WP STAGING Pro and Why It’s So Popular?
WP STAGING Pro is a powerful WordPress plugin designed to create staging environments, perform backups, and migrate websites efficiently. It allows users to clone their websites into subdirectories, subdomains, or entirely separate domains with distinct databases. The plugin’s “Push to Live” feature enables seamless transfer of changes from staging to production sites. Additionally, WP STAGING Pro supports scheduled backups, integration with cloud storage providers like Amazon S3 and Google Drive, and is compatible with multisite installations. Its user-friendly interface and robust feature set make it a preferred choice for developers and site administrators.
WP STAGING Free vs Pro GPL — Comparison Table
| Feature | WP STAGING Free | WP STAGING Pro GPL |
|---|---|---|
| Staging Site Creation | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Push Changes to Live Site | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Full Site Backup | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Scheduled Backups | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Cloud Storage Support | ❌ No | ✅ (e.g. Google Drive, S3) |
| Multisite Support | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Support & Updates | ✅ Basic | ❌ No official support |
Quick tip: Pro GPL unlocks everything but requires manual setup and updates.
Can You Get WP STAGING Pro for Free?
Yes, you can get WP STAGING Pro for free from GPL websites. Since it’s under the GPL license, it’s legal to use and share.
Here’s what you get:
- ✅ Full access to pro features
- ❌ No automatic updates
- ❌ No support from the original developers
If you’re comfortable managing updates on your own, it’s a great budget-friendly option.
Best Free or Budget–Friendly Alternatives to WP STAGING Pro
Looking for similar tools without the cost? Here are top picks:
| Plugin Name | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| All-in-One WP Migration | Free + Paid | Easy backup and migration |
| Duplicator | Free + Pro | Cloning, backup, and staging |
| WPvivid Backup | Free + Pro | Full backups, staging, cloud storage |
| WP STAGING Pro (GPL) | Free (GPL) | Full features, no updates/support |
These are perfect for creating backups or staging sites on a budget.
What Is WP STAGING Pro General Public License?
WP STAGING Pro is released under the GPL (General Public License), just like WordPress itself. This means:
- ✅ You can legally use, share, or modify the plugin
- ✅ GPL versions are available on third-party sites
- ❌ No access to official support or updates
In short, GPL gives you freedom — but you take full control of maintenance and security.
WP STAGING Pro GPL vs Pro: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | WP STAGING Pro GPL | WP STAGING Pro (Official) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free (via GPL sites) | Paid |
| Full Features | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Automatic Updates | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Official Support | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| License Key Required | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Safety & Security | ⚠️ Depends on source | ✅ Verified by developer |
Bottom line: Both versions work the same, but only the official one gives you peace of mind with updates and support.
WP STAGING Pro Version History and Timeline
WP STAGING Pro has undergone numerous updates, enhancing its functionality and compatibility. Here’s a concise timeline highlighting some of its significant releases:
- Version 6.1.3 – April 9, 2025
- Enhancements:
- Introduced support for multipart emails (HTML and plain text) in email notifications.
- Prevented logging out of Google Drive from all sites if the connection of one site is removed.
- Improved handling of database privileges popup during staging site creation.
- Removed unnecessary styles and scripts on WP STAGING admin pages.
- Ensured unique staging site names to avoid conflicts.
- Developer Updates:
- Refactored database cloning logic to backup logic.
- Updated Ubuntu OS version to 24.04 for GitHub workflows.
- Added WP core independent update check, eliminating reliance on WP core update API.
- Enhancements:
- Version 6.1.2 – March 13, 2025
- Fixes:
- Addressed issues with Google Drive token revocation affecting multiple sites.
- Handled toggling of database privileges popup message during staging site creation.
- Removed duplicate file headers in V2 backup files, allowing backup restoration even with duplicates.
- Ensured unique staging site names to prevent conflicts.
- User Experience:
- Removed fixed width from the backup restore button for better responsiveness.
- Fixes:
- Version 6.1.1 – February 24, 2025
- New Features:
- Introduced compatibility with WordPress 6.7.2.
- Added an optional feature for automatic plugin updates in staging sites.
- Fixes:
- Improved backup process handling when the browser tab is inactive.
- Updated backup retention numbers after deleting remote backups.
- Resolved issues with backup file downloads in WordPress Playground.
- Enhanced display of progress percentage during remote backup downloads.
- Properly handled HTML entities and preserved line breaks in backup email notifications.
- Displayed accurate table counts during staging site creation.
- Addressed PHP errors related to Microsoft OneDrive backups.
- Prevented duplicate file headers when including large databases in multiple backup requests.
- User Experience:
- Enhanced the appearance of installation notices and modals.
- New Features:
- Version 6.0.0 – January 28, 2025
- New Features:
- Introduced V2 backup format with enhanced error handling and efficient compression algorithm.
- Implemented Microsoft OneDrive as a remote cloud storage option.
- Added a link to the WP STAGING knowledge base in the UI footer.
- Fixes:
- Bypassed optimizer during email sending debug logs in the basic version.
- Aligned tooltips vertically with label text.
- Resolved Google Drive scheduled backup failures due to refresh token issues.
- Fixed UI jumping issues when expanding “Other Root Files” selection.
- New Features:
- Version 5.10.0 – January 13, 2025
- New Features:
- Introduced email reminders about existing staging and development sites to enhance security.
- Ensured compatibility with WordPress Playground.
- Enhancements:
- Renamed GET parameter ‘sub’ to ‘sub-tab’ for clarity.
- Disabled all Pro features if the license key is disabled.
- Fixes:
- Resolved unexpected end tag errors in the Newsfeed Validator.
- New Features:
These updates reflect WP STAGING Pro’s commitment to enhancing functionality, ensuring compatibility, and improving user experience.