Last updated: August 12, 2026 · Skill level: beginner.
The best free WordPress backup plugin for most sites in 2026 is UpdraftPlus, which backs up your files and database on a schedule and stores them in the cloud — all for free. A reliable backup is your ultimate safety net against hacks, bad updates, and host failures. This guide compares six top backup plugins by features, storage, and ease of restore.
Best free backup plugins at a glance
| Plugin | Best for | Free | Cloud storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. UpdraftPlus | Best all-round free backups | Yes | Many providers |
| 2. Duplicator | Backups + site migration | Yes | Paid for auto |
| 3. BackWPup | Free scheduled backups | Yes | Multiple |
| 4. Jetpack VaultPress | Real-time automated backups | No | Included |
| 5. BlogVault | Reliable off-site backups | No | Included |
| 6. WP Vivid | Backup + staging | Yes | Multiple |
Why backups are non-negotiable
A current, off-site backup is the fastest way to recover from a hacked or broken site — restore a clean copy and you are back online. Store backups away from your host (Google Drive, Dropbox, S3) so a server failure cannot take both your site and its backup. Pair backups with our firewall and malware removal guides for full protection.
1. UpdraftPlus — best all-round free
UpdraftPlus is the most popular backup plugin, with scheduled backups, one-click restore, and free cloud storage to Google Drive, Dropbox, and more. Best for almost any site that wants dependable free backups.
2. Duplicator — best for backups plus migration
Duplicator excels at packaging your whole site for migration as well as backup. Best if you frequently move sites between hosts or from staging to live. Automatic scheduled backups need the Pro version.
3. BackWPup — best free scheduling
BackWPup offers flexible free scheduled backups to multiple destinations, including databases and full files. Best for users who want detailed control over free backup jobs.
4. Jetpack VaultPress & 5. BlogVault & 6. WP Vivid
Jetpack VaultPress and BlogVault are premium services offering real-time, fully off-site automated backups with easy restores — ideal for stores and high-value sites. WP Vivid pairs free backups with handy staging tools. Choose these when reliability is worth paying for.
The bottom line
UpdraftPlus is the best free WordPress backup plugin for most sites, with scheduling, cloud storage, and easy restore. Choose Duplicator if you also migrate sites, BackWPup for granular free control, or a premium service like BlogVault for real-time backups on critical sites. Whatever you pick, store backups off-site and test a restore. Details are approximate as of 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free WordPress backup plugin?
UpdraftPlus is the best free WordPress backup plugin, offering scheduled backups, one-click restore, and free cloud storage to services like Google Drive and Dropbox. BackWPup and Duplicator are strong free alternatives.
How often should I back up my WordPress site?
Back up at least daily for active sites or before any major change or update. Stores and busy sites benefit from real-time or hourly backups. Always keep several restore points, not just the latest.
Where should WordPress backups be stored?
Store backups off-site, away from your hosting server, using cloud storage like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Amazon S3. If a backup sits only on your host, a server failure could destroy both the site and its backup.
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