Arq Backup vs MSP360 Backup
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Arq Backup lets you protect files on Mac and Windows by continuously syncing them to cloud services like Amazon S3, Google Drive, and Backblaze B2. It encrypts data locally before upload, ensuring privacy and security. The software runs in the background, supports versioning, and lets you restore individual files or entire folders with a few clicks, making disaster recovery simple for home users and small businesses.
MSP360 Backup is a cross-platform backup solution for individuals, businesses, and managed service providers, offering file-level and image-based backup for Windows, macOS, and Linux systems as well as servers and virtual machines. It follows a bring-your-own-cloud model, letting users back up to storage providers like Amazon S3, Azure, and Wasabi rather than a proprietary cloud. The product includes AES encryption, immutable object lock support on higher tiers, and a centralized management console for organizations managing backups across many endpoints. It has been recognized with awards including G2 Leader status and an InfoTech Champion listing in 2026.
- Strong local encryption ensures privacy
- Works with many cloud providers
- Simple one‑time purchase, no subscription
- Versioning and easy restoration
- Bring-your-own-cloud model avoids vendor lock-in to a proprietary storage cloud
- Free tier available for personal workstation backup
- Broad platform coverage including servers, VMs, and SaaS workloads
- Recognized with multiple industry awards in 2026
- No native Linux client
- No mobile app for on‑the‑go restores
- Limited reporting and analytics
- Pricing structure is workload-based and can get complex for larger environments
- Enterprise/Managed tier pricing is not published and requires contacting sales
- More configuration-heavy than simple consumer backup tools
More alternatives & similar tools
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Cross-platform cloud backup for personal files, servers, and MSP client environments.
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataMSP360 Backup offers enterprise‑grade, multi‑cloud, SaaS‑focused features with a freemium tier, while Arq Backup provides a simple one‑time‑purchase, strong local encryption for small‑scale use.
Key differences
- •MSP360 supports Windows, macOS, Linux servers, VMs and SaaS (SQL, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace); Arq only supports macOS and Windows desktops.
- •Pricing model: MSP360 uses a freemium and workload‑based subscription; Arq is a one‑time paid license.
- •MSP360 includes centralized management console and 24/7 support for Managed tier; Arq offers only email/KB support.
- •Arq encrypts files locally with AES‑256 and offers built‑in compression; MSP360 offers AES‑128/192/256 and immutable object lock on higher tiers.
- •MSP360 integrates with VMware/Hyper‑V and offers MSP‑focused reporting; Arq lacks VM or advanced reporting integrations.
Pricing & value
Arq’s one‑time purchase avoids ongoing costs; MSP360’s workload‑based pricing can become complex for larger environments.
Ease of use / learning curve
Arq is a simple desktop app with minimal configuration; MSP360 requires more setup, especially for multi‑cloud and MSP features.
Features & depth
MSP360 provides file‑level, image‑based, SaaS, VM backups, immutable lock, and centralized console; Arq focuses on file‑level backups only.
Integrations & ecosystem
MSP360 lists integrations with VMware, Hyper‑V, multiple cloud storages, and SaaS apps; Arq integrates with S3‑compatible clouds but lacks VM or SaaS connectors.
Collaboration
MSP360’s centralized console lets MSPs monitor many client environments; Arq lacks multi‑user or client‑management features.
Scalability
MSP360 is designed for MSPs and large enterprises with workload‑based pricing; Arq targets home users and small businesses.
Support
MSP360 offers 24/7 support on Managed tier; Arq provides only email and knowledge‑base support.
Security & privacy
Both use AES encryption (MSP360 up to 256‑bit, Arq AES‑256) and support S3‑compatible storage; MSP360 adds immutable lock on higher tiers.
Choose Arq Backup if…
Home users or small businesses wanting a simple, one‑time‑cost, locally encrypted backup solution.
Choose MSP360 Backup if…
Enterprises, MSPs, or IT teams needing multi‑cloud, VM, and SaaS backup with centralized management.
Common questions
Which product is cheaper for a single workstation?
Arq is cheaper because it requires a one‑time purchase, while MSP360’s free tier covers a single workstation but may need a paid tier for advanced features.
Can I back up virtual machines with these tools?
Only MSP360 supports VM backups (VMware, Hyper‑V); Arq backs up only files on macOS and Windows desktops.
What support is available if I run into issues?
MSP360 offers 24/7 support on its Managed tier; Arq provides email support and a knowledge base only.