GWS Backup is self-hosted software for backing up Google Workspace Gmail, Drive, Calendars, Contacts and Shared Drives. It can store backups in Google Drive, local disk or NAS, Amazon S3, or Azure Blob storage. After the initial full backup, it transfers changed files and new mail rather than unchanged data. Restore options cover a workspace, account, folder, email or file, including restoration to another user's account or downloading items. Source-deleted items remain in backup for one year before automatic removal; operators can configure version history and vault pruning. A live monitor displays transfers, and an audit trail records actions and backup results. Security features include 2FA and separate administration and restore-operation roles. The maker says backups remain in customer-controlled storage and do not pass through its infrastructure. Deployment options include Windows, Linux, cPanel and Docker. The free licence costs 0.00 GBP per free, allows up to 10 client workspaces and unlimited accounts, and permits one running installation per licence key. Node.js 22.5 or newer and an activated licence key are required.
Who it is for
GWS Backup is designed for MSPs, IT teams and internal administrators managing one or more Google Workspace domains. It suits organizations that want to keep backup storage under their own control.
What is good
- Supports Gmail, Drive, Calendars, Contacts and Shared Drives
- Multiple cloud and local storage destinations
- Restores to another user's account
- Audit trail records actions and backup results
- Free support is available by email
What to know first
- Requires Node.js 22.5 or newer
- Requires an activated licence key
- Free licence permits one running installation
Verdict
GWS Backup offers self-hosted Google Workspace backups with flexible destinations and granular restore options. Check the technical requirements and single-installation licence limit before deploying.
GWS Backup plans and pricing
All plansCompared on Google workspace backup software
- Free plan
- Yes
- Protected services
- Gmail, Google Drive, Shared Drives, Calendars, Contacts
- Backup frequency
- custom
- Retention period
- Deleted items are retained for one year; version history and vault pruning are operator-configurable.
- Restore options
- workspace, account, folder, email, file, different user, download
- Storage model
- bring_your_own
- Point-in-time restore
- Yes
