gitbackup review
A free command-line tool for selecting and cloning repositories across Git hosts.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
For individuals who want local copies of repositories across several Git hosting services, gitbackup is an open-source command-line tool distributed as downloadable binaries or a Docker container. It can clone from GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, and Forgejo, including GitHub Enterprise and custom GitLab or Forgejo host URLs. The choice of supported sources makes it useful for people who keep repositories across multiple hosts and want to choose what to copy rather than clone everything indiscriminately.
Repository selection is a central part of the tool’s scope. Depending on the platform, users can select repositories by owner, membership, or starred status, and filter out forked or private repositories. Backups go to a chosen directory, with an option to create bare clones. GitHub users can also create and download user or organization migration archives through GitHub’s Migration API. This archive mode is distinct from repository cloning; the product description does not establish it as a general backup of hosted issues, pull requests, or wikis. Buyers who need those records preserved as part of a broader hosted-project backup should compare tools that explicitly cover them.
The downloadable binary and container options suit different local or self-hosted environments, but access to repositories requires platform credentials or an OAuth flow. The published product information does not describe automated scheduling, retention policies, or a restore workflow, so gitbackup is better suited to users seeking repository clones than a managed backup lifecycle. It is a reasonable fit for individuals who can run a command-line tool and want free, filtered clones across the listed hosts; teams that need scheduled backups or verified coverage of hosted metadata should look elsewhere. Commercial support is offered by Common Loop Works Pty Ltd, while documentation is listed as a support channel.
gitbackup pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Clones repositories from GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, and Forgejo
- Supports custom GitLab and Forgejo hosts and GitHub Enterprise
- Offers repository selection filters and optional bare clones
- Where it doesn't
- Requires platform credentials or an OAuth flow
- Automated scheduling and retention policies are not specified
- Backup of issues, pull requests, and wikis is not verified
gitbackup fact sheet, pricing and score →
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