backup if

  • You need content-defined chunking.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, Mac.
  • You also want deduplication.
Borg Backup review

Choose Datto SIRIS if

  • You need instant virtualization.
  • You work on Linux, Virtual Environments.
  • You also want screenshot verification.
Datto SIRIS review

Questions people ask

Is Borg Backup or Datto SIRIS better?
Neither clearly leads. Borg Backup starts at Free and Datto SIRIS at $1095/one-time + recurring, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Borg Backup or Datto SIRIS?
Borg Backup has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Borg Backup and $1095/one-time + recurring for Datto SIRIS.
Does Borg Backup or Datto SIRIS run on more platforms?
Borg Backup runs on Linux, Mac. Datto SIRIS runs on Linux, Virtual Environments.
Can I use Borg Backup for free?
Yes. Borg Backup has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Datto SIRIS starts at $1095/one-time + recurring.
What is Borg Backup best used for?
Borg Backup is most often used for deduplicated backups where daily full snapshots would otherwise be expensive, encrypted backup to a server you do not fully trust, since the server never sees plaintext, browsing previous versions by mounting an archive over fuse, scripted server backups with no agent or daemon to run. Of those, deduplicated backups where daily full snapshots would otherwise be expensive and encrypted backup to a server you do not fully trust, since the server never sees plaintext are not what Datto SIRIS is typically brought in for.
What can Borg Backup do that Datto SIRIS cannot?
Borg Backup covers Content-defined chunking, Deduplication, Compression, Authenticated encryption. Datto SIRIS covers Instant virtualization, Screenshot verification, Ransomware detection, Inverse chain technology. Both handle Linux support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Datto SIRIS: What does SIRIS protect against?

Datto SIRIS includes immutable cloud backups, automated recovery verification, and integrated ransomware detection through Cloud Deletion Defense which undoes accidental or malicious backup deletion.

Source
Datto SIRIS: What's the pricing model?

Datto SIRIS uses flat-rate pricing starting at $1,095, which includes installation, storage, VIP support, recoveries, two annual DR tests, and five-year warranty.

Source
Datto SIRIS: What integrations does SIRIS have?

Datto SIRIS integrates natively with Autotask PSA, Datto RMM, ConnectWise Automate, and ConnectWise PSA. It also supports virtualization platforms like vSphere and CentOS Linux.

Source
Datto SIRIS: Is SIRIS cloud-only or appliance-based?

Datto SIRIS is an on-premises appliance that backs up data to Datto's cloud. You do not need to maintain your own physical server infrastructure for the core SIRIS functionality.

Source
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