UpdraftPlus vs Jetpack: Which is the best WordPress backup plugin?

Updated on: 15/05/2024

When running your own website, it’s a given that the unexpected will sometimes rear its ugly head. One minute your WordPress website is running smoothly, the next, your entire site is compromised. That’s why keeping your WordPress site secure and having a reliable backup solution isn’t just practical – it’s critical.

In this blog, we’ll be putting two popular WordPress plugins head-to-head: UpdraftPlus (that’s us) and Jetpack. Both are big names when it comes to managing your WordPress site, but each have markedly different approaches to backups.

UpdraftPlus is a dedicated backup and migration plugin. We’re focused on doing those two things really, really well. Jetpack, on the other hand, is a multi-tool with a broader range of features, including backups alongside security, social sharing, and performance optimisation. 

But which one is the right fit for you? Let’s find out.

UpdraftPlus vs Jetpack: Key features

Before we delve a little deeper, we want to note that we are primarily comparing UpdraftPlus Premium with VaultPress Backup – Jetpack’s backup add-on.

There are a few things that stand out here. Firstly, UpdraftPlus offers a free version. And while its features are more limited when compared to the premium version, it’s a great way to kickstart any website’s backup infrastructure. While Jetpack itself has a free version, you need to pay extra for VaultPress Backup.

Secondly, we should talk about storage options. Currently, Jetpack lacks the integration with popular cloud services that you’ll find on UpdraftPlus, but you will have access to Jetpack Cloud. This might not be a big deal to some, but if you’re already using Google Cloud or Dropbox (or plan to migrate to another server), UpdraftPlus might be a better choice. 

We should also mention the wide range of additional products on offer from Jetpack. This includes packages such as security, SEO, statistics, and AI content creation, although none of these are included in VaultPress Backup.

UpdraftPlus vs Jetpack: Ease of use

Backing up and restoring your site should be smooth, stress-free, and ideally take no more than a few clicks. Here’s how the two plugins compare.

Jetpack

Jetpack has an array of additional features, besides its backup functionality. As a result, the interface can feel a little more cluttered, especially for less experienced users. Navigation is a little more complex, and while the process is still relatively simple, website restoration requires server credentials (FTP/SFTP/SSH) that some users may find difficult to locate. Depending on which of these have already been added to Jetpack’s backup page, restoration could take some time.

UpdraftPlus

UpdraftPlus has a very straightforward interface, making it ideal for expert and non-technical users alike. The layout is clean and uncluttered, with clear buttons for each function. Backing up and restoring your site takes just a few clicks, while a guided setup wizard will get you quickly up and running.

UpdraftPlus vs Jetpack: Backups

Now let’s see how the two handle scheduled backups.

Jetpack: Automated backups

Jetpack’s VaultPress backups run automatically every 24 hours, even if you don’t make changes to your site. This might suit some users, but it won’t work for those who need more control.  

And while Jetpack does offer real-time backups after specific events like publishing content or installing themes, you can’t choose the timing of these.

UpdraftPlus: Flexible scheduling

UpdraftPlus offers exceptional control over your backup schedule. Simply go to Settings -> UpdraftPlus Backups -> Settings, and you’ll find dedicated sections for scheduling both your website files and databases. 

Even with UpdraftPlus’ free version, you can choose a frequency that suits your needs. Backup your site as often as every 2, 4, 8, 12, or 24 hours for maximum protection – or even at specific low-traffic times with premium – or schedule your backups once a month, depending on how often your content changes. UpdraftPlus Premium also offers incremental backups, meaning you can back up only changes made to your site since the last backup, saving server resources (vs backing up in full each time).

UpdraftPlus vs Jetpack: Migration

Moving your WordPress site needs to be smooth and efficient. Here’s how the two compare.

Jetpack 

If you want to migrate your site using Jetpack, this can be done with a few clicks. And while the process is rather straightforward for the initiated, as mentioned above, the Jetpack dashboard might be a bit too busy for some.

Unfortunately, migration services on Jetpack will require purchasing the VaultPress Backup add-on, so if you don’t want to upgrade, this isn’t the solution for you. 

UpdraftPlus

UpdraftPlus eliminates the need for large backup files by segmenting backups for easier management. Behind-the-scenes clean-up tasks ensure compatibility with other plugins, and a search-and-replace function automatically fixes broken links or missing files.

With UpdraftPlus, migrating your WordPress website to another web host or domain takes just a matter of minutes – and it’s even included in the free version. With the premium version, there’s no need to download and upload backups – simply connect the source and destination sites and you’re good to go. This is perfect for keeping a test site in sync with your live environment. Additionally, UpdraftPlus Premium provides granular control over what gets migrated, allowing you to select specific themes, plugins, and database tables.

Pricing

Let’s compare Jetpacks VaultPress and UpdraftPlus pricing to see how cost-effective they are.

UpdraftPlus pricing (per year)

• Free – £0
• Personal – £54 (2 sites)
• Business – £72 (10 sites)
• Agency – £111 (35 sites)
• Enterprise – £150 (unlimited sites)
• Gold – £306 (unlimited sites)

Jetpack VaultPress Backup pricing (per year)

• VaultPress Backup – £47.40 (renews at £95.40)

As you can see, after the first year, UpdraftPlus is more affordable, especially if you’re not running numerous sites.

UpdraftPlus vs Jetpack: The verdict

UpdraftPlus and Jetpack are both popular options for a reason, but they take different approaches. UpdraftPlus is a dedicated backup and migration plugin, offering exceptional control over scheduling, storage (including popular cloud services), and restoration. It boasts a user-friendly interface, making backups a breeze.

While Jetpack includes backup functionality as part of its broader feature set, it offers less flexibility and requires a paid add-on. UpdraftPlus, on the other hand, has a free plan to get you started. 

Upgrade to UpdraftPlus Premium for features like incremental backups, automatic backups before updates, premium support and more. 

It’s for these reasons that we have to give the nod to UpdraftPlus. As a dedicated backup and migration solution, it’s simply unrivaled in its field.

But you don’t have to take our word for it. Check out the reviews and see for yourself.

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