Are you new to WordPress and wondering what managed WordPress hosting is all about?
If you’ve been researching, you may have noticed that the prices for managed WordPress hosting are higher compared to shared hosting, which can be as low as $2.75 per month.
You might be wondering why there’s such a price difference and if managed WordPress hosting is really worth it. Is it necessary for your website? And if so, which is the best managed WordPress hosting company?
If you have these questions, you’ve come to the right place 🙂
In this article, we’ll explain the pros and cons of managed WordPress hosting in a simple way. We’ll also compare the top-managed WordPress hosting companies based on performance tests. Our research, knowledge, and experience will help you decide which managed WordPress hosting company is the right fit for you.
After carefully reviewing and comparing many providers, we have hand-picked the best managed WordPress hosting companies of 2023.
What is Managed WordPress Hosting?
With the growing popularity of WordPress, many web hosting providers have specialized in WordPress and offer what’s known as managed WordPress hosting.
Managed WordPress hosting is a service that takes care of all the technical aspects of running a WordPress website. This includes security, speed, WordPress updates, daily backups, website uptime, and scalability.
The idea behind managed WordPress hosting is to provide a hassle-free experience so that you can focus on running your business and doing what you’re good at.
One of the best things about managed WordPress hosting is the premium support. You’ll get assistance from real WordPress experts with extensive experience, rather than someone just reading from a support manual. Customers describe managed WordPress hosting as “a Five-Star Hotel for WordPress” and “like having an army of WordPress experts on your side.”
Pros and Cons of Managed WordPress Hosting
While managed WordPress hosting may sound amazing, it’s not suitable for everyone. Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of managed WordPress hosting before you make your decision.
Advantages of Managed WordPress Hosting:
- Blazing Fast: Managed WordPress hosting servers are specially configured for WordPress, so they’re incredibly fast even when your website receives high traffic.
- Security: Managed WordPress hosting providers offer a strong security layer that actively scans for malware and blocks hacking attempts, making your website practically hacker-proof.
- Expert Support: Unlike other web hosts, the staff of managed WordPress hosting providers are highly knowledgeable about WordPress. They can advise you on performance-impacting plugins, resolve issues quickly, and provide valuable assistance from WordPress experts.
- Daily Backups: Managed WordPress hosting providers create daily backups and offer restore points in case you need to revert to a previous version.
- Automatic Updates: You don’t have to worry about updating WordPress because it’s done automatically by the managed WordPress hosting provider.
- No Downtime: Regardless of the amount of traffic your site receives, it’s unlikely to go down with managed WordPress hosting.
- Developer Tools: Managed WordPress hosting often includes useful development tools like staging areas and version control, although this can vary depending on the host.
Now, you might be wondering if there are any downsides to managed WordPress hosting.
Disadvantages of Managed WordPress Hosting:
- Price: Managed WordPress hosting is more expensive compared to shared hosting. The base plan usually starts around $29 per month, while shared hosting plans can start at $3.95 per month. However, when you consider the costs of running a large website and hiring a system administrator, managed WordPress hosting can be a cost-effective option.
- Limits: Since the server architecture is specialized for WordPress, you’re often limited to running WordPress-based sites. Additionally, not all WordPress plugins are supported because some can slow down your site. While this isn’t necessarily a disadvantage, it can be a limitation for larger companies.
- Less Control: With managed WordPress hosting, you won’t have as much control over the technical aspects since someone else is managing them. However, this is often the point of opting for managed hosting—to avoid the hassle of managing things yourself.
Now that you’ve learned about the pros and cons of managed WordPress hosting, you might be wondering if it’s the right solution for you.
When Do You Need Managed WordPress Hosting?
If you’re a beginner starting a blog, you don’t need managed WordPress hosting. Regular WordPress hosting is more affordable and suitable for your needs. We recommend Bluehost, which is an official WordPress hosting provider. However, if you’re a small business or have a high-traffic website, managed WordPress hosting makes sense. The decision depends on your specific needs.
Regular web hosting can become challenging as your site grows, especially if you lack technical skills. With regular hosting (shared, VPS, or dedicated), you’re responsible for security, updates, speed, uptime, and more. As a business owner, you have two options: hire a system administrator to manage your website or use a managed WordPress hosting provider.
If you want a hassle-free, blazing-fast, and incredibly supportive solution, managed WordPress hosting is the answer. If your website is your business and you can’t afford any downtime, investing extra money for exceptional service provided by managed WordPress hosting is worthwhile. In the end, you must weigh the cost against the value. If a low cost is your top priority, then choose a non-managed WordPress hosting provider.
Best Managed WordPress Hosting Providers
SiteGround
SiteGround is a highly popular and well-regarded hosting provider in the WordPress community. They offer specialized solutions to optimize the speed and security of your WordPress site. SiteGround is recognized for its exceptional 24/7 support and is an official “WordPress-recommended hosting provider.
SiteGround offers a range of features, including automatic upgrades, daily backups, built-in WP caching, free CDN (Content Delivery Network), free SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate, one-click staging, and GIT version control. Additionally, they stand out by providing location-specific hosting with data centers located in the USA, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
SiteGround Review from Our Experts
SiteGround is highly recommended for WordPress hosting, offering reliable and fast hosting plans with exceptional customer support. Their WordPress-optimized hosting provides everything you need to create and grow a successful website or blog. To help you decide if SiteGround is the right host for you, we’ve conducted a detailed review covering the following aspects:
| SiteGround Review Summary | |
|---|---|
| Performance grade | A+ |
| Average load time | 491 ms |
| Average response time | 137 ms |
| Free domain | Yes |
| Free SSL | Yes |
| 1-click WordPress | Yes |
| Support | Phone / Live Chat / Knowledge base |
Frequently Asked Questions about SiteGround Hosting
We understand that you may have some burning questions about SiteGround hosting. To provide you with the answers you need, we’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about SiteGround:
Where are SiteGround servers located?
SiteGround servers are located in the United States, Europe, and Singapore. During the signup process, you have the option to choose your preferred server location.
Why choose SiteGround for WordPress hosting?
SiteGround offers a highly optimized WordPress hosting platform. Their plans include in-house security features and WordPress tweaks that enhance your site’s speed and performance. With their 1-click WordPress installation and SiteGround Migrator plugin, setting up or migrating WordPress websites is a breeze. That’s why SiteGround is an officially recommended hosting provider for WordPress users.
Does SiteGround support WooCommerce?
Absolutely! SiteGround specializes in WordPress and WooCommerce hosting. If you’re building a WooCommerce store, you can rely on SiteGround’s optimized environment for consistent performance and reliability. They are among the top WooCommerce hosting providers, making it easy to start an online store without any technical expertise.
Does SiteGround offer a website builder?
No, SiteGround does not provide its own website builder. Instead, they empower users to choose the best website builder for their specific needs. SiteGround allows easy installation of popular platforms like WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, Magento, Weebly, and more. Additionally, you can create unlimited web pages on the SiteGround platform without any limitations.
Does SiteGround offer cPanel hosting?
No, SiteGround no longer offers cPanel hosting. Instead, they have developed a superior web hosting control panel that caters to both beginners and advanced users. This move allows them to offer managed WordPress hosting-like features without the high costs associated with cPanel.
Is SiteGround better than Bluehost?
SiteGround has made significant advancements in its hosting technology, surpassing Bluehost in terms of overall performance, technology infrastructure, and support quality. However, it’s worth noting that SiteGround pricing is higher compared to Bluehost. While SiteGround offers premium features and a superior hosting experience, Bluehost remains a more affordable option, with the added benefit of a free domain name.
How does SiteGround compare with other hosting providers?
SiteGround has truly stepped up its game in terms of innovation, differentiating itself from hosting providers like GoDaddy, HostGator, GreenGeeks, DreamHost, and A2 Hosting. With its managed WordPress hosting features, Google Cloud infrastructure, and custom performance optimization, SiteGround stands in a class of its own, offering premium hosting services.
Does SiteGround offer a free domain name?
Yes, SiteGround provides a free domain name. During the signup process, you have the option to register a new domain name or use one you already own. Alternatively, you can purchase a domain name from another registrar and point it to your SiteGround account.
Can I cancel my SiteGround account and get a refund?
SiteGround offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for their shared plans. This means you can try out their services risk-free during this period. If you decide to cancel your account within the first 30 days, you are eligible for a refund. However, please note that domain name registrations are non-refundable.
Which SiteGround plan is best for me?
SiteGround offers different plans with varying server resources. If you’re just starting out, the Startup plan is an excellent choice. You can upgrade your plan at any time if you require additional resources. Select the SiteGround plan that suits your needs and get started on your hosting journey.
Bottom Line SiteGround stands out for its exceptional speed and reliability. They offer flexible hosting plans and provide top-notch customer support, making them one of the best WordPress hosting companies we recommend.
Now, let’s take a closer look at our detailed SiteGround review to understand why we came to this conclusion and enable you to make an informed decision.
About SiteGround:
Founded in 2004, SiteGround has become a prominent hosting company. With its headquarters in Sofia, Bulgaria, and offices in four locations, they operate data centers across three continents. Currently, SiteGround boasts a team of over 500 employees and hosts more than 2,000,000 domains.
WPEngine
Looking for hassle-free WordPress hosting that’s as reliable as it gets? Look no further than WPEngine! With their lightning-fast servers and rock-solid security measures, you can trust them to handle anything your website needs. Say goodbye to worries about hackers, because WPEngine has got you covered. Plus, their customer service is absolutely mind-blowing, making you feel like a true king of the digital realm.
What sets WPEngine apart is its comprehensive range of features designed to make your life easier. They offer automatic security updates, daily backups, one-click restore points, automatic caching, top-tier security, and even a one-click staging area. It’s like having a team of WordPress experts right by your side, ready to assist you whenever you need it.
Not convinced yet? Well, some of the biggest brands in the world trust WPEngine for their WordPress hosting needs. Companies like HTC, FourSquare, SoundCloud, and Balsamiq, just to name a few. So you know you’re in good company! If you’re a business owner who doesn’t want to deal with the technical side of running a blog, WPEngine is the perfect solution for you. They take care of all the nitty-gritty details, so you can focus on what you do best – growing your business.
And here’s an extra treat for you: now, with every WPEngine account, you get access to all 36+ premium StudioPress themes and the Genesis framework for free. It’s like unlocking a treasure trove of design possibilities for your website. Don’t waste any more time with subpar hosting options. Join the WPEngine family today and experience WordPress hosting at its finest.
WP Engine Review from Our Experts
When it comes to VIP-Managed WordPress hosting, WP Engine is the name you can trust. As pioneers in the industry, they have an impressive client roster that includes big names like Yelp, Asana, National Geographic, PBS, and MyFitnessPal. If you’re seeking hassle-free premium WordPress hosting, WP Engine is the perfect choice. Let’s dive into our expert WP Engine review to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your needs.
With WP Engine, you can expect top-notch managed WordPress hosting that takes care of all the technical aspects for you. Their team of experts ensures that your website runs smoothly, so you can focus on what matters most – creating amazing content and growing your online presence.
| WP Engine Review Summary | |
|---|---|
| Performance grade | A+ |
| Average load time | 337 ms |
| Average response time | 123.8 ms |
| Free domain | No |
| Free SSL | Yes |
| 1-click WordPress | Yes |
| Support | Phone / Live Chat / Knowledge base |
Frequently Asked Questions About WP Engine
We’ve received numerous questions from our readers about WP Engine, and we’re here to provide the answers you need. Take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions about WP Engine:
Is WP Engine a shared hosting company?
No, WP Engine is not a shared hosting company. They specialize in managed WordPress hosting, offering tailored hosting solutions specifically designed for WordPress websites.
What is managed WordPress hosting?
Managed WordPress hosting is like having a personal concierge service for your WordPress website. With managed hosting, the hosting company takes care of tasks such as updates, security, backups, caching, and more, allowing you to focus on growing your business. While it may be slightly more expensive than shared hosting plans, the benefits and peace of mind it provides make it worth the investment.
Is WP Engine worth the money?
Absolutely! If your business has outgrown shared hosting services or shared VPS plans, WP Engine offers the perfect scalable upgrade option. It allows you to easily manage updates, enhance security, and scale your website as your business grows.
Where are WP Engine servers located?
WP Engine utilizes Google Cloud servers and Amazon Web Servers as their data centers. This means you can choose data centers located in North America, Europe, or Asia/Pacific, depending on your needs.
How does WP Engine compare to other hosting providers?
When it comes to managed WordPress hosting, WP Engine has a slight edge over competitors like Kinsta, Flywheel, and others. Their advanced technology, user-friendly experience, and top-notch customer support set them apart. However, it’s important to note that WP Engine pricing is higher than shared hosting providers such as Bluehost, HostGator, GoDaddy, InMotion Hosting, DreamHost, and even SiteGround. For a detailed comparison, you can refer to our comprehensive analysis of SiteGround vs Bluehost vs WP Engine.
Does WP Engine support WordPress multisite?
Yes, WP Engine supports WordPress multisite, but it’s available as a paid add-on for Growth and Scale plans. The Startup plan does not include WordPress multisite support. Additionally, it’s included in ‘Custom’ plans tailored for agencies and enterprise clients.
Can I cancel my WP Engine hosting and get a refund?
Yes, you can cancel your WP Engine hosting service at any time directly from your account dashboard or user portal. They offer a full refund within the first 60 days of hosting for users who have prepaid annual pricing.
Which WP Engine hosting plan is right for me?
If you’re hosting a single website, the Startup plan is a suitable choice. However, if you have a busier website or need to manage multiple installations, the Growth or Scale plans would be more appropriate for your needs.
Bottom Line our review of WP Engine hosting reveals them to be the top choice for managed WordPress hosting. They provide an exceptional platform with lightning-fast servers, robust security measures, and the peace of mind that every user desires from a managed WordPress host.
Now, let’s dive into the specifics and explore how we arrived at this conclusion.
About WPEngine
WP Engine, established in 2010, has emerged as a leading provider of managed WordPress hosting. Its founder, serial entrepreneur Jason Cohen, recognized the growing demand for specialized WordPress hosting as the popularity of WordPress soared.
With headquarters in Austin, Texas, WP Engine has additional offices in San Antonio (Texas), London (England), Limerick (Ireland), Brisbane (Australia), and Kraków (Poland). The company has earned numerous accolades, including the recognition as the Best Place to Work in Austin. Moreover, WP Engine actively contributes to the development of the WordPress core and community.
Hostinger
Hostinger has quickly gained recognition as a prominent player in the WordPress hosting industry. They stand out by offering affordable hosting plans, round-the-clock live chat support, and a robust platform to host your website. With Hostinger, you can enjoy the convenience of automatic 1-click WordPress installation, managed updates, enhanced security measures, a free CDN, WordPress speed optimization, and effortless site migration. They even provide geolocation-specific hosting options, allowing you to choose from 7 data centers located in the USA, Europe, Asia, and South America.
Impressively, Hostinger caters to over 29 million users across 178 countries. As a special treat for HugeWordpress readers, they offer an exclusive 80% discount, along with complimentary SSL and a free domain name. Experience top-notch WordPress hosting with Hostinger and take advantage of their unbeatable features and incredible savings.
Hostinger Review From Our Experts
Hostinger is a highly popular web hosting provider that offers a robust platform for launching websites. Whether you’re a beginner or a large company, they have a range of shared hosting plans to cater to your needs. What sets Hostinger apart is their affordability and the inclusion of valuable features in their plans. To help you make an informed decision, check out our comprehensive Hostinger review.
| Hostinger Review Summary | |
|---|---|
| Performance grade | A |
| Average load time | 460 ms |
| Average response time | 146 ms |
| Free domain | Yes |
| Free SSL | Yes |
| 1-click WordPress | Yes |
| Support | Live Chat / Knowledge base |
Frequently Asked Questions about Hostinger Hosting
We understand that you may have some questions about Hostinger’s hosting services. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions:
Where is Hostinger located?
Hostinger’s headquarters is in Kaunas, Lithuania. They also have locations in Brazil, Indonesia, and Singapore. Their servers are situated in the USA, Europe (Netherlands, Lithuania, United Kingdom), Asia (Indonesia and Singapore), and South America (Brazil).
Why is Hostinger so affordable?
Hostinger is able to offer affordable hosting plans by allocating CPU server resources based on the hosting plan chosen. This is a common practice among shared hosting providers, allowing them to provide cost-effective hosting solutions. As your website grows and reaches its limits, you have the option to upgrade to their VPS or cloud plans, enabling you to pay as you grow.
Is Hostinger a reliable hosting company?
Yes, Hostinger is a reliable hosting company with extensive experience in the shared hosting industry. They provide a robust platform at affordable prices, making it an ideal choice for individuals looking to create their first website or start a new business.
Does Hostinger offer a free domain name?
Yes, Hostinger offers a free domain name with their Premium and Business plans. However, the Single plan does not include a free domain name.
Is Hostinger better than Bluehost?
Hostinger and Bluehost offer different services, and both are excellent hosting providers. Hostinger is a great option for those seeking affordable hosting with certain limitations. On the other hand, Bluehost is a better choice for users looking for unlimited resources by paying a slightly higher price.
How does Hostinger compare to other hosting companies?
We often receive questions about how Hostinger compares to other shared hosting companies like GoDaddy, HostGator, or SiteGround. In terms of pricing and user experience, Hostinger outperforms GoDaddy and competes closely with HostGator. SiteGround offers slightly different hosting services and is priced higher than Hostinger. If affordability is your priority, then Hostinger is an excellent choice to get started.
Bottom Line In our review, we have determined that Hostinger is a reliable hosting provider with excellent support and a wide range of features.
About Hostinger
Hostinger was established in 2011, but its roots trace back to 2004 when it started as a small web hosting company in Kaunas, Lithuania. Over the years, the team behind Hostinger has launched several web hosting brands. In essence, Hostinger offers a solid hosting service with dependable support and an impressive feature set.
