Are you looking for a plugin that will help you migrate your website without the technical side of it?
Moving your WordPress website to a new place can be tricky. If not done right, you could lose data and end up with a broken site.
But don’t worry! There are plugins that make it much easier.
Over the years, I’ve migrated quite a few websites between different domains and web hosts. The WP101 team and I have even tested and compared the top WordPress migration plugins.
Backed with this experience, I’ve created this carefully selected list of the best ones. Let’s make your site move a breeze!
Best WordPress Migration Plugins
Plugins | Best For? | Pricing | Free Version | What's Unique? |
---|---|---|---|---|
Duplicator | Easy migration in 2 steps | $49.50/year | ✅ | Migration wizard |
UpdraftPlus Migrator | Quick migrations in minutes | $49/year | ✅ | Creates backups during migration for added security |
Jetpack | Users already invested in Jetpack for other features (paid plans only) | $59.40/year | ❌ | Integrates with other Jetpack features for a streamlined workflow (if already using Jetpack) |
All-in-One WP Migration | Simple migrations for smaller websites | Free (Extensions start at $69) | ✅ | Easy to use interface, perfect for beginners |
Migrate Guru | Free migration, for large sites | Free | ✅ | Scheduling for automated migrations |
How I Test and Review WordPress Plugins
I’ve picked the best plugins by looking at their features, ease of use, and user reviews. I’ve also made sure that all the plugins in this list integrate well with WordPress.
Here’s the WP101 process:
- Testing: I install each selected plugin on a test WordPress site. Then I evaluate the installation process for simplicity, performance, and compatibility with standard website themes and other plugins.
- Feature Review: I review and test its features and interface to check for ease of use, customization options, and reliability. I also check if the plugin delivers on what it promises.
- What’s Unique?: With even the best WordPress plugins, there’s no one-size-fits-all. So I’ve made sure to look for unique features to help you decide if it’s the right plugin for your website’s needs.
The goal here is to find the perfect plugin to help you migrate your website with ease.
Why Trust WP101
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What’s In This Guide?
In this guide, the WP101 team and I put the following migration plugins to the test:
- Duplicator
- UpdraftPlus
- Jetpack
- All-in-One WP Migration
- Migrate Guru
- Solid Backups (Formerly BackupBuddy)
- Migrate DB Pro
- Total Upkeep
- WPvivid
- Bluehost Migrator
- SiteGround Migrator
Let’s review each one in detail and see what they have to offer.
Top WordPress Migration Plugins
1. Duplicator
Duplicator is the best backup and migration plugin for WordPress. It takes care of everything, from carefully packing up your site’s files, themes, plugins, and database, to securely transporting them to your new location.
I’ve been using Duplicator for over a decade now to back up my websites. In fact, it was the first backup plugin I ever used!
It used to be a more developer-oriented tool, but over the years, they’ve made it incredibly user-friendly.
Duplicator Pro comes with a Migration Wizard. This guides you through a 2-step migration process with clear instructions. No need for technical knowledge, complicated code or database manipulation. You can migrate your site with a few clicks and drags.
Second, Duplicator is the only WordPress backup plugin that can install into an empty site. It will install WordPress and configure your site with just a few clicks!
Duplicator Pro offers unmatched flexibility. You can move to a new domain or hosting provider seamlessly. There’s a Server-to-Server Imports feature. So there’s no need to download the package to your desktop machine first. You can directly import your package from any URL.
Need to overwrite an existing site on your new server? Done. It even integrates smoothly with popular managed WordPress hosts, saving you additional headaches.
Made a mistake? No worries. You can quickly rollback to a recovery point. This provides protection against mistakes and bad updates, ensuring your website stays up-to-date and error-free.
But Duplicator Pro goes beyond simple migrations. What if you need to create multiple websites with the same core setup?
Duplicator Pro lets you pre-configure a site with your theme, plugins, and content. Then, you can create a package and install it on as many locations as you need.
This is a massive time-saver, especially for agencies or freelancers who manage multiple sites.
And here’s the bonus: Duplicator Pro creates a full backup of your site which you can store off-site in cloud providers like Amazon S3, FTP, Microsoft, or Google Drive. So, even if something unexpected happens, you have a complete copy of your site to restore from.
In my experience, Duplicator Pro takes the stress and uncertainty out of website migrations. It’s a powerful tool that makes the process fast, secure, and incredibly user-friendly.
If you’re migrating a WooCommere site, I recommend following their tutorial on How to Migrate a WooCommerce Site (Without Revenue Loss).
Duplicator Features
- Simple step-by-step migration process
- Back up your entire WordPress site
- Easily duplicate your site for testing
- Support for both small and large websites
- Seamless transfer to a new domain or host
- Option to exclude specific files or database tables
- Automated URL updates for post-migration consistency
- Intuitive user interface for hassle-free operation
- Schedule regular backups for peace of mind
- Extensive compatibility with various hosting environments
Who is Duplicator Best For?
If you’re looking for an all-in-one backup and migration solution with a user-friendly interface, Duplicator is a great choice. It excels at simple migrations and creating reusable site packages, perfect for agencies or freelancers who manage multiple sites.
Duplicator Pricing
There’s a free WordPress migration plugin available. Premium plans start at $49.50 per year
2. UpdraftMigrator
UpdraftPlus lets you backup as well as migrate your entire WordPress website, including files, themes, plugins, and your database, to a new location.
A few years ago, I used to use UpdraftPlus a lot of beginner websites so that it was easier for them to take backups and migrate when needed. However, I’ve switched to Duplicator recently since they revamped the user interface.
UpdraftMigrator is one of the add-ons they offer. While not quite as drag-and-drop as some migration-specific plugins, UpdraftMigrator offers a guided approach to transferring your site.
The biggest pro to this plugin is that it creates backups during migration acting as a safety net if things go wrong.
UpdraftPlus boasts a user-friendly interface that makes the migration process accessible to users of all skill levels. Its intuitive design guides you through each step, ensuring a hassle-free migration experience.
UpdraftMigrator Features
- Easy backup and restoration process
- Backup to remote storage options like Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.
- Scheduled backups for automatic protection
- Incremental backups to save time and storage space
- Option to encrypt backups for enhanced security
- Selective backups for specific files or databases
- Multisite support for managing multiple WordPress sites
Who is UpdraftMigrator Best For?
UpdraftPlus is a solid choice for users who want a one-stop shop for site protection and migration.
UpdraftMigrator Pricing
There’s a free version of the plugin with basic migration functionality. Pro starts at $49. Upgrading to UpdraftPlus Premium unlocks additional features like scheduling backups and migrating plugins and themes selectively.
Get started with UpdraftPlus »
3. Jetpack
Jetpack (VaultPress) offers a comprehensive suite of features, including website security, performance optimization, and backup services. You may already be a Jetpack user if it came pre-installed with your hosting plan.
You can transfer your entire database, plugins, settings, and themes, as well as all your content and images.
I find migration features are robust but it personally isn’t my first choice. If you’re already utilizing Jetpack’s other functionalities, its migration feature will seamlessly integrate into your existing workflow.
However, some users may find the interface slightly complex compared to other dedicated migration plugins.
Jetpack Features
- Migrate your WordPress site to any host
- Transfer entire site
- No developer required
- Migration is included in every backup plan
Who is Jetpack Best For?
If you’re already using Jetpack for other features, their migration service might be convenient. However, it’s important to note that migrations are only available with paid Jetpack plans.
Jetpack Pricing
Starts at $4.95.
4. All-in-One WP Migration
With over three million active installations, All-in-One WP Migration has earned its reputation as a reliable choice for WordPress migration.
The reason I picked this plugin is its ability to bypass upload size limits imposed by web hosts, allowing users to migrate even large sites effortlessly.
What I liked about the plugin is its straightforward interface. Everyone of all skill levels can use it with ease.
However, some users may encounter compatibility issues with certain hosting environments, necessitating additional troubleshooting steps during the migration process.
All-in-One WP Migration Features
- Simple one-click migration process
- Supports custom uploads, plugins, theme folders
- Export and import entire WordPress sites
- Compatibility with all hosting companies
- Seamless integration with cloud storage services
- Multi-language support for international users
- Mobile device compatible
- Automatic URL replacement for post-migration consistency
Who is All-in-One WP Migration Best For?
This free plugin is a great choice for straightforward migrations of smaller websites. It gives you lots of control over moving your site, whether it’s big or small. It’s simple to use but might lack some of the advanced features offered by paid plugins.
All-in-One WP Migration Pricing
The free plan gives you basic migration features with a limited file size. The premium plan starts from $69 for unlimited site migrations and additional features.
Get started with All-in-One WP Migration »
5. Migrate Guru
From the team that created BlogVault, Migrate Guru employs a unique server-to-server migration approach. When I tested this plugin, I found that it automatically handles most of the heavy-lifting for you. There’s no need for manual backups and uploads.
This approach not only streamlines the migration process but also minimizes the risk of data loss.
Migrate Guru is another plugin that excels in migrating large websites fast.
My only concern is that users may find its lack of advanced customization options limiting in certain scenarios. However, if you’re a paid customer of BlogVault, you’ll get access to a great support team that’s available around the clock to help you with anything you need.
Migrate Guru Features
- One-click migration process for hassle-free transfers
- Support for transferring large websites up to 200 GB
- No plugin installation is required on the destination site
- Compatibility with all hosting providers and server types
- Zero downtime during the migration process
- Built-in error handling and automatic rollback feature
- Email notifications to keep you informed of the migration progress
- Multisite migration support for managing multiple WordPress installations
- Secure data transfer with encryption protocols
Who is Migrate Guru Best For?
Migrate Guru is perfect for website owners with large or complex WordPress sites and developers managing high-volume migration projects. It can handle huge sites without breaking a sweat. And the best part? It does it all without making your site go down, so your visitors won’t even notice.
Migrate Guru Pricing
Migrate Guru offers migration services free of charge. There are no subscription plans or pricing tiers – simply install the plugin and start migrating your site hassle-free.
Get started with Migrate Guru »
6. Solid Backups (Formerly BackupBuddy)
Solid Backups (Formerly BackupBuddy) is a comprehensive migration and backup solution for WordPress users.
What stood out in my testing is that all posts, pages, and configuration settings moved cleanly. The website remained intact post migration.
Solid Backups even automatically updated internal links and file references to the new location, preventing those frustrating 404 errors.
Switching domain names or subdomains? No problem! Solid Backups handles the change effortlessly.
I found that this migration tool prioritizes user-friendliness. Simply follow the clear on-screen instructions, and the migration process takes care of itself.
Solid Backups Features
- Comprehensive backup and restoration functionality
- Scheduled backups for automatic site protection
- Option to store backups locally or in remote storage locations
- Incremental backups to minimize storage usage and processing time
- Support for one-click site migration to new hosts or servers
- Seamless transfer of files, databases, and settings
- Compatibility with all WordPress hosting environments
- Built-in error handling and rollback
Who is Solid Backups Best For?
Best for those looking for advanced features like incremental backups and multisite support, making it a good choice for complex websites or those with stricter security needs.
Get started with Solid Backups »
7. WP Migrate
WP Migrate (formerly WP Migrate DB) is a migration plugin developed by WP Engine.
You can find and replace content directly within the plugin, ensuring a smooth migration without data corruption.
This powerful feature allows you to search and replace content anywhere within your WordPress database, even for serialized data. This ensures a smooth migration without compromising data integrity.
Need to move more than your database? WP Migrate Lite now allows you to export your entire website! This includes your database, media files, themes, plugins, and all the essential files needed to create a complete replica of your site in its new environment.
I simply chose what I wanted to include or exclude, and downloaded a convenient ZIP archive – all within the familiar WP Migrate Lite interface.
Added to that, importing data is a breeze. Thanks to WP Engine’s Local, the leading local WordPress development tool, you can now import your full-site ZIP archives directly into Local. Just drag and drop the downloaded file, and you’ll have a complete copy of your website up and running in minutes.
I love this feature as it is perfect for my testing and development processes.
For added peace of mind, WP Migrate Lite can automatically back up your database before performing a find and replace operation, or whenever you need it.
WP Migrate Features
- Excels in handling serialized data
- Automated search and replace functionality
- Works with all hosting environments
- Built-in error handling and rollback
- Granular control over which tables or data to exclude
Who is WP Migrate Best For?
Best for those focused specifically on database migrations, which can be useful for specialized scenarios.
WP Migrate Pricing
The premium version starts at $99 per year.
Get started with Migrate DB Pro »
8. Total Upkeep by BoldGrid
Total Upkeep by BoldGrid offers a holistic approach to WordPress site management. It covers backup, restoration, and migration.
Forget about bulky zip files and complex technical steps. With Total Upkeep, I found that migrating your site is a breeze – just a few clicks and I was done!
It streamlines your migration with a simple three-step process.
First, install Total Upkeep on both your old and new websites, ensuring both sides are ready for the transition.
Second, create a comprehensive backup archive on your original site. Total Upkeep makes sure all your data is securely packaged and ready to move to its new home.
Finally, leverage the “magic link.” This unique URL automates the restoration process on your new site, eliminating manual steps and saving you valuable time.
Total Upkeep goes beyond migration. Its user-friendly drag-and-drop site builder lets you personalize your website before or after the move. This ensures your website perfectly reflects your brand and resonates with your audience.
Total Upkeep Features
- Free WordPress staging sites
- Automated tools that handle the transfer of files, databases, and settings seamlessly
- Automatic backups every day
- One-click site restore
- Cloud storage integration
- Customizable backup schedules
Who is Total Upkeep Best For?
Total Upkeep offers a variety of website maintenance features, including migrations. It’s a good option for users who want a comprehensive toolkit for keeping their WordPress site healthy, but migrations might not be its main strength.
Total Upkeep Pricing
There’s a free plan and the paid plans start at $2.50 per month.
9. WPvivid
WPvivid is popularly a backup plugin that comes with migration features.
Moving your website is simple with separate export and import workflows. You can export your website to local storage, remote storage, or even directly to the target site for automated migration. Then you can import from these locations to your new site.
WPvivid Migration works with more complex setups as well. You can back up your entire WordPress multisite network, migrate it to another multisite setup, or migrate a subsite to a standalone WordPress installation.
Now during migrations, accidents can happen, but with WPVivid Migration, you don’t have to worry about them affecting your live site. The built-in snapshot feature creates a backup point, ensuring your current website remains untouched even if the restoration process encounters issues.
WPVivid Migration has been rigorously tested to ensure seamless integration with most popular themes and page builders in the market. This means you can migrate your site with confidence, knowing your layout and functionality won’t be disrupted.
WPvivid Features
- One-click site migration
- Automated backup scheduling
- Incremental backup functionality
- Easy site restoration process
- Cloud storage integration
- Malware scanning and removal
- Multisite migration support
- Customizable backup retention policies
- Good customer support
- User-friendly interface
Who is WPvivid Best For?
While some features cater to developers, WPvivid Migration offers a user-friendly interface and clear instructions, making it accessible to non-technical website owners who want to manage their own backups and migrations.
WPvivid offers a white-labeling feature (Pro version). This allows agencies and freelancers to offer WPvivid Backup Pro as their own service, adding value to their client packages.
WPvivid Pricing
Starts at $39 per year.
Bonus: Migration Options From Popular Web Hosts
10. Bluehost Migrator
Bluehost Migrator is a free website migration service from Bluehost.
You can transfer one WordPress.org site free of charge. All you have to do is get in touch with Bluehost and they’ll give you 1-on-1 help.
They’ll review your site before and after you migrate to make sure everything is okay.
You’ll also get help with your site’s design and promotion. Keep in mind, this service focuses on migrating to Bluehost’s platform.
Bluehost Migrator Features
- Seamless site migration process
- Compatibility with Bluehost hosting
- Reliable customer support
- 1-on-1 assistance
Who is Bluehost Migrator Best For?
Bluehost Migrator is made for those who host their sites with Bluehost. It makes moving your site a breeze, with just a few clicks. And if you need help, their support team is there to lend a hand.
Bluehost Migrator Pricing
You have to request a consultation to get a quote.
Get started with Bluehost Migrator »
11. SiteGround Migrator
SiteGround Migrator is a free migration plugin available in the WordPress.org plugin repository. It streamlines the migration process for users hosted on SiteGround’s platform, offering a seamless transition to their hosting services.
It automates the process, getting your site up and running on SiteGround with minimal effort. The plugin integrates seamlessly with your WordPress dashboard. No need to jump between different platforms or applications.
It works flawlessly with most standard WordPress installations. Just a few limitations to keep in mind: it can’t migrate sites from your local computer (localhost) or full Multisite installations (separate Multisite blogs are okay, though).
To initiate the migration, you’ll need a transfer token. You can get this within your SiteGround hosting control panel under the WordPress Migrator tool. Simply select the domain you want to migrate and generate the token.
Once you have the token, install and activate the SiteGround Migrator plugin on your WordPress site. Paste the token into the plugin and hit “Initiate Transfer.” That’s all! SiteGround Migrator takes care of the rest.
SiteGround Migrator Features
- Quick and easy website transfer
- Zero downtime migration process
- Automated database updates
- Compatibility with SiteGround hosting
- Multisite migration capabilities
- Expert migration assistance
- Simple domain management tools
- Secure data transfer protocols
- Dedicated customer support team
Who is SiteGround Migrator Best For?
SiteGround Migrator is perfect if you host your site with SiteGround. It makes moving your site quick and painless, with zero downtime. Plus, their support team is top-notch, so you can trust them to help you every step of the way.
SiteGround Migrator Pricing
Free.
Get started with SiteGround Migrator »
Verdict: Which is the Best WordPress Migration Plugins
My top pick for easy migrations is the Duplicator plugin. Here’s why:
Even beginners can migrate their website with minimal hassle. It requires no understanding of databases or complex server configurations. Their 2-step Migration Wizard makes it a breeze.
You can migrate websites to new domains and servers without worrying about losing data or configurations.
You can even create pre-configured website shells that you can import to new websites to get started with a foundation already in place.
Here’s a recap of the review of the best and most popular WordPress Migration Plugins:
Plugins | Best For? | Pricing | Free Version | What's Unique? |
---|---|---|---|---|
Duplicator | Easy migration in 2 steps | $49.50/year | ✅ | Migration wizard |
UpdraftPlus Migrator | Quick migrations in minutes | $49/year | ✅ | Creates backups during migration for added security |
Jetpack | Users already invested in Jetpack for other features (paid plans only) | $59.40/year | ❌ | Integrates with other Jetpack features for a streamlined workflow (if already using Jetpack) |
All-in-One WP Migration | Simple migrations for smaller websites | Free (Extensions start at $69) | ✅ | Easy to use interface, perfect for beginners |
Migrate Guru | Free migration, for large sites | Free | ✅ | Scheduling for automated migrations |
Need help installing the plugin? Check out our easy tutorial: How to Install a WordPress Plugin (Beginner’s Guide).
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