Velero
Velero: A broad open-source toolkit for Kubernetes backup, recovery, and cluster migration. Ranked #16 of 32 in Kubernetes Backup Software by our editors (7.5/10); pricing: Open source; best for open-source Kubernetes backup and migration.
At a glance
- Editor score7.5 / 10
- PricingOpen source
- Best forOpen-source Kubernetes backup and migration
- Paid fromFree
- Application consistencyBoth
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Backs up resources and persistent volumes with scheduled jobs
- Supports snapshots, file-system backups, hooks, and custom expiration
- Integrates with major clouds, storage platforms, and S3-compatible storage
Where it doesn't
- Immutable backups are not supported in its category profile
- Requires installation inside a Kubernetes cluster
- Provider plugins may be needed for snapshots and storage targets
Our verdict on Velero
Velero is an open-source Kubernetes tool for backing up and restoring cluster resources and persistent volumes. It is designed for Kubernetes operators and platform teams managing workloads across cloud or on-premises environments. Its scope includes disaster recovery, cluster migration, scheduled backups, volume snapshots, file-system backups, and command hooks that run before or after backup operations.
Velero’s provider-plugin model gives it broad ecosystem coverage. Integrations include Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure, VMware vSphere, Alibaba Cloud, DigitalOcean, OpenStack, Portworx, Storj, and S3-compatible object storage. Persistent-volume snapshots can use provider plugins or CSI, while file-system backup covers pod-attached volumes. Namespace and label selection helps teams define backup scope, and cron expressions support recurring schedules. This makes Velero a fit for mixed infrastructure and teams that need to move workloads between clusters.
The feature set also covers backup TTL and configurable expiration, pre- and post-backup hooks, cross-cluster restore, and both application-consistent and crash-consistent backup approaches. Velero is installed into a Kubernetes cluster and uses object storage, with optional block-storage or CSI snapshot providers, so its deployment depends on the surrounding storage design. Its category profile does not support immutable backups, and its documentation notes that some object-storage immutability configurations may affect expected backup behavior. Choose Velero for open-source control, migration capability, and provider flexibility; consider an alternative if immutable backup workflows are central to your requirements.
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Velero pricing
Velero fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Application consistency | Both |
| Persistent volume backup | Yes |
| Cross-cluster restore | Yes |
| Backup frequency | Scheduled |
| Retention options | Custom |
| Immutable backups | No |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 10 integrations: Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure, VMware vSphere, Alibaba Cloud, DigitalOcean … See all → |
| Pricing | Open source |
| Website | velero.io |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Velero integrations
Velero lists 10 integrations on its own site.
- Amazon Web Services
- Google Cloud Platform
- Microsoft Azure
- VMware vSphere
- Alibaba Cloud
- DigitalOcean
- OpenStack
- Portworx
- Storj
- S3-compatible object storage
Alternatives to Velero
- Veeam Kasten for KubernetesA broad Kubernetes protection platform with a useful free tier and enterprise coverage.9.4
- Rubrik for KubernetesPolicy-driven, immutable Kubernetes protection with cross-cluster recovery and threat monitoring.9.2
- Commvault Kubernetes Data ProtectionBroad Kubernetes protection for enterprises managing varied clusters and storage environments.9.0
Also Ranked In
Velero is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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