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Comparison · Backup software

BorgBackup vs Carbon Copy Cloner: which is better in 2026?

BorgBackup82.5#6 in best backup softwareCarbon Copy Cloner90.0#2 in best backup software

Carbon Copy Cloner ranks higher in our list of backup software (#2 against #6, score 90.0 against 82.5).

  • 82.5
    Editorial score
    90.0
  • 3
    Platforms
    1
  • Yes
    Free to use
    No
  • Yes
    Open source
    No

Which should you choose?

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.

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 BorgBackup runs on Linux.
  • BorgBackup is open source; Carbon Copy Cloner is not.
  • BorgBackup can be used for free; Carbon Copy Cloner requires payment.

Side by side

BorgBackupCarbon Copy Cloner
Score82.590.0
Rank in list#6 of 7#2 of 7
PriceFree and open sourceFree and open source under BSD-3-ClausePaidPaid license with a 30-day trial; household license option
Free to useYesNo
Open sourceYesNo
PlatformsLinuxmacOSCommand lineLinux, macOS, Command linemacOSmacOS
Made byNot statedBombich Software
Best forLinux and macOS administrators who script backupsMac users who want bootable clones of their system disk
Strengths
  • Deduplication and encryption built in
  • Free and open source under BSD-3-Clause
  • Bootable clones of a Mac
  • Snapshots and scheduled backups
Limits
  • Command-line program in this entry
  • Site lists Linux, macOS and BSD, not Windows
  • Runs on macOS only
  • Paid after a 30-day trial
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about BorgBackup vs Carbon Copy Cloner

Is Carbon Copy Cloner better than BorgBackup?
Carbon Copy Cloner ranks higher in our list of backup software (#2 against #6, score 90.0 against 82.5). BorgBackup is best for: linux and macOS administrators who script backups. Carbon Copy Cloner is best for: mac users who want bootable clones of their system disk.
Which is cheaper, BorgBackup or Carbon Copy Cloner?
BorgBackup: Free and open source under BSD-3-Clause. Carbon Copy Cloner: Paid license with a 30-day trial; household license option.
Do BorgBackup and Carbon Copy Cloner run on the same platforms?
BorgBackup supports Linux, macOS, Command line. Carbon Copy Cloner supports macOS.