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Comparison · Backup software

Arq Backup vs Kopia: which is better in 2026?

Arq Backup91.5#1 in best backup softwareKopia88.0#3 in best backup software

Arq Backup ranks higher in our list of backup software (#1 against #3, score 91.5 against 88.0).

How we rank Share

  • 91.5
    Editorial score
    88.0
  • 2
    Platforms
    4
  • No
    Free to use
    Yes
  • No
    Open source
    Yes

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 Kopia if you want

Open-source encrypted backups with a desktop app.

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.

The main differences

  • Only Kopia runs on Linux.
  • Kopia is open source; Arq Backup is not.
  • Kopia can be used for free; Arq Backup requires payment.

Side by side

Arq BackupKopia
Score91.588.0
Rank in list#1 of 10#3 of 10
PricePaidPaid license with a 30-day free trial; cloud storage billed separatelyFree and open sourceFree and open source under Apache-2.0
Free to useNoYes
Open sourceNoYes
PlatformsmacOSWindowsmacOS, WindowsWindowsmacOSLinuxCommand lineWindows, macOS, Linux, Command line
Made byNot statedNot stated
Best forMac and Windows users who want versioned backupsOpen-source encrypted backups with a desktop app
Strengths
  • Backs up to many cloud providers and local drives
  • Multiple versions with point-in-time recovery
  • Desktop app and command-line interface
  • Encrypted, compressed and deduplicated backups
Limits
  • Paid license after a 30-day trial
  • Cloud storage add-on is billed per gigabyte
  • Setup takes more steps than consumer backup apps
  • Cloud storage is chosen and paid for separately
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Arq Backup vs Kopia

Is Arq Backup better than Kopia?
Arq Backup ranks higher in our list of backup software (#1 against #3, score 91.5 against 88.0). Arq Backup is best for: Mac and Windows users who want versioned backups. Kopia is best for: open-source encrypted backups with a desktop app.
Which is cheaper, Arq Backup or Kopia?
Arq Backup: Paid license with a 30-day free trial; cloud storage billed separately. Kopia: Free and open source under Apache-2.0.
Do Arq Backup and Kopia run on the same platforms?
Arq Backup supports macOS, Windows. Kopia supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line.

Choosing between the two

Learning Center
1:17Beginner · 4 min readHow 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.1:20Beginner · 6 min readHow 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.

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