UrBackup

Name: UrBackup
Brand: UrBackup

Open-source client-server backup software with image and file-level restores

softwareBackup & Sync open-source backupdisk-imaging

Visit Website

Our Verdict

Best for

Technical teams that want a self-hosted, no-cost backup server covering both images and files across many clients.

Skip if

You want a fully managed cloud backup service with no server to maintain.

What is UrBackup?

UrBackup is a free, open-source backup solution that combines full disk image backups with file-level backups, run from a central server across a network of client machines. Backups happen while systems remain in active use, and continuous folder monitoring lets it capture fast, near-real-time incremental changes rather than relying solely on scheduled full scans. Restores can be performed through a web interface, the client application, or directly from Windows Explorer, and a bootable USB image supports full bare-metal recovery. The project reports over 21,000 active server instances and is licensed under AGPLv3+, making it usable for both personal and commercial deployments without licensing fees, with cross-client deduplication to reduce storage consumption on the backup server.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

deploymentSelf-hosted

open source✅ Yes

api available❌ No

Key Features of UrBackup

Runs full disk image backups alongside file-level backups from a single central server managing many clients.

Performs live backups without interrupting running processes or requiring machines to be taken offline.

Monitors folders continuously so incremental backups can be captured shortly after files change rather than on a fixed schedule only.

Offers a web-based management interface for scheduling, monitoring, and restoring backups across all connected clients.

Supports file restoration directly through Windows Explorer integration in addition to the web UI and client app.

Provides bare-metal restore via a bootable image for full system recovery after a hardware failure.

Deduplicates data across clients on the server to significantly reduce total storage requirements.

Supports remote, internet-accessible backup for devices that are not always on the local network.

Use Cases for UrBackup

Backing up an office network of workstations

Run scheduled and continuous backups of every machine on a small office network from one central server.

Disaster recovery for a home lab or small business server

Use bare-metal restore from a bootable image to rebuild a failed server quickly.

Backing up remote or laptop devices

Continue capturing backups from laptops and remote clients even when they are off the local network.

Reducing backup storage costs

Use cross-client deduplication to store backups from many similar machines without duplicating shared data.

Pros & Cons of UrBackup

Pros

Completely free and open source under AGPLv3+, including for commercial use
Combines image and file-level backup in one tool
Cross-client deduplication reduces storage costs significantly
Active project with over 21,000 reported server instances

Cons

No official cloud-hosted version, so users must self-host and maintain the server
Interface and setup are more technical than most consumer backup tools
Official documentation and support rely heavily on community forums rather than dedicated commercial support

Frequently Asked Questions

Is UrBackup free to use commercially?

Yes, it is licensed under AGPLv3+ and can be used in both personal and commercial environments without license fees.

Does UrBackup support both image and file backups?

Yes, it can perform full disk image backups and granular file-level backups from the same server.

Can I restore individual files without a full image restore?

Yes, files can be restored through the web interface, the client app, or directly from Windows Explorer.

What platforms does the UrBackup client support?

Clients are available for Windows, macOS, and GNU/Linux, with the server also running on FreeBSD and Linux-based NAS systems.

Pricing Overview

View full pricing →

Free

Detailed plans are not listed. Visit the official website for pricing information.

Reviews & Ratings0.0

Write a Review See all reviews →

No reviews yet. Be the first to write one!

Top Alternatives & Similar Software

View all alternatives & similar software→

Zerobyte

AI-suggested

zerobyte is a backup automation tool designed for self-hosters, built on top of restic. It simplifies the process of backing up data, ensuring that important files and information are safely stored and easily recoverable in case of data loss or system failure. With zerobyte, users can automate their backup processes, reducing the risk of data loss and minimizing downtime.

Compare with UrBackup

AOMEI Backupper Professional

AI-suggested

AOMEI Backupper Professional delivers reliable system, file, and disk backup with flexible scheduling and incremental options. It also supports full disk cloning, partition migration, and real-time file synchronization. Designed for both personal power users and small‑to‑medium businesses, it offers a straightforward interface while handling complex tasks like OS migration and disaster recovery.

Compare with UrBackup

restic

AI-suggested

restic is a fast, secure, and efficient backup program that is designed to be easy to use and highly customizable. It supports multiple storage backends, including local directories, SFTP servers, and cloud storage services like Amazon S3 and Google Cloud Storage.

Compare with UrBackup