Bnkr
bnkr.is
What it is
Bnkr is a free, open-source Kubernetes backup and migration application focused on valuable data inside a cluster rather than the whole cluster. It backs up files in Pods, Deployments, and StatefulSets, plus MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB databases. Schedules can run hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, or through a cron formula, and manual backup and restore are available. Email notifications report successful or failed backups and migrations to multiple recipients. Bnkr describes bidirectional migration of files and supported databases between Kubernetes, servers, and S3. The project runs as a single-binary web server and can be deployed in Kubernetes with a service account able to access backup data. Its README recommends the official image because some dependencies are external tools. Bnkr is available on the web or for self-hosting, uses the MIT license, and lists more than 20 themes. The free plan is listed at free, with no usage limit stated.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- Bnkr is a Kubernetes backup and migration application.Read 9 Oct 2026 · bnkr.is
- Deployment
- The README says Bnkr can run as a Kubernetes deployment with a service account that has sufficient access to the data being backed up.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
- License
- The project README states that Bnkr is licensed under the MIT license.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Creator
- The official site credits Mohammed Al-Mahdawi as creator.Read 9 Oct 2026 · bnkr.is
- Database backups
- It supports backups for MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB.Read 9 Oct 2026 · bnkr.is
- File backups
- It backs up files in Pods, Deployments, and StatefulSets.Read 9 Oct 2026 · bnkr.is
- Implementation
- The project README describes Bnkr as a single binary application that runs as a web server and recommends its official image because some backup dependencies are external tools.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Migration
- Bnkr describes bidirectional migration of files and supported databases between Kubernetes, servers, and S3.Read 9 Oct 2026 · bnkr.is
- Notifications
- It sends email notifications for successful or failed backups and migrations, with support for multiple recipients.Read 9 Oct 2026 · bnkr.is
- Restore
- The site says Bnkr supports manual backup and restore.Read 9 Oct 2026 · bnkr.is
- Scheduling
- Backups can run hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, or on a cron formula.Read 9 Oct 2026 · bnkr.is
- Scope
- The README says Bnkr targets valuable data inside a Kubernetes cluster rather than backing up the whole cluster.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Themes
- The site says users can choose from more than 20 themes.Read 9 Oct 2026 · bnkr.is
Plans and prices
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Supports four database systems
- Flexible recurring backup schedules
- Manual backup and restore
- Bidirectional Kubernetes, server, and S3 migration
- MIT-licensed and self-hostable
Limits
- Targets cluster data, not whole-cluster backup
- Some backup dependencies are external tools
- No usage limit is stated, not guaranteed
- Requires service-account access to backup data
Who it suits
It suits Kubernetes users who need scheduled backups and migration for selected files and supported databases. Teams preferring self-hosting, web access, or MIT-licensed software can deploy it accordingly.
Verdict
Bnkr provides focused Kubernetes data backup, restore, notifications, and migration without a stated usage cap on its free plan. Its scope is valuable in-cluster data, so whole-cluster protection is outside the stated target.
Where Specifiction places it
- Container Backup Software#10 of 287.8
- Kubernetes Backup Software#13 of 317.8