BorgBackup

You create encrypted archives with deduplication on Linux or other supported Unix systems.

Version 1.4.5 · Open source · macOS · Linux

Looking for an alternative to BorgBackup?Compare borgmatic, Vorta, Pika Backup.Compare alternatives

BorgBackup stores snapshots of files in a repository. Identical data is recognized so that repetition requires less storage. You can use a local repository or work via SSH to another machine.

The operation is carried out by orders. You control yourself when backups are running and how you notice errors. Cleaning up old archives and checking the repository is part of that process. Save key and recovery data independently of the source computer.

Which software suits you?

Compare BorgBackup with alternatives

These solutions share the Borg technology, but differ in operation and automation. A graphical interface helps in decorating and searching; configuration files fit better with servers and scripts. Check by app which Borg version and repository features are supported.

Differences between BorgBackup and borgmatic, Vorta, Pika Backup
Software	What can it do?	Platform and licence
BorgBackupYou are viewing this app	You create encrypted backups using the command line with deduplication to a Borg repository. You set up planning, storage and recovery commands yourself.	macOS, LinuxOpen source
borgmaticView this alternative	You automate Borg tasks with configuration files, controls and links. Borgmatic is a tool around Borg and not an independent backup format.	macOS, LinuxOpen source
VortaView this alternative	You manage Borg backups via a graphical desktop interface with planning and recovery capabilities. You're still using Borg-repositories underneath.	macOS, LinuxOpen source
Pika BackupView this alternative	You create Borg backups via a GNOME interface with emphasis on personal files. This fits a Linux desktop on which you don't want to work with commands.	LinuxOpen source

Choose an alternative to explore its features, system requirements and download options.

Who is it for?

You want a technical backup solution for Linux or Unix and can manage SSH and command rules.

Getting started

Install the stable Borg 1.x release via an official route and create a testropository. Save the key backup separately.

Privacy

Borg can encrypt archive data. Repository access and key material remain sensitive parts that you need to protect separately.

Good to know

Deposit 1 and Deposit 2 have different repository and migration conditions. This entry concerns the stable 1.4 line.

Please note

Test recovery before automating cleanup rules. Deleted archives can't be retrieved automatically.

Advantages

Deduplication and Encryption Snapshots with previous states Suitable for storage via SSH

Things to consider

No regular desktop wizard Organize planning yourself Windows is not an equivalent native main route

Download BorgBackup

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Official download page

Provider’s website · www.borgbackup.org

Download BorgBackup

Version history

1.4.5 19 Jul 2026

You can get statistics faster and skip cloud files on Mac focused.

BorgBackup 1.4.5 adds quick-stats to different commands and can skip macOS cloud files that are not downloaded locally. Also, a security problem with extraction has been resolved for which an attacker needed access to the repository. Memory usage and error handling have been corrected in several places.

Report a new version

Our verdict

BorgBackup is suitable when you want to build a clear technical backup chain. The combination of archives, deduplication and SSH fits well with a Linux computer with a second storage location. You can determine exactly what you're saving and how long.

That control requires maintenance. Provide notifications for errors and practice recovery at a different location, not just on the same machine. Start with a simple retention period before adding complicated rules. For someone who especially wants to protect a few folders with a wizard, this is a lot of decor. For a manageable Unix environment, this explicit approach can give confidence.