UpdraftPlus WordPress Backup Plugin Review 2023: Is it the Best WordPress Backup Plugin [+ Complete Setup Guide]

Do you want maximum security for your WordPress website? 

Well, you’ve come to the right place.

Hacking, server crashes, dodgy updates, or even simple user error can ruin your WordPress site and that’s why you need a backup utility to keep your WordPress site safe in every possible scenario.

And whenever there is any discussion about backup plugins then UpdraftPlus is probably the first name that you would come across.

But the question comes – Is It Really the Best WordPress Backup Plugin?

So, in this post, I will be sharing an in-depth review of UpdraftPlus.  

That includes its overview, features, pricing, my experience with UpdraftPlus, and everything you need to conclude whether UpdraftPlus is the best way to keep your WordPress sites safe or not.

Let’s dive in…

UpdraftPlus Review 2023 (Overview)

UpdraftPlus, the world’s most trusted backup, restore and clone plugin designed especially for WordPress sites.

It is a UK based free backup plugin first released back in 2010 but officially registered in January 2013 and launched its first website Updraftplus.com soon after.

They have pioneered some unique features such as automatic backups before WordPress updates and support for more cloud storage providers than any rival.

Their own cloud storage, UpdraftPlus Vault is backed by the power and reliability of Amazon’s market-leading computing services.

Today, it is recognized as WordPress’s most popular backup plugin, with over three million active installs, which puts this plugin in the top 20 most popular WordPress plugins in the world.

Furthermore, they have also included UpdraftCentral, a powerful remote control for WordPress that makes it easy to back up, restore and migrate multiple websites from a single dashboard.

At the end of 2016, they also acquired the popular database clean-up plugin, WP-Optimize that has everything you need to keep your website fast and thoroughly optimized!

Now, more than 3 million WordPress sites rely on these plugins which makes them one of the most installed plugin companies.

Furthermore, UpdraftPlus is the most voted WordPress backup plugin in a poll conducted over Facebook group.

Enough said!

Now, you must be wondering what does UpdraftPlus exactly do and how to configure it on your WordPress site.

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What does UpdraftPlus do?

Both Free and Premium version of UpdraftPlus will allow you;

1. Backup

If you want to perform complete backups of all your WordPress files, databases, plugins, and themes, manually or scheduled, UpdraftPlus has got you covered. 

2. Set schedules

UpdraftPlus will let schedule files backup and database backup every 2, 4, 8, or 12 hours, daily, weekly, fortnightly, or monthly.

3. Restore

Along with scheduled backups, UpdraftPlus will also facilitate you restores backups directly from your WordPress control panel.

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How to Setup UpdraftPlus (Under 5 Minutes)

Installing UpdraftPlus (free and premium) is quite easy and can be done within 5 minutes.

Here is a step by step guide for installing the UpdraftPlus free version;

Step 1: Log in to your WordPress dashboard and head over to the Plugins section.

Step 2: Search for the UpdraftPlus, install it, and activate.

Step 3: Go to under settings tab of UpdraftPlus and set – 

Here, I have selected backup frequency twice every day for both files and the database. 

Step 4: Scroll down a bit and choose your preferred backup storage location.

Here, I chose Dropbox as my remote storage location.

Step 5: Checkmark the files you want to include in the backup, hit Save changes, and you are done.

See, how easy is that.

But, what if you want to purchase Updraft Premium and install the same?

Here we go!

Step 1: Click here to visit UpdraftPlus official website and click the Get Premium button.

Step 2: Once you click on this button, you will be asked to choose a plan you want to subscribe for.

Step 3: Enter billing details, payment details (credit card, debit card or PayPal), and place the order. 

Step 4: As soon as you finish your order, a zip file of the UpdraftPlus Premium plugin will be downloaded on your system.

Step 5: Log in to your WordPress website, go to the plugins installer, upload that file, install, and activate it.

Step 6: Enter your UpdraftPlus.Com details under the Premium / Extensions tab and tap on the Connect button.

Step 7: Claim your add-on on this site.

Step 8: Finally, go to the UpdraftPlus settings page to set your backups up!

This is how you can Install your purchase of UpdraftPlus Premium. 

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Additional Benefits of UpdraftPlus Premium

Though UpdraftPlus free version has a lot of features that are enough for individual blogs, I recommend upgrading to UpdraftPlus Premium to unlock all the powerful backup features.

1. Cloning and migration

UpdraftPlus premium will give you exclusive access to their renowned tools UpdraftMigrator and UpdraftClone that will make it easy to clone or migrate your website to a different URL in a matter of minutes.

2. Incremental backups

You will be allowed to only backup those files which have changed (such as a new image) since the last backup

3. Fast, personal support

You will get expert help and support from the developers whenever you need it.

4. Pre-update backups

This is their pioneered feature that will automatically backup your website before any updates to plugins, themes, and cores.

5. Backup non-WordPress files and databases

UpdraftPlus Premium will also allow you to backup the non-WP files along with WP core and databases.

6. Network / multisite

Backup WordPress multi-sites or networks securely.

7. Backup time and scheduling

You will be facilitated to set exact times to create, retain or delete backups.

8. More database options

Encrypt your sensitive databases (e.g. customer information or passwords).

9. Additional and enhanced remote storage locations

Get enhanced versions of the free remote storage options (Dropbox, Google Drive & S3) and even more remote storage options like OneDrive, SFTP, Azure, WebDAV and more with UpdraftPlus Premium.

10. Reporting

Sophisticated reporting and emailing capabilities.

11. Importer

Updraft Premium allows you to restore backups from other plugins.

12. Lock settings

Lock access to UpdraftPlus via a password will be provided so that you can prevent unauthorized access to your site backups.

13. Run from WP-CLI

Run optimization commands directly on the command-line with detailed output on the screen.

14. No ads

Say goodbye to all adverts and ensures everything is neat for your clients. 

15. UpdraftVault storage

UpdraftPlus has its own embedded storage option, providing a zero-hassle way to download, store and manage all your backups from one place.

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UpdraftPlus Premium Pricing 

UpdraftPlus is a free backup plugin that you can download from the WordPress.org site.   

That being said, you may also go with UpdraftPlus premium which is a complete package having all add ons, updates, and support.

Here is how much premium licenses will cost you.

1. UpdraftPremium Personal (2 licenses)

This plan will facilitate you with 2 licenses, 1 UpdraftClone token, and 1GB UpdraftVault quota for $70.00/year.

2. UpdraftPremium Business (10 licenses)

In this plan, you will get 10 licenses, 2 UpdraftClone tokens, and 1GB UpdraftVault quota for $95.00/year.

3. UpdraftPremium Agency (35 licenses)

This plan will facilitate you with 35 licenses, 5 UpdraftClone tokens, and 1GB UpdraftVault quota for $145.00/year.

4. UpdraftPremium Enterprise (unlimited licenses)

In this plan, you will get unlimited licenses, 10 UpdraftClone tokens, and 1GB UpdraftVault quota for $195.00/year.

5. UpdraftPremium Gold (unlimited licenses)

This plan will facilitate you with unlimited licenses, 10 UpdraftClone tokens, 1GB UpdraftVault quota, and Unlimited UpdraftCentral Cloud for $399.00/year.

All premium licenses come with:

So, grab a Updraftplus plan today and protect your site with the World’s most trusted backup plugin.

Other plugins crafted by the Updraft Team

1. WPOptimize: Keep your database fast and efficient.

2. UpdraftCentral: Manage multiple WordPress sites from one central dashboard.

3. Easy Updates Manager: Keep your WordPress site up to date and bug-free. 

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UpdraftPlus Free vs Premium

Though UpdraftPlus free version is fully functional but if you want to unlock a brilliant range of features such as Migrate/Clone tool, multiple online storage options, detailed scheduling, reporting, encryption, and more to make it even better, you must go with the UpdraftPlus Premium.

Furthermore, UpdraftPremium facilitates you with free upgrades and support for a year, plus 1 Gigabyte of UpdraftVault storage, which means you don’t need to pay for a separate remote storage location like Dropbox.

Here is a detailed comparison of UpdraftPlus free and UpdraftPremium.

	Save	Save
Get it from	WordPress.Org	UpdraftPlus.Com
Backup WordPress files and database	Save	Save
Translated into over 16 languages	Save	Save
Restore from backup	Save	Save
Backup to remote storage	Save	Save
Dropbox, Google Drive, FTP, S3, Rackspace, Email	Save	Save
Incremental Backups	Save	Save
Free 1Gb for UpdraftVault	Save	Save
WebDAV, Microsoft OneDrive, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, SFTP/SCP, encrypted FTP, BackBlaze	Save	Save
Backup extra files and databases	Save	Save
Migrate / clone (i.e. copy) websites	Save	Save
Basic email reporting	Save	Save
Advanced reporting features	Save	Save
Automatic backup when updating WP/plugins/themes	Save	Save
Send backups to multiple remote destinations	Save	Save
Database encryption	Save	Save
Restore backups from other plugins	Save	Save
No advertising links on UpdraftPlus settings page	Save	Save
Scheduled backups	Save	Save
Fix backup time	Save	Save
Network/Multisite support	Save	Save
Lock settings access	Save	Save
Browse backup contents in WordPress	Save	Save
Download individual files from backup in WordPress	Save	Save
Personal support	Save	Save
Run from WP-CLI	Save	Save
Restore a backup from other plugins	Save	Save

So, to take advantage of all these features, purchase UpdraftPremium today.

Best UpdraftPlus Alternatives

There is no doubt that UpdraftPlus is a go-to resource for keeping your WordPress sites safe but that does not mean there are no other WordPress backup solutions out there.

Hereby, presenting you with some of the best alternatives to UpdraftPlus.

1. BackWPup

BackWPup is one of the most popular WordPress plugins worldwide that has been around for 10 years now, with over 600,000 active users and more than 5 million downloads.

Pricing: Free and Paid 

2. BackUpWordPress

BackUpWordPress is a simple and free plugin with 200,000+ active installations that lets you backup your WordPress site out of the box as there’s no setup required on your end.

Pricing: Free

3. VaultPress

VaultPress is the most powerful real-time backup and security plugin for your WordPress site powered by Jetpack.

Pricing: Free and Paid

4. BackupBuddy

BackUpBuddy is yet another WordPress backup plugin by iThemes protecting half a million WordPress sites since 2010.

Pricing: Paid

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Why Choose UpdraftPlus over other backup Plugins?

As you already know, UpdraftPlus is a free plugin that lets you back up all your WordPress files, databases, plugins, and themes (manually or even at scheduled intervals) and restores directly from your WordPress control panel.  

Furthermore, its premium version facilitates you with additional benefits such as cloning & migration, incremental backups, pre-update backups, backup non-WordPress files & databases, Network / multisite, and so on.

Still, here are 3 reasons why I recommend UpdraftPlus over other backup plugins.

1. Easy-to-use

The very first reason is its easy-to-use interface that allows you to backup and restore with a single click hassle-free.

2. Trusted

Not all backup plugins are created equal. UpdraftPlus is tested in more scenarios, installed on more servers, and rated higher than all of its rivals. That is the reason, it is trusted by over 2 million users and the highest star rating (4.9 out of 5) WordPress backup plugin.

3. Comprehensive

UpdraftPlus is a complete package having advanced features and tools that allows you scheduled backups and restores with just one click.

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UpdraftPlus Advantages

Negatives about UpdraftPlus?

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FAQs

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Also Read:

Final Thoughts on UpdraftPlus Review 2023

So, this is all about UpdraftPlus Review 2023.

I have tried my best to cover each aspect related to the UpdraftPlus backup plugin.

Whether you have a WordPress site, blog, or online store, UpdraftPlus is a must-have plugin for you.

It will safeguard your WordPress sites irrespective of any vulnerability. 

I have started using UpdraftPlus on my blog recently, and I must say it works like a charm for WordPress sites.

The one thing that I liked the most about UpdraftPlus is – its easy to use interface that makes it the perfect choice for non-technical users as well. 

At last, I would say UpdraftPlus is a great backup Plugin with many features and advanced tools that makes it worth every single penny you spend on it.

So, start protecting your site with the World’s most trusted backup plugin today and sleep comfortably without any worries about the security of your website.

To end with, do let me know which backup plugin you are using on your WordPress blogs and sites in the comment section below.