UpdraftPlus is the most-installed WordPress backup plugin, with over 3 million active sites. BackupBloom is the newer alternative with a one-time pricing model. This comparison breaks down features, backup speed, and total cost over time so you can pick the right one for your setup.
Features: What's in the Toolbox?
When evaluating a backup solution, features are everything. Both UpdraftPlus and BackupBloom offer a solid suite, but there are nuances worth noting.
UpdraftPlus: The Veteran
UpdraftPlus is the most downloaded backup plugin on the WordPress repository, with over 3 million active installs. It backs up your files and database directly to the cloud, supporting Google Drive, Dropbox, Amazon S3, and more. For site migrations, the premium Migrator add-on handles the process.
However, all these bells and whistles come with a price. Advanced features like incremental backups, multisite compatibility, and priority support are locked behind a premium version that can reach up to $195 yearly for a single site. When you factor in the recurring costs, it can quickly become a significant investment.
BackupBloom: The Contender
BackupBloom, part of the StackBloom suite, takes a different approach: one-time pricing with unlimited backup storage included. It handles automated daily backups, one-click restores, and off-site storage to StackBloom's servers.
BackupBloom does not have as many cloud storage integrations as UpdraftPlus, but it includes multisite support and incremental backups without requiring a premium upgrade. For users managing multiple sites, the absence of recurring fees makes a significant cost difference over time.
| Feature | UpdraftPlus | BackupBloom |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud Storage Options | Extensive | Limited |
| Incremental Backups | Premium | Available |
| Multisite Support | Premium | Included |
| Cost Structure | Recurring | One-time |
| Ease of Use | Moderate | High |
Speed: How Fast is Fast Enough?
Backup speed can make or break your workflow. If you're managing a site with constant updates or high traffic, the last thing you want is a sluggish backup process.
UpdraftPlus: Tried and Tested
UpdraftPlus has been around long enough to optimize its operations. For smaller websites — say, under 1 GB — UpdraftPlus performs admirably, completing backups in under 5 minutes on average. However, users with larger sites, like the digital publication "TechSavvy" with a 20 GB database, reported backup times stretching to an hour or more.
The plugin does provide an option to reduce server load, but this can further slow down the process. This could be a deal-breaker for high-traffic sites needing rapid backups.
BackupBloom: Fast and Simple
BackupBloom emphasizes speed and simplicity. In tests with a similar-sized site, the backup process was notably quicker, often wrapping up in about 15-20 minutes, thanks to its efficient compression algorithms. For many small to medium-sized businesses, these time savings can be invaluable.
Users like "GreenThumb Landscaping" found that BackupBloom maintained site performance even during peak traffic, a crucial factor for sites experiencing fluctuating visitor numbers.
Total Cost: The Long Game
The cost isn't just about the sticker price; it's about value over time. Let's crunch some numbers.
UpdraftPlus: The Ongoing Investment
With UpdraftPlus, you start with a free version, but as your needs grow, so do the costs. The premium version starts at $70 per year for two sites, easily scaling up if you need more features or sites. Over five years, you're looking at upwards of $350 just for the basic premium features.
BackupBloom: One and Done
BackupBloom's appeal lies in its simplicity and affordability. As part of the StackBloom lifetime deal, a one-time purchase gives you access to all features, no strings attached. For a business like "CraftyCoders," investing in BackupBloom was a no-brainer. They saved nearly $500 over three years compared to sticking with UpdraftPlus.
Real-World Examples: Who's Using What?
Let's look at some real-world scenarios:
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TechSavvy, a digital publication, initially used UpdraftPlus for its comprehensive cloud options. Yet, as their site grew, the slow backup times and rising costs pushed them to explore alternatives. BackupBloom's efficient performance and single-payment model were a perfect fit.
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GreenThumb Landscaping, with its rapidly updated blog and portfolio, found UpdraftPlus's recurring fees prohibitive. They switched to BackupBloom and appreciated both the savings and the straightforward user experience.
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CraftyCoders, an agency managing multiple client sites, valued the multisite support and opted for BackupBloom, saving significantly over time while maintaining robust security.
The Bottom Line
UpdraftPlus is the right choice if you need extensive cloud storage integrations and do not mind the recurring cost. BackupBloom makes more sense if you want faster backups, simpler setup, multisite support out of the box, and a one-time payment. Compare pricing options to see the long-term cost difference for your specific setup.
