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Database vs Full-Site Backups: Pros and Cons
- Missy Ly
- 2 days ago
- 13 min read
When it comes to backing up your WordPress site, you have two main options: database-only backups and full-site backups. Each serves a different purpose and comes with its own strengths and weaknesses.
Database-only backups save your site's critical content, settings, and user data but exclude files like themes, plugins, and media. They're fast, lightweight, and ideal for frequent updates but require more effort to fully restore your site.
Full-site backups include everything - your database, files, themes, plugins, and media - making them essential for complete recovery. However, they take longer to create, use more storage, and can strain your server.
To minimize risks and downtime, the best approach is to combine both types: schedule frequent database backups to protect dynamic content and less frequent full-site backups for complete recovery. Tailor your backup plan to your site's update frequency and importance.
Quick Comparison:
Factor | Database-Only Backup | Full-Site Backup |
What's Included | Database (posts, pages, users, etc.) | Database + all files (themes, plugins, media) |
File Size | Small (a few MB) | Large (several GB, depending on media) |
Backup Speed | Fast | Slower |
Restoration Scope | Partial (content only) | Complete site recovery |
Best Use Case | Frequent content updates | Disaster recovery, migrations |
What Elements Make Up a Thorough WordPress Site Backup?
What Are Database-Only Backups?
A database-only backup focuses on saving your WordPress MySQL/MariaDB database. This includes dynamic content and settings like posts, pages, comments, user accounts, WooCommerce orders, and custom configurations. It's a practical option for sites where content changes frequently.
However, this type of backup does not include WordPress core files, themes, plugins, media uploads, the file, or . According to the WordPress Advanced Administration guide, your site "will not work" without the theme and plugin files, even if the database is intact.
Database-only backups are typically created as SQL dump files using tools like phpMyAdmin, Adminer, backup plugins (e.g., UpdraftPlus, Jetpack), or the command. Many managed hosting providers automate this process, offering backups as often as every 15 minutes or daily.
These backups are compact and efficient. For example, blog databases usually range from 50 to 200 MB, making them much faster to create and store compared to full-site backups, which can reach several gigabytes. This makes them particularly useful for content-heavy sites with frequent updates.
However, database-only backups can't fully restore a site on their own. If files are lost, you'll need to manually reinstall WordPress core, themes, and plugins, as well as restore media files. For this reason, they work best as part of a broader backup strategy.
Pros of Database-Only Backups
Database-only backups come with several advantages due to their focused nature:
Speed and efficiency: These backups are quick, often completing in seconds or minutes since they only handle the database. This makes them ideal for frequent backups, even during high-traffic times.
Lower storage needs: A 100 MB database backed up daily for 30 days uses only about 3 GB of storage. In contrast, full-site backups can consume tens of gigabytes over the same period, making database-only backups a cost-effective option.
Protection for critical data: These backups safeguard essential content such as posts, comments, user details, and WooCommerce orders. For example, a high-traffic news site publishing multiple articles daily can use hourly backups to minimize data loss.
Reduced server load: Many backup tools allow you to schedule database-only backups separately from full-site backups. This means you can run lightweight database backups as frequently as every 15 minutes while scheduling full-site backups less often. This approach balances performance, protection, and storage requirements.
Cons of Database-Only Backups
Despite their benefits, database-only backups have significant limitations:
Incomplete restoration: These backups don't include themes, plugins, WordPress core files, or media uploads. Without these, your site's design and functionality can't be fully restored. For instance, a WooCommerce store might recover product data from the database, but missing product images or downloadable files would leave blank pages and broken functionality.
Complex recovery process: Restoring from a database-only backup involves multiple steps. You must reinstall WordPress core, themes, and plugins (ideally matching the original versions), import the SQL dump, update the file with the correct database credentials, and possibly adjust URLs if the domain has changed. Missing or corrupted files could cause display issues until manually resolved.
No protection for file-level vulnerabilities: These backups don't safeguard against security issues stemming from hosting platforms, themes, or plugins. According to Kinsta, 41% of WordPress hacks are linked to these vulnerabilities - risks that database-only backups can't address since they don't include the affected files.
When to Use Database-Only Backups
Database-only backups are best suited for sites where content updates frequently, but file changes (like themes, plugins, and media) are rare. For example:
News and magazine blogs: These sites often publish multiple articles daily but rarely update their themes or plugins. Hourly database backups can prevent significant content loss.
Membership sites and LMS platforms: User data, course content, and progress tracking are stored in the database. Regular database backups protect this critical information without the overhead of backing up large media files, which may be managed separately.
Headless WordPress setups: When WordPress functions solely as a content API for a separate front end, the database holds the essential information. Frequent database backups ensure this data is secure.
For the best results, use database-only backups as part of a layered backup strategy. A common approach is to schedule hourly or daily database backups to protect content and complement them with weekly or monthly full-site backups for complete recovery. Tools like UpdraftPlus and Jetpack can help automate this process. It's also a good idea to store database backups offsite, encrypted if they contain sensitive information, to enhance security and meet compliance requirements for U.S.-based businesses.
What Are Full-Site Backups?
A full-site backup creates a complete copy of your WordPress site, including everything: the database, core files, themes, plugins, media, and configurations. This means it captures your MySQL/MariaDB database (like posts, pages, users, settings, orders, and comments), the directory (where themes, plugins, and uploads are stored), core WordPress files, and configuration files like and . As the official WordPress documentation states: "You need to back up the entire site, and you need to back up your WordPress database."
These backups are typically compressed into a single archive file and can be stored either on your hosting server or off-site in remote or cloud storage. Full-site backups are especially important before major updates, migrations, redesigns, or when adding new themes and plugins. Many managed WordPress hosts, such as WPWorld, simplify this process by providing automated daily full-site backups.
Unlike database-only backups, a full-site backup allows you to restore your entire website on a new server or host without needing to manually reinstall WordPress, themes, or plugins. It also serves as the starting point for incremental or differential backups, which rely on an initial full backup to work effectively. This all-encompassing approach ensures your site can be restored or migrated seamlessly, setting the stage for further discussion on its advantages and limitations.
Pros of Full-Site Backups
Full-site backups come with several key benefits that make them essential for complete site recovery and protection:
Complete site recovery: With a single backup archive, you can restore your entire site - code, design, and data - minimizing downtime. For instance, if your server crashes or malware corrupts your site, a full-site backup allows you to revert to a stable version without having to piece together individual components.
Simplified migration and cloning: Moving your site to a new host or creating a staging environment becomes much easier since all files and settings are bundled together, reducing the risk of compatibility issues or manual errors.
Reliable disaster recovery: Full-site backups safeguard your site against threats like hacking, corrupted updates, server failures, or accidental deletions. Industry research highlights that 60% of businesses that lose critical data shut down within six months, underscoring the importance of having a reliable backup.
Predictable restore behavior: Since all site components are backed up simultaneously, you avoid issues like mismatched versions (e.g., a newer plugin with an older database), ensuring smooth and reliable restorations.
Quick restoration process: Everything you need is contained in one backup file, eliminating the need to reassemble multiple files or manage complex incremental backups.
Cons of Full-Site Backups
Despite their advantages, full-site backups have their challenges:
Large file sizes: Full backups take up significantly more storage compared to database-only backups, potentially increasing storage requirements and costs.
Longer backup times: Copying all files and the database takes time, which can add extra load to your server.
Higher resource usage: Frequent full backups can strain server resources, leading to issues like PHP timeouts or memory limits, especially on hosting plans with limited resources.
Less frequent backups: Because full backups are resource-intensive, they’re usually scheduled less often (daily or weekly), which might not capture every change on high-transaction sites.
Performance impact: Running a full backup can temporarily slow down your site, making it less efficient compared to incremental or differential backups.
When to Use Full-Site Backups
Full-site backups are particularly important in situations where complete recovery and quick restoration are critical:
eCommerce sites (WooCommerce stores): Protecting transactional data, store functionality, and customizations ensures smooth recovery after outages or security incidents.
Membership and online course platforms: These sites often rely on complex plugins, custom user roles, and progress tracking, making full backups essential to keep everything in sync during migrations or restorations.
Sites with frequent updates: Businesses or agencies that regularly update themes, plugins, or custom code should perform full backups before making changes to avoid disruptions.
Content-heavy or high-traffic sites: Blogs, news platforms, and media-heavy sites benefit from full backups to preserve both content and media as part of a broader backup strategy.
Regulated businesses: Companies that need to meet disaster recovery requirements for audits or compliance purposes often depend on full-site backups to ensure continuity.
A smart backup strategy combines weekly full-site backups with more frequent incremental backups to capture ongoing changes. For example, you might schedule a full backup every Sunday at 2:00 AM and then run incremental backups daily or hourly during the week. This method reduces storage demands and server load while ensuring you have everything needed for a full recovery. Additionally, storing at least one recent full-site backup off-site adds an extra layer of protection against server or hosting failures.
Database vs Full-Site Backups: Side-by-Side Comparison
When it comes to backups, understanding the differences between database-only and full-site backups is crucial for effective website management. Each type serves a distinct purpose and comes with its own set of advantages and limitations.
Database-only backups are all about speed and frequency. These backups can run as often as every hour - or even every 15 minutes for high-transaction websites - without putting too much strain on your server or storage. They’re perfect for capturing changes like orders, comments, and new content quickly. However, they only save your MySQL database. If your server crashes, you’ll need to manually reinstall WordPress, themes, plugins, and restore media files.
Full-site backups, on the other hand, are much more comprehensive. While they take longer and require more storage, they provide a complete snapshot of your site. This means that in case of a server failure, malware attack, or even during a migration, you can restore everything - database, files, themes, plugins, and media - in one go. For many small businesses in the U.S., the simplicity of a full-site restore easily outweighs the higher storage costs.
A hybrid strategy often works best. Combining weekly full-site backups (like the daily ones offered by WPWorld) with hourly or daily database-only backups ensures you're covered for both major disasters and frequent content updates. This approach balances thorough protection with efficient use of storage resources. Below is a detailed comparison to help you decide which backup type - or combination - suits your needs.
Comparison Table
Factor | Database-Only Backup | Full-Site Backup |
What's Included | MySQL database only (posts, pages, users, settings, orders, comments) | Database plus all files (WordPress core, themes, plugins, uploads, media, config files) |
Typical File Size | Small (just a few megabytes; excludes media, grows with content) | Large (can reach several gigabytes, especially for media-heavy or WooCommerce sites) |
Backup Speed | Very fast; ideal for hourly or 15-minute schedules | Slower; typically run nightly or weekly to avoid server strain |
Server Impact | Minimal CPU, RAM, and disk I/O usage | Can trigger PHP timeouts or hit memory limits on shared hosting |
Storage Cost | Low; affordable for long retention periods | High; multiple restore points can increase storage expenses |
Restore Scope | Restores database content only; requires manual reinstallation of files | Restores the entire site as it was at the backup point |
Restore Complexity | Moderate to high; manual setup for themes, plugins, and media may be needed | Low; supports one-click restores or simple archive extractions |
Best Use Cases | Frequent content updates, order protection, quick rollbacks | Migrations, disaster recovery, pre-update snapshots, full site rollbacks |
Risk if Files Are Lost | High: database is restored, but design, functionality, and media are lost | Low: the entire site, including its look and functionality, is restored |
How to Choose the Right Backup Type
Choosing the right backup method depends heavily on your website's specific needs. Factors like site size, structure, and update frequency play a huge role. For instance, large WooCommerce stores packed with media files benefit from full-site backups to safeguard their file systems. Meanwhile, text-heavy blogs can focus on regular database backups since most of their content resides in the database. Similarly, platforms like online stores, forums, or membership sites require frequent database backups to secure vital transactional data.
How often your site is updated also influences the backup strategy. Websites handling hourly transactions or frequent content changes should schedule database backups every 15–60 minutes, with full-site backups running daily or weekly. On the other hand, a static brochure site updated once a month may only need occasional full-site backups. If downtime could lead to significant revenue loss, consider layered backups with off-site storage. For hobby sites or less critical platforms, less frequent backups and longer recovery times might be acceptable.
For e-commerce or membership sites, a good strategy includes nightly full-site backups paired with hourly database backups during active hours. Retaining backups off-site for at least 30 days ensures a safety net. In contrast, static brochure sites may only need monthly full-site backups, supplemented by manual database backups before any major changes. Tailoring your backup plan to your site's needs ensures optimal protection.
Using Both Backup Types Together
Combining full-site and database backups offers a balanced approach: full-site backups provide comprehensive disaster recovery, while frequent database or incremental backups minimize day-to-day data loss. The concept is simple - schedule full-site backups less often, such as weekly or nightly, and run database backups more frequently to capture ongoing changes. Since database backups are smaller, they require less storage and reduce the risk of performance issues during high-traffic periods.
For medium-sized websites, weekly full-site backups paired with daily database backups work well. Larger online stores may need nightly full-site backups alongside hourly database backups. To streamline the process, you can exclude non-essential folders (like cache directories or temporary logs) from full-site backups. This reduces backup sizes and speeds up processing without compromising recovery capabilities. Tools like WPWorld simplify this hybrid approach by offering daily backups with efficient storage and resource management, making it easier to meet recovery goals without constant manual adjustments. However, this strategy only works when automation ensures backups are executed consistently and reliably.
Why Automated Backups Matter
Relying on manual backups leaves too much room for human error. Automation ensures backups happen on a fixed schedule, capturing changes even if you're unavailable or in a different time zone. For a typical small business website in the U.S., the baseline setup should include daily automated full-site backups, supplemented by more frequent database backups every 6–24 hours.
Websites with continuous activity - like online stores, news platforms, or booking sites - need more aggressive automation, such as hourly or near-real-time database or incremental backups. Best practices also recommend keeping multiple copies of your backups, with at least one stored off-site (e.g., in the cloud or a separate data center). This ensures that a server failure or hosting issue won’t wipe out both your site and its backups. Experts suggest retaining backups for at least 30 days, with longer retention periods (90 days or more) for businesses that may need to revert to a pre-issue state. Hosting services like WPWorld, which offer daily automated backups, 24/7 monitoring, and engineer support, further reduce risks by addressing failures and assisting with restoration when needed.
Conclusion
After diving into the comparisons above, one thing is clear: a solid backup strategy is critical for keeping your website safe. Database-only backups focus on saving your content and settings, while full-site backups cover your entire website - files and database included - allowing for a complete recovery in just one step. Relying on only one type of backup can leave you exposed. For instance, a database backup restores your content but won't recover missing files, while full-site backups, though comprehensive, are often done less frequently. On the flip side, depending solely on large, infrequent backups could mean losing valuable updates or transactions in between.
The best approach? Combine both backup types. Frequent database backups capture fast-changing content, while full-site backups ensure you can recover everything if needed. Adjust the backup frequency based on how often your site is updated - sites with frequent changes or critical data benefit from more regular backups to minimize risks and downtime.
Start by evaluating how often your site is updated and what data is most crucial. Automate your backups using a trusted hosting provider or plugin, keep an off-site copy for added security, and regularly test your restores to confirm everything works as expected. Tools like WPWorld simplify this process with features like daily automated backups and reliable support.
Think of backups as your website's safety net - something you don’t want to overlook until disaster strikes. Decide on the right mix of database-only and full-site backups for your needs, set up automation today, and schedule a restore test this week. A well-planned backup strategy will ensure you're ready for whatever comes your way.
FAQs
What is the ideal backup plan for a busy WordPress site?
For WordPress sites with heavy traffic, the best backup strategy includes a mix of automated database backups and occasional full-site backups. It's crucial to store these backups in a secure, off-site location and test them regularly to confirm they can be restored without any problems.
This method helps keep downtime to a minimum, protects against data loss, and ensures a swift recovery if unexpected outages or cyberattacks occur.
What are the benefits of database-only backups for preventing data loss?
Database-only backups are a smart way to safeguard against losing important data. By saving just the most recent state of your website's database, these backups allow you to quickly restore essential information - like user details, posts, or site settings - without touching other files such as images or themes.
Another advantage is their efficiency. Since they focus exclusively on the database, they require less storage space compared to full-site backups. This makes them a great option for frequent updates or situations where storage capacity is limited.
What are the benefits of using both database and full-site backups together?
Using a mix of database and full-site backups is a smart way to keep your website safe. Database backups focus on preserving essential data such as user details, posts, and settings. On the other hand, full-site backups cover the rest - like themes, plugins, and media files.
When you use both together, you’re better prepared to bounce back from problems. This combo reduces the chances of losing data and ensures you have the most recent version of your site ready to go. It’s particularly helpful for dealing with unexpected troubles like server crashes, hacking, or accidental deletions.
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