Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

rdiff-backup VS Arq

Compare rdiff-backup VS Arq and see what are their differences

rdiff-backup logo rdiff-backup

rdiff-backup backs up one directory to another, possibly over a network.

Arq logo Arq

Arq is super-easy online backup
  • rdiff-backup Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-01-11
  • Arq Landing page
    Landing page //
    2024-10-04

rdiff-backup features and specs

  • Efficient Incremental Backups
    Rdiff-backup creates incremental backups by comparing files and storing only the differences, which reduces storage space and optimizes backup times.
  • Version History
    Allows you to restore files from any point in time since backups are maintained as a series of incremental changes.
  • Bandwidth Efficient
    By transferring only differences over the network, rdiff-backup is bandwidth efficient, making it suitable for remote backups.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    Runs on multiple platforms including Linux, macOS, and Windows (via compatibility tools), providing flexibility across diverse environments.
  • Preserves File Metadata
    Ensures that file ownership, permissions, and other metadata are retained during the backup process.

Possible disadvantages of rdiff-backup

  • Complexity in Restoration
    Restoring files can be complicated for users unfamiliar with command-line tools as it requires precise commands to navigate and extract versions.
  • Limited Graphical Interface
    Primarily operated through command-line, limiting accessibility for users who prefer a graphical user interface (GUI).
  • Resource Intensive During Backup
    The process of generating diffs and maintaining a version history can be resource-intensive, potentially impacting system performance during backup operations.
  • Lack of Native Windows Support
    While it can run on Windows with compatibility tools, there is no native Windows version, which may lead to additional setup complexity.
  • Dependency on Python
    As rdiff-backup is written in Python, it requires Python to be installed, adding an extra layer of dependency that must be managed.

Arq features and specs

  • Encryption
    Arq offers strong encryption, ensuring that your data is secure both in transit and at rest.
  • Flexibility
    Supports multiple cloud storage providers, including Amazon S3, Google Drive, Dropbox, and others, allowing users to choose their preferred storage solution.
  • Versioning
    Keeps multiple versions of files, allowing users to restore previous versions of their documents if necessary.
  • Compression
    Offers data compression features to save storage space and reduce backup times.
  • Cross-Platform
    Available for both Mac and Windows, making it accessible for a wide range of users.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it suitable for both novice and experienced users.
  • Incremental Backups
    Performs incremental backups, which only upload changes made since the last backup, thereby saving time and bandwidth.
  • Continuous Backups
    Can be configured to run backups continuously, ensuring that data is always up-to-date.

Possible disadvantages of Arq

  • Cost
    While the software itself is not free, especially when compared to other freemium solutions, it requires a one-time purchase.
  • Initial Setup Complexity
    The initial setup can be complicated for users who are not tech-savvy, especially when configuring cloud storage integrations.
  • No Native Mobile Apps
    Arq does not have native mobile apps, limiting access to only desktop operating systems like Windows and macOS.
  • Dependence on External Cloud Services
    Relies on third-party cloud services, meaning that any issues or downtimes with those services can affect backup reliability.
  • Limited Support
    The customer support options are somewhat limited when compared to larger backup service providers, potentially leading to longer resolution times for issues.
  • Resource Intensive
    Can be resource-intensive, consuming considerable CPU and memory during backup operations, which may affect system performance on older machines.

Analysis of Arq

Overall verdict

  • Overall, Arq is considered a good choice for individuals and businesses looking for a customizable backup solution with strong security features and the flexibility to choose their own storage providers.

Why this product is good

  • Arq is often praised for its simplicity, security, and flexibility when it comes to backing up personal and business data. It allows you to use your own cloud storage accounts such as AWS, Google Cloud Storage, and Backblaze B2, which can be more cost-effective and provide better control over your data. The software provides strong encryption, ensuring that your files are securely backed up. Additionally, Arq offers features like versioning, automatic backups, and efficient incremental backups that make it a reliable choice for many users.

Recommended for

    Arq is recommended for users who are comfortable managing their own cloud storage accounts and are looking for a secure, reliable backup solution that integrates well with various cloud services. It is suitable for both individuals and small to medium-sized businesses that require flexibility and data control.

rdiff-backup videos

Backup unter Linux mit rdiff-backup

Arq videos

Movie Review - Netflix's ARQ

More videos:

  • Review - ARQ Time Travel Film Review
  • Review - Arq review: Dystopian Groundhog Day

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to rdiff-backup and Arq)
Cloud Storage
36 36%
64% 64
Backup & Sync
51 51%
49% 49
File Sharing
27 27%
73% 73
File Sharing And Backup
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

rdiff-backup might be a bit more popular than Arq. We know about 16 links to it since March 2021 and only 15 links to Arq. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

rdiff-backup mentions (16)

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Arq mentions (15)

  • Ask HN: What macOS apps/programs do you use daily and recommend?
    * Homebrew - Package manager (kinda like apt/rpm on Linux). * Secretive - Stores SSH keys in the secure enclave [https://github.com/maxgoedjen/secretive] * Hazel - File automations [https://www.noodlesoft.com/] * Arq - Excellent backup software for local and/or remote backups [https://arqbackup.com/] * ChronoSync - File synchronization on steoroids [https://www.econtechnologies.com/chronosync/overview.html] *... - Source: Hacker News / 12 months ago
  • Cryptomator Volume can't be accessed by Arq Backup
    I use Arq 7 on macOS to backup to various network, cloud and physical drives. This is able to mount network volumes both as backup sources and destinations, in addition to connected physical drives (internal or external). Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Best cloud storage option for macOS in 2023
    Wasabi.com is an Amazon S3-alike that I use with the arqbackup.com client for remotely backing up my machines. Wasabi offers a nice desktop client for what looks like Dropbox-like capability. Haven't dug into that yet either. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Repeatedly having to deactivate / reactivate licence
    The only way to resolve is to log in to Arq account at arqbackup.com , deactivate the licence, then go back into the Arq app and rekey the (same) licence. The app starts to work immediately fine. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Storj or filebase
    I use Storj (with Arq) and it works flawlessly. It's not my primary repository (still testing it) but it's one of a few I use to backup to. Speeds are fast, the dashboard is intuitive, and costs are pretty cheap. Nothing to complain about, but I'm only backing up ~500G right now. Source: almost 3 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing rdiff-backup and Arq, you can also consider the following products

Duplicati - Free backup software to store backups online with strong encryption. Works with FTP, SSH, WebDAV, OneDrive, Amazon S3, Google Drive and many others.

Backblaze - Backblaze's remote backup automatically backs up your data to our secure datacenter.

Online Vault Backup - Online Vault Backup is a cloud storage service that allows you backup your data while having unlimited storage.

CrashPlan - CrashPlan for Small Business backup software offers the best way to back up and store business & enterprise data securely - offsite, onsite & online in the Cloud.

Rebel Backup - Rebel Backup lets you make encrypted backups of your important files to Dropbox or Google Drive.

Carbonite - Unlimited online backup for one flat fee. Free trial, no credit card required.