5 Essential Backup Types: Explained

Understanding backup types is the first step to creating consistent backups.

Different websites require different backup solutions. A personal blog may not need the same level of backup as an e-commerce site. Making the wrong choice can lead to data loss and headaches.

This article is a complete guide to help you choose the best backup for your specific website. 

TL;DR: There are 4 different types of website backups, each with its specific use. The best way to manage these is to use a website backup tool that automates the process for you.

Creating a backup strategy can be complex, especially without technical know-how. One of the first things to consider is the type of backup you want to take. Choosing the right type ensures your data is safe.

There are many backup types, each with its own pros and cons. For example, full backups save everything but can be time-consuming. Incremental backups save only changes since the last backup, using less space but requiring more time to restore.

Understanding these differences can help you decide what fits best with your backup strategy. Knowing what each type offers will guide you in making the right choice for your needs.

Full backups

A full backup is a complete copy of your entire website. This includes all your site files, database tables, and configuration settings. It’s like making a photocopy of every single element of your website.

When you restore from a full backup, you are essentially putting your entire website back to the exact state it was in when the backup was taken. This minimizes the risk of data loss or errors during restoration. Everything you need for a functional site is there. You just need to restore it. This makes full backups one of the most dependable methods for restoring a website completely.

On the flip side, it takes up a lot of resources and time because it copies every single file and piece of data on your website. You will also see your site slowing down during full backup operations. 

It also requires a large amount of storage space. If you follow reliable backup strategies like the 3-2-1 backup strategy, you are storing so much data. This gets more expensive as your site grows. 

Pros

• Simplifies recovery process
• Provides comprehensive data restoration
• Great baseline backup method  

Cons

• Resource-intensive and time-consuming
• Requires significant storage space
• Not ideal for frequent backups  

When to use full backups?

Full backups are ideal for websites that conduct end-of-week data backups. Your backup schedule will vary depending on the type of site. The more often your site changes, the more often you need to back it up. WooCommerce backups, for example, need to be taken in real time. This is to keep up with the orders being created, inventory changes, payment transactions and more. We also recommend exporting your full site weekly. 

Additionally, full backups are good if you’re archiving your website. By storing a complete copy of your website at regular intervals, you create a historical record. This can be useful for reviewing past configurations, content, or changes made over time. 

Bottom line

Full backups are invaluable because they provide a complete and reliable restore. However, they require more storage and time, especially for large sites. But we still recommend it. In fact, when creating manual backups, we always recommend full backups. It is unnecessarily risky to restore a partial manual backup because you will not have all the site’s data. 

So, yes. Full backups have their place in your backup strategy. Just not on a daily basis. 

Note: Full backups, in this case, refer to the method of taking backups, rather than how a plugin like BlogVault stores them. BlogVault takes incremental backups, but stores each one as a full backup, so each of your site’s backups are complete. As you will see, this reduces the load on your site considerably, and is the best of both worlds.

Incremental backups

An incremental backup is a method where only the changes made since the last backup are saved. This includes new files and any modifications to existing data. 

This method efficiently uses storage space and time, as it avoids duplicating unchanged data, thereby minimizing resource use. This means you’re not repeatedly taking a backup of the full site. 

However, restores require the last full backup as a base and then each subsequent incremental backup. It will be nearly impossible to do restore your site manually. If even one backup is missing or corrupted, it could lead to incomplete restoration, making this method less straightforward than full backups—unless handled properly.

Pros

• Efficient use of system resources 
• Consumes less storage space and time 
• Ideal for frequent backups

Cons

• Restores require each increment
• Recovery can be complex

When to use it?

Incremental backups are perfect for websites needing frequent, even daily, backups. They efficiently capture only new changes, saving time and space. This makes them ideal for environments with frequent updates.

Bottom line:

Incremental backups are efficient for providing ongoing protection with minimal impact on system performance. They capture only new changes, making them resource-friendly and ideal for frequent updates.

They also reduce the time needed for each session, allowing businesses to operate with minimal disruption. Additionally, they help in reducing storage costs by avoiding unnecessary data duplication. 

However, taking incremental backups manually is an impossible task. It requires time, technical knowledge and a lot of patience. If you would like to try incremental backup, install a backup plugin like BlogVault. 

Differential backups

A differential backup is a backup type that captures only the changes made since the last full backup. The keyword there being “full backup”. 

Let’s say you take a full backup on Sunday and differential backups on the weekdays. Monday will have all the changes between Sunday and Monday. Tuesday will record the changes between Sunday and Tuesday. Wednesday is a larger backup with all the changes between Sunday and Wednesday. As the gap between full backups increases, so does the size of the differential backup. 

This sounds similar to the previous section but there is a difference between incremental and differential backups. Differential and incremental backups both begin with a full backup but differ in handling changes. 

Differential backups capture all changes since the last full backup, growing larger over time. Incremental backups, in contrast, record changes since the last backup of any kind, resulting in smaller sizes and faster backups. 

The good thing is that differential backups are better at restores. All you need is the last full backup and the last differential backup. 

Pros

• Faster than a full backup 
• Moderately easy restore
• Reduces storage use 

Cons

• Become nearly as large as a full backup
• Needs more storage space as time progresses
• Can become resource intensive

When to use it?

If you want to balance speed and comprehensive recovery for your business, differential backups are a great option. Ideal for weekly or bi-weekly schedules, they efficiently capture changes since the last full backup. This approach allows for quicker restoration without the complexity of multiple incremental steps.

Differential backups are particularly useful in environments where data changes frequently, but not enough to warrant daily updates. They offer a balanced solution by consistently tracking changes and keeping the restoration process straightforward. This makes differential backups an effective choice for a reliable data management strategy.

Bottom line

Differential backups offer a practical middle ground between full and incremental backups. They provide quick access to changed data with a less complex recovery process, making them a convenient option for many businesses.

However, as more changes accumulate, differential backups can become sizable, potentially impacting storage efficiency. To address this, they require periodic full backups to reset the backup size and maintain overall efficiency.

Mirror backups

A mirror backup is a process where the source data is replicated exactly, creating an identical copy or “mirror” of the selected files and folders. Mirror backups generate real-time duplicates of current data. 

Unlike full backups, mirror backups do not retain historical versions. You won’t be able to restore your site to a prior date. They provide quick access to the most recent data but offer less protection against data loss. This makes them distinct from full backups, which capture and store entire datasets at specific points. Full backups preserve version history for comprehensive recovery but demand more storage and time.

Think of a mirror backup as a live stream camera showing the view in real time, constantly changing with the scene. Meanwhile, a full backup is like a photograph of a room, capturing every detail as it is at that moment. This allows you to look back and see everything as it was, even as time and changes continue.

Pros

• Real-time copy of the data
• Quick and easy data recovery 
• Reduces downtime significantly

Cons

• Does not retain historical versions 
• Lacks comprehensive data protection
• Requires significant storage

When to use it?

Mirror backups serve businesses needing real-time data redundancy and swift recovery. They are particularly beneficial for sectors like financial institutions or those managing live databases, where maintaining up-to-date records is essential. These backups are suited for scenarios requiring immediate access to current data. 

Bottom line 

Mirror backups provide immediate access and high uptime by replicating data as it changes. However, they lack historical depth, which can pose significant risks if issues arise with the source data. This means any errors in the original data are instantly mirrored. Let’s say a theme update failed and crashed your site. Your backup will mirror that. You can’t rollback to an older version. 

Setting up mirror backups can be complex, and there are limited tools available to facilitate this process. Due to these challenges and its very niche use case, mirror backups are not well-suited as a primary backup strategy. 

They offer specific advantages but are best used in conjunction with other, more comprehensive backup methods.

Partial backups

A partial backup involves back up only parts of your data, such as certain files, folders, or database segments. This approach targets crucial elements without copying everything, which makes it efficient in terms of time and storage.

Unlike full backups that save the entire dataset, partial backups focus only on what is most important or frequently changed. This selectivity can lead to quicker backup times and reduced storage needs, but will not provide complete data recovery if other parts of the site are lost or corrupted.

Partial backups are more prone to failures, when you try to restore it. This is because they don’t have all the data required to backup your site completely. You will need solve a jigsaw puzzle of partial backups to see the full picture. 

Pros

• Reduces backup time 
• Decreases storage space
• Allows customization 

Cons

• Risk of missing important files 
• Restoration might require piecing together data 
• Complicates management 

When to use it?

Partial backups are suited for systems where only specific data sets change frequently. They focus on backing up just the critical elements, allowing businesses to target areas with the most activity.

Having said that, we never recommend partial backups. They are prone to failures, and ultimately are not worth the risk. 

Bottom line

Partial backups might seem appealing due to the time and resource savings they offer. However, they are quite complex to execute correctly. A successful partial backup demands a significant understanding of how all your plugins and themes interact with your database tables. If this is not done properly, you risk a failed restore that could crash your site.

Given these challenges, we do not recommend relying on partial backups. The potential risks make them less viable. 

What to consider when choosing the Right Backup Types to implement?

Understanding how to choose the right type of backup is crucial for protecting your data effectively. The decision should be based on a thorough evaluation of several key factors, each impacting how well your backup strategy can safeguard your operations. 

• Assess data change frequency and volume: Understand how often your data changes and how much data is being generated. This will influence whether you need constant backups, like incremental, or less frequent ones, like differential.
• Understand what needs to be backed up: There are a lot of files and database tables to include in a backup. We recommend that you backup everything but, you may decide partial backups are enough.
• Evaluate available storage space: Consider how much storage space you have. Full backups require significant space, while incremental and differential backups use space more efficiently.
• Determine necessary historical version retention: Decide how many versions of your data you need to keep. Full backups provide comprehensive versioning, while mirror backups lack historical depth.
• Analyze risk of data loss impact: Let’s say you have to recover a hacked site. Do you have enough data to recover atleast most of it? Will you be able to piece together your website back? A good backup of all your data will be able to do so.
• Understand technical recovery capabilities: Evaluate your ability to manage and restore backups. Simpler systems, like full backups, may be easier to recover for less technical users.
• Consider cost implications of storage solutions: Look at the costs associated with different backup options, including storage and tools. Balance your budget with your backup needs.
• Review compliance and regulatory data requirements: Ensure that your backup strategy aligns with any legal or regulatory requirements for data protection and retention specific to your industry.

What is the best way to take a backup?

Managing different types of website backups can become an overwhelming task, especially given the complexity and volume of data most businesses handle. Add in the fact that you have to manage backup schedules, storage and security, the task list increases. 

Given these challenges, using a reliable and automated solution like BlogVault is highly recommended. BlogVault simplifies the entire backup process, so you don’t have to worry about setting up schedules or manually copying files. 

Why choose BlogVault?

• Automated backup
• Incremental backup 
• On-demand backups
• Customizable backups
• Real-time backups
• Offsite backups
• User-friendly interface
• Reliable restores
• Test restore feature
• Multisite support

Final thoughts

Navigating the various types of site backups can be challenging, as each offers different levels of reliability and efficiency. You’re constantly trying to strike a balance between easy restores and saving on storage. 

To simplify this often time consuming process, consider using a tool like BlogVault. BlogVault streamlines backup management with automation and user-friendly features like one-click restores. You also don’t have to worry about storage. All backups are stored on their offsite servers. This makes it easier to ensure your data is protected without the hassle of manual intervention. 

FAQs

What are the 4 different backup types?

The four main types of backups are Full Backup, Incremental Backup, Differential Backup, and Mirror Backup. Each type offers different advantages and is suitable for different scenarios based on data changes, storage capacity, and recovery needs.

What is a full backup?

A full backup is a type of backup that involves creating a complete copy of all your data, including files, database tables, and configurations. This ensures that everything can be fully restored to its exact state at the time the backup was made, offering a reliable method for comprehensive data recovery.

What is the best type of backup?

The best kind of backup depends on your specific needs. For comprehensive data protection, a combination of full and incremental backups is often effective, providing complete recovery while efficiently managing storage and resource use. All backup strategies should be tailored to the organization’s data change frequency, available resources, and recovery objectives.

What is the best tool for backups?

BlogVault is considered one of the best site backup tools for several compelling reasons:

• Automated backups: It provides automated backups that can be scheduled to run at regular intervals, reducing manual intervention and ensuring your data is consistently protected.
• Incremental backup: BlogVault’s incremental backups only save changes made since the last backup, optimizing storage space and speeding up the process by minimizing the amount of data transferred.
• Easy restoration: The tool offers a straightforward and reliable restoration process. With its one-click restore feature, you can quickly bring your site back to its latest backup state with minimal downtime.
• Real-time backups: For dynamic sites requiring constant updates, BlogVault provides real-time backups, capturing changes as they happen to ensure nothing is ever lost.
• Test restore option: Before performing a full restore, you can use the test restore feature to verify that everything is intact, preventing potential issues during the actual restoration.
• Offsite storage: BlogVault automatically stores backups offsite, which adds an extra layer of security by keeping your data safe from local server failures or physical damages, offering peace of mind that your backups are securely stored and easily accessible when needed.