You’ve set up your website, launched it, and had the first visitors. However, have you considered the basic safety measures? What happens if your server goes down? Or if your website gets hacked? You might also need to migrate your website at one point.
All these issues can be resolved by an efficient backup plugin. Yes, your hosting service might claim that they regularly backup your website, but don’t rely too much on them. You should make sure an important task, such as backup, is done properly. So, do it yourself.
Here is a couple of criteria to keep in mind when choosing a #backup #plugin. Click To TweetFirstly, the site should be backed up on different servers than those which host the website itself. This way, if the site’s server goes down, the copy will still be safe. Also, this way, the backup process won’t slow down the site’s loading. Another point to remember for the sake of loading speed is to opt for incremental backup, which means that the entire site is saved up only during the initial backup. Later sessions will save only the changes that were made in the meantime.
These are our suggestions for the top five #WordPress #backup #plugins list. Click To TweetBackupBuddy
BackupBuddy has been on the market for quite some time, and it has a great reputation. Still, in case you want full functionality, you will have to choose one of the paid versions of this plugin.
It supports different cloud storage alternatives, such as Amazon S3 and Dropbox. There is also an option to send the backup copy to your email. On top of this, you will have access to their own cloud storage service called Stash Live.
The default backup schedule makes sure nothing is lost. It has several daily, a couple of weekly, and one monthly database backup. Additionally, it makes copies – one per day, week, and month – of the whole website. Besides, it can be used for migration purposes. One of the downsides, though, is that it doesn’t have an on-demand backup, so your control is limited.
BlogVault
This plugin’s website boasts more than 400,000 active users. In case you find its features interesting, you can still try them out without paying during its one-week free trial. BlogVault comes with various subscription prices depending on the level of service you sign up for, and the costs are paid yearly. So, the free trial is a nice touch.
One of the features that attract attention is the incremental backup option.
Additionally, the backup copies are stored offsite as encrypted. This adds to the safety of the data but also relieves the load on your site’s server.
When it comes to cloud storage, BlogVault is compatible with GoogleDrive and Dropbox. And you can make backup copies whenever you wish since it has the on-demand backup option. It even has custom options for saving WooCommerce stores, which is a huge plus, given the delicacy of data these websites hold.
UpdraftPlus
With around 2 million active users, this is one of the favorite backup plugins among WordPress users across the globe. The main reason for its popularity is the free version, which offers rather comprehensive functionalities. So, if you are looking for a good backup plugin, but the budget is tight, UpdraftPlus is the plugin for you.
The free version includes both manual and scheduled backup options.
Also, you can use it for website restoration, and it offers a connection to several cloud storage services.
The paid version has several price classes, which all include regular premium features. The difference is in extra features, such as UpdraftClone Token and UpdraftCentral Cloud. Back to the regular premium features – they include migration and cloning options. Additionally, it is possible to back up a multisite, and if you encounter issues, you’ll have access to customer support service. One of the downsides, however, is the fact that this plugin isn’t compatible with the older version of WordPress.
Duplicator
Duplicator has a reputation of being among the backup plugins which are the easiest to use. The number of its active users, which exceeds a million, tells us that there is something about it that works well.
Like many other plugins, it offers two versions – the free and the paid. The free version does have some limitations, and the most inconvenient one is the fixed size of a backup.
The Pro version offers a rather versatile selection of features, including incremental backup and scheduled backups. The backups are available in a compressed file form and can include all custom settings, so the setup can be done in a few clicks. And when it comes to storage options, there are several cloud services that you can pick, including Dropbox, GoogleDrive, and OneDrive.
Besides, it has the option of recording a backup log and also works equally well as a migration and cloning plugin.
BackWPup
This plugin has over 600,000 users, and it is fairly easy to use, although some steps do require a higher level of tech knowledge. It comes in a free and a paid version.
The free version comes with a few basic options, such as scheduling backups, and saving them in a compressed file onto your computer, or some of the cloud storage services.
The paid version has several cost grades and comes with a comprehensive set of features, including multisite backup service and emergency restores. On top of this, they offer personalized customer support, which is something WP beginners will appreciate.
Conclusion
Depending on your specific needs and possibilities, you will find among our suggestions the backup plugin that best suits your website. And, a final tip – remember to save a local copy of your website. Whether on your computer or a USB drive… or both if you wish. It is a good precautionary measure to take just in case all others fail. Good luck!