Stash review

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Stash is a Kubernetes-native backup and recovery operator from AppsCode for teams managing Kubernetes workloads across public or private clouds. It covers workload volumes, standalone persistent volumes, databases, virtual machines, and Kubernetes resource definitions. Its open-source availability and self-hosted deployment model make it particularly suitable for teams that want control over backup infrastructure and storage rather than a fully managed service.

BackupConfiguration custom resources define targets, schedules, retention policies, and storage repositories declaratively. Stash supports Kubernetes volume backup and restore, PersistentVolumeClaim and PersistentVolume protection, resource YAML backup, database backup and restore, and application-consistent workflows. Restic and CSI VolumeSnapshotter drivers provide different backup paths, while pre- and post-backup hooks support workflow coordination. AES-256 encryption, content-defined chunking for deduplication, automatic snapshot cleanup, and Prometheus monitoring add operational controls. Storage options include AWS S3, MinIO, Google Cloud Storage, Azure Blob Storage, OpenStack Swift, DigitalOcean Spaces, Backblaze B2, REST server, and Kubernetes persistent volumes. Database integrations include MariaDB, Redis, PostgreSQL, MySQL, and MongoDB.

The free open-source or community edition is the clearest value option, and a 30-day license is available without a credit card. Silver adds self-service support, quarterly updates, and onboarding support. Gold adds 8x5 coverage, five incident tickets per month, and private Discord chat. Platinum adds 24x7 coverage, 16 incident tickets per month, and phone support. Stash fits teams comfortable operating Kubernetes-native tooling and choosing their own storage backend. Teams seeking a hosted backup service or support-led operations should look elsewhere, while teams prioritizing declarative control and broad Kubernetes coverage have a focused option.

Stash pros and cons

• Where it wins
  • Backs up volumes, databases, resources, and applications consistently
  • Supports encryption, deduplication, retention policies, and cleanup
  • Works with major cloud, on-premises, and Kubernetes-backed storage options
• Where it doesn't
  • Self-hosted deployment leaves infrastructure operation with the team
  • Support coverage and incident limits vary by paid plan
  • Paid tiers focus on support rather than additional backup capabilities

Stash fact sheet, pricing and score →

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. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update