GMvault

Overview

GMvault is a free, open-source command-line utility for backing up Gmail and restoring a local email repository to Gmail. It is best suited to people who want control of a local Gmail archive and are comfortable using a terminal. Full and incremental sync, plus restartable restores, make it a focused backup tool; its Gmail-only support and narrow purpose make it less suitable for broader email or device-backup needs.

Key features

• Full and incremental synchronization: GMvault can run a full synchronization or an incremental quick synchronization. The two modes accommodate an initial backup and subsequent syncs, though the tool remains focused on Gmail rather than offering a wider provider choice.
• Restore to Gmail: A local email repository can be restored to a Gmail account. The --resume and --restart options help avoid uploading emails that have already been processed, a practical safeguard for interrupted restore work.
• Authentication choices: XOAuth is the recommended method and is enabled by default. After the first authentication, its token is stored in $HOME/.gmvault for later use. Users can also authenticate with a Gmail login password; if they choose to save it, the password is encrypted.
• Local archive: Emails are stored by default in $HOME/gmvault-db, or %HOME%/gmvault-db on Windows. That gives the backup a defined local destination, while requiring users to manage the archive on their own system.
• Installation and licensing: Binary installations are documented for Windows, Linux and Mac OS X. Installation from source is also possible with python setup.py install, or through pip and easy_install. GMvault is licensed under GNU-AGPL-3.0; Guillaume Aubert is identified as its creator and development lead.

Pricing

GMvault costs nothing under the GNU Affero General Public License v3. There is no paid tier to weigh against the free option, so it suits users seeking a no-cost Gmail backup tool. The trade-off is scope: this is a Gmail-focused command-line utility, not a multi-provider backup service.

Platforms

GMvault supports Linux, macOS and Windows, with documented binary installations for Linux, Mac OS X and Windows. Its command-line interface and installation options make it a better fit for users comfortable with terminal-based software than for those looking for a conventional graphical backup application.

Who it's for

Choose GMvault if you use Gmail, want a local copy of your correspondence, and value the ability to restore that archive to Gmail without paying for the software. Incremental sync and restore recovery options are useful for maintaining or reapplying an archive. Look elsewhere if you need backup across email providers, a graphical interface, or a tool whose latest release is more recent: PyPI's latest version, 1.9.1, was published March 31, 2016.

Pros and cons

• Pro — Free and open source: The GNU-AGPL-3.0 license and free price make it accessible without a subscription.
• Pro — Covers backup and restore: It can sync Gmail locally and restore the repository back to Gmail, with options to avoid repeating already processed uploads.
• Pro — Multiple operating systems: Linux, macOS and Windows support gives users on those systems a way to use the same focused tool.
• Con — Gmail only: Its supported provider is Gmail, so it does not suit users looking to protect mail across providers.
• Con — Command-line workflow: Users need to be comfortable with terminal use and local archive management.
• Con — Old latest release: Version 1.9.1 dates to March 31, 2016, a concern for readers who prioritize a more recently released tool.

Alternatives

For other backup software, browse Email Backup Software. The alternatives below address different backup targets and platforms, so they are not direct Gmail-mailbox replacements in every case.

• MSP360 Backup is worth considering for personal workstation backup on Linux, macOS or Windows; its free plan includes file- and image-based backup and forum-based support. Choose it when workstation files and images, rather than Gmail correspondence, are the priority.
• VM Backup offers a free edition limited to two VMs per host, plus a 30-day fully featured trial. It is a better fit when virtual-machine backup is the need.
• Veeam Agent for Mac has a free edition limited to one backup job and no direct backup to object storage. Consider it when you need Mac backup rather than a Gmail archive.
• Datto Endpoint Backup for Windows uses consumption-based pricing billed for storage used, with pricing requested from Datto. It may suit readers looking for endpoint backup with usage-based charges.
• DRS Softech Microsoft 365 Backup Tool is a paid alternative focused on Microsoft 365 backup.
• Synology Active Backup for SaaS is a free add-on for Synology NAS covering Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. It is a better match for users already seeking a NAS-based SaaS backup option.
• AvePoint Cloud Backup is a paid alternative with custom pricing.
• Cohesity SiteContinuity is a paid alternative for readers considering a different backup product.

Verdict

GMvault is a sensible choice for a terminal-comfortable Gmail user who wants free local backup and a way to restore that archive to Gmail. Its sync and recovery controls serve that specific job well. Choose another tool if Gmail is not your only backup target, you want a graphical workflow, or the 2016 latest release is too old for your comfort.