Areca Backup
What Areca Backup is
Areca Backup is free, open-source personal file backup software for Linux and Windows. You select files or directories, choose an archive format and destination, and configure actions after each job. Backup types include full, incremental, differential, and delta. Archives can use Zip or Zip64 compression and AES-128 or AES-256 encryption. Destinations include local or network drives, USB keys, FTP, FTPs, and SFTP servers. You can browse archives, track file versions, and restore a complete archive or individual files from a chosen date. A command-line interface supports automation, and shell scripts can run after backups. Reports can be saved to disk or emailed. Linux metadata support covers permissions, symbolic links, and named pipes; ACL and extended-attribute handling requires configuration and native code. Areca does not support Windows Volume Shadow Copy Service. The project provides a FAQ, manual, forum links, and SourceForge channels for bug reports and feature requests.
Who it suits
Areca Backup suits people seeking a free, open-source personal file backup tool on Linux or Windows. It fits users who need multiple backup modes, encrypted archives, varied destinations, and command-line automation.
What it does well
- Free open-source software under GPL v2
- Supports full, incremental, differential, and delta backups
- AES-128 and AES-256 archive encryption
- Local, network, USB, FTP, FTPs, and SFTP destinations
- Command-line automation and post-backup shell scripts
What to know first
- Does not support Windows VSS
- Linux ACL and extended attributes need configuration
- Focused on file backup and restore
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Areca Backup | Free open source backup software · GPL v2 | Free |
As areca-backup.sourceforge.io lists them, read 12 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
Areca Backup offers broad file-backup formats, destinations, encryption, and restoration controls without a license cost. Windows users who depend on VSS should note that this service does not support it.
Facts from Areca Backup's own pages
- Archive formats
- It can compress archives in Zip and Zip64 formats and encrypt archives with AES-128 or AES-256. · areca-backup.sourceforge.io, 12 Oct 2026
- Audience
- The maker describes Areca as a personal backup solution. · areca-backup.sourceforge.io, 12 Oct 2026
- Automation
- The command-line interface can automate backups, and Areca can run shell scripts after backups. · areca-backup.sourceforge.io, 12 Oct 2026
- Backup scope
- file · areca-backup.sourceforge.io, 19 Sept 2026
- Backup types
- It supports incremental, differential, full, and delta backups. · areca-backup.sourceforge.io, 12 Oct 2026
- Computer backup
- Yes · areca-backup.sourceforge.io, 19 Sept 2026
- Integrations
- The plugin list includes FTP/FTPs and SFTP server support, and the site says developers can implement plugins through Areca's plugin API. · areca-backup.sourceforge.io, 12 Oct 2026
- Linux metadata support
- File permissions, symbolic links, and named pipes can be stored and recovered on Linux; ACL and extended attribute support is available on Linux but requires configuration and native code. · areca-backup.sourceforge.io, 12 Oct 2026
- Notable limit
- The FAQ says Areca does not support Windows Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS). · areca-backup.sourceforge.io, 12 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- windows,linux · areca-backup.sourceforge.io, 19 Sept 2026
- Purpose
- Areca is personal file backup software for selecting files or directories, choosing a storage format and destination, and configuring post backup actions. · areca-backup.sourceforge.io, 12 Oct 2026
- Reports
- Backup reports can be saved to disk or sent by email. · areca-backup.sourceforge.io, 12 Oct 2026
- Restore and history
- Users can browse archives, track file versions, and recover an archive or individual files as of a specific date. · areca-backup.sourceforge.io, 12 Oct 2026
- Restore modes
- file · areca-backup.sourceforge.io, 19 Sept 2026
- Security
- The feature page lists AES-128 and AES-256 archive encryption and FTPs support using SSL/TLS. · areca-backup.sourceforge.io, 12 Oct 2026
- Storage
- Backups can be stored on local or network drives, USB keys, FTP, FTPs, or SFTP servers. · areca-backup.sourceforge.io, 12 Oct 2026
- Support
- The site directs users to its SourceForge project page for bug reports and feature requests and provides a FAQ, manual, and forum links. · areca-backup.sourceforge.io, 12 Oct 2026
Where Areca Backup stands on Freedom251
- Backup software#42 of 151