VolSync
VolSync is a free, open-source Kubernetes operator for asynchronous replication of persistent volumes within or across clusters.
What VolSync is
VolSync is a free, open-source Kubernetes operator for asynchronous replication of persistent volumes within or across clusters. Its replication works independently of the storage system and can span storage types and vendors. Documented methods include Rclone, Restic, Rsync over TLS or SSH, and Syncthing. Restic supports persistent-volume backups: ReplicationSource defines backup policy, while ReplicationDestination is used for restores. Rclone supports one-to-many asynchronous replication through intermediary object storage such as AWS S3. Rsync over TLS supports one-to-one replication for disaster recovery, test-environment mirroring, and remote processing; it protects the tunnel with TLS and authenticates using a shared TLS-PSK key. Syncthing supports live, many-to-many synchronization that is eventually consistent. VolSync exposes Prometheus metrics for monitoring replication relationships. It requires a Kubernetes snapshot controller, and CSI storage with snapshot and clone support is recommended for some functionality. Deployment through the Helm chart on Kubernetes or OpenShift is recommended. The project uses the GNU AGPL 3.0 license, with separate licenses for API files and documentation.
Good
- Supports five documented replication methods.
- Can replicate across storage types and vendors.
- Restic supports persistent-volume backups and restores.
- Exposes replication metrics for Prometheus monitoring.
Watch out
- Requires a Kubernetes snapshot controller.
- CSI storage with snapshot and clone support is recommended for some functionality.
- Mover permissions affect replicated data and cluster security.
- Application consistency is crash-consistent.
Who it suits
VolSync suits teams running Kubernetes or OpenShift that need persistent-volume replication or backups across clusters or storage types. Its replication methods serve different patterns, including one-to-many, one-to-one, and many-to-many synchronization.
Verdict
VolSync provides several replication approaches for Kubernetes persistent volumes, including backup and restore workflows. Account for the required snapshot controller and the security implications of mover permissions before deployment.
Plans and prices
From VolSync's own pricing page, checked 4 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| VolSync (open-source project) | Free | Kubernetes operator; cluster snapshot controller required; CSI storage recommended |
The facts
Each one read from VolSync's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Backups
- The Restic mover supports persistent-volume backups, with ReplicationSource defining backup policy and ReplicationDestination used for restores.checked 4 Oct 2026
- CSI requirements
- A Kubernetes snapshot controller is required; CSI storage with snapshot and clone support is recommended for some functionality.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Installation
- The documentation recommends deploying VolSync through its Helm chart on Kubernetes or OpenShift.checked 4 Oct 2026
- License
- The project is licensed under GNU AGPL 3.0, with API files additionally under Apache 2.0 and documentation under CC BY-SA 4.0.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Monitoring
- VolSync exposes metrics for monitoring replication relationships via Prometheus.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Mover permissions
- Mover pods run in source and destination namespaces, and their permissions affect what data they can replicate and cluster security.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Organization
- The project repository is maintained under the Backube GitHub organization; the opened project pages do not state its headquarters or founding year.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Rclone use case
- Rclone supports asynchronous one-to-many replication through intermediary object storage such as AWS S3.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Replication methods
- The documented methods are Rclone, Restic, Rsync over TLS, Rsync over SSH, and Syncthing.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Rsync use case
- Rsync over TLS supports one-to-one asynchronous replication for disaster recovery, test-environment mirroring, and remote processing.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Security
- Rsync over TLS uses a TLS-protected tunnel and authenticates the connection with a shared TLS-PSK key.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Storage independence
- Its replication is independent of the storage system and can work across storage types and vendors.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Syncthing use case
- Syncthing supports live, many-to-many, eventually consistent synchronization for data spread across peers.checked 4 Oct 2026
- What it does
- VolSync is a Kubernetes operator for asynchronous replication of persistent volumes within or across clusters.checked 4 Oct 2026
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