Side by side

BorgBackup vs Open Android Backup

Both stand on backup software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

BorgBackup

Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1

BorgBackup offers free, encrypted backups with deduplication and several storage approaches. Users should note the major-version compatibility warning and avoid the 2.0 beta for production.

Visit BorgBackup

Open Android Backup covers broad Android backup needs with encrypted, portable archives and several desktop operating systems. Its restore gaps, cable setup requirement, and limited automation should shape expectations.

Visit Open Android Backup

The facts

	BorgBackup	Open Android Backup
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	Not published	Not published
Runs on	Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows	Android, Linux, Mac, Windows
Lowest paid plan	Free or on request	Free or on request
Plans published	1	1
Maker	BorgBackup	Not published
Website	borgbackup.org	github.com
On backup software	#27 of 151	#31 of 151

BorgBackup: what it does well

Stores repeated chunks only once across shared repositories.
Supports client-side 256-bit AES encryption.
Optional compression includes lz4, zstd, zlib, and lzma.
Archives can be mounted for browsing and file restores.
Free software under the BSD 3-clause license.

What to know first

The 2.0 beta is not recommended for production use.
Compatibility may break repeatedly across major release changes.
Remote backup storage requires access over SSH.

Open Android Backup: what it does well

Free plan with no premium paywall
Encrypts backups and metadata by default
7-Zip archives open without the script
Works wirelessly after cable setup
Supports Linux, macOS, Windows, and Android

What to know first

SMS and call logs cannot be restored
Android restrictions block app-data backups
Untrusted hooks can access phone and computer
Automation support is minimal

Alternatives to BorgBackup Alternatives to Open Android Backup The whole list