Which Managed WordPress Host is Right for You?

Previously, we discussed the pros and cons of Managed WordPress Hosting to help you decide whether you need the servive or not.

If you’ve decided that Managed Hosting is perfect for you, the next step is choosing the right host. This can be a tough job – all hosts look very similar and the websites are full of technical jargon. So, how do you find a good one?

We’ve sifted through all the details and hunted out five great hosts that are fast, reliable and affordable.

1. InMotion Hosting - InMotion has always been one of my recommended hosts (in fact, I host my own business website with InMotion), and its WordPress Hosting option is no different. It is one of the fastest and most reliable hosts out there and it comes with tons of great features. WordPress is already installed and you can even migrate your existing website straight to the new host for free. The only downside is that it’s missing the automatic updates of most managed hosts. However, at only $5.99, it’s one of the most affordable options.

2. WPEngine - WPEngine is one of the oldest names in WordPress Hosting. Although almost every host has a WordPress option nowadays, WPEngine was among the first to develop the service. For that reason, it’s tried-and-tested. WPEngine is more expensive than InMotion, but it comes with a huge list of features including daily backups, one-click restore and bulletproof security. It’s top of the range, but the price does reflect that.

3. HostGator - HostGator is the perfect budget option. In fact, it’s only a little bit more expensive than a traditional ‘shared host,’ starting at less than $6. Having said that, the entry-level package does come with a limit on bandwidth and resources. So you may want to upgrade to unlock the premium features. Still, HostGator is one of the fastest Web hosts we’ve tested, and their uptime figures are outstanding. If performance is your priority, HostGator is a powerful choice.

4. Flywheel - Flywheel is the perfect choice for Web designers and creatives. If you’re building WordPress websites for clients, Flywheel has created the perfect hosting environment. One of the things I love most about it is the intuitive dashboard that lets you see multiple websites all at once - great if you’re hosting more than two sites. It even comes with features that make it easier to collaborate with clients, such as staging environments and billing transfers. It is relatively expensive, but if you’re running multiple websites, it’s worth it.

5. SiteGround - SiteGround is a fantastic option for beginners. If your website or blog is starting to get a little more traffic, SiteGround is a great first step. It’s affordable and it will unlock a host of new features for you. It includes auto-updates and auto-backups as standard, so you can immediately forget about tweaking things behind the scenes. While it’s perfect for beginners, there are also plenty of pro features if you’re willing to upgrade to the more expensive packages.

6. Pagely - Pagely was the first Web host to create WordPress Hosting, so they are a pioneer of sorts. But, is the performance up to scratch? In a word, yes. Pagely’s servers are powered by Amazon’s cloud technology, so you can be assured you’re getting the best standard. Cloud technology is also faster and more reliable than a standard server. Like WPEngine, Pagely is a professional option and the price tag (News - Alert) does reflect that. However, the service and reliability is exceptional. Pagely makes sure your website runs like clockwork and without hassle.

Final Thoughts

Managed WordPress Hosting is simply faster, more secure, and more reliable than your standard ‘shared’ host. It keeps things ticking over in the background so you can focus on what you do best.

Is it right for everyone? No. If you run a small blog or website, paying extra for managed hosting might be overkill. BUT, if you have big plans (or you just like to know that everything is taken care of) it’s worth considering. Especially when affordable options like InMotion and HostGator are out there.

Are you currently using Managed WordPress Hosting? Or thinking of switching? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comment section below.