Top 10 NAS Backup Software – Reviewed July 2024

July 24, 2024,

NAS backup software is essential for securely storing and protecting data across computers, laptops, and other network-related devices. It offers centralised storage, automated backups, and robust security features, all while being cost-effective compared to cloud alternatives. It is an ideal tool for businesses and individuals seeking reliable data management and security.

This guide explains why NAS backup software is crucial for any growing business. We will examine what it does, why it’s necessary, and how to pick the best backup software for NAS.

We will also check out some popular NAS backup software options to help you make informed choices.

What is NAS Backup Software?

First, NAS backup software allows users to manage and create data backups from their devices to a NAS device. It will enable you to add additional data security processes.

This safeguarding measure involves making duplicate copies of data and ensuring recovery options for data loss, theft, corruption, or ransomware attacks.

Why You Need NAS Backup Software:

NAS backup software is essential for safeguarding data against risks, such as important documents, precious photos, or critical emails. The software uses different methods to back up your data, such as saving it on your computer, in other places far away, or in the cloud.

These measures ensure a robust defence against unexpected situations. This strategic selection enhances data security, aligning seamlessly with the unique requirements and challenges NAS devices pose.

Uses for NAS: From Centralized Storage to Business Backup 0Systems

01 NAS as Data Storage:

Centralised Storage: Store all your files, pictures, videos, and reports from different devices in one place. This action consolidates data from multiple devices and provides an easy way to access all your data.

Share Data Easily: Grant specific access to files or folders for management, friends, colleagues, or other office departments. This collaborative feature ensures seamless sharing without compromising security.

Stream Media: Enjoy a seamless library of music and movies across multiple devices. Transform your NAS into a personal media server for uninterrupted entertainment.

Backup Devices: Ensure additional security by regularly backing up computers, laptops, and tablets to the NAS. This action safeguards against data loss and allows easy recovery with the latest files.

02 NAS as Media Archive:

Preserve Memories: Save essential pictures, videos, and home movies for future generations. Transform your NAS into a digital archive that keeps your special memories for many years.

Organise Collections: Create customised libraries for music, movies, and TV shows with easy search and sorting. This organisational feature enhances accessibility and makes navigating your media archive a breeze.

Stream to Any Device: Share media through streaming apps or directly from the NAS to friends and family. Enjoy the flexibility of accessing your media archive on various devices.

Build a Home Theater: With the NAS solution, you can use a TV to watch all your movies from home, enhancing home entertainment.

03 NAS as Own Cloud Storage:

Access Anywhere: Securely access data from any internet-connected device. Turn your NAS into your cloud NAS, ensuring your data is within reach whenever and wherever you need it.

Sync Across Devices: Cloud-based NAS ensures that all devices get duplicate files even after you make changes. If you’re working on a file or fixing an image, alterations go smoothly from all linked gadgets.

Real-time Collaboration: With NAS in the cloud, you can work in real-time with your project members, colleagues, and friends. It lets you team up immediately from anywhere.

Eliminate Subscription Fees: Use your cloud NAS drive as storage without paying for cloud services each month, eliminating recurring subscription fees.

04 NAS Business Backup Systems:

Protect Critical Data: Safely store business documents, financial records, and client information. Leverage it as a secure NAS repository for critical business data.

Disaster Recovery: Speed up fixing computer systems that lose data by quickly returning them to a previous state. Reduce business stop time and leverage this in marketing strategies.

Compliance: Implement robust NAS cyber security measures to ensure data security compliance. Meet legal standards while keeping important company and client information secret.

Scalable Storage: As your business evolves, you can adopt storage requirements at a lower cost without affecting data accuracy.

Key Features of NAS

1] RAID

Keeping all your data in a single physical location is extremely dangerous. NAS devices come with RAID (Redundant array of independent disks) technology, a dealbreaker. RAID allows data to be distributed over multiple disks, reducing the risk of data loss if some disks malfunction.

2] Reliability

Most NAS devices have a dedicated operating system (OS) and custom security features like encryption. The OS allows you to connect the NAS with several applications, increasing its usefulness. These include backup services, disaster recovery backups, company knowledge bases, and office security cameras.

Their versatility often extends beyond just storing data. Besides that, NAS ensures excellent toughness and dependability.

3] Remote Access

A NAS device is an excellent tool for remote users or employees to access data from anywhere. It can be remotely accessed using a VPN or any cloud service. With businesses that work with remote teams working in different geolocations, a NAS would be a perfect place to store and access real-time data.

If you want a Synology or QNAP NAS device, check out our latest review on the best NAS Synology DS723+ vs QNAP TS-233.

Pros and Cons of NAS Backup:

Pros of NAS Backup:

Local Control: Manage your data without relying on cloud storage services. It allows you to keep all your data under your direct control and ensure it is safe from external threats.

Less Cost: NAS devices are less expensive than other servers. That cost-saving can allow businesses to spend the budget on different initiatives.

Flexibility: Leverage its flexibility to fit your exact needs. Select from a range of options, and choose the right amount of storage to match your requirements. This level of customisation allows you to make changes on the run and create a backup solution that grows with your data.

Performance: Faster data transfer speeds compared to cloud NAS service solutions. Experience efficient and quick backup processes, especially with large datasets.

Security: Enhance protection by encrypting your data. Implement robust security measures to safeguard sensitive information.

Disaster Recovery: A sound NAS backup system ensures minimal downtime and business continuity. Features like snapshots, versioning, and replication allow you to restore your data quickly.

High-speed Transfer: NAS devices use Gigabit LAN ports, which allow data transfer at enormous speeds and reduce transfer time.

Cons of NAS Backup:

Initial Cost: Setting up an effective NAS backup system requires an upfront one-time investment.

Maintenance: The user is responsible for system maintenance and updates. Someone must maintain and update the NAS backup system to perform optimally.

Power Dependence: Backup operations rely on the NAS being powered on and accessible. Ensure consistent power availability for uninterrupted backup processes.

The Importance of Choosing the Right NAS Devices:

Selecting the suitable NAS device ensures your backup infrastructure runs smoothly and protects your data effectively. Consider these significant factors:

Performance: Invest in a NAS with robust processing power and ample RAM to handle intensive backup tasks efficiently. High-performance hardware ensures rapid backup and restore operations, improving overall system performance.

Storage Capacity: Choose a NAS with sufficient space for current and future data needs. Assess your data growth projections to ensure scalability.

Networking Capabilities: Select a NAS with appropriate network ports and speeds for backup traffic. Align network requirements with your data transfer requirements.

Software Compatibility: Ensure compatibility with the chosen backup software for optimal performance and seamless integration between hardware and software.

Security Features: To enhance security, prioritise NAS devices with robust features such as encryption and access control. Such features will safeguard your data against potential threats.

Interfaces to the NAS Backup System:

Web Interface: Conveniently manage backups from any browser through a user-friendly web interface anywhere in the world.

Mobile App: A dedicated mobile app allows you to access files and manage backups. Mobile app will enable you to stay connected and in control, even when away from your primary devices.

Desktop Software: Schedule backups, monitor activity, and restore files using a dedicated desktop application. Enjoy a comprehensive desktop experience for efficient backup management.

Command-Line Interface: Advanced users can directly control and automate backup tasks through the command line. Tailor your backup system to specific needs with advanced command-line functionality.

How to Create a Backup from a NAS:

Choose Backup Software: Launch the NAS Backup software that you are using.

Select Data to be Backed Up: Select the folders or files to save as a backup. Consider what is most important to you to ensure your backup plan focuses on the essential data you need.

Set Up a Backup Schedule: Set the time of backups (like every day or every week). Create a plan that keeps your data safe and makes the system work well.

Choose Backup Destination: Select where backups will be stored (another NAS, same NAS, cloud NAS). Choose storage locations based on your recovery strategy and available resources.

Run the Backup: Initiate the backup process and monitor progress. Stay vigilant during the backup process to address any issues promptly.

NAS Backup Strategies:

3-2-1 Rule: Maintain three copies of data on two different media types, with one copy stored offsite for complete protection. Adhere to industry-standard practices for robust data backup.

Local and Cloud Backups: Use local NAS and cloud storage for extra emergency copies. Create a detailed plan to protect your data locally and in faraway places. This plan should cover both local and remote backup needs.

Incremental Backups: Save only files that have changed since the last backup. This action saves time and storage space. Make a backup plan that minimises extra copies of information.

Versioning: Keep multiple file versions for restoration purposes. Ensure the availability of historical file versions to facilitate data recovery.

How to Choose the Best NAS Backup Software Solution:

1] Compatibility

When selecting NAS backup software, ensure it seamlessly integrates with your NAS device and operating system. Compatibility is crucial because it guarantees that the software will function smoothly with your existing setup and hardware.

2] Versioning

Look for NAS backup software that supports versioning to manage and recover different versions of your files. Versioning allows you to keep multiple file iterations and quickly revert to a previous version. By having access to historical versions of your data, you can ensure that you are always able to recover what you need, enhancing your data management strategy.

3] Compression

Compression helps reduce the backup file’s size, meaning you can save more material using the same storage space. After compression, the transfer speeds will automatically speed up, making it very easy to manage big data.

4] Scheduling

Opt for backup software with robust scheduling features to automate your backup processes. Scheduling allows you to set specific times and intervals for backups, and backups will start automatically at those times without any manual intervention, ensuring no constant oversight is required.

5] Incremental Backups

Backing up data from scratch will consume time and storage space. Instead, you should save only those files and data for which you made changes. This approach significantly reduces the amount of data transferred and stored, speeding up backup processes and saving valuable storage space.

6] Ease of Use

Choose backup software with a user-friendly interface to simplify your backup management. Software that is easy to navigate and intuitive ensures that you can set up, monitor, and manage your backups quickly and abruptly. Look for solutions with precise instructions, straightforward configuration options, and accessible support resources.

7] Restoration Capabilities

Ensure the backup software you choose offers robust restoration capabilities to efficiently recover your data when needed. Look for features such as flexible restore options, which allow you to recover entire systems, specific files, or even previous versions of files.

8] Pricing Models

Evaluate if there are tiered pricing plans based on storage capacity, number of users, or additional functionalities. Compare whether prices are in line with the features offered to you. It is important to note that you don’t always have to use all these options they present to you.

9] Encryption

Prioritise NAS backup software with strong encryption to safeguard your data from unauthorised access and breaches. Look for solutions that provide end-to-end encryption, ensuring your data is safe during transmission and storage.

10 Best NAS Backup Software:

With good NAS backup software, NAS devices can offer many benefits. You can ensure the safe storage of data in alternative locations, such as a cloud service, a local drive, or another NAS device.

Various types of NAS backup solutions exist within the market, each possessing unique features, advantages, and limitations. We will have a look at 10 of the most renowned NAS backup solutions as follows:

Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage:

For $0.006 per GB per month, you can enjoy unlimited storage for NAS backup. It supports various NAS devices, including Synology NAS backup software, QNAP, Drobo, and FreeNAS. Users can securely recover and manage data with versioning, encryption, and lifecycle management.

IDrive:

IDrive offers 5 TB of storage for NAS backup at $69.65 annually. IDrive is also compatible with NAS devices like Synology, QNAP NAS Backup software, Netgear, and Asustor. Additionally, IDrive supports incremental backup, encryption, and file sharing. Users can employ IDrive’s web interface or desktop app for seamless NAS data backup.

MEGA:

MEGA provides 15 GB of free storage and up to 16 TB of paid storage for NAS backup. It offers encryption, data syncing, and shared work for NAS devices from Synology, QNAP, and MyCloud WD. MEGA allows users to back up NAS data through the MEGA interface or install MEGA software on the desktop.

Google Drive:

You can enjoy 15 GB of free storage. You can subscribe and get up to 2TB of storage for more storage. It allows file syncing, sharing, and editing. Users can recover NAS data through Google Drive’s web interface or desktop app. For further information, refer to our comprehensive review of Google Drive.

Veeam NAS Backup:

Veeam NAS Backup allows users to safeguard NAS data by enabling backups to another NAS device, a local drive, or a cloud service. It is compatible with various NAS devices, including Synology, QNAP, Netgear, and Dell EMC.

Veeam NAS Backup includes essential features like incremental backup, compression, encryption, and duplication. Users can seamlessly perform NAS data backup using Veeam’s user-friendly interface. You can also interact via a command-line interface.

ElephantDrive:

ElephantDrive supports multiple companies like Synology, QNAP, Netgear, and Drobo. You can use their advanced features like versioning, encryption, and easy file-sharing. Additionally, you can access your NAS data conveniently through ElephantDrive’s web interface or desktop app.

C2 Storage:

C2 Storage emerges as a specialised cloud storage service crafted for Synology NAS devices. It provides a generous 1 TB of storage for NAS backup, priced at $69.99 annually. The service contains essential features, including encryption, duplication, and disaster recovery.

Amazon S3 Glacier Storage:

Amazon S3 Glacier Storage is a sound cloud storage option because it is cheap. It charges only $0.004 per GB per month for storage. For NAS devices, Synology, QNAP, Netgear, and Drobo, Amazon S3 Glacier Storage offers encryption, durability, and compliance features. Users can utilise Amazon’s software or third-party tools for NAS data backup.

Wasabi Cloud NAS:

Wasabi Cloud NAS offers unlimited storage for NAS backup at $8.99 per TB monthly. It is compatible with NAS devices like Synology, QNAP, Netgear, and Drobo and supports encryption, durability, and performance. Users can achieve NAS data backup using Wasabi’s software or third-party tools.

Livedrive:

Livedrive offers 5 TB of storage for NAS backup at $7.69 monthly. Livedrive will support NAS devices from multiple companies, including Synology, QNAP, Netgear, and WD My Cloud. Livedrive provides features such as encryption, file syncing, and file sharing. Users can utilise Livedrive’s web interface or desktop app for seamless NAS data backup.

Conclusion

Selecting the appropriate NAS backup software is a critical decision that significantly influences the security and accessibility of your data. A good NAS backup software does more than ease users into creating backups.

It helps users recover particular files, apply encryption for data security, schedule backups, apply compression algorithms, and perform incremental backups for more efficiency.

However, the ideal software choice depends on your unique requirements, budget considerations, and technical proficiency. Whether you are an individual user aiming to secure personal files or a business safeguarding critical data, NAS backup software suits your needs.

Remember that data management extends beyond mere storage. Armed with the right NAS backup software, you can attain precisely that. With this in-depth explanation of the Top 10 NAS Backup Software in 2024, you can make informed and calculated decisions.