10 Best WordPress Migration Plugins (Compared)

Let’s make this simple: A great WordPress migration plugin needs three things. It must be reliable, easy to use, and work with any host.

Unfortunately, many plugins miss the mark on these basic needs. This often leads to failed migrations and unhappy users.

That’s why we love using Duplicator for our partner websites. It does all three things well. But when working with many different WordPress users, we’ve learned that each website has its own needs.

Some store owners need special features. Others just want the easiest way to move their site.

We’ve done the hard work of testing the top WordPress migration plugins for you. We looked at which ones can handle big sites without problems. We checked which ones make moving your site simple. And we found out which ones give you the most for your money.

You’ll find both free and paid options here, so there’s something for every budget. Ready to see how these WordPress migration plugins stack up? Let’s jump in.

Our Top Picks for the Best WordPress Migration Plugins 🏆

Short on time? Here’s a quick comparison of the best WordPress migration plugins that make the final cut:

Rank	Plugin Name	Best For	Starting Price
🥇	Duplicator	Overall WordPress Migration	$49.50/yr
🥈	UpdraftPlus	Selective Migration	$70/yr
🥉	Jetpack VaultPress Backups	WooCommerce Sites	$59.40/yr
4	All-in-One WP Migration	Simple Migrations	Free (Paid add-ons)
5	Migrate Guru	Free Migrations	Free
6	Solid Backups	Advanced Transfers	$8.25/mo
7	ManageWP	Developers with Clients	$2/site/mo
8	Total Upkeep	Budget-Friendly Plugin	$2.50/mo
9	WP Migrate	Local Development	$49/yr
10	SiteGround Migrator	SiteGround Hosting	Free

Keep reading for our detailed reviews of each plugin to learn which features make them stand out and why they might be the perfect fit for your WordPress migration.

Our Process for Testing the Best WordPress Migration Plugins

Since WPBeginner started in 2009, we’ve grown a lot. Our hosting needs today look very different from when we began. We’ve had to change WordPress hosting providers a few times to support our growth.

That’s why we test migration plugins so carefully. We know how bad it can be when a move fails and your site crashes!

To evaluate the best migration plugins, we have broken things down into these key criteria:

• Migration Methods: Each plugin works differently. Some move your site directly between servers. Others need you to install WordPress on your new site first. We’ll explain how each plugin works so you can pick the method you like best.
• Backup Integration: Does the plugin create reliable backups before migration? This is essential for having a safety net if anything goes wrong. Duplicator and UpdraftPlus let you choose exactly what to back up and restore. Plus, they integrate with popular cloud storage services.
• Server Performance: Does the migration process slow down your website? Some plugins have fast performance from the get-go, while others, like Jetpack, use their own servers instead of taxing your hosting resources. This means your site stays responsive during migration.
• Data Handling: How well does the plugin handle large databases? We’ll let you know if a plugin can handle serialized data properly or include a reliable search-and-replace function for database updates.
• Multisite Capabilities: We test how well each plugin handles complex WordPress multisite networks. We’ve found Duplicator particularly reliable for multisite migrations, offering features like converting subsites into standalone installations.

Of course, we also consider the bare minimum requirements any good WordPress plugin should have. This includes an intuitive user interface and good value for money. After all, what good is a powerful migration plugin if you can’t figure out how to use it?

Now, let’s look at our top picks of the best WordPress migration plugins.

1. Duplicator (Overall Best WordPress Migration Plugin)

Duplicator is the most versatile WordPress migration plugin, used by over 1.5 million websites worldwide. We’ve tested it with our own partner websites (which can be very large!) and our smaller projects. It works great every time.

We’ve covered this migration and backup plugin more extensively in our Duplicator review.

The free version lets you make a backup file and move it to your new host without setting up WordPress first. With the pro version, it’s even easier, as you can use the server-to-server import feature.

This will migrate a WordPress website directly from a link. No need to download or upload any files yourself!

If you use managed WordPress hosting like WordPress.com or WPEngine, then Duplicator works perfectly with these services. This makes it really easy to move your site between different hosting companies.

We also like that you can move sites that share a database with other WordPress installations. This is great if you’re running multiple WordPress sites on the same hosting account or need to migrate a site that shares resources with others.

Plus, all your data stays safe during the move, thanks to industry-standard AES-256 encryption.

Pros of Duplicator:

• We find the migration process easy to follow, from creating the archive package to uploading it to a new host without installing WordPress.
• There is an option to move sites directly between servers (no need to manually download files to your computer).
• Automatically works with all major WordPress hosting providers without extra configuration.
• Full support for multisite networks, including the ability to convert subsites into standalone websites.
• Built-in search and replace feature that detects and updates all your website URLs when moving to a new domain.
• Handles shared database migrations smoothly, which is perfect for moving multiple WordPress installations.

Cons of Duplicator:

• The free version doesn’t have the ability to import a WordPress backup from the dashboard.

Pricing: A free version is available. Paid plans start at $49.50 per year for 2 sites. Bigger plans cost $99.50 (5 sites), $199.50 (20 sites), and $299.50 (100 sites) per year. Also, you can use our Duplicator coupon code to get 60% off of your first purchase!

Why we recommend Duplicator: After thorough testing, we have found Duplicator to be the most reliable and easy-to-use tool for moving WordPress websites of any size. This is why we put it number one on our list.

2. UpdraftPlus (Flexible Migration Options)

UpdraftPlus is a WordPress migration plugin that gives you precise control over which parts of your site you want to migrate. You can choose to move just your database, specific plugins, selected themes, or only your uploads folder when that’s all you need.

You can head to our UpdraftPlus review if you want to learn more. But overall, we think this selective approach is particularly useful when you’re just moving specific parts of your site.

The free version lets you move your site by downloading a WordPress backup from your original site and uploading it to your new location. While this manual process works, it requires more steps compared to the premium version, which offers direct site-to-site transfers.

Other than that, UpdraftPlus includes a built-in search-and-replace function that updates your database URLs during migration. This saves you from having to install additional tools for fixing links after moving your site.

Pros of UpdraftPlus:

• Selective migration lets you choose exactly which parts of your site to move, saving time when you don’t need everything.
• We like that the search and replace tool can automatically update all your site URLs during migration.
• Makes it easy to use backups from other plugins, so you’re not locked into one system.
• Works smoothly with popular WordPress hosting providers.
• Includes an easy-to-follow restoration process that walks you through each step.
• Handles both regular WordPress sites and multisite networks with ease.

Cons of UpdraftPlus:

• The free version requires manual backup download and upload for migrations, while premium options offer direct site-to-site transfers.

Pricing: A free version is available. Premium plans start at $70 per year for 2 sites, with higher tiers available at $95 (10 sites), $145 (35 sites), and $195 (unlimited sites) annually.

Why we recommend UpdraftPlus: When you need to move just parts of your site instead of everything, UpdraftPlus makes it simple.

3. Jetpack VaultPress Backup (WooCommerce Migration Plugin)

As the official backup solution from Automattic (the company behind WordPress.com), Jetpack VaultPress Backup offers enterprise-level protection for WooCommerce stores.

We’ve used it ourselves at WPBeginner and particularly appreciate how it runs backups on its own servers instead of your hosting server. This keeps your site fast during migrations. You can check out our Jetpack review for more details.

The plugin’s real-time backup system means every sale and product update is captured instantly. This is important for online stores where new orders can come in at any moment during the migration process.

Our favorite feature is the fact that all backups are stored in multiple locations around the globe using WordPress.com’s infrastructure. This means you can restore your site even if your host’s servers are down during migration, which is a common concern when moving hosts.

Pros of Jetpack VaultPress Backup:

• Keeps your latest WooCommerce orders safe during site restoration.
• Stores backups on multiple servers worldwide for reliable access.
• Lets you restore your site even when your host is down (which we find to be important for online businesses).
• Works smoothly with all major WordPress hosting providers.
• Offers one-click restores through their mobile app.
• Provides real-time backups to capture every change.

Cons of Jetpack VaultPress Backup:

• Doesn’t support multisite installations or split site URLs.
• For a higher price than Duplicator, we find its value for money lacking.

Pricing: A free version is available, but it doesn’t have the migration feature. Paid plans start at $4.95 per month (billed annually at $59.40) and include a 14-day free trial.

Why we recommend Jetpack VaultPress Backup: It’s a safe choice for moving WooCommerce sites since it protects all your store data during migration.

4. All-in-One WP Migration (Best for Simple Migrations)

All-in-One WP Migration takes a no-frills approach to WordPress site transfers. With over 5 million active installations, it’s become popular among users who want a straightforward migration tool without complicated settings.

We have compared this plugin with Duplicator, as some readers needed help figuring out which is the best option for them. Head over to our All-in-One WP Migration vs Duplicator review to learn more.

The free version focuses on three core features: exporting your site, importing it to a new location, and creating backups.

What makes it particularly user-friendly is its drag-and-drop import system. You just drag your backup file into the plugin’s interface, and it handles the rest.

If you need more features, All-in-One WP Migration offers various add-ons to extend its functionality. We love the Google Drive extension, which lets you store backups directly in the cloud, and the URL extension that imports websites directly from a link.

One limitation we discovered is the 256MB upload size restriction in the free version. While this works fine for smaller sites, you’ll need the Unlimited add-on if you’re moving a larger WordPress installation.

Pros of All-in-One WP Migration:

• The plugin is available in over 50 languages, making it accessible to global users.
• A simple drag-and-drop system makes importing sites incredibly easy.
• Works with older WordPress versions, making it great for legacy sites.
• Includes a reliable search and replace tool for updating site URLs.
• Compatible with most hosting providers without extra configuration.
• Supports all versions of MySQL and MariaDB databases.

Cons of All-in-One WP Migration:

• The free version has a 256MB upload limit, which isn’t enough for larger sites.
• Costs can add up quickly if you need multiple extensions.

Pricing: The core plugin is free. The Unlimited extension removes the upload limit for $69 per year, while other extensions like cloud storage support start at $99 per year.

Why we recommend All-in-One WP Migration: It’s perfect for users who want a simple, reliable way to move their WordPress websites without dealing with complex settings.

5. Migrate Guru (Free WordPress Migration Plugin)

Unlike most plugins that make you pay for better features, Migrate Guru gives you everything for free. Made by the BlogVault team, this plugin helps you move WordPress sites of any size without spending anything.

Instead of using your website’s server, it uses BlogVault’s own servers for the transfer. This means your website won’t slow down while you’re moving it, and you won’t run into common problems like timeouts.

The free plugin comes with lots of useful tools. It can automatically fix your website links, handle complex data, and even move huge sites up to 200GB. Based on our research, these are things you usually have to pay for with other plugins.

There are a few limits, though. You can’t use it to move sites to or from your local computer, and it doesn’t work with multisite networks. Also, you can only move 5 different sites each month, but you can move these same sites as many times as you want.

Pros of Migrate Guru:

• Everything is completely free – no premium version or paid add-ons are needed.
• Uses its own servers to keep your site responsive during migration.
• Works with over 5,000 web hosts worldwide.
• Includes automatic search and replacement for all URLs.
• Provides real-time email alerts about migration progress.
• It can handle sites up to 200GB in size.

Cons of Migrate Guru:

• Doesn’t support localhost migrations or multisite network transfers
• Limited to migrating 5 different sites per month

Pricing: Migrate Guru is completely free, with no paid version or extensions available.

Why we recommend Migrate Guru: It’s the most feature-rich free migration plugin available, offering capabilities that typically require paid upgrades.

6. Solid Backups (Advanced Complete Site Transfers)

Solid Backups offers a thorough migration process that handles often-overlooked things like serialized data. Many hosts and migration tools tend to skip them. This attention to detail helps to prevent broken migrations when changing hosts.

While it’s primarily known as a backup solution, Solid Backups’ migration features are impressive. The plugin runs on cloud infrastructure instead of your hosting server, which keeps your site responsive during transfers. You can learn more about the tool in our Solid Backups review.

The plugin uses a Standalone Importer system, which is similar to Duplicator’s installer file. With this, you can set up a new WordPress blog without installing the content management system on the new server first.

We found the migration process particularly well-organized, with clear steps from creating the backup to the final cleanup. The plugin even includes a database creation tool through cPanel if you haven’t set up your new database yet.

Pros of Solid Backups:

• Complete migration process that properly handles serialized data.
• Standalone Importer tool to migrate your website without WordPress installed.
• Uses cloud servers to keep your site fast during migrations.
• Includes a detailed step-by-step migration wizard.
• Offers encrypted backups with AES-256 security.

Cons of Solid Backups:

• Not compatible with several major hosting providers like WP Engine, WordPress.com, or Pressable.

Pricing: Plans start from $8.25 per month for 20GB of storage. A free version is available, but it only handles database backups and restores.

Why we recommend Solid Backups: It’s ideal for users who need both reliable backups and thorough migration capabilities in one tool.

7. ManageWP (Site Management Plugin With Migration Feature)

ManageWP is a complete WordPress management system with a migration feature. We recommend it for developers juggling multiple client sites who need occasional migration tools.

What impresses us is how it streamlines developer workflows. Besides migration, you can handle bulk updates, create staging sites, and generate client reports. Our ManageWP review explains everything you need to know about the plugin.

The migration process itself is straightforward. Once you enter your destination site URL, FTP, and database information, the plugin handles everything else. It even compares source and destination files to only transfer what’s necessary, saving time during migration.

The plugin also includes an option to prevent search engines from indexing your cloned site. This can help you avoid duplicate content penalties during migration.

Pros of ManageWP:

• We love how user-friendly the dashboard is, letting you manage all your client sites.
• Includes easy site cloning for quick migrations.
• Automatically handles technical migration details like URL updates.
• Offers white-labeling options for client work.
• Creates professional reports of your work.
• Includes WordPress staging for testing.

Cons of ManageWP:

• You’ll need the premium backup add-on for migrations.

Pricing: A free version is available, but you will need the backup add-on for the migration features. The price starts from $2 per site per month to $75 for 100 sites per month.

Why we recommend ManageWP: It’s perfect for developers managing multiple WordPress sites who need reliable migration tools.

8. Total Upkeep (Affordable Migration Plugin)

At just $2.50 per month, Total Upkeep proves you don’t need to spend much for reliable WordPress migrations. During our testing, we found this budget-friendly option comes with a lot of features usually reserved for more expensive plugins.

You can head over to our Total Upkeep review if you want to find out more about our experience.

The plugin creates a backup of your site, generates a secure download link, and lets you restore it at the new location. We love how Total Upkeep handles automatic rollbacks – if something goes wrong, it quickly restores your site to working condition.

Beyond migrations, it’s really a backup plugin at heart. We like how it runs pre-flight checks before each backup to ensure nothing will go wrong. This same attention to detail carries over to its migration features, where it verifies everything before making changes.

For developers watching costs, there’s an extra perk: one license works on unlimited sites you own. This makes it particularly valuable if you’re managing multiple projects or client websites.

Pros of Total Upkeep:

• Surprisingly affordable at $2.50 monthly for unlimited sites.
• During testing, we found that automatic rollbacks can save you from failed migrations.
• Includes smart pre-flight checks to prevent transfer issues.
• Creates secure download links for transfers.
• Lets you move specific files instead of everything.

Cons of Total Upkeep:

• Remote storage features require the premium version

Pricing: Free version available. Premium plans start at $2.50 per month (billed annually) with unlimited site usage.

Why we recommend Total Upkeep: For budget-conscious developers needing unlimited site transfers, it’s unbeatable value.

9. WP Migrate (Best for Local Development Migrations)

WP Migrate specializes in syncing between your local development environment and live sites. This makes it perfect for developers working on site updates.

The plugin’s standout feature is its push-pull system. Unlike traditional migration plugins, you can pull a live site directly to your local environment, make your changes, and then push it back live when ready.

We can imagine how much this two-way sync can save hours compared to manual export-import processes.

For development teams, the WP-CLI integration is a game-changer. It lets you automate the entire sync process to make the migration even more efficient.

Pros of WP Migrate:

• Direct two-way sync between local and live environments.
• Seamless integration with Local by WP Engine, a local WordPress tool our team members love.
• Powerful WP-CLI support for automated workflows.
• Lets you selectively sync specific site elements.
• Creates automatic backups before any changes.

Cons of WP Migrate:

• Media and theme/plugin sync require at least the $189 Plus license.
• Not designed for traditional host-to-host migrations.

Pricing: A free version is available. Paid plugins start from $49 for basic database migrations. The Plus license with WP-CLI support and media file import costs $189.

Why we recommend WP Migrate: It’s the ideal tool for developers who regularly work with local WordPress environments.

10. SiteGround Migrator (Migrating to SiteGround)

For moving sites to SiteGround hosting, the SiteGround Migrator plugin offers the most reliable and straightforward process we’ve seen in any host-specific tool. As long-time SiteGround users ourselves, we can vouch for both their hosting and this migration solution.

The process is refreshingly simple: get a token from your SiteGround control panel, paste it into the plugin, and you’re done. We appreciate that it creates a temporary copy of your site first, letting you verify that everything works before making the final switch.

There is also zero downtime during the transfer. The plugin ensures that the original site stays live while it creates and sets up the copy on SiteGround’s servers.

Just note that this plugin serves a single purpose: moving sites to SiteGround. It won’t work with localhost sites or full multisite installations.

Pros of SiteGround Migrator:

• Simple token-based migration process.
• Creates temporary site copies for testing.
• Keeps your original site live during transfer.
• Automatically handles all technical details.
• Completely free to use.

Cons of SiteGround Migrator:

• Doesn’t support localhost or full multisite transfers.

Pricing: Free.

Why we recommend SiteGround Migrator: After having tested numerous hosting-specific migration tools, this is one of the most reliable we’ve used.

Alternative: Free WordPress Blog Setup by WPBeginner

If technical migrations seem overwhelming, WPBeginner offers a completely free service where our expert team handles your entire WordPress blog setup and migration.

What makes this service unique is that we don’t just move your site. We optimize it from the ground up. During setup, we configure proper security settings, implement WordPress SEO best practices, and add performance optimizations that we’ve learned from running WPBeginner and other successful sites.

Our team works with you to choose the right theme and plugins based on your specific needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. We’ve found this customized setup helps new bloggers avoid common pitfalls that often lead to early failure.

The only requirement is that you sign up with one of our recommended WordPress hosting providers through our links. This helps us keep the service sustainable while ensuring you get quality hosting with special discounts.

Pros of WPBeginner’s Free Blog Setup Service:

• Completely free professional WordPress setup
• Includes security and performance optimization
• SEO configuration from day one
• Caching setup for better speed

Cons of WPBeginner’s Free Blog Setup Service:

• Only migrates sites from WordPress.com, Medium, or Blogger

Pricing: It’s free as long as you sign up with one of our recommended hosts, like Bluehost or Hostinger.

Why we recommend WPBeginner’s Free Blog Setup: It’s one of the few services that combine professional migration with complete WordPress optimization at no cost.

Alternative: Find a Professional WordPress Migration Service

Sometimes, the best migration solution is letting experts handle everything. Whether you’re moving a complex business site or just want peace of mind, professional migration services can provide a level of support and expertise that plugins can’t match.

A good example is Bluehost Professional Services. Their team specializes in tailored WordPress website migrations. This would be great if you’re planning to host with Bluehost, as their team understands their hosting environment inside and out.

For more complex migrations, we recommend Seahawk Media. This WordPress development agency has handled over 1,000 migrations from various platforms, including Wix, Shopify, Drupal, and Magento. This makes it great if you’re looking to move out of a website builder.

What Is the Best WordPress Migration Plugin?

After testing dozens of migration plugins, we have found Duplicator to be the absolute best choice. It’s super easy to use and works great for moving any WordPress site, big or small.

You can move sites directly between servers, work with multisite networks, and keep your data safe with strong encryption. Our partner companies have used it themselves for all kinds of websites.

On the other hand, UpdraftPlus is perfect if you need to move just parts of your website instead of everything at once. Want to transfer only your plugins or media files? UpdraftPlus makes it simple. It also fixes all your website links automatically during the move, so you don’t have to worry about broken links afterward.

Running an online store? Jetpack VaultPress Backup is your best choice. It saves every single change to your store right as it happens, including new orders and product updates. Since it stores your backups on WordPress.com’s servers around the world, your data stays extra safe during the move.

At the end of the day, the best WordPress migration plugin for you depends on your specific needs. We recommend trying out a few options to find the one that works best for your situation.

Migrate WordPress: Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve collected the most common questions about WordPress migration. Here are the answers you need.

What is the best way to migrate a WordPress site?

For most users, we recommend using a WordPress migration plugin. It’s much safer than moving files manually because plugins handle all the technical details automatically. They update your database connections, fix file paths, and ensure nothing breaks during the move.

Popular options like Duplicator and UpdraftPlus make the process as simple as creating a backup and restoring it at your new location.

What is the easiest way to migrate a WordPress site to a new host without plugins?

The easiest way is to hire a professional WordPress developer or migration service. Many hosting companies also offer free migration services when you sign up with them.

How do I manually migrate my WordPress site to a new host?

Manual migration typically means you need to download your WordPress files via FTP, export your database through phpMyAdmin, create a new database on your new host, import your old database, and update the wp-config.php file with new database details.

However, we don’t recommend this method unless you have technical experience, as one small mistake can break your site.

Learn More About WordPress Migration and Backups

• The Ultimate WordPress SEO Migration Checklist (For Beginners)
• How to Properly Move WordPress from HTTP to HTTPS (Beginner’s Guide)
• How to Easily Move Your Blog from WordPress.com to WordPress.org
• How to Merge Two WordPress Sites Together Without Losing SEO
• How to Connect Google Drive to Your WordPress Media Library
• How to View a WordPress Backup as a Website (Easiest Way)
• How to Setup Automatic WordPress Backups with CodeGuard

We hope this article helped you find the best WordPress migration plugin for your website. You may also want to see our expert picks of must-have WordPress plugins to grow your business and our ultimate list of the most common WordPress errors and how to fix them.

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