--- description: "NetBackup vs Backup Exec: Which solution wins in 2026? Compare pricing, features, and analyst ratings side-by-side to find the best Data Recovery Software for your business." --- [Home](https://www.selecthub.com/) > [Data Recovery Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/data-recovery-software/) > [NetBackup](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/netbackup/) > NetBackup vs Backup Exec # NetBackup vs Backup Exec Last Updated: October 12th, 2026 We compared **[NetBackup](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/netbackup/)** vs. **[Backup Exec](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/backup-exec/)** to help you decide which product makes more sense for you. Our comparison is based on proprietary **[Data Recovery Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/data-recovery-software/)** data from our **[software selection platform](https://www.selecthub.com/about/start-free-selection-project-site/?category=Data+Recovery+Software&cta=data-recovery-software)**, user reviews and publicly available information about each product’s features and pricing. [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 [![NetBackup Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/e369853df766fa44e1ed0ff613f563bd-108071317c697a79eaf6a9b33e8ca294/resources/normal/logo.png?1737405508)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/netbackup/) [![Product Awards](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/awards_badge.svg)](#awards-section) 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/) [Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Data+Recovery+Software&product_name=NetBackup&product_logo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fe369853df766fa44e1ed0ff613f563bd-108071317c697a79eaf6a9b33e8ca294%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1737405508) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Data+Recovery+Software&product_name=NetBackup&product_logo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fe369853df766fa44e1ed0ff613f563bd-108071317c697a79eaf6a9b33e8ca294%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1737405508)    [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Data+Recovery+Software&product_name=NetBackup&product_logo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fe369853df766fa44e1ed0ff613f563bd-108071317c697a79eaf6a9b33e8ca294%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1737405508&price=5) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Data+Recovery+Software&product_name=NetBackup&product_logo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fe369853df766fa44e1ed0ff613f563bd-108071317c697a79eaf6a9b33e8ca294%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1737405508&price=5) [Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Data+Recovery+Software&product_name=Backup%2BExec&product_logo=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_name=Backup%2BExec&product_logo=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_name=Backup%2BExec&product_logo=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_name=Backup%2BExec&product_logo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F68c694de94e6c110f42e587e8e48d852-e0c5faf09903d96909ec42804e52e63e%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1723690911&price=2) ### Products Insights Overall Rating Comparison [Analyst RatingNetBackup - Analyst Score: 86 out of 100 86 Detailed Analysis](#analyst-rating-section) [User Sentiment![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) (648 Reviews)](#user-sentiment-section) [Analyst RatingBackup Exec - Analyst Score: 83 out of 100 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) Price Starts From $2,521 Annually, Quote-Based [Free Trial is available →]() $39 Monthly [Free Trial is available →]() Pros What we like about NetBackup and Backup Exec: - Supports Windows, Linux, and Unix alongside major databases like Oracle and SQL Server, making it well-suited for heterogeneous enterprise environments - Cloud scale technology manages data across AWS, Azure and Google Cloud for hybrid and multi-cloud setups - Advanced ransomware protection and recovery capabilities keep critical data safe - Intuitive interface lets users set up backup jobs, monitor status and run recoveries quickly - Tight VMware and Hyper-V integration supports application-aware backups with minimal impact on virtual hosts - Flexible deployment across on-premises, cloud and hybrid environments suits a range of IT setups Cons What we dislike about NetBackup and Backup Exec: - Complex user interface isn't intuitive, especially for new users, slowing adoption and navigation - Initial setup can be challenging and may require professional services, adding to overall cost - Best suited for large enterprises with dedicated IT teams — less accessible for smaller setups - The shift to subscription-based licensing has frustrated some longtime users who preferred the previous perpetual license model - Occasional performance and stability issues have raised reliability concerns among some users - Technical support quality has been inconsistent, with some users citing poor responsiveness ### Our Review **Bottom line:** NetBackup is the stronger pick if you're running a large enterprise with complex, multi-platform environments and need rock-solid reliability at scale. Backup Exec makes more sense if you want something easier to get up and running, especially if VMware is central to your setup. NetBackup handles serious scale well. It supports a wide range of operating systems, databases and virtualization platforms, and its cloud scale technology works across AWS, Azure and Google Cloud. Users consistently praise its performance in demanding environments, though the setup complexity and learning curve are real — some users have needed professional services just to get started. Backup Exec takes a different approach. It's built for teams that need solid data protection without a steep learning curve. Its interface is much more approachable, and its VMware integration is a genuine strength — users highlight seamless replication and fast VM recovery. That said, some users have flagged occasional connectivity and stability issues, and the shift to a subscription model hasn't landed well with everyone. On pricing, Backup Exec starts at $39 per month. NetBackup pricing isn't published and requires a quote. For large enterprise deployments, expect a significant investment. If your environment is big, heterogeneous and demands high reliability, NetBackup is the more capable tool. If you're working with a smaller IT team and want something you can actually get running without a long ramp-up, Backup Exec is worth a serious look — just go in knowing the support experience can vary. ### Analyst Rating Summary Overall Scores Based on the research and analysis by SelectHub's team of research analysts, NetBackup has an analyst rating of 86. By comparison Backup Exec has an analyst rating of 83. NetBackup - Analyst Score: 86 out of 100 86 Backup Exec - Analyst Score: 83 out of 100 83 Features Comparison **Backup Management** Automates backup processes, ensuring data protection and efficient recovery in case of data loss or system failures. 99 100 **Restore and Recovery** Enables the restoration of lost or corrupted data, minimizing downtime and data loss, and ensuring business continuity. 100 93 **Integrations** Connects the data recovery software with other backup and IT management tools, streamlining workflows and improving overall data protection strategies. 100 98 Show More [Show More]() Strengths The best features of NetBackup and Backup Exec as judged by user reviews and analyst validation. Integrations Restore and Recovery Security Backup Management Performance and Scalability Backup Management Performance and Scalability Security Integrations Restore and Recovery ### Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data [Customize This Data]() 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%* *100%* *0%* *0%* **Restore And Recovery** Enables the restoration of lost or corrupted data, minimizing downtime and data loss, and ensuring business continuity. *100%* *0%* *0%* *90%* *5%* *5%* **Customize This Data For Your Unique Needs** and compare feature capabilities head-to-head CUSTOMIZE NOW [CUSTOMIZE NOW]() ### Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data [Customize This Data]() 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, 96.1% are fully supported out of the box by NetBackup including Integrations, Restore And Recovery and Security. Backup Exec supports 94.1% and excels at Backup Management, Performance And Scalability and Security. NetBackup has an analyst rating of 86 and a user sentiment rating of 'great' based on 648 reviews, while Backup Exec has an analyst rating of 83 and a user sentiment rating of 'great' based on 12 reviews. ### User Sentiment Summary NetBackup has a user sentiment rating of 89 based on 648 reviews. Backup Exec has a user sentiment rating of 84 based on 12 reviews. ![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) 648 reviews ![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) 12 reviews Synopsis Evaluating all review platforms, our market analysts have compiled the following user sentiment data. 89% *of users recommend this product* NetBackup has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 89% when considering 648 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites. 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. User Review Scores**G2.com, Inc** **4.0** (111) n/a **Capterra Inc** **4.4** (8) **4.2** (12) **Gartner, Inc** **4.7** (436) n/a **TrustRadius** **3.8** (93) n/a ### Awards SelectHub awards earned by these products based on a comprehensive analysis by our research analysts. SelectHub research analysts have evaluated NetBackup and concluded it deserves the award for the Best Overall Data Recovery Software available today. ![Analysts' Pick Award](<> "Analysts' Pick Award") No awards. ### Product Assistance Training Resources Documentation In Person Live Online Videos Webinars Documentation In Person Live Online Videos Webinars Support Email Phone Chat FAQ Forum Help Desk Knowledge Base Tickets Training 24/7 Live Support Email Phone Chat FAQ Forum Help Desk Knowledge Base Tickets Training 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 [NetBackup Alternatives](https://www.selecthub.com/data-recovery-software/netbackup/alternatives/) [Backup Exec Alternatives](https://www.selecthub.com/data-recovery-software/backup-exec/alternatives/) ### Screenshots ![Screenshots]() ![Screenshots]() ### Key Features - **Cloud environment support** – Integrates with AWS, Azure and Google Cloud for hybrid and multi-cloud backup, with analytics to optimize where workloads get backed up. - **Ransomware recovery** – Includes advanced tools to protect and recover data from ransomware attacks, a capability users consistently call out as a differentiator. - **Virtual machine protection** – Offers agentless backups and instant recovery for VMware and Hyper-V, along with snapshot management for faster backup operations. - **Compliance and retention** – Supports regulatory requirements through data retention policies, secure data deletion, role-based access control and audit logging. - **Cloud storage integration** – Connects to AWS, Azure and Google Cloud for offsite backups, letting you use cloud storage for long-term data retention. - **Granular Recovery Technology** – Restores individual files, folders and application objects from a single-pass backup, cutting down the time needed for targeted recoveries. - **Microsoft application support** – Provides specialized backup and recovery for Exchange, SQL Server, SharePoint and Active Directory, which matters for Microsoft-heavy environments. - **Automated Disaster Recovery** – Automates the restoration of entire systems, including operating systems and applications, to simplify recovery from major failures. ### Top Alternatives in Data Recovery Software [![Alta Data Protection Software Tool]()--- Alta Data Protection](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/alta-data-protection/) [![APEX Backup Services Software Tool]()--- APEX Backup Services](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/apex-backup-services/) [![Arcserve Backup Software Tool]()--- Arcserve Backup](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/arcserve-backup/) [![Arcserve Cloud Direct Software Tool]()--- Arcserve Cloud Direct](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/arcserve-cloud-direct/) [![Arcserve Data Protection Appliances Software Tool]()--- Arcserve Data Protection Appliances](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/arcserve-data-protection-appliances/) [![Arcserve UDP Software Tool]()--- Arcserve UDP](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/arcserve-udp/) [![AWS Backup Software Tool]()--- AWS Backup](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/aws-backup/) [![Azure Backup Software Tool]()--- Azure Backup](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/azure-backup/) [![Backup Exec Software Tool]()--- Backup Exec](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/backup-exec/) [![Barracuda Backup Software Tool]()--- Barracuda Backup](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/barracuda-backup/) [![Barracuda Data Protection Software Tool]()--- Barracuda Data Protection](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/barracuda-data-protection/) [![Carbonite Availability Software Tool]()--- Carbonite Availability](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/carbonite-availability/) [![Carbonite Cloud-to-Cloud Backup Software Tool]()--- Carbonite Cloud-to-Cloud Backup](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/carbonite-cloud-to-cloud-backup/) [![Carbonite Endpoint Backup Software Tool]()--- Carbonite Endpoint Backup](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/carbonite-endpoint-backup/) [![Carbonite Server Backup Software Tool]()--- Carbonite Server Backup](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/carbonite-server-backup/) [![CloudAlly Software Tool]()--- CloudAlly](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/cloudally/) [![Cohesity DataProtect Software Tool]()--- Cohesity DataProtect](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/cohesity-dataprotect/) [![Commvault Cloud Software Tool]()--- Commvault Cloud](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/commvault-cloud/) [![Data Protector Software Tool]()--- Data Protector](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/data-protector/) [![Datto Backup for Microsoft Azure Software Tool]()--- Datto Backup for Microsoft Azure](https://www.selecthub.com/p/data-recovery-software/datto-backup-for-microsoft-azure/) ### Related Categories NetBackup and Backup Exec can also be found with other leading products in these categories: [Enterprise Backup Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/enterprise-backup-software/) Show more [Backup Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/backup-software/) [Enterprise Backup Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/enterprise-backup-software/) Show more ### Head-to-Head Comparison ![NetBackup Software Tool]() ![APEX Backup Services Software Tool]() [NetBackup VS APEX Backup Services](https://www.selecthub.com/data-recovery-software/netbackup-vs-apex-backup-services/) ![NetBackup Software Tool]() ![Arcserve Backup Software Tool]() [NetBackup VS Arcserve Backup](https://www.selecthub.com/data-recovery-software/netbackup-vs-arcserve-backup/) ![NetBackup Software Tool]() ![Arcserve UDP Software Tool]() [NetBackup VS Arcserve UDP](https://www.selecthub.com/data-recovery-software/netbackup-vs-arcserve-udp/) ![NetBackup Software Tool]() ![AWS Backup Software Tool]() [NetBackup VS AWS Backup](https://www.selecthub.com/data-recovery-software/aws-backup-vs-netbackup/) ![NetBackup Software Tool]() ![Azure Backup Software Tool]() [NetBackup VS Azure Backup](https://www.selecthub.com/data-recovery-software/azure-backup-vs-netbackup/) ![NetBackup Software Tool]() ![Backup Exec Software Tool]() [NetBackup VS Backup Exec](https://www.selecthub.com/data-recovery-software/netbackup-vs-backup-exec/) ![NetBackup Software Tool]() ![Barracuda Backup Software Tool]() [NetBackup VS Barracuda Backup](https://www.selecthub.com/data-recovery-software/netbackup-vs-barracuda-backup/) ![NetBackup Software Tool]() ![Carbonite Cloud-to-Cloud Backup Software Tool]() [NetBackup VS Carbonite Cloud-to-Cloud Backup](https://www.selecthub.com/data-recovery-software/netbackup-vs-carbonite-cloud-to-cloud-backup/) ![NetBackup Software Tool]() ![CloudAlly Software Tool]() [NetBackup VS CloudAlly](https://www.selecthub.com/data-recovery-software/netbackup-vs-cloudally/) ![NetBackup Software Tool]() ![Cohesity DataProtect Software Tool]() [NetBackup VS Cohesity DataProtect](https://www.selecthub.com/data-recovery-software/netbackup-vs-cohesity-dataprotect/) ![NetBackup Software Tool]() ![Commvault Cloud Software Tool]() [NetBackup VS Commvault Cloud](https://www.selecthub.com/data-recovery-software/netbackup-vs-commvault-cloud/) ![NetBackup Software Tool]() ![Druva Software Tool]() [NetBackup VS Druva](https://www.selecthub.com/data-recovery-software/druva-vs-netbackup/) **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_name=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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