What is Tarsnap used for?

Tarsnap is a command-line online backup service with client-side encryption and block-level deduplication for UNIX-like operating systems. It is a good fit for automated online backups for individuals and small businesses.

Is Tarsnap open source?

No. Tarsnap is proprietary (closed-source) software. In the Utilities & System Tools category, open-source options include Alt Tab Macos, Amethyst and Clipy.

What are some alternatives to Tarsnap?

Tarsnap competes with Hetzner Storage Box.

Tarsnap: features, pricing and alternatives

About Tarsnap

Tarsnap is a secure and efficient command-line online backup service for Linux, FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD, macOS, and other UNIX-like operating systems. It uses client-side encryption so that data can only be accessed with personal keys, and the service provider cannot access the data. The client source code is available for users to verify the encryption themselves.

Tarsnap uses block-level deduplication, uploading only the unique data between current files and encrypted archives to reduce bandwidth and storage. It uses a prepaid pricing model based on actual usage, with no fixed costs or minimum monthly fees. Cygwin and Windows Subsystem for Linux are also supported.

Key features

Client-side encryption with personal keys
Block-level deduplication
Source code available for verification
Prepaid pricing based on actual usage
Supports Linux, FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD, macOS, Cygwin, and Windows Subsystem for Linux

Good fit for

Automated online backups for individuals and small businesses

Tags: backup; encryption; deduplication; command-line; unix

Tarsnap: questions and answers

What is Tarsnap used for?: Tarsnap is a command-line online backup service with client-side encryption and block-level deduplication for UNIX-like operating systems. It is a good fit for automated online backups for individuals and small businesses.
Is Tarsnap open source?: No. Tarsnap is proprietary (closed-source) software. In the Utilities & System Tools category, open-source options include Alt Tab Macos, Amethyst and Clipy.
What are some alternatives to Tarsnap?: Tarsnap competes with Hetzner Storage Box.