Snapper
Snapper: Open-source Btrfs snapshot management for scheduled timelines and system rollback on Linux. Ranked #17 of 24 in System Restore Software by our editors (6.4/10); pricing: Free plan; best for linux users wanting scheduled filesystem snapshots.
At a glance
- Editor score6.4 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forLinux users wanting scheduled filesystem snapshots
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Restore triggerManual
- Facts checked20 Oct 2026
Where it wins
- Hourly timeline snapshots with automatic retention cleanup
- Compare snapshots, inspect changed files, and revert differences
- Pre/post snapshots integrate with YaST and Zypper operations
Where it doesn't
- Linux-only and self-hosted deployment
- Restore trigger is manual
- No central management, kiosk mode, or classroom controls
Our verdict on Snapper
Snapper is an open-source Linux tool for creating, deleting, comparing, and rolling back filesystem snapshots. It fits users and teams that manage Linux systems themselves and want scheduled filesystem protection without a hosted service. Btrfs is its primary integration, while command-line and D-Bus interfaces support administration and automation. The published product details also describe support for other snapshot backends when enabled by the build configuration.
Its standout capability is a timeline that can create snapshots hourly, paired with retention limits and automatic cleanup. Users can inspect changed files between snapshots, revert differences, or roll back system state. Snapper also creates pre- and post-snapshots around YaST and Zypper operations, giving package and administration changes a defined comparison point. These functions make it suited to Linux environments where reviewing or reversing system changes is part of routine maintenance.
Snapper remains a focused, self-hosted utility rather than a centrally managed restore service. The category specifications define restoration as manual and rollback scope as the system, so teams seeking policy-driven orchestration or narrower application-level recovery should evaluate alternatives. It also has no kiosk mode or classroom controls, and its Linux-only platform limits cross-platform deployments. Choose Snapper when Btrfs snapshots, scheduled timelines, cleanup, and YaST/Zypper hooks match your Linux workflow; look elsewhere if you need centralized administration, hosted deployment, or broader platform coverage.
Your product? Our editors can test Snapper in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Snapper pricing
Snapper fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Restore trigger | Manual |
| Rollback scope | System |
| Protected devices | Not verified |
| Platform support | Not verified |
| Kiosk mode | No |
| Classroom controls | No |
| Central management | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 3 integrations: Btrfs, YaST, Zypper |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | snapper.io |
| Facts checked | 20 Oct 2026 |
Snapper integrations
Snapper lists 3 integrations on its own site.
- Btrfs
- YaST
- Zypper
Alternatives to Snapper
- Microsoft System RestoreA free Windows utility for rolling back system changes while preserving personal files.9.1
- Unified Write FilterEnterprise Windows write filtering that resets protected volumes on reboot.9.0
- Phantosys vDiskA centralized virtual-disk rollback system for Windows and Linux fleets.7.9
See all Snapper alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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