Smart LTO Tape Backup Planner
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Calculates the optimal LTO generation for your backup needs and connects you with verified sellers of used equipment.
Added Nov 28, 2025
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The Problem
Data hoarders and home users with massive storage needs struggle to choose the right LTO tape generation due to complex backward compatibility rules, high new equipment costs, and an opaque used market. They risk buying incompatible drives or tapes and face technical setup challenges.
Potential Solution
Detailed solution approach available for premium members.
Why Now?
Market timing analysis available for premium members.
LTO tape, is LTO-6 too old? If so, where would you start?
I am not going to use this for business purposes, it is for my personal movie collection of 1:1 backups of all my DVD/Blu Ray/4K and CDs. I already have over 100 TB and will be needing somewhere around 500 TB longterm. Seems like LTO-6 is the best bang for the buck, but I also know once I get started, I won't easily be able to upgrade above LTO-7 unless I have duplicate hardware to read all my LTO-6 backups. Part of me is thinking just spend way too much money and go with LTO-8 or 9, no way I can afford 10.
Are used LTO-8 tapes not a thing?
is it just me or are there no market for used LTO drives from the 2 last generations?
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