Managed WordPress Hosting: Definition, Pros, Cons and Providers 2023

As a new WordPress website owner, you’ve probably begun to realize how much work goes into managing your website.

Your site’s daily management, including updates, security bug fixes, and standard site maintenance, can occupy a lot of time.

When you’re just getting your business off the ground, you’d rather spend that time focusing on other areas of growth.

Fortunately, that desire for growth is where managed WordPress web hosting comes in handy.

When you choose to have your site managed through a WordPress-enabled host, you can focus more energy on expanding your business and less on the minutiae.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about managed WordPress hosting.

What is Managed WordPress Hosting?

When you chose WordPress to create your website, you might’ve planned to build it on your own.

You’d select the themes and plugins, add your content, then dedicate time to keep your site running smoothly.

However, it takes a lot of work to keep a site up and running.

The back end of site maintenance is far more time-consuming than many novices realize.

So, it’s understandable if you’ve decided it’s time to switch to a managed WordPress site instead of your current self-managed site.  

Managed WordPress hosting is a type of site host that takes regular maintenance off your shoulders.

Your WordPress site will occupy space on your host’s server.

The host will take care of standard maintenance, including WordPress updates, backups, and bug fixes.

In addition, all your themes, plugins, and customer support will be on one secure server.

How Does Managed WordPress Hosting Work?

To get your WordPress website managed by a web host, you’ll need to choose a host that offers site management.

Examples include GoDaddy, Bluehost, and Pressable.

Once you choose your host, you’ll pick a plan that suits your needs.

After you sign up for your first month, your host will take care of the backend site maintenance.

You’ll still be responsible for content, of course.

However, your host’s technicians and experts will ensure your site is up to date in every other way.

This includes updating and backing up your site, keeping your data secure, and maintaining security protocols.

Is Managed WordPress Hosting Necessary?

Many WordPress website owners struggle to determine whether they should choose managed or unmanaged hosting.

Managed hosting has a long list of benefits, but unmanaged is far less expensive.

The simple answer is no; managed hosting isn’t necessary.

Most site owners choose it due to a lack of time, skill, knowledge, or desire to self-manage.

Web host platforms that are optimized specifically for WordPress will be able to give your site everything it needs to appeal to your users.

If managed web hosting is in your budget, base the decision on your knowledge and how much you want to take on yourself.

If you opt to pay for managed WordPress hosting, you’ll be able to dedicate attention to other business areas.

However, if you prefer total control, managed hosting might not be for you.

A Breakdown of Managed WordPress Hosting

When you start looking for web hosts for your website, you’ll come across a few different types.

Specifically, you’ll find information on shared and traditional hosts.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the differences between them.

How Managed WordPress Hosting is Different Than Traditional Hosting

Traditional web hosts consist of a dedicated server from multiple hosting providers for their clients.

Depending on the host and client, that server might be shared or private.

Regardless, each site owner is tethered to a specific server where all their resources are located.

On the other hand, WordPress hosting is explicitly dedicated to WordPress sites.

The server contains resources designed for WordPress users.

Since only WordPress users can purchase server space, you’ll get experts who know all the ins and outs of the WordPress platform.

How Managed WordPress Hosting is Different From Shared WordPress Hosting

When you purchase space on a host’s server, you’ll opt for either your own server space or shared space.

Shared hosting simply means you’re sharing your host with other clients instead of having your own server space.

When you choose shared hosting, your website can be managed or unmanaged.

Shared hosts’ plans are often much cheaper than their private alternatives.

For that reason, shared hosts are pretty popular with new users.

However, they can also have a lot of hidden fees.

And, when it comes to content management, managed WordPress hosts cater specifically to WordPress sites.

Meaning, your WordPress site will be managed by the people who know it best.

Advantages of Managed WordPress Hosting

WordPress is an excellent option for creating and building a user-friendly website.

It comes with themes, plugins, branding options, and templates that help design a site that’s perfect for your niche and users.

Choosing to have your WordPress site managed will help ensure an even better user experience.

A few of the advantages of a managed WordPress site include:

• Faster load times than self-managed
• Minimal downtime
• Timely fixes to bugs
• Regular updates and backups
• Regular scans for security threats
• Hosting provider has a thorough knowledge of WordPress
• Customer support included

As you can see, the advantages of having a managed WordPress site are pretty extensive.

For many users, the advantages make the added cost of a managed host worthwhile.

If you’re still on the fence, keep reading for a few disadvantages of a managed WordPress site.

Disadvantages of Managed WordPress Hosting

Although managed hosting offers many benefits for WordPress site owners, it still has some disadvantages.

To cover all your bases, you should consider the following disadvantages when choosing between managed and unmanaged sites.

• Managed sites cost more
• Managed sites aren’t as flexible as many digitally inclined users might like
• Some plugins might be blocked or limited
• Often only host WordPress sites

If you’re a diehard WordPress user, have the budget, and aren’t up for daily site management, a managed hosted site might be for you.

However, you should carefully evaluate all your options before making a choice.

What Does Managed WordPress Hosting Cost?

As you explore different WordPress hosting options, you’ll get an idea of how much of your budget will have to go toward your website.

Of course, the more services your host provider offers, the higher the cost.

Ultimately, you should expect to find rates from $3 to $30 per month.

Your final monthly cost will depend on the individual plans you choose for your site.

Specific options that will add to your price could include:

• Number of hosted WordPress sites
• Number of site visitors
• White-label or branding options
• Server space
• Expanded email capabilities

There are also free WordPress hosting options.

Similar to the low-cost plans, free hosting services typically have fewer features and minimal options for branding.

Customer support will be more limited than with paid services, and you won’t have as much space on the host’s server.

However, a free option might be best if you just want to learn or explore a specific host.

What Kind of Site Support Comes With Managed WordPress Hosting?

Whether you choose a free, cheap, or full-service WordPress host, you’ll get some level of customer support with your plan.

The type of support you get might vary from one host to the next and depend on the plan you choose.

This list provides an overview of some of the main support features you’ll get with managed WordPress hosting plans.

24/7 Support

Most WordPress hosts provide 24/7 customer support to their clients.

You’ll be able to contact someone via chat, phone, or email to get your site’s problem’s rectified as soon as you need help.

In some cases, higher tier customers will receive priority support.

Security Fixes

All WordPress hosts will regularly update your site’s security.

This includes preventing hacks or malware that could cause you or your users to lose their data.

Site security is essential to a good user experience, so you’ll want a host that offers rapid security fixes.

Daily Site Backups

After working hard to create a user-friendly, professional website, the last thing you want is to lose your data.

Your host provider will ensure you always have a site backup to keep you up and running.

Caching will also help ensure security breaches don’t cause you to lose your site.

Uptime Monitoring

A good host will ensure your website has minimal downtime.

Downtime is when your site is unavailable for your users.

The best managed WordPress hosts will ensure your uptime is as close to 100% as possible.

Speed

In addition to making your site secure, a WordPress host will also ensure your site is fast.

Nothing annoys users more than a sluggish site.

The best way to ensure a good user experience is by using a host that keeps your site moving.

When Should You Move From Cheap Hosting to Managed WordPress Hosting?

Finding a cheap WordPress hosting provider is a great way to save money in your early days.

When site traffic is low and you don’t need to update your site often, a cheaper service that provides minimal options will be enough.

However, over time, a few things might indicate it’s time to upgrade.

Too Much Upkeep

Websites require a lot of maintenance.

From content updates to security fixes and backups, a lot of leg work goes into maintaining a site.

When you first start out, those updates might not occupy much time.

But, eventually, ensuring your site is up to date might become too much of a time commitment.

At that point, a hosting provider will be a helpful way to free up time to focus on other business aspects.  

You Feel Out of Your Depth

Some site creators feel out of their depth from day one, while others might not feel overwhelmed for months or years.

Regardless of when you begin to feel like you’re in over your head, a comprehensive WordPress host can take the reins and free up time on your end.

Your provider will be able to handle all the complexities of your site, including security, updates, and backups.

You Have a Bigger Budget

A managed WordPress host provides significant convenience for site owners.

Your host will remove a lot of stress and work from your shoulders.

Unfortunately, the cost is one of the biggest reasons site owners avoid getting a managed host.

However, once your site revenue, and in turn, your budget, increases, a WordPress host will become easier to manage financially.

The Best Managed WordPress Hosting Providers

When you start researching managed hosting providers, you’ll find many options.

As you read through the factors listed in this article, keep your needs and priorities in mind.

Then, start exploring your options. Here are a few hosts that are worthy of a second look.

WP Engine

When you choose WordPress to build your site, WP Engine is an excellent option for a host.

It’s one of the most popular WordPress hosting providers and ideal for small businesses or companies.

Pros

• 24/7 dedicated WordPress support
• Daily website backups
• Fast servers
• Regular software testing

Cons

• Only available for WordPress users
• Ideal for businesses, not individuals
• Costlier than other options

Kinsta

Another WordPress hosting provider that offers managed hosting is Kinsta.

Kinsta is an enterprise-level host that provides performance monitoring, speed, and security.

Kinsta also offers a user-friendly platform for managing all of your web content as well as free migrations. It’s geared toward high-volume sites rather than individual bloggers.

Pros

• 24/7 customer support
• Custom plans
• Free migrations on all plans

Cons

• Pricier plans that start at $35
• Limited storage
• Specific WordPress plugins are banned

Flywheel

Flywheel is one of a few managed WordPress hosts endorsed by WordPress.

It offers a range of options, rapid speeds, and a 30-day money back guarantee that lets you test drive the service before you buy.

Flywheel is designed for enterprise-level clients, although individual bloggers can still benefit.

Pros

• Endorsed by WordPress
• Free migrations
• One-click staging
• Built-in caching

Cons

• Might be too robust for bloggers
• Designed only for WordPress users

Pressable

Pressable offers managed WordPress hosting services through its WordPress-optimized cloud platform.

You’ll get scalability, security, and speed, not to mention no downtime.

In addition, each plan comes with a robust selection of tools to ensure your site is always running smoothly.

Pros

• WordPress optimized platform
• Free migration help
• 24/7 support
• 100% uptime

Cons

• No built-in email hosting
• Customer support is a bit lacking

Defining Other Managed WordPress Hosts

A managed WordPress host is the best way to ensure your site is always running at peak performance.

However, your host options don’t end with platforms that only host WordPress sites.

There are a few popular hosts that offer services for WordPress and other clients.

Here’s a quick look at a few.

Is Bluehost a Managed WordPress Host?

Bluehost is a host that offers managed and self-managed WordPress options.

Bluehost offers four managed hosting plans and three self-managed plans to pick from.

Plans include a free domain, SSL certificate, Google verification, and automatic WordPress installation.

Managed plans include the basic features along with added tools and options to further enhance your site.

Is GoDaddy a Managed WordPress Host?

GoDaddy offers managed and unmanaged WordPress hosting options.

Managed WordPress is GoDaddy’s hosting platform designed specifically for WordPress websites.

Experts will handle things like updates, installations, and caching that’ll keep your WordPress site running smoothly.

GoDaddy also offers several self-managed hosting options if that’s what you’d prefer.

Is SiteGround Managed or Shared WordPress Hosting?

Siteground is a WordPress-recommended managed host.

It offers web, WordPress, cloud, reseller, and Woocommerece hosting under several different plans.

Managed hosting plans include automatic updates, free installation and migration, and daily backups.

The Cheapest Managed WordPress Hosting Providers

Are you looking for the best of the cheapest managed WordPress hosts?

Fortunately, with the array of hosts available, finding one that isn’t out of your budget is simple.

GoDaddy, Bluehost, and Siteground and three highly respected managed WordPress hosts that won’t obliterate your hosting budget.

Note: As of July 2022, each site is offering a deep discount for its hosting plans.

If you happen to miss out, keep checking back because they tend to run deals throughout the year.

GoDaddy WordPress Hosting

GoDaddy is a well-known company for domain names and web hosting services.

It’s an ideal option if you want to get all your website needs in one place.

GoDaddy has four WordPress hosting plans, each of which offers a discount for an annual plan.

All of GoDaddy’s WordPress hosting plans include a free domain, free business email, one-click backup restore, and automatic security scans.

More comprehensive plans provide more storage, site testing, and eCommerce options.

GoDaddy is an excellent option if you’re looking for flexibility.

WordPress hosting plans start at $8.99 per month.

Bluehost WordPress Hosting

One of WordPress’s most popular managed web host services is Bluehost, and for a good reason.

Not only does Bluehost offer a wide selection of plans, but its user-friendly interface and array of features cater to site owners of all skill levels.

You can either build your site using Bluehost’s Website Builder or migrate your existing site over.

If you’re just looking for hosting, you’ll be happy to find several plans to choose from.

So, whether you’re a brand new blogger or a thriving company, Bluehost will have a plan for you.

Bluehost’s plans start at $9.99 per month.

SiteGround WordPress Hosting

SiteGround has become popular due to its fast servers, quality customer service, and top-notch security.

It offers three WordPress hosting plans that start at $14.99 per month.

All plans provide daily backups, eCommerce functionality, enhanced security options, and unlimited databases.

If you want white-label options to boost your branding, Siteground’s GoGeek plan should work well.

You’ll have more storage, a private DNS, and priority support.

It’s an excellent choice for clients with large platforms or high-traffic websites.

Is Managed WordPress Hosting Worth It?

Since so many factors go into choosing a web host, whether managed hosting is worth it comes down to your needs.

Some site owners find a lot of benefits in managed WordPress hosting, while others don’t.

For many users, managed hosting is a want, not a need.

It’s a convenient feature that allows you to free up time for other pursuits.

However, in that respect, it could also be a need for larger site owners.

In addition, managed WordPress hosting can mean the difference between a well-run site and a frustrating user experience.

The bottom line is that a managed WordPress site provides many benefits if it’s within your budget.

You’ll have time to create more content, develop other sites, and tap into the expertise of others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still have questions about how managed WordPress hosting works?

Then, keep reading to check out the answers to a few common concerns.

Managed WordPress Hosting: Wrapping Up

If you’re considering managed WordPress hosting, you have lots of options to choose from.

Take some time to explore all available plans to find one that suits your wants and needs.

Managed WordPress plans can make maintaining your site easier and allow you more time to focus on other areas of your business.

Do you have experience working with a managed WordPress site?

Leave a note about your experience in the comments to share your story.