Best Backup & Restore Apps for Android
14 carefully analyzed backup restore apps with specific pros, cons, and use cases.
In today's digital age, protecting your mobile data has never been more crucial. Whether you're switching devices, recovering from accidental deletions, or simply safeguarding precious memories, having the right backup and restore app can make all the difference. From comprehensive solutions like Google One to specialized tools such as SMS Backup & Restore, the Android ecosystem offers a diverse range of options to meet every user's needs.
The State of Backup Restore Apps in September 2025
The backup and restore landscape has evolved significantly, with cloud integration becoming standard across most solutions. Apps like Dropbox and IDrive Online Backup now offer seamless synchronization across multiple devices, while specialized tools such as Dr.Fone focus on data recovery scenarios. The trend shows increasing emphasis on cross-platform compatibility and enhanced security features, with many apps implementing end-to-end encryption for user data protection.
Our Top Pick: Google One
Google One stands out as our top recommendation due to its seamless integration with the Android ecosystem and comprehensive backup capabilities. The app automatically backs up photos, contacts, messages, and device settings using your existing Google account storage. Its 15GB free tier provides substantial space for most users, while premium plans offer scalable storage options. The automatic restoration feature when setting up new Android devices makes device migration incredibly smooth and hassle-free.
How the Top Apps Compare
The top five apps each excel in different areas. Google One offers the best ecosystem integration, while SMS Backup & Restore provides unmatched SMS/MMS specialization. Swift Backup delivers premium features for rooted devices, and Super Backup & Restore offers excellent local backup speed. Easy Contacts Backup & Restore specializes in cross-platform contact management with its simple VCF-based approach.
Which App is Right for You?
Choose Google One for seamless Android ecosystem integration. If you need specialized SMS backup, SMS Backup & Restore is ideal. For rooted device users seeking advanced app data backup, Swift Backup excels. Those needing cross-platform contact synchronization should consider Easy Contacts Backup & Restore, while photo-focused users might prefer IDrive Photo Backup.
Pro Tips for Backup Restore Apps
Always maintain multiple backup copies using different services like Google One and Dropbox for redundancy. Schedule regular automated backups in apps like SMS Backup & Restore to ensure data currency. Before factory resets, verify backups exist outside the device using cloud services from IDrive Online Backup or local storage options.
The Android backup and restore market offers solutions for every need and technical level. Google One provides the most comprehensive ecosystem integration, while specialized tools like SMS Backup & Restore and Easy Contacts Backup & Restore excel in their respective niches. The key is choosing an app that matches your specific data protection requirements and technical comfort level.
Quick Summary
- Google One offers the best overall Android integration with automatic device backup and restore
- SMS Backup & Restore provides specialized message backup with multiple cloud storage options
- Swift Backup delivers advanced features for rooted devices including app data backup
The 14 Best backup restore Apps
Google One
The Google One app lets you automatically back up your phone and manage your Google cloud storage. ...
Pros:
- Automatic continuous backup of photos, contacts, messages and device settings
- Seamless restoration during new Android device setup process
- 15GB free storage with scalable premium plans integrated with Google services
Cons:
- Limited to Google ecosystem without third-party cloud service options
- No advanced backup scheduling or selective restore options available
- Cannot backup app data or specific file types outside core categories
Ideal for mainstream Android users who want hassle-free, automated backups integrated with their Google ecosystem.
SMS Backup & Restore
SMS Backup & Restore is an app that backs up (creates a copy of) SMS & MMS messages and call logs cu...
Pros:
- Comprehensive SMS and MMS backup in XML format with contact name preservation
- Multiple cloud integration options including Google Drive, Dropbox and OneDrive
- Scheduled automatic backups with customizable frequency and timing
Cons:
- Requires existing backups created by the app for restoration functionality
- No app data or media file backup capabilities beyond messages
- WiFi direct transfer requires location permissions due to Android security requirements
Perfect for users who prioritize message preservation and need reliable SMS/MMS backup across device changes.
Swift Backup
Swift Backup can backup your important data in minutes! Its quick, efficient and boasts an elegant d...
Pros:
- Root-enabled app data backup preserves app states and settings completely
- Wide cloud service support including Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive and WebDAV
- Scheduled backups with customizable configurations for different data types
Cons:
- Premium features require subscription for cloud app backups and custom configurations
- Root access required for full app data backup and batch restore functionality
- Limited functionality on non-rooted devices compared to rooted operation
Best for technical users with rooted devices who need complete app data preservation and advanced backup options.
Super Backup & Restore
The fastest data backup and restore tool on Android! You can backup Apps, Contacts, SMS, Call Logs, ...
Pros:
- Extremely fast local backup to SD card with minimal processing overhead
- App APK backup allows reinstallation without downloading from Play Store
- Multiple data type support including contacts, SMS, call logs and calendars
Cons:
- No cloud backup integration, limited to local storage only
- Call recording feature discontinued since Android 10 due to system restrictions
- Bookmark backup disabled on Android 6.0+ due to system security changes
Excellent for users who prefer local storage backups and want to preserve app installation files for offline use.
Easy Contacts Backup & Restore
Easy Backup is the easiest and fastest way to backup, restore and transfer your contacts between mob...
Pros:
- One-tap contact backup to cloud with email-based account system
- VCF file format support for universal contact compatibility across platforms
- Multiple sharing options including email, WhatsApp, and cloud services
Cons:
- Cloud backup requires account creation and internet connection
- Limited to contact data only, no other data types supported
- Free version has limitations compared to premium features
Ideal for users who frequently switch devices or platforms and need reliable contact transfer solutions.
Dropbox: Secure Cloud Storage
Dropbox allows you to backup your most essential files to the cloud, where you may access them at an...
Pros:
- Automatic camera upload for photos and videos with background synchronization
- Large file sharing via links without recipient Dropbox requirements
- Document scanning and PDF conversion using mobile device camera
Cons:
- Limited free storage (2GB) compared to competitors' offerings
- Premium features require subscription for adequate storage space
- Less specialized for mobile device backup compared to dedicated apps
Best for existing Dropbox users who want integrated file synchronization across all their devices.
IDrive Online Backup
Protect your digital life with IDrive! Securely backup your mobile data with private key encryption...
Pros:
- Private key encryption ensures only user can access backed up data
- Multiple device support with single account for consolidated management
- 256-bit AES encryption with optional private key security
Cons:
- Interface less polished than major competitors like Google or Dropbox
- Smaller user base and community support compared to market leaders
- Limited third-party integrations beyond core backup functionality
Perfect for users prioritizing data security and needing encrypted backups across multiple devices.
Dr.Fone: Photo & Data Recovery
Dr.Fone provides a comprehensive solution for all your phone management needs, including deleted dat...
Pros:
- Deleted data recovery for photos, messages, videos and contacts
- Device unlock functionality for pattern, PIN and password removal
- WhatsApp data transfer between Android and iOS devices
Cons:
- Premium features require payment for full functionality
- Data recovery success not guaranteed and depends on multiple factors
- Complex interface with multiple tools may overwhelm casual users
Best for users who need data recovery solutions or device troubleshooting beyond standard backup needs.
UltData: Photo & Data Recovery
Tenorshare UltData is an all-in-one Android data recovery tool to help you recover lost data. It can...
Pros:
- No root required for data recovery operations on Android devices
- WhatsApp message and media recovery without backup requirements
- Preview functionality before recovery to select specific files
Cons:
- Recovery success not guaranteed and diminishes over time
- Premium features require payment for full scanning capabilities
- Limited to recovery only, lacks proactive backup features
Ideal for users who need to recover lost data without having previously created backups.
Apps Backup and Restore
Now save data charges and time by backup and restore Apps . Apps Backup and Restore is used to backu...
Pros:
- Fast app APK backup to internal or SD card storage
- Auto-backup feature for newly installed applications
- System app backup capability for pre-installed applications
Cons:
- No app data backup, only APK files for reinstallation
- No cloud integration or synchronization options
- Basic interface without advanced features or scheduling
Suitable for users who only need to backup app installation files without preserving user data.
Phone Backup & Restore
With this app you can take backup of your phone on your local memory of the phone. You can take back...
Pros:
- Local file backup for photos, videos, audio and documents
- App backup including system and downloaded applications
- No internet required for backup and restore operations
Cons:
- No cloud integration or remote storage options
- Basic interface without advanced features or automation
- Limited file type support compared to comprehensive solutions
Basic solution for users who prefer local storage backups and avoid cloud services entirely.
SMS Backup, Print & Restore
Backup, Convert, Exports your SMS/MMS text messages to PDF, WORD, EXCEL, CSV, JPG, HTML, or TXT and...
Pros:
- Multiple export formats including PDF, Word, Excel and HTML
- Message printing capability for physical documentation needs
- RCS and advanced messaging support where available
Cons:
- Free version limited to 6 messages per backup operation
- Contains advertisements in free version with premium upgrade required
- Less reliable for large message restores compared to specialized apps
Specialized tool for users who need to print messages or export them in specific formats for documentation.
IDrive Photo Backup
IDrive® Photo Backup . Simple backup and restore app for mobile photos and videos . Backup for PC ...
Pros:
- Original resolution photo and video backup preservation
- Automatic gallery backup with continuous synchronization
- Timeline view for browsing photos by date and time
Cons:
- Limited to photos and videos only, no other data types
- Smaller user base compared to general-purpose backup services
- Fewer features compared to comprehensive backup solutions
Ideal for photography enthusiasts who need dedicated photo backup with original quality preservation.
Data & Photo Recovery
Accidentally deleted photos ? Mobispeedy Data Recovery can help you out. Have you ever accidentally...
Pros:
- Deleted file recovery for photos, videos, audio and documents
- Recycle bin functionality for recently deleted items
- No root required for basic recovery operations
Cons:
- Limited recovery capabilities compared to professional tools
- Success rate decreases significantly over time after deletion
- Basic interface with few advanced features or options
Basic recovery tool for casual users who need simple deleted file restoration without complex features.
Key Insights
🏆 Overall Winner
Google One - Our #1 pick for overall excellence
💚 Best Free Option
Google One
💎 Best Premium Choice
Premium features via IAP
Pricing Analysis
Range from free to premium with various subscription options
Conclusion
The Android backup and restore market offers solutions for every need and technical level. Google One provides the most comprehensive ecosystem integration, while specialized tools like SMS Backup & Restore and Easy Contacts Backup & Restore excel in their respective niches. The key is choosing an app that matches your specific data protection requirements and technical comfort level.
Our Recommendations:
Choose based on our detailed analysis and your specific needs.
We continuously update rankings as apps evolve.