Zerto Review: When disaster calls and you don't want to lose any data

Okay, let's be honest: We all say we have a disaster recovery plan, but deep down we cross our fingers to never have to use it. And when the moment of truth comes (because yes, it always does), that's when you really realize if your solution works… or if it simply made a good impression in the demo.

That's where Zerto comes in, a platform I discovered almost by chance, but that has earned its place in our daily routine. Basically, it's a disaster recovery and business continuity tool that allows virtual machine replication and protection of critical workloads.

In this review, I will tell you what we like about Zerto and what we don’t so much, who we think could benefit from it, what other alternatives we have considered, and why, if you are looking for a platform that lets you sleep a little more peacefully at night, Zerto might be just what you need.

What is Zerto?

Zerto is a disaster recovery and data protection platform founded in 2009 by the Ziv and Oded Kedem brothers. The company introduced hypervisor-based replication in 2011, changing the way disaster recovery was approached. In 2021, Zerto was acquired by Hewlett Packard Enterprise, becoming a key subsidiary and partner in the HPE ecosystem.

The platform stands out for its focus on continuous data protection, enabling near real-time replication and rapid recovery of critical applications and data from our website. This is crucial to minimize downtime and ensure resilience against unplanned interruptions. Additionally, its compatibility with multiple environments, both on-premises and in the cloud, facilitates workload mobility and adaptation to diverse infrastructures.

With Zerto software, you can move workloads between environments, perform near real-time replicas, recover data with near-surgical precision, all without having to establish a parallel system or deal with countless configurations. Basically, it’s like having a large-scale “undo” button for your systems, and believe me, that’s priceless when something goes wrong in production.

Furthermore, among the platform’s most notable features are newer tools like Zerto Cyber Resilience Vault (CRV), a solution designed to withstand advanced cyberattacks providing an isolated and secure environment from which data can be recovered without risk of reinfection. Alongside this, the Zerto Virtual Replication Appliances allow virtual machine replication without the need to install agents, greatly simplifying deployment and reducing the load on protected systems.

Why Zerto?

After thorough analysis, we have assigned Zerto a final score of 8.3 out of 10, based on its overall performance, ease of use, disaster recovery features, and general user satisfaction.

This rating reflects the trust many companies place in the platform due to its continuous data replication capability, intuitive management console, and robust high-speed failover recovery functions. Although cost is one of the main drawbacks, its value proposition remains high for organizations that cannot afford prolonged downtime.

Its strengths include fast deployment, excellent integration with hybrid environments (cloud and on-premises), scalability for different company sizes, and a highly rated support service.

However, not everything is perfect: its high price can be a barrier for small businesses or budget-constrained environments, and the complex management of virtual machines across protection groups may require additional training. There are also limitations regarding recovery at the individual file level, which may pose a problem in certain scenarios.

6 points where Zerto stands out

Zerto has not only gained ground for its disaster recovery approach but also for how it has combined simplicity and technical power in a unique platform. These are some of the features in which it stands out the most:

1. Continuous Data Protection (CDP)

This feature is one of Zerto's pillars. Unlike traditional backups that run at fixed intervals, continuous data protection allows capturing and replicating every change in real time, so the Recovery Point Objective (RPO) can be reduced to seconds, which is crucial for companies that cannot afford to lose data even from the last few minutes. This capability makes Zerto an excellent tool for minimizing the impact of outages or unexpected incidents, as it allows “going back in time” just before the failure.

2. Real-time migration

Thanks to its near real-time replication system, Zerto enables moving workloads between environments without stopping applications or causing noticeable interruptions, which is very useful when migrating on-premises environments to the cloud, between clouds, or even between data centers. The ability to run tests before completing the migration, without affecting the production environment, greatly facilitates transitions and reduces the risks associated with these processes.

3. Integration capabilities

Zerto’s versatility to integrate with platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, IBM Cloud, or storage solutions like Dell EMC and HPE allows organizations to adapt the tool to their existing environments effortlessly. This compatibility not only saves implementation time but also allows continuing to use already consolidated infrastructures, which is a clear advantage for companies looking to evolve without rebuilding everything from scratch.

4. Advanced management console

Zerto’s management console is designed to offer full control without overwhelming the user. From a single interface, it’s possible to coordinate replications, configure recovery plans, monitor the status of protected systems, and run tests intuitively. This console is especially valuable for small teams or those with limited resources, as it reduces the need for additional tools and centralizes all key tasks in a single dashboard, improving operational efficiency and reducing errors.

5. Automated disaster recovery orchestration

Zerto doesn’t just replicate data; it also allows automating the entire disaster recovery process through predefined recovery plans (known as “runbooks”). This includes tasks such as starting virtual machines in a specific order, configuring networks, validating integrity, and checking dependencies between services. The great advantage of this feature is that it eliminates manual steps, reduces human error margin, and significantly speeds up recovery, which is vital when every minute counts after a critical failure.

6. Granular recovery to a specific point in time

One of Zerto’s lesser-known gems is its ability to go back to very specific moments with total precision. Thanks to its “journaling”-based approach, the platform stores hundreds or even thousands of recovery points over hours or days. This enables restoring a virtual machine, an application, or even a single file exactly to the desired second, which is especially useful in ransomware attacks or data corruptions, where restoring to a specific point can make the difference between a clean or compromised recovery.

Pros of Zerto✅

• Quick deployment and low learning curve.
• Automates failover and recovery failover.
• Excellent integration with cloud and on-premises resources.
• High-quality technical support.
• Flexible and scalable for different company sizes.
• Intuitive and easy-to-use interface.
• Robust security features (including encryption).
• Very comprehensive reports and analysis.

Cons of Zerto❌

• High cost compared to other solutions.
• Complex management of virtual machines across protection groups.
• Implementation may require additional training resources.
• Risk of vendor lock-in.
• Limited recovery at the individual file level.
• Does not support replication of physical servers.

Who can benefit most from Zerto?

• Medium and large companies: With more complex infrastructures and higher availability demands, these organizations benefit from Zerto’s automation capabilities, continuous replication, and disaster recovery features.
• Financial sector entities: Banks, insurers, and investment firms need to comply with strict regulations and protect highly sensitive data. Zerto helps them ensure continuity without compromising security or compliance.
• Healthcare centers and pharmaceutical companies: From hospitals to laboratories, any company handling patient data or clinical processes requires constant and secure access to its systems. Here, real-time replication and rapid recovery are vitally important (in the most literal sense).
• Technology companies and managed service providers (MSP): Companies offering digital services (such as SaaS) or managing client infrastructures need recovery tools that work well in mixed environments and with multiple clients. Zerto meets these requirements.
• Industrial and manufacturing companies: In sectors where any downtime implies significant economic losses, Zerto helps minimize downtime and keep processes running, even after severe incidents.
• Public administrations: Government institutions must keep their systems operational to provide essential services and protect citizens’ data. Zerto delivers the reliability and security needed.

Who might need another tool?

• Small businesses with simple infrastructure: If the IT environment is very limited and critical data is not constantly managed, the investment in Zerto may not be justified compared to simpler and more economical solutions.
• Freelancers and micro-enterprises: Freelancers or single-person businesses probably do not need the power or level of protection offered by Zerto. There are more affordable options that cover their basic backup needs.
• Development teams without high availability requirements: If work is mostly done in testing or development environments without the need for constant replication or fault tolerance, a lightweight backup solution may be more appropriate.

Reasons to choose Zerto in your company

• Real-time data protection: The ability to recover data practically instantly, with a Recovery Point Objective of seconds, offers a security that many other solutions cannot match.
• Hassle-free disaster recovery: The automation of recovery processes reduces pressure on IT teams during critical moments and allows a faster return to normal without improvisation.
• Less downtime = fewer losses: Companies that cannot afford prolonged interruptions find in Zerto a continuity guarantee that protects both their revenue and reputation.
• Simplified workflows: Recovery orchestration and management from a central console make day-to-day work more manageable, especially in hybrid or multi-cloud environments.
• Trust in regulated or critical sectors: Sectors such as financial or healthcare especially value that Zerto is prepared to comply with stringent regulations and offer seamless operational continuity.

Reasons why users leave Zerto

• High cost compared to other solutions: Although Zerto offers many advantages, it is not a cheap tool, and in companies with less demanding needs its price may not be justified.
• Complex management of virtual machines: The organization and management of VMs across different protection groups can become cumbersome, especially in environments with many dependencies.
• Excess functionality for basic needs: If only a simple or basic backup solution is needed, Zerto can be overwhelming not only in cost but also in complexity.
• Learning curve in non-technical environments: Although it is simpler than many similar tools, its power and flexibility can be intimidating for teams without an advanced technical profile.
• Perception of insufficient value in small environments: In smaller companies, the balance between what is paid and what is actually used may tip in favor of cheaper and simpler tools.

Pricing and Discounts

Zerto currently offers a pricing structure based on the number of virtual machines (VMs) or licenses per user per year, depending on the type of environment (virtualized or SaaS). Although the exact price is not public and varies according to the number of VMs, the level of support, and features, it is between several hundred and several thousand euros per VM per year.

Among its main plans are:

• Zerto for VMs
• Enterprise Cloud Edition (ECE): includes continuous replication, orchestrated disaster recovery, instant restore, real-time ransomware detection, and more.
• Advanced Resilience Edition: incorporates everything in ECE plus features for advanced cyber recovery and access to the Zerto Cyber Resilience Vault (requires additional hardware).
• Migration License: valid for six months, designed for on-premises or cloud migrations, with the option to upgrade to ECE.
• Zerto for SaaS (Software as a Service): Automated backup and recovery service for Microsoft 365, Salesforce, Google Workspace, and other platforms. Pricing is calculated per user per year, with no limit on protected data.

Zerto does not offer a free plan, but does provide a 14-day free trial. Discounts are also available for long-term contracts or large deployments. However, there are no publicly specified discounts for startups or non-profit organizations, but it is recommended to contact the sales team directly for a personalized proposal.

Implementation, training, and documentation

Adopting a solution like Zerto is not a decision taken lightly. Companies usually dedicate several weeks, or even months, to evaluate if it fits their needs, especially when they already have a complex infrastructure or a previous provider. Usually, the initiative comes from the IT team, who analyzes the technical operation and compares Zerto with other market options.

Deploying this product in a company is not particularly complicated, but it requires some familiarity with virtualized environments like VMware or Hyper-V, as well as basic knowledge of networking and data replication. The initial installation is quite straightforward thanks to its agentless approach, and the management console greatly facilitates the configuration process.

Still, depending on the size and complexity of the infrastructure, it may be advisable to have technical staff support or even Zerto's own assistance for an optimal implementation.

Regarding training, Zerto spares no resources. The company offers several training programs, ranging from online and self-paced courses, to virtual instructor-led classes or personalized onsite training for larger teams. This allows both technical profiles and less experienced users to find a training option that suits their needs and availability.

Additionally, the Zerto Learning Center (ZLC) serves as a very comprehensive repository where you can access technical articles, best practice guides, detailed documentation on installation, administration, and troubleshooting. There is also specific documentation for developers, with well-explained APIs, which is very useful if you want to integrate Zerto into other internal systems or automated workflows.

Personnel and Management

In most companies, Zerto is usually managed by the IT team, specifically by profiles with experience in virtualization, networking, and disaster recovery strategies.

It is not essential to have a large team, but it is recommended to have at least one or two people who know the platform well and can handle day-to-day tasks: monitoring replication, performing recovery tests, adjusting configurations, and responding to any incidents.

In larger environments or with especially complex architectures, a slightly larger team or with more technical knowledge may be needed, for example in automation with scripts or API integration.

Ideally, these people should already be familiar with technologies like VMware vSphere or Microsoft Hyper-V, because the learning curve will be much smoother. Even so, Zerto is designed to make administration very manageable, so once properly configured, it usually does not require intensive supervision.

Usability and interface

One of the things most valued by those who use Zerto is its interface. Despite being a powerful platform with many features, the management console is well organized and very intuitive. This makes the learning curve quite manageable, even for those who have not worked before with disaster recovery solutions. In fact, there are user testimonials claiming to have been able to perform full recovery tests with just a few hours of use.

Moreover, this ease of use is not limited to the basics. Even when it comes to managing complex scenarios or replications between different environments, the interface design allows doing it with few clicks and without having to navigate through confusing menus.

Security: Is Zerto a secure platform?

Zerto does not fall short when it comes to security, something essential when we talk about data protection and disaster recovery. Although the platform itself does not have certifications such as SOC 2 or ISO 27001, it does comply with important regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA and other industry best practices. Additionally, it can be implemented in environments that do have those certifications, allowing companies to maintain regulatory compliance while using Zerto as part of their infrastructure.

The platform's encryption is also robust. Zerto employs multiple layers of encryption to protect data both in transit and at rest, and during data transmission, it uses secure protocols such as TLS to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the information. It also implements network-level encryption to protect communication between its components, ensuring data is not intercepted or altered during transfer.

For data at rest, Zerto allows organizations to leverage encryption capabilities provided by underlying storage platforms, such as disk and volume encryption in compatible storage solutions. This way, it ensures that replicated and stored data is protected against unauthorized access, meeting security and compliance requirements across various industries.

Reporting and Analytics Features

Zerto provides a comprehensive analytics portal and advanced reporting features that help monitor and optimize the disaster recovery environment.

Through this centralized dashboard, teams can access detailed reports on recovery objective compliance (RPO/RTO), virtual machine protection status, system performance, data change history, and critical alerts. This visibility allows for thorough infrastructure control, identifying issues before they impact operations, and easily demonstrating compliance with internal or external regulations.

Additionally, capacity and performance planning reports help analyze trends over time and make informed decisions about resource sizing, while interactive visualizations and automated alert options enable quick responses to incidents, ensuring that protected data and recovery processes are always optimized and aligned with business needs.

Customer Service

Zerto offers 24/7 global technical support through various channels: phone, email, and a web portal. The level of support and response speed will depend on whether a Standard or Premium support service has been contracted.

This service is complemented by a very comprehensive knowledge base and an active community forum where users can find guides, resolve frequent doubts, and share experiences with other professionals. Additionally, the portal allows opening support tickets and tracking the status of each case, facilitating a more organized management of incidents.

Regarding the quality of support, user feedback is generally very positive. Many highlight the quick response times, especially in critical situations, as well as the technical competence and friendliness of the support staff.

Competence: What is the best alternative to Zerto?

In the field of disaster recovery and data protection, Zerto stands out for its focus on continuous replication and rapid recovery. However, there are other solutions on the market that offer different features and may be more suitable depending on the specific needs of each organization:

Zerto vs Veeam Backup & Replication

Veeam is recognized for its wide range of data protection capabilities, including backup and recovery for physical and virtual environments, native cloud backup, and ransomware protection. Unlike Zerto, which focuses on continuous replication of virtual machine data (not physical servers) for disaster recovery, Veeam offers a more comprehensive and potentially more cost-effective solution, especially for organizations with diverse IT infrastructures and the need for more granular backup and recovery options.

Zerto vs Carbonite Server Backup

Carbonite Server Backup stands out for its hot backup capabilities, which means it can back up data even while it is being accessed or modified, allowing continuous data protection and faster recovery in case of disaster. Although Zerto excels in user support and deployment, Carbonite may have an advantage in features and data management, making it an attractive option for companies seeking a more traditional backup solution with fast recovery capabilities.

Zerto vs Azure Site Recovery

Azure Site Recovery (ASR) is a disaster recovery solution that integrates seamlessly with the Microsoft Azure ecosystem. It offers cost-effective and reliable recovery, with a 30% time savings in virtual machine management compared to other solutions. For organizations already operating within the Azure environment and looking for a cost-effective and reliable disaster recovery solution, ASR can be a more attractive alternative than Zerto.

Zerto vs CloudEndure (AWS Elastic Disaster Recovery)

CloudEndure, now known as AWS Elastic Disaster Recovery, offers a solution focused on AWS cloud disaster recovery. While Zerto provides greater flexibility by supporting multiple cloud platforms and hybrid environments, AWS Elastic Disaster Recovery may be a more suitable option for organizations operating exclusively within the AWS ecosystem and seeking an integrated disaster recovery solution.

Almost instant protection… If your budget allows it

The Zerto platform stands out for being a powerful and well-designed disaster recovery solution, with advanced features such as continuous data and content protection along with a truly easy-to-use interface. It is designed to help businesses avoid unexpected downtime, maintain operational continuity, and ensure that critical data is always safe.

We recommend Zerto for medium and large organizations working with sensitive data or critical environments, such as those in the healthcare, financial, or technology sectors. If your company needs almost instant recovery and full visibility over its infrastructure, Zerto can make a big difference and greatly simplify IT team operations.

That said, we also believe Zerto is not for everyone. If you work with tight budgets, don’t require such demanding recovery objectives, or prefer a simpler solution for basic backups, there are alternatives like Veeam or Carbonite that may fit better in terms of cost and simplicity.

In summary: Zerto is reliable, powerful, and easy to manage, but it comes with a somewhat high price and certain complexity in large environments. If your brand fits its ideal user profile, it’s worth considering; if not, it’s better to explore other solutions before making a final decision.