Cloning Made Simple: 2024’s Leading WordPress Duplicate Site Plugins

Interested in revamping your website and experimenting with new features? Want to ensure you can perfect it without the fear of breaking something irreparably? Consider the power of cloning your website. By creating a complete duplicate—including folders, files, databases, and more—you can preserve a pristine version of your site.

This cloning process safeguards your original, allowing you to make changes confidently, knowing you have a reliable backup to return to should anything go awry. With a cloned site, all elements remain intact, ensuring a seamless experience with fully functional links and no missing content.

Source: ER

Key Benefits of Cloning a Website:

1. Server Migration: When moving your website from one server to another, duplicating it ensures a smooth transition. This prevents any disruption to your online presence during the migration process.
2. Local Development to Live Server (and vice versa): Whether transitioning from a local development environment to a live server or vice versa, duplicating the website maintains consistency across platforms. It aids in seamless testing and development without affecting the live site.
3. Testing and Staging: Creating a duplicate provides a safe environment to test new features, updates, or design changes. This staging area allows you to experiment without risking the functionality or appearance of the live website.
4. Backup and Restoration: Duplicating a website serves as a comprehensive backup strategy. In case of errors, hacking, or data loss, having a duplicate ensures a reliable restoration point to revert to the website’s previous state.
5. Similar Project Copy: If embarking on a project akin to an existing website, duplicating it serves as a template or foundation. This copy expedites the setup process by leveraging the structure and content of the original site.

8 Common Mistakes to Avoid While Website Migration

Top Cloning Plugins for WordPress:

1. All-in-One WP Migration 

The All-in-One WP Migration plugin not only safeguards your files but also presents a robust cloning feature, simplifying the duplication and relocation of your website effortlessly. To commence the migration process, installing the WordPress plugin is necessary on both the source and destination ends. Its user-friendly interface streamlines the cloning procedure, encompassing the replication of files, databases, themes, and plugins.

One of its key features is guiding users through the database string replacement, enabling content exclusion, and allowing selection of the destination for the copied files. Users have the flexibility to opt for a drag-and-drop method or specify the import location. The plugin executes the data transfer in smaller segments to prevent timeouts caused by size limitations, ensuring a seamless migration experience. Upon completion, users need only wait for the import process to finalize before gaining access to the new website and saving permalinks.

Notably, the plugin efficiently manages serialized data, eliminating the need to manually modify URLs, as all database references are automatically adjusted. The premium add-ons cater to larger file upload sizes and facilitate exports and storage in additional locations such as Amazon S3, Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, among others. Furthermore, these add-ons support multisite migrations, offering the flexibility to migrate the entire website or specific sections using this extension.

Pros:

• Simplified cloning and relocation process.
• User-friendly interface for database string replacement.
• Efficient handling of serialized data, avoiding URL modification.
• Offers premium add-ons for expanded functionalities and support for larger file sizes and multiple storage locations.
• Supports multisite migrations, providing flexibility in website relocation.

Cons:

• Certain advanced functionalities require purchasing add-ons.
• May have limitations with extremely large websites or complex setups.

Pricing:

• The core plugin is free to use.
• Premium add-ons range in price depending on functionalities, starting from $59.00 for extended features.

2. Duplicator

Duplicator, a robust plugin available in both free and premium versions, excels in simplifying backups and website migration. The free version features a migration wizard, although it’s advisable for novice users to seek professional guidance, especially during initial usage.

The tool efficiently packages website files and folders into ZIP archives and installer packages, offering a user-friendly interface. Users can precisely select content for backup or exclusion, ensuring a tailored migration process.

Upon completion, users receive archive and installer files. These can be moved to preferred locations like local hosts, new servers, or external storage. The deployment involves accessing the installer via a browser, initiating file extraction, and creating a duplicate database. A single click on ‘Update’ efficiently modifies all URLs.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface for backup and migration.
• Precise content selection for tailored migrations.
• Easy deployment process for duplicate site creation.
• Efficient URL updates with a single click.

Cons:

• Novice users might find initial usage complex.
• Some advanced features are limited to the premium version.

Pricing:

• Duplicator’s premium version ranges from $39 to $119 for a one-year subscription.
• Renewals come with discounted rates.
• The plugin offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, ensuring user satisfaction.

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3. WP Migrate DB

WP Migrate DB specializes in seamless database duplication between websites, necessitating installation and activation on both the original and destination servers. This plugin empowers users to selectively exclude data they prefer not to transfer.

To initiate migration, users import files to the new location through phpMyAdmin and input the new address and file path in the plugin interface on the current website. Subsequently, the files are zipped and stored on the user’s computer, poised for export.

This tool’s forte lies in managing serialized data by identifying strings and executing find-and-replace tasks, ensuring a smooth transition. It facilitates effortless pushing and pulling of files between interconnected sites directly from the WordPress backend, solely focusing on database migration.

Pros:

• Selective data exclusion for tailored migrations.
• Efficient management of serialized data.
• Seamless transfer between interconnected WordPress sites.

Cons:

• Free version limited to database migration.
• Full website cloning requires upgrading to premium versions.

Pricing:

• Starter Package: $90 for basic functionalities.
• Higher-priced Packages: Range from $199 to $1,000, offering comprehensive features.

4. InstaWP Connect

InstaWP Connect, a recently launched WordPress plugin, stands out for its lightning-fast creation of staging sites within seconds. It excels in seamlessly integrating with various hosting providers, generating staging sites on its server without affecting the live site’s hosting.

This feature-rich plugin simplifies the connection of any WordPress site with the InstaWP dashboard, unlocking an array of functionalities. Users enjoy complimentary SSL and staging URLs, an intuitive dashboard, reusable templates, support for multiple PHP versions, and convenient access sharing with teams and clients. InstaWP smoothly integrates with Git and remains compatible with Apache and Nginx servers, providing human support for user assistance.

Pros:

• Swift staging site creation within seconds.
• Seamless integration across diverse hosting providers.
• Range of features including SSL, staging URLs, and team access sharing.

Cons:

• Relatively new in the market, some features like incremental updates are under development.

Pricing:

InstaWP offers diverse tiers, starting with a free tier enabling the creation of temporary staging sites with a 48-hour lifespan. The tiers include:

• Free Tier: $0/month, allows creation of 3 active sites simultaneously, each with a 48-hour lifespan, access to most features.
• Personal: $14/month, supports 10 active sites with 5GB of disk space, permits template creation, and designates sites as permanent.
• Professional: $29/month, accommodates 25 active sites with 10GB disk space, offers command-line access, and WP-CLI usage.
• Agency: $79/month, empowers 50 active sites with 25GB disk space, provides full access to all features, including team member addition capabilities.

5. FastDup

FastDup acts as a reliable tool, simplifying backup creation for the entire site or focusing solely on the database. Users benefit from customizable templates, allowing personalized file selections, significantly reducing the time typically spent on challenging migration processes.

Despite being a newcomer, FastDup embodies innovation through its sleek and user-friendly interface. Upon activation, users are effortlessly guided through the tool’s functionalities, ensuring a seamless experience.

Pros:

• Multiple Templates: Flexibility to create various templates for different backup needs.
• Fast Migration: Streamlined migration process optimizing speed and accuracy.
• Better UI/UX: Designed for simplicity and efficiency, ensuring a smooth operation.
• User-Friendly: Accessible and straightforward for users of all technical levels.

Cons:

• Limited Advanced Features: Lacks certain advanced functionalities seen in more established migration tools.
• New Entrant: Being a newcomer, the plugin might need time to fully evolve its feature set.

Pricing:

FastDup’s pricing structure includes various tiers:

• Free Tier: Provides basic functionalities for site duplication.
• Starter Package: Offers additional features and customization options, priced at $19.99/month.
• Professional Package: Provides advanced functionalities and priority support, available at $49.99/month.
• Enterprise Package: Includes full access to all features and dedicated support, priced at $99.99/month.

6. Updraft Plus

Updraft Plus boasts a vast user base of over 3 million active installations, competing in popularity with tools like Duplicator, holding an impressive 4.9-star rating. Primarily recognized for its backup prowess, its premium versions extend functionalities to include cloning and migration.

The plugin empowers users to perform separate backups for files and databases, allowing exclusion of specific files during the process. Updraft Plus facilitates scheduled automatic backups, enabling users to split larger sites into multiple archives and resume interrupted uploads. It simplifies restoration by offering selective and automatic restoration from backups, eliminating the need for manual URL alterations.

Updraft Plus’s premium tiers offer migration support and multisite compatibility. These versions provide additional storage options and backup encryption. The premium packages are priced as follows:

Pros:

• Separate backups for files and databases.
• Scheduled automatic backups and interrupted upload resumption.
• Simplified restoration with selective and automatic options.

Cons:

• Premium pricing might be considered steep for some users.
• Feature differences among premium packages might not justify higher pricing.

Pricing:

• Personal: $70 for 2 licenses, with 1 year of updates and support.
• Business: $95 for 10 licenses, with 1 year of updates and support.
• Agency: $145 for unlimited licenses, with 1 year of updates and support.

7. Solid Backups

Solid Backups, previously recognized as BackupBuddy, exclusively offers premium features, serving as both an effortless migration tool and a reliable cloning solution. The process begins at the Restore/Migrate page, initiating a comprehensive extraction of the WordPress version saved conveniently in a zip file format.

Users have the flexibility to perform either database-only backups or complete backups and schedule automatic backups. Solid Backups enables the creation of distinct profiles for different backups, allowing efficient workflow management based on preferred versions.

For cloning, users download the ImportBuddy script and backup zip file, storing both in the desired location. Whether migrating within the same server or to another, a straightforward process involves copying or pasting files into the appropriate directory, simplifying new database creation with imported credentials.

Relocation to a different location involves FTP upload to a root directory, followed by guided steps via a browser to input new database settings and URL details. Once successfully installed in the new location, a cleanup process removes temporary files utilized during cloning.

Pros:

• Versatile migration and cloning functionalities.
• Customizable backup profiles for efficient workflow management.

Cons:

• Lacks support for multisite functionalities.
• Only offers premium features, no free version available.

Pricing:

Solid Backups offers various packages:

• Annual Subscription: Starts at $80 per year, providing access to premium features and support.
• Lifetime Payment: A one-time payment option at $297, offering lifetime access to premium features and updates.

8. ManageWP

ManageWP functions beyond a conventional plugin, operating as a WordPress Maintenance service that centralizes the management of multiple WordPress sites via a unified dashboard. Its robust capabilities efficiently handle substantial databases and seamlessly replace URLs within serialized data post-cloning, requiring a fresh WordPress installation.

ManageWP excels in managing multiple WordPress sites but has limitations, notably the absence of support for cloning multisite installations. However, it compensates for this by offering comprehensive tutorials guiding users through the intricacies of cloning and migration processes.

Pros:

• Centralized management of multiple WordPress sites.
• Efficient handling of substantial databases and URL replacement post-cloning.
• Comprehensive tutorials for cloning and migration processes.

Cons:

• Lack of support for cloning multisite installations.
• Certain robust features limited to higher-priced packages.

Pricing:

ManageWP offers varied subscription packages:

• Standard Package: Priced at $0.80 per month, focuses on website backup and restoration functionalities.
• Professional Package: $2.4 per month, includes the Clone or Migrate Wizard for efficient site cloning and migration.
• Business Package: $4.8 per month, providing advanced features for robust site management and migration tools.

9. Duplicate Post

Duplicate Post, a WordPress plugin, lives up to its name by offering a simple solution for duplicating posts without requiring intricate technical knowledge. This free plugin streamlines the process of replicating or cloning desired posts, allowing users to retain them as drafts for subsequent editing and refinement. Notably, it extends its functionality to duplicating pages as well

Within the admin section, users find an option conveniently positioned just below the title (visible upon mouse hover) to clone the desired post. Additionally, for those looking to duplicate multiple posts simultaneously, the plugin provides a bulk feature. Moreover, while editing a post, users can access a new function that facilitates copying directly into a new draft.

Pros:

• Simple solution for duplicating posts without technical knowledge.
• Option conveniently positioned in the admin section for easy access.
• Bulk duplication feature for multiple posts simultaneously.

Cons:

• Limited functionalities beyond basic post/page duplication.
• Lack of more advanced features for post management.

Pricing:

Free

10. WP Staging

WP Staging distinguishes itself among plugins by offering a complete solution to replicate entire websites, not just individual posts or pages. This powerful tool simplifies website cloning, accommodating both small and large sites efficiently. The duration of the cloning process varies based on the website’s size but runs seamlessly in the background, minimizing disruptions.

Beyond its primary cloning function, WP Staging serves as a valuable tool for users cautious about installing new plugins or themes, especially within the Gutenberg block builder. By creating a clone using WP Staging, users can safely test new elements in an isolated environment, ensuring compatibility and averting potential disruptions to their live site.

Pros:

• Comprehensive website replication solution.
• Efficient cloning for both small and large websites.
• Safe environment for testing new elements before implementation.

Cons:

• Pricing and subscription plans information is not readily available.

Conclusion:

Cloning plugins offer invaluable solutions for WordPress users seeking to duplicate, replicate, or migrate websites efficiently. These plugins streamline complex processes, providing users with options to replicate entire websites, individual posts, pages, or even manage multiple WordPress sites effortlessly. They offer features like seamless migration, safe testing environments, and real-time status updates, catering to a wide range of user needs within the WordPress ecosystem. You may learn about import/export plugins here.

Suggested Read: WordPress Development Workflow 101: Easy and Effective Tips

FAQs on Cloning Plugins:

Are cloning plugins suitable for beginners?

Yes, many cloning plugins are designed with user-friendly interfaces, making them accessible to beginners. However, the complexity of website duplication might vary among different plugins, so it’s recommended to choose one aligned with your technical comfort level.

Do all cloning plugins offer backup functionalities?

No, not all cloning plugins include backup functionalities. While some plugins specifically focus on cloning or migration, others offer comprehensive solutions that include backup and restore features.

Can cloning plugins transfer my website between different hosting providers?

While some cloning plugins offer compatibility with various hosting providers, not all may support migrations between different hosts. It’s essential to verify the plugin’s compatibility with your specific hosting providers before proceeding.

Are there risks involved in using cloning plugins?

Using cloning plugins involves minimal risks if used correctly. However, improper usage or conflicts with other plugins/themes may lead to site errors or disruptions. Always perform backups and test cloning in a staging environment before implementing changes on live sites.

Can I clone only specific sections of my website, or does it duplicate the entire site?

Most cloning plugins offer flexibility in selecting specific sections or content to clone. Users can often choose to duplicate the entire site or select individual elements like posts, pages, media, or settings.