WordPress Backups: Plugins vs External Solutions
Backups are one of those tasks we tend to postpone until the day we really need them. A failed update, a server crash, or even a hack can take your site offline within minutes. That’s when we truly appreciate having a recent and reliable backup.
In WordPress, the most common way to handle backups is by installing a plugin. Tools like UpdraftPlus, Duplicator, or Jetpack Backup make it relatively easy to create and restore copies. However, this approach comes with drawbacks: they consume server resources, take up hosting space, and in many cases, advanced features are only available in paid versions with limitations.
Even if you only manage a single site, using an external backup solution can be a better choice: it frees up server resources, keeps your copies safe outside your hosting, and gives you peace of mind. And if you manage multiple sites, the disadvantages of relying solely on plugins multiply quickly.
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Starting with plugins
If you want something quick and immediate, a plugin can be a good option. Let’s go over the advantages and disadvantages.
| Advantages of backup plugins | Disadvantages of backup plugins |
|---|---|
| Quick and easy installation from the WordPress repository. | May slow down the server during the backup process. |
| Low learning curve: can be configured in just a few clicks. | Backups are often stored on the same hosting, taking up space. |
| Free and premium options available to suit different needs. | Advanced features like incremental backups or migrations are usually paid. |
| Compatible with external storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Amazon S3. | Requires repetitive management: one plugin per site. |
| Useful for small projects or a few sites. | Scalability is limited when managing multiple websites. |
If I had to choose just one advantage of backup plugins, it would be that they are extremely quick to install and set up. In just a few minutes, you can have a working copy without complications.
And if I had to point out one main drawback, it would be that backups take up a lot of space on your hosting, which eventually forces you to upgrade your hosting plan and increase costs. On top of that, many plugins restrict advanced features to their premium versions.
Moving on to external solutions
What is usually a drawback with plugins turns into an advantage with external solutions, such as storage and performance. They don’t slow down WordPress and keep your backups safe offsite.
| Advantages of external solutions | Disadvantages of external solutions |
|---|---|
| Do not consume server resources during the backup process. | May require a more advanced initial setup compared to a plugin. |
| Backups are stored in the cloud or external servers, safer against hosting failures. | Some services involve monthly or storage-based costs. |
| Saves hosting space: no need to upgrade your plan just to store backups. | Dependence on an external service: requires stable internet connection. |
| Centralized management of multiple sites from a single dashboard. | Some options have a slightly steeper learning curve than basic plugins. |
| Truly scalable: works the same whether you manage 1, 10, or 100 sites. | Not all services provide support in your language or time zone. |
Which solution is the better choice?
- If you manage a very small website with just a few pages, posts, and images, a plugin can be the most practical choice: quick, simple, and sufficient for basic needs.
- If your website has more content or you manage multiple sites, an external solution is much more comfortable and efficient. It saves hosting space, automates the process, and centralizes everything in one dashboard.
Which plugin and external solution do we prefer?
Most backup plugins do the job, but I personally use All in One WP Migration and UpdraftPlus frequently because of their ease of use and reliability.
For external solutions, the choice is clear: Modular DS. It not only handles backups but also takes care of WordPress updates, monitors site health, and much more.
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