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Multisite Migrate vs NS Cloner
NS Cloner copies a subsite into a new subsite inside the same network. Multisite Migrate backs up, restores, and moves sites. The two tools solve different jobs. This page shows which one fits which task, based on both products' public pages (checked November 2026).
Is Multisite Migrate an NS Cloner alternative?
Only for some jobs. If you want to create new subsites from a template site inside one network, use NS Cloner: Multisite Migrate does not clone subsites. If you need a full network backup with restore, or want to move a site with an export archive and search & replace, Multisite Migrate covers that in Free. In Free, site admins can also back up and restore their own site locally, and you can extract one site from a network backup as a standalone install. Pro adds whole-network split, push/pull, staging, and WP-CLI.
Which tool fits which job
Full network backup and restore in Free
Multisite Migrate backs up the whole network and restores it from the archive. NS Cloner is a cloning tool, and its own readme advises taking a backup before you clone. It does not replace a backup plugin.
Site admins back up their own site
In Multisite Migrate Free, site admins can back up and restore their own site from their site dashboard; backups stay local on the server. NS Cloner runs from Network Admin, which only super admins can access.
Export archives with search & replace in Free
Free exports a site to an archive you can download and restore on another server with the same setup, with search & replace for URLs and paths. NS Cloner replaces URLs automatically while cloning; custom search & replace is in NS Cloner Pro.
Standalone sites from a network
Multisite Migrate Free extracts one site from a network backup as a standalone install, and Multisite Migrate Pro splits a whole network into one archive per site. NS Cloner Pro can clone a subsite out of the network into its own single install.
When NS Cloner is the better choice
If your main job is creating new subsites from a template inside one network, the free NS Cloner does exactly that and Multisite Migrate does not. NS Cloner Pro adds Teleport cloning to remote networks and frontend cloning when new users sign up.
Comparison
| Capability | Multisite Migrate | NS Cloner |
|---|---|---|
| Free plugin on WordPress.org | ✓ | ✓ |
| Full network backup and restore in free tier | ✓ | — |
| Subsite admin self-service backup | ✓ | — |
| Downloadable archive to import on another site | ✓ | — |
| Custom search & replace | ✓ | Pro |
| Clone a subsite into a new subsite in the same network | — | ✓ |
| Extract one site from a network as a standalone install | ✓ | Pro |
| Split a network into one archive per site | Pro | — |
| WP-CLI automation | Pro | Pro |
| Scheduled cloud backups (Drive, Dropbox, S3, SFTP) | Plus / Pro | — |
Cloning and backup are different jobs
NS Cloner copies a site inside a network, for example to start new subsites from a template. Multisite Migrate makes restorable archives of a network or a subsite and moves them between hosts. Many networks use both.
| Task | Fits better |
|---|---|
| New subsite from a template site | NS Cloner |
| Restorable backup of the whole network | Multisite Migrate |
| Move a network to a new host | Multisite Migrate |
| Turn one subsite into a standalone site | Multisite Migrate Free (extract) |
Frequently asked questions
Can Multisite Migrate clone a subsite like NS Cloner?
No. Multisite Migrate does not create new subsites from a template. It backs up, restores, exports, and imports sites. For template-style cloning inside one network, NS Cloner is built for that job.
Do I still need backups if I use NS Cloner?
Yes. NS Cloner copies sites but is not a backup tool, and its readme advises backing up before cloning. Multisite Migrate Free can back up the whole network before you clone.
How do I turn one subsite into a standalone WordPress site?
With Multisite Migrate, you extract that site from a network backup as a standalone install, and this is free. With NS Cloner Pro, you clone the subsite out of the network into its own single install, which needs the paid version.
What does NS Cloner Pro cost?
NS Cloner Pro is now sold as WP Cloner. On 2 November 2026, wpsitecloner.com listed $298 for 2 installs and $598 for 10 installs, each including one year of updates and support. Check their pricing page for current prices.
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.
Sources
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