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pgBackRest
What pgBackRest is
pgBackRest is a free, open-source backup and restore solution for PostgreSQL, designed for large databases and workloads. It supports full, differential, and incremental backups at file or block level. Parallel processing and compression options, including lz4 and zstd, are used for backup and restore operations. Its custom protocol supports local and remote backup, restore, and archiving over TLS or SSH. Repositories can use S3-, Azure-, or GCS-compatible object storage, and pgBackRest can encrypt repository contents. It calculates checksums for backup files and checks them again during restore or verification. With versioned object storage, a repository can be read as it appeared at a chosen point in time; S3 object locking and Azure or GCS soft delete are also described as protection against tampering. pgBackRest supports ten PostgreSQL versions: the five supported versions and the five latest end-of-life versions. It runs on Linux as self-hosted software, with installation guides for Debian, Ubuntu, and RHEL. The project identifies v2.59.2, released September 27, 2026, as its current stable release. The MIT-licensed plan costs nothing and permits personal or commercial use.
Who it suits
pgBackRest suits PostgreSQL administrators managing large databases who need full, differential, or incremental backups and restore options. It is intended for Linux environments where teams can operate self-hosted software and choose local, remote, or compatible object storage repositories.
What it does well
- Supports full, differential, and incremental backups at file or block level.
- Uses parallel processing and lz4 or zstd compression for backup and restore.
- Supports remote operations over TLS or SSH.
- Repositories can use S3, Azure, and GCS compatible object stores.
- Checks backup file integrity during restore or verification.
- Supports ten PostgreSQL versions.
What to know first
- Runs on Linux and is self-hosted.
- No free trial is offered.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| pgBackRest | Free and open source · MIT license · Personal or commercial use | Free |
As pgbackrest.org lists them, read 30 Sept 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Open the pgBackRest website.
- Choose the installation guide for Debian, Ubuntu, or RHEL.
- Install and run pgBackRest in a Linux self-hosted environment.
- Choose a local or remote repository, including a compatible S3, Azure, or GCS object store if needed.
Verdict
Choose pgBackRest for self-hosted PostgreSQL environments that need backup flexibility, remote operations, and object storage support. Its free MIT-licensed plan allows personal or commercial use. Look elsewhere if you need software for a platform other than Linux or a hosted deployment.
Questions
How much does pgBackRest cost?
The plan is free. It is free and open source under the MIT license for personal or commercial use.
Is there a free trial?
No. The listed free plan is available without a free trial.
Which databases and versions does it support?
pgBackRest supports PostgreSQL. The project says it supports ten versions: the five supported versions and the five latest end-of-life versions.
Which platforms can run pgBackRest?
It runs on Linux and is self-hosted. Installation guides are listed for Debian, Ubuntu, and RHEL.
What storage and recovery options does it provide?
It supports full, differential, and incremental backups, and point-in-time recovery. Repositories can use S3-, Azure-, and GCS-compatible object storage; restore verification is supported.
Facts from pgBackRest's own pages
- Backup types
- It supports full, differential, and incremental backups at file or block level. · pgbackrest.org, 30 Sept 2026
- Current release
- The site identifies v2.59.2 as the current stable release, released September 27, 2026. · pgbackrest.org, 30 Sept 2026
- Encryption
- pgBackRest can encrypt its repository to secure backups wherever they are stored. · pgbackrest.org, 30 Sept 2026
- Integrity
- It calculates checksums for every backup file and rechecks them during restore or verify. · pgbackrest.org, 30 Sept 2026
- Linux guides
- The user guide index lists installation guides for Debian and Ubuntu, and for RHEL. · pgbackrest.org, 30 Sept 2026
- Parallel processing
- Parallel processing and compression algorithms including lz4 and zstd are used for backup and restore operations. · pgbackrest.org, 30 Sept 2026
- PostgreSQL compatibility
- The site says pgBackRest supports ten PostgreSQL versions: the five supported versions and the last five end-of-life versions. · pgbackrest.org, 30 Sept 2026
- Purpose
- pgBackRest is a backup and restore solution for PostgreSQL designed to scale to large databases and workloads. · pgbackrest.org, 30 Sept 2026
- Remote operation
- A custom protocol supports local or remote backup, restore, and archiving via TLS or SSH. · pgbackrest.org, 30 Sept 2026
- Storage integrations
- Repositories can use S3, Azure, and GCS compatible object stores. · pgbackrest.org, 30 Sept 2026
- Support
- Bug reports can be submitted, and the site says sponsors offer products and services that include pgBackRest support. · pgbackrest.org, 30 Sept 2026
- Tampering recovery
- With versioned object storage, it can read a repository as of a point in time; the page also mentions S3 object locking and Azure or GCS soft delete as additional tampering protection. · pgbackrest.org, 30 Sept 2026
Where pgBackRest stands on Freedom251
- Database Backup Software#20 of 27