SQL Server backup is essential for data continuity in any database environment. But for many engineers, maintaining those backups with native tools is a constant daily pressure point. They have to manage fragile schedules, interpret unclear logs, rebuild broken backup chains, and manually verify whether last night’s job actually protected the data.
This guide highlights the third-party SQL Server backup software built to eliminate those risks. These solutions add automation, dependable scheduling, stronger security, and recovery workflows that remain consistent during heavy workloads.
Why trust our backup tool reviews
Each SQL backup tool in this guide was evaluated through hands-on testing and clear criteria that matter to SQL Server teams. In the selection, we focused on:
- Backup automation and scheduling: We reviewed each tool’s ability to automate full, differential, and log backups, along with the flexibility of scheduling options. Priority was given to solutions that support GUI scheduling, command-line execution, and SQL Server Agent workflows.
- Security (encryption and compression): Data protection is central to any backup strategy. Tools offering strong encryption, efficient compression, and secure cloud or on-premises storage received higher consideration.
- Restore workflows and verification: Reliable recovery is the core measure of a backup tool. We tested restore speed, point-in-time recovery, handling of multiple backup sets, and built-in verification features to highlight tools that streamline the entire restore process.
- User experience and workflow clarity: We assessed how easily backup jobs can be configured, how clearly the interface communicates status and alerts, and how smoothly users can navigate logs, history, and error messages. Preference was given to tools that support fast, intuitive workflows.
- Enterprise readiness and support: We considered documentation quality, vendor responsiveness, update cadence, and support for multi-server or hybrid environments. Tools offering strong visibility, monitoring, and long-term stability were ranked highly.
With that in mind, let’s look at the tools that met these standards.
List of top SQL Server backup tools
Here are the solutions for those who want to backup SQL Server more reliably and with less manual effort.
1. dbForge Studio for SQL Server
G2 rating: 4.7/5
dbForge Studio for SQL Server is an all-in-one SQL Server IDE that includes an integrated Backup & Restore module. It provides a reliable way for developers and DBAs to create and manage backups directly within their daily workflow. The built-in wizards support full, differential, and transaction log backups, offer compression and encryption options, and generate scripts that can be automated through Windows Task Scheduler or SQL Server Agent.
The restore wizard also simplifies recovery by guiding users through selecting backup sets, file locations, tail-log handling, and recovery mode options.
Pros:
- Convenient for individuals and teams who want backup capability inside their main SQL IDE.
- Reduces context switching by combining development, admin, and backup tasks.
- Wizard workflows lower the barrier for junior or non-specialist DBAs.
- Scripted automation provides flexibility without heavy infrastructure.
Cons:
- Not a centralized multi-server backup platform.
- Scheduling relies on Windows Task Scheduler or manual scripts.
Features:
- Full, differential, and transaction log backups (in FULL recovery model).
- Backup compression and encryption options.
- Restore wizard with recovery mode and tail-log handling.
- Script generation for automated backup tasks.
- Supports local and network storage paths (cloud via external tooling/scripts).
Download dbForge Studio for SQL Server for free and explore its integrated Backup & Restore workflow.
2. SQLBackupAndFTP
G2 rating: 4.4/5
SQLBackupAndFTP is a lightweight backup utility built for teams that need quick, automated SQL Server backups without the overhead of a full management suite. Its setup process is fast, its interface is simple to navigate, and it supports a range of storage options, making it a practical choice for smaller environments or single-server deployments.
Pros:
- Extremely quick to deploy, making it ideal for small or urgent backup needs.
- Minimizes operational overhead with a straightforward, guided setup.
- A practical fit for small teams or single-server environments that don’t need complex tooling.
Cons:
- Limited advanced restore options compared to enterprise tools.
- Best suited for smaller SQL Server deployments.
Features:
- Automated full, differential, and log backups.
- Cloud storage support (Azure, AWS S3, Google Drive, Dropbox).
- FTP/SFTP upload options.
- Email notifications and basic reporting.
- Local encryption and compression settings.
3. Idera SQL Safe Backup
G2 rating: 4.5/5
Idera is designed for organizations that manage multiple SQL Server instances and need centralized control over backup and restore operations. Its unified console simplifies policy management, monitoring, and alerting across distributed environments, making it well suited for teams that prioritize oversight and performance at scale.
Pros:
- Ideal for teams managing multiple SQL Server instances.
- Strengthens operational discipline with centralized policies and visibility.
- Helps large teams maintain consistent backup standards across environments.
Cons:
- Higher pricing aligned with enterprise budgets.
- Built for Windows ecosystems.
Features:
- Central console for managing backups across all SQL Servers.
- Compression and encryption options.
- Automated backup policies with role-based access.
- Real-time monitoring and alerts.
- Fast restore workflows optimized for large databases.
- Support for on-premises and hybrid environments.
4. Acronis Cyber Protect
G2 rating: 4.3/5
Acronis Cyber Protect combines data protection with built-in cybersecurity features, offering a broader approach than SQL-only backup tools. Its application-aware backup support, ransomware defense, and flexible storage options make it a strong fit for teams needing unified protection across physical servers, VMs, and mixed environments.
Pros:
- Combines backup and cybersecurity, reducing the need for multiple separate tools.
- Extends protection to VMs, servers, and endpoints, not just SQL Server.
- Provides a unified protection strategy for teams with mixed infrastructure.
Cons:
- Fewer SQL-specific controls than dedicated tools.
- Requires more configuration for SQL-focused scenarios.
Features:
- Application-aware SQL Server backups.
- Anti-ransomware protection and threat monitoring.
- VM and physical server backup support.
- Cloud, local, and NAS storage options.
- Continuous data protection for critical workloads.
- Granular and full-image recovery workflows.
5. Redgate SQL Backup Pro
G2 rating: 4.5/5
Redgate SQL Backup Pro is built for teams that want deeper control over SQL Server backup and restore workflows, particularly around transaction log management. Its guided restore wizard, encryption capabilities, and detailed backup history make it useful for environments where visibility and compliance tracking are priorities.
Pros:
- Great choice for teams needing strong control over transaction log management.
- Improves restore reliability with a clear, guided recovery workflow.
- Helpful for regulated or audit-heavy environments that require detailed history and visibility.
Cons:
- Focused exclusively on SQL Server.
- Available only on Windows environments.
Features:
- Full, differential, and transaction log backups.
- Point-in-time recovery with restore wizard.
- Encryption and compression options.
- Centralized backup history and reporting.
- Log shipping configuration.
- Email alerts and status notifications.
To make evaluation easier, here’s a quick comparison of the leading options.
Comparison table
The following table provides a side-by-side overview to help you compare the core strengths, platform support, and pricing models of the leading options.
| Software | Best for | Key features | Platforms | Starting price | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| dbForge Studio for SQL Server | All-in-one SQL management with integrated backups | Full/differential/log backups, compression & encryption, restore wizard, script-based automation | Windows/Linux/macOS | $229.95 | Trial, Express Edition |
| SQLBackupAndFTP | Simple automation | Cloud backup, FTP/SFTP upload | Windows | $39 | Yes |
| Idera SQL Safe Backup | Enterprise environments | Centralized console, alerts, policy automation | Windows | $999 | No |
| Acronis Cyber Protect | Security-first backups | Ransomware defense, VM backups | Windows/Linux | $85 | Trial |
| Redgate SQL Backup Pro | Transaction log control | Encryption, compression, restore wizard | Windows | $495 | Trial |
With the differences clear, let’s look at how to choose the right solution.
How to choose the right SQL Server backup software
Selecting the right SQL backup software depends on the size of your environment, automation needs, storage strategy, and security requirements. The considerations below can help narrow the options based on how your systems operate day to day.
- Size and complexity of your environment: Single-instance databases often benefit from lightweight tools with quick setup, while multi-server or distributed environments require centralized management, monitoring, and policy-based automation.
- Automation and scheduling needs: Teams that run regular full, differential, and log backups need flexible scheduling, command-line support, SQL Server Agent integration, and clear job reporting. Look for tools that streamline recurring tasks rather than relying on manual workflows.
- Cloud vs. on-premises storage: Storage strategy directly affects tool selection. Some products focus on cloud-first backups, ideal for remote teams, while others are optimized for local storage, FTP/SFTP destinations, or hybrid setups.
- Security and compliance requirements: Encryption, compression, and secure storage options are essential for meeting organizational and regulatory standards. Evaluate whether each tool supports modern encryption and provides clear audit trails.
- Restore flexibility: Backup strategy only matters if restore workflows are predictable. Prioritize tools that support point-in-time recovery, multiple backup set management, and verification features that confirm backup integrity.
Ultimately, the best SQL Server backup tools are the ones that support your workload, protect your data, and keep recovery predictable. With that in mind, it helps to step back and look at what truly defines a reliable SQL Server backup strategy.
Final word
A dependable SQL Server backup strategy rests on two essentials: consistent automated backups and restored data that performs exactly as expected. Third party backup tools for SQL Server reinforce both by offering flexible scheduling, strong security features, clear reporting, and recovery workflows that stay stable under pressure.
Each tool in this guide supports these needs differently. dbForge Studio provides integrated backup controls, SQLBackupAndFTP focuses on simple automation, Idera SQL Safe Backup fits multi-server environments, Acronis emphasizes security, and Redgate offers detailed transaction-log management.
However, while your environment determines which tool fits best, the principle stays the same: run backups regularly, test your restores, and use software that keeps recovery predictable.
If you want these backup capabilities inside your SQL Server IDE, download dbForge Studio for SQL Server to use its integrated Backup & Restore module.
Tags: back up sql server, sql backup software, sql backup tool, sql server back up, sql server backup software, sql server backup tools, third party backup tools for sql server Last modified: January 07, 2026
