Why switch
Multisite Migrate vs Duplicator
Duplicator Lite is free for basic single-site moves — but multisite network backup is locked behind Duplicator Pro. Multisite Migrate includes network backup in Free, with clear Plus/Pro upgrades for cloud and WP-CLI instead of paying Pro just to protect a network. Free also covers normal single-site backup, restore, and local migrate — network backup is the differentiator, not a requirement.
What is the best Duplicator alternative for Multisite?
Multisite Migrate is built for WordPress Multisite: network backup stays in Free ($0), while Duplicator requires Pro for network backup. Free also backs up and migrates normal single-site installs. Plus is $59/year for schedules and BYO cloud; Pro is $149/year for empty-server installer, remote import, staging, and WP-CLI.
Why Multisite Migrate is the better deal
Free network backup — Duplicator charges Pro
Duplicator Lite cannot back up a multisite network. That requires Duplicator Pro (higher tiers). Multisite Migrate includes network and subsite backup in the free plugin.
Clear pricing, no Pro tax for basics
Schedules and BYO cloud live in Plus/Pro with transparent tiers. You do not buy Pro only to unlock network backup.
Built for shared hosting realities
Chunked, resumable jobs finish on tight PHP limits. Duplicator Lite caps DupArchive around 500MB; larger sites push you to Pro.
Start free, upgrade only when you need more
Download Free today. Pay only for cloud schedules, remote import, staging, WP-CLI, or the empty-server installer — not for the right to back up a network.
Side-by-side: more value for less
| Capability | Multisite Migrate | Duplicator |
|---|---|---|
| Free plugin on WordPress.org | ||
| Single-site backup & migrate in free tier | ||
| Multisite network backup in free tier | ||
| Subsite admin self-service backup | ||
| Chunked jobs without a ~500MB free archive cap | ||
| Pay only when you need cloud / automation | ||
| BYO cloud (Drive, Dropbox, S3, SFTP) | Plus / Pro | Pro only |
| Scheduled backups | Plus / Pro | Pro only |
| WP-CLI automation | Plus / Pro | Pro / limited |
| Empty-server installer (blank host) | Pro | Lite + Pro |
Frequently asked questions
Short answers on price and what you get. Ready to switch? Download Free or see pricing.
Does Duplicator have a free plan?
Yes — Duplicator Lite on WordPress.org covers basic single-site backup and manual FTP migrations. Multisite network backup and migration require Duplicator Pro (Pro/Elite license levels). Multisite Migrate includes network backup in Free.
Does Multisite Migrate work on single-site WordPress?
Yes. Free backs up, restores, and migrates single-site installs with portable archives and search & replace. Full-network backup from Network Admin is included when you run Multisite — without a paid Multisite add-on.
Is Multisite Migrate cheaper for multisite?
For network backup, yes in practice: Free covers network and subsite backup. With Duplicator you need a paid Pro plan before network backup is available at all.
Do I need Pro to back up a multisite network with Multisite Migrate?
No. Network and subsite backup/restore are in Free. Plus and Pro add schedules, cloud destinations, remote import, staging, WP-CLI, and the empty-server installer.
What if we just build this ourselves?
Then someone who's never done network backup owns it for months. What's not getting done while they learn? Start with Plus — clear price, whole-network backup.