A backup software is an important program in every Linux user's toolbox. Although most users may not think of it in their daily use, it is the lifeline to ensure file security in the event of a data disaster. This article introduces seven best Linux backup software you can use for free.

Table of contents

• 1. Syncthing
• 2. SparkleShare
• 3. Deja Dup
• 5. Rsync
• 6. Rclone
• 7. Rsnapshot

1. Syncthing

Syncthing is a simple and practical tool that synchronizes folders between multiple systems. It is a continuous file synchronization program, meaning it can continuously synchronize files between two or more computers in real time, allowing your data to be safely backed up at all times.

Syncthing works by using a set of its own open network protocols to discover, pair and reliably transmit data between devices. Developers combine lightweight service daemon to achieve near-instant synchronization between client nodes.

One of the biggest advantages of Syncthing is its cross-platform compatibility, so you can deploy and use it simultaneously on non-Linux systems.

advantage

• Supports desktop and mobile devices.
• It comes with a lightweight service daemon, which almost does not occupy system resources.
• Once run as a node, maintenance is almost unnecessary.

shortcoming

• Only real-time backups are supported.
• No data redundancy function.
• No old version of the file is saved.

Tip : If you prefer to back up your data to a remote server, you can try Urbackup.

2. SparkleShare

SparkleShare is a lightweight real-time backup system for Linux. Similar to Syncthing, it is also a cross-platform daemon that instantly backs up files between different operating systems in the network. But unlike Syncthing, SparkleShare uses Git as its core backend to synchronize data between nodes.

Additionally, because of its Git-based, SparkleShare supports version control natively. This means you can switch between different versions of backups just like you would browse Git history.

This feature allows SparkleShare to run on almost any machine with minimal system overhead. Therefore, it is an ideal backup daemon for low-performance devices such as Raspberry Pi.

advantage

• Different versions of files can be switched freely.
• Supports Linux, Windows and macOS.
• Files are encrypted before being sent to other nodes.

shortcoming

• Only one root directory can be backed up.
• A master host is required, and other nodes are only mirrored.
• Unable to efficiently process large non-text files.

3. Deja Dup

Deja Dup is an intuitive, user-centric Linux backup tool. It provides a complete data backup solution with extremely easy configuration. You just need to select the folder and destination to back up to complete the setup. This approach with near-zero configuration makes it ideal for users who want to have a simple automatic backup service. Because of this, Deja Dup is preinstalled in multiple Linux distributions.

Deja Dup enables data deduplication by default. This technology saves space by storing only the changing parts between two backups, which significantly reduces disk usage compared to full archives.

advantage

• Extremely easy to use.
• Data deduplication can save disk space for a long time.
• Supports automatic unattended backup.

shortcoming

• Applicable to single machines only.
• Only home directory backups are supported.
• Snapshots are stored in a special binary format.

4. Timeshift

Timeshift is a minimalist backup tool that focuses on protecting the system's kernel files and settings. Similar to DejaDup, it is also a zero-configuration client that "setting is forgotten".

The biggest highlight of Timeshift is its native support for BTRFS file system. This allows you to quickly restore system backups like a reproducible package manager using BTRFS's atomic snapshot capability.

In addition, Timeshift also provides a "multi-level snapshot" feature, allowing you to customize backup frequency. For example, you can set up hourly, daily, and even "on power-on" to automatically create backups.

advantage

• It can be used almost without configuration.
• The atomic snapshot characteristics of BTRFS can be fully utilized.
• The backup frequency is easy to adjust.

shortcoming

• No backup of the user's home directory is included.
• Functional limitations and lack of flexibility.
• Too simple for complex backup requirements.

5. Rsync

Rsync is a command line tool that fully synchronizes two remote directories, including metadata such as permission bits and creation time.

Rsync provides a wealth of options and parameters to finely control data transmission between hosts. For example, you can specify that only files with a specific creation time or file type are synchronized.

In addition, Rsync's command line interface is also easy to integrate into automated scripts, suitable for running on interfaceless pure command line machines. It is an indispensable tool for users who manage multiple remote servers.

advantage

• Supports data deduplication and transmission compression.
• Keep most of the file metadata.
• File transfer speed is extremely fast.

shortcoming

• Requires some command line operation experience.
• Only support real-time synchronization with other systems.
• There are many parameters, and novices are easily confused.

6. Rclone

Rclone is a high-performance Linux remote object storage client. It is a command line tool that acts as a bridge between you and cloud storage services. Similar to Rsync, it provides multiple parameters to optimize backup configuration.

Rclone's biggest advantage is its compatibility with today's mainstream object storage platforms, which makes it more advantageous in backup redundancy.

In addition, Rclone can also encrypt data on cloud disk. This feature is especially useful when you need to back up sensitive files offsite and don't want service providers to access it.

advantage

• Smooth and convenient to use.
• Supports multiple object storage services.
• Encrypt files and create encrypted buckets in real time.

shortcoming

• Traditional storage media are not supported.
• You need to master the command line basics.
• The encryption key is saved in the ".conf" configuration file in plaintext.

7. Rsnapshot

Rsnapshot is a powerful command-line backup program that creates "incremental snapshots" of file systems at set time intervals. It uses the rsync protocol to copy the entire file system hierarchy and generates an exact copy.

One of the advantages of Rsnapshot over other backup solutions is that it can run even on systems with stale library files. Therefore, it will be very useful if you want to keep old device data without upgrading the operating system.

Because it is based on the Rsync protocol, Rsnapshot can also pull data from a remote file system. This is useful for users who maintain a UNIX-class server cluster and centrally store snapshots.

advantage

• Compatible with old UNIX-class systems.
• Pull and snapshot remote file systems.
• The configuration file is flexible and adjustable.

shortcoming

• Only for root users.
• Rely on cron timing task scheduling.
• You need to be proficient in command line operations.

Backup tools are just the tip of the iceberg to understand Linux files and file system mechanisms. Further learning how to completely recover lost data and safely delete files will greatly improve your system management capabilities.

Image source: Алекс Арцибашев via Unsplash. All modifications and screenshots are produced by Ramces Red.

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