Updraftplus Review: Is It The Best Backup Plugin For Wp?
Choosing the right backup plugin for your WordPress site can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to websites. A good backup plugin protects your hard work from hacking, server crashes, or simple mistakes. UpdraftPlus is one of the most popular options, but is it really the best for beginners?
This review explains what UpdraftPlus offers, how it compares to other plugins, and what you should know before choosing it for your site.
What Makes Updraftplus Stand Out?
UpdraftPlus is trusted by over 3 million WordPress websites. Its main feature is easy, automatic backups. You can back up your site to popular cloud storage like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Amazon S3. With just a few clicks, you can also restore your site if something goes wrong.
Other features include:
- Scheduled backups (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Manual backups before updates or changes
- Restore files and databases separately
- Migrate your site to a new host (premium feature)
One thing beginners often miss is that UpdraftPlus also lets you choose which parts of your site to back up, such as only the database or only the plugins. This helps save space and backup time.
Updraftplus Vs Other Backup Plugins
It’s important to compare UpdraftPlus to other popular backup plugins. Here’s a quick look at how they stack up:
| Plugin | Free Version | Cloud Backup Options | Automatic Scheduling | Restore with One Click |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UpdraftPlus | Yes | Yes (many) | Yes | Yes |
| Jetpack Backup | No | Yes (Jetpack cloud) | Yes | Yes |
| BackWPup | Yes | Yes (some) | Yes | No (manual only) |
| Duplicator | Yes | No (free version) | No (free version) | No (free version) |
UpdraftPlus stands out by giving a lot of value in its free version. Many features that are paid in other plugins are free here.
How Easy Is Updraftplus For Beginners?
Installing UpdraftPlus takes just a few minutes. After you activate the plugin, you see a simple dashboard. Here, you can start a backup right away or connect to your favorite cloud storage.
A common mistake is forgetting to check your backup settings. Beginners should:
- Set up cloud storage for off-site backups.
- Schedule automatic backups to avoid manual work.
- Test a restore at least once, so you know it works.
Another thing beginners miss: UpdraftPlus sends you email alerts if backups fail, so you can fix problems quickly.
Pricing And Features: Free Vs Premium
UpdraftPlus offers both free and premium versions. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Free | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Backups | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud Backup | Yes (many) | Yes (all) |
| Site Migration | No | Yes |
| Multisite Support | No | Yes |
| Incremental Backups | No | Yes |
| Support | Community | Priority |
Premium plans start at about $70/year for two sites. For most beginners, the free version is enough.
Real-world Performance And Support
UpdraftPlus is lightweight and rarely slows down your site. Regular updates keep it compatible with the latest WordPress versions. If you need help, there’s a large community and helpful guides. Premium users get fast support, but even free users can find answers on the support forum.
One insight: Always keep your backup plugin updated. Outdated plugins can create security risks.
Should You Use Updraftplus?
If you want a reliable, easy-to-use backup plugin, UpdraftPlus is an excellent choice—especially for beginners. It’s flexible, powerful, and covers most backup needs for free. Only advanced users or those managing many sites may need the premium version.
If you want more details on how backups protect your site, you can check WordPress.org’s official UpdraftPlus page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Updraftplus?
UpdraftPlus is a WordPress plugin that helps you back up, restore, and migrate your website with ease.
Is Updraftplus Free To Use?
Yes, there is a strong free version that covers most backup needs. Premium adds extra features.
Can I Back Up To Google Drive With Updraftplus?
Absolutely. UpdraftPlus supports many cloud options, including Google Drive and Dropbox.
Does Updraftplus Slow Down My Website?
No, UpdraftPlus is optimized for speed and usually does not affect site performance.
How Often Should I Back Up My Site?
For most sites, weekly backups are enough. If you update your site daily, consider daily backups.
