Comparison · Backup and BCDR · Updated September 2026
Veeam, Acronis and Datto solve different backup problems. Veeam is the strongest for VMs and servers with per-workload licensing, Acronis bundles backup with security in one agent at $3 to $8 per workload per month, and Datto is the MSP favourite for appliance-based business continuity, quoted rather than listed. For Microsoft 365 alone, expect $2 to $5 per user per month on any of them.
Veeam vs Acronis vs Datto: which is right for you?
| Veeam | Acronis Cyber Protect | Datto (Kaseya) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Per workload (VUL), software only, bring your own storage | Per workload or per GB, cloud storage included | Appliance (SIRIS) plus cloud, sold via MSPs |
| Typical monthly cost | $3 to $7 per workload equivalent | $3 to $8 per workload | Quote-based; SaaS Protection $3 to $5 per user |
| Microsoft 365 backup | $2.50 to $4 per user | $3 to $5 per user | $3 to $5 per user |
| Best for | VMware, Hyper-V and server fleets; ransomware-proof immutability | SMBs wanting backup, anti-malware and patching in one agent | MSP-delivered instant recovery with local virtualisation |
| Watch out for | You manage storage and repository security yourself | Per-GB cloud costs grow with data | Only sold through partners; contract terms vary by MSP |
GET A BACKUP QUOTE IN ONE BUSINESS DAY
What does business backup cost per user in 2026?
$2 to $5 per user per month for Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace backup, and $3 to $8 per server or VM workload for infrastructure backup, at list. Dropsuite through a partner at $2 to $3 per user with unlimited retention is usually the cheapest credible option for M365. Full business continuity with local appliances and instant recovery (the Datto model) is quoted per site and typically lands at 2 to 4 times plain cloud backup.
Which is cheapest?
For M365 only: Dropsuite, then Veeam. For mixed server and endpoint estates: Acronis usually wins on total cost because storage is bundled. For recovery-time guarantees measured in minutes: Datto, but you pay for the appliance. The honest answer is that channel discounts move the ranking, which is why we quote all three side by side.
Which is best for MSPs and white-label delivery?
Datto was built for MSP economics, Acronis has the strongest multi-tenant console for white-label use, and Veeam fits MSPs serving virtualisation-heavy clients. ITSecOps runs backup for MSP partners under all three: see white-label support for MSPs.
Does compliance require backup?
Yes in practice. ISO 27001 A.8.13, SOC 2 availability criteria, NIS2 Article 21 and CMMC media protection all expect tested, restorable backups with retention evidence. We export that evidence for audits as part of managed backup.
Frequently asked questions
Is Veeam or Acronis better for Microsoft 365 backup?
Feature depth is close. Veeam is usually $0.50 to $1 cheaper per user but needs its own storage decisions; Acronis includes cloud storage and adds security modules in the same agent.
What happened to Datto pricing after the Kaseya acquisition?
Datto is now sold through Kaseya and its MSP channel, with bundle discounts but longer terms in many contracts. Get the term and exit clauses in writing before signing.
Do I still need backup if I have OneDrive and SharePoint?
Yes. Microsoft replicates your data for availability but does not protect you from deletion, ransomware encryption or retention gaps; Microsoft itself recommends third-party backup.
Can ITSecOps migrate us between backup vendors?
Yes, including seeding, retention mapping and parallel-run verification, and partner pricing on the destination platform usually offsets the migration cost.
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