The Dockstash alternative to SimpleBackups
SimpleBackups (managed cloud backup saas) and Dockstash overlap, but solve backup at different layers. SimpleBackups backs up generically; Dockstash knows a Postgres container needs a pg_dumpall, not a file copy, detects your whole Compose stack, and proves the restore works before you need it.
SimpleBackups — Managed cloud backup SaaS. Paid SaaS, monthly subscription tiers.
How Dockstash compares to SimpleBackups
| Capability | Dockstash | SimpleBackups |
|---|---|---|
| Where backups run | Entirely on your production VPS → your storage VPS over SSH | Orchestrated through the SimpleBackups platform |
| Data sovereignty | You hold the repos and keys; nothing transits a vendor | Backup pipeline and credentials flow through their SaaS |
| Docker Compose stack detection | Auto-scans volumes, DBs, compose/.env, reverse-proxy config | Source-oriented; not a Compose-stack scanner |
| Pricing model | Free self-host tier; flat paid tiers for scale | Recurring SaaS subscription that scales with sources |
| Setup effort | Self-host the agent, then auto-scan and confirm | No self-hosting — sign up and connect |
| Restore verification | Automated restore-drill diff against source | Backup monitoring and notifications |
| Non-Docker sources | Focused on Docker projects on your VPS | Broad: managed DBs, servers, SaaS, storage |
Where SimpleBackups is strong
- Fully managed — no self-hosting, minimal setup, supported by a team
- Broad source coverage beyond Docker (managed databases, servers, SaaS apps, storage)
- Mature scheduling, retention, and notification features
- Good documentation and hands-on support
Where Dockstash pulls ahead
- Recurring subscription cost that scales with usage
- Your backup credentials and pipeline flow through their platform (data-sovereignty tradeoff)
- Not Docker-Compose-native: no automatic volume/DB/reverse-proxy detection of a running stack
- You depend on their service staying online and in business
Who should switch to Dockstash
You want backups that stay entirely on your own infrastructure, with no recurring per-source SaaS fee and no third party in the data path.
SimpleBackups is the right choice when: Teams that want a hands-off managed service and are happy to pay a subscription and route backups through a third-party platform.
Migrating from SimpleBackups
Because SimpleBackups stores to your cloud buckets, migrating means standing up a Dockstash agent on the production VPS, pointing it at your storage VPS, and letting it auto-scan the Compose stack. Keep the SimpleBackups schedule running until Dockstash produces a passing restore drill, then decommission it. There is no repo format to convert — you start fresh restic repos you fully own.
Last updated: July 2026
Frequently asked questions
Is Dockstash cheaper than SimpleBackups?
For self-hosters, yes — the free tier runs without any paid provider and stores to your own VPS. You pay Dockstash only for scale and support, and you avoid per-source SaaS fees.
Does SimpleBackups hold my data?
Your backups land in storage you configure, but the scheduling and credentials run through their platform. Dockstash keeps the entire pipeline on your servers, so no third party sits in the data path.
Can SimpleBackups back up a full Docker Compose stack?
It backs up databases and servers you connect, but it does not scan a running Compose project to detect every volume, database, and reverse-proxy config the way Dockstash does.
What happens to my backups if I stop paying Dockstash?
They stay on your storage VPS as standard restic repos you can restore from with the restic CLI alone. There is no vendor to lose access to.