Backup

34 Best Free Linux Backup Software (Updated 2023)

Last Updated on February 1, 2023

Backup software is used to perform a complete back up of a file, data, database, system or server. It enables users to make a duplicate of everything contained on the original source. This type of software is also used to perform a recovery of the data or system in the event of a disaster.

Making file backups is an essential activity for all users, yet many users do not take adequate steps to protect their data. Whether a computer is being used in a corporate environment, or for private use, the machine’s hard disk may fail without any warning signs. Alternatively, some data loss occurs as a result of human error. Without regular backups being made, data will inevitably be lost even if the services of a specialist recovery organisation are used.

While it has always been possible to use command line tools to backup files in Linux, this can be a daunting task for beginners and end-users. This article explores how making regular backups can be a painless task. We explore backup software with intuitive graphical interfaces, applications that backup systems with snapshots, whilst not forgetting the powerful command-line tools that exist.

To provide an insight into the quality of software that is available, we have compiled a list of 34 high quality free Linux backup tools. Hopefully, there will be something of interest for anyone who wishes to safeguard their hard work.

Ratings chart for best free and open source backup tools

Let’s explore the 34 backup tools at hand. For each title we have compiled its own portal page, providing a screenshot of the software in action (where relevant), a full description with an in-depth analysis of its features, together with links to relevant resources.

Backup
resticFast, efficient and secure backup software
BorgDeduplicating backup software
DuplicityEncrypted bandwidth-efficient backup
TimeShiftTakes regular incremental snapshots of the filesystem
ClonezillaOffers similar functionality to Symantec Ghost
DuplicatiStore encrypted backups online
bupBackup a system based on the git packfile format
Mondo RescueA powerful disaster recovery suite
AmandaAdvanced Maryland Automatic Network Disk Archiver
Déjà DupHides the complexity of doing backups the Right Way
BaculaNetwork backup, recovery and verification
BareosBackup Archiving Recovery Open Sourced
rsyncFast remote file copy program
BackupPCHigh-performance, enterprise-grade system for backing up PCs
UrBackupEasy to setup open source client/server backup system
Back in TimeEquivalent of OS X's Time Machine
Rescuezilla Easy backup, recovery & bare metal restore
KopiaSecure backup/restore tool that allows you to create encrypted snapshots
KBackupBackup program targeted at non-computer experts
VortaDesktop client for Borg Backup
rsnapshotLocal and remote filesystem snapshot utility
FOGCloning / imaging solution / rescue suite
PartcloneProvides utilities to save and restore used blocks on a partition
XtraBackupBackup tool for InnoDB and XtraDB databases
kupBackup scheduler for the Plasma desktop
BURPUses librsync to save network traffic and space
Pika BackupApp focused on backups of personal data
PINGAlso offers similar functionality to Symantec Ghost
fwbackupsFeature-rich backup software
darFull featured archiver with support for differential backups
tarTar archiving utility
Cedar BackupLocal and remote backups to CD or DVD media
CronopeteGraphical backup utility based on Apple Time Machine
SafeKeepCentralized and easy to use backup program

You may have read the story about a man deleting his entire company with one mistaken piece of code: accidentally misusing rm -rf in Ansible. It was a fairly obvious hoax designed to be a viral marketing effort. It achieved that goal as scores of media sources carried the story. But at least it will have alerted readers to the importance of making sure their data is safe. But remember, human error is not the only source of data loss. Other ways of losing data include mechanical damage to RAID or disks, file system corruption, theft, fire, as well as viruses and malware.

Best Free and Open Source SoftwareRead our complete collection of recommended free and open source software. Our curated compilation covers all categories of software.

The software collection forms part of our series of informative articles for Linux enthusiasts. There are hundreds of in-depth reviews, open source alternatives to proprietary software from large corporations like Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Cisco, Oracle, and Autodesk.

There are also fun things to try, hardware, free programming books and tutorials, and much more.
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