Acronis True Image Reviews

Backups

Acronis True Image was initially built as software for making local backups. But with the advent of cloud storage, the company introduced the option to store backups to a secured cloud storage space using Acronis Cloud. It’s possible to back up files automatically, on schedule, or remotely to any storage device, including external drives, NAS, or the Cloud.

Multiple sources can be backed up: an entire PC, external drives, partitions, specific files and folders, mobile devices, and Office 365. Backing up a PC creates a full disk image, including the operating system and settings. This way, users can restore an entire system to a freshly installed computer and start working right away without the need to spend time configuring the device. Furthermore, backing up and restoring dynamic volumes onto hard disks or Windows Dynamic Disks are also possibilities.

Acronis allows you to set up either incremental or differential backups, which capture the latest changes that occurred since the last backup, instead of loading a backup from zero. The difference between the two is that the former archives older versions for faster backups, while the latter does not.

All critical backed-up files are stored in the online data center for immediate access. This way it’s possible to restore files at any time using a preview feature in Time Explorer. Users can set the number of files’ versions and choose which one to restore.

Extra features

Another neat feature is Try & Decide, which is easily accessed through the tools tab. It lets users preview software before installing it on the computer. This way, it’s possible to prevent the installation of malicious software that could harm the security of the machine.

Acronis uses end-to-end encryption, whether it’s on-site, in transit, or in the cloud. It applies AES-256 encryption to prevent anyone from accessing your files – even Acronis itself. Users can also add their own password. Of course, encryption doesn’t help if the Wi-Fi is compromised, which is why Acronis lets you choose specific networks to back up your files.

Another thing that encryption does not protect computers from is ransomware. However, Acronis offers an integrated anti-ransomware solution that uses machine learning-based technology which detects and stops ransomware while automatically reversing its effects.

Backed-up data is split among numerous servers to make data loss nearly impossible. Those servers are located in data centers that have armed guards, 24/7 video surveillance, biometric access, etc.

When it comes to mobile, Acronis True Image also provides free apps for both iOS and Android. It’s possible to sync, share, and backup multiple files at once. Users can also use the PhotoSync feature to sync files from the gallery or camera roll automatically to their other devices and to the Acronis Cloud. Files pinned or added to favorites can be accessed offline as well.

Acronis True Image’s desktop client is available instantly as a free download when you sign up for a free trial account. Users need to provide an email address and password, which is then used for logging into the website. There, it’s possible to download the program. The exe file is around 600MB, so it may take a few minutes to download.

Unlike some of its competitors, Acronis don’t start the first backup right when it’s installed. Instead, users are encouraged to go through the settings first, and then they can start backing up their files. One configuration setting that needs special attention is performance. Although we didn’t experience any problems, users with a slower internet connection or an older computer can throttle upload speed or change how the app runs. This way, there isn’t a slowdown while Acronis is working in the background.

Acronis True Image offers three different service tiers: Standard, Advanced, and Premium. The first is a one-time purchase, while the last two are subscriptions. Acronis’ Standard version only offers local backups, which means that to get all cloud features, users have to go for Advanced or Premium. Premium users also get blockchain certifications and electronic signatures on files.

Since the Standard tier does not use the cloud, there’s no limit to what you can back up. However, that’s not true for Advanced or Premium. Advanced starts at 250GB and can be upgraded to 500GB for $20 per year; Premium starts at 1TB, and users can go up to 5TB. Unfortunately, subscriptions only come with a yearly billing cycle: Advanced costs $49.99 per year, and Premium $99.99.

Regardless of the package, it’s always possible to add up to five computers, and each added device decreases the price per unit. For example, users opting for the Advanced package with 250GB for five computers will have to pay $99.99 per year. This means that each device will cost only $20 – a 60% discount.

Acronis offers a 30-day free trial so that users can test the product. When the trial finishes, users who don’t commit to a paid subscription have 30 days to retrieve their backed-up files until they are deleted. Users that do commit to a paid subscription will still have a 30-day money-back guarantee to try the service risk-free.

Acronis True Image offers a meticulously written knowledge base that can be accessed through the app. It’s available in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, and Japanese, and provides multiple FAQs to go through. There is a ticket system in place that all users can use to report any issues, but Advanced and Premium members can also reach customer support by phone. It’s also possible to contact Acronis through social media. The company has a Facebook account where people can send a message, and a Twitter profile where it occasionally posts special offers. Finally, there is also a YouTube channel packed with how-to video tutorials.