Time Machine alternatives for iMac M3
Need recommendations for time machine alternatives; current set-up iMac Apple M3, memory 16GB macOS tahoe 26.2
iMac 24″, macOS 26.2
I would recommend that for the majority of Mac users with typical needs, that using both iCloud (Desktop & Documents Folders enabled) for cloud syncing/storage, and Time Machine for a local backup, is a foundation in data protection that is hard to beat. Is there a specific reason that you do not want to use Time Machine?
I consider Time Machine as the minimum in terms of effective Mac backup solutions at home. I would recommend also adding something like Carbon Copy Cloner as an application that can also make additional automated backups. And then finally, also adding a trusted cloud backup solution such as Backblaze.
It's very important to recognize how each of the solutions mentioned above protect from data loss. Whereas iCloud is not a backup, it can be very valuable protection if one of your Apple devices fails or is unavailable. Time Machine is of course the simplest and least expensive way to do automated and versioned local backups. Carbon Copy Cloner or SuperDuper! are great utilities for additional local scripted backups where you want custom selections or destinations. And lastly dedicated cloud backup services are critical to ensure that you have at least one backup that is stored off site.
Others may post additional suggestions for trusted Mac backup solutions but it would first be important to understand why you are avoiding Time Machine.
