Time Machine vs Nextcloud: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Time Machine and Nextcloud 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Time Machine
Mac backup utility
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need automation features specifically
- • macOS built-in backup solution
- • Automatic hourly, daily, and weekly backups
Nextcloud
Open source content collaboration platform for secure, self-hosted data control and remote teamwork.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • You need file management features specifically
- • Self-hosted, open-source content collaboration platform.
- • Combines file storage, communication, office suite, and AI assistant.
| At a Glance |  Time Machine |  Nextcloud |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Automation | File Management |
Rating | 82/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Time Machine | Nextcloud |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | AutomationFile Management | File ManagementTeam Chat |
How Time Machine and Nextcloud Compare
Time Machine
Mac backup utility
Free · 82/100 score
Nextcloud
Open source content collaboration platform for secure, self-hosted data control and remote teamwork.
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Time Machine is a automation tool. Nextcloud is in file management.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Time Machine is free. Nextcloud is freemium.
Go with: Time Machine
Want the highest-rated option?
Time Machine: 82/100. Nextcloud: 86/100.
Go with: Nextcloud
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Nextcloud
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Time Machine is free. Nextcloud is freemium. Go with Time Machine if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Time Machine is a automation tool. Nextcloud is in file management. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Nextcloud scores higher: 86/100 vs 82/100.
Key Takeaways
Nextcloud
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 82
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Time Machine
- Completely free
- Better fit for automation
The Bottom Line
Nextcloud (86/100) is our pick. That said, Time Machine is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Time Machine or Nextcloud better?
Nextcloud scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Time Machine is free and Nextcloud is freemium.
What are Time Machine and Nextcloud used for?
Time Machine: Mac backup utility. Nextcloud: Open source content collaboration platform for secure, self-hosted data control and remote teamwork..
What does Time Machine cost vs Nextcloud?
Time Machine is completely free. Nextcloud is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.