Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to SimpleBackups · 💾 cloud storage
SimpleBackups vs Plakar
Backup solution with CLI, API and UI interfaces. Clean defaults, easy deployment. Encrypted, queryable backups with deduplication and compression. Here is how Plakar ($0/mo open source) stacks up against SimpleBackups ($25/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Plakar is a verified Open Source-licensed open-source replacement for SimpleBackups. Switching from SimpleBackups ($25/mo) saves $300/yr per solo seat, or $1,500/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Local.
The catch: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
SimpleBackups vs Plakar Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | SimpleBackups (Paid) | Plakar (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $25 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $300 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $300) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $1,500 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $1,500) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $3,000 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $3,000) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source Open Source |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Local (on your machine) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | desktopcross-platformone-click install |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 2.1k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from SimpleBackups to Plakar
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
How to deploy Plakar
Clone https://github.com/plakarkorp/plakar or deploy with Docker Compose
What it takes to run
Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
Where your data lives
All application data lives locally on your own machine.
Why fork Plakar instead of vibe-coding a SimpleBackups clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for SimpleBackups or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 2 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Plakar.
SimpleBackups vs Plakar FAQ
Is Plakar a good free alternative to SimpleBackups?+
Yes. Plakar is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for SimpleBackups. Backup solution with CLI, API and UI interfaces. Clean defaults, easy deployment. Encrypted, queryable backups with deduplication and compression.
What is the catch when switching from SimpleBackups to Plakar?+
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
How much do you save switching from SimpleBackups to Plakar?+
SimpleBackups costs $25/mo ($300/yr) per seat, whereas Plakar is $0/mo. Switching saves $300/yr for a solo user, $1,500/yr for a 5-person team, and $3,000/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host Plakar instead of SimpleBackups?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/plakarkorp/plakar or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
