Restic as a Linux alternative to Acronis True Image
Updated
Our verdict
Restic is a solid replacement for Acronis True Image if you are comfortable with the command line and do not need full disk imaging or ransomware protection. It excels at encrypted, incremental file backups to local or cloud storage. However, it lacks a graphical interface, disk cloning capabilities, and built-in malware detection. It is ideal for technical users who prioritize security and automation over ease of use. Non-technical users seeking a one-click disk image or ransomware shield will find Restic too complex and incomplete for their needs.
- License
- BSD-3-Clause
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 0.19.1
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Supports incremental backups to save space and time
- Provides end-to-end encryption for data security
- Allows scheduling and automation of backup tasks
- Works across multiple operating systems including Linux and Windows
What is different
- Restic is a command-line tool, whereas Acronis has a graphical interface
- Restic does not support full disk imaging or cloning
- Restic lacks built-in ransomware detection or protection features
- Acronis offers cross-platform restore from images, which Restic does not provide
Opening your Acronis True Image files
Restic cannot open or read Acronis True Image backup files. The two applications use completely different storage formats and encryption methods. If you have existing Acronis backups, you must restore them using Acronis software before migrating to Restic. There is no direct conversion path between the two formats.
Switching from Acronis True Image to Restic, step by step
- Install Restic via your distribution's package manager
- Initialize a new repository in Restic using the init command
- Set your Restic password securely
- Create a backup script using the backup command with desired paths
- Schedule the script using cron or systemd timers
- Verify the first backup completes successfully
Key features of Restic
- End-to-end encryption with password protection
- Supports local, SSH, S3, and REST servers as backends
- Fast incremental backups with block-level deduplication
- Snapshots can be listed, searched, and restored selectively
- Cross-platform: works on Linux, macOS, Windows
- Built-in backup verification and data integrity checks
- Pruning and retention policies via command line
- Scriptable and ideal for automated backups
How to install Restic on Linux
sudo apt install resticsudo apt install resticsudo dnf install resticsudo pacman -S resticsudo zypper install resticFrequently asked questions
Can Restic back up system files while the OS is running?
Yes, Restic backs up files as they are on disk. For critical system files, it is best to back up from a live Linux environment to ensure consistency.
Does Restic support cloud storage like Acronis?
Yes, Restic supports S3, REST, and SSH backends, allowing you to store backups in major cloud providers or on remote servers.
Is Restic suitable for non-technical users?
No, Restic requires command-line knowledge. For non-technical users, a GUI-based tool like Déjà Dup or BorgBackup with a frontend is more appropriate.
3 other alternatives to Acronis True Image
Déjà Dup BackupsDéjà Dup is a simple, encrypted backup tool that uses Restic to provide local, remote, or cloud backups with…Open sourceFreeFlatpakDéjà Dup Backups vs Acronis True Image