gitlab-backup

At a glance

• Editor score
  7.9 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  GitLab teams needing export and import workflows
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  None
• Issue backup
  Yes
• Facts checked
  29 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Exports individual projects or groups through GitLab’s native export API
  • Supports local or Amazon S3 archives, with optional age encryption
  • Restores through GitLab’s Import/Export API with empty-target validation

• Where it doesn't

  • Focused on GitLab as its source platform
  • Requires command-line and self-hosted operation
  • Scheduling and retention policies are not specified

Our verdict on gitlab-backup

gitlab-backup is an open-source Go command-line tool for exporting GitLab projects or groups and restoring archives to GitLab. It fits teams that want a self-hosted backup workflow across Linux, macOS, or Windows, from small teams to enterprise organizations. Its scope is GitLab-centered: exports use GitLab’s native API, and the companion gitlab-restore command imports through GitLab’s Import/Export API. This makes it a practical fit for GitLab teams that need project or group transfer and recovery workflows rather than a general-purpose backup service.

The workflow covers more than archive creation. Archives can be written to a local folder or Amazon S3, and optional age encryption can be applied before storage. Configurable pre-backup and post-backup hooks allow teams to attach their own steps, while API rate limiting and concurrent group exports offer control over export behavior. The listed category capabilities include issue, pull request, and wiki backup. For restore, the tool supports local or S3 archive sources, progress reporting, and checks that destination projects are empty, with optional overwrite. These features make the restore path an important part of the product rather than an afterthought.

Because the product is open source with a free plan, there are no paid tiers to compare; teams should account for operating and maintaining a self-hosted CLI workflow. Support is through documentation and the community. The published scope does not specify scheduling or retention policies, so teams that require managed recurring jobs or retention controls should assess whether to supply those processes themselves or choose a different tool. Choose gitlab-backup when GitLab-native export/import, storage control, and restore validation matter; look elsewhere for broader source-platform coverage or built-in scheduling and retention.

gitlab-backup pricing

gitlab-backup fact sheet

gitlab-backup integrations

gitlab-backup lists 2 integrations on its own site.

• GitLab
• Amazon S3

Alternatives to gitlab-backup

• HYCU R-CloudBroad data protection with recovery controls, but Git-specific coverage is unclear.7.9
• Rewind BackupsA broad SaaS backup service with daily backups and point-in-time restores, not a Git-only tool.7.9
• SpinOneBroad SaaS protection, but Git hosting coverage is not established.7.9

See all gitlab-backup alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

gitlab-backup is listed in our Git Backup Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/gitlab-backup/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/gitlab-backup.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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. How we rank.

Last updated 9 Oct 2026 · How we research and update