Database backups are critical for any production environment. When it comes to PostgreSQL, choosing the right backup tool can mean the difference between a quick recovery and hours of downtime. This article explores the top 10 PostgreSQL backup tools in 2026, ranked by their GitHub popularity and community adoption. In the article listed open source tools only which can be self hosted or used without commercial licenses.

1. Databasus (4.6k stars)

Databasus is a modern, user-friendly PostgreSQL backup solution that focuses on simplicity and automation. It provides a clean web interface for managing backups, scheduling and monitoring. This project received large popularity in 2025 and now becoming an industry standard for PostgreSQL ecosystem. Written in Go.

Website: https://databasus.com

GitHub: https://github.com/databasus/databasus

Key features:

Best for: Individuals, teamd and companies looking for an all-in-one solution with a modern interface and minimal configuration. Ideal for organizations that want to manage backups across multiple databases from a single platform.

2. WAL-G (3.9k stars)

WAL-G is an archival restoration tool for PostgreSQL that extends the functionality of WAL-E. Written in Go, it offers better performance and more features than its predecessor. Now developed inside Microsoft.

Website: https://wal-g.readthedocs.io/

GitHub: https://github.com/wal-g/wal-g

Key features:

Best for: Organizations running large PostgreSQL databases in cloud environments who need efficient incremental backups with minimal storage overhead.

3. pgBackRest (3.5k stars)

pgBackRest is a reliable backup and restore solution designed specifically for PostgreSQL. It's known for its performance and robustness in enterprise environments.

Website: https://pgbackrest.org

GitHub: https://github.com/pgbackrest/pgbackrest

Key features:

Best for: Enterprise environments requiring reliable, high-performance backups with strong data integrity guarantees. Particularly suited for large databases where backup speed matters.

4. WAL-E (3.5k stars)

WAL-E is one of the original continuous archiving solutions for PostgreSQL. While newer tools like WAL-G have emerged, WAL-E remains popular due to its stability and proven track record.

GitHub: https://github.com/wal-e/wal-e

Key features:

Best for: Organizations seeking a stable, proven solution with extensive production history. Good choice for teams already familiar with WAL-E's workflow.

5. Barman (2.7k stars)

Barman (Backup and Recovery Manager) is an open-source administration tool for disaster recovery of PostgreSQL servers. Developed by EnterpriseDB, it's designed for enterprise-grade backup management.

Website: https://pgbarman.org

GitHub: https://github.com/EnterpriseDB/barman

Key features:

Best for: Organizations managing multiple PostgreSQL instances who need centralized backup management with enterprise-level features and support.

6. pgBackWeb (2.5k stars)

pgBackWeb is a modern, self-hosted web interface for managing PostgreSQL backups. It emphasizes ease of use and provides a clean, intuitive dashboard.

GitHub: https://github.com/eduardolat/pgbackweb

Key features:

Best for: Small to medium-sized teams who want a straightforward backup solution with a modern web interface. Perfect for developers who prefer GUI over command-line tools.

7. PGHoard (1.4k stars)

PGHoard is a PostgreSQL backup daemon and restore tool developed by Aiven. It focuses on cloud-native backup strategies and integrates well with modern cloud infrastructure.

Website: https://aiven-open.github.io/pghoard/

GitHub: https://github.com/Aiven-Open/pghoard

Key features:

Best for: Cloud-native applications running on Kubernetes or container platforms. Excellent choice for teams already using Aiven services or Prometheus monitoring.

8. docker-postgres-backup-local (1.1k stars)

This tool provides automated backup solutions specifically designed for PostgreSQL databases running in Docker containers. It's simple, lightweight and purpose-built for containerized environments.

GitHub: https://github.com/prodrigestivill/docker-postgres-backup-local

Key features:

Best for: Development and production environments using Docker. Perfect for teams running PostgreSQL in containers who want a plug-and-play backup solution.

9. pg_probackup (776 stars)

pg_probackup is a backup and recovery manager for PostgreSQL developed by Postgres Professional. It provides enterprise-grade features with a focus on performance and reliability.

Website: https://postgrespro.github.io/pg_probackup/

GitHub: https://github.com/postgrespro/pg_probackup

Key features:

Best for: Organizations requiring advanced backup features like backup merging and validation. Good fit for enterprise PostgreSQL deployments with strict recovery objectives.

10. postgres-backup-s3 (659 stars)

A straightforward Docker image for backing up PostgreSQL databases to AWS S3. It's designed for simplicity and focuses on doing one thing well.

GitHub: https://github.com/eeshugerman/postgres-backup-s3

Key features:

Best for: Teams using AWS infrastructure who want a simple, no-frills backup solution. Ideal for smaller deployments where simplicity is more important than advanced features.

Choosing the right backup tool

Selecting the right PostgreSQL backup tool depends on your specific needs:

For enterprise environments with multiple databases and strict SLAs, consider Databasus, Barman or pgBackWeb. These tools offer ability to manage backups for multiple databases from a single platform.

For cloud-native deployments, WAL-G, PGHoard or Databasus provide excellent integration with cloud storage and modern infrastructure patterns.

For Docker environments, docker-postgres-backup-local or postgres-backup-s3 offer simple, containerized solutions that integrate seamlessly with your existing Docker setup.

For teams prioritizing user experience, Databasus and pgBackWeb provide modern web interfaces that make backup management accessible to team members who prefer GUIs over command-line tools.

For budget-conscious operations, tools like WAL-G, pgBackRest and Databasus offer excellent features without licensing costs while maintaining strong community support.

Conclusion

The PostgreSQL backup landscape in 2026 offers diverse solutions for every use case. Whether you're running a single database or managing a fleet of PostgreSQL servers, there's a tool that fits your requirements.

Remember that the best backup tool is the one you'll actually use consistently. Consider factors like your team's expertise, infrastructure setup, budget and recovery time objectives when making your choice. Most importantly, test your backups regularly — an untested backup is no backup at all.

All tools mentioned in this article are open source and actively maintained, making them reliable choices for production environments. Start with the tool that best matches your current infrastructure and scale up as your needs grow.