3 Best Tools for GitHub Backup and Restore in 2026

Your code is your company's most valuable asset. Yet most teams treat GitHub like it's indestructible. It's not.

Accidental deletions, compromised accounts, ransomware attacks, and even GitHub outages can wipe out months of work. The 2024 GitHub incident that corrupted repositories for several hours reminded everyone: if you don't control your backups, you don't control your code.

This guide compares the three best GitHub backup tools that handle automated backups, metadata preservation, and fast restores.

What to Look for in a GitHub Backup Tool

Not all backup solutions are equal. Here's what separates useful tools from checkbox features:

• Complete repository backup. Code is just the start. You need branches, tags, commit history, and Git LFS files backed up too.

• Metadata preservation. Issues, pull requests, wikis, and project boards contain critical context. A tool that only backs up code misses half the picture.

• Automated scheduling. Manual backups don't happen. Daily automated backups with incremental updates are the baseline.

• Fast restore. Backup speed matters less than restore speed. When disaster strikes, you need code back in minutes, not hours.

• Storage flexibility. Some teams need data in specific regions for compliance. Others want to use existing S3 buckets. The best tools support both managed and bring-your-own storage.

• Compliance features. SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, and regulations like DORA require demonstrable backup policies. Audit logs, encryption, and immutable storage help you stay compliant.

With those criteria in mind, here are the three tools worth considering.

1. GitProtect.io

GitProtect.io is the most comprehensive option for teams that need enterprise-grade backup with full compliance coverage.

What makes it stand out:

• Multi-platform support. Backs up GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, and Azure DevOps from a single dashboard. Useful if your organization uses multiple Git providers.

• Automatic discovery. New repositories are detected and added to backup plans automatically. No manual configuration when teams create new repos.

• Cross-platform migration. Move data between GitHub and GitLab, or between cloud and self-hosted instances. Helpful during vendor transitions.

• Compliance-ready. SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 certified. Immutable backups, encryption at rest, and detailed audit logs for compliance audits.

• Disaster recovery. Point-in-time recovery lets you restore to any backup snapshot, not just the latest.

Limitations:

• Higher price point than simpler alternatives

• Feature-rich interface has a learning curve

• Overkill for small teams with straightforward needs

Pricing: Starts at $5/user/month for teams. Enterprise pricing available.

Best for: Mid-size to enterprise teams with compliance requirements or multi-platform Git environments.

2. GitBackups.com

GitBackups.com hits the sweet spot between features and simplicity. It handles everything most teams need without the complexity of enterprise tools.

What makes it stand out:

• Fast setup. Connect your GitHub account, select repositories, and backups start running. No infrastructure to configure.

• Complete backups. Repositories, issues, pull requests, wikis, and metadata are all captured. Nothing falls through the cracks.

• One-click restore. Average recovery time under 3 minutes. When you need code back, you get it back fast.

• Immutable storage. Ransomware protection with storage that can't be modified or deleted, even by attackers with account access.

• Flexible storage options. Use their managed cloud storage or bring your own S3-compatible bucket. Your data, your control.

• Multi-platform. Supports GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, and Azure DevOps.

Limitations:

• Newer player compared to established alternatives

• Advanced reporting features still in development

Pricing: $9/month (10 repos), $19/month (50 repos), $39/month (unlimited). 7-day money-back guarantee.

Best for: Teams that want reliable, automated backups without enterprise complexity. The $19/month Pro tier covers most growing teams.

3. Cloudback

Cloudback offers solid daily backups with a focus on compliance and security features.

What makes it stand out:

• GitHub App integration. Installs directly as a GitHub App for seamless authentication and repository access.

• Daily automated backups. Repositories and metadata backed up every 24 hours automatically.

• Instant restores. One-click recovery to bring repositories back online quickly.

• LFS support. Large File Storage objects are included in backups, which many tools skip.

• Compliance features. AES encryption, regional storage options, audit logs, and immutability settings for SOC 2 compliance.

• Replication. Store backups in multiple regions for additional redundancy.

Limitations:

• Daily backups only (no real-time or hourly options on lower tiers)

• Interface is functional but not as polished as competitors

• Some advanced features require higher-tier plans

Pricing: Free tier for 1 repository. Paid plans start at $10/month.

Best for: Teams that want straightforward daily backups with strong compliance features at a reasonable price.

Comparison Table

Which Tool Should You Choose?

Choose GitProtect.io if:

• You need enterprise compliance certifications

• Your organization uses multiple Git platforms

• You require advanced disaster recovery with point-in-time restore

Choose GitBackups.com if:

• You want the best balance of features and simplicity

• Fast restore times are a priority

• You're a growing team that needs room to scale

Choose Cloudback if:

• Budget is a primary concern

• Daily backups are sufficient for your needs

• You want a free tier to test with a single repository

The Bottom Line

GitHub backup isn't optional. It's insurance against the inevitable day when something goes wrong.

All three tools in this guide handle the basics well: automated backups, metadata preservation, and compliance features. The right choice depends on your team size, compliance requirements, and budget.

For most teams, GitBackups.com offers the best combination of features, speed, and price. The $19/month Pro plan covers up to 50 repositories with fast restores and immutable storage. That's less than one hour of developer time to protect months of work.

Start your backup strategy today. Your future self will thank you when disaster doesn't become catastrophe.