There is no backup tool that can bring back files it never copied. For command-line users, BorgBackup is a capable open-source option; restic and Kopia are alternatives with different workflows. The important step is to configure one to include the files you care about, protect its credentials, and test that you can restore a file.
What open-source backup tool should you use?
Choose based on how you want to manage backups and where you will store them—not on an unsupported promise that one tool is universally fastest or safest. The projects document different strengths:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| Tool | Documented workflow and platforms | Storage and recovery details |
|---|---|---|
| BorgBackup (Borg) | Command-line program focused on efficient, secure backups; uses content-defined chunking to deduplicate data and offers optional compression and authenticated encryption. | Can use a local disk, USB drive, or machine reachable over SSH. Its archives can be mounted as filesystems; documentation covers archive restores and repository checks. |
| restic | Single executable with support documented for Linux, BSD, Mac, and Windows. | Supports self-hosted and online storage. The project emphasizes cryptography, transfers changed parts, and provides a way to verify that files can be restored. Losing the repository password makes its data irrecoverable, according to the project. |
| Kopia | Offers a graphical interface for connecting repositories, managing snapshots and policies, and restoring data. | Supports flexible storage locations and content-based snapshots. The project recommends regular consistency checks and warns that it cannot recover data if the backed-up repository file is corrupt. |
These are project-documented capabilities, not comparative performance tests. For Borg’s documented features, see the Borg 1.4.5 documentation and official project site. For the alternatives, see restic’s overview and Kopia’s feature documentation.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
When Borg makes sense
Borg is a reasonable choice if you are comfortable with a command line and want to manage archives in a local repository or on another machine over SSH. Its official documentation states: “The main goal of Borg is to provide an efficient and secure way to backup data.” Encryption and compression are optional; understand the settings and keep the credentials needed to access encrypted backups.
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
The Borg project lists version 1.4.5 as its stable series, released July 19, 2026, and labels Borg 2.0 beta as testing rather than suitable for production. Those release details can change, so check the project’s current status before installing.
When restic or Kopia may fit better
Consider restic if its supported platforms and single-executable workflow suit your setup, or if you want to use a self-hosted or online destination. Kopia may suit you if you prefer its documented GUI for managing snapshots, policies, and restores. In either case, review the project’s current instructions for repository setup, credentials, and integrity checks.
Rank #2
- Easily store and access 5TB of content on the go with the Seagate portable drive, a USB external hard Drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
How do you back up files before you lose them?
A backup is useful only when it contains the right files and you can retrieve them. Set up a repository, choose what to include, and make a small restore test before relying on it.
- Choose a destination. Borg documents local disks, USB drives, and SSH-accessible machines as repository options. A USB external hard drive is one possible destination, but a drive by itself does not protect against every way a backup can be lost.
- Decide what to include. Identify the folders and files you would not want to lose, then check the selected tool’s current documentation to configure them. Do not assume the default setup includes everything important.
- Protect credentials. Store required passwords or keys somewhere you can access if your computer fails. Restic explicitly warns that a lost repository password means the data is irrecoverable; encrypted backups generally depend on keeping the relevant credentials safe.
- Check each backup run. Review the tool’s output or status and resolve errors rather than assuming a scheduled job succeeded.
- Test a restore. Restore a small file or folder to a separate location and open it. Restic emphasizes verifying that files can be restored; Borg documents restore and repository-check commands, while Kopia documents restore workflows and consistency checks.
- Repeat integrity checks. Follow the chosen project’s current guidance for repository checks. Kopia specifically recommends regular consistency checks and notes that corruption of the backed-up repository file can prevent recovery.
How do you restore deleted files from a backup?
Use the selected tool’s documented restore workflow to find the snapshot or archive from before the deletion, then restore the needed file to a separate folder if possible. Confirm that the restored copy opens before replacing any current version. Exact commands and interface labels depend on the tool and its version, so use its current official instructions rather than copying a command intended for another setup.
Rank #3
- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
If a restore fails, check whether the backup includes the file, whether you selected the right snapshot, and whether the required repository credentials are available. If the repository itself is damaged, recovery may not be possible; Kopia explicitly warns that it cannot recover data when the backed-up repository file is corrupt.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What these tools do not replace
Borg, restic, and Kopia are file-backup and snapshot tools. The cited project materials do not establish that they create a complete device image or rebuild an operating system. If you need whole-device recovery, verify that your separate imaging or system-recovery plan covers that job.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- High capacity in a small enclosure – The small, lightweight design offers up to 6TB* capacity, making WD Elements portable hard drives the ideal companion for consumers on the go.
- Plug-and-play expandability
- Vast capacities up to 6TB[1] to store your photos, videos, music, important documents and more
- SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps)
Rank #4
- Easily store and access 4TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
