Software · head to head
Windows Backup vs Acronis Cyber Protect
Acronis Cyber Protect
Software
Integrated backup and cybersecurity protection
- From
- $68/year
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Only Windows Backup has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: Windows Backup folder backup goes to OneDrive, and a free Microsoft account comes with only 5 GB of OneDrive storage; Acronis Cyber Protect technical support response is slow and inconsistent for resolving issues
- They diverge on capability: Windows Backup covers File History, Acronis Cyber Protect covers AI-based ransomware protection.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Windows Backup and Acronis Cyber Protect actually diverge.
| Attribute | Windows Backup | Acronis Cyber Protect |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | $68/year |
| Pricing model | free | Unknown |
| Free tier | Yes | No |
| Platforms | Windows | Windows, Mac, Linux, Cloud, On-premises |
| Founded | 1975 | 2003 |
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 Windows Backup
- File History
- System image backup
- OneDrive integration
- System restore points
- Reset this PC
- Recovery drive
- OneDrive
- Windows Server
Only in Acronis Cyber Protect
- AI-based ransomware protection
- Continuous data protection
- Disk cloning
- Universal restore
- Backup validation
- Vulnerability assessments
- Microsoft 365
- Google Workspace
Both cover
- Windows support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Windows Backup
- Moving folders, settings and app list to a new Windows PCnot Acronis Cyber Protect
- Basic personal file backup for a Windows home usernot Acronis Cyber Protect
Acronis Cyber Protect
- Data protectionnot Windows Backup
- Disaster recoverynot Windows Backup
- Business continuitynot Windows Backup
- Ransomware protectionnot Windows Backup
- Compliancenot Windows Backup
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Windows Backup
- Folder backup goes to OneDrive, and a free Microsoft account comes with only 5 GB of OneDrive storage
- It requires signing in with a Microsoft account rather than a local Windows account
- Personalization preferences are not backed up if OneDrive storage is insufficient
- OneDrive folder syncing through Windows Backup is not available for work or school accounts, and Windows does not remember apps for those accounts
- Device settings sync for a work or school account only if the organization allows it
Acronis Cyber Protect
- Technical support response is slow and inconsistent for resolving issues
- UI performance is slow when handling operations like checking backup status or initiating restores
- Backup speed can be slow with limited replication options
- Complex pricing policies with multiple licensing models make cost prediction difficult
- Antivirus engine can significantly impact system performance on client machines
Pricing, plan by plan
Windows Backup
Free- Built-inFree
- File History
- System image
- OneDrive sync
Acronis Cyber Protect
$68/year- Standard$68/year
- Backup and recovery
- Basic security
- Advanced$129/year
- Enhanced security
- Ransomware protection
- Anti-malware
- Business$5.67/month
- Enterprise features
- Support
- Multiple workloads
Which should you pick?
Choose Windows Backup if
- You need file history.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Windows.
- You also want system image backup.
Choose Acronis Cyber Protect if
- You need ai-based ransomware protection.
- You work on Windows, Mac, Linux, Cloud, On-premises.
- You also want continuous data protection.
Questions people ask
- Is Windows Backup or Acronis Cyber Protect better?
- Neither clearly leads. Windows Backup starts at Free and Acronis Cyber Protect at $68/year, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Windows Backup or Acronis Cyber Protect?
- Windows Backup has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Windows Backup and $68/year for Acronis Cyber Protect.
- Does Windows Backup or Acronis Cyber Protect run on more platforms?
- Windows Backup runs on Windows. Acronis Cyber Protect runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, Cloud, On-premises.
- Can I use Windows Backup for free?
- Yes. Windows Backup has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Acronis Cyber Protect starts at $68/year.
- What is Windows Backup best used for?
- Windows Backup is most often used for moving folders, settings and app list to a new windows pc, basic personal file backup for a windows home user. Of those, moving folders, settings and app list to a new windows pc and basic personal file backup for a windows home user are not what Acronis Cyber Protect is typically brought in for.
- What can Windows Backup do that Acronis Cyber Protect cannot?
- Windows Backup covers File History, System image backup, OneDrive integration, System restore points. Acronis Cyber Protect covers AI-based ransomware protection, Continuous data protection, Disk cloning, Universal restore. Both handle Windows support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Acronis Cyber Protect: What does Acronis Cyber Protect include?
Acronis Cyber Protect combines backup, disaster recovery, next-generation anti-malware, cybersecurity, and endpoint management in a single platform for complete cyber resilience.
SourceAcronis Cyber Protect: What are the main pricing plans for Acronis Cyber Protect?
Acronis offers Cyber Protect Standard at $68/year, Cyber Protect Advanced at $129+/year for consumers, and business plans at $5.67-$8.60/month. Acronis runs three licensing models: per-workload, per-GB, and solution-based.
SourceAcronis Cyber Protect: Does Acronis offer an API for integrations?
Yes, Acronis exposes REST APIs allowing partners to integrate existing solutions and create new ones. They provide 300+ pre-built integrations and support both inbound (CyberApps) and outbound API integrations.
SourceAcronis Cyber Protect: Can Acronis Cyber Protect be deployed on-premises?
Yes, Acronis Cyber Protect supports multiple deployment options including on-premises and SaaS, giving organizations flexibility in how they manage their backup and disaster recovery infrastructure.
Source