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Backup · head to head

Datto Backup vs UrBackup

Datto Backup logo

Datto Backup

Backup

Business continuity without compromise

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
UrBackup logo

UrBackup

Backup

Open source client server backup doing both file and whole disk image backups of Windows machines

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only UrBackup has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Datto Backup no pricing information published on product page or dedicated pricing page; UrBackup backups are stored on the server without encryption at rest by default, so the backup server holds a readable copy of every machine it protects and becomes the highest value target on the network.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 31 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Datto Backup and UrBackup actually diverge.

Attributes where Datto Backup and UrBackup differ
AttributeDatto BackupUrBackup
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionOpen source, no licence fee
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWebLinux, Windows, macOS, FreeBSD

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (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 Datto Backup

Nothing recorded that UrBackup does not also cover.

Only in UrBackup

  • Windows image backups
  • File backups
  • Web interface
  • Client discovery
  • Internet mode
  • Filesystem deduplication

What people use each for

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

Datto Backup

  • Backup and disaster recoverynot UrBackup
  • MSP solutionsnot UrBackup
  • Data protectionnot UrBackup
  • Business continuitynot UrBackup

UrBackup

  • A small office with Windows workstations that needs bare metal restore without per seat licensingnot Datto Backup
  • Schools and labs where machines are re-imaged often and a known good image must be recoverablenot Datto Backup
  • Backing up a mixed fleet to one server on premises with a web interface non specialists can usenot Datto Backup
  • Replacing an expiring commercial endpoint backup licence where the budget is the constraintnot Datto Backup

Where each one falls short

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

Datto Backup

  • No pricing information published on product page or dedicated pricing page
  • Vendor directs users to contact sales for pricing information
  • No published tiers or pricing models disclosed

UrBackup

  • Backups are stored on the server without encryption at rest by default, so the backup server holds a readable copy of every machine it protects and becomes the highest value target on the network.
  • Deduplication relies on filesystem features such as hard links, btrfs or ZFS, so a server built on the wrong filesystem silently consumes far more space and the fix is a rebuild rather than a setting.
  • There is no native object storage target, so offsite copies mean replicating the server storage with another tool rather than backing up to a bucket directly.
  • Restoring a full Windows image requires booting a restore environment, which is a manual, on site procedure that needs to be rehearsed before the day it is needed.
  • A single server holds everything and there is no built in clustering, so its own failure removes every recovery point at once unless you have separately solved replication.

Pricing, plan by plan

Datto Backup

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Datto Backup review.

UrBackup

Free
  • UrBackupFree
    • Full functionality, unlimited clients
    • File and image backups
    • Web administration interface

Which should you pick?

Choose Datto Backup if

Nothing in the data separates Datto Backup from UrBackup on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.

Datto Backup review

Choose UrBackup if

  • You need windows image backups.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, Windows, macOS, FreeBSD.
  • You also want file backups.
UrBackup review

Questions people ask

Is Datto Backup or UrBackup better?
Neither clearly leads. Datto Backup starts at On request and UrBackup at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Datto Backup or UrBackup?
UrBackup has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Datto Backup and Free for UrBackup.
Does Datto Backup or UrBackup run on more platforms?
Datto Backup runs on Web. UrBackup runs on Linux, Windows, macOS, FreeBSD.
Can I use UrBackup for free?
Yes. UrBackup has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Datto Backup starts at On request.
What is Datto Backup best used for?
Datto Backup is most often used for backup and disaster recovery, msp solutions, data protection, business continuity. Of those, backup and disaster recovery and msp solutions are not what UrBackup is typically brought in for.
What can Datto Backup do that UrBackup cannot?
UrBackup covers Windows image backups, File backups, Web interface, Client discovery.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Datto Backup: How is Datto Backup priced?

Datto does not publish specific pricing for Backup on their website. Pricing details require contacting Datto's sales team directly through their website.

Source
UrBackup: Does it back up Linux servers as well?

File backups yes, image backups no. The image path is Windows only through volume shadow copy.

Datto Backup: Does Datto offer different backup pricing tiers or plans?

The public product pages do not detail pricing tiers or plan structures. Organizations must request quotes from Datto to learn about available options and tier pricing.

Source
UrBackup: Is the data encrypted?

Transport can be encrypted, and there is optional client side file encryption, but the default server storage is not encrypted at rest. Use full disk encryption on the server.

Datto Backup: What backup and business continuity features does Datto provide?

Datto Backup provides comprehensive business continuity frameworks, threat monitoring, malware insights, and disaster recovery capabilities, but specific features by pricing tier are not publicly disclosed.

Source
UrBackup: Can I back up to Amazon S3?

Not directly. The server writes to local or mounted storage, so cloud copies are made by replicating that storage separately.

Datto Backup: How would I request Datto Backup pricing information?

Datto customers can request pricing through the website's pricing links in footer navigation or by contacting their sales team. Partners may access customized pricing through Datto's partner portal.

Source
UrBackup: How many clients can one server handle?

Dozens is routine on decent hardware. The limit is usually storage input and output during overlapping backup windows rather than client count.

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