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Comparison · Backup software

Arq Backup vs Carbon Copy Cloner: which is better in 2026?

Arq BackupvsCarbon Copy Cloner

Arq Backup ranks higher in our list of backup software (#1 against #2, score 91.5 against 90.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.

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 Carbon Copy Cloner if you want

Mac users who want bootable clones of their system disk.

The best Mac-only choice for bootable clones, snapshots and scheduled backups, with restores of single files or a whole Mac. It is a paid app with a 30-day trial and does not run on Windows.

The main differences

  • Only Arq Backup runs on Windows.

Side by side

Arq BackupCarbon Copy Cloner
Score91.590.0
Rank in list#1 of 7#2 of 7
PricePaidPaid license with a 30-day free trial; cloud storage billed separatelyPaidPaid license with a 30-day trial; household license option
Free to useNoNo
Open sourceNoNo
PlatformsmacOSWindowsmacOS, WindowsmacOSmacOS
Made byNot statedBombich Software
Best forMac and Windows users who want versioned backupsMac users who want bootable clones of their system disk
Strengths
  • Backs up to many cloud providers and local drives
  • Multiple versions with point-in-time recovery
  • Bootable clones of a Mac
  • Snapshots and scheduled backups
Limits
  • Paid license after a 30-day trial
  • Cloud storage add-on is billed per gigabyte
  • Runs on macOS only
  • Paid after a 30-day trial
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Arq Backup vs Carbon Copy Cloner

Is Arq Backup better than Carbon Copy Cloner?
Arq Backup ranks higher in our list of backup software (#1 against #2, score 91.5 against 90.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Arq Backup is best for: mac and Windows users who want versioned backups. Carbon Copy Cloner is best for: mac users who want bootable clones of their system disk.
Which is cheaper, Arq Backup or Carbon Copy Cloner?
Arq Backup: Paid license with a 30-day free trial; cloud storage billed separately. Carbon Copy Cloner: Paid license with a 30-day trial; household license option.
Do Arq Backup and Carbon Copy Cloner run on the same platforms?
Arq Backup supports macOS, Windows. Carbon Copy Cloner supports macOS.