SuperDuper 4: A Ground-Up Rewrite After 22 Years
SuperDuper, the macOS backup utility, has finally received its first major rewrite in 22 years. Version 4 is a complete reimagining, promising up to an order of magnitude faster backups, background operation, and support for any file system the Mac can read. This is the first paid upgrade in the product's history.
What's New in SuperDuper 4
The rewrite drops the document-based model in favor of Copy Jobs, which are stored internally and organized by source. Clicking on a source like Macintosh HD presents template copy operations or a blank slate. Configuration happens inline via bold, underlined links that open pop-ups, with the effects immediately reflected in the "What's going to happen?" section.
A new Preview feature lets you run a copy without making changes, then shows a report detailing exactly what would have been updated, added, or deleted. This is a safe way to verify your setup before committing.
Performance: Turbo Mode Delivers 40x Speedup
The most striking improvement is speed. Smart Updates are now 2x to 10x faster, and with the new Turbo feature, they can be even faster. The author reports that a typical nightly Smart Update of an 8-million-file, 2.5TB volume took 40 minutes before. Without Turbo, it now takes about 20 minutes. With Turbo, it's about one minute — a 40x speedup.
This is achieved by a new architecture that splits the app into a helper server and a UI. The server handles the copy process independently, so backups can run even when the app is quit or the user is logged out. Scheduled copies run in the background without popping up the interface. If a copy is in progress, reopening the app shows its status, and a menu bar item provides a compressed view.
Multiple Copies and File System Support
SuperDuper 4 can run any number of copies simultaneously. If you have four backups scheduled for 4am, they all run at once rather than sequentially.
It now supports copying to and from any file system the Mac supports, including exFAT, network volumes, and NAS drives. For example, you can copy a Photos drive formatted as exFAT, or back up a Documents folder to a NAS.
Copy Rules Replace Scripts
Copy Scripts have been replaced by Copy Rules. You can create rules to select files and folders from source or destination for special handling, such as excluding a specific folder from deletion or excluding all folders named "Caches" in /Library. The effect of a rule is visible as you create it.
Shortcuts Integration
SuperDuper 4 adds Shortcuts support. You can create shortcuts that run before or after a copy, on success, or on error. For example, you can send an email on success or failure, or beep when done. You can also create, run, and check on copy jobs from within Shortcuts, enabling workflows like copying an SD card's photos to a folder named after the card.
Upgrade and Pricing
SuperDuper 4 requires macOS 14 (Sonoma) or later. SuperDuper 3 remains available for older systems. This is the first paid upgrade in 22 years; the price has been adjusted for inflation since 2004. Qualifying recent purchases get it free, and customers who bought after July 31, 2020, receive a discount of up to 30% based on purchase date. Unregistered users can still make full, bootable backups for free.
Why This Matters
SuperDuper has been a staple for Mac users who need reliable backups. This rewrite modernizes the tool while preserving its core strengths. The performance gains and background operation make it more practical for daily use. The expanded file system support and Shortcuts integration open up new workflows.
My Take as a Developer
The architecture shift to a background helper is a smart move, enabling unattended backups. The Turbo speed is impressive, though the exact mechanism isn't detailed — it likely uses APFS snapshots or clonefile() for faster copy operations. The new Copy Rules are a welcome replacement for the old scripting approach, making it more accessible. The Shortcuts integration is a forward-looking step, aligning with Apple's automation push.
If you're a SuperDuper user, this upgrade is worth the cost. If you're new, it's a solid choice for backup, especially with the free tier. Check the system requirements and upgrade pricing on the official site.
