Aomei Backupper Professional 8.5 Review: Backup and Ransomware Protection
A reliable backup suite offering strong features, though hampered by persistent usability flaws.
1Comprehensive Backup Suite Features
Aomei Backupper Professional 8.5 provides a wide range of data protection tools, including file, folder, and system imaging. The software supports disk and partition cloning, along with various folder synchronization methods. Users can schedule backups as frequently as every hour, ensuring consistent data safety across local, network, and proprietary cloud storage locations.
2New Ransomware Protection Mechanism
The latest version introduces a dedicated ransomware protection feature that operates in the background. It functions by locking files to prevent unauthorized encryption and deletion, which are primary tactics used by modern ransomware threats. This addition enhances the software's security profile, making it a more robust solution for protecting sensitive user data.
3Interface and Usability Concerns
The software features a cleaner, lighter-hued interface that improves visual clarity and navigation. Despite this aesthetic update, the program retains frustrating usability issues, such as the inability to create new folders during destination selection. Users must rely on Windows Explorer for basic file management, which complicates the overall workflow for many individuals.
4Network and Storage Limitations
A significant drawback is the lack of support for third-party online storage services, forcing users to rely on Aomei's proprietary cloud. Additionally, selecting network locations requires manual IP address entry rather than a simple mouse-driven browser. These limitations restrict flexibility, especially for power users who prefer integrating their existing cloud storage providers.
5Boot Media Creation Challenges
Creating bootable recovery media remains a persistent issue within the software. The built-in tool often fails to produce a functional drive, requiring users to utilize third-party utilities like Rufus 4.8. Furthermore, the process necessitates lowering BIOS security settings, which creates unnecessary technical hurdles for less experienced users attempting disaster recovery procedures.
6Pricing and Licensing Models
Aomei Backupper Professional is priced at $39.95 annually, with an optional 1TB cloud storage bundle available for an extra fee. Perpetual licenses start at $69.95 for a single user, excluding cloud access. While these costs are competitive, the pricing structure varies significantly depending on whether the purchase is initiated through the trial software.
7Performance and Reliability Assessment
During testing, the software demonstrated fast and reliable performance across imaging, file backup, and synchronization tasks. It handled data transfers efficiently across various media types, provided the bandwidth was sufficient. While the core engine is stable and effective, the recurring interface and boot media flaws prevent it from achieving a top-tier rating.
8Verdict on Value Proposition
Aomei Backupper Professional 8.5 offers excellent value for users seeking affordable backup and ransomware protection. It is a highly competent suite for general data recovery needs. However, the company's failure to address long-standing usability and boot media issues suggests a lack of attention to detail that hinders the product's overall potential.