How to Choose Between Full and Incremental NAS Backups
We’re all familiar with the concept of backups, but there’s actually quite a lot of nuance involved. In this article we’ll look into two main backup types for NAS: full backups and incremental backups. Whether you’re new to NAS or looking to improve your backup plan, our goal is to help you choose the right strategy.
For a broader look at modern protection methods, you can also explore our guide to the top data backup methods for 2025, which highlights additional layers of redundancy worth considering.
Understanding Backup Types on NAS
On a NAS device backups, you’ve got two main options: full backups and incremental backups.
What is Full Backup
A full backup saves every file, photo, and document on your NAS. Think of it as one big snapshot of all your data. It takes more time and storage space, especially if you have a lot of data. The benefit is that if something happens, you can restore everything from that one backup. This makes it a good choice for important files that rarely change.
What is Incremental Backup
Incremental backups only save new or changed files since your last backup. This makes them quick and uses very little storage. If you add new photos or update a document, only those changes are included. The downside is recovery: you need the last full backup and every incremental backup after it. It takes longer, but it saves a lot of space.
Key Differences and User Priorities
When choosing between full and incremental backups for your NAS, the differences really matter. Both options protect your data, but they do it in ways that affect your time, storage, and recovery plans.
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Full backups take longer because they copy every single file on your NAS. That means hours of waiting if you’ve got a lot of data, like family videos or business records. They also need more space, think of it as filling up a whole new hard drive. But when disaster strikes, recovery is a breeze. You just grab that one backup, and everything’s back where it belongs. People like this for its simplicity, especially if they want to be absolutely sure nothing’s missed.
Important Notice: RAID 1 is often mistaken for a backup solution: RAID 1 mirrors your data across two drives in real time, which protects you if one drive fails. However, it does not replace proper backups. If you want to better understand how different RAID levels work—and why redundancy isn’t the same as a backup—our detailed guide on choosing the best RAID setup for your NAS offers a clear breakdown of each configuration.
Incremental backups are quicker. They only grab what’s changed since the last backup, so you’re done in minutes, not hours. They save space too, leaving room on your NAS or external drive for other things. The downside? Recovery takes more work. You’ll need the last full backup plus every incremental one after it, like piecing together a puzzle. This speed and space-saving make it a favorite for folks who update their NAS often, but some worry about missing a piece if something goes wrong.
Backup Scheduling Strategies
Backing up your NAS isn’t just about picking a type, it’s about timing it right. A good schedule keeps your data safe without wasting time or space. Let’s explore some smart ways to plan full and incremental backups for your NAS.
One popular strategy is simple. You do a full backup once a week, say every Sunday, to capture everything on your NAS. Then, each day after that, like Monday through Saturday, you run an incremental backup to grab just the new or changed files. This mix works well because the weekly full backup gives you a solid base, while the daily updates keep things current without taking hours or filling up your storage.
Another option adds a twist. Start with a full backup once a month. Then, do a differential backup every week, copying everything changed since that full one, and run incremental backups daily for the smaller updates. This takes a bit more planning, but it balances space and speed. It’s handy if your NAS holds a lot of data that doesn’t change often, like old photos or records.
Whatever plan you choose, a golden rule helps: keep three copies of your data, two on local devices like your NAS and an external drive, and one offsite, maybe in the cloud. Test your backups now and then too. A schedule’s no good if the files won’t open when you need them. For those who want a smoother, hands-off workflow, exploring how to automate NAS-to-cloud backups can make maintaining this routine far easier and more consistent.
Tools and Software for NAS Backups
Good software handles both full and incremental backups, saving you time and effort:
- UGOS Pro system offers robust data synchronization and backup capabilities, allowing seamless data transfer between local and remote UGREEN NAS devices. This ensures data consistency across all devices and helps prevent version conflicts.
- Acronis True Image is a popular choice. The interface is simple to use, you don’t need to be a tech wizard to figure it out. It also keeps your files secure with passwords, which is great for sensitive stuff like tax documents or family photos.
- NAKIVO Backup & Replication offers something extra. It’s designed for NAS and can do a “forever-incremental” trick, starting with one full backup and then only adding changes forever after.
When picking software, look for a few key things: it should set up backups on its own, keep your files safe, and maybe even connect to cloud storage like Google Drive. NAS users want tools that are reliable and easy, and these options deliver. With the right one, your backups will run like clockwork.
Comparative Analysis Table
Choosing between full and incremental backups can feel tricky. A quick comparison can help you see the differences at a glance. The table below breaks down how these two options stack up for your NAS, making it easier to pick what’s right for you.
| Feature | Full Backup | Incremental Backup |
|---|---|---|
| What It Does | Copies all your NAS files every time. | Copies only new or changed files. |
| Time Needed | Takes longer, hours for big data. | Fast, done in minutes usually. |
| Storage Space | Uses a lot. | Saves space, just a little each time. |
| Getting Files Back | Easy, one backup restores it all. | Trickier, needs multiple backups. |
| How Often | Best weekly or monthly. | Great for daily use. |
| Best For | Big recoveries or rare updates. | Frequent changes, tight storage. |
Conclusion
Backups keep your NAS data safe, and now you’ve seen how full and incremental options compare. Full backups copy everything, giving you a simple way to restore files if disaster hits. They’re reliable but take more time and space. Incremental backups focus on changes, saving you both, though getting files back involves a few more steps. Each has its strengths, depending on what you need.
A smart plan might mix them. Try a full backup every week and incremental ones each day. This keeps your data current without overloading your NAS, blending the best of both worlds. It’s a solid starting point for most users.
