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Have you setup your blog with a WordPress backup plugin yet?
Well, imagine you’ve recently started a blog. You’ve spent weeks and hundreds of hours:
- Figuring out how to start a blog
- Getting everything setup
- Customizing your WordPress Theme
- Creating your privacy & policy pages
- Researching blog posts
- Writing several blog posts with lots of content
- Adding and optimizing plenty of images to go with those blog posts
- And more…
Only to wake up one morning and go check your homepage. Whilst sipping your fresh coffee. When you are greeted with a massive error code that you have zero idea what it means.
Everything is gone and it’s likely been like this all night. You dread to think about what your visitors might be thinking about your blog. And how many visitors and sales you’ve missed out on.
This Is Why You NEED A WordPress Backup Plugin
It happens to us all. Sooner or later.
It totally sucks but there’s only so many ways to avoid it happening.
And whilst you should always try to avoid it. You should always have a P
Which is exactly why you should get a WordPress backup plugin installed from day 1 of your blog. Because if this scenario happened to you. Just imagine how much worse it would be. If you didn’t have a backup that you could use to restore your blog back to.
The thought is tear gushing worthy.
So, don’t be that person!
And this blog post will help you do that! By giving you the latest details and comparisons. Of several top WordPress backup plugins that you can use.
After all, there are plenty of options out there. So the next hard part is picking a WordPress backup and restore plugin. Before you then need to figure out how to set it up for your blog.
But before we get into these WordPress backup and restore plugins. Let me go over some key jargon. That you’ll likely come across when checking out these WordPress plugins.
Common WordPress Backup Jargon Explained
The Different Types Of Backups
Database backup – It is worth noting that some plugins only backup the WordPress database. This means the backup will only be for things like your settings, comments, data and posts. Resulting in smaller backup files. But Media files, plugins and core WordPress files. Are usually not covered in a database backup.
Complete backup – Backs up everything including your database, media library, plugins and core WordPress files. This results in larger file sizes, longer backup processes. And more of a strain on your blog’s server resources.
Manual backup – A manual backup is one you will have to remember to activate within the WordPress dashboard. These are great for doing a backup before making changes to your WordPress files. But they are also so easy to forget.
Scheduled backup – These are automatically run at scheduled times. That you can often set to daily, weekly or monthly backups. Depending on the WordPress plugin. These are perfect for setting a daily backup during your non-peak traffic. So you always have a WordPress backup even if you forget about it.
Incremental backup – Unlike database and complete backups. Incremental backups only process the
How To Pick A WordPress Backup Plugin – What to look out for!
When looking at these different WordPress plugins for backups and restores. Here are some important factors and questions to keep in mind:
Does the plugin have all the backup type options you need?
This is an important consideration. As some WordPress plugins might
Can you automatically schedule backups?
Does the WordPress backup plugin you have in mind have any scheduling features? If so, what are the different time intervals you can set? Ideally, most blogs will want at least daily backups. But if you don’t update your blog often then something like monthly or weekly might be better instead.
Is there an option to set a custom time for the backup schedule?
This could be a significant option if you want to schedule backups when there isn’t usually much traffic. So there are less likely to be performance issues.
Does the WordPress backup plugin give you any notifications. Or reports when backups are done?
Getting a quick email every time a backup completes successfully. Is definitely a good idea for automatic backups. As it helps to put your mind at rest that everything is running as expected. But can also warn you when backups stop working for any reason. Like running out of space on your Dropbox account. (Whoops!)
What storage options are there?
This is a big one. Because backups should be kept separate to your blog hosting. Often there will be cloud options available like Dropbox or Google Drive. As well as things like FTP and SFTP. But these vary from plugin to plugin. And can often be locked behind the premium plugin version. One of the best cloud storage options you can use is Google Drive. As you can get several GB of space for free.
Does the WordPress backup plugin also include an easy option to restore?
You might think that all WordPress plugins will backup and restore your blog. But this is not always true! So make sure you know whether there is an option to restore. As well as how to actually do it. Even if you get locked out of your WordPress dashboard. Because this is when you’ll likely need it the most!
The Top WordPress Backup Plugins To Compare In 2019
Right, so with the basics out of the way, let’s get on to the list:
1 | BackupBuddy WordPress Backup Plugin From iThemes
BackupBuddy is a well-known WordPress backup plugin that has been around since 2010.
This plugin comes with a range of backup options. Including doing complete backups. As well as scheduling automatic backups for hourly, daily, weekly or monthly intervals.
You’ll also be able to run your WordPress backups to the cloud using:
- Dropbox
- Amazon S3
- Rackspace
- Google Drive
- FTP
- BackupBuddy Stash Service
In fact, every BackUpBuddy plan comes with a 1GB Stash Live storage to start out with. Which you can use to do automatic incremental backups. (Backups that just record your changes, rather than everything.) It is estimated you can create about 6 incremental backups with this starting space.
And most importantly. You can easily use BackUpBuddy to restore your WordPress blog with these backups. So no need for additional software or fumbling about trying to work out how to use your backup files.
In addition, some other notable features are:
- Ability to easily duplicate and migrate your blog. Which is useful if you need to change hosts or create a test version of your blog.
- Restore individual files, do a database rollback, or a complete restore
- Email notifications for completed and failed backups
- Options to repair and optimize your WordPress database
Is BackUpBuddy free?
Backupbuddy is a premium plugin that starts at $52 on their Blogger Plan to backup 1 site.
Unlike other WordPress plugins, this isn’t a subscription based plan. You are simply buying the plugin. Plus 1 year’s worth of tech support and plugin updates.
Once these run out you can renew the package but it is not required. This can be very cost effective compared to paying a monthly fee.
Why Should You Use BackupBuddy?
BackupBuddy is a considerably affordable option. That offers all the different cloud storage options you could ever need. As well a few bonus incremental backups which can be highly sought after. As they can help keep backup sizes down and reduce server load.
2 | VaultPress
Next up, VaultPress is a highly popular WordPress backup and restore plugin. VaultPress is part of the Automattic and Jetpack packages. And it currently has 80k+ active installs and a rating of 4 stars over 64 reviews.
Because of this, there are a few requirements before you can use this WordPress backup plugin. Firstly, you’ll need a WordPress.com account. Secondly, you’ll need to install the Jetpack plugin. But it is worth noting that you can uninstall this later. As VaultPress doesn’t require Jetpack to run.
And finally, once those are done, you’ll need to sign up for one of their premium plans. So, if you were wondering is VaultPress free? Sadly, the answer is no.
As it is part of the premium Jetpack plans. That comes bundled with several other features you can benefit from. Such as their CDN to help images load faster. A commercial plan for Akismet’s spam comment filter and priority support.
All of this is included in their Personal plan at $39 per year. With their higher plans having more exclusive features like real-time security scans.
The VaultPress backups create daily and real-time backups for you automatically. Which you don’t need to worry about external cloud storage or space. As it is all provided for you in their plan. The downside? You only get access to a backup archive for the last 30 days. Although you can download each backup to store elsewhere if you want.
Why Should You Use VaultPress?
VaultPress is created by the same company around WordPress. So if you are looking for a well-coded and supported plugin. Then who better than the creators of WordPress themselves, right?
Whilst this is a monthly subscription WordPress plugin. It is extremely affordable for the services it offers. Especially, since a commercial license for Akismet alone would cost $5 a month.
And that’s before you even begin considering the storage space you’d need to store all your backups. As backup files can grow to be quite large when doing complete backups every day.
Oh and if you are worried about Jetpack or VaultPress slowing down your blog. Then I highly recommend reading this.
Overall, the major issue with using this plugin is the monthly costs. Which you’ll have to pay for the lifetime of your blog. Plus the amount of extra work you need to do, just to get started.
3 | WP Database Backup
This is an example of a WordPress backup plugin. That only has the option to backup your WordPress database.
Despite this, it is still quite a popular plugin. With 70k+ active installs and a rating of 4.5 over 55 reviews.
This plugin is quick and simple to setup. But this also means there aren’t many customization options either.
You can, however. Choose the following remote storage options to backup your database to:
- Dropbox
- Google Drive
- Amazon S3
- FTP
Other key features to note:
- Email notifications of backup processes
- Backup scheduling & manual 1-click backup
- Ability to backup and restore
- Backup to multiple locations at once
Is the WP Database Backup plugin free? Yes, it is. This plugin is completely free to use!
Why Should You Use The WP Database Backup Plugin?
If you are only looking for a WordPress database backup only. As many other of your files are rarely changed. Then this plugin is the easiest to use for the job. With all the possible storage locations. You even have the option to store to multiple storage devices at once.
4 | BoldGrid Backup
The BoldGrid Backup plugin is another plugin that has been around since 2010. It currently has over 10k+ active installs, with a rating of 4.4 over only a small amount of 12 reviews.
This WordPress plugin can both backup, restore and migrate your blog to another host.
You can create both automated and manual backups of your entire blog. But it can only be automatically uploaded to an FTP or SFTP.
One of the best features of this free WordPress plugin. Is that it can be set to automatically backup. Before any updates. Including those WordPress core, plugins and theme updates that can sometimes happen automatically. With the option to automatically roll it back if an update fails and breaks your blog.
If you’ve ever had your blog break after one of these kind of updates. Then you’ll understand exactly how extremely useful this feature is.
Especially, when you use it alongside their site check. Which can be used to monitor your site at set intervals. And if there are any errors they will be reported to you via email. Plus options you can use to restore when there are problems remotely.
Additional important features are:
- Blog migration tools
- Scheduled backups where you can specifically set days and the time.
- Email confirmations from any backup processes
Is BoldGrid Backup Free?
The BoldGrid Backup plugin is Freemium. You can use the basic version for free. But some features are locked behind the Pro version. Which is $60 with all their other plugins included as well. Including SEO, Templates, WPForms and more.
You’ll also get options to backup to the cloud services Amazon S3 and Google Drive. Whereas the free version only allows FTP and SFTP backups.
The Pro version also includes individual file restores and historical versions. To help you easily find which files you need when restoring.
Why Should You Use The BoldGrid Backup Plugin?
Firstly, the free version of the plugin. Contains several options that are often included as premium options for other plugins. Such as blog migration, specific scheduling times rather than just a day. Plus the site check to monitor if you blog goes down.
On the other hand, this free plugin also has limited backup storage options. It also doesn’t have many reviews. Which makes it difficult to review the plugin as a whole for a wider range of different blog setups.
5 | BlogVault
This plugin has over 40k+ active installs, with a rating of 4.2 over 91 reviews.
Firstly, I would like to point out that this plugin has no free features. There used to be a free plan but this no longer seems to exist.
So, for $89 per year, you can get their Basic Plan. This gives you access to their backup tool which will backup your site to their cloud server. So, no need for a Dropbox or other cloud-related storage account.
Their backups allow for:
- Complete backups that cover all your files
- Automatic scheduling, as often as daily
- Access to a backup archive of 90 days
- Easy to use one-click restore
It also allows you to create a staging environment. Which you can use to create a copy of your blog with the migration tools. Purely for testing changes on.
If you want smart incremental backups, so only the changes to your blog are synced. Then this is only available on their Advanced Plan which goes up to $20.75 per month.
Why Should You Use The BlogVault Plugin?
Well, this WordPress backup plugin has a lot of bells and whistles. Which are quite useful if you are serious about your blog. Backups with cloud space provided, including a staging site for testing and migration tools. Are all usually premium tools anyways.
At $89 per year for a single site license, it is on the expensive side though. So I definitely don’t recommend it for starting out. But if you have a bigger blog that brings good profits. These tools could save you time and money in the long run.
6 | BackWPup
Right, so BackWPup is quite popular with 600k+ active installs. Plus a rating of 4.4 stars over 851 reviews.
Their backups allow you to set scheduled complete backups. Which can be automatically uploaded to the following cloud storage locations:
- Local
- FTP
- Dropbox
- Amazon S3
- Microsoft Azure
- Rackspace Cloud
- SugarSync
This BackWPup plugin will also send you email notifications of the backup process. So you can keep an eye on it to make sure everything is running correctly.
Plus there is the option to check and repair. Or even optimize your WordPress database with this WordPress plugin.
Although the BackWPup plugin is a freemium tool. So, some of its features are locked behind the paid version. Which
Sadly, one of the biggest features locked behind this premium version. Is the option to restore your backups. Which might make things difficult, if you need to restore from a backup on the free version. Resulting in some technical steps being involved.
In addition, the Pro version also adds:
- Priority support
- The ability to sync backups automatically to Google Drive and Amazon Glacier
- Backup to multiple storage destinations at the same time
- Select specific file paths and files to backup
Why Should You Use The BackWPup Plugin?
BackWPup is both highly rated and popular. It’s unlikely there would be so many active installs if it wasn’t good at its job. The free version of this plugin includes a lot of options for backing up to cloud storage.
Plus, there are also benefits for your database. Since you can check, repair and optimize it. Which can help keep your blog running fast.
If you really want to make life easier though. You’ll likely want to upgrade this plugin to the premium version. So you can easily restore from your backups with just a few clicks.
7 | Duplicator
Whilst the primary use of the Duplicator WordPress plugin is migrating websites. It also has several useful backup features you can use.
Including manually doing partial or complete WordPress backups. But if you want to backup straight to the cloud with scheduled backups. Then these features are locked behind the premium version ($59 for 1 year of support and updates.)
So, for the Pro version you can backup to the following cloud storage options:
- Dropbox
- Google Drive
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Amazon S3
- FTP/SFTP
Also part of the Pro version. Are email notifications to keep you informed on your backup processes.
Why Use The Duplicator Backup Plugin?
The Duplicator plugin is useful for when you want to handle backups. And duplicate your blog with the same tool. To use on a staging site or move to a new host.
However, this backup plugin is also quite technical to use. So, it is less suitable for beginners. And many features are part of the Pro version only.
8 | WP Time Capsule
WP Time Capsule is a WordPress backup plugin that focuses on incremental backups. This means that backups happen automatically whenever changes happen. And only those changes are backed up. Which can help massively to reduce both server load and file space.
Although, their external cloud storage options only include the limited selection of:
- Google Drive
- Dropbox
- Amazon S3
In addition, you’ll need to register for an account, install their WordPress plugin. And then connect to a cloud storage device to get started.
The first time you backup it will need to backup everything. So it might be slower than the day-to-day backups. But once this has been done backups should be quicker, use fewer resources and take up less file space.
You can even use this WordPress plugin to take a backup before you do any major updates to your blog. Such as WordPress core updates. Meaning you have an easy roll-back option if anything goes wrong. Which can really give you peace of mind.
In fact, one of the best extra features with this WordPress backup plugin. Is that they have easy to use restores. Even if you cannot get in your WordPress dashboard for whatever reason.
Like BackWPup, this WordPress plugin also includes a staging site. That you can use for testing updates before making them live.
Is WP Time Capsule Free?
WP Time Capsule has a 30 day free trial with no credit card needed. After the free trial, it then starts at $49 per year or a one-time payment of $149 on their Business Plan.
Why Use The WP Time Capsule Plugin?
This WordPress plugin is a great all-in-one package. That includes lots of important features. For keeping your blog backed up, stable and restoring it when things go wrong.
Including incremental backups. So you are always backed up, even if you forget to make a manual backup before editing your blog. As well as backups whenever WordPress core updates are applied to your blog. And even a staging site for you to test changes first.
With WP Time Capsule you could easily set and forget this WordPress backup plugin. It is also one of the cheaper options. Despite the array of features it has!
9 | Backup Guard
Next, the Backup Guard WordPress plugin has 70k+ active installs and a rating of 4.5 stars over 737 reviews.
With this WordPress backup plugin, you can do partial or complete backups. As well as restore using their easy to use interface. You can also use their migration tools if you have the Pro version (Starts at $19.95).
If you use the free version of the plugin you will get access to backup scheduling. But you’ll only be able to upload your backups to Dropbox only.
This plugin also doesn’t include email notifications. So you won’t be kept updated on whether your backups where successful or not.
So, if you want more than this. Then you’ll need to consider upgrading for access to FTP, SFTP, OneDrive, Amazon S3 and Google Drive.
Why Use The Backup Guard Plugin?
Overall, the Backup Guard plugin is a good solution. If you are looking to cover all the basics and keep your backups simple.
In addition, the Pro version of this plugin is one of the most affordable. At $19.95 for the plugin plus 1 year’s worth of support and updates.
10 | WPvivid
Next, let’s look at WPvivid. This WordPress plugin has 3k+ active installs. And a 5-star rating over 42 reviews. Whilst it only has a limited number of reviews. These are all highly positive so far.
This WordPress backup plugin covers all the important basics of backing up. Including restores and migration. Which can be automatically scheduled and uploaded to the following cloud storage services:
- Dropbox
- Google Drive
- Amazon S3
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Digital Ocean Spaces
- FTP and SFTP
Backups can also be set to run as often as every 12 hours, daily, weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. With options to set them as partial or complete backups. Furthermore, you can even split larger backups if it is more convenient for you.
Plus, this WordPress plugin will even send you emails to keep you updated on backup processes.
Is WPvivid Free?
WP Vivid is a free WordPress backup plugin. That even include some free support options through email, forums and their FAQ.
Why Use The WPvivid Plugin?
WPvivid is a free, easy to use WordPress backup plugin. With one-click restore and migration tools. Meaning the number of backups you can have are only limited by your cloud storage space.
Although this WordPress back plugin is new. It looks like a promising free option for blogging beginners. With lots of features currently included with the free version.
11 | UpdraftPlus
Lastly, one of the most popular and amazing WordPress plugins out there. Is the UpdraftPlus plugin. With an incredible 2million+ active installs. It is the most installed WordPress backup plugin and for good reason. As it even boasts a 4.8-star rating over 3,100+ reviews.
This WordPress plugin is freemium. Meaning some features are limited to the Pro version. But there are just so many valuable features included in the free version already.
Including the options to do partial or complete backups. And a tool to easily restore from your backups within the WordPress dashboard.
In
UpdraftPlus also comes with a host of options. So you can automatically upload your backups to the below cloud services:
- Dropbox
- Google Drive
- Amazon S3
- UpdraftVault
- Rackspace Cloud
- FTP
- Dreamobjects
- OpenStack Swift
Whilst there are a lot of features in the free version of the plugin. There are some additional features only in the Pro version. (Starting at $84 on their Personal Plan.)
Including the below additional cloud storage options:
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Microsoft Azure
- Google Cloud
- Backblaze B2
- SFTP
- SCP
- WebDAV
You also have the option to backup to multiple storage locations at once. As well as include non-WordPress related files. In fact, you can even encrypt your database to keep everything secure too!
Additionally, you’ll also find in the Pro version:
- Incremental backups
- Duplication and migration tools
- Multisite compatibility
- Dedicated support
Why Use The UpdraftPlus Plugin?
The UpdraftPlus plugin is one of the most versatile and popular WordPress backup plugins out there. They are also well-established making them super reliable.
Their free version has so many features, you’d be hard pushed to find them elsewhere for free. And it makes backing up your blog a breeze, with all the features you really need as a beginner blogger.
The UpdraftPlus Pro version somehow manages to squeeze in even more useful features. For those who want a bit more control over their backups. And better resource optimization.
And yes, I am a big fan of UpdraftPlus. As it’s what I currently use for my blog and I love it!
WordPress Backups Aren’t Just Important, They Are Critical
Okay, so backups seem pretty important, right?
Well, they are not just important they are critical to the survival of your blog. Which is why they should be part of your regular WordPress maintenance tasks.
They are also an important security step, in case your blog gets hacked. So you can wipe all the malicious code with a fresh backup that’s not compromised.
In fact, they are one of the best things you can do for your blog. To protect yourself from hacks and getting locked out.
Comparison Of All WordPress Backup Plugins (Table)
| Free Features | Pro Features | |
| BackupBuddy | – None | – $52 / year – Dropbox, Amazon S3, Rackspace, Google Drive, FTP, BackupBuddy Stash Service & email storage options – Complete backups with scheduling & easy restore – Duplicate & migrate tools – Email notifications – Repair &optimize database – Incremental to 1GB stash live |
| VaultPress | – None | – $39 / year – Akismet license for blocking spam – Priority support – Cloud storage included – 30 days archive – Complete backups with scheduling & incremental backups |
| WP Database Backup | – Database backups only – Dropbox, Google Drive, Amazon S3, FTP & Email storage options – Multiple location backup supported – Email notifications – Scheduling & restore options | – None |
| BoldGrid | – Complete backups with scheduling – Restore & migrate options – FTP/SFTP storage options – Automatically backup before WordPress updates – Site check tool | – $60 / year – Includes all of their other plugins bundled in – Amazon S3 & Google Drive storage options – Individual file restores |
| BlogVault | – None | – $89 / year – Complete backups with scheduling – Remote storage included – 90 days archive – One-click restore – Staging environment |
| BackWPup | – Local, FTP, Dropbox, Amazon S3, Microsoft Azure, Rackspace Cloud & SugarSync storage options – Complete backups with scheduling – Email notifications – Optimize and repair database | – $69 / year – Priority support – Restore – Google Drive & Amazon Glacier storage options – Multiple storage destinations |
| Duplicator | – Complete backups with scheduling – Duplication & migration tools | – $59 / year – Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Amazon S3 & FTP/SFTP storage options – Email notifications |
| WP Time Capsule | – 30-day free trial | – $49 / year – Incremental & complete backups – Google Drive, Dropbox & Amazon S3 storage options Update before WordPress core, plugin or theme updates Restores, even externally Staging site |
| Backup Guard | – Complete backups with scheduling & restore – Dropbox storage option only | – $19.95 / year – FTP, SFTP, OneDrive, Amazon S3 & Google Drive storage options – Migration tools |
| WPvivid | – Complete backups with scheduling & restore – Dropbox, Google Drive, Amazon S3, Microsoft OneDrive, Digital Ocean Spaces, FTP & SFTP storage options – Email notifications – Migration tools | – None |
| UpdraftPlus | – Complete backups with scheduling & restore – Dropbox, Google Drive, Amazon S3, UpdraftVault, Rackspace Cloud, FTP, Dreamobjects, OpenStack Swift & Email storage options – Email notifications | – $84 / year – Microsoft OneDrive, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, Backblaze B2, SFTP, SCP & WebDAV storage options – Multiple storage locations – Database encryption – Incremental backups – Duplication & migration tools – Priority support |
Which WordPress Backup Plugin Should You Use?
Hopefully, this comparison table will help make it a little clearer what each WordPress backup plugin has to offer. But as you can see there aren’t many options that are free to start out with. Luckily the main option you have is UpdraftPlus. With WPvivid being a possible alternative.
If you are looking for the more expensive incremental updates option. To keep server loads as low. So your blog can be as fast as possible. Then the 2 most affordable options are VaultPress and WP Time Console.
And if you still can’t decide. Try thinking about it this way. Is the investment worth the tool? Think about your time spent and how easy it would be to replace all the content and settings you have setup.
Also, to clarify. It is crucial that you do not rely on the limited backups your host service does. As if something was to happen to your blog data because of your hosting. Then they could also have lost your backups too. Which is why having multiple backups in different locations is the safest idea.
Look Out For The Potential Limitations Of WordPress Backup Plugins
One thing you need to watch out for. Is that many of these WordPress backup plugins rely on the use of the WordPress dashboard. To make restoring your blog from backup easy. Even with no technical knowledge.
But what happens if you cannot get into the WordPress dashboard in the first place? This is a very likely scenario. So, check before you run into trouble. If you can restore your blog from a backup without the WordPress dashboard.
For example, the WP Time Capsule plugin is a good example of this. As it has an external dashboard which you can use to restore your blog.
Remember – a backup is only as good as how it can be used. If it’s difficult to use when you really need it. Such as doing a restore. Then it’s probably not the right tool for the job!
And make sure, you always store backups separate to your blog hosting. Any plugins that store your backups locally with the rest of your blog are probably a really bad idea.
Whilst backing up your blog is one of the most important tasks you can do for your blog. You should also make sure to carry out these important security tips. As well as these maintenance tips for your WordPress blog.
Have you been backing up your WordPress blog or have you been ignoring it? Which of these WordPress backup plugins on this list is your favourite?
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I am using updraft plus and it is one of the best WordPress backup plugins out there. This is an informative post. Keep sharing!
Thanks for the comment and couldn’t agree more on how super useful UpdraftPlus is backing up. I use it on all my sites.