Mac folder backup guide

Relay, Time Machine, or an advanced sync tool?

The right choice depends on what you need to recover and how much automation you want. Relay is built for a narrow case: a deliberate one-way copy between two folders, with every planned change visible before execution.

Choose Relay when

You want to copy or mirror a chosen folder to another local folder or external drive, inspect every replacement and removal first, and keep prior destination versions recoverable. Relay 1.0 is manual and local.

Choose Time Machine when

You want automatic history for your Mac and broad system recovery. Relay does not replace Time Machine.

Choose an advanced sync suite when

You need schedules, bidirectional sync, NAS or cloud connectors, remote computers, bootable clones, filters, or unattended jobs. Products such as ChronoSync, Carbon Copy Cloner, GoodSync, FreeFileSync, Beyond Compare, and Sync Folders Pro cover different parts of that wider scope.

Decision table

This guide describes product categories and verified public capabilities; it is not a performance ranking. Check each vendor’s current compatibility and terms before buying.

See Relay’s real screens and current scope · Read our editorial and corrections method