We all know the importance of backing up our Macs , but what is the unspoiled Mac championship software package to utilise for the job ? To many of us , back up a Macmeans usingTime Machine , the free backup app included with macOS . Time Machine can make incremental backups of everything on a Mac and can be used clone an previous Mac to a new Mac . Also popular is iCloud , which although not a way to back up your Mac , can be used to sync photos , medicine , files and more so you’re able to get at them on all your Apple devices .
However , while Time Machine and iCloud are dandy resource , they are n’t consummate , and relying on them alone to keep your data safe is a error that could have disastrous consequence .
In this clause , we look at the best Mac stand-in software to use with your Mac . We also have an clause where we expect atcloud backing for MacsincludingBackblaze , Carbonite , IDriveand other options that offer up the ability to combine local musical accompaniment with relief to the swarm .
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Best backup software for Mac 2025
Of the apps and services we look at here , Time Machine from Apple is by far the simple option . It ’s also totally free and available to everyone with a Mac , so you might be marvel why you would want to deliberate another backup option for your Mac . Time Machine is good , but it is limited compared to some of the pick out there . Aside from Time Machine our top choice right now is ChronoSync , which is gentle to apply , quick , true and moderately priced .
Read on to witness out how options such asGet Backup Pro , ChronoSync , Carbon Copy Cloner , andSuperDupermight suffer your needs .
Apple Time Machine – Best Mac backup for the majority
Pros
Cons
We are go with Apple’sTime Machinesoftware because it is included with every Mac . But that does n’t necessarily mean it will be the best option for you .
Time Machine is a reliable tool for local reliever of Macs , providing a full - sized initial accompaniment of every file on the Mac and incremental backups throughout the day as long as the Mac is attached to a depute Time Machine external drive . That drive can be disconnected and used as an outside drive for other computer or paired with multiple Macs for backups .
The first fill-in takes the longest while every filing cabinet on the Mac is rolled into the Time Machine backup , but it gets quicker from there . Time Machine ’s Restore subprogram allows users to afford and scroll through past musical accompaniment to locate and restitute files , which is useful if something was accidentally deleted or you made changes to a file cabinet and need to go back to an early rendering .
When paired with Apple ’s Migration Assistant , porting information and user profiles from an old Mac to a new one is simple . When import a Time Machine backup to a new Mac , Time Machine inherit late backups as well .
For protection , users can designate a password to encrypt their Time Machine backups and there are reminder about the act of days since the last patronage that boost you to keep it secure in .
However , Time Machine is more geared towards external toilsome thrust , which can be mislay , damaged , or stolen , and it bank on order crusade being connect to your Mac ( you could use aNAS parkway ) . It is best to have both a local and dependable off - site copy of your data , and the on-line backup market has grown over the past few years with services like iCloud , OneDrive , Dropbox , and Box .
Despite its limitation , Time Machine is an excellent solution for local backups of Macs . While it necessitate an international heavy driving connected to the Mac for consistent functionality , it offers splendid protective covering built into the operating system .
ChronoSync – Ultimate Mac backup with complete control
ChronoSync for macOS , from Econ Technologies , can give those who want it mingy control condition over their backup options in a formatting that does n’t overtake . The software is based on several core faculty including Home Folder Backup , Data Volume , Synchronize Two Folders , Multiple Folder Backup , Bootable Backup , Backup to a Disk mental image , and Folder Backup .
just select your desire function from the ChronoSync Organizer / base cover . For example , choose the task you desire to create , specify your circumstance ( for example folders you want to replicate over , file type to replicate , a agenda , etc . ) , and hit “ Synchronize ” .
Synchronizations can also be set up to simulate functions . For the truly die - intemperately and geeky , rule - based transcript and tasks can be set up .
you’re able to readily back up to NAS and file servers , the program defend Apple ’s HFS+ and APFS file formats as well as others . ChronoSync also supports championship up to Google Cloud and Amazon storage .
For users look to make bootable clones , this is just as well-to-do as whatSuperDuper!orCarbon Copy Clonerhave become known for . select a author mass , choose a object volume , polish off “ sync , ” let the unconscious process pass . ChronoSync can create two types of bootable clones : stock and mirrored . The former creates a bootable arrangement on the destination volume , leaving other files on the mass intact . Mirror replaces the entire contents of the terminus volume with files from the generator .
A readily - approachable manual of arms offers immediate entree to a guide that comes in ready to hand and there ’s easy access to the company ’s ticketing system of rules should you require tech sustenance .
Where terms and offerings are concerned , ChronoSync offer something valid for your money . There is also a entering - levelChronoSync Expresspackage that is part of theSetApp bundle(reviewed here : SetApp review ) . The company also offers a 15 - day trial without ask a credit or debit entry batting order .
Carbon Copy Cloner – The go-to utility for cloning data
Bombich Software’sCarbon Copy Clonerhas been a pop usefulness for cloning data on Macs since it launched in 2002 . It supports HFS+ and APFS effort data format , local volumes , and NAS - enabled web . However , it can not back up Windows filing cabinet formats , optical media , web - based platforms , or Apple ’s Time Machine platforms .
Carbon Copy Cloner has a comprehensive user interface , and customizable filters and grant approach to shape pick like disk encoding , chore note , and bandwidth shape for NAS backups . Other tool , such as programming , can be performed without issue . The task manager allows user to save and configure multiple backup tasks . A scripting feature allow tradition scripts to be charge and aerate as needed .
The SafetyNet characteristic allow for drive formatting or stopping processes before overwriting datum on a volume . However , there are some faint point , admit Apple ’s want of openness and the need for bootable external volumes . create a bootable external mass in Carbon Copy Cloner is currently a hit - or - miss suggestion , with attempts at creating a bootable extraneous volume fail due to Apple ’s protocols . Other utilities confront the same issues .
Carbon Copy Cloner pairs well with utilities like Time Machine , Apple ’s Migration Assistant , and SuperDuper ! . The ship’s company ’s customer support is friendly and rapid , and the software package offers quick access to help pathfinder . A supportive community and frequent developer updates are another bonus . If Carbon Copy Cloner is not in your arsenal of ready to hand utility , you should download it and give it a try . There ’s a full - featured 30 - day test .
SuperDuper! – One of the best Mac cloning apps
SuperDuper!(version 3.8 at the clock time of this review ) is a popular Mac cloning and restitution app that is gentle to install . It suffer APFS and HFS+ file formats and can be custom-make to meet individual needs . In addition to cloning , the app back up scheduling and allows users to set apart file cabinet to be copy over , let in Unix - specific elements like user folders , shared substance abuser , shared users and applications , and backup files .
SuperDuper ! easily doctor data from one mass to another , which is simpler than using Apple ’s restoration alternative in macOS ’s Disk Utility . The substance abuser interface expose the identification number of files copy , re-create speed , data evaluate , prison term elapsed , and amount of datum moved from the source bulk to the target intensity . Users can edit provided scripts or write their own , choose between method such as Total Backup and Smart Backup , and set up events like permission repairs before a written matter begins , scripts to execute after a copy has completed , and for the Mac to expel the target intensity , shut down , go to quietus , or quit SuperDuper ! once the copy is done .
However , SuperDuper ! has room for betterment . For example , it ca n’t back up to web volumes and it does n’t defend FAT , exFAT , or NTFS for Windows and Linux volumes . We desire that the internet backup comes with a further update .
We wish the fact that SuperDuper ! retail for a one - time payment rather than on a subscription plan you may use it for free , but you postulate to bear to unlock scheduling , smart updates , and some other features .
Over the years , Shirt Pocket has systematically leave substantial updates , pin down bugs , supported new protocols premise by Apple , and communicated well through its technical school support and selling . Overall , SuperDuper ! is a reliable local cloning and restoration app for the Mac that can be readily customized and scripted , and is fantabulous value .
IDrive – Local and web/cloud-based backups
lDrive is a backup service program that handles both local and web / cloud - based fill-in ( similar to Backblaze and Carbonite ) . It allows you to continually backup your intact drive to the cloud , while also countenance you cart and fell files to the swarm to access remotely . lDrive also allow you to back up outside hard drives .
lDrive ’s user interface is very square . Your Desktop , Documents , Music and Pictures booklet are automatically choose for backup man , along with the subject matter of ~/Library / post .
Features like Rewind and Snapshots take into account you to restore from early versions of files or snapshots of the ended data readiness .
To add other folders , fall into place ‘ Change ’ at the bottom of the windowpane – that ’s not exactly intuitive . you’re able to lend video recording to the backup , but locating them in lDrive ’s interface can be complicated .
Both programing and restoring are straight , however . As is choosing a local ride as the goal for a backup in place of lDrive ’s servers .
All data is encrypted , with the choice to set your own private encryption key .
You have the choice of restoring by having data point physically ship to you . This is free for the first restore each year , but if you are based outside the US you ’ll have to pay for cargo ships .
The subscription - establish tier system offers a free Basic account with 10 GB of on-line disc space for free with no credit or debit posting required . That 10 GB liberal tier allows for local backups and is moderately generous , but the real bargain is the IDrive Mini plan , which , for less than 3 clam a year , gives you access to 100 GB of storage .
lDrive ’s free tier and the ability to spread your data allocation in the pay tiers across multiple computers make it attractive . Overall , though , it ’s expensive for a single motorcar .
Get Backup Pro – Excellent for the casual user
Get Backup Pro by BeLight Software is easy to download , establish into the Applications booklet , and hunt down ( although we did encounter a few problems assigning full magnetic disc access ) .
The user port keeps matter simple , schedule full backups , cloning , and incremental support operate like a spell , and a slate of customization options allows for specific files and pamphlet to be chosen and app information to be added to the championship / clone operation .
The impressive level of customization name it well-heeled to set tasks up , while an splendid restoration system installed data where it needed to be without fail . Get Backup Pro to be very capable , running flawlessly under macOS Sequoia .
The software is priced well and is also useable throughMacPaw ’s SetAppsubscription service . The option of a 30 - day demo gives you time to wreak around with it , and the licensing is flexile .
Get Backup Pro presents a nice raiment of options beyond what Apple ’s free Time Machine utility offering and is excellent for the fooling user and the home market .
MacBackup Guru
Mac Backup Guru offers what ’s expect from a backup utility in terms of core backup and archival functionalities and works to take it a step further .
It put up both a synchronized clon backup , which can create standard copies of folders and drives as well as incremental backups that cut through changes and back up the changes ( like Time Machine does ) .
The program ’s easy customizable configurations offer tight ascendancy over aspects such as setting the source and destination volumes , and you could cull and prefer specific volume and booklet to include and exclude . The scheduler feature works like a charm .
Apple ’s Time Machine will create snapshots of your laborious drive at different time throughout the day , but there ’s way to control when these are created or when they ’re cancel . Mac Backup Guru offers this feature . Additionally , the number of late shot can be designated as well before sr. snapshots are edit .
There ’s also backup / cloning feature film that taps into iCloud - link up tools and crap a copy of all your iCloud - ground files to aid complete the cloned volume .
Still , there ’s room for improvement . For example , the app does n’t confirm how much space it ’ll call for for a written matter , leaving you roll the dice as to whether you have enough space on the destination drive for the full copy .
Mac Backup Guru is an easy - to - use backup tool that keeps options and stage setting to a minimum while offering several useful features . It ’s also unspoiled note value – at the time of writing it was on crack for less than $ 9/£7.51 , a significant discount on its usual $ 29/£24.15 cost .
Backblaze – Online, offsite backup service
Backblaze is an online , offsite backup service that allows you to back up your Mac to its servers automatically or according to a schedule you specify .
Backblaze backs up the contents of your Documents , Pictures , Movies and Music folders , but excludes your Applications folder . Backblaze also excludes some file types from being backed up , such as .dmg disc mental image – that confinement can be shift off , however .
Backups are go along for 30 days , so you could restitute from any that run during that time . As you would expect , fill-in are incremental so only files that have change since it last ran are re-create . datum is code and you may optionally add a six - dactyl passcode to render an extra layer of security .
When it come to restoring your data , you have three option : you’re able to reconstruct via Backblaze ’s web interface or you’re able to have files air to you on a USB stick or hard drive for an additional fee . And there ’s a 100 % repayment if you return the USB peg or surd drive within 30 day , though you ’ll have to pay transport and taxation .
you could catch individual single file and choose which ones to download . And you may view and partake in backed up filing cabinet on an iPhone or iPad with the Backblaze peregrine app .
The Locate your Computer religious service tracks your Mac ’s location to facilitate you get it if it ’s stolen – similar to Find My . If a lost Mac is still run stand-in your Mac can tell you its current informatics address and show you lately second - up data .
Backblaze ’s user port comprise a card bar point and a System Preferences pane . However , that dose is more like a amply fledged app , with options to exclude files , add together folders and magnetic disk to the backup , and throttle bandwidth . It ’s simple and very Mac - like .
If you only postulate to back up one Mac , and in particular if you want to back up outside record , Backblaze ’s simplicity and cost give it the bound over Carbonite and IDrive .
With Backblaze your data point is stored in secure datum middle and two - factor assay-mark adds an supernumerary level of security .
Acronis True Image for Mac – Customizable backup utility
Acronis True Image for Mac work as a customizable backup utility as well as an antiviral / anti - malware app . It starts at $ 49.99/£42.99 per year for the Essentials interlingual rendition that includes one computer with local accompaniment and anti - ransomware . you may pay more for swarm based stand-in , which is why we also admit it in our round up ofcloud - based Mac backup apps .
You ’ll detect Backup , Protection , Disk Cloning , and Archive module . The Backup module permit you to designate reference and goal volumes as well as choose which files are backed up and to where . It ’s well-off to create elision listing as to which file can by bypassed when it come to backing up , and the programming feature worked well .
The Backup module also leads to truthful Image ’s Acronis Survival Kit , which allow for a bootable backup drive to be created that your Mac can reboot and install a new operating scheme from .
The Disk Cloning module works well , and makes quick copies of volumes as needed . The Archive module let you to unlade local datum to Acronis ’ cloud structure , which is ready to hand for absolve up local space .
The Protection mental faculty bid a good academic degree of antiviral protective cover , view no less than 23 likely threat from a sample archive off the bat .
Unfortunately , during our testing there were hemipterous insect that could n’t be avoid and user interface elements that were either inconvenient or needed a complete overall .
Why you should trust Macworld
Macworld ’s backup software reviewer , Chris Barylick is an Apple - certify Macintosh Technician with experience working with guest who have lose data and decades of experience tinker with Macs . Like the relief of the Macworld squad , he has been using Mac ironware , computer software , and service for decennium . Macworld ’s review process is thorough and we have evaluated all aspects of the products included here . We discuss our examination process in more detail below .
How we choose the best backup software
Here at Macworld we conduct comprehensive software reviews and , on occasion , a particular lotion emerges as an unquestioned standout . However , in sure cases , multiple competitor may emerge . The optimal choice often hinge on a specific set of requirements . For instance , one selection may be the most suitable for those with a limited budget , while another may be preferred for an soul who wants more control condition over the software . Consequently , we provide specific recommendations for each practical software so you’re able to find out the one that fulfill your pauperism . The software that we take for most suitable are included in our group tests . If an program is not featured here , it may be due to its lower paygrade compared to those included in this roundup .
How we test Mac backup software
We judge the best Mac backup software on a variety of criteria let in reliability , ease of use and the feature it supports . Our tests require go each platform through the various types of backups it ’s equal to of , restore backup data to ensure that it can be convalesce without putridness , and model disaster convalescence scenario . We aim to ascertain that the software program delivers on its hope and that it is well-to-do to apply . We run through what we advocate you take care for in a backup app in more detail below . We award scores between 0 and 5 , including half stars and the best apps are then considered for our Best Backup software for Mac list .
How to choose the best Mac backup app
We ’ve take the best Mac computer backup software in this group test establish on the criteria mentioned above . If you are assess the best option for you we advocate that you consider the following :
Value for money : Is the app subscription only or can you buy a perpetual licence ? In many cases buying the software outright may invoke because you wo n’t be charged each year . One advantage of a subscription model run to be that the developer will keep your variant of the app up to day of the month , so there is less danger that the app wo n’t be back up in the future . Some apps will have multiple feature film , which is large if you need them all , but another app with fewer features may cost less and give you what you need .
Backup options : Think about what you want to backup because there is more than one case of backup . Asystem backupwill back up everything – the operating system , all your applications , and all your options . This means that if your Mac fails ( or you bribe a raw one ) you’re able to convalesce your Mac exactly the way it was onto a fresh model . This method is meter consuming the first clock time the backup is made , but ulterior backups are incremental , with only only patronage being things that have transfer .
Alternatively adata only back upwill let you to keep a written matter of files and data that can be restored at a late escort . This method is quick , but if your Mac fails you will need to reinstall the operating system and your apps and your unique set up will be lose .
Another option , though it ’s not a backup as such , issyncing . you may sync your data on your Mac to the swarm and then access it on other devices you own . The chief job with this is that if you alter a Indian file that is synced to the cloud those changes are made centrally , so you ca n’t easily recover an honest-to-goodness reading . So if you delete what ’s in the swarm you will lose it for ever ( although as luck would have it there is an selection to reclaim your deleted data for 30 - day , at least on iCloud ) .
Backup twist : Another subject is what you will be backing up to . A SSD will be straightaway , but an severe private road will put up you more space for less money . Your alternative of backup software should deliberate how much datum you are backing up and what you are backing up to . Another consideration is what will happen when you operate out of infinite for your backup . Look at the space direction options of the backup app . Will old backups be deleted .
programing options : Of all the features offer by backup apps this is believably the most of import . Look to see how often you’re able to set your stand-in to pass off , are they material time , continuous , hourly , day-to-day , weekly ? If your Mac is only backing up what deepen then a real time backup can actually be less detectable because you Mac only backs up a small amount of data at a time .
Security : Also important is the security system of your information , specially if you are express a punishing drive around with you . Look for both encryption and/or password trade protection option .
FAQ
What is the best way to backup a Mac?
An ideal strategy consist of at least two separate backup schedules , one backing up your Mac to a hard private road onsite , and one indorse up to a thrust that ’s put in offsite or in the swarm . At the very least , if you employ Time Machine to back up to an external difficult drive or connection twist , you should also have another peter run unconstipated backups to a different drive just in case one fails .
How do I backup my entire Mac to an external hard drive?
you’re able to do this with Time Machine , which is the simplest and cheap solution . The only associated cost is purchasing an outside drive , but a 1 TB operose drive can be purchased for less than $ 30/£40 these days , so that is n’t prohibitive .
Here ’s how to backup with Time Machine :
As we note above , you should n’t trust on only Time Machine , a better solution might be one that is not kept at the same location as your Mac , open that if there was a ardor or photoflood , both Mac and substitute could be destroyed .
We explainHow to back up your Mac with Time Machineand alsoHow to back up a Macusing various other method acting in separate article .
What does a Mac backup include?
Time Machine keeps a back up of everything on your Mac . It creates hourly , daily , and weekly computer backup , but only backs up the changes made since the last backup . It also lay in multiple versions of text file , so you’re able to go back to old version and restore them .
Other Mac backup software works in a similar way , create copies of your data at regular intervals , which can be stored either on - web site or off - site .
Can I backup my Mac to iCloud?
You may be wondering if youcan back your Mac up to iCloud ? The response is no , not exactly , but you could create a leaflet in iCloud and copy file to that .
For more selective information read : Time Machine vs iCloud : Do you postulate to use both and can one back up to the other ?
How many GB do I need to back up my Mac?
As a rule you ask about twice the storage uncommitted in your Mac . So , if your Mac has 1 TB of storage you need about 2 TB in an international driving force .
Will my Mac backup in sleep mode?
Intel powered Macs running Power Nap can backup in sleep mode . On modern Macs you need to go to System preferences > Battery ( laptop computer ) or Energy ( desktop ) > option and ready it to fire up for web admittance . If your Mac is set to wake for internet accession then it will ‘ wake up ’ from Sleep mode to pass Time Machine support .
Looking for a SSD or Hard drive to back up your Mac ? See ourbest SSDs for Macandbest Hard drives for MacandBest NAS drives for Mac .
