Compare popular WordPress hosting providers
WordPress powers over 40% of all websites worldwide, making it the most popular content management system (CMS) for businesses, bloggers, and developers alike. Its flexibility, ease of use, and robust ecosystem of plugins and themes make it a go-to platform for websites of all sizes.
Choosing the right WordPress hosting is critical to unlocking the platform’s full potential. Hosting impacts everything from website speed and uptime to security and scalability, directly influencing user experience, search engine rankings, and even revenue.
Whether you’re launching a new site or managing an established online presence, your WordPress hosting provider serves as the foundation of your website’s performance and reliability.
So, how do you choose? Keep reading to see how WordPress hosts compare and how to find the right host for you.
Detailed WordPress hosting comparisons
Cloudways compared
Explore what Cloudways WordPress includes—and what isn’t included.
Bluehost compared
Compare Bluehost to alternative hosting and discover the best fit.
WP Engine compared
See how WP Engine stacks up when it comes to quality web hosting.
Kinsta compared
Discover the key differences between Kinsta WordPress and the best alternative.
Hostinger compared
Think Hostinger has it all? Consider these differences before you buy.
How to choose the right WordPress hosting provider
Selecting the right WordPress hosting provider is a critical decision that can impact your website’s performance, security, and overall success. To help you make an informed choice, consider these key factors based on your unique needs and goals.
Performance and speed
One of the most critical considerations is speed and performance—site speed can have effects long beyond user frustration. A fast-loading website improves user experience and boosts search engine rankings.
Look for providers that offer features like built-in caching, SSD storage, and integration with content delivery networks (CDNs) to ensure optimal performance.
Uptime is also an essential consideration. Providers that guarantee 99.9% uptime or higher should be a priority.
Security
Security features are another important aspect to consider. WordPress powers a big chunk of the web, which means it’s a common target for hackers. The best way to maintain peace mind is by choosing a provider that prioritizes security.
Your hosting provider should offer robust protections, including SSL certificates, firewalls, malware scanning, and automatic backups. Also look for automatic plugin and core updates, as out-of-date software is a top entry point for malicious actors.
Support
When you need help, your hosting provider should be there for you no matter what. Responsive, 24/7 assistance can make all the difference in resolving technical issues quickly.
Always compare support and read reviews when choosing a WordPress host. Some hosts charge extra for the support you need, or delay resolving issues that impact your website’s success.
Ability to scale
For growing websites, scalability options are crucial, allowing you to upgrade resources as your traffic increases without disrupting your site’s operations. Take a look at the range of WordPress hosting plans and compare the resources and pricing if you upgrade.
Some hosts offer built-in autoscaling, which lowers the cost of an upgrade. Liquid Web’s managed WordPress hosting has 24 hours of free autoscaling per month at no additional charge.
Which type of WordPress hosting should you choose?
There are several types of WordPress hosting to choose from. The right type depends on your site’s size, requirements, and budget.
Shared WordPress hosting
Shared WordPress hosting is a type of web hosting where multiple websites share the same server and its resources, such as CPU, memory, and storage. This hosting option is one of the most cost-effective and beginner-friendly ways to host a WordPress site.
However, because resources are shared among all the websites on the server, performance may be impacted during high-traffic periods or if one site on the server experiences significant resource usage.
Despite its limitations, shared WordPress hosting is an excellent entry point for those starting with WordPress, as it provides the necessary tools for basic website management without requiring extensive technical knowledge.
Managed WordPress hosting
Managed WordPress hosting is a specialized hosting solution designed specifically for WordPress websites, offering optimized performance, enhanced security, and hands-on management. Support teams are typically staffed with WordPress experts who can assist with troubleshooting, plugin conflicts, and performance optimization.
Unlike traditional hosting, managed hosting takes care of technical tasks such as software updates, daily backups, server maintenance, and security monitoring, freeing website owners to focus on their content and business. Hosting providers often use servers configured specifically for WordPress, ensuring faster load times, better reliability, and seamless scalability.
While managed hosting is more expensive than shared hosting, its reliability, convenience, and performance benefits make it a worthwhile investment for those looking to elevate their WordPress site.
WordPress VPS hosting
WordPress VPS (virtual private server) hosting is a type of web hosting where a single physical server is divided into multiple virtual servers, each operating independently. Unlike shared hosting, VPS hosting allocates dedicated resources such as CPU, RAM, and storage to your site. Users can configure their server environment to meet specific requirements, install custom software, and optimize settings to enhance WordPress performance.
This makes WordPress VPS hosting an excellent choice for websites with moderate to high traffic, resource-intensive applications, or those needing a more customizable hosting environment. It strikes a balance between affordability and the performance benefits of a dedicated server.
Dedicated WordPress hosting
Dedicated WordPress hosting is a premium hosting solution where an entire physical server is exclusively allocated to a single website or client. Unlike shared or VPS hosting, all server resources—including CPU, RAM, and storage—are dedicated solely to your WordPress site, providing unparalleled performance, reliability, and customization options.
With dedicated WordPress hosting, users benefit from maximum flexibility to configure the server to meet specific needs, including custom software installations, advanced caching solutions, and tailored security protocols. Hosting providers often offer managed dedicated hosting, where technical aspects like server maintenance, updates, and monitoring are handled by the provider, allowing businesses to focus on growth rather than infrastructure.
While dedicated hosting is more expensive than other hosting types, it delivers exceptional performance and reliability, making it the preferred choice for mission-critical WordPress websites that demand consistent uptime and speed.
Run through this checklist before you select a host
There are plenty of WordPress hosts to choose from and you’re likely shopping around. Here’s a checklist to help you make the most informed decision possible.
By keeping these key features in mind, you’ll not only find a hosting provider that meets your current needs but also one that supports your site’s growth and success in the long run.
Your search for the best WordPress hosting ends now
Finding the perfect WordPress hosting provider can feel overwhelming, but your search ends here. Whether you’re a blogger looking for an affordable option, a growing business in need of seamless scalability, or an enterprise requiring unmatched performance and support, Liquid Web has a curated selection of WordPress hosting plans to support you at every stage of your digital journey.
No matter your website’s size or goals, Liquid Web’s hosting for WordPress sets you up for success. Learn more about our WordPress hosting now, or compare Liquid Web to alternative hosts.
Next steps
What is managed WordPress hosting?
Get down to details and decide if managed WordPress hosting is right for you.
WordPress vs VPS hosting
The choice between VPS and WordPress hosting depends on expertise and requirements.
Find the fastest WordPress hosting
Get speed that results in faster page load times, even during high-traffic periods.
