When it comes to data safety and security, performing system backups at regular intervals is a good habit. This allows you to recover lost data that is deleted due to Human errors, RAID or disk failure, File system corruption, and more. Especially in the Linux environment, where flexibility and control are key, choosing the right backup tool can make all the difference. The Linux ecosystem offers a wide range of System Backup Tools, some beginner-friendly, others powerful and highly configurable. Here, we have collected the 7 best Linux backup software (Bacula, TimeShift, LuckyBackup, Rsync, Back In Time, Duplicati and Déjà Dup), each with its unique features and strengths.
Quick Links
- 1 How to choose the right Linux backup software
- 1.1 Bacula – Enterprise-Grade Backup for Power Users
- 1.2 TimeShift – Ideal for System Restore Points
- 1.3 LuckyBackup – A Graphical Front-End for Rsync
- 1.4 Rsync – The Swiss Army Knife of Backup Tools
- 1.5 BackInTime – Snapshots for Your Files and Folders
- 1.6 Duplicati – Secure, Cloud-Friendly Backups with a Web Interface
- 1.7 Déjà Dup – Cloud-Friendly Backup Made Simple
- 1.8 Which Linux backup software is best for me?
- 1.9 Frequently Asked Questions:
- 1.10 Related Articles
How to choose the right Linux backup software
Here is what you should consider before selecting backup software for linux Desktop.
- Open-source software – You must use software for which the original source code is made freely available and may be and modified. This ensures that you can recover your data in case the vendor/project stops working on the software or refuses to provide patches.
- Cross-platform support – Ensure backup software works well on the OS deployed on all desktop and server operating systems.
- Data format – Open data format ensures that you can recover data in case the vendor or project stopped working on the software.
- Backup media – Ensure you can back up data on tape, disk, DVD, and in cloud storage, such as AWS.
- Encryption data stream – Ensure all client-to-server traffic will be encrypted to ensure transmission integrity over the LAN/WAN/Internet.
- Database support – Make sure the backup software can back up database servers such as MySQL or Oracle.
- Backup span multiple volumes – Backup software can split each backup (dumpfile) into a series of parts, allowing different parts to existing on different volumes. This ensures that large backups (such as 100TB file) can be stored on larger than a single backup device such as disk or tape volume.
- VSS (Volume Shadow Copy) – It is Microsoft’s Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS)and it is used to create snapshots of data that is to be backed up. Make sure the backup software supports VSS for MS-Windows client/server.
- License and cost – Ensure you understand and use of open source license under which the original backup software is made available to you.
- Commercial support – Open source software can provide community-based (such as email list or forums) or professional (such as subscriptions provided at additional cost) based support. You can use paid professional support for training and consulting purposes.
- Reports and alerts – Finally, you must be able to see backup reports and current job status and get an alert when something goes wrong while making backups.
Bacula – Enterprise-Grade Backup for Power Users
Open source Enterprise-ready Network Backup Tool
When it comes to open-source backup tools for Linux systems, Bacula is one of the most widely used and popular backup and recovery solutions for Linux systems. It also works on different cross-platforms like Windows and Mac OS X.
It is easy to use and efficient in recovering lost data and damaged files in the local system and remotely. Also, Bacula comes with an effective and advanced storage management solution that helps you recover all lost and damaged files pretty quickly compared to other backup and recovery solutions.
Key Features:
- Supports scheduled backups across multiple systems
- Offers file-level restore, disk snapshotting, and volume management
- Highly customizable with support for databases, virtual machines, and encryption
- Can back up to disk, tape, or cloud storage
It is the complete linux os backup software solution needed for a small or even a large enterprise to maintain and secure their data. Bacula comes with two versions, the Basic and Enterprise versions. The basic version comes with all the basic features needed in a backup and recovery solution. The enterprise version comes with a lot of advanced features, including Metal backup, cloud backup and backup solutions for VMs.
TimeShift – Ideal for System Restore Points
Protects your system by taking incremental snapshots of the file system at regular intervals.
TimeShift for Linux creates snapshots of the file system at regular intervals and allows users to revert their system to a previous state. It’s similar to System Restore in Windows or Time Machine in macOS. This allows users to revert system changes, such as after a failed update or software installation, without affecting their personal files. However, it primarily focuses on protecting system files and settings rather than user data.
Notable features
- TimeShift offers both a graphical user interface (GUI) and a command-line interface (CLI) for usage.
- It can be used across different Linux distributions.
- TimeShift can be configured to take snapshots automatically at regular intervals (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly).
- It supports restoring the bootloader (GRUB2) during the restoration process.
- TimeShift can handle encrypted home directories, backing up and restoring the .ecryptfs folder.
TimeShift is easy to install on most Linux distributions and even comes as the default backup tool on the Linux Mint operating system. Get timeShift from here.
LuckyBackup – A Graphical Front-End for Rsync
A powerful, fast and reliable backup & sync tool
LuckyBackup is an open-source, cross-platform linux os backup software that uses the power of Rsync to synchronize any directory that the user specifies. Since LuckyBackup uses the Rsync tool underneath, it gives users the ability to easily use some of its more advanced features, such as backing up to remote connections.
There are indeed many Rsync front-end applications for Linux that attempt to make things “easier.” Still, LuckyBackup manages to stand out by offering up a simple user interface and dozens of settings and options.
Notable Features
- LuckyBackup uses Rsync underneath and has a command-line interface along with the GUI component.
- The tool doesn’t create duplicate backups. Instead, it only syncs the changes to save you disk space.
- LuckyBackup supports backup over networks and remote computers.
You can get your hands on LuckyBackup, their SourceForge page here.
Rsync – The Swiss Army Knife of Backup Tools
Fast and extraordinarily versatile file copying tool
Rsync is a command-line sync utility for Linux (and other operating systems) that can keep any two directories in sync locally or over the internet. This app isn’t a backup utility and doesn’t aim to be. However, because of its many useful features, it can quickly be configured to act like one, with its support for quick, automatic syncing of files and directories.
It’s incredibly flexible, scriptable, and lightweight perfect for custom backup tasks.
Notable Features
- The remote-update protocol enables speedier file transfers as it checks if the destination file already exists and stops copying the file again.
- The delta-transfer algorithm also enables it to sync remote files easily and quickly as it doesn’t send the overall file, but only the differences are only sent and hence, the sync is pretty much quick.
- Rsync can sync files locally or to remote computers and servers.
- Rsync supports multiple connection protocols, including SSH, Rsh, etc.
- Rsync has a robust command-line interface that is welcome to power users.
You can get hands-on Rsync from here.
BackInTime – Snapshots for Your Files and Folders
A simple backup tool for Linux
Back In Time is a popular backup software for Linux desktops that creates system snapshots of specific directories that the user sets in the settings. By doing this, it allows users to keep a custom backup system that is more tailored to their needs, rather than a large backup filled with things they do not want.
The application draws its inspiration from tools like FlyBack and TimeVault and is available on GitHub under the GNU General Public License v2.
Notable Features
- Back In Time has an auto-remove feature that is highly customizable. Users can set it to remove backups automatically based on size and age.
- The program includes/excludes features that can be set to customize the directories that are saved in the backup snapshots.
- Back In Time uses Rsync to create backups.
Read How to install and back up your Linux PC with BackInTime.
Duplicati – Secure, Cloud-Friendly Backups with a Web Interface
Free backup software to store encrypted backups online for Linux, Windows, and macOS.
Duplicati is another popular open-source Linux backup solution that is available completely free, even for commercial usage. It is designed to run on various operating systems, including Linux, Windows, and macOS. With Duplicati, you can easily take online backups and it comes with a pause/resume feature to pause the backup process during any network issues and will automatically resume backup once the issue is rectified and the process continues from where it stopped. Duplicati also conducts regular checks on the backups to detect any broken/corrupt backups. All backups are provided with AES-256 encryption and all backups are compressed and stored on the servers.
It allows you to back up your data to various cloud storage services and local storage in an encrypted and compressed format.
Key Features:
- AES-256 encryption for secure backups
- Built-in data deduplication and compression to save space
- Supports a wide range of cloud storage providers (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, S3, WebDAV, etc.)
- Web-based interface for configuring, monitoring, and restoring backups
- Runs in the background and supports automated, scheduled backups
You can get Duplicati here.
Déjà Dup – Cloud-Friendly Backup Made Simple
Déjà Dup is another popular graphical backup tool that integrates well with GNOME desktop environments. It supports cloud services like Google Drive, making it a good option for off-site or hybrid backups.
Key Features:
- Simple interface with automated backups
- Supports cloud destinations (Google Drive, Nextcloud, SFTP)
- Encrypts and compresses backups for space-saving
- Built-in restore functionality from specific dates
Which Linux backup software is best for me?
Choosing the right Linux backup tool depends on your needs. If you want a system restore utility? Go with TimeShift. If you need advanced control and enterprise-level features? Bacula or Rsync is the way to go. Well, prefer a simple GUI? Try LuckyBackup, Back In Time, or Déjà Dup.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What’s the easiest backup tool for beginners?
A: TimeShift or Déjà Dup. Both offer user-friendly interfaces and minimal configuration.
Q: Can I use rsync to back up my home directory only?
A: Yes! Rsync can be configured to sync specific folders like /home/username.
Q: Is TimeShift a complete backup tool?
A: No, it’s best used for system snapshots. It won’t back up personal files unless you customize it.
Q: What’s the best cloud-based backup option for Linux?
A: Déjà Dup is a strong contender thanks to its Google Drive and Nextcloud support.
