The 7 Best WordPress Backup Plugins in 2024 ⚠️

Losing your website can be a nightmare especially if you’re a business owner.

Imagine losing your website your customer orders and your precious content – all gone! It’s enough to make any website owner’s blood run cold.

But there’s a solution! That’s where WordPress backup plugins come in to save the day!

These incredible tools are lifesavers acting as a safety net for your website.

They create backups automatically so if something disastrous happens you can restore your website with just a few clicks.

It’s like having a magic time machine that lets you rewind to a point before any mishaps occurred.

But with so many backup plugins out there it’s tough to know which one is the best for you.

That’s where I come in! As someone who’s been working in the WordPress world for years I’ve tried and tested almost every backup plugin under the sun.

I’ll share my top picks for the 7 best WordPress backup plugins in 2024. I’ll break down their pros and cons explain how easy they are to use and give you the pricing info so you can make an informed decision.

Ready to dive in? Let’s go!

VaultPress Backup: The Best for Real-Time Backups

Let’s start with my personal favorite – VaultPress Backup.

It’s like the gold standard when it comes to WordPress backups.

Why? Because it’s built specifically for WordPress and WooCommerce by the same team that created WordPress.com and WooCommerce.

They know exactly what WordPress websites need and they’ve built a top-notch solution that makes it one of the best backup plugins out there.

Here’s what makes VaultPress Backup stand out:

• Real-time backups: One of the biggest advantages is that VaultPress Backup saves your website every time you make a change. So you’re not losing any updates edits or customer orders. That’s peace of mind like no other!
• Secure offsite storage: Your data is safe and sound because VaultPress Backup stores multiple copies of your backups on the same servers as all WordPress.com websites. That’s like having a fortress for your data.
• Effortless restore: Need to restore your site? Just check the WordPress activity log and find the exact moment you want to restore from. One click and your website is back to normal. You can even restore from your phone or tablet – no complicated coding needed!
• Migrating to a new host: Moving your website to a new host can be a pain but VaultPress Backup takes the hassle out of it with its WordPress cloning feature. It’s so easy you won’t even need FTP tools or server connections.

Pros of VaultPress Backup:

• Real-time backups: Ensures you don’t lose a single update or change.
• Secure offsite storage: Your data is safe from server hacks and website issues.
• Easy to use: No coding experience required even for restoring backups.
• Excellent support: WordPress Happiness Engineers are available to help you 24/7.
• Full website migration: Makes moving to a new host a breeze.

Cons of VaultPress Backup:

• Pricing: VaultPress Backup isn’t free. But it offers a range of affordable plans to suit your needs.

Ease of Use:

VaultPress Backup was designed with the average WordPress user in mind.

It’s super easy to install set up and restore even if your website is down.

No coding or complicated server management – it just works! If you have any issues their support team is just a click away to help you out.

Pricing:

VaultPress Backup offers a variety of pricing plans with different levels of features and storage space.

They have a free plan for basic protection but if you need more you can upgrade to a paid plan that’s right for you.

Check out their website for the latest pricing.

UpdraftPlus: A Popular Freemium Option

UpdraftPlus is another excellent backup plugin and it’s a freemium option meaning you get a basic version for free with additional features available in paid plans.

Here’s what UpdraftPlus offers:

• Automated backups: Set it and forget it! UpdraftPlus backs up your files and database automatically on a schedule you choose – from every two hours to every 30 days.
• Backup storage options: You have a lot of flexibility with where you store your backups. You can choose to store them on your server or you can use third-party services like Google Drive Dropbox Amazon S3 and more.
• Incremental backups: UpdraftPlus only saves the changes you make to your website rather than backing up the entire site every time. This saves storage space and keeps your backups lightweight.
• Multiple backup destinations: You can store backups in multiple locations for added security.

Pros of UpdraftPlus:

• Free version: The free version is more than enough for many users.
• Flexible backup frequency: Set your own backup schedule.
• Multiple backup destinations: Store your backups securely in various locations.
• Incremental backups: Saves storage space and bandwidth.
• Good support: The free version has basic support while paid plans have priority support.

Cons of UpdraftPlus:

• Limited features in the free version: The free version lacks some essential features like real-time backups.
• Restoring a downed site: Restoring a backup when your site is down can be a little more complicated than other plugins.
• Interface: Some users may find the interface a bit overwhelming.

Ease of Use:

UpdraftPlus is pretty easy to set up but you’ll need to configure a few settings like the backup frequency and storage location.

Restoring a backup is also straightforward but only if your website is still running.

To restore you’ll need to log into your WordPress dashboard navigate to the UpdraftPlus settings select the files you want to restore and wait for it to complete.

Pricing:

UpdraftPlus offers a generous free plan that covers basic features and includes limited storage space.

If you need more features or more storage they have several paid plans with various options.

BlogVault: All-in-One Backup and Security Solution

BlogVault is a premium backup plugin that focuses on providing a comprehensive solution.

They offer a 100% restore rate which means you can rest assured that you can recover your website no matter what.

Here’s what BlogVault brings to the table:

• Incremental backups: Like UpdraftPlus BlogVault saves only the changes to your website making backups efficient and lightweight.
• Multiple backup frequency options: Choose from daily weekly monthly or real-time backups based on your needs.
• Security features: Since BlogVault is part of the same company as the security plugin MalCare they offer additional security features like malware scanning and website hardening.
• One-click restore: Restoring a backup is as easy as clicking a single button.
• Staging environment: BlogVault offers a staging environment allowing you to test changes and updates before going live.

Pros of BlogVault:

• 100% restore rate: They guarantee you can recover your website.
• Security features: Provides extra protection against malware and threats.
• Easy to use: Simple interface with one-click restore.
• Staging environment: Allows you to test changes safely.

Cons of BlogVault:

• Pricing: BlogVault is a premium plugin so it comes with a price tag.
• Limited free trial: You only get a limited free trial to try it out.

Ease of Use:

BlogVault is user-friendly no matter your experience level.

Restoring a backup is a breeze with a single click and they offer a simple auto-setup process to get you started.

Pricing:

BlogVault offers a variety of plans for single websites or multiple websites.

You can choose the plan that suits your needs and budget.

BackupBuddy: Powerful but Complex

BackupBuddy is another popular premium backup plugin known for its comprehensive features.

It gives you complete control over your backups but it can be a bit more complex to use especially if your website is down.

What makes BackupBuddy unique:

• Real-time backups: Get backups whenever changes occur making sure you have the most recent copy of your website.
• Customizable backup options: You can select exactly what you want to back up each time including specific plugins themes or images.
• Individual file restoration: You can restore specific files if you only need to recover a particular plugin or image.
• Backup migration: If you need to move your backups to a new location BackupBuddy can help you migrate them smoothly.
• Staging environment: Create a staging site to test changes and updates before going live.

Pros of BackupBuddy:

• Customizable backups: Select what you want to back up each time.
• Individual file restoration: Restore specific files if needed.
• Backup migration: Move your backups to a new location easily.
• Staging environment: Test changes before going live.

Cons of BackupBuddy:

• Complex restoration process: Restoring a backup can be complicated if your website is down.
• Price: BackupBuddy is a premium plugin so it comes with a price tag.
• Advanced features can be overwhelming: Some of the advanced features may be confusing for beginners.

Ease of Use:

If your website is up and running BackupBuddy is easy to use with a simple wizard that guides you through the process.

However if your website is down restoring a backup can be a challenge for those who are not familiar with server management.

You’ll need to use your host’s cPanel or FTP access to load your server and access your database through PHPMyAdmin.

Pricing:

BackupBuddy offers various pricing plans to suit your needs including annual and lifetime plans.

Check out their website for the latest pricing information.

BackWPUp: A Straightforward but Limited Free Version

BackWPUp is a backup plugin that offers a free version with limited features but you can unlock more capabilities with its premium plans.

It’s known for its straightforward functionality without too many bells and whistles.

Here’s what BackWPUp offers:

• Automated backups: Schedule backups at regular intervals such as daily weekly or monthly.
• Backup storage options: You can store backups on your server or use third-party services like FTP Amazon S3 Dropbox and more.
• Incremental backups: Saves only the changes made to your website making backups efficient and lightweight.
• Email notifications: Get notifications when backups are complete or fail.
• Backup management tools: View and manage your backups easily.

Pros of BackWPUp:

• Free version available: Provides basic backup features at no cost.
• Simple interface: Easy to use and navigate.
• Multiple backup destinations: Choose where to store your backups.
• Email notifications: Keep track of backup status.

Cons of BackWPUp:

• Limited features in the free version: The free version lacks some essential features like real-time backups and one-click restore.
• Not beginner-friendly: The free version can be challenging for beginners to use.
• Manual restoration: You need to manually restore backups in the free version.

Ease of Use:

The free version of BackWPUp can be a bit confusing for beginners with settings that use technical terms like “script execution time” and “empty output on backup working.” The free version also doesn’t offer an automatic backup restore feature.

To fully utilize BackWPUp without coding experience you’ll need to upgrade to a premium plan.

However with a premium plan the setup wizard and restore wizard are simple to use.

You can restore a backup in a few clicks – no experience required.

Pricing:

BackWPUp offers a limited free version and several premium plans with more robust features.

Check out their website for the latest pricing details.

WP Time Capsule: Real-time Backups with Staging

WP Time Capsule is another premium backup plugin that offers real-time incremental backups.

It uses third-party storage solutions giving you more control over your backups.

Here’s what makes WP Time Capsule stand out:

• Real-time incremental backups: Saves only the changes made to your website in real-time making backups efficient and lightweight.
• Third-party storage: Store your backups securely on services like Dropbox Amazon S3 Google Drive and more.
• One-click restore: Restore backups quickly and easily with just a single click.
• Staging environment: Create a staging site to test changes and updates before going live.
• Advanced features: Includes features like automated database optimization and security monitoring.

Pros of WP Time Capsule:

• Real-time incremental backups: Ensures that you have the most recent copy of your website.
• Third-party storage: Gives you control over where your backups are stored.
• One-click restore: Makes restoring backups simple.
• Staging environment: Test changes before going live.
• Advanced features: Offers additional features like database optimization and security monitoring.

Cons of WP Time Capsule:

• Pricing: WP Time Capsule is a premium plugin so it comes with a price tag.
• Limited free trial: You only get a 30-day free trial to test it out.

Ease of Use:

Setting up WP Time Capsule is simple – install the plugin and configure your backup options.

It offers instant restores and you can push changes from your staging environment to your live website with a single click.

Pricing:

WP Time Capsule offers different plans with various features and storage options.

You can choose the plan that best fits your needs.

BoldGrid Total Upkeep: Backup and Security Features in One Plugin

BoldGrid Total Upkeep (formerly BoldGrid Backup) is a WordPress plugin that goes beyond just backups offering automated and manual backups along with additional security features that help you avoid needing to restore a backup in the first place.

Here’s what BoldGrid Total Upkeep brings to the table:

• Automated backups: Schedule backups to happen automatically at regular intervals.
• Manual backups: Create backups on demand.
• Backup storage options: Store backups on your server or use third-party services like Amazon S3 Google Drive and Dropbox.
• Security features: Includes features like malware scanning security monitoring and website hardening.
• Staging environment: Create a staging site to test changes and updates before going live.

Pros of BoldGrid Total Upkeep:

• Backup and security features in one plugin: Combines backup and security features for comprehensive protection.
• Automated and manual backups: Gives you flexibility in how you back up your website.
• Multiple backup destinations: Store backups in various locations.
• Staging environment: Test changes before going live.

Cons of BoldGrid Total Upkeep:

• Price: BoldGrid Total Upkeep is a premium plugin so it comes with a price tag.
• Restoring a downed site: Restoring a backup when your website is down can be challenging because it requires using SSH and specific command lines.
• Limited features: The free version has limited features.

Ease of Use:

Installing and setting up BoldGrid Total Upkeep is simple.

Install the WordPress plugin and configure a few settings like backup frequency storage locations and security options.

If your website is running restoring a backup is straightforward; select the backup you want and click “Restore.” However restoring a backup when your website is down can be more complicated as it involves using SSH and command lines which can be daunting for users who aren’t familiar with these processes.

Pricing:

BoldGrid Total Upkeep offers various pricing plans with different features and storage options.

Check out their website for the latest pricing information.

Choosing the Right Backup Plugin for You

So how do you choose the right backup plugin for your website?

Here are some factors to consider:

• Your budget: Some plugins are free while others are premium.
• Your needs: Consider what features are important to you such as real-time backups offsite storage one-click restore and security features.
• Your experience level: Some plugins are easier to use than others.
• Your website’s size and traffic: If you have a large website with high traffic you’ll need a plugin that can handle the workload.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Often Do Backup Plugins Back Up a WordPress Website?

It depends on the plugin you choose.

The most common frequency is daily but some plugins offer options for weekly monthly every couple of hours or even real-time backups.

For example VaultPress Backup offers real-time backups which are ideal for websites that are constantly updated.

How Long Are WordPress Backups Kept?

The length of time backups are kept depends on the plugin.

A typical time frame is 30 days but some plugins allow you to customize the number of backups you want to save.

How Do I Know If My Plugin Is Backing Up My WordPress Website?

The plugin you choose should provide some indication that backups are happening.

Some plugins will send you an email or notification after a successful backup.

You can also check the plugin’s settings to see when the last backup was completed.

Another way to verify is by downloading a backup file from remote storage or your server.

Where Are My Backups Stored?

Many plugins store backups on your server but this can slow down your website and leave your backups vulnerable to hacks.

Other plugins integrate with third-party services like Google Drive Dropbox or Amazon S3 providing offsite storage that keeps your backups safe and secure.

Does a Backup Plugin Still Work If My Website Is Down?

In most cases you can restore a backup even if your website is down but this process often involves accessing your server via FTP or SSH which can be challenging for many website owners.

VaultPress Backup simplifies this process by allowing you to restore a backup from the activity log with a single click even if your website is down.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Backup Plugin for Your WordPress Website

Having a solid backup strategy is essential for any website owner but with so many plugins out there it can be challenging to know which one is best for you.

Consider your budget your website’s needs your experience level and your overall comfort level when choosing a backup plugin.

I hope this post has given you a clear understanding of the top WordPress backup plugins and helped you find the perfect solution for your website.

Remember a good backup plugin is one of the most important investments you can make for your website’s safety and security.

So choose wisely and keep your website safe!