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Data backup is an essential part of every computer user’s routine. Loss of data could be due to hardware failure, malware or unfortunately, human error. These catastrophes can be detrimental to one’s work, especially if there is no backup. It is hence imperative to take data backup seriously to protect files from these unforeseen eventualities. Mac has always been the go-to device for people in photography, graphics, and creative fields. Hence, it is highly important to keep their work safe and secure. This article reviews the best data backup software available for Mac users in the market today, with pros and cons, and our recommendations.
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What is Data Backup Software?
Data backup software is crucial for safeguarding files on your computer. It is software that creates backups of your important files and stores them in a safe and secure location. The software could create backup copies of the entire system, files, or applications. Data backup software for Mac users offer automatic and manual backups depending on the user’s preference. These backups are stored either on an external hard drive, online cloud storage, or both.
Top 6 Data Backup Software for Mac
Best 1: Carbon Copy Cloner
Carbon Copy Cloner is one of the best backup software for Mac users. It offers a variety of features such as incremental backups, a snapshot feature that captures the state of every file, a safety net feature that prevents accidental deletions, and much more. CCC offers a bootable backup feature and also provides remote backup on other Macs running CCC. Even though the software is not free, it offers excellent value for your money.
Pros:
- Super-easy interface for both basic and advanced users
- Bootable backup option
- Duplicate finder utility
- Included disk usage stats
Cons:
- Not a free software
Best 2: Time Machine
Time Machine is an inbuilt backup software that comes with macOS. It is one of the most popular backup software among Mac users. The software is extremely user-friendly and does not require any configuration except for selecting the backup hard drive. It has a feature that encrypts the backups to protect user data, and it also offers hourly backups with different versions of files.
Pros:
- Automatic and easy to use
- Integrated with the macOS
- Hourly backups
Cons:
- Only supports backups on an external hard drive
- Prone to errors and corrupt backups
Best 3: ChronoSync
ChronoSync is a powerful backup software for Mac. It offers precise and comprehensive control over the backup process while being user-friendly. The software offers multi-syncing capabilities, folder monitoring, bootable backups, and streamlined scheduling. ChronoSync also features file syncing that allows you to sync multiple files at once, and it also offers custom filters to exclude unnecessary files.
Pros:
- User-friendly and easy-to-use interface
- Flexible and customizable backup options
- Effective file and folder syncing
Cons:
- Expensive
- Prone to crashing or freezing
Best 4: SuperDuper!
SuperDuper! is a backup software that offers an intuitive interface and features smart backup options, including a fully bootable backup. It is perfect for users who need to quickly backup their files and provides a simple and customizable experience. With SuperDuper!, users can schedule backups and also run the backup process manually. Overall, it is an efficient software for basic users looking for an uncomplicated backup option.
Pros:
- User-friendly and streamlined interface
- Fast and efficient backup process
- Bootable backup option
Cons:
- Limitations on backup options
- Less customization features
Best 5: Backblaze
Backblaze is an online cloud backup software that offers unlimited backups for your data. The software’s encryption technology ensures that your files are safe and secure on their servers. It also offers a user-friendly interface and automatic backups that require no user input. Backblaze allows you to restore files easily, and it also offers real-time cloud access that allows you to view your files online.
Pros:
- Unlimited online backup
- Easy to use interface
- Real-time cloud access
Cons:
- Requires continuous internet connectivity for cloud backup
- Does not offer local backups
Best 6: Arq Backup
Arq Backup is a reliable and efficient backup software that offers seamless backups across all devices. The software offers a variety of backup destinations that include online cloud storage such as Google Drive, Amazon S3, and even your personal FTP server. Arq Backup offers a user-friendly interface, and it features encrypted and compressed backup copies.
Pros:
- Offers various backup destinations
- Encrypted backup copies
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Expensive
Pros & Cons
Carbon Copy Cloner
- Pros: Super-easy interface for both basic and advanced users, bootable backup option, duplicate finder utility, included disk usage stats
- Cons: Not a free software
Time Machine
- Pros: Automatic and easy to use, integrated with the MacOS, offers hourly backups
- Cons: Only supports backups on an external hard drive, prone to errors and corrupt backups
ChronoSync
- Pros: User-friendly and easy-to-use interface, flexible and customizable backup options, effective file and folder syncing
- Cons: Expensive, prone to crashing or freezing
SuperDuper!
- Pros: User-friendly and streamlined interface, fast and efficient backup process, bootable backup option
- Cons: Limitations on backup options, less customization features
Backblaze
- Pros: Unlimited online backup, easy to use interface, real-time cloud access
- Cons: Requires continuous internet connectivity for cloud backup, does not offer local backups
Arq Backup
- Pros: Offers various backup destinations, encrypted backup copies, user-friendly interface
- Cons: Expensive
Our Thoughts on Data Backup Software
Choosing the best backup software could be a daunting task for most users. Some might choose to stick with inbuilt backup options provided by the system, while others might find it better to opt for third-party options. A lot of factors come into play when choosing a backup software, one of the primary being the value of one’s data. Carbon Copy Cloner and ChronoSync are excellent software options for corporate and professional use. Time Machine and SuperDuper! are ideal for individuals and basic users who need an uncomplicated backup option. Backblaze and Arq Backup are perfect for users who prefer cloud backups. It is important to note that while many of these options prove to work well, no single software can cater to all backup requirements.
FAQ’s About Data Backup Software
Q. What is the difference between online cloud backup and local backup?
A. Local backup refers to backups stored on an external hard drive or any other physical location while an online cloud backup stores data on an online server.
Q. Is it safe to back up my data online?
A. It is safe to backup your data online by using online backup software. These services use encryption technology to secure user data.
Q. How often should I backup my data?
A. We recommend backing up your data weekly or, in some cases, daily to ensure client files are safe.
Q. Can I restore files if my device crashes?
A. Yes, if you have a backup of your files, you can quickly restore them in the case of a device crash.
Q. Is it possible to restore older versions of a file with backup software?
A. Yes, some backup software offers hourly or even daily backups of files, and you can access and restore older versions from the backup.
In Conclusion
Data backup is an essential part of all computer users’ routine. It is vital to choose the best backup software that complements your specific need, and budget. The best data backup software for Mac will depend on personal preferences, budget and the value of the data being backed up. All of the software options reviewed above are reliable and effective in their unique ways, but Carbon Copy Cloner, ChronoSync, TimeMachine, and BackBlaze stood out for their features and reliability. We recommend that users back up their data frequently, whether manually or automatically, and store multiple backups on different locations to ensure quick data restoration in the case of system failure or other unforeseen events.