GWS Backup vs Spanning Backup
GWS Backup
gwsbackup.comSpanning Backup
spanning.comSide by side
| Figure | GWS Backup | Spanning Backup |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 4 |
| Spec score · Google Workspace Backup Software | 8.1 (#8) | 8.1 (#9) |
| Monitoring and audit | The live monitor shows transfers, and the product records an auditable trail of actions and backup results. | The product provides backup-status reporting, alerts and an immutable activity log. |
| Retention | Items deleted at source are retained in backup for one year before automatic removal. | Spanning advertises unlimited backup versions and unrestricted retention for its products. |
| Security | The product supports 2FA login security and separate administration and restore-operation roles. | Spanning says it uses OAuth 2.0, object-level 256-bit AES encryption at rest, and TLS encryption in transit. |
| Support | Support is free and available by email; the maker says a person reads support messages. | Spanning advertises 24/7/365 customer support for its Salesforce backup product. |
Plans
Spanning Backup
- Single all-inclusive planPriced on request
- Spanning Backup for Google WorkspacePrice not published
- Spanning Backup for Microsoft 365Price not published
- Spanning Backup for SalesforcePrice not published
In their own words
GWS Backup
GWS Backup is self-hosted software for backing up Google Workspace Gmail, Drive, Shared Drives, Calendars and Contacts. It can send backups to Google Drive, local disks or NAS, Amazon S3, and Azure Blob storage. After its initial full backup, it transfers only new mail and changed files. Restores can cover a workspace, account, folder, email or file, including transfer to a different user or download. Deleted source items remain in backup for one year; operators can configure version history and vault pruning. A live monitor shows transfers, and an audit trail records actions and backup results. Security options include 2FA and separate administration and restore roles. The maker says backups stay in storage controlled by the customer and do not pass through its infrastructure. Deployment options include Windows, Linux, cPanel and Docker. GWS Backup requires Node.js 22.5 or newer and an activated licence key. Its plan is free, covering up to 10 client workspaces and unlimited accounts, with one running installation per licence key.
Spanning Backup
Spanning Backup provides cloud backup and recovery for Microsoft 365, Google Workspace and Salesforce. It runs daily automated backups and supports item-level recovery, including granular and point-in-time restores for administrators and end users. Google Workspace coverage includes Gmail, Google Drive and Shared Drives, Calendars and Contacts. Microsoft 365 coverage includes Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, OneDrive for Business and Microsoft Teams. Salesforce protection covers records, metadata, attachments, customizations and messages. Spanning describes unlimited backup retention, including an unrestricted policy for Microsoft 365, and offers a single all-inclusive plan with no tiers and volume pricing available. The service lists ransomware protection and audit logs. Its security measures include OAuth 2.0, object-level 256-bit AES encryption at rest and TLS encryption in transit. A 14-day trial includes unlimited backup and restore, but installation requires administrator status. Pricing is available on request.