KopiaLinux
vs
Google Backup and SyncWindows
Kopia as a Linux alternative to Google Backup and Sync
Updated
Our verdict
Kopia is not a direct replacement for Google Backup and Sync if you need live sync with Google Drive and desktop integration. It’s a strong choice for automated, encrypted backups to various storage backends, including cloud providers, but doesn’t sync files in real time or support Google Docs offline editing. It suits users prioritizing security, deduplication, and backup reliability over seamless cloud file syncing. If your goal is scheduled, encrypted backups rather than continuous two-way sync, Kopia works well on Linux.
- License
- Apache-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 0.23.1 (June 16, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both support automatic, scheduled backups of specified directories
- Offer cross-platform support including Linux, Windows, and macOS
- Provide offline access to backed-up data with restore-on-demand
- Allow selective backup of folders (though not live sync in Kopia)
- Include GUI and command-line interfaces for flexibility
What is different
- Kopia does not sync files in real time with Google Drive
- No desktop integration like file manager context menus or system tray sync status
- Does not support viewing or editing Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides locally
- Backs up data as snapshots rather than keeping folders continuously in sync
- Missing conflict resolution during sync since it's not a sync tool
Opening your Google Backup and Sync files
Kopia does not interact with Google Docs file formats directly. Files created in Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides are not downloaded or converted by Kopia unless previously exported and saved as local files (e.g., DOCX, XLSX). If you rely on automatic conversion or offline editing of Google-native formats, Kopia provides no support. It only backs up files that exist as standard file types on your filesystem.
Switching from Google Backup and Sync to Kopia, step by step
- Export any Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides to local formats if needed
- Install Kopia via Flathub or official package for your Linux distribution
- Configure a new backup target using Google Drive via a supported mount (e.g., rclone)
- Select directories to back up and schedule regular snapshot intervals
- Run a test backup and verify restore capability from a snapshot
Key features of Kopia
- Client-side end-to-end encryption
- Incremental and deduplicated backups
- Supports local, network, and cloud storage
- Cross-platform (Linux, Windows, macOS)
- GUI and command-line interface included
- Compression to reduce storage use
- Snapshot-based backup system
- Scheduled and manual backups
How to install Kopia on Linux
flatpak install flathub io.kopia.KopiaUIsudo zypper install kopiaFrequently asked questions
Can Kopia sync with Google Drive directly?
Not natively. You can back up to Google Drive by mounting it via tools like rclone, but Kopia doesn’t integrate directly with Google Drive APIs.
Does Kopia support real-time file syncing like Google Backup and Sync?
No. Kopia creates periodic snapshots. It does not sync files in real time or keep folders continuously updated.
Is my data encrypted with Kopia when backing up to Google Drive?
Yes. Kopia applies client-side end-to-end encryption before data leaves your machine, so files are encrypted even when stored on Google Drive.
2 other alternatives to Google Backup and Sync
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