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Backup · head to head

Apple Time Machine vs Spanning Backup

Apple Time Machine logo

Apple Time Machine

Backup

Built-in backup for every Mac

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Spanning Backup logo

Spanning Backup

Backup

SaaS backup for Google Workspace and Microsoft 365

From
$4/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; Spanning Backup no pricing published; requires quote request
  • They diverge on capability: Apple Time Machine covers Automatic backup, Spanning Backup covers Automated daily backup.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Apple Time Machine and Spanning Backup differ
AttributeApple Time MachineSpanning Backup
Starting priceFree$4/month
Pricing modelfreesubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsMacCloud SaaS
Founded19762010

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 Spanning Backup

  • Automated daily backup
  • Point-in-time restore
  • Cross-user restore
  • eDiscovery
  • Unlimited storage
  • Admin delegation
  • Google Workspace
  • Microsoft 365

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

Spanning Backup

  • SaaS backup and recoverynot Apple Time Machine
  • Microsoft 365 backupnot Apple Time Machine
  • Google Workspace backupnot Apple Time Machine
  • Salesforce backupnot 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

Spanning Backup

  • No pricing published; requires quote request
  • Pricing is customizable based on data volume and service changes

Pricing, plan by plan

Apple Time Machine

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

Spanning Backup

$4/month
  • Spanning Backup$4/month
    • Daily backup
    • Point-in-time restore
    • Unlimited storage

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 Spanning Backup if

  • You need automated daily backup.
  • You work on Cloud SaaS.
  • You also want point-in-time restore.
Spanning Backup review

Questions people ask

Is Apple Time Machine or Spanning Backup better?
Neither clearly leads. Apple Time Machine starts at Free and Spanning Backup at $4/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Apple Time Machine or Spanning Backup?
Apple Time Machine has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Apple Time Machine and $4/month for Spanning Backup.
Does Apple Time Machine or Spanning Backup run on more platforms?
Apple Time Machine runs on Mac. Spanning Backup runs on Cloud SaaS.
Can I use Apple Time Machine for free?
Yes. Apple Time Machine has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Spanning Backup starts at $4/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 Spanning Backup is typically brought in for.
What can Apple Time Machine do that Spanning Backup cannot?
Apple Time Machine covers Automatic backup, Hourly snapshots, Visual restore interface, Network backup. Spanning Backup covers Automated daily backup, Point-in-time restore, Cross-user restore, eDiscovery.

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
Spanning Backup: How much does Spanning Backup cost?

Spanning Backup does not publish pricing online. The company offers FLEXspend, a feature that gives complete flexibility in adjusting backup spend based on data changes. Customers must request a quote through their pricing page.

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
Spanning Backup: Does Spanning Backup offer a free trial?

Yes, Spanning Backup offers a free trial. Customers can also book a call or request a demo to discuss their specific backup needs and receive a custom quote.

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
Spanning Backup: What products does Spanning Backup cover?

Spanning Backup provides backup solutions for Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and Salesforce with customizable pricing based on organizational needs.

Source
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