Sign in

Browse by category

More

Comparison · Backup software

BorgBackup vs restic: which is better in 2026?

BorgBackup82.5#6 in best backup softwarerestic86.5#4 in best backup software

restic ranks higher in our list of backup software (#4 against #6, score 86.5 against 82.5).

  • 82.5
    Editorial score
    86.5
  • 3
    Platforms
    4
  • Yes
    Free to use
    Yes
  • Yes
    Open source
    Yes

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 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 Windows.

Side by side

BorgBackuprestic
Score82.586.5
Rank in list#6 of 7#4 of 7
PriceFree and open sourceFree and open source under BSD-3-ClauseFree and open sourceFree and open source under the BSD 2-Clause License
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceYesYes
PlatformsLinuxmacOSCommand lineLinux, macOS, Command lineLinuxmacOSWindowsCommand lineLinux, macOS, Windows, Command line
Made byNot statedNot stated
Best forLinux and macOS administrators who script backupsScripted backups from the command line on major systems
Strengths
  • Deduplication and encryption built in
  • Free and open source under BSD-3-Clause
  • Free and open source under BSD-2-Clause
  • Runs on Linux, BSD, macOS and Windows
Limits
  • Command-line program in this entry
  • Site lists Linux, macOS and BSD, not Windows
  • Command-line program in this entry
  • Scheduling and setup are left to the user
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about BorgBackup vs restic

Is restic better than BorgBackup?
restic ranks higher in our list of backup software (#4 against #6, score 86.5 against 82.5). BorgBackup is best for: linux and macOS administrators who script backups. restic is best for: scripted backups from the command line on major systems.
Which is cheaper, BorgBackup or restic?
BorgBackup: Free and open source under BSD-3-Clause. restic: Free and open source under the BSD 2-Clause License.
Do BorgBackup and restic run on the same platforms?
BorgBackup supports Linux, macOS, Command line. restic supports Linux, macOS, Windows, Command line.