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Head-to-head · Container Backup Software

Afi Kubernetes Backup vs Velero

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score Afi Kubernetes Backup #3 in Container Backup Software 9.2/10 14-day trial Free trial✓ 1 of 4 features Visit Afi
Velero #8 in Container Backup Software 8.7/10 Open source ✓ 1 of 4 features Visit Velero

Afi Kubernetes Backup leads on 0 checks, Velero on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreAfi Kubernetes Backup · 9.2/10
  • Free trialonly Afi Kubernetes Backup

Afi Kubernetes Backup scores higher on our rubric for container backup software: 9.2 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #8.

Afi Kubernetes Backup is the better fit for managed multi-cluster Kubernetes backup. Velero is the better fit for flexible open-source Kubernetes backup.

  • Afi Kubernetes Backup fits best

    Managed multi-cluster Kubernetes backup

  • Velero fits best

    Flexible open-source Kubernetes backup

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Afi Kubernetes Backup 9.2/10 Visit ↗ Velero 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.7
Ranking #3 in Container Backup Software #8 in Container Backup Software
Best for Managed multi-cluster Kubernetes backup Flexible open-source Kubernetes backup
Pricing model Paid Free
Starting price $60/unit/mo Open source
Free plan Not checked yet Not checked yet
Free trial 14 days —
Deployment Cloud, Self-hosted Self-hosted
Platforms Web Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Email, Tickets, Docs · 24/7 Community, Docs
Integrations 7 integrations 10 integrations
Built for Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Afi Kubernetes Backup 1/4 · Velero 1/4
Kubernetes support Not checked yet Not checked yet
Persistent volume backup ✓ ✓
Cluster resource backup Not checked yet Not checked yet
App-consistent backup Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Deployment model Not checked yet Not checked yet
Maximum retention Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Application-aware backup with persistent-volume and database protection
  • Cross-cluster recovery and granular namespace restoration
  • Centralized portal, encryption, API access, and broad integrations
  • Backs up cluster resources, persistent volumes, and pod-attached files
  • Supports scheduled backups, hooks, TTLs, and label-based selection
  • Works with major clouds, VMware, OpenStack, and S3-compatible storage
Cons
  • Node licensing costs $140 per node each month
  • Backup storage costs $60 per terabyte each month
  • A 14-day trial limits the evaluation window
  • Immutable backups are not verified
  • Requires installation inside a Kubernetes cluster
  • Advanced storage protection depends on provider plugins or CSI
Our verdict

Afi Kubernetes Backup is a paid service for protecting Kubernetes cluster configurations, application namespaces, persistent volumes, and databases. It is designed for organizations running managed Kubernetes on AWS, Microsoft Azure, or…

Read the review →

Velero is an open-source tool for backing up and restoring Kubernetes cluster resources and persistent volumes. It is designed for Kubernetes operators and platform teams managing workloads across cloud or on-premises environments. The…

Read the review →
  1. Afi Kubernetes BackupContainer Backup Software 9.214-day trial
  2. VeleroContainer Backup Software 8.7Open source

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Afi Kubernetes Backup — where it wins

    • Application-aware backup with persistent-volume and database protection
    • Cross-cluster recovery and granular namespace restoration
    • Centralized portal, encryption, API access, and broad integrations

    Where it doesn't

    • Node licensing costs $140 per node each month
    • Backup storage costs $60 per terabyte each month
    • A 14-day trial limits the evaluation window

  • Velero — where it wins

    • Backs up cluster resources, persistent volumes, and pod-attached files
    • Supports scheduled backups, hooks, TTLs, and label-based selection
    • Works with major clouds, VMware, OpenStack, and S3-compatible storage

    Where it doesn't

    • Immutable backups are not verified
    • Requires installation inside a Kubernetes cluster
    • Advanced storage protection depends on provider plugins or CSI
  • Afi Kubernetes Backup9.2/10 · 14-day trial

    A capable multi-cluster Kubernetes backup service with separate node and storage fees.

    Visit AfiFull verdict →
  • Velero8.7/10 · Open source

    A flexible Kubernetes backup tool with broad provider support and no verified immutable backups.

    Visit VeleroFull verdict →

More comparisons

All container backup software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update