- Home
- NAS Backup Software
- BorgBackup
BorgBackup
BorgBackup · founded 2015
What it is
BorgBackup is free, open-source backup software for Linux, macOS, Windows, and self-hosted environments. It handles computer and server backups and can restore individual files. Its deduplication uses content-defined chunks, storing each new chunk once across files, backups, and machines that share a repository. Optional compression is available with lz4, zstd, zlib, or lzma. Client-side 256-bit AES encryption protects backup data, while HMAC-SHA256 checks integrity and authenticity. Backups can be sent to remote hosts over SSH. Archives can be mounted as user-space file systems for browsing and restoring files. Listed integrations include BorgBase, Hetzner Storage Box, and rsync.net storage. The project offers community support and lists commercial services. Version 1.4.5 is identified as stable; the 2.0 beta is still for testing.
For and against
For
- Free BSD-licensed backup software
- Deduplicates chunks across shared repositories
- Client-side AES encryption with HMAC-SHA256
- Optional lz4, zstd, zlib, and lzma compression
- Archives can be mounted for browsing
Against
- 2.0 beta is not for production use
- Major releases may repeatedly break compatibility
- File-level restore mode only
The verdict
BorgBackup combines deduplication, optional compression, encryption, and SSH-based remote storage in a free package. Check release compatibility carefully, especially before considering the 2.0 beta.
Who it suits
BorgBackup suits people managing computer or server backups who want free software with deduplication, encryption, compression, and remote SSH storage. It is available across Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Plans and prices
BorgBackup
Free and open-source backup software · BSD licensed
Read 11 Oct 2026 · borgbackup.org
On the record
- Archive browsing
- Backup archives can be mounted as user-space file systems for interactive examination and restores.borgbackup.readthedocs.io · read 11 Oct 2026
- Backup scope
- mixedborgbackup.org · read 20 Sep 2026
- Compatibility limit
- The documentation warns that compatibility may break repeatedly when the major release number changes.borgbackup.readthedocs.io · read 11 Oct 2026
- Compression
- Optional compression choices include lz4, zstd, zlib, and lzma.borgbackup.readthedocs.io · read 11 Oct 2026
- Computer backup
- Yesborgbackup.org · read 20 Sep 2026
- Deduplication
- Content-defined chunking stores each new chunk once, including across files, backups, and machines sharing a repository.borgbackup.readthedocs.io · read 11 Oct 2026
- Encryption
- Borg supports client-side 256-bit AES encryption and verifies data integrity and authenticity with HMAC-SHA256.borgbackup.readthedocs.io · read 11 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The project lists BorgBase repository hosting, Hetzner Storage Box with Borg support, and rsync.net cloud storage with Borg support.borgbackup.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- License
- BorgBackup is free software under the BSD 3-clause license, and the documentation says its security and functionality can be independently audited.borgbackup.readthedocs.io · read 11 Oct 2026
- Paid services
- The project lists commercial consulting, support, and development from Waldmann EDV, plus repository hosting and storage services from other providers.borgbackup.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- BorgBackup is a deduplicating backup program with optional compression and authenticated encryption.borgbackup.readthedocs.io · read 11 Oct 2026
- Release status
- The site identifies version 1.4.5 as the current stable release and says the 2.0 beta is still in testing and should not be used in production.borgbackup.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Remote storage
- Borg can store backups on remote hosts accessible over SSH.borgbackup.readthedocs.io · read 11 Oct 2026
- Restore modes
- fileborgbackup.org · read 20 Sep 2026
- Server backup
- Yesborgbackup.org · read 20 Sep 2026
- Support
- Free community support is available through documentation, the issue tracker, IRC, Matrix, and the mailing list.borgbackup.org · read 11 Oct 2026
