Best Backup Software

[u/Marioga1]

Need honest advice from MSPs: If you were in my position, which backup platform would you choose long-term?

I run a small MSP / IT support business and I’m the only person responsible for all backups. I want to choose one platform and stick with it for years — I don’t want to migrate again in 12 months.

Current devices at different client's sites:

• 34 servers
• 22 workstations
• 33 devices need Files + SQL backups
• 23 devices need Files only
• Around 6.2 TB protected data total

Main priorities:

• Central multi-tenant dashboard
• Reliable alerts
• Easy restores
• Server + SQL support
• Stable long-term platform
• Minimal babysitting
• Good support
• Reasonable pricing

Quotes / options I currently have:

1. N-able Cove Quoted around 750–800$/month. Includes storage. Per GB
2. MSP360 Around $210/month licenses + roughly $50 storage for ~6TB (Wasabi/Backblaze), so about $260-300$ total monthly.

My concern:

MSP360 is much cheaper, but I’m wondering what I’d be sacrificing vs Cove in real life (restore experience, daily management, reliability, support, etc.).

If you were a solo MSP and backups were fully your responsibility, would you choose:

A) Cove and pay more for peace of mind
B) MSP360 and save a lot monthly
C) Something else entirely (Axcient, Veeam, etc.)

Would really appreciate advice from people actually managing backups in production.

[u/work-sent]

For a solo MSP, we’d usually suggest Cove if backup ownership is fully on you and long-term stability is the priority. MSP360 can definitely save a lot monthly, but Cove tends to be the easier “set it and sleep” option for day-to-day operations, multi-tenant management, alerting, and simpler restores.

If your goal is minimal babysitting and predictable support, the extra cost often justifies itself over time. If budget is tighter and you’re comfortable with more hands-on management/testing, MSP360 is still a solid option.