WordPress powers over 40% of the web, making it one of the most popular website platforms. However, the success of your WordPress site depends heavily on choosing the right hosting plan. A major decision is whether to go with Managed or Unmanaged WordPress Hosting from your trusted web host. Your choice affects your website’s performance, security, and ease of management.
Each comes with its own set of benefits, and understanding these differences is necessary to make the right choice for your website’s needs.
Let’s break down what these terms mean by exploring their pros and cons. As we do so, you’ll come to understand why this decision is crucial for your website’s performance, security, and growth.
- What Ιs Managed WordPress Hosting?
- What Ιs Unmanaged WordPress Hosting?
- Key Differences at a Glance
- Who Should Choose Managed WordPress Hosting?
- Who Should Choose Unmanaged WordPress Hosting?
- The Historical Context: Why Managed Hosting Became Popular
- Why This Decision Matters for Your Website
- 5 Key Questions to Help You Decide between Managed & Unmanaged WordPress Hosting Plans
What Ιs Managed WordPress Hosting?
Managed WordPress Hosting refers to a service in which the hosting provider manages and maintains the WordPress platform on your behalf.
This includes a variety of tasks, ranging from software updates to security patches and even performance optimization. A managed hosting platform offers a fully managed service that:
- Simplifies website maintenance
- Provides industry-leading speed
- Takes care of security and support for WordPress users
A managed hosting service is for those who want to focus on creating content or expanding their website without having to deal with technical server management.
The image below is taken directly from our Managed WordPress Hosting page and highlights what’s included for every user. In addition to its extensive range of features, HostPapa offers a money-back guarantee that allows users to receive a refund within the first 30 days of using our hosting service plans.
Key Features of Managed WordPress Hosting Providers:
- Automatic updates: The hosting provider handles all WordPress core, theme, and plugin updates. This ensures your website stays up-to-date with the latest features and security patches.
- Enhanced security: Managed hosts often include advanced security measures, such as daily backups, malware scanning, and DDoS protection. All of which help mitigate common threats.
- Performance optimization: Managed hosting providers perfect server performance for WordPress sites. This guarantees faster load times and improved user experience.
- Expert support: With Managed WordPress Hosting, you’ll have access to WordPress-specific customer support. All of our experts are well-versed in WordPress-related issues.
- Scalability: These services are designed to handle high-traffic websites, offering more powerful resources as your site becomes bigger.
Pros & Cons of Managed WordPress Hosting
A Managed WordPress Hosting plan offers the above features and benefits, allowing site owners to focus on content and business development. At the same time, actual WordPress experts handle technical aspects like updates and security.
Pros:
- Time-saving: Managed hosting for WordPress offloads the technical tasks of maintaining a WordPress site, allowing you to focus on content creation and marketing.
- Better security: Constantly upgraded security features and regular monitoring help protect against threats and breaches. Automatic daily backups are also present on some hosting solutions.
- Optimized for WordPress: Every part of the service is designed to maximize WordPress performance, including server configurations and caching. You don’t have to install WordPress, as it’s already present on the web server. This process helps new WordPress users easily acclimate to the new CMS, especially if they haven’t worked on it before.
Cons:
- Cost: Managed WordPress Hosting can be more expensive than unmanaged alternatives due to the added services.
- Less control: With a managed hosting provider handling most tasks, you may have less control over certain server configurations or customizations.
What Ιs Unmanaged WordPress Hosting?
Unmanaged WordPress Hosting (sometimes referred to as self-managed hosting) is a more hands-on hosting solution. In a nutshell, you—the website owner—are responsible for maintaining your WordPress along with installing plugins and themes.
The hosting provider offers you the server space but does not assist with technical management. This gives you full control over your WordPress environment, but it also comes with the responsibility of handling technical tasks.
In contrast, a managed WordPress host provides comprehensive support and maintenance, making it easier for users who prefer not to handle the technical details.
Key Features of Unmanaged WordPress Hosting:
- Full control: You have complete control over your WordPress installation, including updates, themes, and plugins. You can customize everything to your liking.
- Cost-effective: Unmanaged hosting is often cheaper because it doesn’t come with the premium services provided by managed hosting.
- Freedom to choose plugins and themes: With an unmanaged plan, you can install any plugin or theme, even those that some managed hosts may restrict.
- You manage security: The responsibility for securing your site falls on you, including the installation of firewalls, malware scanners, and regular backups.
Pros & Cons of Unmanaged WordPress Hosting
Pros:
- Lower cost: Unmanaged hosting is typically more affordable than managed hosting, making it a great choice for budget-conscious WordPress users.
- Full flexibility: You have complete freedom over how your WordPress site is configured and can use any plugins or themes you wish.
- Ideal for experienced users: If you’re familiar with managing WordPress and server settings, an unmanaged plan provides the flexibility to do so.
Cons:
- Technical expertise required: You need to have some technical knowledge to manage and maintain the server, update WordPress, and troubleshoot issues.
- No dedicated support: Unlike managed hosting, you’ll need to rely on general customer support or external resources for help.
- Increased security risk: Without regular updates and proactive security measures, your website may be more vulnerable to hacking or other threats.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Managed WordPress Hosting | Unmanaged WordPress Hosting |
| Maintenance and Updates | Automatic updates for WordPress core, themes, and plugins | You handle updates and maintenance |
| Support | 24/7 WordPress-specific support | General hosting support |
| Security | Regular backups, malware scans, and proactive security measures | The responsibility for security falls on you |
| Performance | Optimized for WordPress performance | Performance depends on how well you manage the server |
| Customization | Limited to what the host allows | Full control and flexibility |
| Pricing | More expensive due to added services | More affordable, but you pay for any additional work |
| Free Domain | Often included as part of the package | Typically not included |
Who Should Choose Managed WordPress Hosting?
Managed WordPress Hosting is ideal for:
- Beginners or non-technical users who want a hassle-free experience: Managed WordPress Hosting offers an all-in-one solution for those new to website building or those with little technical knowledge. With automated updates, security patches, and daily backups, users don’t have to worry about technical complexities. The hosting provider handles all the maintenance, allowing users to focus solely on creating content and increasing the size of their website. Managed hosting is also ideal for managing and hosting multiple sites from a single hosting account, offering flexibility for businesses with several websites.
- Small business owners who prefer focusing on their business rather than server management: Small business owners often wear many hats and may not have the time or proficiency to manage a website’s technical aspects. Managed WordPress Hosting provides peace of mind, offering 24/7 support, fast load times, and tough security features—all essential for maintaining a professional online presence without the distractions of server management. Unmanaged plans seem to be better for supporting a WordPress multisite.
- High-traffic websites that need excellent performance and security: Managed WordPress Hosting offers increased speed, security, and flexibility for websites with high traffic volumes, such as blogs, eCommerce sites, or news outlets. The host ensures the website is adjusted for high performance, with features like caching, Content Delivery Networks (CDN), and proactive security monitoring. With managed services, high-traffic websites are less likely to experience slowdowns or downtime, ensuring a seamless user experience. A Managed WordPress Hosting provider offers premium services designed for websites requiring high performance and reliability, with superior customer support, automatic scaling during traffic spikes, and built-in tools for security and backups.
Who Should Choose Unmanaged WordPress Hosting?
Unmanaged WordPress Hosting is best suited for:
- Developers or tech-savvy users who want full control over their hosting environment: Unmanaged hosting offers maximum flexibility and control, perfect for developers or experienced users who want to configure every aspect of their server. Whether installing custom software, adjusting server settings, or tweaking the environment for specific needs, unmanaged hosting lets users make advanced technical decisions without restrictions.
- Budget-conscious website owners who don’t mind handling updates, security, and maintenance: While Unmanaged WordPress Hosting is typically more affordable, it does come with the responsibility of managing your site’s security, updates, and backups. For users comfortable with these tasks and looking for a low-cost alternative, unmanaged hosting enables greater budget flexibility while still providing access to the WordPress platform.
- Businesses with in-house IT teams capable of managing server-related tasks: Larger companies or tech-oriented teams that already have IT professionals on staff may prefer unmanaged hosting for the complete control it provides. These teams can oversee all aspects of the server, from ensuring proper performance to implementing security measures, while taking full responsibility for site maintenance without relying on external support. Unmanaged hosting is also ideal for managing multiple sites from a single account, offering flexibility for businesses with several websites.
The Historical Context: Why Managed Hosting Became Popular
In the early days of WordPress hosting, most website owners used unmanaged hosting solutions. As WordPress grew in popularity, it became clear that many users lacked the technical knowledge to manage their sites effectively, leading to increased security vulnerabilities and performance issues.
Managed WordPress Hosting arose to address these problems. Hosting companies recognized the burgeoning demand for easier, more dependable hosting solutions, especially among non-technical users, small business owners, and content creators who wanted a hassle-free experience. Managed WordPress hosts emphasize performance, security features, and additional services, such as a free SSL certificate, high-speed memory, and exclusive streamlined tools designed for WordPress sites.
With the rise of managed hosting, users could focus more on their content and business expansion while hosting companies handled the technicalities of performance and security.
Why This Decision Matters for Your Website
Managed hosting is the ideal route for many businesses aiming for a successful website while leveraging the proven platform of WordPress.
Most solutions also include added features for a safer experience, combined with preferences like SSH access and access to WP CLI, the command-line interface for WordPress.
1. Security
Managed hosting includes built-in security features like automatic malware scanning, DDoS protection, and firewalls. With unmanaged hosting, you’re responsible for implementing these safeguards. A managed host also offers specialized and secure hosting services for WordPress websites, including automatic backups, threat detection, and dedicated support. Great customer support also plays a deciding role in going managed.
2. Performance & Website Speed
Managed hosting providers fine-tune their servers for WordPress, leading to faster page load speeds for your live site. With unmanaged hosting, performance depends on how well you configure caching, CDNs, and server settings.
Choosing the Best-Managed WordPress Hosting provider can boost your site’s performance and speed.
3. Time & Server Resources
If you’re a business owner, time is money. Managed hosting saves you hours by handling updates, security, and performance reinforcement. Unmanaged hosting requires active maintenance, troubleshooting, and ongoing technical oversight.
Managed WordPress plans offer dedicated expert support 24/7, plenty of developer tools, and utilize advanced server technologies to guarantee high speed and performance benefits.
4. Scalability & Growth
Managed hosting solutions often provide flawless scalability, ensuring your website can handle traffic spikes. Unmanaged hosting may require manual server adjustments and configurations as your site becomes ever larger. Choosing the best-managed WordPress host can simplify this process, offering reliable expansion and support.
5 Key Questions to Help You Decide between Managed & Unmanaged WordPress Hosting Plans
Before choosing between managed and unmanaged hosting, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I have the technical skills to manage a server?
- How much time can I dedicate to server management?
- What’s my budget?
- How critical is website performance and security?
- Am I running a business or an eCommerce site?
Additionally, consider if you are managing a WordPress website, as this can influence your hosting needs.
Conclusion: Which One Is Right for You?
The decision between managed and Unmanaged WordPress Hosting ultimately boils down to your technical know-how, budget, and priorities.
If you’re a beginner or prefer a hands-off approach to managing your website, Managed WordPress Hosting is the better choice. However, if you’re comfortable with WordPress and site management, plus you have the time to handle updates, security, and performance on your own, Unmanaged WordPress Hosting can be a more affordable and flexible choice.
Ultimately, the best hosting choice depends on your technical prowess, budget, and the needs of your website. If you want a hands-off, secure, and high-performing hosting solution, Managed WordPress Hosting is the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy the flexibility of full control and are comfortable managing security and updates, Unmanaged WordPress Hosting may be a better fit.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need technical knowledge to use Managed WordPress Hosting?
No. Managed WordPress Hosting is ideal for beginners or users without technical experience. It provides a user-friendly experience with automatic updates, security patches, and backups so that you can focus on content creation and business growth rather than server management.
A perfect example of this would be HostPapa’s Managed WordPress Hosting plans. Managed hosting is particularly beneficial for those managing multiple WordPress websites, as it ensures automatic updates and robust security measures without the user even touching the dashboard.
Is Managed WordPress Hosting more expensive than Unmanaged Hosting?
Yes, Managed WordPress Hosting is generally more expensive due to the added features and support, such as:
- Automated updates
- Enhanced security
- Performance optimization
- Customer support
However, it provides a hands-off experience, which may justify the higher cost for many users, especially agencies that manage multiple client sites.
Can I upgrade from Unmanaged to Managed WordPress Hosting later?
Yes, many web hosting providers offer the option to upgrade your plan. Moving from unmanaged to managed hosting is relatively easy, and your website will benefit from tougher security, faster performance, and better customer support once switched.
Which type of hosting is better for high-traffic sites?
Managed WordPress Hosting is better suited for high-traffic websites. It comes with features like caching, a Content Delivery Network (CDN), and strengthened security to handle large volumes of visitors without slowing down or crashing.
Can I install custom software on Managed WordPress Hosting?
In general terms, no. While Managed WordPress Hosting generally focuses on performance and security upgrades for WordPress, some managed hosting providers may allow limited customizations or offer a staging environment for experimenting with changes. However, if you require extensive customization or installation of custom software, unmanaged hosting would provide more flexibility to WordPress experts.
Is Managed WordPress Hosting good for small businesses?
Absolutely! Managed WordPress Hosting is ideal for small businesses that want to save time and avoid technical hassles. With automatic backups, updates, and expert support, business owners can focus on developing their business without worrying about server issues or website maintenance.
What kind of support can I expect with Managed WordPress Hosting?
Managed WordPress Hosting often includes 24/7 expert support from teams who specialize in WordPress. This means you can receive quick assistance with any issues related to your website, whether it’s:
- Performance-related challenges
- Security concerns
- Troubleshooting plugin conflicts
Can I switch from Managed to Unmanaged WordPress Hosting?
Yes, you can switch from managed to unmanaged hosting. However, it requires more involvement on your part—as once the transition is made, you’ll be responsible for managing everything, including:
- Updates
- Security
- Backups
So, be sure to back up your website before switching to ensure a smooth transition.
What is the best hosting option for developers?
Unmanaged WordPress Hosting is generally the best option for developers or tech-savvy users who need complete control over their server environment. With unmanaged hosting, developers can configure the server settings, install custom software, and have full control over performance and security settings.
