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Backup · head to head

Apple Time Machine vs OwnBackup

Apple Time Machine logo

Apple Time Machine

Backup

Built-in backup for every Mac

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
OwnBackup logo

OwnBackup

Backup

Leading backup for Salesforce and SaaS platforms

From
$5/month
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; OwnBackup own states its products are officially part of Salesforce, and routes pricing to Salesforce's Cloud Data Security page rather than publishing a figure of its own
  • They diverge on capability: Apple Time Machine covers Automatic backup, OwnBackup covers Automated backup.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Apple Time Machine and OwnBackup differ
AttributeApple Time MachineOwnBackup
Starting priceFree$5/month
Pricing modelfreesubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsMacWeb
Founded19762015

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 OwnBackup

  • Automated backup
  • Instant recovery
  • Proactive monitoring
  • Data seeding
  • Sandbox management
  • Compliance archiving
  • Salesforce
  • ServiceNow

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

OwnBackup

  • 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

OwnBackup

  • Own states its products are officially part of Salesforce, and routes pricing to Salesforce's Cloud Data Security page rather than publishing a figure of its own

Pricing, plan by plan

Apple Time Machine

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

OwnBackup

$5/month
  • OwnBackup$5/month
    • Daily backup
    • Instant recovery
    • Proactive monitoring

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 OwnBackup if

  • You need automated backup.
  • You also want instant recovery.
OwnBackup review

Questions people ask

Is Apple Time Machine or OwnBackup better?
Neither clearly leads. Apple Time Machine starts at Free and OwnBackup at $5/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Apple Time Machine or OwnBackup?
Apple Time Machine has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Apple Time Machine and $5/month for OwnBackup.
Does Apple Time Machine or OwnBackup run on more platforms?
Apple Time Machine runs on Mac. OwnBackup 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. OwnBackup starts at $5/month.
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 OwnBackup is typically brought in for.
What can Apple Time Machine do that OwnBackup cannot?
Apple Time Machine covers Automatic backup, Hourly snapshots, Visual restore interface, Network backup. OwnBackup covers Automated backup, Instant recovery, Proactive monitoring, Data seeding.

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
OwnBackup: How do I get pricing information?

Pricing is available through a demo request. The homepage directs visitors to 'Get a Demo' to discuss specific costs. Ownbackup (now Own by Salesforce) provides Backup & Recover, Data Security, Data Mask & Seed, and Archive products.

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
OwnBackup: Can I access pricing without talking to sales?

No. The pricing page exists at salesforce.com but the homepage directs all interested buyers through the 'Get a Demo' sales contact process.

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
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Related pages

More on Apple Time Machine

More on OwnBackup

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