8 advanced desktop backup apps

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

With them, you will definitely not lose any of your important files.

1. Acronis True Image

Platforms: Windows, macOS.

Price: from 1 700 rubles.

The most famous and powerful backup package. It is a full-featured solution that can create backups simultaneously in your local storage and in your own 1 TB Acronis cloud.

The application is able to make backups not only of individual files, but also of entire hard drives. This program is capable of restoring your system even if it is badly damaged by viruses or ransomware Trojans. By creating bootable external media using Acronis Survival Kit, you can bring your computer back to the state of the crash, even if it won't start. In addition, the app has many settings allowing you to flexibly adjust which backups you need and which you can delete to save space.

Acronis has essentially only two flaws. The first is the heaviness of the program and its appetites for system resources, the second is the price. But this is still the best solution for those who need to make a lot of backups on a regular basis.

2. Paragon Backup & Recovery

Platforms: Windows.

Price: is free.

Paragon is mainly engaged in the development of commercial software. However, it also has a free home-use application that creates backups. It is somewhat depressing that it is only in English, but the interface is so simple that you don't have to figure it out for a long time.

The program allows you to specify what to copy: all data on the computer, some specific disks or individual files. And also choose where to save them, how long to keep in memory and for how long to schedule duplication. As a result, you can simply forget about the program: it will do everything for you.

In addition, Paragon Backup & Recovery allows you to create bootable media to restore your system in case of failure. This is a reliable application that is not inferior to the same Acronis and is perfect for inexperienced home users.

3. FBackup

Platforms: Windows.

Price: free or $ 49.99 for the extended version.

Free tool for creating backups. Has a very simple interface reminiscent of the Microsoft Office ribbon design. But there are enough settings here.

You can choose what to copy: individual files, folders, partitions, disks or the entire system. Then specify the location of the backup: local or external drive, removable media, Google Drive cloud or Dropbox. Finally, schedule your backup to run and FBackup will begin its task.

The capabilities of the application are expanded with plugins. They will help you to enable copying saves of some games and program settings. FBackup is free for home users, but some features - like sending backup notifications and support for saving copies to OneDrive and FTP servers - come at a premium. However, these features are needed only for advanced users.

4. EaseUS Todo Backup Free

Platforms: Windows.

Price: free or $ 29 for the advanced version.

Quite a popular backup application, in which the only frustrating thing is the lack of Russian localization. EaseUS Todo Backup Free can create backups of folders, disks and the whole system. Supported copying on a schedule, as well as encryption and compression of copies.

The free version lacks the ability to transfer the system from one disk to another and make a backup of the Outlook mail database. It also does not send e-mail notifications of copying.

5. Carbon Copy Cloner

Platforms: macOS.

Price: 36.50 euros.

Carbon Copy Cloner is one of the oldest and time-tested backup apps in macOS, and despite its age, it is actively updated. It can back up drives, folders and even data from other Macs on your local network. Scheduled copying is supported.

The CCC interface is simple. It does not have very many settings, but this is for the best: although the application is in English, it is problematic to get confused in it. You can try Carbon Copy Cloner for free for 30 days, after which you will have to purchase a license.

6. Get Backup Pro 3

Platforms: macOS.

Price: $ 19.99

Another dedicated tool for macOS. It's easy to use. Create a task by clicking on the +. Specify how often to back up and where to save them. Then drag the files and folders you want to backup into the application window.

In addition to the files and folders you have specially added, Get Backup Pro 3 can make copies of contacts, photos, iTunes library, documents and emails. He knows how to clone disks and synchronize folders, making their contents the same. You can try the application for free for 30 days.

7. TimeShift

Platforms: Linux.

Price: is free.

TimeShift is capable of backing up your entire system. Thus, you can install any programs and experiment with the settings, and then simply roll back the OS to a healthy state. The application does not know how to make backups of specific folders and documents. It is more similar to the Windows System Restore counterpart.

TimeShift is easy to use. Install it by following the instructions on the download page, and then simply specify which disk you have the system on, where to store copies of it, and how often to do restore points: every day, every time you turn it on, every month, and so on. Even if Linux is so damaged that it cannot boot, you can start from the Live distribution on external media, install Timeshift directly on the Live system and return your computer to the state in which it was before the crash.

Users of the Btrfs file system will take particular advantage of the application. Thanks to its device, TimeShift can make restore points incredibly fast. And just as quickly roll back all the changes. It is useful for those who experiment a lot with Linux.

8. Déjà Dup

Platforms: Linux.

Price: is free.

Unlike TimeShift, Déjà Dup aims to create backups of user data: documents, pictures, music, videos and other files. This application is included by default in many Linux distributions, and in those that do not have it, it is easy to install. Déjà Dup can work on a schedule, copy data to local and external media, as well as to network servers via FTP or SSH.

In the popular Ubuntu distribution, the application is not hard to find in the main menu. There it is called "Backups".

If Déjà Dup is not installed, you can download it directly from the repositories. To do this, enter one of the following commands in the terminal, suitable for your distribution:

• Ubuntu, Debian, Mint:

  sudo apt-get install deja-dup

• Fedora, CentOS:

  dnf install deja-dup

• openSUSE:

  zypper install deja-dup

• Arch, Manjaro:

  sudo pacman -S deja-dup

Those users who do not want to install anything, let alone pay for third-party software, can use the built-in backup applications that are available in every modern OS. These are "Backup" in Windows and Time Machine in macOS. You can see our detailed instructions for them in the corresponding article.