UrBackup
UrBackup: A free, self-hosted choice for mixed file and image backups across desktop systems. Ranked #27 of 150 in Backup Software by our editors (6.4/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free open-source mixed file and image backup.
At a glance
- Editor score6.4 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFree open-source mixed file and image backup
- Free planYes
- Server backupYes
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free and open source with Windows, macOS, and Linux clients
- Combines file backups, image backups, and whole-partition protection
- Web management, deduplication, Internet backup, and bootable restoration
Where it doesn't
- Requires managing a self-hosted backup server and client setup
- Desktop and server coverage does not include a dedicated mobile client
- Image restoration uses a bootable USB stick for bare-metal recovery
Our verdict on UrBackup
UrBackup is a free, open-source client/server backup system for computers and servers. It is designed for people who want self-hosted protection across Windows, macOS, and Linux, with the server running on Windows, GNU/Linux, FreeBSD, or supported NAS platforms. Its scope is mixed: users can create full and incremental file backups, full and incremental image backups, backups of whole partitions, or backups of selected directories. Files and disk sectors can be transferred incrementally while systems are running.
The product’s strongest fit is its combination of coverage and centralized administration. A web interface provides client status, settings, browsing, and restores, while file-level deduplication works across computers. Internet backup supports clients outside the local network, and email alerts can identify machines that have not backed up. For image-based recovery, UrBackup supports a bootable USB stick, giving administrators a path to restore image volumes and recover systems outside the normal operating environment.
UrBackup is a strong choice for technically capable teams, households, and organizations that prefer open-source software and control over their own backup infrastructure. Its published feature set also includes backup and restore documentation for PostgreSQL, MySQL/MariaDB, MSSQL, Oracle, and Hyper-V. The trade-off is operational responsibility: this is a self-hosted system rather than a hosted backup service, so server and client administration remain part of the deployment. It is also oriented toward desktop and server environments rather than mobile devices. Choose it when flexible file-and-image protection matters more than a managed service experience; choose an alternative when minimizing infrastructure administration or backing up phones is a priority.
Your product? Our editors can test UrBackup in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
UrBackup pricing
All 3 UrBackup plans and prices →
UrBackup fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Computer backup | Yes |
| Mobile backup | Yes |
| Server backup | Yes |
| Backup scope | Mixed |
| Restore modes | Mixed |
| Ransomware protection | Yes |
| Supported platforms | windows, macos, linux, android |
| Deployment | Self-hosted, Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 5 integrations: PostgreSQL, MySQL/MariaDB, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle Database, Hyper-V |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | urbackup.org |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
UrBackup integrations
UrBackup lists 5 integrations on its own site.
- PostgreSQL
- MySQL/MariaDB
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Oracle Database
- Hyper-V
Alternatives to UrBackup
- Veeam Backup & ReplicationA wide-ranging backup platform for enterprise virtual and hybrid environments.9.4
- Rubrik Security CloudA cyber-recovery platform built around immutable backup, threat investigation, and clean-state recovery.9.2
- NAKIVO Backup & ReplicationA broad VM backup platform with recovery, replication, and disaster-recovery workflows.8.8
See all UrBackup alternatives →
Also Ranked In
UrBackup is ranked in 7 of our directories.
Used UrBackup? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used UrBackup for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
UrBackup is listed in our Backup Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/urbackup/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/urbackup.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update