Time Machine
Built-in macOS backup to an external storage device
- #7 of 10 in best backup software
- Free
- Free to use
- macOS
Ranked 7 of 10 in best backup software
Built into macOS, it backs up only changed files after the first backup and restores single files or a whole Mac. It needs an external disk, and its support page does not describe making a bootable copy.
Best for Mac users who want built-in file history
About Time Machine
Time Machine is the backup feature built into macOS. Apple's support page describes connecting an external storage device, setting it as the backup disk, and letting the system back up files, apps, music, photos, email and documents automatically.
After the first backup, Time Machine backs up only the files that changed. The page says you need a backup password to restore files from an encrypted backup, and it covers restoring files or your whole Mac. The page does not describe making a bootable copy of the startup disk, so check that feature separately if you need one.
Key features
- Built into macOS
- Restore individual files
- Restore a whole Mac
- Backup password for encryption
- Backs up apps, photos and documents
Strengths
- Built into macOS with no purchase needed
- Backs up only changed files after the first backup
Limits
- Needs an external storage device to store the backups
- Runs on Macs only, not Windows or Linux
Where Time Machine ranks
How Time Machine compares
| Product | Score | Price | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
#5 Veeam Agent for Microsoft Windows | 85.0 | Free | Windows |
#6 Backblaze | 84.0 | Subscription | WindowsmacOS |
| #7Time Machine | 83.0 | Free | macOS |
#8 BorgBackup | 82.5 | Free and open source | LinuxmacOSCommand line |
#9 Duplicacy | 80.5 | Free plan, paid upgrades | WindowsmacOSLinuxCommand line |
The full comparison table for best backup software has all 10 products.
Alternatives to Time Machine
All 9 alternatives
Arq BackupAlso runs on Windows.
Carbon Copy ClonerMac backup app that makes bootable clones, snapshots and scheduled backups
KopiaIs open source; also runs on Windows, Linux.
resticIs open source; also runs on Linux, Windows.- Veeam Agent for Microsoft WindowsAlso runs on Windows.
- BackblazeAlso runs on Windows.
Questions about Time Machine
- Is Time Machine free?
- Time Machine can be used without paying: Built into macOS; needs an external storage device. Check the vendor’s pricing page for current limits.
- Is Time Machine open source?
- No. Time Machine is proprietary software; its source code is not public.
- Which platforms does Time Machine support?
- Time Machine is available on: macOS.
- What is Time Machine best for?
- Mac users who want built-in file history. In our ranking of backup software it is number 7 of 10 with a score of 83.0.
- What are the best alternatives to Time Machine?
- The highest-ranked alternatives on listme.name are Arq Backup, Carbon Copy Cloner, Kopia, restic.
Show this ranking on your site
If you make or maintain Time Machine, this badge links back to this page and shows its current rank. It updates when the ranking does.
<a href="https://listme.name/software/time-machine"><img src="https://listme.name/badge/time-machine.svg" height="28" alt="Ranked #7 of 10 backup software on listme.name"></a>
Articles that mention Time Machine
All articles- Guides · 5 min readHow to choose a to-do list app: lists, planning and syncChoose a to-do app by planning depth, platforms, sync, free limits and export. Compare Todoist, TickTick, Things, OmniFocus, Super Productivity and Microsoft To Do.
- Roundups · 5 min readBest open-source alternatives to paid softwareOpen-source apps that can replace paid tools for notes, office work, backups, analytics, chat and remote access, with the hosting trade-offs of each one.
- Guides · 4 min readHow to choose a backup strategy: 3-2-1, restores and toolsBuild a backup plan with the 3-2-1 rule, local and cloud copies and restore tests. Compare backup software, from Arq and Kopia to restic and Backblaze.
