Skip to content

Start8 vs Updraft

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs.

Start8 icon
Start8
Updraft icon
Updraft

Start8 vs Updraft: The Verdict

⚡ Summary:

Start8: Start8 is a program that restores the Start menu and other interface features from Windows 7 and earlier versions in Windows 8 and 8.1. It brings back the familiar Start button, Start menu, and boot to desktop capabilities for users who prefer the classic Windows user experience.

Updraft: Updraft is a popular WordPress backup and restoration plugin. It allows easy automated backups of WordPress sites to local, remote and cloud storage locations. Key features include scheduled backups, restores, cloning, and migration tools.

Both tools serve their respective audiences. Compare the features, pricing, and user ratings above to determine which best fits your needs.

Last updated: May 2026 · Comparison by Sugggest Editorial Team

Feature Start8 Updraft
Sugggest Score — —
Category Os & Utilities Backup & Sync

Product Overview

Start8
Start8

Description: Start8 is a program that restores the Start menu and other interface features from Windows 7 and earlier versions in Windows 8 and 8.1. It brings back the familiar Start button, Start menu, and boot to desktop capabilities for users who prefer the classic Windows user experience.

Type: software

Updraft
Updraft

Description: Updraft is a popular WordPress backup and restoration plugin. It allows easy automated backups of WordPress sites to local, remote and cloud storage locations. Key features include scheduled backups, restores, cloning, and migration tools.

Type: software

Key Features Comparison

Start8
Start8 Features
  • Restores the classic Start menu
  • Adds a Start button to the taskbar
  • Lets you boot directly to the desktop
  • Customizable Start menu with resizable tiles
  • Start menu skins and styles
  • Taskbar customization options
  • Advanced configuration settings
Updraft
Updraft Features
  • Scheduled backups
  • Backup to local, remote and cloud storage
  • Database backups
  • Multisite network backups
  • Migrations & cloning
  • Backup integrity checks
  • Browser-based restores
  • 1-click restores
  • Email notifications
  • Control panel
  • Exclude files & folders
  • Upload backups to remote storage
  • Backup to multiple storage locations
  • Incremental backups
  • Backup before updates
  • Zip archive format
  • Logging
  • Encryption
  • Add-ons & extensions

Pros & Cons Analysis

Start8
Start8

Pros

  • Brings back familiar Windows 7 interface
  • Highly customizable
  • Easy to use
  • Affordable pricing

Cons

  • May not appeal to Windows 8 fans
  • Requires an extra program just to get basic Windows features
  • Some customization options require paid upgrades
Updraft
Updraft

Pros

  • Easy automated backups
  • Wide range of storage options
  • Scheduled and one-click backups
  • Migrations & cloning tools
  • Browser-based restores
  • Email notifications
  • Exclusions & logging
  • Add-ons for more features

Cons

  • Can be resource intensive
  • Initial setup not intuitive
  • Restores not always seamless
  • Support response times slow

Related Comparisons

Install On Air
vs Start8 vs Updraft
StartAllBack
vs Start8 vs Updraft
Open Shell
vs Start8 vs Updraft
StartIsBack
vs Start8 vs Updraft

Learn More About Each Product

Start8
Start8
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →
Updraft
Updraft
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →

Ready to Make Your Decision?

Explore more software comparisons and find the perfect solution for your needs

Start8 Alternatives
Updraft Alternatives
Browse More Software