Comparison · Backup software
Arq Backup vs BorgBackup: which is better in 2026?
Arq Backup ranks higher in our list of backup software (#1 against #8, score 91.5 against 82.5).
- 91.5Editorial score82.5
- 2Platforms3
- NoFree to useYes
- NoOpen sourceYes
Which should you choose?
Choose Arq Backup if you want
Mac and Windows users who want versioned backups.
The strongest paid option for Mac and Windows here, with many cloud destinations, multiple file versions and point-in-time recovery. It needs a paid license after a 30-day trial, and additional cloud storage is billed separately.
Choose BorgBackup if you want
Linux and macOS administrators who script backups.
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.
The main differences
- Only BorgBackup runs on Linux.
- Only Arq Backup runs on Windows.
- BorgBackup is open source; Arq Backup is not.
- BorgBackup can be used for free; Arq Backup requires payment.
Side by side
 Arq Backup |  BorgBackup | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 91.5 | 82.5 |
| Rank in list | #1 of 10 | #8 of 10 |
| Price | PaidPaid license with a 30-day free trial; cloud storage billed separately | Free and open sourceFree and open source under BSD-3-Clause |
| Free to use | No | Yes |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Platforms | macOSWindowsmacOS, Windows | LinuxmacOSCommand lineLinux, macOS, Command line |
| Made by | Not stated | Not stated |
| Best for | Mac and Windows users who want versioned backups | Linux and macOS administrators who script backups |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Arq Backup vs BorgBackup
- Is Arq Backup better than BorgBackup?
- Arq Backup ranks higher in our list of backup software (#1 against #8, score 91.5 against 82.5). Arq Backup is best for: Mac and Windows users who want versioned backups. BorgBackup is best for: Linux and macOS administrators who script backups.
- Which is cheaper, Arq Backup or BorgBackup?
- Arq Backup: Paid license with a 30-day free trial; cloud storage billed separately. BorgBackup: Free and open source under BSD-3-Clause.
- Do Arq Backup and BorgBackup run on the same platforms?
- Arq Backup supports macOS, Windows. BorgBackup supports Linux, macOS, Command line.
Choosing between the two
Learning Center
1:17How to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.
1:20How to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.
