DBDock

DBDock is a database toolkit for operators who need backup and restore workflows across several engines, or a migration between MongoDB and PostgreSQL. It is most compelling for people comfortable with a self-hosted CLI; its breadth comes with setup requirements that make it less suited to plug-and-play deployments.

Overview

The free, MIT-licensed CLI combines backups and restores for PostgreSQL, MySQL/MariaDB, SQL Server, and Redis with a specific two-way migration path between MongoDB and PostgreSQL. That mix suits environments with varied database estates, particularly when a project needs to move between document and relational data. It is not a general-purpose migration suite across every supported backup engine.

DBDock uses a hybrid model: the CLI runs self-hosted, while DBDock Cloud offers a managed dashboard with scheduled jobs, managed storage, teams, and alerts. Cloud Sync sends non-secret metadata, while database passwords, storage keys, encryption secrets, and webhook URLs stay on the user's machine. That boundary is useful for teams that want cloud coordination without transferring those credentials.

Key features

Backups, restores, and migration

The CLI handles backups and restores for four database families, with cron-based automation and email and Slack notifications. MongoDB-to-PostgreSQL and PostgreSQL-to-MongoDB migrations include schema mapping, dry runs, and incremental sync, which can help teams assess and continue a cross-database move. PostgreSQL backups require PostgreSQL client tools, an extra dependency to account for on each relevant machine.

Storage and security

Storage can use local disk, AWS S3, Cloudflare R2, Cloudinary, or managed DBDock Storage. This gives operators several ways to fit backup destinations to their existing setup, though the range alone does not remove the work of configuring storage. The project lists AES-256-GCM encryption with PBKDF2 key derivation, credential masking, and.pgpass support. A TypeScript SDK also provides programmatic access from Node.js applications.

Pricing

The Open-source CLI plan costs nothing. It is MIT-licensed, self-hosted, and described as free forever; the plan supports custom backup frequency. For operators able to manage the CLI themselves, it avoids a subscription cost while retaining the core backup, restore, and migration workflows.

DBDock Cloud is a managed dashboard, but no separate price is established for it, so readers considering its managed features should expect custom pricing. The CLI requires Node.js 18 or newer, and PostgreSQL backups additionally require PostgreSQL client tools; those dependencies are part of the practical deployment cost even when the software itself is free.

Platforms

DBDock lists API, Linux, macOS, self-hosted, web, and Windows support, alongside a hybrid deployment model. The self-hosted CLI is the core tool; the web platform corresponds to the managed cloud dashboard. Node.js 18 or newer is required for the CLI, which may be a poor fit for environments that cannot accommodate that runtime.

Who it's for

DBDock is a strong fit for operators who want a no-cost, self-hosted toolkit spanning several backup targets and need the MongoDB–PostgreSQL migration route. Teams that value cron scheduling, notifications, and multiple storage choices can use it to assemble a workflow around their own infrastructure. It is less suitable for users seeking a managed, installation-free backup service or a migration tool for database pairs beyond the stated MongoDB and PostgreSQL path.

Pros and cons

Pros: One free MIT-licensed CLI covers backup and restore for PostgreSQL, MySQL/MariaDB, SQL Server, and Redis, reducing the need to select a separate tool for each of those engines.

Pros: Two-way MongoDB–PostgreSQL migration includes schema mapping, dry runs, and incremental sync, a meaningful option for teams moving between those database types.

Pros: Local and several cloud storage choices, cron automation, and email and Slack notifications allow operators to shape backup workflows around their infrastructure.

Cons: Node.js 18 or newer is required, and PostgreSQL backups need PostgreSQL client tools, adding installation and maintenance work.

Cons: The migration support is specifically MongoDB and PostgreSQL; teams moving between other engine combinations should look elsewhere.

Alternatives

MySQL is worth considering when the priority is a MySQL-centered database platform with replication and high-availability components rather than DBDock's multi-engine backup CLI and MongoDB–PostgreSQL migration route.

SqlBak may suit users who want a web-accessible backup service with a defined free tier: its Free plan covers one server, two databases, one-month backup history, and server-down alerts every 60 minutes. Choose DBDock instead when its broader engine coverage or migration features matter more than those explicit caps.

Quemsi is an alternative for readers who prioritize an open-source agent they can audit, modify, or build from source.

SQLBackupAndFTP is a Windows-only alternative for readers specifically seeking Windows database backup software.

Database Vault may fit users who prefer a web service with weekly automated backups, seven-day retention, and a one-gigabyte total storage allowance on its Free plan; DBDock offers a self-hosted CLI and a wider stated set of backup engines.

Percona Backup for MongoDB is a focused alternative for readers seeking a free, self-hosted MongoDB backup tool.

Redgate SQL Provision is a paid option to consider when provisioning or masking production data by capacity tier is the priority.

WAL-G is another free, open-source archiving and restoration tool for readers who prefer its Apache License 2.0 licensing (LZO support uses GPL 3.0+).

Browse Database Backup Software or Database Documentation Tools for more options.

Verdict

Choose DBDock if you want a free, self-hosted CLI that combines multi-engine backups and restores with a MongoDB–PostgreSQL migration path. Its breadth and flexible storage options are the main reasons to pick it; look elsewhere if you need a managed-first service, cannot support its Node.js and PostgreSQL tool requirements, or need migrations beyond those two databases.