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Head-to-head · Backup Software

DATASTOR Shield vs Retrospect Backup

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score DATASTOR Shield #60 in Backup Software 3.4/10 Pricing on request · 30-day trial Free trial✓ 3 of 4 features Visit DATASTOR
Retrospect Backup #80 in Backup Software 3.0/10 Paid ✓ 4 of 4 features Visit Retrospect

DATASTOR Shield leads on 0 checks, Retrospect Backup on 1, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreDATASTOR Shield · 3.4/10
  • Free trialonly DATASTOR Shield
  • Most featuresRetrospect Backup · 4 of 4

DATASTOR Shield scores higher on our rubric for backup software: 3.4 against 3.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #60 and #80.

Retrospect Backup offers mobile backup; DATASTOR Shield doesn't.

DATASTOR Shield is the better fit for long-retention backup with self-healing. Retrospect Backup is the better fit for long-running mixed-platform backup operations.

  • DATASTOR Shield fits best

    Long-retention backup with self-healing

  • Retrospect Backup fits best

    Long-running mixed-platform backup operations

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Side by side

Feature DATASTOR Shield 3.4/10 Visit ↗ Retrospect Backup 3.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 3.4 3.0
Ranking #60 in Backup Software #80 in Backup Software
Best for Long-retention backup with self-healing Long-running mixed-platform backup operations
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price — —
Free plan — —
Free trial 30 days —
Deployment Cloud, Self-hosted Desktop, Self-hosted
Platforms Windows Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Tickets, Docs Email, Phone, Community, Docs
Integrations 2 integrations 7 integrations
Built for Small business, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features DATASTOR Shield 3/4 · Retrospect Backup 4/4
Computer backup ✓ ✓
Mobile backup — ✓ (best)
Server backup ✓ ✓
Ransomware protection ✓ ✓
Specs
Backup scope Mixed Mixed
Restore modes Mixed Mixed
Supported platforms Windows; client support for Mac OS, Linux, and Unix through standard SMB Windows, macOS, Linux
Our review
Pros
  • Source-side global deduplication reduces transferred and stored data.
  • Supports disk, tape, NAS/DAS, and cloud storage targets.
  • Self-healing, verification, and bare-metal recovery strengthen recovery planning.
  • Supports file-level, system-level, and bare-metal recovery
  • Combines immutable backups, deduplication, and ransomware detection
  • Monitors remote backups through a console and iOS app
Cons
  • Pricing requires contacting sales.
  • There is no perpetual free plan.
  • Database protection is specified for Microsoft SQL Server and Exchange.
  • No free plan is available
  • Mobile backup documentation covers iOS backups created through iTunes
  • Choosing among six editions may require careful capacity planning
Our verdict

DATASTOR Shield is hybrid cloud backup, restore, archiving, and replication software for businesses. It protects Windows servers, workstations, virtual machines, and selected databases, with support for Windows, macOS, and Linux…

Read the review →

Retrospect Backup is data-protection software for professionals and small-to-midsize businesses managing mixed environments. It covers Windows, macOS, and Linux servers, desktops, and notebooks, while its documented mobile workflow…

Read the review →
  1. DATASTOR ShieldBackup Software 3.4Pricing on request · 30-day trial
  2. Retrospect BackupBackup Software 3.0Paid

Strengths and trade-offs

  • DATASTOR Shield — where it wins

    • Source-side global deduplication reduces transferred and stored data.
    • Supports disk, tape, NAS/DAS, and cloud storage targets.
    • Self-healing, verification, and bare-metal recovery strengthen recovery planning.

    Where it doesn't

    • Pricing requires contacting sales.
    • There is no perpetual free plan.
    • Database protection is specified for Microsoft SQL Server and Exchange.

  • Retrospect Backup — where it wins

    • Supports file-level, system-level, and bare-metal recovery
    • Combines immutable backups, deduplication, and ransomware detection
    • Monitors remote backups through a console and iOS app

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan is available
    • Mobile backup documentation covers iOS backups created through iTunes
    • Choosing among six editions may require careful capacity planning
  • DATASTOR Shield3.4/10 · Pricing on request · 30-day trial

    A business backup platform for long retention, recovery flexibility, and self-healing.

    Visit DATASTORFull verdict →
  • Retrospect Backup3.0/10 · Paid

    A broad backup platform for mixed Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and web operations.

    Visit RetrospectFull verdict →

All backup software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update