There are a few different types of web hosting that can be used for WordPress websites. Two of the most common are VPS (Virtual Private Server) hosting and managed WordPress hosting. While they suit different types of users, understanding how they differ will help you make the right decision based on your website’s requirements.
VPS Hosting in a Nutshell
VPS hosting provides you with a virtually dedicated space on a physical server with committed resources, such as CPU, RAM, and disk space. It is essentially a compromise between shared hosting and dedicated hosting.
Key Features:
- Committed server resources
- You choose the exact amount of server resources
- Root access to the server
- Completely customizable environment
Pros:
- Greater control and flexibility
- Scalable resources (depends on the service)
- High performance for dynamic websites
Cons:
- Steep learning curve
- Requires technical skills for installation and maintenance
- Can be time-consuming to maintain and secure
Managed WordPress Hosting in a Nutshell
Managed WordPress hosting is often a high-end service built specifically for WordPress websites. Everything technical, including updates, backups, performance optimization, and security, is taken care of by the host so that you can focus on your website and business growth.
Key Features:
- Automated WordPress updates and backups
- WordPress-optimized performance
- Built-in security and malware scanning
- Advanced caching systems
- Expert WordPress support
Pros:
- Hands-off managed service
- Automated website management tools
- Optimized for maximum performance and uptime
- A staging environment for testing
Cons:
- More expensive than shared and VPS hosting
- Less control over the server environment
- Restricted to WordPress websites only
- Email may not be included
VPS Hosting vs. Managed WordPress Hosting: Head-to-Head
Here’s a quick comparison of the main features of these two hosting options:
| Feature | VPS Hosting | Managed WordPress Hosting |
| Server Control | Full root access, customizable | Limited, pre-configured |
| Ease of Use | Requires technical skills | Beginner-friendly |
| Performance | Depends on server config | Optimized for WordPress |
| Scalability | Highly scalable | Scalable, but may hit limits |
| Security | Depends on your setup | Handled by host |
| Support | Basic server support | Expert WP support |
| Cost | Typically cheaper, but variable | Higher, but includes management |
| Best For | Developers, tech-savvy users | Bloggers, businesses, agencies |
Which One to Choose?
Choose VPS hosting if:
- You need full control of your server environment.
- You run multiple sites or applications that require different configurations.
- You have the technical skills (or a hired professional) to manage the server.
- You want to scale up in the future without spending a fortune.
Choose managed WordPress hosting if:
- want to host a WordPress site without worrying about technical tasks.
- You want optimized speed, security, and uptime out of the box.
- You prefer expert support tailored to WordPress.
- You don’t mind paying a higher price.
Best Managed WordPress Hosting Providers
If you’re looking for a fully managed WordPress hosting service that takes care of all the technical details, there are several excellent providers to consider. Here are some of the best managed WordPress hosts on the market:
1. Pressable
Pressable offers premium managed WordPress hosting optimized for professional sites and small businesses. They have scalable plans which can be used for small sites or large projects alike.
Benefits:
- Built-in caching and CDN for enhanced load times.
- Free daily backups and automated updates.
- Staging sites to test live prior to deployment.
- Excellent customer support via live chat.
- Automatic scalability to handle traffic spikes.
2. Kinsta
A veteran company in managed WordPress hosting, Kinsta is powered by Google Cloud and delivers incredible speed, great security, and enterprise-grade features with an intuitive site management interface.
Benefits:
- Fast and stable WordPress hosting on Google Cloud Platform.
- Website development and staging tools.
- Solid security features (DDoS and malware protection, daily backups).
- Excellent uptime with free monitoring and alerts.
- Expert support available 24/7.
3. Rocket.net
Rocket.net is another respected provider that focuses on high-end managed WordPress hosting. They have one of the fastest solutions for high-traffic WordPress and WooCommerce sites.
Benefits:
- No monthly visitor limits.
- Cloudflare Enterprise CDN integrated with each plan.
- Clean and user-friendly dashboard.
- Free automatic daily backups.
- Friendly and responsive support agents.
Best VPS Hosting For WordPress
If you prefer more server power and control, consider these VPS providers for your WordPress hosting needs:
1. ScalaHosting
ScalaHosting is excellent for its optimal balance between performance, ease of use, and affordability. It offers a proprietary SPanel control panel that’s very similar to cPanel, with unique features like integrated WordPress security, backups, staging environment, and an AI website builder for WordPress.
Benefits:
- Custom VPS plans with scalable resources.
- Free SPanel control panel.
- Malware protection and daily backups included.
- Unlimited bandwidth.
- Quick 24/7 support via live chat.
2. InMotion Hosting
InMotion Hosting provides powerful VPS hosting plans that are built specifically for WordPress. They install their own optimized stack called UltraStack, which includes NGINX reverse proxy, PHP-FPM, and Redis caching.
Benefits:
- Generous server resources with NVMe storage.
- High bandwidth allowance.
- Multiple free dedicated IPs included.
- Optimized for WordPress and WooCommerce sites.
3. Cloudways
Cloudways offers managed VPS-like cloud servers from top-tier cloud providers like DigitalOcean, Vultr, AWS, and Google Cloud. It automates the process of spinning up new cloud servers and installing a WordPress-optimized stack. It also gives you the ability to scale up your server’s resources on demand.
Benefits:
- Fully managed cloud servers.
- One-click WordPress installation.
- Redis caching and Cloudflare Enterprise CDN (add-on).
- Vertical scaling on demand.
- Automated offsite backups.
- Sever-level firewall and malware scanning.
Final Thoughts
Both VPS hosting and managed WordPress hosting are high-performance solutions, but they serve distinct purposes. VPS hosting is better suited for those who need more flexibility and control, while managed WordPress hosting is better suited for users who prioritize convenience and ease of use regardless of the cost.
Your technical experience, your website’s goals, and your budget should be the main determinants of the right choice for you.