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Apple Time Machine vs MSP360 Backup

Apple Time Machine logo

Apple Time Machine

Software

Built-in backup for every Mac

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
MSP360 Backup logo

MSP360 Backup

Software

Cross-platform backup for MSPs and IT teams

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • 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; MSP360 Backup pricing can be expensive when scaling up to large deployments
  • They diverge on capability: Apple Time Machine covers Automatic backup, MSP360 Backup covers Cross-platform support.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Apple Time Machine and MSP360 Backup actually diverge.

Attributes where Apple Time Machine and MSP360 Backup differ
AttributeApple Time MachineMSP360 Backup
Pricing modelfreesubscription
PlatformsMacWindows, macOS, Linux
Founded19762008

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

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 MSP360 Backup

  • Cross-platform support
  • Any cloud storage
  • Image-based backup
  • SQL backup
  • Centralized management
  • Ransomware protection
  • AWS S3
  • Azure

Both cover

  • Mac support

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 MSP360 Backup
  • Restoring a Mac or migrating to a new one from a local backup historynot MSP360 Backup

MSP360 Backup

  • Data protectionnot Apple Time Machine
  • Disaster recoverynot Apple Time Machine
  • Business continuitynot Apple Time Machine
  • Ransomware protectionnot Apple Time Machine
  • Compliancenot 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

MSP360 Backup

  • Pricing can be expensive when scaling up to large deployments

Pricing, plan by plan

Apple Time Machine

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

MSP360 Backup

Free
  • Desktop$4/month
    • Cross-platform backup
    • Any cloud storage
    • Centralized console

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 MSP360 Backup if

  • You need cross-platform support.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want any cloud storage.
MSP360 Backup review

Questions people ask

Is Apple Time Machine or MSP360 Backup better?
Neither clearly leads. Apple Time Machine starts at Free and MSP360 Backup at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Apple Time Machine or MSP360 Backup?
Apple Time Machine starts at Free and MSP360 Backup at Free.
Does Apple Time Machine or MSP360 Backup run on more platforms?
Apple Time Machine runs on Mac. MSP360 Backup runs on Windows, macOS, Linux.
Can I use Apple Time Machine for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
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 MSP360 Backup is typically brought in for.
What can Apple Time Machine do that MSP360 Backup cannot?
Apple Time Machine covers Automatic backup, Hourly snapshots, Visual restore interface, Network backup. MSP360 Backup covers Cross-platform support, Any cloud storage, Image-based backup, SQL backup. Both handle Mac support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

MSP360 Backup: What cloud storage providers does MSP360 Backup support?

MSP360 Backup integrates with leading cloud storage providers including AWS S3, Backblaze B2, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform, Wasabi, and on-premises storage solutions, providing flexibility in storage destination selection.

Source
MSP360 Backup: What platforms does MSP360 Backup support?

MSP360 Backup is cross-platform software supporting Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems, allowing organizations to protect diverse IT infrastructure.

Source
MSP360 Backup: Does MSP360 Backup offer encryption?

Yes, MSP360 Backup includes encryption features for data protection, role-based permissions, and ransomware protection capabilities to ensure data security during backup and recovery.

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Related pages

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