Duplicati vs exa: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Duplicati and exa comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Duplicati
Free backup software
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (7.8/10 vs 7.3/10)
- • You need cloud storage features specifically
- • Free open-source encrypted backup software
- • Supports 20+ cloud storage providers
exa
Modern replacement for ls
Best for you if:
- • You need terminal tools features specifically
- • AI-powered terminal with natural language
- • Search files and run commands with plain English
| At a Glance |  Duplicati | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | Cloud Storage | Terminal Tools |
Rating | 78/100 | 73/100 |
| Feature | Duplicati | exa |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | 78 | 73 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 45 | 0 |
| Categories | Cloud StorageEncryption | Terminal ToolsFile Management |
Understanding the Differences
Both Duplicati and exa solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Duplicati positions itself as "free backup software" while exafocuses on "modern replacement for ls". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Duplicati
Duplicati makes sense if you're looking for a completely free solution. With a score of 78/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose exa
exa is worth considering if you need a free tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Duplicati lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Duplicati
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Duplicati handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Duplicati
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Duplicati
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Nothing at all? Duplicati is completely free.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Duplicati higher (78/100). But the community has upvoted Duplicati more (45 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Duplicati Does Better
- Higher overall score (78/100)
- More community upvotes
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider exa If
- You need a completely free solution
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Duplicati (78/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Duplicati scores higher in our analysis, but exa might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Duplicati or exa better?
Based on our analysis, Duplicati scores higher with 78/100. Duplicati isfree while exa is free. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Duplicati to exa easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Duplicati and exa offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Duplicati is completely free.exa is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.