Softwr

Backup · head to head

Borg Backup vs Datto Backup

Borg Backup logo

Borg Backup

Backup

Deduplicating archiver with compression and encryption

From
Free
Rated
-
Datto Backup logo

Datto Backup

Backup

Business continuity without compromise

From
On request
Rated
-

The short version

  • Only Borg Backup has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Borg Backup linux, macOS and BSD only; Windows is not a supported platform; 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 Borg Backup and Datto Backup actually diverge.

Attributes where Borg Backup and Datto Backup differ
AttributeBorg BackupDatto Backup
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelfreesubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsLinux, MacWeb
Founded2015Unknown

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 Borg Backup

  • Content-defined chunking
  • Deduplication
  • Compression
  • Authenticated encryption
  • Pruning
  • Mount archives
  • SSH
  • BorgBase

Only in Datto Backup

Nothing recorded that Borg Backup does not also cover.

What people use each for

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

Borg Backup

  • Deduplicated backups where daily full snapshots would otherwise be expensivenot Datto Backup
  • Encrypted backup to a server you do not fully trust, since the server never sees plaintextnot Datto Backup
  • Browsing previous versions by mounting an archive over FUSEnot Datto Backup
  • Scripted server backups with no agent or daemon to runnot Datto Backup

Datto Backup

  • Backup and disaster recoverynot Borg Backup
  • MSP solutionsnot Borg Backup
  • Data protectionnot Borg Backup
  • Business continuitynot Borg Backup

Where each one falls short

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

Borg Backup

  • Linux, macOS and BSD only; Windows is not a supported platform
  • Command-line only, with no graphical interface in the project itself
  • Version 2.0 is still in beta, so production use means staying on the 1.4 line
  • Restoring requires the Borg tooling, since archives are a deduplicated chunk store rather than plain files

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

Borg Backup

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Deduplication
    • Compression
    • Encryption

Datto Backup

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Datto Backup review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Borg Backup if

  • You need content-defined chunking.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, Mac.
  • You also want deduplication.

Choose Datto Backup if

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

Questions people ask

Is Borg Backup or Datto Backup better?
Neither clearly leads. Borg Backup 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, Borg Backup or Datto Backup?
Borg Backup has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Borg Backup and On request for Datto Backup.
Does Borg Backup or Datto Backup run on more platforms?
Borg Backup runs on Linux, Mac. Datto Backup runs on Web.
Can I use Borg Backup for free?
Yes. Borg Backup has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Datto Backup starts at On request.
What is Borg Backup best used for?
Borg Backup is most often used for deduplicated backups where daily full snapshots would otherwise be expensive, encrypted backup to a server you do not fully trust, since the server never sees plaintext, browsing previous versions by mounting an archive over fuse, scripted server backups with no agent or daemon to run. Of those, deduplicated backups where daily full snapshots would otherwise be expensive and encrypted backup to a server you do not fully trust, since the server never sees plaintext are not what Datto Backup is typically brought in for.
What can Borg Backup do that Datto Backup cannot?
Borg Backup covers Content-defined chunking, Deduplication, Compression, Authenticated encryption.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Borg Backup: What is the cost of BorgBackup?

BorgBackup is completely free and open source under the BSD license with no mandatory costs for the core software.

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
Borg Backup: Are there paid services available for BorgBackup?

Yes, optional third-party services are available: BorgBase for specialized Borg repository hosting, Hetzner Storage Box with Borg support, and rsync.net cloud storage integration.

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
Borg Backup: How can I support the BorgBackup project?

BorgBackup accepts voluntary contributions through Open Collective, GitHub Sponsors, Liberapay, and PayPal, though donations are optional.

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
Share

Related pages

Other head to heads