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Best WordPress backup plugins

9 Best WordPress Backup Plugins (+Our Expert Reviews) 

Written By: author image Joella Dunn
author image Joella Dunn
Joella is a writer with years of experience in WordPress. At Duplicator, she specializes in site maintenance — from basic backups to large-scale migrations. Her ultimate goal is to make sure your WordPress website is safe and ready for growth.
     Reviewed By: John Turner
reviewer image John Turner
John Turner is the President of Duplicator. He has over 20+ years of business and development experience and his plugins have been downloaded over 25 million times.

Are you not sure which is the best WordPress backup plugin?

Using a backup plugin, you can save a copy of your website. This way, you’ll have an error-free version of your WordPress site to restore if anything goes wrong. 

In this article, we’ll give you a list of the best WordPress backup plugins so you can find the right one for your needs!

Our Top Picks for the Best WordPress Backup Plugin

Before we get started, here’s a quick list of the best WordPress backup plugins! Be sure to continue reading this post for a deep dive into each plugin’s features and ease of use.

Backup PluginPricingBest For
DuplicatorFree or $49.50/yrSimple but flexible backups, migrations, and cloning
UpdraftPlusFree or $70/yrUser-friendly backups and restores
Jetpack Backup$4.95/moBackup archive and one-click restores
BlogVault$89/yrIncremental backups and security monitoring
Solid Backups$99/yrStaging, deployment, and backup rollbacks
BackWPupFree or $69/yrFree cloud backups
Total UpkeepFree or $2.50/moPre-update backups and individual file restores
WPvividFree or $39.20/yrBackups, migrations, and image optimization
WP Database BackupFree or $9/yrManual or automatic database backups

How We Test & Review WordPress Plugins

  • Real-World Use: Our team members actively use the plugin during the review process, and for personal projects. This provides first-hand experience of the plugin in a practical setting.
  • Review Core Functionality: We thoroughly test the core functionalities advertised by the plugin. This ensures the plugin delivers what its promises.
  • Usability Tests: We evaluate how user-friendly the plugin is, including its interface design and overall user experience.
  • Identify the Target Audience: We consider the ideal website type or user that would benefit most from the plugin’s features.

What to Look For in a WordPress Backup Plugin

If you own a website, it’s important to perform regular backups. Essentially, this involves saving a copy of your WordPress files and database. When a coding error or software bug breaks your site, you can easily restore a recent backup.

Often, hosting providers will give you a way to back up your website. However, it can be beneficial to have a third-party backup tool. By installing the right WordPress backup plugin, you can access your website even after server errors.

The best WordPress backup plugins make it easy to back up and restore your live site. You won’t need to use cPanel or an FTP client to manually download your data.

Here are some features we’d recommend looking for:

  • Real-time backups
  • Full backups and database-only backups
  • Cloud storage 
  • Scheduled backups
  • One-click restores
  • Off-site disaster recovery

When you install any plugin, you’ll want to know it comes with a stellar support system. Before choosing a backup plugin, make sure it provides reliable customer service. This way, you can have peace of mind that your website will be backed up correctly. 

9 Best WordPress Backup Plugins (Ultimate Comparison)

Even when you know what backup features to look for, you might not know which plugin is right for you. To help you make the best choice, here’s our list of the best backup plugins for WordPress!

1. Duplicator

Duplicator plugin

Duplicator is a powerful and flexible plugin that you can use to back up, migrate, and clone a WordPress site. Because of its simplicity and versatility, it has gained over 1 million active installs.

As a new website owner, you might not know how to back it up. Fortunately, Duplicator makes this process easy. Using this plugin, you can create packages that bundle your site files and database:

Duplicator backup package

You’ll also be able to choose an off-site storage location. Duplicator supports all of these cloud storage services:

With Duplicator, you can customize exactly what data is saved in your backup archive. This is as easy as checking a box:

Duplicator custom package components

If you want to save a full backup, simply select all of your site components. However, you could also clean up your backups by only saving data from active plugins and themes. Alternatively, you might want to do a media-only or database-only backup.

What makes Duplicator different from other WordPress backup plugins is its standalone installer.

When you need to restore a backup, the installer file will automatically launch the Duplicator recovery wizard. This will walk you through the step-by-step process of restoring your last backup files:

Duplicator recovery installer

Once you back up your site with Duplicator, you can migrate these files to another server or domain name. This makes Duplicator not only a reliable backup solution but a useful tool for WordPress migrations and cloning.

What We Liked About Duplicator

What We Didn’t Like About Duplicator

  • Some features like cloud storage and drag-and-drop migrations are only available if you upgrade

PriceDuplicator Lite is a completely free WordPress backup plugin. However, consider upgrading to the premium version to access cloud storage, automatic backups, and drag-and-drop migrations. These plans start at $49.50 per year. 

Why we chose Duplicator:
Duplicator streamlines backups for beginners and has extra features for more advanced users. It’s the perfect tool for backups and migrations, no matter your skill level.

2. UpdraftPlus

UpdraftPlus plugin

Another popular WordPress backup plugin is UpdraftPlus. You can use this tool to perform both manual and scheduled backups. Either of these options will save a backup of your website files, plugins, themes, and database.

UpdraftPlus backup

UpdraftPlus allows you to save backups to cloud storage locations like Dropbox, Google Drive, Amazon S3, and Rackspace Cloud. It also has UpdraftPlus Vault, which is a paid storage service. 

UpdraftPlus cloud storage

Similar to Duplicator, UpdraftPlus supports website cloning. However, you’ll have to purchase additional tokens to access the UpdraftClone add-on.

What We Liked About UpdraftPlus

  • Backup and restoration options
  • Scheduled backups
  • Cloning and migration functionality
  • Cloud storage
  • WordPress Multisite support
  • Incremental backups
  • Automatic backups before updates

What We Didn’t Like About UpdraftPlus

  • Generates separate backup files for your database, themes, plugins, and uploads
  • You have to purchase tokens to clone your website
  • Can only restore backups from the dashboard, leaving you potentially vulnerable to lockouts

Pricing: UpdraftPlus has a free version with basic backup and restore options. The premium plugin will include advanced features like incremental backups, database encryption, and backups of non-WordPress files. These plans start at $70 per year. 

Why we chose UpdraftPlus:
UpdraftPlus can be a good solution for creating free backups and restoring them when you need to.

Not sure how to decide between these top two backup plugins? Check out our in-depth comparison between UpdraftPlus and Duplicator!

3. Jetpack Backup

Jetpack Backup plugin

Jetpack Backup, or VaultPress, is a beginner-friendly plugin that simplifies the backup process. Since it was developed by Automattic, the same company behind WordPress, Jetpack seamlessly integrates into your dashboard. 

Using Jetpack, you can back up your database and root directory. Even in the Jetpack mobile app, you’ll be able to restore your site in one click. 

However, keep in mind that Jetpack Backup only performs partial backups. Core WordPress files and additional WordPress installs will be excluded from any backup. 

It’s also important to note that Jetpack’s lower plans will only store your backups for 30 days. If you want unlimited restores from the past year, you’ll have to upgrade to the Complete plan for $50 per month. 

What We Liked About Jetpack

  • Full, incremental, and differential backups
  • Real-time cloud backups
  • 10GB backup storage
  • 30-day archive and activity log
  • One-click restores
  • Mobile app

What We Didn’t Like About Jetpack

  • No free version
  • Some users report that Jetpack causes performance issues on their sites

Pricing: Although you can find a Jetpack as a free plugin, you’ll have to sign up for a paid subscription to use it. These start at $4.95 for the first month and renew for $9.95 per month. You’ll receive up to 10GB of backup storage space. 

Why we chose Jetpack Backup:
Jetpack makes it easy to view your previous backups and restore your site with one click. If you want to manage backups with a mobile app, Jetpack could be for you.

4. BlogVault

BlogVault plugin

Unlike the other WordPress backup plugins on this list, BlogVault is an SaaS (Software as a Service). Rather than overloading your server resources with bulky backup zip files, BlogVault stores your website data on its dedicated servers. This can boost your loading speed.

BlogVault sync

BlogVault can also handle websites up to 500GB in size. This includes WordPress multisite networks and WooCommerce stores.

When you need to restore your website, you can test a recent backup. By restoring it on the BlogVault servers first, you’ll know it’s safe to upload to your website. Plus, BlogVault supports selective restores to only replace the corrupted data on your site.  

BlogVault site restoration

What We Liked About BlogVault

  • Complete and incremental backups
  • Off-site backup storage
  • One-click restores
  • Real-time WooCommerce backups
  • Zero-downtime migration
  • Uptime monitoring
  • Visual regression testing
  • Security features

What We Didn’t Like About BlogVault

  • No free version
  • Limited cloud storage

Pricing: BlogVault’s subscriptions start at $89 per year. Even the basic backup plan includes cloud storage, multisite backups, and automated daily backups

Why we chose BlogVault:
BlogVault stores backups on dedicated server, reducing bloat that could come from other backup plugins. Plus, it gives you more control with incremental backups and selective restores.

5. Solid Backups (Formerly BackupBuddy)

Solid Backups plugin

Because it’s been available since 2010, Solid Backups (formerly known as BackupBuddy) is one of the oldest backup plugins. This tool is capable of backing up everything on your website, including posts, theme files, WordPress settings, and the database.

One of Solid Backup’s main selling points is its simple restore process. Using the import tool, you can restore individual files whenever they become corrupted or changed. Plus, you can roll back your database or your full WordPress website.

Restore Solid backup

Solid Backups is also a cloning and migration plugin. This will allow you to move to a new web hosting provider or domain name. It even comes with a URL replacement feature to automatically update your site’s URLs. 

What We Liked About Solid Backups

  • Complete, database-only, or files-only backups
  • Scheduled backups
  • Off-site backup storage
  • Restore individual files, database, or complete website
  • Migration and cloning functionality
  • Staging site to test changes

What We Didn’t Like About Solid Backups

  • No free version
  • Expensive premium plans

Pricing: Solid Backups starts at $99 per year for a single website. You can also purchase a bundle that includes Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security Pro). This will give you malware scans and other essential security features. 

Why we chose Solid Backups:
Solid Backups is a reliable backup tool that’s been around for a long time (formerly as BackupBuddy). It offers simple ways to restore corrupted data and migrate your website to another location.

Need a closer look at Solid Backups and BlogVault? We put together a side-by-side comparison of BlogVault, Solid Backups, and Duplicator!

6. BackWPup

BackWPup plugin

If you’re looking for a basic free backup plugin, BackWPup may be an effective solution. This tool can create both file and database backups for your site. Then, you’ll be able to store backups in off-site locations like Dropbox, SugarSync, or Microsoft Azure.

BackWPup storage

However, BackWPup limits a lot of its features to the pro version. BackWPup Pro includes support for Multisite network backups, more cloud storage locations, and automatic restores. You can even download a mobile app and restore your website on the go. 

What We Liked About BackWPup

  • Complete website backups and database-only backups
  • Cloud storage
  • Multisite support
  • Automate restores
  • Mobile app for emergency restores
  • Migration to a new domain
  • Free version

What We Didn’t Like About BackWPup

  • Confusing interface
  • Can’t restore your site for free

Pricing: You can download BackWPup for free from the WordPress Plugin Directory. Alternatively, there is a premium version starting at $69 per year. 

Why we chose BackWPup:
BackWPup is a great free backup plugin that supports cloud storage and custom backups.

7. Total Upkeep

Total Upkeep by BoldGrid

Another plugin with backup and restore options is Total Upkeep by BoldGrid. What makes it unique, however, is its auto rollback feature. Before going through with a WordPress update, Total Upkeep creates a backup that can be restored if the update fails.

Total Upkeep also comes with a Site Check tool, which makes it an effective security plugin. It will consistently check for any errors that could crash your site. Once you receive a notification about an issue, you can automatically restore your files and database to the most recently saved backup.  

Sometimes, an error will lock you out of your WordPress dashboard. Even when you can’t access the plugin, you can use Total Upkeep’s restoration script on your command line. 

What We Liked About Total Upkeep

  • Automatic and manual backups
  • Customized backups
  • Remote backup storage
  • Restore options 
  • Migration, cloning, and duplicator tools
  • Site Check 

What We Didn’t Like About Total Upkeep

  • You’ll have to use a script to restore backups

Pricing: There are both free and paid versions of Total Upkeep. The premium subscriptions start as low as $2.50 per month billed annually. 

Why we chose Total Upkeep:
Total Upkeep provides extended features that make website management much easier. It will boost your security, automatically back up data before updates, and even migrate your website.

8. WPvivid

WPvivid plugin

WPvivid has all of the basic features you’d expect from a WordPress backup plugin. You’ll be able to back up your website, create staging sites, and migrate your content to a new host. Additionally, there are off-site storage options to save your site remotely.

WPvivid staging data

With WPvivid, you can get an image optimization add-on. By compressing your site’s media files, you’ll enjoy a faster server. WPvivid will also clean up unused images so that your backup files are lighter. 

What We Liked About WPvivid

  • Full, files-only, and database-only backups
  • Scheduled backups
  • One-click restores
  • Cloud storage
  • Unused images cleaner
  • Export/import options
  • Auto-backup before updates

What We Didn’t Like About WPvivid

  • Some key features like auto-backups before updates and incremental backups are only available in the premium version

Pricing: The core WordPress plugin is free. For more advanced features, the premium plans start at $39.20 per year. 

Why we chose WPvivid:
WPVivid makes it easy to create staging sites, save backups before updates, and import/export data. Unlike other backup plugins, it has add-ons to optimize images and support staging.

9. WP Database Backup

WP Database Backup plugin

In some cases, you might only want to back up your database. With WP Database Backup, you can start backing up your database files and restore them if needed. It also enables you to set up a backup schedule to regularly save a copy of your database.

WP Database Backup creating new backup

The main benefit of WP Database Backup is that it’s easy to use. You can create new database backups with a single click. The restore process is just as simple. 

Restore WP Database Backup

However, keep in mind that WP Database Backup does not perform a backup of your entire site. To keep your data fully secure, we’d recommend installing a plugin that backs up your files as well.  

What We Liked About WP Database Backup

  • Manual and automatic database backups
  • One-click restores
  • Remote storage locations
  • Sort and search backup list
  • Backup reports

What We Didn’t Like About WP Database Backup

  • I found the backup process very slow
  • There’s a free version, but it has more limited features

Pricing: WP Database Backup is free. If you want to access more cloud storage locations or a custom Elementor widget, you can purchase the premium version. This starts at $9 for a personal license. 

Why we chose WP Database Backup:
Using WP Database Backup, you can quickly and easily back up your WordPress database. It also has restore options, remote storage, and backup reports.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best way to back up WordPress?

The best way to back up WordPress is to install a backup plugin like Duplicator Pro. Using Duplicator, you can easily customize backups by simply selecting certain package components. You’ll also be able to connect third-party cloud storage locations and enable automatic backups.

What is the best free backup plugin for WordPress?

The best free backup plugin for WordPress is Duplicator Lite. This tool compiles all of your WordPress files, plugins, themes, media files, and database information into a single package. Since Duplicator also provides a standalone installer, you can also use it to migrate your website to another domain name, server, or web host.

Does WordPress do automatic backups?

No, WordPress does not provide built-in automatic backups. However, a plugin like Duplicator can help you schedule recurring backups. You can choose between hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly backups. If needed, you’ll be able to run multiple schedules to back up specific parts of your site at the right time.

How do I completely back up my WordPress site?

To completely back up your WordPress site, install Duplicator Pro as your backup plugin. Then, create a new package and include all components of your website. After you finish building the backup, download it to your local computer.

Which is a recommended plugin for automated backups?

Duplicator Pro is the best plugin for scheduling automated backups. With this tool, you can create monthly, weekly, daily, or hourly backups.

You can pick and choose which parts of your site to back up once the schedule runs. This makes it easy to save the right data at the right time.

Custom WordPress backup schedules

Decision Time: Which Is the Best WordPress Backup Plugin?

Duplicator is the best WordPress backup plugin because of its comprehensive features. This tool allows you to easily create both full and database-only backups. Plus, you can use Duplicator to set up automatic backups, migrate your website to a new server, or build a staging site.

Alternatives: All-in-One WP Migration and WP Time Capsule are other plugins that can back up your site. However, we eliminated them from this list to avoid choice paralysis.

Conclusion

By now, we hope that you have a good understanding of which backup plugin is right for your needs.

While you’re here, you may like these extra WordPress guides:

Are you ready to start backing up your website? Download Duplicator Pro for automatic backups and cloud storage!

author avatar
Joella Dunn Content Writer
Joella is a writer with years of experience in WordPress. At Duplicator, she specializes in site maintenance — from basic backups to large-scale migrations. Her ultimate goal is to make sure your WordPress website is safe and ready for growth.

Disclosure: Our content is reader-supported. This means if you click on some of our links, then we may earn a commission. We only recommend products that we believe will add value to our readers.