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pg_probackup

github.com

Free plan WindowsLinuxSelf-hosted
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Spec score 7.6 #18 of 27 in Database Backup Software

What it is

pg_probackup is a free utility for backing up and recovering PostgreSQL database clusters. It supports full backups and page-level incremental DELTA, PAGE, and PTRACK modes, along with incremental and partial restores. Point-in-time recovery uses WAL archives. The utility can check data consistency automatically, validate backups on demand, and verify PostgreSQL instances with checkdb. Retention policies can use recovery time, backup count, or a time-to-live value; expired backups can be merged or deleted. Backup, restore, merge, delete, validation, and checkdb tasks can run on multiple threads. It supports remote PostgreSQL instances and backups from standby servers. Postgres Pro Enterprise edition supports S3 storage through MinIO, Amazon S3, and VK Cloud. The repository lists compatibility with PostgreSQL 13 through 18. Linux packages and Windows installers are available. Remote backup over SSH is not supported on Windows, and SSH operations require matching local and remote pg_probackup versions. The license permits use, copying, modification, and distribution without a fee, but disclaims maintenance, support, updates, and warranties.

Spec sheet

Purpose
pg_probackup manages backup and recovery of PostgreSQL database clusters.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Support
Postgres Professional offers 24x7x365 technical support for Postgres Pro, including Tier 2 and Tier 3 assistance.Read 30 Sep 2026 · postgrespro.com
License
The software may be used, copied, modified, and distributed for any purpose without fee, while the license disclaims maintenance, support, updates, and warranties.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Backup modes
It supports full backups and page-level incremental DELTA, PAGE, and PTRACK backups.Read 30 Sep 2026 · postgrespro.github.io
Cloud storage
The Postgres Pro Enterprise edition supports S3 storage through MinIO, Amazon S3, and VK Cloud, transferring backup data without intermediate storage.Read 30 Sep 2026 · postgrespro.com
Installation
Windows installers are provided in release assets and Linux installation packages are documented.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Notable limits
Remote backup through SSH is not supported on Windows, and remote and local pg_probackup versions must match for SSH operations.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Parallelization
Backup, restore, merge, delete, validate, and checkdb operations can run on multiple parallel threads.Read 30 Sep 2026 · postgrespro.github.io
PostgreSQL compatibility
The repository states compatibility with PostgreSQL 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Recovery
It supports incremental restore, partial restore, and point-in-time recovery using WAL archives.Read 30 Sep 2026 · postgrespro.github.io
Remote operations
The utility supports backing up or restoring PostgreSQL instances on remote systems.Read 30 Sep 2026 · postgrespro.github.io
Retention
Retention policies can be based on recovery time, backup count, or a backup time-to-live value, with expired backups merged or deleted.Read 30 Sep 2026 · postgrespro.github.io
Standby backups
Backups can be taken from a standby server to avoid extra load on the master.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Validation
It provides automatic data consistency checks, on-demand backup validation, and PostgreSQL instance verification with checkdb.Read 30 Sep 2026 · postgrespro.github.io

Plans and prices

Community Edition Free Backup and recovery utility · PostgreSQL clusters Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com

Every pg_probackup plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Supports full and page-level incremental backups.
  • Point-in-time recovery uses WAL archives.
  • Backup validation and instance verification are available.
  • Operations can run across multiple threads.
  • Free to use, copy, modify, and distribute.

Limits

  • SSH remote backup is unsupported on Windows.
  • SSH operations require matching local and remote versions.
  • The license disclaims maintenance, support, updates, and warranties.

Who it suits

It suits PostgreSQL administrators who need configurable backups, validation, and point-in-time or partial recovery. It can also fit deployments that need remote operations or standby-server backups, subject to the SSH and Windows limits.

Verdict

pg_probackup offers a broad set of PostgreSQL backup, retention, and restore options at no fee. Check the SSH constraints and the license’s support and warranty disclaimers before choosing it.

Where Specifiction places it

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