[Home](https://www.selecthub.com/) \> [Data Recovery Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/data-recovery-software/) \> [Backup Exec](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/backup-exec/) \> Backup Exec vs APEX Backup Services # Backup Exec vs APEX Backup Services Last Updated: May 25th, 2026 Our analysts compared [Backup Exec](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/backup-exec/) vs [APEX Backup Services](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/apex-backup-services/) based on data from our 400+ point analysis of [Data Recovery Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/data-recovery-software/), user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our [free software selection platform](https://www.selecthub.com/about/start-free-selection-project-site/?category=Data Recovery Software&cta=data-recovery-software). [Overview](#product-overview) [Pricing](#product-pricing) [Our Review](#product-analyst-summary) [User Ratings](#user-sentiment-section) [Features](#product-benefits-features) [Analyst Ratings](#analyst-rating-section) [Comparison Charts](#product-comparison-charts) [Screenshots](#product-screenshots) Remove Add to Compare [![Backup Exec Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/68c694de94e6c110f42e587e8e48d852-e0c5faf09903d96909ec42804e52e63e/resources/normal/logo.png?1723690911)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/backup-exec/) Remove Add to Compare [![APEX Backup Services Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/cc10d94812d8d2c9c656c30fea0cf347-f8a105852b956e781026bbc7d085910a/resources/normal/logo.png?1723691670)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/apex-backup-services/) [ ![Product Awards](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/awards_badge.svg) ](#awards-section) [Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Data+Recovery+Software&product%5Fname=Backup%2BExec&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F68c694de94e6c110f42e587e8e48d852-e0c5faf09903d96909ec42804e52e63e%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1723690911) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Data+Recovery+Software&product%5Fname=Backup%2BExec&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F68c694de94e6c110f42e587e8e48d852-e0c5faf09903d96909ec42804e52e63e%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1723690911) [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Data+Recovery+Software&product%5Fname=Backup%2BExec&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F68c694de94e6c110f42e587e8e48d852-e0c5faf09903d96909ec42804e52e63e%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1723690911&price=2) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Data+Recovery+Software&product%5Fname=Backup%2BExec&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F68c694de94e6c110f42e587e8e48d852-e0c5faf09903d96909ec42804e52e63e%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1723690911&price=2) [Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Data+Recovery+Software&product%5Fname=APEX%2BBackup%2BServices&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fcc10d94812d8d2c9c656c30fea0cf347-f8a105852b956e781026bbc7d085910a%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1723691670) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Data+Recovery+Software&product%5Fname=APEX%2BBackup%2BServices&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fcc10d94812d8d2c9c656c30fea0cf347-f8a105852b956e781026bbc7d085910a%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1723691670) [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Data+Recovery+Software&product%5Fname=APEX%2BBackup%2BServices&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fcc10d94812d8d2c9c656c30fea0cf347-f8a105852b956e781026bbc7d085910a%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1723691670&price=1) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Data+Recovery+Software&product%5Fname=APEX%2BBackup%2BServices&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fcc10d94812d8d2c9c656c30fea0cf347-f8a105852b956e781026bbc7d085910a%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1723691670&price=1) ### Products Insights Overall Rating Comparison [ Analyst Rating 83 Detailed Analysis ](#analyst-rating-section) [ User Sentiment ![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) (12 Reviews) ](#user-sentiment-section) [ Analyst Rating 85 Detailed Analysis ](#analyst-rating-section) [ User Sentiment ![Excellent User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/excellent.svg) (34 Reviews) ](#user-sentiment-section) Price Starts From $39 Monthly [ Free Trial is available →](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=Backup Exec&category=Data Recovery Software&product%5Flogo=https://d3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net/products/68c694de94e6c110f42e587e8e48d852-e0c5faf09903d96909ec42804e52e63e/resources/normal/logo.png?1723690911) $2/User, Monthly [ Free Trial is available →](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=APEX Backup Services&category=Data Recovery Software&product%5Flogo=https://d3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net/products/cc10d94812d8d2c9c656c30fea0cf347-f8a105852b956e781026bbc7d085910a/resources/normal/logo.png?1723691670) Pros What we like about Backup Exec and APEX Backup Services: **Easy to Use:** Backup Exec features an intuitive interface that simplifies backup and recovery tasks, allowing users to easily set backup jobs, monitor their status, and perform recoveries with just a few clicks. **Ransomware Protection:** Backup Exec offers robust ransomware resilience, employing proactive measures to safeguard backup data from attacks and ensure business continuity in case of a security breach. **Virtualization Capabilities:** Backup Exec seamlessly integrates with VMware and Hyper-V, providing reliable and consistent application-aware backups for virtual machines, minimizing the impact on virtual hosts, and enabling fast recovery. **Cloud Integration:** Backup Exec supports backup to various cloud storage providers, including AWS and Azure, allowing businesses to leverage the scalability and cost-effectiveness of cloud storage for their long-term data retention needs. **Simplified Management:** As a 100% SaaS solution, APEX Backup Services eliminates the need for users to manage their own infrastructure, allowing them to focus on other tasks. **Enhanced Security:** The platform offers robust ransomware protection through features like air-gapped backups and object-based storage, ensuring data remains secure and recoverable. **Improved Recovery:** APEX Backup Services is designed to reduce recovery times by up to 75%, minimizing downtime in case of data loss. **Centralized Control:** Users benefit from a single console for monitoring and managing data protection across various workloads, including SaaS applications, endpoints, and hybrid environments. Cons What we dislike about Backup Exec and APEX Backup Services: **File Search Issues:** Some users have reported difficulties locating specific files within backups, which can slow down recovery efforts. **Occasional Reliability Concerns:** While generally considered reliable, Backup Exec has encountered occasional performance and stability issues reported by some users. **Inconsistent Support Experience:** User reviews on the quality and responsiveness of Backup Exec's technical support have been mixed, with some citing negative experiences. **Limited Information on Specifics:** While user reviews highlight ease of use and performance, they lack detailed information about storage tiers, data recovery options, and granular policy controls that might be important for businesses with specific compliance or budgetary needs. **Potential Vendor Lock-In:** As with many integrated solutions, businesses might be concerned about potential vendor lock-in with Dell APEX Backup Services, especially if they heavily rely on a multi-vendor cloud strategy or anticipate future changes in their IT infrastructure. ### Our Review Is Backup Exec executing its primary function exceptionally well according to users? User reviews on Backup Exec over the last year present a mixed bag, praising its ease of use and VMware integration but raising concerns about reliability and support. Users find its intuitive interface and quick setup a breath of fresh air compared to more complex solutions. Its robust integration with VMware, allowing for seamless data replication to the cloud, makes it a favorite for managing virtual environments. However, some users report headaches with connectivity issues, particularly with tape drives, and unexpected job stoppages, leaving them questioning the software's stability. The new subscription model has also left a sour taste in some users' mouths, with some feeling like they're being nickel-and-dimed. Backup Exec's strength lies in its user-friendliness and VMware integration, making it a good fit for businesses heavily reliant on VMware. However, its reported reliability issues and the grumbling about the subscription model might give some potential users pause. If you're prioritizing ease of use and VMware synergy and can stomach the potential for hiccups, Backup Exec might be worth a shot. But, if rock-solid reliability and a predictable pricing model are non-negotiable, you might want to explore other options. Show more Is Dell APEX Backup Services the apex predator of data protection, or does it fall flat? User reviews from the last year paint a largely positive picture of APEX Backup Services, particularly praising its multicloud support and user-friendly interface. One user lauded the platform's ability to seamlessly protect data across their diverse IT environment, which includes on-premises servers and public cloud services like Azure. This comprehensive coverage is a key differentiator for businesses with a hybrid infrastructure. Users also rave about the intuitive SaaS-based management console, highlighting its ease of use compared to more complex solutions like Commvault. The automation features, such as automated backups and policy-based data retention, are particularly well-received, freeing up IT teams from tedious manual tasks. However, some users expressed concerns about the potential for vendor lock-in, a common concern with fully managed services. While APEX Backup Services integrates well within the Dell ecosystem, migrating data and processes to a different vendor in the future could pose challenges. Despite this concern, the overall sentiment towards APEX Backup Services is positive. Its robust feature set, combined with its user-friendliness and strong performance, makes it a compelling choice for organizations seeking a comprehensive yet manageable data protection solution, especially those already invested in the Dell ecosystem or looking for a fully managed solution. Show more ### Analyst Rating Summary Overall Scores Based on the research and analysis by SelectHub's team of research analysts, Backup Exec has an analyst rating of 83\. By comparison APEX Backup Services has an analyst rating of 85\. 83 85 Features Comparison **Backup Management** Automates backup processes, ensuring data protection and efficient recovery in case of data loss or system failures. 100 96 **Restore and Recovery** Enables the restoration of lost or corrupted data, minimizing downtime and data loss, and ensuring business continuity. 93 100 **Integrations** Connects the data recovery software with other backup and IT management tools, streamlining workflows and improving overall data protection strategies. 98 98 [Show More](#) [Show More](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Data Recovery Software) Strengths The best features of Backup Exec and APEX Backup Services as judged by user reviews and analyst validation. Backup Management Performance and Scalability Security Integrations Restore and Recovery Performance and Scalability Restore and Recovery Security Integrations Backup Management ### Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements [Customize This Data](#) [Customize This Data](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Data Recovery Software) Implementation Level of Effort Estimation **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. [Read more](#) **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. **Backup Management** Automates backup processes, ensuring data protection and efficient recovery in case of data loss or system failures. 100% 0% 0% 88% 6% 6% **Restore And Recovery** Enables the restoration of lost or corrupted data, minimizing downtime and data loss, and ensuring business continuity. 90% 5% 5% 100% 0% 0% **Customize This Data For Your Unique Needs** and compare feature capabilities head-to-head [CUSTOMIZE NOW](#) [CUSTOMIZE NOW](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Data Recovery Software) ### Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements [Customize This Data](#) [Customize This Data](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Data Recovery Software) Implementation Level of Effort Estimation **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. [Read more](#) **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. **Integrations** Connects the data recovery software with other backup and IT management tools, streamlining workflows and improving overall data protection strategies. 100% 0% 0% 100% 0% 0% **Performance And Scalability** Ensures efficient data backup, recovery, and management, even for large datasets and complex IT environments, minimizing downtime and optimizing resource utilization. 100% 0% 0% 100% 0% 0% **Security** Safeguards sensitive data during backup, recovery, and storage, protecting against unauthorized access and data breaches. 100% 0% 0% 100% 0% 0% **Requirements Summary** Of typical requirements, 94.1% are fully supported out of the box by Backup Exec including Backup Management, Performance And Scalability and Security. APEX Backup Services supports 94.1% and excels at Performance And Scalability, Restore And Recovery and Security. Backup Exec has an analyst rating of 83 and a user sentiment rating of 'great' based on 12 reviews, while APEX Backup Services has an analyst rating of 85 and a user sentiment rating of 'excellent' based on 34 reviews. ### User Sentiment Summary Backup Exec has a user sentiment rating of 84 based on 12 reviews. APEX Backup Services has a user sentiment rating of 94 based on 34 reviews. ![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) 12 reviews ![Excellent User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/excellent.svg) 34 reviews Synopsis Evaluating all review platforms, our market analysts have compiled the following user sentiment data. 84% of users recommend this product Backup Exec has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 84% when considering 12 user reviews from 1 recognized software review sites. 94% of users recommend this product APEX Backup Services has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 94% when considering 34 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites. User Review Scores **G2.com, Inc** n/a **4.5** (1) **Capterra Inc** **4.2** (12) n/a **Gartner, Inc** n/a **4.7** (33) ### Awards SelectHub awards earned by these products based on a comprehensive analysis by our research analysts. No awards. APEX Backup Services stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite. ![User Favorite Award]() ### Product Assistance Training Resources Documentation In Person Live Online Videos Webinars Documentation In Person Live Online Videos Webinars Support Email Phone Chat FAQ Forum Knowledge Base 24/7 Live Support Email Phone Chat FAQ Forum Knowledge Base 24/7 Live Support ### Product Basics Company Size i Small Medium Large Small Medium Large Platforms Supported Windows Mac Linux Android Chromebook Windows Mac Linux Android Chromebook Deployment Supported Cloud On-Premise Mobile Cloud On-Premise Mobile Comparison of Top Alternatives [ Backup Exec Alternatives](https://www.selecthub.com/data-recovery-software/backup-exec/alternatives/) [ APEX Backup Services Alternatives](https://www.selecthub.com/data-recovery-software/apex-backup-services/alternatives/) ### Screenshots ![Screenshots]() ![Screenshots]() ### Key Features * **Comprehensive Data Protection:** Supports a wide range of platforms including Windows, Linux, and virtual environments like VMware and Hyper-V. * **Granular Recovery Technology (GRT):** Allows for the recovery of individual files, folders, and application objects from a single-pass backup. * **Deduplication:** Reduces storage requirements by eliminating duplicate data at the source or target, optimizing backup efficiency. * **Cloud Storage Integration:** Seamlessly integrates with popular cloud storage providers such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud for offsite backups. * **Centralized Management Console:** Provides a single pane of glass for managing all backup and recovery operations across the enterprise. read more... * **Comprehensive Data Coverage:** Supports a wide range of data sources including databases, virtual machines, and cloud applications. * **Incremental Backups:** Utilizes incremental backup technology to reduce storage requirements and improve backup efficiency. * **Automated Scheduling:** Allows for the creation of automated backup schedules to ensure data is consistently protected without manual intervention. * **End-to-End Encryption:** Provides robust encryption for data both in transit and at rest, ensuring data security and compliance with industry standards. * **Granular Recovery Options:** Enables precise recovery of individual files, folders, or entire systems, minimizing downtime and data loss. read more... ### Top Alternatives in Data Recovery Software [ Alta Data Protection ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/alta-data-protection/) [ APEX Backup Services ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/apex-backup-services/) [ Arcserve Backup ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/arcserve-backup/) [ Arcserve Cloud Direct ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/arcserve-cloud-direct/) [ Arcserve Data Protection Appliances ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/arcserve-data-protection-appliances/) [ Arcserve UDP ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/arcserve-udp/) [ AWS Backup ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/aws-backup/) [ Azure Backup ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/azure-backup/) [ Barracuda Backup ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/barracuda-backup/) [ Barracuda Data Protection ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/barracuda-data-protection/) [ Carbonite Availability ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/carbonite-availability/) [ Carbonite Cloud-to-Cloud Backup ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/carbonite-cloud-to-cloud-backup/) [ Carbonite Endpoint Backup ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/carbonite-endpoint-backup/) [ Carbonite Server Backup ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/carbonite-server-backup/) [ CloudAlly ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/cloudally/) [ Cohesity DataProtect ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/cohesity-dataprotect/) [ Commvault Cloud ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/commvault-cloud/) [ Data Protector ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/data-protector/) [ Datto Backup for Microsoft Azure ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/datto-backup-for-microsoft-azure/) [ Datto Endpoint Backup ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/datto-endpoint-backup/) ### Related Categories Backup Exec and APEX Backup Services can also be found with other leading products in these categories: [ Backup Software ](https://www.selecthub.com/c/backup-software/) [ Enterprise Backup Software ](https://www.selecthub.com/c/enterprise-backup-software/) Show more [ Enterprise Backup Software ](https://www.selecthub.com/c/enterprise-backup-software/) Show more ### Head-to-Head Comparison ![Backup Exec Software Tool]() ![APEX Backup Services Software Tool]() [Backup Exec VS APEX Backup Services](https://www.selecthub.com/data-recovery-software/backup-exec-vs-apex-backup-services/) ![Backup Exec Software Tool]() ![Arcserve Backup Software Tool]() [Backup Exec VS Arcserve Backup](https://www.selecthub.com/data-recovery-software/backup-exec-vs-arcserve-backup/) ![Backup Exec Software Tool]() ![Arcserve UDP Software Tool]() [Backup Exec VS Arcserve UDP](https://www.selecthub.com/data-recovery-software/backup-exec-vs-arcserve-udp/) ![Backup Exec Software Tool]() ![AWS Backup Software Tool]() [Backup Exec VS AWS Backup](https://www.selecthub.com/data-recovery-software/aws-backup-vs-backup-exec/) ![Backup Exec Software Tool]() ![Azure Backup Software Tool]() [Backup Exec VS Azure Backup](https://www.selecthub.com/data-recovery-software/azure-backup-vs-backup-exec/) ![Backup Exec Software Tool]() ![Barracuda Backup Software Tool]() [Backup Exec VS Barracuda Backup](https://www.selecthub.com/data-recovery-software/backup-exec-vs-barracuda-backup/) ![Backup Exec Software Tool]() ![Carbonite Cloud-to-Cloud Backup Software Tool]() [Backup Exec VS Carbonite Cloud-to-Cloud Backup](https://www.selecthub.com/data-recovery-software/backup-exec-vs-carbonite-cloud-to-cloud-backup/) ![Backup Exec Software Tool]() ![CloudAlly Software Tool]() [Backup Exec VS CloudAlly](https://www.selecthub.com/data-recovery-software/cloudally-vs-backup-exec/) ![Backup Exec Software Tool]() ![Cohesity DataProtect Software Tool]() [Backup Exec VS Cohesity DataProtect](https://www.selecthub.com/data-recovery-software/backup-exec-vs-cohesity-dataprotect/) ![Backup Exec Software Tool]() ![Commvault Cloud Software Tool]() [Backup Exec VS Commvault Cloud](https://www.selecthub.com/data-recovery-software/backup-exec-vs-commvault-cloud/) ![Backup Exec Software Tool]() ![Druva Software Tool]() [Backup Exec VS Druva](https://www.selecthub.com/data-recovery-software/druva-vs-backup-exec/) ![Backup Exec Software Tool]() ![NetBackup Software Tool]() [Backup Exec VS NetBackup](https://www.selecthub.com/data-recovery-software/netbackup-vs-backup-exec/) **About SelectHub (and our data)** We’re the employee-owned Austin-based startup democratizing software data so you can make your decisions in an influence-free zone. Our market data is crowdsourced from our user-base of 100,000+ companies. WE DISTILL IT INTO REAL REQUIREMENTS, COMPARISON REPORTS, PRICE GUIDES and more... ![SelectHub Products Reporting and Analytics]() [ Build Your Requirements](https://pmo.selecthub.com/software-requirements/?category=Data%20Recovery%20Software&campaign%5Fname=Data%20Recovery%20Requirements) ![SelectHub Products Cost and Pricing Guide]() [ Get Your Free Comparison Report](https://pmo.selecthub.com/request-custom-scorecard/?category=Data%20Recovery%20Software) **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. Fully or moderately supported out-of-the-box with industry-leading capabilities and is immediately available after installation without needing any add-ons, integrations, or custom development. **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. Not directly available in the software, but can be accomplished using other built-in features, workarounds, or add-ons/products from the vendor with or without any additional cost. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. Requires additional integrations, plugins, marketplace applications from a third-party vendor, or custom development using the APIs, libraries, extensions, and development framework supported by the software, with or without any additional cost. 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