If you plan to manage your website through WordPress, then WordPress hosting is better for you. Compared to general hosting services, WordPress hosting plans are optimized for WordPress sites. You get the right server resources and often other benefits, such as a test environment and automatic updates.
In general, you don’t need WordPress-specific hosting to launch a successful site with WordPress. Many companies also sell their regular shared hosting plans to WordPress users. Yet these packages often come with useful features that ensure that your website performs better in the long term
web hosting vs wordpress hosting comparison
WordPress hosting plans usually offer resources optimized for the platform. For example, your web host may advertise features such as PHP 7 or more PHP memory.
In addition, WordPress hosting often comes with useful add-on services to keep your website running smoothly. For example, your subscription might include automatic updates, access to themes or plugins, one-click installation, and more. Keep in mind that these extras are usually reflected in the price, especially if you choose managed WordPress hosting.
Simple web hosting is still enough to store your WordPress site and make it accessible to the public. Your subscription can also include useful features such as performance optimization, advanced security, free SSL certificate, and more. However, you miss out on the WordPress-specific benefits the alternative offers.
Web Hosting Vs WordPress Hosting: Which Is Right For You
Choosing the right type of hosting depends on your needs and your level of experience. You can also consider the details of your hosting plan and determine whether the additional WordPress features are useful to you.
following questions:
- First, are you building your site with WordPress? If not, WordPress hosting is not applicable.
- Are you concerned about safety? WordPress hosting is often more secure due to better protection against common threats.
Are you proficient with WordPress or do you need help? Less experienced users will benefit from dedicated WordPress customer support. - what is your budget? Standard shared plans are cheaper, while managed WordPress hosting is more expensive.
- Prefer server maintenance behind the scenes? Then you will certainly appreciate the automatic WordPress updates.
- What type of content are you planning for your website? Let’s say you expect to upload extensive image galleries or videos. In that case, easy access to features such as caching or a CDN may be useful to you.
Advantages of WordPress Hosting
Let’s say you are considering shared web hosting vs shared WordPress hosting plans. Here are some of the benefits you can expect if you choose the latter:
- Estimated server usage. This means your provider can better allocate resources and resolve technical issues faster.
Enhanced security Your provider will pay extra attention to WordPress-specific threats. - Start – Friendship. WordPress hosting usually comes with pre-installed WordPress software, automatic updates, and expert customer support. You also get access to free themes.
- Enhanced security. Your provider will pay extra attention to WordPress-specific threats.
- WordPress specific server configuration. Your server will be optimized for optimal WordPress performance and fast page load times. Please note, however, that this is not a guarantee and you may still experience problems on other websites.
Web Hosting Vs WordPress Hosting
In general, if you answered yes to most of the above questions, then you should choose WordPress hosting. It is an excellent solution for both beginners and web developers as it can save you a lot of time.
And while WordPress hosting doesn’t necessarily guarantee faster page load times, it still gives you an edge over regular web hosting. On the other hand, standard web hosting gives you more control over all aspects of your website, which can be an essential factor for more experienced users.
This type of hosting is also generally cheaper, although the price difference may not be significant for shared plans. Many companies offer the same entry-level price for all shared hosting packages, so be sure to check out the features to make sure you’re getting what you want.
Finally, regardless of the type of hosting you choose, make sure your provider meets the following criteria:
- Ability to upgrade as your website grows
- excellent reputation
- Highest safety standards
- Access to quality customer support or user documentation
There are many reliable providers that offer WordPress-specific hosting. Some great options are:
- Bluehost for affordable shared WordPress hosting.
- Siteground for shared managed WordPress hosting.
- Kinsta for premium managed WordPress hosting.
Shared WordPress hosting is usually sufficient for newer and smaller sites, but it’s still smart to consider all your options.
Are There Any Drawbacks to WordPress Hosting
Due to the special features included, it tends to be more expensive than some other web hosting options, especially shared hosting. For some small businesses or personal website owners, this makes it a harder sell than a simple shared hosting plan.
Plus, there are limits to how much customization you can do with your site. Some WordPress hosts often restrict the plugins you can use due to security concerns. If your site needs plugins to function that are on a host’s restricted list, you may need to look at other hosting options or alternate plugins. (Hostgator customers can find a full list of disallowed plugins in our managed WordPress plans here.
And as you probably guessed, you can only use WordPress hosting if you have a WordPress site. WordPress hosting is not an option if you have chosen another CMS or website builder to build your website.
conclusion
Choosing the right web host can often make or break the success of your website. There’s nothing wrong with starting your WordPress site with standard web hosting if that’s what you prefer. Still, WordPress-specific features can save you a lot of trouble in the long run.
Basically, WordPress hosting means that your server resources are configured specifically to meet the platform’s unique requirements. Therefore, you benefit from higher security and better performance in general. Plus, WordPress hosting often comes with automated maintenance features and dedicated customer support, making it a better choice for beginners.