When choosing a Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting plan, most users focus on performance, scalability, and price. However, one crucial factor that often gets overlooked is backups. Data is the backbone of every website, application, or online project. Without a proper backup strategy or a reliable tool like Uptime Keeper, a single crash, cyberattack, or accidental deletion could wipe out months or even years of hard work.
So, the question is: Are backups included in VPS hosting plans? The answer is not as simple as “yes” or “no.” It depends heavily on the hosting provider, the type of VPS plan you choose, and the level of service you require. In this article, we’ll explore how backups work in VPS hosting, what’s typically included, and what you should look out for before making a decision.
What Are Backups in VPS Hosting?
In simple terms, a backup is a copy of your website or server data stored separately from your live environment. If your VPS crashes, you can restore your site to the last working state using these backups.
In VPS hosting, backups may include:
- Full server backups – copies of the entire server, including operating system files, applications, and data.
- Incremental backups – copies of only the files that have changed since the last backup.
- Database backups – specifically for MySQL, PostgreSQL, or other databases powering your site.
- File-level backups – copies of individual files or directories.
Backups can be stored on the same server, on a separate server within the same data center, or in a remote location (cloud backups).
Do VPS Hosting Plans Usually Include Backups?
The short answer: sometimes, but not always.
Most VPS providers offer some form of backup, but the scope and quality vary widely. Here are the common scenarios you’ll encounter:
- Basic VPS Plans – No Automatic Backups
Entry-level VPS hosting often comes with limited features. In many cases, backups are not included automatically. Users are expected to set up their own backup systems using tools like cPanel, Plesk, or custom scripts. - Managed VPS Plans – Limited Backups Included
Managed VPS plans often include basic backup services. For example, your hosting provider might create daily or weekly snapshots of your server. However, these backups may not be guaranteed, and retention periods (how long they’re stored) might be short—sometimes just a few days. - Premium VPS Plans – Advanced Backup Options
Higher-tier plans may include more robust backup solutions, such as off-site backups, hourly snapshots, or long-term retention. Some providers also offer self-service restore options, allowing you to roll back specific files or databases without needing customer support.
Factors That Affect VPS Backups
When evaluating VPS backups, it’s important to understand what you’re actually getting. Here are the key factors that differ from one provider to another:
1. Backup Frequency
- Some providers back up data daily.
- Others might only back up weekly.
- Premium plans may even allow hourly snapshots, useful for eCommerce websites or financial apps where data changes frequently.
2. Retention Period
- How long are backups stored? A few days? A week? A month?
- Retention is important because if an issue goes unnoticed for several weeks, a short retention period might mean your backups are already overwritten.
3. Storage Location
- Are backups stored on the same physical server? If yes, a hardware failure could destroy both your live data and the backup.
- Are they stored off-site or in the cloud? This is much safer and ideal for disaster recovery.
4. Ease of Restoration
- Some providers allow one-click restores through a control panel.
- Others require you to contact support, which can delay recovery.
5. Costs and Limitations
- While some VPS providers include backups for free, many charge extra.
- There may be storage limits, meaning you need to pay for additional backup space if your server grows.
Why Backups Are Essential in VPS Hosting
Even if backups are not included in your VPS plan, setting them up yourself is non-negotiable. Here’s why:
- Hardware Failures – Even with enterprise-grade servers, hardware components can fail unexpectedly.
- Cybersecurity Threats – Ransomware, hacking attempts, and malware can corrupt your data. Backups help you recover without paying a ransom.
- Human Error – A developer might accidentally delete important files or run a destructive command.
- Software Bugs or Updates – Updating CMS platforms (like WordPress or Magento) can sometimes cause crashes. Backups allow a safe rollback.
- Business Continuity – Downtime means lost revenue, damaged reputation, and frustrated customers. Quick recovery from backups minimizes these risks.
Should You Rely on Provider Backups?
The backups included with VPS hosting plans can be helpful, but they often shouldn’t be your only line of defense. Hosting providers usually include disclaimers stating that their backups are not guaranteed and that customers are ultimately responsible for their own data.
For example:
- If the provider suffers a catastrophic failure, their backups might be lost too.
- Backup schedules might not be frequent enough for your needs.
- Restoring from provider backups could take longer than expected.
That’s why many businesses adopt a 3-2-1 backup strategy:
- 3 copies of your data (1 live, 2 backups).
- 2 different storage mediums (server + cloud).
- 1 copy stored off-site.
How to Ensure Reliable Backups on Your VPS
If your VPS plan doesn’t include backups—or includes limited options—you can set up your own backup strategy. Here are a few methods:
- Control Panel Backups
If you’re using cPanel, Plesk, or DirectAdmin, you can easily configure automated backups to local or remote storage. - Custom Backup Scripts
Tech-savvy users can write scripts to automate backups with tools like rsync, tar, or cron jobs. - Cloud Storage Integration
Services like Amazon S3, Google Cloud Storage, or Dropbox can be used for remote VPS backups. - Third-Party Backup Tools
Tools like R1Soft, JetBackup, or Bacula provide enterprise-level backup management. - Managed Backup Services
Some hosting providers sell add-on services where they manage everything—automated scheduling, storage, monitoring, and quick restores.
What to Ask Your VPS Hosting Provider
Before purchasing a VPS hosting plan, ask the provider the following questions:
- Are backups included in the plan by default?
- How frequently are backups taken?
- How long are backups stored?
- Are backups stored off-site or on the same server?
- Can I restore data myself, or do I need support assistance?
- Is there an additional cost for backup storage or restores?
- Are backups encrypted for security?
The answers will help you evaluate whether you need an add-on backup service or an external solution.
Conclusion
So, are backups included in VPS hosting plans?
- Basic VPS plans often do not include automatic backups.
- Managed VPS plans may include limited daily or weekly backups.
- Premium VPS plans usually offer advanced backup features with off-site storage and easier restoration options.
However, even if your provider offers backups, it’s best not to rely solely on them. A robust backup strategy—preferably with off-site or cloud-based storage—is essential for protecting your business against data loss.
In short, backups are not just a hosting feature—they’re a business safeguard. Before choosing a VPS hosting plan, make sure you fully understand the backup options and, if necessary, set up your own system for complete peace of mind.