restic
restic backs up files from Linux, BSD, Mac, and Windows to multiple storage destinations, according to its project introduction.
About restic
restic is a backup program for files on Linux, BSD, Mac and Windows. It can back up to many storage types, including self-hosted and online services. According to the homepage, it runs as a single executable without a server or complex setup.
The homepage says restic transfers only the parts of files that changed, uses cryptography in every part of the backup process, and supports checking that files can be restored when needed. It describes itself as free to use and open source under the BSD 2-Clause License. Backward compatibility is guaranteed only once version 1.0.0 is released. Before that, the homepage says breaking changes may occur without a major version increase. Backups sent to online services are stored outside the user's own systems.
Key features
- Backs up files from Linux, BSD, Mac and Windows
- Writes backups to many storage types, including self-hosted and online services
- Runs as a single executable without a server or complex setup
- Transfers only the parts of files that changed since the last backup
- Uses cryptography in every part of the backup process
- Supports verifying that backed-up files can be restored
Best for: Users who want a single-executable backup program that works across Linux, BSD, Mac and Windows and can store backups on self-hosted or online services.
Good for
- Described as free to use and open source under the BSD 2-Clause License
- Runs without a server, according to the homepage
- Follows Semantic Versioning, with a backward compatibility guarantee for repositories after version 1.0.0
Watch out for
- Before version 1.0.0, breaking changes may occur without a major version increase
- The homepage does not list the specific online storage services supported
restic at a glance
- Website
- restic.net
- Category
- Software & Utilities › Backup & Recovery
- Type
- Website
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Platforms
- Linux, Web, Windows
- Open source
- Not stated
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
Guides for Backup & Recovery
restic alternatives
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restic backs up data on Linux, macOS, Windows, FreeBSD, and OpenBSD; its project describes it as fast, efficient, and secure.
Open source
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restic FAQ
How do I install restic?
Follow the Installation Instructions Page in the user manual, or download the latest native binary from the GitHub Download Page.
Where can I get usage or support help?
Usage and support questions are preferably posted in the restic forum. Bugs and feature suggestions can be reported as GitHub issues, and the project also has an IRC channel, #restic, on irc.libera.chat.
How should I report a possible critical security problem?
Do not open a GitHub issue. Send an email directly to the project maintainer. The homepage suggests encrypting the email with PGP if possible.
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