- WordPress migration plugins at a glance
- Ten WordPress migration plugins to try
- Pick a migration plugin by the job
- The one database field a migration must never change
- A safe WordPress migration in five steps
- When a plugin isn't enough
- Signs a migration didn't fully work
- My plain advice on WordPress migration plugins
- Frequently asked questions
A WordPress migration plugin packages your site's files and database and moves them to a new host or domain, updating URLs along the way. Some are one-click movers, some are backup plugins with migration built in, and some focus on staging or multisite. Choose by site size and what you're moving. Ten options follow, in no particular order.
Moving a WordPress site used to mean exporting databases, uploading files over FTP and fixing broken links for days. A good migration plugin does most of that for you, and the best ones let you test the copy before you switch.
The ten plugins below include dedicated migration tools, backup plugins with migration features and staging tools. They're listed alphabetically and in no particular order, and every description comes from each plugin's own WordPress.org listing or website, read this week. If you're reviewing your whole plugin set while you move, my top WordPress plugins guide is a good checklist.
WordPress migration plugins at a glance
I checked the free plan column on each tool's own website or App Store listing, as of Oct 2026. Yes means the page says the tool, a plan or a version of the tool is free. Trial only means a time-limited trial. Not stated means the page I read named neither, even where there's a button inviting you to start, so check before you sign up.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-in-One WP Migration | Site mover and backup plugin | Moving a site to a new host | Yes |
| Backup Migration | Backup and migration plugin | A lightweight plugin with free storage | Yes |
| BlogVault | Backup, staging and migration service | One-click moves for large sites | Not stated |
| Duplicator | Backup and migration plugin | Cloning a site between domains | Not stated |
| Migrate Guru | Migration and cloning plugin | One-click moves to a new host or domain | Not stated |
| Prime Mover | Backup and migration plugin | Multisite to single site moves | Yes |
| UpdraftPlus | Backup plugin with a migrator | Backups and migration from one tool | Not stated |
| WP Migrate | Database migration plugin | Moving databases with find and replace | Not stated |
| WP STAGING | Backup, staging and cloning plugin | Testing a copy before going live | Yes |
| WPvivid | Backup, migration and staging plugin | Staging on a subdirectory before moving | Yes |
Ten WordPress migration plugins to try
All-in-One WP Migration
Best for: Site owners moving a WordPress site to a new host who want a widely used migration plugin with more than 5 million installs.
Backup Migration
Best for: Bloggers who want a lightweight backup and migration plugin with free storage options like Google Drive and Dropbox.
BlogVault
Best for: Agencies moving large or busy sites who want one-click migration across thousands of web hosts, with staging included.
Duplicator
Best for: Freelancers who want to migrate, transfer or clone a WordPress site between domains or hosts with no downtime.
Migrate Guru
Best for: Site owners who want a one-click migration to a new host or domain from a plugin focused only on moving sites.
Prime Mover
Best for: Network admins who need to move sites between single-site installs and multisite sub-sites in either direction.
UpdraftPlus
Best for: Bloggers who already back up with this plugin and want its migrator to move the site to a new location.
WP Migrate
Best for: Developers who want to migrate a WordPress database in three steps and find and replace content inside the interface.
WP STAGING
Best for: Careful site owners who want backup, staging, cloning and migration in one plugin, so changes are tested on a copy first.
WPvivid
Best for: Small business owners who want backup, migration and a staging site on a subdirectory to test changes safely first.
Pick a migration plugin by the job
- A standard move to a new host: All-in-One WP Migration or Migrate Guru.
- Changing the domain name: Duplicator.
- Multisite moves: Prime Mover.
- Testing on a copy first: WP STAGING or WPvivid.
- Moving just the database: WP Migrate.
- Large or busy sites: BlogVault.
The one database field a migration must never change
The Migrating WordPress page in the Developer.WordPress.org handbook warns that when you change URLs directly in the database, you'll find the old URL in the guid column of the wp_posts table, and it's critical that you don't change it.
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The handbook explains that the GUID is an identifier meant never to change, and WordPress uses it to create the site's feeds. Changing it can make feed readers treat old posts as new. A good migration plugin handles URL changes safely, so if you ever edit the database by hand, leave the GUID field alone.
A safe WordPress migration in five steps
- Take a full backup of the old site and store it somewhere other than your host.
- Install the migration plugin on both sites, or follow the plugin's own steps.
- Run the migration to a temporary address or staging copy first.
- Test pages, forms, logins and checkout on the copy before you switch the domain.
- Point the domain to the new host, then check again and keep the old site until you're sure.
When a plugin isn't enough
Plugins work well for most small and medium sites. Very large sites, sites with custom server setups or busy online shops can hit upload limits or time out halfway.
If your migration fails twice, stop and get help from your new host or a developer rather than forcing it. A half-moved shop is worse than a slow move.
Signs a migration didn't fully work
- Images are missing. Check the uploads folder copied across.
- Links point to the old domain. Run the plugin's URL update again.
- Forms stop sending. Recheck email settings on the new host.
- You can't log in. Check the site address settings.
Do you make a WordPress migration plugin? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on WordPress migration plugins
Always migrate to a test copy first and check it carefully before you switch the domain. Keep your old hosting live for a little while after the move, so you have a working fallback if something turns up later.
A new host is also a good moment to tighten security. My guide to where your host's security stops explains what's still your job.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest way to migrate a WordPress site?
A one-click migration plugin is the easiest route for most sites. Test on a staging copy before switching your domain.
Are WordPress migration plugins free?
Several have free versions on WordPress.org, with upgrades for larger sites or extra features.
Can I change my domain with a migration plugin?
Yes. Most migration plugins update URLs when you move a site to a new domain.
What should I never change when migrating WordPress?
The WordPress handbook says not to change the GUID field in the wp_posts table, because feeds rely on it.
Will migrating WordPress hurt my SEO?
Not if URLs stay the same and the site works. If URLs change, set up redirects from old to new addresses.
What if my migration plugin times out?
Large sites can hit upload limits. Try a plugin built for large sites, or ask your new host for help.
