Don’t delay; tomorrow may be too late.
If you dont currently use a backup app, try one of these Mac backup apps.
Lowest Barrier of Entry: Time Machine
Seamlessly integrates any external drive.
Shows what a file looked like in the recent past.
Built into Mac OS X and macOS.
Less secure than cloud storage.
Doesn’t archive data.
Requires an external drive, which can also fail.
And why not; it’s easy to set up and easy to use.
It’s also easy to forget about.
Time Machine automatically takes care of everything for you.
While it offers a number of attractive features, Time Machine isn’t perfect.
Backups and Bootables: SuperDuper
One-step restore for easy file retrieval.
Simple UI leaves little room for user mistakes.
Create bootable drives of disks for restoration.
Cannot choose specific folders or files to back up.
Slow; backs up everything each time it runs.
A paywall blocks some features.
IDrive, Inc.
SuperDuper is a backup app that supports the traditional full and incremental backup approaches many of us know.
SuperDuper’s core features (creating clones and backups) are free.
User scripts allow you to create custom backup routines and schedules.
Most Features: Carbon Copy Cloner
Lightning-fast backup speed.
More advanced features than other solutions.
Ability to chain tasks together.
Restore speed is slower than backup speed.
Interface may be confusing for novice users.
History logs don’t appear in the main window.
Carbon Copy Cloner is the granddaddy of Mac cloning software.
It has long been a favorite of the Mac community.
Most Secure: Get Backup
Automatic encryption keeps backup data safe from hackers.
Less expensive than Carbon Copy Cloner.
Provides customization options for what you back up.
Doesn’t provide a data log of backup activity.
Get Backup from BeLight Software is available in free and paid (pro) versions.
Most Streamlined: Mac Backup Guru
MacDaddy
Packs an impressive number of features into a single window.
Incremental backups save time and space.
Ability to include and exclude folders.
The user manual infographic lacks detailed text.
Notifications during backup consume CPU resources.
Mac Backup Guru has a few additional tricks it can perform.
It also has a complete scheduling system so you’ve got the option to automate your backups.
CrashPlan
Reliable documentation and technical support.
So lightweight you’ll likely never notice it running.
Stores backup data in the cloud.
Frequent updates and requests for user feedback.
Slower than other alternatives.
Charges per machine after the free trial.
CrashPlan is primarily an off-site backup system that uses thecloud for storage.
However, there’s a free version that lets you create your own local cloud.
you might designate any Mac, Windows, or Linux computer on your connection as the destination.
CrashPlan uses this computer as the backup machine for your other computers.
In this way, you could easily create off-site backups without trusting your data to the cloud.
Best Value: IDrive
IDrive, Inc.
Restore Wizard feature lets you restore files indefinitely.
Excellent bargain for what you get.
Good prices for gigabytes or terabytes of cloud storage.
Only yearly premium plans are available.
Free version includes annoying pop-up ads.
IDrive is another online-based backup service that’s compatible with your Mac.
Besides your Mac, IDrive can backup your PC as well as your mobile devices.
If you need more backup space, you could choose the Personal 2 TB plan.
