UBackIt by Wondershare promises simple and effective backups. This review dives into its features, ease of use, performance, and ultimately, whether its subscription model justifies its place in a competitive market.
Features: What Does UBackIt Offer?
UBackIt provides both file/folder backup and full drive/partition imaging using Windows’ native VHD format. This smart choice allows users to access backups directly through Windows Disk Management, even without UBackIt installed. It also offers disk cloning functionality. While a dedicated Outlook email backup option is present, the software lacks advanced features such as granular file selection or specialized application backups.
One notable omission is the absence of a bootable recovery disc. This limits UBackIt’s usefulness for disaster recovery, a point even acknowledged on the Wondershare website, where they recommend a third-party solution.
Scheduling options are basic, offering daily, weekly, monthly, and continuous backups. Password encryption is also available. However, advanced features like email notifications and post-backup scripts are absent.
User-Friendliness: Navigating the Interface
While UBackIt boasts a clean and visually appealing interface, it suffers from some minor quirks. During testing, some spelling inconsistencies (“Drivers” instead of “Drives”) and window resizing limitations were observed. The scrolling mechanism for accessing hidden options also proved somewhat cumbersome, and tooltip readability was an issue on high-resolution displays. The placement of encryption and renaming functions under a separate menu while scheduling had its own icon felt inconsistent.
Despite these minor interface imperfections, the core functionality remains straightforward. The two-step process of selecting the source and destination for backups is intuitive and easy to grasp.
Pricing: The Subscription Model Dilemma
UBackIt operates on a subscription basis, with monthly, quarterly, and yearly options available. While the subscription model allows for continuous updates and support, it presents a long-term cost consideration, especially given the software’s limited feature set.
Although restoring backups remains possible even after canceling the subscription (thanks to the standard VHD format), the ongoing cost might deter some users, particularly with free and more affordable perpetual license alternatives available. Requiring an account for even the trial version also adds a minor inconvenience.
Performance: Speed and Reliability
UBackIt performed reliably throughout the testing process, completing all tasks without errors or noticeable slowdowns. The backup speed was commendable.
A noteworthy feature is that UBackIt remains active in the system tray until explicitly closed, preventing accidental interruptions during backups.
Conclusion: Is UBackIt Right for You?
UBackIt excels in simplicity and operational reliability. The use of the VHD format, continuous backup option, and clean interface are significant advantages. However, the lack of a disaster recovery option and the subscription-based pricing model are considerable drawbacks.
While UBackIt simplifies the backup process, the ongoing cost and absence of critical features like disaster recovery make it difficult to wholeheartedly recommend, especially considering the availability of free and more cost-effective alternatives with more comprehensive features. Ultimately, the decision depends on individual needs and budget. If simplicity and ease of use are paramount and the subscription cost isn’t a concern, UBackIt might be a suitable choice. However, users seeking a more robust solution with disaster recovery capabilities might find better value elsewhere.
