Relax-and-Recover review
A specialized, free Linux framework for bootable system recovery and migration.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Relax-and-Recover, also known as ReaR, is an open-source disaster recovery framework for Linux system administrators. It creates bootable recovery images that can recreate a system’s storage layout, restore data, and reinstall the boot loader on replacement hardware. Recovery can target physical systems or virtual environments, including some migrations to dissimilar hardware or virtualization environments when architecture and operating-system compatibility allow. Its scope covers both computer and server backup, with a strong focus on bare-metal recovery rather than routine file backup alone.
The published pricing model is free and GPLv3-licensed. ReaR includes tar and rsync backup and restore methods, while its recovery workflow supports ISO, PXE, OBDR tape, USB, and eSATA media. During recovery, it can recreate disk partitions, filesystems, and mount points, and it supports software RAID, UEFI, GRUB, multipath storage, and block-device backup. Administrators can extend the workflow through modular shell scripts. Secrets are protected from debug logs by default and are normally excluded from rescue media, which is a useful design consideration for recovery environments.
ReaR fits organizations that already operate Linux systems and need a configurable disaster-recovery layer alongside existing backup infrastructure. Its integrations include Bacula, Bareos, Borg Backup, Commvault, Dell EMC Avamar, Dell EMC NetWorker, IBM Storage Protect, Rubrik Cloud Data Management, Veeam Backup, Veritas NetBackup, and others. Choose it when bootable system images, replacement-hardware recovery, or virtual recovery matter more than a broad cross-platform suite. Organizations seeking a general backup product across multiple operating systems, or teams without Linux administration experience, should consider a less specialized option.
Relax-and-Recover pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Creates bootable images for physical, virtual, and replacement-hardware recovery
- Recreates partitions, filesystems, mount points, and boot loaders
- Integrates with Bacula, Bareos, Borg, Veeam, NetBackup, and more
- Where it doesn't
- Linux-only, with distribution and architecture compatibility constraints
- Requires system-administration expertise and modular shell-script configuration
- More specialized than a general-purpose backup suite
Relax-and-Recover fact sheet, pricing and score →
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