8 Best Backup Software for Mac in 2024/2025

There’s one thing everyone needs to know when it comes to data loss: it tends to happen at the worst possible moment, when you expect it the least. That’s why you can’t afford to let your guard down at any time. Instead, you need to equip yourself with Mac backup software and keep all important files protected.

With so many options for backup software for macOS, it can be tough to know which one’s right for you. We tested a bunch of tools and, in our opinion, we’ve rounded up the top backup software for Mac to make this choice easier.

Do You Really Need Extra Mac Backup Software? Built-In Tools Might Be Enough

If you haven’t tried it yet, macOS has built-in backup options that are free, easy to use, and probably more than enough for most users. Time Machine gives you a simple, automated way to back up everything on your Mac, while iCloud keeps your files synced across Apple devices. For the basics, these tools cover it all. But if you’re curious to learn more about the Time Machine—or want to get it set up—check out our article on how to use the Time Machine. And if it’s not enough for you, we’ve got a lineup of third-party choices next.

Quick Comparison Chart of the Best Backup Software for macOS Sequoia

Before we begin let’s take a quick glance at our top picksfor the best Mac backup solutions:

Top 8 Mac Backup Software Tools

Here’s our take on the top Mac backup software for 2024. These 8 tools have risen to the top this year for their features, reliability, and user trust. Each tool here is a quality product, but they all have their own unique strengths. Let’s see which one suits you best.

1. SuperDuper!​​

Storage space: limited only by the size of your backup drive | Speed: fast | System Requirements: requires macOS 10.10 Yosemite or later | Backup type: local

Overview:

Here’s what we found with SuperDuper! and why we think it’s one of the best Mac backup software on the market. It keeps things super simple but gets the job done with full, bootable backups that are easy to set up. We liked the no-frills interface—it’s clean and straightforward, so even first-time users can get the hang of it quickly.

The built-in scheduler is a major plus. Set it up once, and SuperDuper! takes care of the rest, backing up your Mac whether it’s awake or asleep. We also appreciated the extra reliability in the latest version, which reduces disk errors without slowing down backup speed. If you’re looking for a hassle-free, effective backup solution, SuperDuper! checks all the boxes.

Key additional features:

• SuperDuper! updates only files that have been changed since the last update.
• Built-in scheduler for automatic backups, with options for Smart Wake (backup during sleep) and Smart Delete (efficient storage management).
• Compatible with Apple silicon, supporting both HFS+ and APFS file systems.
• Allows for multiple recovery points with APFS.
• Allows backups to run alongside Time Machine and supports cloning Time Machine backups to other disks.
• Offers extensive scheduling options, AppleScript support, and user-friendly UI improvements.

2. Disk Drill

Storage space: limited only by the size of your backup drive | Speed: fast | System Requirements: Mac OS X 10.11.6+ | Backup type: local

Overview:

Disk Drill is primarily known as a data recovery tool (with some Mac backup features on the side)—and we’ve used it many times to recover data from all kinds of devices. Because backups are the most reliable way to recover permanently deleted data, the developers of Disk Drill decided to include several extremely useful backup features, including the ability to create byte-to-byte disk and partition backups.

Besides these features, Disk Drill can temporarily back up deleted files to make future recovery easier. It also includes Recovery Vault, which saves metadata to increase recovery success. All its backup and recovery tools are straightforward and reliable.

Key additional features:

• Thanks to Guaranteed Recovery, you can always reliably recover deleted files—even after the Trash folder has been emptied.
• With Disk Drill, you can quickly and easily recover over 400 file formats from all storage devices.
• Disk Drill can create S.M.A.R.T. information and alert you ahead of time that your hard drive is starting to fail.
• Disk Drill includes tools to clean up unnecessary files and identify duplicates.
• Optimized for Macs with Intel, M1, M2, and M3 chips.

3. Get Backup Pro (v3)​

Storage space: limited only by the size of your backup drive | Speed: Average | System Requirements: Mac OS X 10.10 or higher | Backup type: local

Overview:

Next on our list is Get Backup Pro, a powerful Mac backup tool that offers more flexibility than Time Machine. The tool creates the so-called incremental backups (more about them later in this article), which means that it saves valuable hard drive space because only new and modified files are copied.

Sometimes, it can be useful to clone an entire volume instead of backing up only individual files. Fortunately, that’s something Get Backup Pro can help you with as well. You can also use it to bidirectionally synchronize two folders, which can save you a lot of time if you often transfer files between two computers with a USB flash drive or external hard drive.

Key additional features:

• Provides 128-bit, 256-bit, Blowfish, and Triple DES encryption, along with password protection.
• Allows scheduling based on time or specific disk mounts, with the ability to run backups quietly in the background.
• Backup, archive, disk cloning, and folder synchronization capabilities.
• Ability to create bootable backups.
• Offers data compression and multi-volume backups.

4. Backblaze

Storage space: unlimited | Speed: depends on your internet connection | System Requirements: Mac OS X 10.9 or higher | Backup type: cloud

Overview:

Backblaze is one of the best cloud-based backup software for Mac we’ve tested. It’s a great choice if you want a simple, unlimited cloud backup solution. With secure storage, consistent speed, and easy setup, it’s perfect for personal or small business use where automatic, continuous backup is a must.

Data security is key for cloud backups on Mac, and Backblaze handles it with strong encryption and two-factor authentication. Files backed up to Backblaze can be shared easily, and if needed, you can just as easily “unshare” them to revoke access for anyone with a link.

Key additional features:

• Backblaze supports two-factor authentication to keep your data protected against hackers.
• Offers 128-bit AES encryption and optional private keys, with data transferred securely over SSL.
• Unlimited online backup for a flat rate.
• The ability to locate a lost or stolen computer.
• Version history that saves old file versions for 30 days (extendable with an upgrade).
• Easy file restoration via the web.
• Secure data encryption to protect user privacy.

5. Carbon Copy Cloner 7

Storage space: limited only by the size of your backup drive | Speed: fast | System Requirements: macOS 10.15 and newer | Backup type: local

Overview:

Carbon Copy Cloner is a tried and tested Mac backup tool that you can use to create automated, incremental backups of all your data. Considering that this Mac backup software is essentially a single-purpose tool, there are many features to play with and discover.

For example, Carbon Copy Cloner lets you create custom backup schedules, and back up your data hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, or whenever you connect to your backup drive. You can keep track of your backup tasks thanks to handy notifications, which are displayed directly in the macOS Notification Center.

Key additional features:

• Carbon Copy Cloner can keep multiple snapshots of the same file, which allows you to easily restore a specific version from your backup.
• You can quickly learn useful information about your volumes in Disk Center.
• Native support for both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs.
• CCC allows you to configure your backups with options like disk encryption and bandwidth management for NAS backups.
• Continues to support and provide downloads for earlier versions like CCC 5 for older macOS versions up to Big Sur.

6. ChronoSync​

Storage space: limited only by the size of your backup drive| Speed: fast | System Requirements: Mac OS X 10.12 or newer | Backup type: local and cloud

Overview:

This is a great tool for anyone who wants full control over their backups. ChronoSync is an all-in-one solution built for Mac power users and pros who need to keep high-value data safe. With ChronoSync, you can sync files between two Macs, back up specific folders or files locally, or save data to the cloud.

All backups can be scheduled to run automatically, so you don’t have to think about it. Plus, ChronoSync can send push notifications to your iPhone when tasks are done, keeping you in the loop. You can try out everything this Mac backup tool offers with a free 15-day trial—plenty of time to see if it’s right for you.

Key additional features:

• Offers complete sync, backup, and bootable backup capabilities.
• Can target devices or folders visible in Finder (volumes, thumb drives, NAS, disk images, and cloud services).
• Direct connections to Amazon S3, Backblaze B2, Google Cloud, and other cloud services.
• Supports event-triggered scheduling, so backups can run when specific events happen, like connecting a drive.
• Advanced file filtering and archiving capabilities to manage data effectively.
• Uses incremental backups to save only modified files since the last backup.
• Creates bootable backups for straightforward system recovery.

7. IDrive​

Storage space: from 5 GB | Speed: depends on your internet connection | System Requirements: macOS High Sierra 10.13 or greater | Backup type: cloud and local

Overview:

IDrive is a versatile cloud backup service with attractive personal and business plans. You can use it to back up multiple Macs, PCs, iPhones, iPads, and Android devices into a single account, which you can access from anywhere. Unlike many other cloud backup services that we tested, IDrive can perform sector-level backups or file-level backups to secure your entire computer.

All data transfers are protected with 256-bit AES encryption using a user-defined key, and IDrive retains up to 30 previous versions of all backed up files. These and other features make this Mac backup solution great for home and business users alike.

Key additional features:

• In addition to cloud backups, IDrive supports local backups to external or network drives.
• Offers cloud backup for multiple devices under one account, including PCs, Macs, iOS, and Android devices.
• Supports continuous data protection for real-time file syncing.
• Zero-knowledge encryption available as an option for enhanced security.
• File sync and share capabilities integrated into the service.
• Incremental and compressed backups to save bandwidth and storage space.
• Physical shipment of hard drives for large data restoration (IDrive Express).
• Compatible with servers and databases for business plans.

8. MSP360 Backup

Storage space: depends on which cloud storage service you choose | Speed: depends on your internet connection | System Requirements: Mac OS X 10.8.5 or higher | Backup type: local and cloud

Overview:

And last but not least is MSP360 Backup, a versatile data protection solution that we think works well for both individuals and businesses.

It can back up to both local and cloud destinations, and provides features like block-level backup, file versioning, and secure AES-256 encryption.

We also like the user-friendly interface, which makes setting up backup plans straightforward. Plus, advanced features such as real-time backup, hybrid backup, and customizable retention policies give you the flexibility and control you want over your data protection.

Key additional features:

• File-level backup to local or cloud storage, supporting over 30 cloud storage providers including Amazon S3, Amazon Glacier, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.
• Offers encryption and compression to secure and optimize backup data.
• Capable of incremental and block-level backups.
• Flexible backup scheduling and retention policies to manage how backups are retained over time.
• Command line interface available for advanced users and automation.
• Supports network backup.

Didn’t Find What You’re Looking For? Here Are Some Bonus Backup Solutions for Mac

We want to mention two more options worth your consideration: Dropbox and Google Drive. While these wouldn’t be our first choices for dedicated backup solutions, they are popular cloud-based software options for macOS—and there’s a good reason for that.

Dropbox

Storage space: from 2 GB | Speed: depends on the speed of your internet connection | System Requirements: Mac OS X 10.7 or later | Backup type: cloud

Overview:

Dropbox is a popular cloud backup service that many Mac users consider to be synonymous with cloud storage in general. While the free plan offers only 2 GB of storage space, you can purchase 2 TB of additional storage space for $9.99 a month. Yes, there are less expensive options out there, but Dropbox stands out thanks to its seamless macOS integration and polished user interface.

Being one of the most popular cloud backup options in the world, Dropbox integrates with many third-party services, you can easily share your files in Trello, Slack, or whatever tools your team wants to use.

Key additional features:

• File sync and backup across multiple devices
• File sharing and collaboration tools
• Extensive third-party app integrations
• Advanced security features including two-factor authentication and file recovery
• Smart sync to save hard drive space
• Dropbox Paper for collaborative workspace

Google One (Google Drive)

Storage space: from 15 GB | Speed: depends on your internet connection | System Requirements: Mac OS X 10.11 El Capitan and newer| Backup type: cloud

Overview:

Google One is a subscription service that lets you expand your Google Drive storage space. The free plan includes 15 GB of data, which should be more than enough to thoroughly test what Google’s cloud storage solution has to offer. You can then purchase 100 GB of storage space for just $1.99 per month, but you can go as high as your wallet allows you.

Google Drive is an especially great choice if you’re already heavily invested in Google’s ecosystem and use tools like Gmail, Docs, Sheets, and Slides, on a daily basis. Google Drive also integrates with all kinds of third-party tools, and it runs on all major platforms.

Key additional features:

• Integration with Google Workspace apps like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides
• AI-driven search capabilities and content organization
• Enhanced security features including two-factor authentication and secure file sharing
• Option for family sharing on larger storage plans
• Features such as VPN for enhanced online privacy, dark web monitoring, and more sophisticated control over data storage and sharing

How Does Backup Software for Mac Work?

All backup software tools share the same goal: create additional copies of files to protect them from data loss. However, not all backup software tools accomplish this goal in the same way. Here are the three most common backup types:

• Full backup. This type of backup creates a complete copy of all your data, which makes it the slowest and least efficient option among the three common backup types. However, full backups are reliable and quick to restore, which makes them ideal for situations where you need to back up a small amount of data regularly, like hourly or daily.
• Differential backup. A differential backup begins with a full backup and then tracks changes made since that backup. During subsequent backups, only the files that have changed since the last full backup are copied. This approach makes differential backups efficient and relatively easy to restore.
• Incremental backup. The most efficient backup type is the incremental backup because it only copies files that have changed since the last backup. The main drawback of this type is how long it takes to perform a full restore.

Since all three backup types have their advantages and disadvantages, it’s a good idea to combine them together.

Final Thoughts on the Best Backup Solution for Your Mac

So what is the best backup solution for your Mac? After checking out various options, we found some standout applications that meet different backup needs. Here’s a breakdown of our recommendations based on specific scenarios.

• Need to create bootable backups of your entire system? Use SuperDuper! It’s easy to use and makes restoring your system quick and simple.
• Need to create a complete disk image of your internal or external drive? Use Disk Drill. Its byte-for-byte backup feature makes sure you have an exact copy of your drive, which is perfect for thorough protection.
• Need to schedule regular backups with minimal hassle? Go with Get Backup Pro. This software lets you set up automated backups, so your data is consistently protected without needing to remember to do it manually.
• Need customizable backup schedules and control over what gets backed up? Check out Carbon Copy Cloner. It lets you set specific backup routines and create bootable backups that suit your needs.
• Need a cloud-based backup solution with unlimited storage? Choose Backblaze. It automatically backs up your data off-site, offering great protection against physical damage or theft.