Introducing hetsnap: Automated Hetzner Cloud snapshots made simple
Created on January 1, 2026

The backup problem every Hetzner Cloud user faces

If you're running infrastructure on Hetzner Cloud, you know backups are non-negotiable. But you're stuck between two frustrating options: manually creating snapshots (tedious and error-prone) or paying Hetzner's Backup solution (expensive at 20% of your server costs).

We built hetsnap because we faced this exact problem. We needed reliable, automated backups without the premium price tag. Today, we're excited to launch hetsnap publicly and help other Hetzner Cloud users solve this challenge.

What is hetsnap?

hetsnap is a backup automation platform specifically designed for Hetzner Cloud. It automatically creates snapshots of your servers on custom schedules, manages retention policies, and helps you optimize backup costs—all from one intuitive dashboard.

Think of it as enterprise-grade backup automation without the enterprise price tag. Whether you're managing 2 servers or 200, hetsnap keeps your infrastructure protected while saving you money compared to Hetzner's built-in Backup solution.

Key features that save you time and money

Automated backup scheduling

Set up daily, weekly, or monthly backup schedules tailored to your needs. hetsnap automatically creates snapshots according to your schedule—no manual intervention required. Perfect for those 2 AM maintenance windows or pre-deployment backups.

Smart retention policies

Define exactly how long snapshots should be kept before automatic deletion. Optimize your storage costs by keeping recent backups readily available while automatically cleaning up older ones. No more paying for snapshots you no longer need.

Comprehensive email reports

Stay informed with automated reports delivered on your schedule. Get detailed insights about backup status, storage usage, and server health directly in your inbox. Share reports with your team to keep everyone in the loop.

Centralized dashboard

Manage all your Hetzner projects, servers, and snapshots from one clean interface. Monitor storage usage, track backup history, and create instant manual snapshots when needed—all without switching between multiple tools.

Real cost savings

Here's where it gets interesting: snapshots are billed at €0.012 per GB based on actual compressed storage, while Hetzner Backups cost 20% of your server price. For most servers, this means 30-50% cost savings. Check our detailed pricing comparison to see your potential savings.

Why snapshots beat Hetzner Backups

Beyond the cost advantages, snapshots offer technical benefits that make them superior for modern infrastructure:

  • Snapshots survive server deletion – Unlike Backups, your snapshots persist even after you delete the original server, perfect for infrastructure migrations.
  • Better geographic redundancy – Automatically stored in different locations from your server for enhanced disaster recovery protection.
  • Unlimited retention – Keep important snapshots as long as you need them, not just the 7 most recent ones.
  • Perfect timing – Create snapshots exactly when you need them—before deployments, after major changes, during maintenance windows.

The only downside? Snapshots require manual management. That's exactly what hetsnap solves.

Simple, transparent pricing

We hate complex pricing tiers as much as you do. hetsnap costs $12 per month (or $120 per year) for everything: unlimited servers, unlimited projects, automated scheduling, retention policies, and email reports.

No hidden fees. No per-server charges. No storage fees beyond what Hetzner charges for the snapshots themselves. Just one simple price.

Plus, every new user gets a 7-day free trial with full access to all features. No credit card required to start.

Who is hetsnap for?

hetsnap is built for anyone running infrastructure on Hetzner Cloud who wants reliable backups without the premium price:

  • DevOps teams who need automated backup workflows integrated into their deployment pipelines
  • System administrators managing multiple servers across different projects
  • Indie hackers and startups looking to optimize infrastructure costs without sacrificing reliability
  • Agencies managing client infrastructure who need professional backup solutions

If you've ever forgotten to create a manual snapshot before a deployment, or if you've looked at your Hetzner invoice and winced at the backup costs, hetsnap is for you.

Get started today

Ready to simplify your Hetzner Cloud backups? Sign up for hetsnap today and get your first 7 days free. No credit card required, no complex setup—just connect your Hetzner API token and you're ready to go.

Start your free trial

Have questions? Check out our FAQ or send us an email. We're here to help you protect your infrastructure.

Here's to never worrying about backups again. 🚀