VM Backup review
A flexible VM backup platform with a capable free edition and broad recovery options.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
VM Backup, formerly Altaro VM Backup, is backup and replication software for organizations running virtual machines on Microsoft Hyper-V, VMware or Proxmox. It combines local and offsite backup repositories with centralized management through a cloud console. Recovery options include granular file and folder restore, clone recovery, cross-platform restore between VMware and Hyper-V, and instant boot from backup. A free edition for two VMs per host makes it a practical starting point for smaller virtualized environments.
The product’s protection features extend beyond scheduled VM copies. Continuous Data Protection supports backup intervals as low as five minutes, while WAN-optimized VM replication supports offsite continuity. Immutable cloud storage is designed for ransomware protection, and augmented inline deduplication can help manage backup data. Offsite repositories can use Microsoft Azure, Amazon S3, Wasabi or Backblaze B2, giving teams several cloud storage paths alongside local repositories. These capabilities make VM Backup a fit for organizations that need more than basic backup jobs and want recovery options across common virtualization platforms.
Licensing spans several operating models. The Free Edition is free for two VMs per host forever. Standard offers perpetual, per-host licensing, while Unlimited offers perpetual licensing with unlimited sockets and VMs per host. Unlimited Plus provides monthly, per-VM billing and includes support, updates and version upgrades. The product also offers a 30-day trial. Choose VM Backup if your environment centers on Hyper-V, VMware or Proxmox and you value replication, cloud storage and varied restore modes. Organizations seeking software for platforms beyond Windows, or protection outside a virtual-machine-focused scope, should consider alternatives with a broader platform fit.
VM Backup pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free Edition covers two VMs per host forever
- Supports Hyper-V, VMware and Proxmox with cross-platform restore
- Adds replication, immutable storage and instant boot from backup
- Where it doesn't
- Windows is the only listed platform
- The Free Edition is limited to two VMs per host
- Advanced licensing choices may require plan comparison
VM Backup fact sheet, pricing and score →
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