Velero

Velero is an open-source tool for backing up and restoring Kubernetes resources and persistent volumes, supporting disaster recovery and cluster migration. Teams can back up a whole cluster or select resources by namespace or label, then schedule recurring backups and run pre- or post-backup hooks for custom operations. Velero can restore after data loss or move resources between clusters, including replicating production clusters to development and test environments. It has a server running on a Kubernetes cluster and a command-line client that runs locally. Maintainer-supported storage plugins cover AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, and VMware vSphere, with additional community-maintained plugins. It can run in cloud or on-premises environments using object storage and optionally supported block storage. Installation requires a Kubernetes cluster, kubectl, a compatible object storage provider, and at least one plugin; file system backup is not installed by default. Velero is free and has community support through GitHub and Kubernetes Slack.

Velero provides a free, open-source option for Kubernetes backup, restore, and migration. Teams should account for its cluster, storage, and plugin requirements during setup.

Velero suits teams operating Kubernetes clusters that need backup, restore, disaster recovery, migration, or replication to development and test clusters.

Overview

Velero is open-source software for backing up, restoring and moving Kubernetes resources and persistent volumes. It is best suited to teams already running Kubernetes that need cluster recovery or cross-cluster replication. Its configurable backup scope and plugin system are useful, but setup depends on a cluster, compatible object storage and at least one plugin.

Key features

Teams can back up a whole cluster or narrow coverage to namespaces and label-matched resources. That flexibility supports both broad disaster recovery and targeted protection, but operators must decide which resources need coverage and configure backups accordingly.

Recurring schedules and pre- and post-backup hooks support repeatable backup workflows and custom operations. Velero can restore a cluster after data loss and move resources between clusters, including replicating production resources to development and test environments. These capabilities make it a practical fit for teams that need recovery as well as migration, though they still depend on the surrounding Kubernetes and storage setup.

Persistent-volume backups are supported, including CSI-backed volumes through Kubernetes CSI Snapshot APIs. CSI backup and restore require the relevant cluster and driver prerequisites, so teams should check compatibility before relying on that path.

Velero pairs a server running in the Kubernetes cluster with a command-line client run locally. Maintainer-supported plugins cover AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure and VMware vSphere, with community-maintained plugins adding options. The plugin architecture allows teams to add storage integrations and custom backup or restore functions without changing the core binary. Cloud and on-premises deployments are supported, using object storage and, optionally, supported block-storage systems.

Installation requires at least one plugin, and file system backup is not installed by default. Velero can work with storage providers using self-signed certificates and supports alternate identity mechanisms that avoid a credentials file. However, some object-storage immutability settings may interfere with backups because Velero needs to update backup metadata.

Pricing

Velero costs nothing. The plan is an open-source tool for cloud or on-premises use, with persistent-volume backup, both application-consistency options, cross-cluster restore, scheduled backups and custom retention. It has no immutable-backup capability. There are no paid tiers or seat-based limits in the stated plan, but teams must supply Kubernetes and storage-provider plugins and handle the operational setup themselves.

Platforms

Velero supports API, Linux, macOS, self-hosted and Windows environments. The CLI has releases for macOS and Windows, but Windows workload backups still require at least one Linux node to run the Velero server. Basic installation also requires access to a Kubernetes cluster, kubectl and a compatible object storage provider.

Who it's for

Velero suits Kubernetes operators who need scheduled backups, recovery after data loss, disaster recovery or resource migration between clusters. It is particularly relevant to teams that want to replicate production resources into development or test clusters and can manage the required plugins and storage configuration. It is a weaker fit for organizations seeking a managed backup service or immutable backups.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Backup scope can be set at cluster, namespace or label level, letting operators tailor protection to their workloads.
• Pros: Scheduled backups, hooks, restore and cross-cluster migration support recurring protection and recovery workflows in one open-source tool.
• Pros: Maintainer-supported and community plugins, plus an extensible architecture, give teams cloud and on-premises storage options.
• Cons: Setup requires a Kubernetes cluster, compatible object storage and at least one plugin; file system backup needs separate installation.
• Cons: CSI volume protection depends on cluster and driver prerequisites, and Windows workload backup still needs a Linux server node.
• Cons: Some object-storage immutability settings can conflict with Velero's need to update backup metadata.

Alternatives

KubeSphere Backup is worth considering for teams that prefer a web-based freemium option with a defined hosted repository allowance: its free plan covers 2 protected applications, 3 days of retention and 10 GB of repository storage. Afi Kubernetes Backup may suit teams that want a paid product but can qualify for free licenses by request for environments protecting fewer than 10 nodes. Bacula Enterprise is a paid alternative with pricing based on secured endpoint count and support response time.

KubeStash offers free use on supported Kubernetes engines and a 30-day license to try. Rancher Backup and Restore Operator is another free, self-hosted option. Stash offers a freemium model with a free Community Edition.

Google Kubernetes Engine is a paid Kubernetes platform with a free tier that provides $74.40 in monthly credits per billing account, applicable to zonal and Autopilot clusters. Veeam Agent for Mac is a macOS-focused freemium choice; its free edition is limited to one backup job and does not back up directly to object storage. For broader category browsing, see Kubernetes Backup Software and Container Backup Software.

Verdict

Choose Velero if your team runs Kubernetes and wants a free, extensible tool for scheduled backup, recovery and cross-cluster migration. Its main advantage is control over backup scope and storage integrations; look elsewhere if you need immutable backups or want to avoid managing cluster, storage and plugin prerequisites.