iThemes BackupBuddy WordPress Plugin is an all-in-one solution that handles WordPress backups, site restores, migrations, and staging. Since 2010, this plugin has provided a reliable way to protect online work from server crashes, hacks, malware, and user errors. It ensures your entire installation is safe by creating a complete copy of every file and database entry.
WPExclusive members get access to BackupBuddy as part of a full plugin and theme library — plans from $9.99/month. See the full SolidWP collection →
What Is iThemes BackupBuddy WordPress Plugin?
iThemes BackupBuddy WordPress Plugin is developed by SolidWP and is a backup plugin for WordPress. Originally built in 2010 to fill the gap in native WordPress data protection, it has become a standard for professional site management. It belongs to the backup category on WPExclusive, alongside other tools for site security and data integrity.
The plugin solves the problem of incomplete host backups by capturing your entire WordPress installation in a single zip file. It is designed for website owners and developers who need a redundant safety net against file deletion or server failures.
iThemes BackupBuddy WordPress Plugin Features
The feature set is built around a complete backup strategy that covers discovery, storage, and recovery.
Comprehensive Site Backups
BackupBuddy captures everything needed to run your website including pages, posts, widgets, comments, and theme files. Unlike basic tools that only export the database, this plugin includes the Media Library, plugins, and WordPress settings. Users can choose to run full backups, database-only backups, or files-only backups based on their specific needs. Each successful run results in a downloadable zip file of your entire website.
Automated Scheduling and Remote Storage
Establish a hands-off backup routine with flexible schedules ranging from hourly to monthly intervals. The plugin supports automation by sending your backup files to secure off-site locations. Integration options include Amazon S3, Google Drive, Dropbox, and BackupBuddy Stash. Moving files off your server ensures that even a total server crash does not result in data loss.
Restore and Migration Tools
The plugin includes a dedicated tool called ImportBuddy to restore your WordPress site quickly from any previous zip file. This process is useful for rolling back accidental changes or recovering from a security breach. Beyond simple restoration, BackupBuddy facilitates site migration by handling the heavy lifting of moving a site to a new host or domain name. It also supports the creation of staging sites for testing updates before they go live on a production environment.
Pricing
The retail price for BackupBuddy typically starts at $80 USD per year for a single site license. Accessing the plugin through WPExclusive allows for unlimited site usage at a fraction of the cost.
| Plan | Price | Sites | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard License | $80 – $199/year | 1-10 Sites | Developer support + keys |
| WPExclusive Membership | From $9.99/month | Unlimited | BackupBuddy + full library |
For developers managing multiple sites, a WPExclusive membership covers BackupBuddy plus hundreds of other plugins and themes — usually less than one premium license.
Latest Version
The plugin receives regular updates to ensure compatibility with the newest WordPress core releases and PHP versions. WPExclusive updates plugin files promptly after each release to maintain security and stability.
How to Install
- Download the BackupBuddy .zip from your WPExclusive member account
- In WordPress: Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin
- Select the .zip and click Install Now → Activate
- Navigate to the BackupBuddy menu in your dashboard to set your backup password
- Configure your first remote storage destination like Dropbox or Google Drive
Use Cases
Daily Site Protection for Content Creators
Bloggers and news sites that publish daily content can utilize backup schedules to ensure every post is saved. If an editor accidentally deletes a critical category, the site can be reverted in minutes.
Host Migration and Domain Changes
Moving a site between servers is often complex due to database paths and serialized data. BackupBuddy automates the migration process, making it easy to zip a site on one server and deploy it on another without manual database exports.
Agencies and Developers Managing Multiple Client Sites
Managing dozens of client sites requires a centralized way to handle security and data. With a WPExclusive membership, developers can install BackupBuddy on every client site without purchasing individual licenses for each project.
Pros and Cons
✅ Strengths
- Backs up the entire installation including themes, plugins, and media files
- Built-in migration tool for moving sites to new domains or servers
- Integrates with major cloud storage providers like Amazon S3 and Dropbox
- Simple point-and-click interface for site restoration
⚠️ Limitations
- Initial full-site backups of extremely large websites can be resource-intensive on budget hosting
- Requires manual configuration of the ImportBuddy tool for off-dashboard restores
- Developer auto-updates require an active license key. WPExclusive publishes updates manually when new versions are released.
Is iThemes BackupBuddy WordPress Plugin GPL Licensed?
Yes. iThemes BackupBuddy WordPress Plugin is distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) — the same license that governs WordPress itself. GPL gives any user the legal right to use, study, share, and redistribute the software. This is the legal framework that makes WPExclusive’s membership model possible.
WPExclusive distributes 100% original, unmodified files — the same release the developer publishes. No injected code, no alterations, no security risks.
Get iThemes BackupBuddy WordPress Plugin on WPExclusive
WPExclusive membership starts at $9.99/month, $87/year, or $149 lifetime — giving you iThemes BackupBuddy WordPress Plugin plus every plugin and theme in the library, on unlimited sites.
Explore the full SolidWP collection → or browse all WordPress plugins →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does iThemes BackupBuddy WordPress Plugin do?
iThemes BackupBuddy WordPress Plugin is a backup plugin used to secure, restore, and migrate WordPress websites. It captures the entire database and all site files into a single zip file for safety. This protects users from data loss caused by server crashes or security threats.
Is iThemes BackupBuddy WordPress Plugin free?
No, BackupBuddy is a premium-only plugin. However, it is accessible via WPExclusive membership starting from $9.99/month, which includes unlimited site usage and the full plugin library.
What is the latest version of iThemes BackupBuddy WordPress Plugin?
The plugin is actively maintained — WPExclusive members always receive the most current release as soon as it is vetted.
How much does iThemes BackupBuddy WordPress Plugin cost?
Retail pricing starts at roughly $80 per year. Via WPExclusive, it is included in plans from $9.99/month.
Is it legal to use iThemes BackupBuddy WordPress Plugin via WPExclusive?
The plugin is GPL licensed, which explicitly permits redistribution. WPExclusive provides original, unmodified files — fully within GPL terms.
What storage options does BackupBuddy support?
BackupBuddy supports multiple remote storage locations including BackupBuddy Stash, Amazon S3, Google Drive, and Dropbox. All are accessible through the plugin settings within your WordPress dashboard.
