Avast BackUp vs Competitors: Backup Speed, Security, and Cost Comparison

Avast BackUp Review 2025: Features, Pricing & Is It Worth It?Avast BackUp is Avast’s consumer-focused cloud and local backup solution aimed at protecting documents, photos, videos, and system files across Windows and macOS. In 2025 the product remains positioned as an easy-to-use option for everyday users who want a mix of automatic cloud backups and local backup options without the complexity of enterprise tools. This review covers core features, pricing, performance, security, pros and cons, and whether it’s a good fit for different users.

What Avast BackUp does well

• Automatic scheduled cloud backups: You can set daily, weekly, or hourly schedules so backups run without manual intervention.
• Local and cloud backup options: Supports backing up to an external drive, network share (SMB), or Avast’s cloud storage — useful for a 3-2-1 backup approach.
• File-type and folder selection: Pick specific folders, file types, or use prebuilt categories (Photos, Documents, Email) for quick setup.
• Versioning and file retention: Keeps multiple versions of files so you can restore earlier revisions; retention policy is configurable.
• Ransomware protection integration: Works alongside Avast’s anti-ransomware features to reduce risk of corrupted backups if an infection occurs.
• Restore flexibility: Restore single files, folders, or full system images; browse backup contents via GUI or download from cloud.
• Cross-platform clients: Native apps for Windows and macOS; mobile recovery via web portal for files backed up to the cloud.
• Simple interface: Designed for nontechnical users — setup wizards and clear status indicators.

What could be improved

• Not as feature-rich as dedicated backup professionals (no continuous data protection for all file types, limited advanced scheduling options).
• Mobile apps are limited to file retrieval; no full-device mobile backups.
• Backup speeds to cloud depend heavily on ISP upload; initial full backups can be slow without seeding options.
• Business-grade features (centralized management, endpoint policies) are missing or limited compared with enterprise solutions.

Security & Privacy

• Backups use encryption in transit and at rest. Avast BackUp supports AES-256 for stored data and TLS for transport (implementation details can vary; check the app for current settings).
• You can set a private encryption key/password for client-side encryption — if used, Avast cannot read your backups; remember losing this key can make recovery impossible.
• Backup data stored in Avast’s cloud is separated per account. Avast’s overall privacy practices and data handling are subject to their privacy policy; consider reading current terms if you handle highly sensitive data.

Performance & Reliability

• Local backups to external drives or NAS are generally fast and reliable; speed depends on local hardware and connection (USB, LAN).
• Cloud backups rely on user upload bandwidth. Incremental and block-level transfers reduce subsequent backup sizes and time after the initial full backup.
• Restore operations are straightforward; downloading large restores from cloud can take time but are resumable in most cases.
• Occasional user reports note UI bugs or failed scheduled jobs — keep the client updated and review logs if issues appear.

Pricing (2025 snapshot)

Pricing may change, but typical options are:

• Free tier: Basic local backup features or trial access to cloud backups (limited storage).
• Personal plans: Monthly or annual subscriptions with fixed cloud storage amounts (e.g., 250 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB).
• Family/multi-device plans: Bundles covering multiple devices with shared cloud quota.
• Add-ons: Extra cloud storage purchases and possibly priority support tiers.

Exact prices vary by region and promotional offers. Compare the storage included and device limits when choosing a tier. If you need large cloud capacity, specialized backup providers sometimes offer more cost-effective storage-per-GB.

Comparison with alternatives

Who should choose Avast BackUp

• Users who want an easy, guided backup app that combines local and cloud options.
• Home users with multiple PCs who prefer a single-brand ecosystem (especially if already using Avast security products).
• People who want system image restore capability alongside file backups without managing multiple tools.

Who should consider alternatives

• Power users needing advanced features like true continuous data protection, deduplication across many devices, or very large (and cheap) cloud storage.
• Small businesses requiring centralized management, audit logs, or compliance features.
• Users who prioritize lowest-cost-per-GB for massive archives (some backup vendors or object storage providers may be cheaper).

Quick setup checklist

1. Choose local, cloud, or hybrid backup with the 3-2-1 principle (3 copies, 2 media types, 1 offsite).
2. Select folders and file types to protect; exclude temp/OS files to save space.
3. Set schedule (daily if possible) and enable versioning retention policy.
4. Enable client-side encryption if you need exclusive access to data — store the key safely.
5. Test a restore of a few files and, if available, a system image to verify backups.

Is Avast BackUp worth it in 2025?

• Yes, for typical home users who value simplicity, integrated local + cloud options, and straightforward restores.
• No, for enterprise or advanced users who need centralized management, unlimited cloud backup, or advanced deduplication and continuous protection at scale.

If you already use Avast security products and want a low-friction backup tool, Avast BackUp is a reasonable choice. If you need the cheapest large-capacity cloud storage or granular enterprise controls, compare specialist backup vendors before committing.