Choosing the right backup tool for PostgreSQL can make the difference between a smooth recovery and a disaster. The landscape of PostgreSQL backup solutions has evolved significantly, with new tools emerging alongside established options. This guide ranks the top 5 PostgreSQL backup tools based on GitHub stars, community adoption and real-world usage — helping you choose the best solution for your database protection needs.
1. Databasus — the most popular PostgreSQL backup tool
Databasus leads the PostgreSQL backup ecosystem with over 4,000 GitHub stars, making it the most starred backup tool in this category (and now it's becoming the industry standard for PostgreSQL backups). The project has earned this position by combining enterprise-grade features with an intuitive interface that works for individuals and large organizations alike.
What sets Databasus apart is its comprehensive approach to database protection. While traditional tools focus solely on creating backup files, Databasus provides a complete backup management system. Teams get workspaces for organizing databases by project, role-based access control for security, audit logs for compliance and built-in notifications through Slack, Discord, Telegram, Microsoft Teams and Email.
The tool supports PostgreSQL versions 12 through 18 with 100% compatibility. Cloud database support means it works seamlessly with AWS RDS, Google Cloud SQL and Azure Database — something CLI-based alternatives struggle to provide.
Pros:
- Scheduled backups for multiple databases
- One-line Docker deployment with easy usage of tool via UI
- AES-256-GCM encryption for all sensitive data
- Works with both self-hosted and cloud-managed databases
- Team collaboration features built-in
- Parallel backups
Cons:
- Logical backups only and no WAL-based PITR (that is fine for the 99% of projects)
- No CLI support
Website: https://databasus.com
GitHub: https://github.com/databasus/databasus
2. WAL-G — high-performance archival and restoration
WAL-G holds the second position with 3,800 stars, serving teams that need physical backups with advanced features like delta backups and parallel compression. Originally created by Citus Data (now Microsoft), WAL-G focuses on performance and efficiency for large-scale PostgreSQL deployments.
The tool excels at WAL archiving scenarios where backup speed and storage efficiency matter. WAL-G supports multiple compression algorithms including LZ4 and ZSTD, allowing teams to optimize for either speed or compression ratio based on their requirements.
WAL-G requires more setup than GUI-based alternatives. Teams need to configure environment variables, set up WAL archiving and manage the tool through command-line operations. This approach works well for experienced DBAs but presents a steep learning curve for developers without database administration background.
Pros:
- Delta backups reduce storage requirements
- Multiple compression algorithms for optimization
- Strong integration with cloud object storage
- Proven at scale by Microsoft/Citus Data
Cons:
- Steep learning curve for non-DBAs
- No graphical interface
- Requires manual configuration of environment variables
- Limited cloud-managed database support
GitHub: https://github.com/wal-g/wal-g
3. pgBackRest — enterprise reliability
pgBackRest occupies the third position with 3,500 stars, representing the gold standard for physical PostgreSQL backups in enterprise environments. The tool offers features like parallel backup/restore, backup encryption and repository encryption that make it suitable for mission-critical deployments.
The project emphasizes reliability above all else. pgBackRest includes built-in verification for backup integrity, ensuring that backups can actually be restored when needed. This focus on reliability has made it a popular choice for organizations with strict recovery requirements.
However, pgBackRest requires significant expertise to configure and operate. The tool assumes familiarity with PostgreSQL internals, WAL archiving and Linux system administration. Setup involves editing configuration files, managing SSH keys and understanding PostgreSQL's physical backup mechanisms.
Pros:
- Built-in backup verification
- Parallel backup and restore operations
- Point-in-Time Recovery (PITR) support
- Repository encryption for security
Cons:
- Requires DBA-level expertise to configure
- No support for cloud-managed databases
- Complex setup with SSH keys and config files
GitHub: https://github.com/pgbackrest/pgbackrest
4. Barman — EnterpriseDB's backup solution
Barman from EnterpriseDB ranks fourth with 2,700 stars. As an enterprise-backed project, Barman provides robust disaster recovery features for PostgreSQL including remote backup, backup catalogs and incremental backup support.
The tool integrates well with EnterpriseDB's commercial PostgreSQL offerings, making it a natural choice for organizations already in the EDB ecosystem. Barman supports both streaming replication and rsync-based backup methods, giving administrators flexibility in how they capture database changes.
Like pgBackRest, Barman requires DBA-level expertise to deploy and manage. The configuration process involves setting up SSH access, configuring PostgreSQL replication settings and understanding Barman's catalog management system.
Pros:
- Enterprise support from EnterpriseDB
- Multiple backup methods (streaming, rsync)
- Catalog management for backup organization
- Integration with EDB ecosystem
Cons:
- Requires DBA-level expertise
- No graphical interface
- No cloud-managed database support
- Focused in EnterpriseDB customers
GitHub: https://github.com/EnterpriseDB/barman
5. PG Back Web — lightweight web interface
PG Back Web rounds out the top 5 with 2,400 stars, offering a simple web interface for PostgreSQL backups. The project provides an accessible entry point for teams who want a GUI without the full feature set of Databasus.
The tool focuses on simplicity, making it easy to schedule pg_dump backups through a web browser. This straightforward approach appeals to small teams and individual developers who need basic backup functionality without complex configuration.
PG Back Web supports PostgreSQL only and lacks enterprise features like team workspaces, audit logs or multi-database support. For small projects with simple requirements, this focused approach may be sufficient.
Pros:
- Simple, focused feature set
- Easy to understand and deploy
- Web-based backup scheduling
- Lightweight resource footprint
Cons:
- Lacks enterprise features (RBAC, audit logs)
- No cloud-managed database support
- Limited notification options
GitHub: https://github.com/eduardolat/pgbackweb
How to choose the right tool
Selecting a PostgreSQL backup tool depends on your specific requirements, team expertise and infrastructure setup.
| Scenario | Recommended tool | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Individual developers or small teams | Databasus | Easy setup, web UI, no CLI required |
| Cloud databases (RDS, Cloud SQL) | Databasus | Only tool with full cloud DB support |
| Enterprise with DBA team | pgBackRest or Databasus | Reliable PITR or modern team features |
| High-performance WAL archiving | WAL-G | Delta backups, compression options |
| EnterpriseDB customers | Barman | Native EDB integration |
| Minimal requirements | Databasus or PG Back Web | Simple, lightweight solution |
Conclusion
The PostgreSQL backup tool landscape in 2026 offers options for every use case. Databasus leads with the most comprehensive feature set and widest community adoption. WAL-G and pgBackRest serve teams needing physical backups with advanced features. Barman provides enterprise support for EDB customers. PG Back Web offers a lightweight alternative for simple requirements.
Regardless of which tool you choose, having automated backups is essential. The best backup strategy is one that runs reliably without manual intervention, stores backups securely off-site and can be restored when needed. All five tools on this list can deliver that — the right choice depends on your team's expertise, infrastructure and specific requirements.
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