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Backup · head to head

Apple Time Machine vs Cohesity

Apple Time Machine logo

Apple Time Machine

Backup

Built-in backup for every Mac

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Cohesity logo

Cohesity

Backup

Protect, secure, and gain insights into your enterprise data

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Apple Time Machine has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Apple Time Machine apple states the Time Machine backup disk should be used only for Time Machine backups and not for storing other files, unless you split it into a separate APFS volume; Cohesity no pricing details published on website
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Apple Time Machine and Cohesity actually diverge.

Attributes where Apple Time Machine and Cohesity differ
AttributeApple Time MachineCohesity
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelfreequote
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsMacWeb
Founded1976Unknown

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Backup).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Apple Time Machine

  • Automatic backup
  • Hourly snapshots
  • Visual restore interface
  • Network backup
  • Encryption
  • System restore
  • macOS
  • AirPort Time Capsule

Only in Cohesity

Nothing recorded that Apple Time Machine does not also cover.

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Apple Time Machine

  • Automatic versioned local backups of a Mac to an external drivenot Cohesity
  • Restoring a Mac or migrating to a new one from a local backup historynot Cohesity

Cohesity

  • Data protection and ransomware defensenot Apple Time Machine
  • Cloud backup and recovery across hybrid environmentsnot Apple Time Machine
  • Instant recovery from 1,000 VMs simultaneouslynot Apple Time Machine
  • Multi-cloud data management and securitynot Apple Time Machine
  • AI-powered threat detection and anomaly detectionnot Apple Time Machine

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Apple Time Machine

  • Apple states the Time Machine backup disk should be used only for Time Machine backups and not for storing other files, unless you split it into a separate APFS volume
  • Apple recommends the Time Machine volume be twice the storage capacity of the Mac being backed up
  • It requires an attached external storage device or network disk; there is no built-in cloud destination
  • It backs up Macs only

Cohesity

  • No pricing details published on website
  • Advanced edition status listed as coming soon
  • Requires contacting sales team for quotes
  • No self-service pricing tiers or calculator available

Pricing, plan by plan

Apple Time Machine

Free
  • Built-inFree
    • Automatic backup
    • Visual restore
    • Network backup

Cohesity

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Cohesity review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Apple Time Machine if

  • You need automatic backup.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Mac.
  • You also want hourly snapshots.
Apple Time Machine review

Choose Cohesity if

Nothing in the data separates Cohesity from Apple Time Machine on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.

Cohesity review

Questions people ask

Is Apple Time Machine or Cohesity better?
Neither clearly leads. Apple Time Machine starts at Free and Cohesity at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Apple Time Machine or Cohesity?
Apple Time Machine has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Apple Time Machine and On request for Cohesity.
Does Apple Time Machine or Cohesity run on more platforms?
Apple Time Machine runs on Mac. Cohesity runs on Web.
Can I use Apple Time Machine for free?
Yes. Apple Time Machine has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Cohesity starts at On request.
What is Apple Time Machine best used for?
Apple Time Machine is most often used for automatic versioned local backups of a mac to an external drive, restoring a mac or migrating to a new one from a local backup history. Of those, automatic versioned local backups of a mac to an external drive and restoring a mac or migrating to a new one from a local backup history are not what Cohesity is typically brought in for.
What can Apple Time Machine do that Cohesity cannot?
Apple Time Machine covers Automatic backup, Hourly snapshots, Visual restore interface, Network backup.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Apple Time Machine: Does Time Machine charge a subscription or licensing fee?

No. Time Machine is a built-in feature of macOS with no subscription or licensing costs.

Source
Cohesity: How much does Cohesity cost?

Cohesity does not publish specific pricing on their website. Customers must request a demo, contact the sales team, or initiate a 30-day free trial to discuss pricing options.

Source
Apple Time Machine: What storage capacity do I need for Time Machine backups?

Apple recommends using a storage device with at least twice the storage capacity of your Mac. For example, if your Mac has 1TB of storage, your backup disk should ideally have at least 2TB.

Source
Cohesity: What editions does Cohesity offer?

Cohesity Data Cloud offers three editions: Core for entry-level, Enterprise for mid-tier, and Advanced (coming soon). Each includes varying Data Insights, Security, Protection, and Platform capabilities.

Source
Apple Time Machine: How long does Time Machine keep my backups?

Time Machine automatically maintains hourly backups for the past 24 hours, daily backups for the past month, and weekly backups for all previous months. The oldest backups are deleted when your backup disk is full.

Source
Cohesity: Is there a free trial for Cohesity?

Yes, Cohesity offers a 30-day free trial without requiring a credit card. No credit card is needed to get started with the trial.

Source
Cohesity: What performance benefits does Cohesity claim?

Cohesity claims 18x faster backups, 2x faster restores, instant recovery of 1000 VMs, and 50% lower total cost of ownership to secure and manage data.

Source
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