Computer problems are unwanted but an inevitable part of life. Hence, you need to be prepared. Back up all the essential files and folders on your system so you don’t end up losing critical data.
Apple realized the importance of creating backups and created the Time Machine app. This backup solution comes preinstalled on every Mac since 2006. Using this app means knowing how to set up Time Machine on Mac. To do this, click the Apple logo in the menu bar > select System Preferences > select Time Machine > choose Automatic Backups > select the disk you want to store your backups.
Once the app is set up, it will create a backup to the disk you have designated on a schedule. But you cannot manage this schedule on your own. Also, you cannot use this app to clone your hard drive or create a bootable backup. It isn’t the best offsite backup solution.
Since you know the weak points of this application, you may want to consider other backup applications that can take up the slack or replace Time Machine altogether.
Carbon Copy Cloner
Are you seeking a jack-of-all-trades backup solution? Carbon Copy Cloner is a robust version of Time Machine and a comprehensive backup tool. All the backups are stored as snapshots on a calendar and can take place on networked Macs or local drives. The tool indexes the backups so they happen quickly, and the items are not copied more than once.
The app is customizable, which is the real strength of the app. You can choose the items you want to back up and when to do it, and even employ tricks like watched folders to cover vital files.
If you find Time Machine limited, use the 30-day trial of Carbon Copy Cloner and take it for a spin.
SuperDuper!
SuperDuper! lets you create a comprehensive bootable backup of your system’s hard drive. The app can be downloaded for free, and the core features can be used forever. With this app, you can copy the elements of your system to an external drive, and if something goes wrong, you can copy those items back to your Mac.
Upgrade to a $30 plan to unlock more useful features, such as Smart Update. This feature lets you index files and copy only the changes. Scripting and scheduling are other features you get to unlock. If you plan to use this app regularly, the upgrade will be worth it.
Get Backup Pro
Get Backup Pro is a cloning app for backing up your Mac. The app’s best feature is that data can be restored without using this particular application. So, you don’t need to think of downloading and installing it on a new system before restoring your data.
Besides creating bootable clones, the app is used to back up specific folders to a local drive, a series of DVDs, or even a local drive.
Moreover, Get Backup Pro lets you encrypt your backups and create different schedules for different applications. This app is a budget option that you can use alongside Time Machine.
ChronoSync
ChronoSync achieves many things, including bootable clones of your Mac’s hard drive and making offsite file backups. Like Time Machine, the app can be used with network locations and local drives. It is also a powerful scheduling tool that can stealthily start backups in the background.
The main allure of this app is its ability to keep data synced between multiple devices. For instance, if you have a Mac at home and another for use at the office, the same set of files can be synced between the two devices.
If you are working on a project stored in multiple locations, the ChronoSync app might be the best solution.
Backblaze
Backblaze is a popular cloud-based Time Machine alternative, and its subscriptions start at $6 per month. You can use this application to automatically back up your system to a safe off-site server on a budget.
Backing up to the cloud means you needn’t worry about losing your system and backup drive simultaneously.
When this app is activated, it will automatically select what to back up from your system, including music, photos, movies, and documents.
Although the app doesn’t back up applications, it keeps all the old versions of the files for thirty days. This helps you revert to them after you have made file changes. You can get an add-on subscription by extending that to a year.
The Bottom Line
These are top Time Machine alternatives that you can use to up your backup game. These apps ensure you have your critical data even if your Mac gets stolen or you accidentally delete some items. You must review the features and weigh your requirements to make an informed decision.
