Carbon Copy Cloner review

CARBON COPY CLONER

Carbon Copy Cloner (CCC) is a powerful backup and cloning software for macOS. It has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable and user-friendly tools for creating exact copies (or “clones”) of your Mac’s hard drive, as well as performing incremental backups. Whether you’re looking to create a bootable backup, restore from a disaster, or simply ensure the safety of your data, CCC provides an intuitive and feature-rich solution. This review explores the key features, performance, pros, cons, and overall value of Carbon Copy Cloner.

INTERFACE

The Carbon Copy Cloner 6 interface is not the most modern one you can find, but because of its simplicity it is easy to use and supports ‘drag & drop’ of locations (source, destination). The side panel can be hidden if desired to provide a more focused screen. We’ve tried nearly all backup applications and this latest CCC version 6 is one of the best. The scheduling can be set in various ways, so is the access to protected disks no problem and is handled perfectly. Carbon Copy Cloner 6 is able to create bootable backups, but as Apple introduced Big Sur security levels in the programming changed a lot. It has become a difficult procedure for ordinary Mac users to set a real bootable task in Big Sur. You can read about Apple’s security in this ‘blog‘ Creating a bootable image read this chapter:

Creating legacy bootable backups of macOS Big Sur | Carbon Copy Cloner | Bombich Software

Carbon Copy Cloner 6 review — Carbon Copy Cloner review 6

To run a backup task, the basic choice is Daily, Hour etc. but you may also opt for the option to run a backup when the source has changed.
This option provides ‘instant’ backup. Dark Mode is supported now, of which I am not an enthousiast really. Still this is what Big Sur brings as a mayor upgrade. It must be my age, that I am not willing to follow all changes. However I do feel the new interface of CCC 6 is a huge improvement over version 5. Much more up to date and cleaner outlay of its features.

The Advanced Settings section provides some special settings, which may benefit your dedicated backup task.

PREFERENCES

DON’T WAIT FOR DISK FAILURE

Carbon Copy Cloner 6, is a way to make disk failures ‘annoying’ rather than fatal for your hard work. CCC 6 backs up any or all of your files and it also optionally creates a bootable external hard drive. I’ve heard it honderds of times from people stressfully and in dispair saying ‘ you mean that all is lost? ‘, yep all’s gone sir! Dataloss will happen to almost everybody at some point if you’re like me always testing new stuff and beta software. Better be safe then sorry, so get your data backed-up daily.

NEW FEATURES in VERSION 6 Snapshots:
Bring back files that you thought you’d lost forever! CCC 6, can capture all your files exactly as they are at a moment in time. Restore files you accidentally deleted — or that were corrupted by malware.

Quick Updates: Interested in lightning quick backups with no exhaustive scanning for changes required? How about those NAS backups that took hours — would you believe us if we said they could now take as little as a few minutes? It’s true: CCC has a whole new approach to figuring out what needs to be copied that you will love! Faster Backups: Our next-generation file copier, rewritten from the ground up, is bound to impress and is the basis for a lot of new features. With CCC 6 your backups will be not just faster but often astonishingly fast! Pause a Backup: Need to do something real quick but you’re in the middle of a backup and want to make sure it gets backed up? Just click the new Pause button and restart your backup when you’re done. Snapshot Navigator:
Need to restore a file or two from your backup but don’t know where to start? We’ve made it easier than ever! Now you can step through older versions of your backups and get a preview of your files as they were at specific points in time.

Bombich claims 20x faster backups. Well I guess this is marketing talk, but compared to version 5 it does backup faster IF you opt for a special setting. The default setting copy all data from the source to its destination. You can however opt for ‘When files are modified on the source’ which creates a different kind of backup task. Bombich completely rebuilt their file copier to take advantage of the performance characteristics of modern storage. Built on a multi-threaded design, their new file copier provides a foundation for many of the new features noted below, and paves the way for many new features in the future. CCC 6, can now tap into the macOS FSEvents service for a list of folders modified on the source since the last backup rather than scanning every folder for changes. Especially for tasks involving a destination network volume, the performance benefit of this feature cannot be understated! This way the backup will gain speed, depending on the file size and type it may ultimately achieve 20x faster speed, but I will just stick to faster backups to avoid any claims. Now what is macOS FSEvents you may wonder ? The FSEvents API in macOS allows applications to register for notifications of changes to a given directory tree.^[1] Whenever the filesystem is changed, the kernel passes notifications via the special device file /dev/fsevents to a userspace process called fseventsd. This process combines multiple changes to a single directory tree that occur within a short period of time, then notifies applications that have registered for changes to the affected directory.^[2]

MacOS Big Sur has the ability to register for file modification notifications.^[4]

Create your own filter! CCC offers the ability to create your own filters !

Custom Filters

If the files you want to match are scattered across your filesystem, it may be tedious to manually locate each of them and create conventional rules (i.e. check or uncheck the item in the file list). To address this, CCC offers custom filter options in which you define a filter rule using an expression. Choose Show custom filters from the gear menu to reveal the custom filters table.
To add a custom filter rule, click the + button in the custom rules table header, or drag a file or folder from the file list into the custom filters table to add that item as a template. To reorder custom filters, simply drag and drop the items in the custom filters table. Custom filter rules will be evaluated by the task filter before conventional filter rules.

Anchored path filter

An anchored path filter defines a rule using an absolute path relative to the root of the source. /Library/Caches, for example, is an anchored path filter because it starts with a “/”. This filter would match /Library/Caches, but would not match /Users/someuser/Library/Caches. You can also include wildcards in the expression, e.g. /Users/*/Library/Caches would match the Library/Caches folder in each user home folder.

Subpath filter

A subpath filter defines a rule using a partial path or filename that does not start with “/”. Continuing the example above, Library/Caches would match /Library/Caches and /Users/someuser/Library/Caches. Wildcards are accepted in the expression; to match a particular file type, use an expression like *.mov to match all .mov files.

Wildcard characters

Wildcard characters can be added to an expression to match a wider range of files and folders. * will match one or more characters in any single file or folder name, e.g. *.mov will match all movie files.
/**/ will match one or more path components, e.g. /Users/**/*.jpg will match any JPEG photos in any user home folders, but won’t match JPEG photos elsewhere, e.g. those in /Library/Desktop Pictures. You would also use the ** wildcard when defining an inclusion rule that should copy all items within a particular folder and its subfolders. For example, /Users/yourname/Documents would include only that folder itself, not any of its contents. /Users/yourname/Documents/** would include the Documents folder, all of its contents, and the contents of every subfolder within it.
If you specify additional path components after a ** wildcard, then that wildcard is only applicable up to a match against the path component that follows the wildcard. For example, the exclusion rule /Data/**/Marine/Invertebrates would exclude /Data/2018/Marine/Invertebrates, but it would not exclude /Data/2018/Marine/Benthic/Marine/Invertebrates. In the latter case, **/Marine matches 2018/Marine, but then the the next path component fails to match (and we are deliberately choosing to not allow the ** wildcard to match 2018/Marine/Benthic code>? can be used to match any single character, e.g. *.mp? will match both .mp3 and .mp4 files. Use the ? wildcard sparingly, it will greatly increase the amount of time required to evaluate the task filter.

Task Scheduling

CCC can back up your data hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, or whenever you connect to your backup drive. You can tell CCC to back up only on weekdays, weekends, or only during certain times of day. You can also craft a more sophisticated backup strategy with task chaining and scheduled task groups.

Task History

Quickly view when your tasks have run and if they were successful. Restrict the list by task name, source volume, destination volume, or run date. Receive detailed information and advice on tasks that resulted in errors.

KEY FEATURES OF CARBON COPY CLONER

Bootable Backups

One of the standout features of Carbon Copy Cloner is its ability to create bootable backups. This means you can make a clone of your system’s drive that you can boot from directly in case of system failure. This is a huge safety net for users who want to ensure minimal downtime if their Mac’s primary drive fails.
The bootable backup feature works seamlessly, making recovery from a hardware failure easy and quick.

Incremental Backups

CCC uses incremental backups, which means after an initial full backup, it only copies the changes (new or modified files) during subsequent backups. This makes the process much faster, as it doesn’t need to back up your entire drive each time.
You can set scheduling options to automate backups, choosing how often and when you want your data backed up, ensuring your backup process is hands-off.

Smart Updates

The smart update feature in Carbon Copy Cloner makes it even more efficient by only copying the changes made since the last backup, ensuring your backup is always up-to-date with minimal disk usage.
This feature is especially helpful for users who back up large volumes of data regularly, as it prevents redundant file transfers and speeds up the process.

File and Folder Exclusions

You can exclude specific files or folders from being included in your backups. This is useful if you want to exclude files like temporary data, system cache, or non-essential documents that don’t need to be backed up.
This feature helps users customize their backups to save space, avoid backing up unnecessary files, and streamline the cloning process.

Backup and Restore Scheduling

Carbon Copy Cloner offers powerful backup scheduling options. You can schedule backups to run automatically at regular intervals (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.), or even set specific times for backups (e.g., run backups only when the computer is idle).
This makes it ideal for users who want to automate their backups without manual intervention.

Backup to Multiple Destinations

You can back up to various storage devices, including external hard drives, network drives, and even cloud storage (using mountable drives). This versatility makes it easy to ensure that your backup is safe, no matter the type of storage you prefer.
Carbon Copy Cloner supports network-attached storage (NAS) and Time Capsule devices, providing flexibility for users with different setups.

Clone Multiple Volumes

CCC can handle multiple volumes simultaneously, which is useful for users with large setups, multiple drives, or those who need to clone more than one partition.
You can clone entire drives, specific volumes, or even just certain directories.

Recovery of Specific Files

In the event of data loss, Carbon Copy Cloner allows you to recover specific files or folders from your backup rather than needing to restore the entire system. This is a convenient option when you only need to recover a few files and not the whole disk image.

Backup Health Monitoring

CCC has built-in backup health monitoring tools that let you track the status of your backups. The software will notify you if there are any issues with the backup drive (e.g., if the drive is running low on space, if there’s a failure in the backup process, or if there’s an issue with the source drive).

PERFORMANCE

Ease of Use

Carbon Copy Cloner shines with its user-friendly interface. Setting up backups and cloning tasks is incredibly simple, even for users who are not technically inclined. The interface is clean, intuitive, and straightforward, making it easy to select source and destination drives and configure backup schedules.
The software provides clear notifications and alerts, so you always know when a backup has completed, or if there was an error during the process.

Speed

Carbon Copy Cloner performs incremental backups efficiently, and the initial full backup (especially on larger drives) may take some time depending on the amount of data you’re backing up. However, the smart update feature ensures that subsequent backups are much faster because only new or modified files are copied.
When creating a bootable backup, CCC ensures that the cloned drive is fully bootable, with minimal time required to create the bootable clone.

Reliability

Carbon Copy Cloner has a long track record of being a reliable tool for backup and cloning. It is well-regarded in the Mac community for its stability and precision, offering a robust solution for safeguarding your data.
The software can handle issues like drive corruption or file system errors gracefully, ensuring that the backup process is not disrupted.

PROS 👍

Comprehensive Backup Features:
Carbon Copy Cloner covers all the bases when it comes to backups—creating bootable clones, incremental backups, smart updates, and more. It’s an all-in-one solution for data protection.
User-Friendly Interface:
The interface is very intuitive, making it easy for even novices to set up and manage backups without a steep learning curve.
Scheduled Backups:
The ability to schedule automatic backups is a huge convenience, particularly for users who need regular backups but don’t want to manually trigger them each time.
Bootable Backup Cloning:
The ability to create bootable backups is a standout feature, offering peace of mind for users who want a safety net in case their primary drive fails.
File and Folder Exclusions:
The option to exclude specific files or folders from backups helps conserve space and keeps backups focused on the most important files.
Flexible Storage Options:
CCC allows users to back up to a variety of devices, including external drives, network drives, and cloud storage, offering flexibility in how and where to store backups.
Health Monitoring:
The built-in monitoring tools keep users informed about the health of their backups and drives, ensuring that everything is running smoothly.

CONS 👎

Mac-Only:
Carbon Copy Cloner is only available for macOS. While it’s an excellent tool for Mac users, Windows users will need to find alternative backup software.
Limited Advanced Features:
While CCC provides robust backup and cloning features, it doesn’t have more advanced features found in other backup tools, such as full system restore options or deep disk management. For example, users who need versioning (keeping multiple versions of files) might have to look elsewhere.
Pricing:
Carbon Copy Cloner is a paid software, with a one-time purchase price of around $39.99 or a $39.99/year subscription for updates. While the cost is reasonable for the functionality it provides, it may not be ideal for casual users who want a free solution.
No Direct Cloud Backup Integration:
While CCC supports backing up to cloud-mounted drives, it doesn’t have built-in integrations with cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud, which would make it more convenient for users who want to back up directly to the cloud without the need for external drives.

PRICING

One-Time License: $39.99 (includes all updates for 1 year)
Renewal: After one year, updates cost $19.99/year for continued access to the latest features and updates.

Free Trial: Carbon Copy Cloner offers a 30-day free trial with full functionality, giving users the opportunity to test the software before making a purchase.

Is Carbon Copy Cloner Worth It?

Yes, Carbon Copy Cloner is a highly recommended tool for Mac users who need a reliable and flexible backup solution. The software excels at creating bootable backups, incremental backups, and automating backup schedules, all with a user-friendly interface. Its ability to clone entire drives or specific folders makes it perfect for anyone from casual users to professionals looking to safeguard their data.

While it doesn’t offer extensive advanced features or deep cloud backup integrations, the software excels in its primary function—creating reliable, bootable backups quickly and efficiently. The price is reasonable given the value, and the 30-day free trial allows users to test its features before committing.

If you’re looking for a dependable, no-fuss solution to back up your data and protect your Mac, Carbon Copy Cloner is a fantastic choice.

VERDICT

Pros: Bootable backups, incremental backups, user-friendly interface, scheduling, flexible storage options.
Cons: Mac-only, limited advanced features, no direct cloud backup support.

Overall: Carbon Copy Cloner is a top-tier backup tool for Mac users, providing peace of mind with reliable and

Carbon Copy Cloner 6 definitely is a huge step upwards for Bombich over version 5. It runs faster and offers more features than ever for a fair price. Creating backup jobs is easy due to its drag and drop interface. A detailed ‘filter interface’ allows adjusting/choice of files for the backup job(s). Loads of options are available and a bootable clone is also part of the package. Carbon Copy Cloner is the easiest backup utility, providing full backup automisation.