Keeping backups of any website you maintain is absolutely essential. I make sure backups are done both at the server level and at the WordPress plugin level.
My Two “Go To” WordPress Backup Plugins
All-In-One WP Migration ★
This is now the backup plugin that I use the most. Very easy to use and reliable as long as you disable backup of the “mu plugins” folder (not doing so can cause the plugin to hang when you try to restore). Works fast and reliably if you do that.
Free version works with up to 512MB archives. Paid extension removes this limit.
All-in-One is great in cases where you want to preserve the destination’s WordPress environment (i.e., .htaccess, etc.), as it requires WordPress to be already installed at the destination.
The paid Multisite extension will let you migrate Multisite networks, or a single child site out of the network. Works great, but is expensive at over $300/year. But, if you need to migrate Multisite or a Multisite child, this is a great plugin to do that.
Duplicator ★
I don’t use this as much now that I have All-in-One, but it still has its uses. It’s great if you want to completely blow away your destination directory and replace it with the copy.
The Pro version will migrate WordPress Multisite, do scheduled backups, and can save your backups offsite. The lifetime deal is worth every penny!
Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. I test or research each service before endorsing it. I own this site and the opinions expressed here are mine.
Other Highly-Rated WordPress Backup Plugins
Migrate Guru
I haven’t tried this yet, but it comes recommended by Gridpane and has tons of good reviews. It’s 100% free and claims to work on Multisite.
WP Vivid
I haven’t tried this yet but it looks great and has stellar reviews. Looks very easy to use for backups and migrations. Free on the WordPress repo. Will even work on Multisite!
Please leave your comments and questions below! – Brian
I am a freelance web developer and consultant based in Santa Monica, CA. I’ve been designing websites using WordPress and from scratch using HTML, CSS, PHP, and JavaScript since 2010. I create websites and web applications for businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations. I have a degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) from California Institute of Technology and a degree in Engineering Management (MSEM) from Stanford University.
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Thanks for this roundup! Backing up a WordPress site is crucial, and these plugins offer a range of options to suit different needs. Great resource!