Bnkr review
A free, focused option for scheduled Kubernetes file and database backups.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
Bnkr pros and cons
- 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
Bnkr fact sheet, pricing and score →
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