pg_probackup
pg_probackup: A focused open-source choice for advanced PostgreSQL backup, retention and recovery. Ranked #8 of 27 in Database Backup Software by our editors (8.3/10); pricing: Free plan; best for advanced PostgreSQL retention and restores.
At a glance
- Editor score8.3 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forAdvanced PostgreSQL retention and restores
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Point-in-time recoveryYes
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Point-in-time recovery with WAL archives and continuous backup support
- Page-level incremental modes plus partial and incremental restore
- Validation, retention policies, deduplication and parallel operations
Where it doesn't
- Focused on PostgreSQL-family databases rather than broad database coverage
- Self-hosted command-line deployment requires database administration expertise
- No AI features or published paid plan structure
Our verdict on pg_probackup
pg_probackup is an open-source command-line utility for managing backups and recovery of PostgreSQL database clusters. It is designed for database administrators operating self-hosted PostgreSQL, Postgres Pro Standard, Postgres Pro Enterprise or Postgres Pro Shardman environments. Linux and Windows installers, as well as source code, support deployments where teams manage their own infrastructure and recovery processes.
Its strongest area is recovery control. Full and incremental backups are complemented by PAGE, DELTA and PTRACK page-level modes, while WAL archives support point-in-time recovery. Retention policies can be based on recovery time, backup count or TTL. Teams can also use incremental restore and partial restore, then validate backups and verify PostgreSQL instances. Compression, deduplication and parallel backup, restore, validation and maintenance operations add control for larger or more operationally demanding backup workflows.
The tool also fits environments that need operational flexibility: it supports remote operations, backups from standby servers, and a backup catalog with text and JSON metadata output. The published offering is free and open source, with no paid tier structure described. Its focus is intentionally narrow, so organizations running PostgreSQL-family deployments and seeking detailed retention and restore options should consider it. Teams seeking a managed service, a graphical backup product, broad support for multiple database systems or AI features should look elsewhere.
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pg_probackup pricing
pg_probackup fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Point-in-time recovery | Yes |
| Backup frequency | Continuous |
| Retention period | Not verified |
| Restore verification | Yes |
| Deployment model | Self_hosted |
| Supported databases | PostgreSQL; Postgres Pro Standard; Postgres Pro Enterprise; Postgres Pro Shardman |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Windows, Linux |
| Support | Docs, Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to pg_probackup
- DatabasusA flexible self-hosted backup tool with strong PostgreSQL recovery capabilities.9.4
- DBAegisA centralized, open-source option for backup operations across many database engines.9.2
- DatabasementA flexible open-source backup manager for teams comfortable operating self-hosted infrastructure.9.0
See all pg_probackup alternatives →
pg_probackup vs the competition
- pg_probackup vs Databasus
- pg_probackup vs DBAegis
- pg_probackup vs Databasement
- pg_probackup vs SqlBak
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- pg_probackup vs pgBackRest
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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