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Backups are an essential part of any digital experience, as they help ensure that important data is not lost due to hardware failures, software bugs, or user errors. Given the importance of backups, it’s no surprise that there are numerous backup tools available on Mac computers. However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to pick the right one. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the best seven automatic backup tools for Mac so that you can protect your data hassle-free.
Video Tutorial:
What are Automatic Backup Tools?
Automatic backup tools are software applications that automatically backup data based on a pre-defined schedule or as soon as changes are detected in the files. These tools are designed to make backup processes easy and hassle-free, eliminating the need for manual backups. With automatic backup tools, there is no need to remember to backup your data regularly, and you can be confident that your most recent data changes are safe.
Top 7 Automatic Backup Tools for Mac:
1. Time Machine
Time Machine is a free backup tool that comes with all Mac computers. It’s designed to backup all of your data, including system files, applications, music, photos, and documents. Time Machine automatically creates hourly backups of your most recent data, daily backups of the past month, and weekly backups for all previous months. Backups are saved to an external hard drive, so you can use it offline when in trouble.
Pros:
- Free and built-in on all Apple devices
- User-friendly interface
- Can backup entire system image with Time Capsule
Cons:
- The process of restoring data can be slow
- The backup destination can only be a limited amount of external hard drives
- Cannot backup files on demand, has to rely on the backup schedule
| Features | Time Machine |
|---|---|
| Free Trial? | No, built-in |
| Price | Free |
| Ease-of-use | Very easy to use, built-in and automatically runs in the background |
| Value for Money | Can be considered as "value-added", given that it’s free and included on every Mac device |
2. BackBlaze
Backblaze is a cloud-based backup tool that automatically backs up all user data, including documents, photos, music, and videos. Backblaze also enables users to backup external hard drives and NAS devices, which sets it apart from competing backup tools. The software runs silently in the background, backing up data using a continuous backup system.
Pros:
- Unlimited storage options at a fixed cost
- Offers the most affordable unlimited backup service
- External hard drives and NAS devices can be backed up, unlike many other cloud-based services
Cons:
- The initial backup can take a long time, depending on the level of data
- Archived files are difficult to access and are separated from the regular files
- Does not allow for versioning of files, so older files may be overwritten during a restore
| Features | Backblaze |
|---|---|
| Free Trial? | Yes, 15-day free trial |
| Price | Unlimited storage plans start from $6/month per device |
| Ease-of-use | Easy to use, fully automated with continuous backup |
| Value for Money | Great value for money, with unlimited storage |
3. Carbonite
Carbonite is another cloud-based backup tool that automatically backups up files continuously. It offers unlimited storage, making it ideal for individuals and small businesses with significant data volumes. Carbonite also backs up external drives and provides mobile backup protection.
Pros:
- Easy initial setup and continues to run in the background
- Allows you to backup external drives, including networked drives
- Offers a mobile app for remote backup
Cons:
- No direct user interface, can only be accessed through a web portal
- No advanced features or advanced settings
- No file versioning, which means that if a file gets corrupted, it may overwrite the good version with the bad one
| Features | Carbonite |
|---|---|
| Free Trial? | No, 15-day money-back guarantee |
| Price | Unlimited storage plan starts from $6/month |
| Ease-of-use | Very easy to use, has a user-friendly interface |
| Value for Money | Great value for money with unlimited storage |
4. Arq Backup
Arq Backup is a backup tool that provides unlimited storage plans and backs up your data to cloud storage providers like Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Storage, and Microsoft Azure. Arq Backup supports multiple backup locations, multiple backup sets, and encryption of backups.
Pros:
- Supports backing up to multiple cloud storage providers
- Allows editing of browsing and searching of backups
- Provides great encryption options
Cons:
- User interface could be more user-friendly
- Backup progress is not very clear
- No free trial, only a 30-day refund policy
| Features | Arq Backup |
|---|---|
| Free Trial? | No, but there’s a 30-day refund policy on purchases made from their website |
| Price | One-time cost of $49.99 for the Home version. Unlimited Amazon S3, Backblaze B2, Wasabi, Google Cloud Storage, or Microsoft Azure for $0.005/GB per month |
| Ease-of-use | A bit complex for beginners, but it gets the job done once you know the features |
| Value for Money | Good value for frequent users who need to backup significant data to cloud storage providers |
5. SuperDuper!
SuperDuper! is a backup tool that can create full clones of your Mac’s internal hard drive or partitions. SuperDuper! is a straightforward tool that is easy to use and can complete backups quickly.
Pros:
- Creates full clones of the hard disk, making it easy to restore the entire system
- Customizable options for backing up the data
- Fast backup times, especially for smaller sets of data
Cons:
- No cloud storage or continuous backup options available
- Can only do full clones, so there is no versioning of files
- Only limited support for external backup drives
| Features | SuperDuper! |
|---|---|
| Free Trial? | Yes, limited feature trial version available. Full version for $27.95 |
| Price | $27.95 for full version which allows all features |
| Ease-of-use | Easy to use and navigate; not many complexities fit it for any average Mac user. |
| Value for Money | Priced well for a quick and efficient backup tool for cloning the hard disk |
6. ChronoSync
ChronoSync is a backup tool that provides various backup options and is ideal for advanced users. The software allows backing up to external hard drives, cloud storage providers, and other Mac computers. ChronoSync supports automatic scheduling of backups, and it has an option for file versioning.
Pros:
- Supports backing up to multiple locations
- Fully customizable, allowing for sophisticated recovery prioritization
- Offers multiple synchronization modes, such as bidirectional sync
Cons:
- Considered somewhat complex compared to other backup tools
- The user interface can be challenging to navigate
- Can be expensive with added features
| Features | ChronoSync |
|---|---|
| Free Trial? | Yes, 15-day trial available for all plans available on their website |
| Price | Pricing starts from $49.99. Advanced versions go up to $300 |
| Ease-of-use | Is complex, and users may need initial training before use |
| Value for Money | Great value for advanced users and feature-packed data backups. |
7. Mac Backup Guru
Mac Backup Guru is a backup tool that enables incremental backup of your data to another storage device. Full backups can also be done. It has an intuitive interface, which makes it easy to use, even for beginner users.
Pros:
- Incremental backups provided, saving users time and storage space
- Simplified interface, easy to use, and navigate
- Supports remote backup for cloud storage providers
Cons:
- No option for continuous backup
- No remote backup to other network drives or backup locations, only cloud providers
- Slow backup speeds with large data sets.
| Features | Mac Backup Guru |
|---|---|
| Free Trial? | Yes, trial version available. The full version can be purchased for $29.99 |
| Price | $29.99 for a lifetime license |
| Ease-of-use | Has an intuitive interface, making it easy to work with. |
| Value for Money | A good value for money for those looking for a quick and easy-to-use backup tool |
Our Thoughts on the Top 7 Automatic Backup Tools for Mac:
Selecting a backup tool that works for you depends on your data structure, server options, and preferred backup style. For minimal users, Time Machine is a great option for free use. For more sophisticated needs, such as external or offsite backups, Backblaze is a lovely option for affordable and unlimited storage. Carbonite is another user-friendly choice, while Superduper! fits those with small data packages well. Those with heavier needs could consider Arq Backup or ChronoSync, while users with a simple setup could use the affordable Mac Backup Guru.
FAQs:
Q1: Is it possible to use Time Machine without an external hard drive?
A: No. Time Machine requires an external hard drive to use for backups.
Q2: Can multiple Macs be backed up on a single Backblaze account?
A: Yes! Backblaze has unlimited device support for a single account.
Q3: Does Carbonite backup emails?
A: No. Carbonite only backs up folders and files on your device.
Q4: Can ChronoSync be used to backup to USB sticks or memory cards?
A: Yes. ChronoSync can backup data to any macOS-supported volume, including USB sticks and memory cards.
Q5: Can Mac Backup Guru backup Time Machine backups?
A: No. Mac Backup Guru can only backup hard drives and folders, not Time Machine backups.
Final Thoughts:
It’s essential to consider a backup strategy that works for your data structure, including both personal and professional data storage and backups. Based on the above Top 7 Automatic Backup Tools for Mac, we recommend Backblaze for the most sophisticated backup solution. Time Machine is a reliable choice for an Apple device user, while Carbonite and Arq Backup present excellent cloud-based storage options for busy users. For those seeking a simple backup solution, we recommend Superduper! And Mac Backup Guru. Whichever backup tool you choose to use, remember to frequently check your data and backup logs to ensure that your data is protected for the long haul.