SmartBackup is an alternative lightweight backup application for OS X.
Backup multiple source items to a destination folder on an external harddrive, flashdrive or network share, or create a bootable clone of your system.
SmartBackup only copies what has changed after the initial run and is very fast in updating your backup or system clone.
Archive deleted or changed files in an archive folder during the backup and easily browse available versions of a file and restore them with one click.
Use Spotlight Saved Searches to define what you want to backup or what you want to exclude.
Automate your backup using iCal, Automator or launch it in commandline mode and include it in launchd items or scripts.
Note: While the software is classified as free, it is actually donationware. Please consider making a donation to help support development.
What’s new in version 4.3
Updated on Apr 05 2021
Version 4.3:
Release notes were unavailable when this listing was updated.
It's a very simple backup app and it suitable for me. There is something I noticed, I set up a scheduled backup for every Monday at a certain time but the backup is being executed on Sundays. Has anyone had this issue?
I have recently installed SmartBackup on my iMac and it works when I click the Start button, but the schedule will not run. Is there something I need to do in order for the daily backups to run?
Question: I want both a local backup and a cloud backup on my MacBook Pro. I have already installed JustCloud, and it's working fine for the cloud backup. Can I install SmartBackup as well, for the local backup? Will these two programs interfere with each other?
This is a very nice little app. I have been looking for a backup software application for what seems like forever, and I think this is it. It has all of the basic functionality that you want with none of the complexity. This program is well designed and extremely intuitive and it's free. Would definitely recommend.
P.S. I would be more than happy to make a one-time donation to the developer, just to keep the software up-to-date.
I've been using SmartBackup for a while now, and it is by far the fastest and most accurate backup tool I've used yet. I'm not sure why there are people complaining about upgrade prices, as the new version adds quite a few new features. Their loss.
Marketing promotes very dubious benchmark stats about how SmartBackup is 2x faster than SuperDuper! and 3x faster than Carbon Copy Cloner. Highly unlikely as SuperDuper! backups run at about 80% of disk speed.
New version is licensed per machine. The good influence of the Mac App Store isn't enough for Solesignal who want to take us back to the dark ages of software licensing. I can just see per machine licensing for utilities that are tied to hardware (Coolbook or TurboBoostSwitcher for instance: who both offer prices to match the limited license) but for run of the mill backup software. - run for the hills.
If we will all have to deal with per machine painful licensing, it's time to shut down our Macs. The small developers who benefit from the Mac community's willingness to support shareware suffer in the end from predatory moves like this one from Solesignal which poison our marketplace. I highly recommend that noone reward Solesignal for their punitive approach to licensing.
I haven't used CCC in a long time (it was great software when I did use it) as SuperDuper! is so reliable and easy to use that I haven't had to look elsewhere. SuperDuper! has always been sold at a reasonable $25 shareware fee (not bundled as far as I know) with free updates from the beginning and unlimited licensing per user.
For more advanced syncing and backup, there's the incredibly powerful SuperFlexibileFileSynchronizer now known as Syncovery. Also per user licensing.
This utility is very effective and versatile, plus it is very fast. I do not remember ever will have paid for the upgrade, just enter your email address in the field and you're registered.
A versatile, modern, 64-bit, Mac OS backup app. I use it to create boot-able clones of my startup disk; SmartBackup does its thing every night without any problems.
This is a well thought out, simple and effective app to do Finder accessible backups. Smartbackup lets you have full control over backup parameters and transparently keeps archived versions of files. It's perfect for managing large backups to multiple volumes. Does the job, and does it at a great price. Thank you developer!
I'm a happy SmartBackup user since June 2009. We are now in November 2011 and this is still my preferred app to make my backups. I like the way it works : simple interface but advanced features. During these 3 years, I never had any issue and the app is regularly updated. The support helps you you when you have an issue (for me, it was to schedule a task in LaunchDeamons).
SmartBackup is now my faithful companion for more than two years. I never faced any issues with this reliable tool. It's sleek and fast and offers those features I really need of a backup/restore tool. I use it for regularly backing up of more than 5 TB of data to either internal HD or external attached NAS. For me simply the best.
SmartBackup is for me "a must have" application. I´ve been using for more than three years. It's fast, safe, reliable and well maintained with a great UI. In fact I have not even tried Time Machine (or other applications) and that my job that I reinstall Mac OS X often. In my case, money is well spent and the application receives the necessary updates and technical support. If your looking for this kind of app, at least must be tested.
What the heck is going on here? So many reviewers venting their spleens.
Forums such as this are not the place to question features (or perceived lack of them) or post problem descriptions. This dev, like 99% of indie devs, has a web page and a contact email. I find that I get extremely quick and helpful advice when I contact the dev personally.
@freeride: You've gotta have a tough hide around here. I'm sorry you've been treated like this.