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Backup · head to head

Apple Time Machine vs Datto Backup

Apple Time Machine logo

Apple Time Machine

Backup

Built-in backup for every Mac

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Datto Backup logo

Datto Backup

Backup

Business continuity without compromise

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; Datto Backup no pricing information published on product page or dedicated pricing page
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Apple Time Machine and Datto Backup differ
AttributeApple Time MachineDatto Backup
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelfreesubscription
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 Datto Backup

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 Datto Backup
  • Restoring a Mac or migrating to a new one from a local backup historynot Datto Backup

Datto Backup

  • Backup and disaster recoverynot Apple Time Machine
  • MSP solutionsnot Apple Time Machine
  • Data protectionnot Apple Time Machine
  • Business continuitynot 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

Datto Backup

  • No pricing information published on product page or dedicated pricing page
  • Vendor directs users to contact sales for pricing information
  • No published tiers or pricing models disclosed

Pricing, plan by plan

Apple Time Machine

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

Datto Backup

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Datto Backup 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 Datto Backup if

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

Datto Backup review

Questions people ask

Is Apple Time Machine or Datto Backup better?
Neither clearly leads. Apple Time Machine starts at Free and Datto Backup 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 Datto Backup?
Apple Time Machine has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Apple Time Machine and On request for Datto Backup.
Does Apple Time Machine or Datto Backup run on more platforms?
Apple Time Machine runs on Mac. Datto Backup 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. Datto Backup 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 Datto Backup is typically brought in for.
What can Apple Time Machine do that Datto Backup 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
Datto Backup: How is Datto Backup priced?

Datto does not publish specific pricing for Backup on their website. Pricing details require contacting Datto's sales team directly through their website.

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
Datto Backup: Does Datto offer different backup pricing tiers or plans?

The public product pages do not detail pricing tiers or plan structures. Organizations must request quotes from Datto to learn about available options and tier pricing.

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
Datto Backup: What backup and business continuity features does Datto provide?

Datto Backup provides comprehensive business continuity frameworks, threat monitoring, malware insights, and disaster recovery capabilities, but specific features by pricing tier are not publicly disclosed.

Source
Datto Backup: How would I request Datto Backup pricing information?

Datto customers can request pricing through the website's pricing links in footer navigation or by contacting their sales team. Partners may access customized pricing through Datto's partner portal.

Source
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