What Is the Difference Between Shared Hosting and Managed WordPress?

Choosing the right hosting option is essential for anyone who has a website, whether you are a blog writer or an online business owner. You want a plan that is suited to your needs and that will provide users with a fast and secure website. But is the best of both worlds really possible?

Two popular options for hosting websites are shared hosting and managed WordPress hosting. Which should you choose to host your website? Let’s compare the two.

Shared Hosting vs. Managed WordPress Hosting

You may have already built your website, chosen a domain name, and now it is ready to be launched. Your next step is to choose a website hosting plan. A web host determines where your website files are located and stored. 

When someone types the address of your website into their browser, the files of your website are retrieved from the web hosting account. The person then sees your website live in the browser. 

Pros and Cons of Shared Hosting

Considering the pros and cons of shared hosting may help you decide whether it is the right hosting solution for your website. 

Pros of shared hosting:

• Cost: Since numerous websites are sharing one server, it is the most cost-effective plan, with prices starting as low as $3 a month.
• Storage: Many shared hosting companies offer unlimited storage and bandwidth
•  for one flat monthly fee. 
• Email: Shared hosting will usually allow you to set up your own business email, such as yourname@yourbusiness.com for free. 
• Unlimited visitors: The majority of shared hosts advertise “unlimited visitors,” and do not restrict the number of visits to your website. 
• Supports almost any CMS: Unlike managed WordPress hosting, which is limited to WordPress CMS, shared hosting will support almost all content management systems and web development software. 

Cons of shared hosting:

• Speed: The load time of your website may be affected by what is happening with the other sites on the shared server. 
• Downtime: Your website could be booted offline due to another site on the server becoming infected with a virus or malware. 
• Customization: Shared hosts do not typically permit customization due to the effect it could have on the other sites on the server, leaving you to use the default server settings configured by the hosting company. 
• Self-managed: Shared hosting does not offer automated backups and updates, meaning you have to perform these maintenance tasks yourself or pay an additional fee to have them done. 

Pros and Cons of Managed WordPress Hosting

Weighing the pros and cons of managed WordPress can help you determine whether this is the right website hosting option for you. 

Pros of managed WordPress:

• Backups: Your website and database are automatically backed up every day. 
• Performance: The server is designed specifically for WordPress, making it faster and more secure. 
• Customization: The server can be optimized in a way that allows for advanced server caching, allowing your website to perform at the highest possible speed. 
• Security: Managed WordPress hosts are continually monitoring and upgrading their servers, keeping them free from hackers and malware. 
• Support: The staff that works for managed WordPress companies are knowledgeable and ready to answer any question you have about WordPress. 

Cons of managed WordPress:

• Expense: A managed WordPress host usually costs quite a bit more than shared hosting.
• Limited websites: Managed WordPress hosts limit the number of websites you can have and only allow you to host WordPress sites on their servers. 
• Plugin restrictions: There are certain plugins that may not be allowed on your website, to prevent them from slowing it down. 
• Bandwidth limits: Some managed WordPress hosts put a restriction on bandwidth or the number of visits to your site per month. 

Choose the Hosting Option That Fits Your Current Needs Best

The hosting option you choose should depend on your website needs, your budget, and how comfortable you are with managing your site on your own. It’s always okay to start small and grow as your business does. 

Many new website owners start out using shared hosting because it is the most affordable option. However, managed WordPress hosting might be the best option as traffic grows, since it offers superfast speeds and enhanced security features.

KnownHost offers different packages of fully managed WordPress hosting services, both Entry Level and Business Level. So you are free to consider your budget even at a higher quality of hosting. Remember, WordPress hosting could well be worth it.