Comparison · Backup software
Arq Backup vs restic: which is better in 2026?
Arq Backup ranks higher in our list of backup software (#1 against #4, score 91.5 against 86.5).
- 91.5Editorial score86.5
- 2Platforms4
- 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 restic if you want
Scripted backups from the command line on major systems.
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.
The main differences
- Only restic runs on Linux.
- restic is open source; Arq Backup is not.
- restic can be used for free; Arq Backup requires payment.
Side by side
 Arq Backup |  restic | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 91.5 | 86.5 |
| Rank in list | #1 of 10 | #4 of 10 |
| Price | PaidPaid license with a 30-day free trial; cloud storage billed separately | Free and open sourceFree and open source under the BSD 2-Clause License |
| Free to use | No | Yes |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Platforms | macOSWindowsmacOS, Windows | LinuxmacOSWindowsCommand lineLinux, macOS, Windows, Command line |
| Made by | Not stated | Not stated |
| Best for | Mac and Windows users who want versioned backups | Scripted backups from the command line on major systems |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Arq Backup vs restic
- Is Arq Backup better than restic?
- Arq Backup ranks higher in our list of backup software (#1 against #4, score 91.5 against 86.5). Arq Backup is best for: Mac and Windows users who want versioned backups. restic is best for: scripted backups from the command line on major systems.
- Which is cheaper, Arq Backup or restic?
- Arq Backup: Paid license with a 30-day free trial; cloud storage billed separately. restic: Free and open source under the BSD 2-Clause License.
- Do Arq Backup and restic run on the same platforms?
- Arq Backup supports macOS, Windows. restic supports Linux, macOS, Windows, 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.
