Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Timeshift VS SyncBack

Compare Timeshift VS SyncBack and see what are their differences

Timeshift logo Timeshift

System restore tool for Linux. Creates filesystem snapshots using rsync+hardlinks, or BTRFS snapshots. Supports scheduled snapshots, multiple backup levels, and exclude filters. Snapshots can be re...

SyncBack logo SyncBack

Backup software for the PC: powerful, easy to use solution for backing up and synchronising files on a local/network drive, the cloud, FTP server and more.
  • Timeshift Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-26
  • SyncBack Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-03

Timeshift features and specs

  • Ease of Use
    Timeshift features a user-friendly interface that simplifies the process of setting up and managing system snapshots, making it accessible even for users with limited technical expertise.
  • Incremental Snapshots
    The tool creates incremental snapshots, which reduces disk space usage by only saving changes made since the last snapshot. This efficient use of storage can be particularly beneficial for systems with limited disk space.
  • Scheduled Backups
    Users can schedule automatic snapshots at regular intervals, ensuring that system states are consistently backed up without requiring manual intervention.
  • BTRFS and RSYNC Support
    Timeshift supports both RSYNC and BTRFS modes, providing flexibility depending on the filesystem in use. BTRFS support allows for snapshot functionality directly integrated into the file system, offering faster snapshot operations.
  • System Restore
    In the event of a system failure or error, Timeshift enables users to restore their system to a previous state simply and effectively, minimizing downtime and data loss.

Possible disadvantages of Timeshift

  • Limited to System Files
    Timeshift primarily focuses on system files and settings. It does not back up personal files by default, which may require additional backup solutions for comprehensive data protection.
  • Resource Usage
    While incremental snapshots conserve disk space, Timeshift operations can still consume significant CPU and disk resources, particularly during large snapshots, which may impact system performance temporarily.
  • Compatibility
    Though Timeshift works well on many Linux distributions, it may not be compatible with all system configurations or custom setups, potentially requiring users to troubleshoot or seek alternatives.
  • No Network Backups
    The application does not natively support storing snapshots on network drives, limiting its use for users looking to maintain offsite backups across different machines or environments.
  • System Dependency
    Timeshiftโ€™s reliance on the systemโ€™s boot loader for restoration means that if the bootloader is corrupt, additional repair may be needed before a system can be restored from Timeshift snapshots.

SyncBack features and specs

  • Comprehensive Backup Options
    SyncBack offers extensive backup options including full, incremental, and differential backups, catering to a wide range of user needs.
  • Versatile Platform Support
    SyncBack supports multiple platforms such as Windows, FTP, FTPS, SFTP, and cloud services, making it adaptable to various operating environments.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The software features an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface which simplifies the backup process for both novice and advanced users.
  • Powerful Scheduling Features
    SyncBack allows for detailed scheduling of backup tasks, enabling users to automate and customize their backup routines effectively.
  • Advanced Customization
    It provides an array of advanced settings and scripting options for users needing detailed control over backup operations.
  • Real-Time Synchronization
    SyncBack includes real-time synchronization capabilities to ensure that changes are immediately captured and backed up.
  • Robust Security
    The tool supports encryption and secure FTP to protect data during transmission and storage, ensuring high levels of security.
  • Good Support and Documentation
    2BrightSparks provides extensive support and thorough documentation, including user guides and FAQs, to assist users in troubleshooting and optimizing their backup processes.

Possible disadvantages of SyncBack

  • Complexity for Beginners
    Despite its user-friendly interface, the extensive features and options can be overwhelming for new users who may need time to learn the system.
  • Cost
    While there is a free version available, advanced features are only available in the paid versions, which may be expensive for some individual users or small businesses.
  • Limited Mac Support
    SyncBack is primarily designed for Windows, and its Mac support is limited, potentially excluding a significant user base.
  • Occasional Performance Issues
    Some users have reported occasional performance issues, such as slower than expected backup speeds, particularly with very large datasets.
  • Infrequent Updates
    Users have noted that updates and new feature releases are less frequent compared to competitors, which could impact the software's ability to stay current with new technology and needs.
  • Initial Setup Complexity
    The initial setup and configuration of backup profiles can be complex and time-consuming, requiring careful attention to detail.
  • Resource Intensive
    SyncBack may consume significant system resources during backup operations, potentially affecting system performance during these periods.

Analysis of SyncBack

Overall verdict

  • Overall, SyncBack is regarded as a solid choice for both personal and professional use, offering a comprehensive set of features that cater to various backup needs. It has a strong reputation within the backup software community and is recognized for its performance and user-friendly interface.

Why this product is good

  • SyncBack is considered a good backup software due to its reliability, extensive features, and ease of use. It offers robust file backup and synchronization options, supports multiple backup destinations including cloud services, and provides advanced scheduling and automation features. Users appreciate its flexibility in configuration and the ability to handle both simple and complex backup tasks.

Recommended for

    SyncBack is recommended for individuals and businesses seeking a versatile and customizable backup solution. It is particularly suited for those who need detailed control over their backup processes, such as IT professionals, small to medium-sized businesses, and power users. It's also a good option for users who need to manage backups across multiple platforms and storage destinations.

Timeshift videos

TimeShift PC Game Review

More videos:

  • Review - Timeshift Review - 11 Years Later
  • Review - Timeshift is a completely original Bullet Time 2000s FPS

SyncBack videos

SyncBack - Backup Software For Windows

More videos:

  • Review - Best way to backup your data using SyncBack
  • Review - Use SyncBackFree by 2Brightsparks to Mirror Files and Folder

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Timeshift and SyncBack)
File Sharing And Backup
25 25%
75% 75
File Sharing
0 0%
100% 100
Backup & Restore
100 100%
0% 0
Cloud Storage
25 25%
75% 75

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Timeshift and SyncBack

Timeshift Reviews

We have no reviews of Timeshift yet.
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SyncBack Reviews

15 Best Rclone Alternatives 2022
There are three versions of the SyncBack software including SyncBackFree, SyncBackSE, and SyncBackPro. As youโ€™d guess, the first is free to use while the other two require payment. Here are the pricing plans:
The 5 Best File Syncing Apps
All versions of SyncBack let you sync select files and folders, back up to FTP, compress files, and set other basic options. However, SyncBack Lite also supports copying locked files; SyncBackSE works for business use and includes a USB app, incremental backups, and file versioning; and SyncBackPro with SyncBack Touch is a multi-platform solution for Windows, Mac, Linux, and...
8 best Windows 10 file sync software
SyncBack is the best Windows backup and synchronization program on the planet, according to its developers. This tool is reliable, flexible and robust, and its performance has been constantly improved thanks to all the upgrades it received since its launch in 2003.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Timeshift seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 2 times since March 2021. 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.

Timeshift mentions (2)

  • Need a way to use BTRFS snapshots for system backups? Use BTRFS assistant, not Timeshift!
    The previous developer of timeshiftโ€”Tony George (GitHub) โ€” has been the developer since 2017 (based on GitHub version history), and has recently handed off development to the Linux Mint team. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Timeshift - User Home Directories, Exclude All Files or Include All Files?
    Don't believe me or u/acejavelin69 - read what the developer has to say about user data and why it is disabled by default. https://github.com/teejee2008/timeshift. Source: about 3 years ago

SyncBack mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of SyncBack yet. Tracking of SyncBack recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Timeshift and SyncBack, 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.

GoodSync - GoodSync provides highly reliable file backup and synchronization for both individuals and businesses.

Acronis True Image - (Formerly Acronis True Image) Complete protection for your digital life

FreeFileSync - FreeFileSync is a free open source data backup software that helps you synchronize files and folders on Windows, Linux and macOS.

Restic - Easy: Doing backups should be a frictionless process, otherwise you are tempted to skip it.

rsync - rsync is a file transfer program for Unix systems. rsync uses the "rsync algorithm" which provides a very fast method for bringing remote files into sync.