Bnkr
Bnkr: A free, focused option for scheduled Kubernetes file and database backups. Ranked #24 of 32 in Kubernetes Backup Software by our editors (6.7/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free Kubernetes file and database backups.
At a glance
- Editor score6.7 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFree Kubernetes file and database backups
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free and open source with no stated usage limit
- Backs up MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB
- Supports scheduled backups, restores, migrations, and S3
Where it doesn't
- Focused on selected Kubernetes data rather than entire clusters
- Self-hosted deployment requires operating the application
- Backup scope is narrower than full-cluster protection tools
Our verdict on Bnkr
Bnkr is a free, open-source Kubernetes backup and migration application distributed as a single binary. It is designed for Kubernetes operators who need to protect files from Pods, Deployments, and StatefulSets, along with data from MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB. The application supports web and self-hosted use, and its MIT license allows organizations to work with the project under that license. Its focus is selected data inside Kubernetes rather than complete cluster protection.
The published Free plan includes open-source access and no stated usage limit. Bnkr supports manual backup and restore, plus hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, and cron-based scheduling. Per-backup timezone configuration and email notifications for successful or failed backups and migrations add operational controls. Its integrations are closely aligned with its core scope: Kubernetes, four database systems, and S3. Bidirectional migration between Kubernetes, servers, and S3 also gives the product a broader role than backup alone, particularly for database migration and moving selected data between environments.
Bnkr is a sensible choice for teams seeking a focused, no-cost way to schedule and migrate Kubernetes files and common databases. It should appeal to organizations comfortable with self-hosted software and with defining backup coverage around specific workloads. The product is less suitable for buyers looking for whole-cluster protection or a broader disaster-recovery platform. Its published positioning centers on selected data, so it should be evaluated against requirements for cluster-wide recovery, especially where the backup strategy extends beyond the listed file and database targets.
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Bnkr pricing
Bnkr fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Application consistency | Not verified |
| Persistent volume backup | Not verified |
| Cross-cluster restore | Not verified |
| Backup frequency | Scheduled |
| Retention options | Not verified |
| Immutable backups | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 6 integrations: Kubernetes, MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, S3 |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | bnkr.is |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Bnkr integrations
Bnkr lists 6 integrations on its own site.
- Kubernetes
- MySQL
- MariaDB
- PostgreSQL
- MongoDB
- S3
Alternatives to Bnkr
- Veeam Kasten for KubernetesA broad Kubernetes protection platform with a useful free tier and enterprise coverage.9.4
- Rubrik for KubernetesPolicy-driven, immutable Kubernetes protection with cross-cluster recovery and threat monitoring.9.2
- Commvault Kubernetes Data ProtectionBroad Kubernetes protection for enterprises managing varied clusters and storage environments.9.0
Also Ranked In
Bnkr is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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