13 rules in 4 groups, worth 100 points in all. They were set before any product was scored and apply the same way to all 9.
Version 1, published 8 Oct 2026
In short
Each rule is a yes-or-no fact, a list (such as the systems with an app) or a number with published thresholds, read from the vendor's own pages.
A fact the vendor does not publish earns nothing. A feature in beta or preview does not count.
The list follows the points. A tie goes to the lower price on "first-year price, one PC", then to the name.
Backup software and services for a single Windows PC. Server and business-only editions are left out.
What it backs up 30 points
Rule
What it takes
Points
Full system image
Backs up the whole Windows system drive as an image you can restore and start up from.
8
File and folder backup
Backs up chosen files and folders, not only whole drives.
4
Incremental backups
After the first backup, copies only what changed.
6
Scheduled backups
Runs backups on a schedule without you starting them.
4
Bootable rescue media
Creates a USB drive or ISO that starts the PC and restores a backup when Windows will not start.
8
Where backups go 20 points
Rule
What it takes
Points
Destinations
Each place it can save backups earns 5 points. Other cloud storage means services such as Amazon S3, OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox.
20
Safety and recovery 25 points
Rule
What it takes
Points
Encrypted backups
AES-256 encryption of backups with a password or key you set.
7
Backups shielded from ransomware
Stops backup files from being changed or deleted by ransomware, with immutable storage, protected backup folders or active anti-ransomware.
6
Restore to different hardware
The vendor documents restoring a system image to a different PC or new hardware.
6
Versions and retention rules
Keeps several versions of files and lets you set how long they are kept.
6
Price 25 points
Rule
What it takes
Points
Free edition
A free edition (not a trial) that can back up a Windows PC for home use.
10
First-year price, one PC
The cheapest paid option for one Windows PC: the first year's cost in US dollars. A one-time licence counts at its full price. A product that is entirely free counts as $0. $40 or less earns 8 points, $60 or less 5, $90 or less 2.
8
One-time licence
A one-time (perpetual) licence is sold, or the product is entirely free, so you do not have to subscribe.