Filtered ranking
Best Free Backup Software in 2026
4 of the 7 backup software ranked on listme.name match: they can be used without paying (a free plan or free version). The order uses the same scores as the full ranking.
The ranking
- 1
Kopia
The open-source choice with both a desktop app and a command line on Windows, macOS and Linux. Encrypted, deduplicated snapshots go to cloud storage you choose, but setup takes more steps than consumer apps.
Best for Open-source encrypted backups with a desktop app
WindowsmacOSLinuxCommand lineFree and open sourceOpen source
- 2
restic
A free, open-source command-line tool under BSD-2-Clause that covers Linux, macOS and Windows and many storage back ends. It needs a terminal and scripting, so it suits technical users rather than people who want a point-and-click app.
Best for Scripted backups from the command line on major systems
LinuxmacOSWindowsCommand lineFree and open sourceOpen source
- 3
BorgBackup
A deduplicating, encrypted command-line backup tool for Linux and macOS under BSD-3-Clause. Its deduplication suits repeated backups of similar data, but its site does not list Windows.
Best for Linux and macOS administrators who script backups
LinuxmacOSCommand lineFree and open sourceOpen source
- 4
Duplicati
A free MIT-licensed backup program for Windows, macOS and Linux that sends encrypted backups to many cloud providers. Its paid hosted console is optional, and setting up cloud destinations takes care.
Best for Free encrypted cloud backup on three systems
WindowsmacOSLinuxFree plan, paid upgradesOpen source
At a glance
| Product | Score | Price | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
 Kopia | 88.0 | Free and open source | WindowsmacOSLinuxCommand line |
 restic | 86.5 | Free and open source | LinuxmacOSWindowsCommand line |
 BorgBackup | 82.5 | Free and open source | LinuxmacOSCommand line |
 Duplicati | 79.5 | Free plan, paid upgrades | WindowsmacOSLinux |