UpdraftPlus Backup Plugin is the world’s highest ranking and most popular scheduled backup and migration plugin for WordPress. Actively installed on more than 3 million websites, it provides a reliable way to safeguard data against server crashes, hacks, or update failures. This plugin creates easy-to-restore copies of files and databases with just a few clicks.
WPExclusive members get access to UpdraftPlus as part of a full plugin and theme library — plans from $9.99/month. See the full updraftplus collection →
What Is UpdraftPlus Backup Plugin?
UpdraftPlus Backup Plugin is developed by updraftplus and is a backup and migration plugin for WordPress. It is one of the most popular plugins in the ecosystem, trusted by agencies and freelancers to handle complex installs. It belongs to the backup category on WPExclusive, alongside other tools for site administration and safety.
The plugin solves the risk of catastrophic data loss by automating the entire backup process and storing those files off-site. It is designed for site owners who need the reliability of incremental backups and the peace of mind that comes with one-click restoration.
UpdraftPlus Backup Plugin Features
The feature set is built around automation, remote storage flexibility, and foolproof restoration methods for mission-critical sites.
Comprehensive Remote Storage Options
UpdraftPlus supports a massive range of cloud storage destinations including Google Drive, Dropbox, Amazon S3, and Microsoft OneDrive. The premium version expands this to Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, Backblaze B2, SFTP, SCP, and WebDAV. Users can even send backups to multiple locations simultaneously for extra redundancy in their backup strategy.
Advanced Migration and Site Cloning
The Migrator add-on allows for direct site-to-site migration, moving a WordPress installation to a new host or domain in minutes. It handles large databases and constrained hosting environments without time-outs or errors. The plugin also supports database search and replace to ensure links work perfectly on the new destination.
Automatic Backups and Incremental Saves
To save server resources, UpdraftPlus can perform incremental backups that only save changes made since the last full backup. It can be set to perform an automatic backup immediately before any WordPress core or plugin update. This creates a safety net that lets you revert to a working version if an update breaks the site layout or functionality.
Pricing
Retail pricing for the premium version ranges from $70 to $399 per year depending on the number of site licenses. Check current pricing on the UpdraftPlus sales page — WPExclusive members access it as part of their plan.
| Plan | Price | Sites | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal | $70.00 / year | 2 Sites | All Add-ons + 1GB Storage |
| Business | $95.00 / year | 10 Sites | All Add-ons + Premium Support |
| Enterprise | $195.00 / year | Unlimited | All Add-ons + Unlimited Licenses |
| WPExclusive Membership | From $9.99/month | Unlimited | UpdraftPlus + full library |
For developers managing multiple sites, a WPExclusive membership covers UpdraftPlus 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 latest WordPress releases and third-party storage APIs. WPExclusive updates plugin files promptly after each release to maintain security and performance.
How to Install
- Download the UpdraftPlus .zip from your WPExclusive member account
- In WordPress: Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin
- Select the .zip and click Install Now → Activate
- Navigate to Settings » UpdraftPlus Backups to begin configuration
- Go to the Settings tab to choose your backup schedule and remote storage destination
Use Cases
Safe Plugin and Theme Testing
Developers use the plugin to take a manual backup before trying out new themes or plugins. If the new software causes a conflict, they can restore the site to its previous state in minutes with a reliable backup tool.
Moving Local Sites to Live Servers
The Migrator feature is frequently used to push a site from a local development environment to a live hosting account. It handles the domain name changes and database serialization automatically, removing the need for manual SQL editing.
Off-site Compliance for Business Data
Businesses use UpdraftPlus to comply with data safety standards by ensuring backups are never stored solely on the same server as the website. By scheduling daily backups to Dropbox or Amazon S3, they ensure business continuity even if the hosting provider suffers a total server failure.
Agencies and Developers Managing Multiple Client Sites
Agencies use the centralized management features to monitor backup statuses across dozens of client websites. A WPExclusive membership provides remarkable value here, allowing the deployment of UpdraftPlus on every client site without incurring additional per-site license fees.
vs Alternatives
| Feature | UpdraftPlus | Duplicator Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Restore Scenarios | 1-Click Dashboard Restore | Standalone Installer Script |
| Scheduling | Native Automation | Cron-based Scheduling |
| Cloud Support | Wide (S3, Drive, Azure) | Standard (S3, Dropbox) |
| Starting Price | $70 | $49 |
| Available on WPExclusive | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Browse the full backup plugins on WPExclusive →
Pros and Cons
✅ Strengths
- Unmatched range of remote storage destinations including SFTP and WebDAV
- The most tested restore process in the WordPress ecosystem
- Capable of handling massive databases that crash other plugins
⚠️ Limitations
- The interface has many tabs and options that may overwhelm beginners
- Advanced features like incremental backups require the premium version
- Developer auto-updates require an active license key. WPExclusive publishes updates manually when new versions are released.
Is UpdraftPlus Backup Plugin GPL Licensed?
Yes. UpdraftPlus Backup 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 UpdraftPlus Backup Plugin on WPExclusive
WPExclusive membership starts at $9.99/month, $87/year, or $149 lifetime — giving you UpdraftPlus Backup Plugin plus every plugin and theme in the library, on unlimited sites.
Explore the full updraftplus collection → or browse all WordPress plugins →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does UpdraftPlus Backup Plugin do?
UpdraftPlus Backup Plugin is a backup plugin used to create secure clones and backups of your site. UpdraftPlus automates the process of saving your database and files to remote cloud storage for quick restoration.
Is UpdraftPlus Backup Plugin free?
There is a basic free version, but premium features like incremental backups and advanced migration are only available in the paid edition. You can access the premium version via WPExclusive from $9.99/month.
What is the latest version of UpdraftPlus Backup Plugin?
The plugin is actively maintained — WPExclusive members always receive the most current release after it is thoroughly checked for security.
How much does UpdraftPlus Backup Plugin cost?
Retail plans start at $70 per year and go up to $399 for the Gold package. Via WPExclusive, it is included in plans from $9.99/month.
Is it legal to use UpdraftPlus Backup Plugin via WPExclusive?
The plugin is GPL licensed, which explicitly permits redistribution. WPExclusive provides original, unmodified files — fully within GPL terms.
What are the best alternatives to UpdraftPlus Backup Plugin?
Duplicator Pro and All-in-One WP Migration are top alternatives. All are available on WPExclusive within the same membership, allowing you to choose the best one for your specific site migration needs.
