The 6 Best WordPress Backup Plugin Free Options: Tried & Tested

Losing your website data can be a nightmare. Whether it’s due to a hacker, a server crash, or a flawed update, recovering everything can feel nearly impossible. This challenge becomes even bigger if you’re managing your site with a limited budget and can’t afford pricey backup solutions. 

This is where free backup plugins for WordPress come in as a lifesaver, offering protection for your site without costing a dime. Now, while free backups are certainly better than no backups, they do come with their own set of limitations. 

But don’t worry—we’ve done the legwork for you and evaluated the the 6 best WordPress backup plugin free options out there, ensuring that your website stays safe and secure without breaking the bank.

TL;DR: UpdraftPlus is the top free backup plugin, but it has notable limitations. We strongly suggest investing in a robust backup solution, like BlogVault. It keeps your site secure with bulletproof backups even in the case of complete site crashes.

If your WordPress site crashes, the only thing you will want is a backup. Backups are an essential component of site maintenance, even if they aren’t at all interesting. 

Therefore, it goes against the grain to pay for backups when everything is going well; much like insurance. 

You may be on a shoestring budget, or want a backup just before updating a heavy plugin or theme. Free backup plugins are your best bet—for now.

We’ve pitted a bunch of the most popular free WordPress backup plugins available against a series of test sites, in order to objectively assess their backup and restore capabilities. The results are below.

Plugins	Automatic backups	Incremental backups	Free restores	Offsite storage	Large site support
UpdraftPlus
WP staging
WPvivid
BackWPup
Backuply
Backup Migration

Free backups are better than zero backups, but they will come with significant limitations. After all, you do get what you pay for. For bulletproof backups, 100% reliable restores, and complete peace of mind, choose BlogVault backups. Because you know what’s more expensive than a backup plugin? Losing your entire site.

1. UpdraftPlus

UpdraftPlus stands out as one of the most prominent names in the realm of free WordPress backup plugins. Its setup is straightforward and intuitive, requiring no technical expertise. Initially, the backup frequency is set to manual, but you can switch to automatic backups with intervals ranging from 2 hours to 1 month. The 2-hour frequency is really beneficial only for e-commerce sites, as such frequent backups can heavily burden regular sites. Whereas, 1 month intervals are too infrequent for any site. 

You can also schedule separate file and database backups, each saved with a date and timestamp. However, this feature can make it challenging to pinpoint specific backups, complicating management. The plugin splits your site into five different backup sections— Databases, Plugins, Themes, Uploads, and Others. It is important to note that these are not full-site backups. This is a significant shortcoming because UpdraftPlus doesn’t back up your core site files. 

Unlike most free plugins, UpdraftPlus includes a restore function in its free version, allowing you to restore your website with just a few clicks.

UpdraftPlus also integrates seamlessly with various cloud storage services, providing flexible storage options. In the free version, you can select from remote destinations like Google Drive, Dropbox, Amazon S3, Rackspace, FTP, DreamObjects, OpenStack Swift, and Email. However, like most plugins, it stores backups on your local server, and can negatively impact your site’s performance.

Features

• On-demand and scheduled backups
• Complete and partial backups
• Complete and partial site restoration
• Migration
• Offsite storage

Pros

• Intuitive interface
• Tutorial available 
• Flexible backup schedules
• Remote storage options
• Partial and complete restores for free

Cons

• No staging
• Limited free features
• No incremental backups
• Takes up server resources
• Backups can be difficult to identify
• Need for additional plugins

Verdict

UpdraftPlus stands out as a commendable free backup plugin, presenting crucial features like scheduling, restores, and multiple storage options. However, it has its limitations like not being able to restore completely crashed sites or test restores.

For those on the hunt for something more robust, BlogVault quickly takes the spotlight with its automated backups, one-click restores, and top-tier security features.

2. WP Staging

Navigating WP Staging’s interface was a breeze—arguably the easiest among all the free plugins we tried. Whether your site is compact or extensive, the backup and restoration process works smoothly. WP Staging offers scheduled backups and manual on-demand backups, giving you the flexibility to choose. It runs these processes in the background, so your website’s performance remains untouched. You don’t even need to stay logged in for it to complete. Bear in mind that regardless of these optimisations, it still consumes server resources. 

WP Staging performs well when it comes to migration and staging. The process is generally quick, taking just a few minutes based on your site’s size and your local server capabilities. The staging site is created on your local servers, which provides an additional layer of control but takes up space and affects your site’s performance. 

Moreover, WP Staging lets you download backups for off-site storage. This means you can keep backups on your local machine or upload them to remote storage, based on your preference.

Features

• On-demand and scheduled backups 
• Complete and partial backups
• Complete and partial site restoration
• Staging
• Migration

Pros

• Handles large sites
• Flexible backup schedules
• Complete and partial restores for free
• Staging
• Migration 

Cons

• No incremental backups
• Takes up server resources
• No offsite storage
• No multisite backup support

Verdict

WP Staging offers basic backup features, intertwined with bonus elements like site staging and seamless migration. Yet, it’s not without its drawbacks. The absence of incremental backups and multisite support can be significant limitations, particularly for more complex setups. 

Despite these hiccups, WP Staging is a good contender for anyone looking for a free backup solution. Its ease of use and efficiency make it a go-to choice for many, even with its constraints.

3. WPvivid

WPvivid hits the mark with its ease of installation and setup, making it accessible for users of all technical backgrounds. You can create full, on-demand, and scheduled backups of your site, that include all the files and the database. It supports site cloning and migration across different domains or hosting environments, ensuring flexibility in managing your site’s data.

One notable advantage of the free version is its restoration capabilities—again, something not all free plugins offer. You can also store your backup packages locally on your server or download them to your computer for safekeeping. Although the free version lacks built-in cloud storage integrations, it lets you manually upload your backup files to your preferred cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox.

In addition to backups and restores, WPvivid provides free staging, which isn’t offered even by plugins like UpdraftPlus. This makes it easier to test changes before committing them to your live site. Its migration feature further simplifies moving your WordPress site between different domains or hosting environments.

Features 

• On-demand and scheduled backups 
• Complete and partial backups
• Complete and partial site restoration
• Staging
• Migration

Pros 

• Intuitive interface
• Partial and complete restores for free
• Downloadable backups

Cons 

• No incremental backups
• Takes up server resources
• No multisite backup support
• No offsite storage
• No multisite support

Verdict

WPvivid certainly makes a strong case as an excellent free option for users in search of an all-in-one solution for backups, site migrations, and restoration tasks. Its array of features, from full and on-demand backups to site staging and manual cloud uploads, offers a robust toolkit for maintaining your WordPress site. 

However, for those needing advanced functionalities and seamless cloud integrations, the premium version of WPvivid or a premium backup plugin like BlogVault would be more appealing. While WPvivid covers the basics remarkably well, stepping up to a paid solution might be worthwhile if you need those advanced features.

4. BackWPup

Navigating BackWPup as a first-time user can feel like deciphering a complex puzzle. The plugin labels backups as “Jobs” that you need to create, which might not immediately make sense to new users. You’ll find yourself questioning what the next step is. 

Once you get past the initial setup for scheduled backups, the plugin offers multiple destinations for storing your backups. This adds another layer of complexity. Some destinations have size limits, while others require accurate configurations. For instance, if you choose to store your backups on a cloud service like Microsoft Azure or Rackspace Cloud Files, you’ll need to make sure your account has enough space to accommodate the backup files. 

Storing backups on your web server might be simpler but could quickly consume your available disk space, leading to website performance issues. In either case, understanding the specific requirements and limitations of each storage option is crucial for ensuring successful backups.

BackWPup offers a range of storage options. You can back up to a local folder, FTP, send backups via email, or use services like Dropbox, S3 Service, Microsoft Azure (Blob), Rackspace Cloud Files, and SugarSync. However, if you choose to receive backups via email, be aware that the backup files must be small, making this option unsuitable for large sites.

The plugin also excels in efficiently compressing your backups into ZIP, TAR, or TAR.GZ files, optimizing storage space and making backup file management easier. However, while BackWPup is proficient at creating and storing backups, it lacks a built-in restore feature. Users will need to manually restore their site using the backup files, which can be a significant hurdle for those seeking an all-in-one free solution within a single interface.

Features 

• On-demand and scheduled backups 
• Complete and partial backups
• Multisite backups

Pros 

• Flexible backup schedules
• Flexible storage options

Cons 

• Confusing setup
• No restore feature
• Takes up server resources

Verdict 

BackWPup provides comprehensive backup capabilities with flexible storage options and scheduled backups. But here’s the kicker—for first-time users, navigating this plugin can feel like wandering through a maze with no map. Setting it up is no walk in the park, and the absence of a built-in restore feature screams inconvenience. 

If you’re on the hunt for an all-in-one solution, you might find yourself at a crossroads, contemplating the need for additional restoration tools. On the flip side, for those desiring a more streamlined experience with advanced features and seamless backup-and-restore functionalities, premium alternatives like BlogVault could be your golden ticket. 

5. Backuply

Backuply offers a straightforward installation and configuration process with minimal setup required. However, the lack of a scheduled backup feature means you’ll need to manually back up your site each time unless you purchase the premium version. All backups are stored locally on your server or can be sent to your Google drive. Storing your backups on the site server impacts site performance, increases hosting bills, and in general is a terrible idea from a backup perspective.

The plugin promises a simple two-click restoration process. Unfortunately, during our tests, the restoration did not work and we had to terminate the process. There was no indication of what went wrong; the progress bar remained stuck at 0% even after 40 minutes.

This issue forced us to resort to a manual approach, involving FTP and phpMyAdmin. We had to download the backup, extract the files and database, and perform the restoration ourselves. This adds a layer of complexity and effort that undermines the plugin’s initial ease of setup.

Features 

• On-demand backups 
• Complete and partial backups
• Complete and partial restore features (though they’re unreliable)
• Backup to Google Drive
• Migration

Pros 

• Easy navigation
• Offsite backup storage
• Downloadable backups

Cons 

• Unreliable restores
• No scheduled backups
• No incremental backups
• Takes up server storage

Verdict 

Backuply is an easy-to-install plugin, offering free, on-demand, complete, and partial backups. It sounds promising at first glance, but there are some twists. It lacks scheduled and incremental backups and stores everything locally, which can seriously hinder your site’s performance.

We expected restoration to be straightforward, but it was not to be. It failed during our trials, leaving us stuck mid-process, and pushing us into manual fixes. This meant diving into FTP and phpMyAdmin to salvage the situation—an unwelcome detour for sure.

While Backuply might suit small sites with minimal demands, it quickly shows its limitations with larger websites. Its inability to handle extensive restorations and planned backup schedules makes it an unreliable choice for those needing something more robust.

6. Backup Migration

When managing a WordPress site, maintaining data safety is essential. Backup Migration helps streamline the backup process and offers various customization options.

With this plugin, you can fine-tune which files and databases to include in your backups. Note that the customizations are NOT recommended. These backups are stored locally and are easily downloadable for added convenience and security. Additionally, the plugin lets you create staging sites to test updates and provides seamless site migration.

However, while Backup Migration excels with smaller sites, packing a punch with its intuitive interface and comprehensive features, it isn’t without its shortcomings. The plugin can only create backups of up to 2GB, and stores backups locally, which will slow down your website and hog server space. These limitations make it unsuitable for complex or sizable sites, potentially causing performance bottlenecks and storage headaches.

Features 

• On-demand backups 
• Complete and partial backups
• Partial and complete restores
• Staging
• Migration

Pros 

• Intuitive interface 
• Free partial and complete restores

Cons 

• Can only create backups of up to 2GB
• Takes up server storage
• No incremental backups
• No offsite storage

Verdict 

Backup Migration offers easy installation, precise control over backup contents, and supports scheduled and on-demand backups, free restores, staging, and migration. However, it stores backups locally, impacting site performance, and can only create backups of up to 2GB. This might be ideal for smaller sites, but larger websites may find the backup and storage limitations restrictive. For advanced needs and scalability, consider a premium backup solution.

Trade-offs with free vs paid plugins

There is no doubt that free or freemium plugins come with limitations; we mentioned that right at the beginning. However, a backup is still a backup, right? Not exactly. There are significant trade offs that we have seen across all the free plugins we tested. Here are the top three. 

1. Full backups: We’ve said this time and time again: partial backups are useless. People like to think of files and the database as options when backing up sites, but the way sites function is complex. Inevitably restores will fail or cause errors, because some important setting in the database wasn’t backed up with the plugin that uses it, and there is a mismatch.
   
   Free backup plugins like to show customization options because it saves server space. Not theirs, yours. The less of your site you back up, the more inclined you are to use the plugin more. This point actually brings us very neatly to the next.
   
2. Storage options: Storage is expensive. Backups require storage. These are two undeniable facts that are in direct conflict with each other. Backup storage should always be offsite because storing a backup that is meant to save your site with your site is useless. If the server crashes or there is a physical disaster, poof goes the backup along with the site it is supposed to save at the time it is supposed to save it.
   
   You can have offsite storage options with services like Dropbox and Google Drive, but those costs rack up very quickly. If you have an e-commerce site or a media site, you will quickly realize that you have to choose between backup frequency and storage costs. Even the premium versions of the plugins on this list offer metered offsite storage. The only plugin that gives you unlimited storage is BlogVault.
   
   Finally, storing backups on your site’s server will take up a lot of space. Additionally, most plugins will take backups of backups as well. You’ll end up with astronomical hosting bills as a result.
   
3. Manual vs automatic: Scheduled backups are a lifesaver. Who has the time to manually back their hard drives regularly, and forget their websites? Scheduled backups are the bare minimum because you don’t know when disaster will hit. 

There are plenty of reasons why backups aren’t the place to economize. Frankly, the cost of recovering a site post-disaster without a backup is far more than a subscription to a backup plugin that takes care of everything automatically. 

What to look for in a good backup plugin?

Choosing the perfect backup plugin for your WordPress site can be a game-changer for its safety and integrity. Here’s what you absolutely must consider:

Comprehensive backup options: On-demand and full backups, incremental backups, real-time backups for those dynamic WooCommerce sites, and multisite support are a must. Not to mention—at least 90 days of backups for peace of mind.

Reliable restore features: A good backup plugin should be able to restore a fully crashed site without breaking a sweat, as well as perform partial restores to fix tiny glitches without affecting the whole site. 

Secure and scalable storage options: A backup plugin that provides unlimited offsite backup storage should be on your radar when looking for options. It should also provide encrypted backups to keep your data super safe. Offsite storage is critical to protect against local disasters. Remember, if a backup is stored with your site, anything that happens to your site server also affects the backup that could have saved it. 

Automated and real-time schedules: Daily automated backups are a no-brainer for a good backup plugin. And, if you’re in the e-commerce game, your backup plugin should also support real-time backups.

Additional features: A good backup plugin should provide additional features, above and beyond its core job of taking backups. For example, uptime monitoring to ensure your site is always available, activity logs to track every change, and update management to keep everything running on the latest version, are some helpful features.

In a nutshell, these features are crucial to keep your WordPress site secure, reliable, and always in top shape. Make sure your chosen backup plugin ticks all these boxes!

If you are looking for the ultimate backup solution with advanced features and no limitations, BlogVault should be your pick. With BlogVault, you’re placing your website in automated hands that will safeguard your site and ensure your peace of mind.

Parting thoughts

Backing up your WordPress site is non-negotiable for protecting against hacks, server crashes, or human errors. Free backup plugins serve well and can meet basic needs. However, they come with limitations that can undermine reliability.

For those craving advanced functionality, consistent reliability, and seamless restores, a premium plugin like BlogVault is highly recommended. It ensures your site stays secure, recoverable, and continuously monitored, providing peace of mind and freeing you to grow your website.

FAQs 

Are free WordPress backup plugins reliable?

Yes, free WordPress backup plugins can be reliable for basic needs, providing essential features like on-demand and full backups. However, they often come with limitations that may impact their effectiveness and reliability, particularly for larger or more complex sites.

What are the limitations of free backup plugins?

Free backup plugins typically lack advanced features such as scheduled and incremental backups, real-time backups for busy sites, and multisite support. They often store backups locally, which affects site performance. Additionally, they may not offer built-in restore functions, requiring manual intervention for restoration, and sometimes lack seamless integration with cloud storage options.

How does BlogVault compare to free backup plugins?

BlogVault stands out by offering a comprehensive suite of features that go beyond what free plugins provide. With automated scheduled backups, real-time backups, flawless restore capabilities, and zero-downtime migration, BlogVault ensures your site’s data is protected and easily recoverable.

How secure are my backups with BlogVault?

Your backups with BlogVault are highly secure. The plugin uses encrypted backups to protect your data, ensuring it remains safe from unauthorized access. Additionally, backups are stored offsite in secure cloud storage, adding an extra layer of protection against local server failures and other potential issues. This multi-faceted approach guarantees that your website’s data is both secure and readily accessible whenever needed.