Are you on the hunt for the best WPEngine alternatives in 2023? Look no further! We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the top web hosting companies that offer plans comparable to what WP Engine offers. From pricing and managed WordPress hosting to eCommerce capabilities and one-click staging sites, these hosting providers have you covered.
Today we’re exploring the best WPEngine alternatives, so you can find the perfect hosting solution for your WordPress website. Whether you’re a startup, freelancer, or small business owner, these hosting providers cater to all needs and budgets.
So, let’s dive in and discover the best WPEngine alternatives that will help you build and maintain a high-performance website in 2023.
What You Need to Know About WP Engine
Many people choose WP Engine as their managed WordPress hosting provider because of its reputation for excellent service, top-notch customer support team, and great performance. With functionality designed specifically for WordPress users, it has become a preferred hosting solution for businesses, developers, and individuals.
However, it’s essential to understand both the strengths and potential drawbacks of WP Engine to determine if it’s the right choice for your needs or if WPEngine alternatives might be more suitable.
WP Engine Services and Benefits
WP Engine provides a variety of services and benefits that make it a strong contender in the managed WordPress hosting space:
- High-performance hosting environment
- Daily backups
- One-click staging for WordPress sites
- Automatic updates for plugins and core software
- Free SSL certificates
- Built-in CDN
- 24/7 support from WordPress experts
- Advanced security features, including firewall and malware scanning
- 99.95% uptime guarantee
These features make it clear why WP Engine is a go-to choice for those looking for a reliable and feature-rich managed WordPress hosting solution.
Why Some Users May Opt for a Different Provider
Despite its many benefits, WP Engine might not be the perfect fit for everyone. Some reasons users may consider alternative hosting providers include:
- Pricing: WP Engine’s hosting plans tend to be more expensive compared to other managed WordPress hosting providers. For users with tight budgets or small-scale projects, the higher pricing may lead them to explore more affordable options.
- Limited Hosting Options: WP Engine exclusively offers managed WordPress hosting, which may not cater to users seeking other types of hosting solutions, such as VPS hosting, dedicated servers, or shared hosting.
- Plugin Restrictions: The service maintains a list of disallowed plugins that can’t be used on their platform due to potential security, performance, or compatibility issues. Users who rely on specific plugins may need to find an alternative hosting provider that supports them.
- No Domain Registration: WP Engine does not offer domain registration services, requiring users to obtain a domain name from a separate provider. Some users may prefer a company that provides domain registration for a more streamlined experience.
- Resource Limitations: While WP Engine provides excellent performance and scalability, some users may need more resources than their plans offer or may prefer a provider with more flexible and customisable hosting solutions, such as cloud hosting.
WP Engine is a hosting provider that is particularly adept at providing managed hosting for WordPress. While it is very well-regarded for its strong reputation and tailored features, some users may be deterred by its pricing or by its limited hosting options. These users may find that alternative hosting providers are better suited to their particular needs and preferences.
WP Engine Competitors and Best Alternatives: Side-by-Side Comparison
If you’re in a rush, here’s a quick side-by-side comparison of the WPEngine alternatives we’ll be talking about today:
| Hosting Provider | Starter Plan Cost | Bandwidth | Storage | Domain Name Included? | Number of Sites | WordPress-specific Support | Uptime Rating | Money-back Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SiteGround | $6.99/month | Unmetered | 10 GB | No | 1 | Yes | 99.9% | 30 days |
| Bluehost | $3.95/month | Unmetered | 50 GB | Yes (1 year) | 1 | Yes | 99.9% | 30 days |
| GoDaddy | $6.99/month | Unmetered | 30 GB | Yes (1 year) | 1 | Yes | 99.9% | 30 days |
| Kinsta | $30/month | 50 GB | 10 GB | No | 1 | Yes | 99.9% | 30 days |
| DreamHost | $16.95/month | Unmetered | 30 GB | Yes (1 year) | 1 | Yes | 100% | 30 days |
| A2 Hosting | $12.99/month | Unmetered | 10 GB | No | 1 | Yes | 99.9% | 30 days |
| Cloudways | Starting at $10/month | Variable (depends on provider) | Variable (depends on provider) | No | 1 | Yes | 99.9% | None (pay-as-you-go) |
| HostGator | $5.95/month | Unmetered | 50 GB | Yes (1 year) | 1 | Yes | 99.9% | 45 days |
| InMotion | $6.99/month | Unmetered | 50 GB | Yes (1 year) | 1 | Yes | 99.9% | 90 days |
| GreenGeeks | $2.95/month | Unmetered | 50 GB | Yes (1 year) | 1 | Yes | 99.9% | 30 days |
| FastComet | $3.95/month | Unmetered | 15 GB | No (Free domain transfer) | 1 | Yes | 99.9% | 45 days |
11 Best WPEngine Alternatives With Comparable Features and Budget-Friendly Pricing
In this section, we’ll compare the top 11 web hosting providers that offer features and pricing plans similar to WP Engine, ensuring you get the best bang for your buck. These WPEngine alternatives cater to a wide range of customers, from beginners and small businesses to freelancers and eCommerce sites.
Let’s get down to the details.
1. SiteGround
SiteGround is a popular choice for hosting services and is well-known for its user-friendly interface, excellent customer support, and robust hosting plans. With a reputation for high performance, SiteGround is a reliable choice for WordPress users who value stability, high bandwidth, and hassle-free site management.
Features
- Managed WordPress hosting
- Free SSL certificates
- Daily backups
- Free CDN (with Cloudflare)
- Automatic updates for plugins and core software
- One-click staging for WordPress sites
- User-friendly control panel
- 99.9% uptime guarantee
- SSD storage
Pricing
SiteGround offers three hosting plans for WordPress users:
- Startup: Suitable for beginners and single websites, priced at $3.99/month
- GrowBig: Ideal for small businesses and multiple websites, priced at $6.69/month
- GoGeek: Perfect for larger sites and developers, priced at $10.69/month
Ideal Customer
SiteGround is a fantastic option for beginners, small businesses, and developers looking for a reliable and user-friendly hosting provider with a price tag that’s in range for most.
2. Bluehost
Bluehost is one of the most well-known hosting providers, offering a variety of hosting plans, including managed WordPress hosting. With its excellent customer support, decent bandwidth, easy-to-use control panel, and optimised hosting environment, Bluehost is a top choice for WordPress users.
Features
- Managed WordPress hosting
- Free SSL certificates
- Daily backups
- Built-in caching for improved load times and speed optimisation
- One-click staging for WordPress sites
- Automatic updates for plugins and core software
- Free domain name for the first year
- 99.9% uptime guarantee
- SSD storage
Pricing
Bluehost has three managed WordPress hosting plans:
- Build: Suitable for beginners and single websites, priced at $9.95/month
- Grow: Ideal for small businesses and multiple websites, priced at $14.95/month
- Scale: Perfect for larger sites and developers, priced at $27.95/month
Ideal Customer
Bluehost works well for beginners and small businesses looking for an easy-to-use hosting platform with scalable plans and budget-friendly pricing.
3. GoDaddy
GoDaddy, one of the largest domain registrars and hosting providers in the world, offers feature-rich hosting plans suitable for a wide range of users. Their Managed WordPress hosting services provide an easy-to-use platform that combines affordability and high-quality performance.
Features
- Managed WordPress hosting
- Free SSL certificates
- Daily backups
- One-click staging for WordPress sites
- Automatic updates for plugins and core software
- User-friendly control panel
- 99.9% uptime guarantee
- SSD storage
- Free domain name with annual plan
Pricing
GoDaddy offers four managed WordPress hosting plans:
- Basic Plan: Suitable for beginners and single websites, priced at $6.99/month
- Deluxe: Ideal for small businesses and multiple websites, priced at $9.99/month
- Ultimate: Perfect for larger sites with high traffic, priced at $12.99/month
- eCommerce: Tailored for online stores, priced at $15.99/month
Ideal Customer
GoDaddy is a great option for beginners, small businesses, and eCommerce sites looking for an all-in-one hosting solution with reliable performance and affordable pricing.
4. Kinsta
Kinsta is a provider of managed WordPress hosting services that prioritise providing excellent customer support and high performance. Kinsta takes advantage of the Google Cloud Platform and offers hosting plans that are fully scalable and can grow with your website while still ensuring lightning-fast load times.
Features
- Managed WordPress hosting
- Google Cloud Platform infrastructure
- Free SSL certificates
- Daily backups
- Free migration service
- One-click staging for WordPress sites
- Automatic updates for plugins and core software
- 99.9% uptime guarantee
- SSD storage
- Free CDN (with KeyCDN)
Pricing
Kinsta offers a variety of hosting plans that cater to a range of needs and budgets.
- Starter: Suitable for beginners and single websites, priced at $30/month
- Pro: Ideal for small businesses and multiple websites, priced at $60/month
- Business 1-4: Perfect for larger sites and developers, ranging from $100/month to $400/month
- Enterprise 1-2: Tailored for enterprise-level sites, ranging from $600/month to $900/month
Ideal Customer
Kinsta is suitable for users who prioritise high performance, top-tier customer support, and scalability. While it may be more expensive than some alternatives, Kinsta delivers premium features and reliability, making it ideal for growing businesses and high-traffic websites.
5. DreamHost
If you’re searching for a reliable and affordable hosting provider to run your WordPress website, DreamHost could be a great option for you. They offer various hosting solutions, including managed WordPress hosting, and are known for their high-performance infrastructure and excellent customer support. DreamHost has a solid reputation as a respected hosting provider.
Features
- Managed WordPress hosting (Dreampress)
- Free SSL certificates
- Daily backups
- One-click staging for WordPress sites
- Automatic updates for plugins and core software
- User-friendly control panel
- 100% uptime guarantee
- SSD storage
- Free domain name with annual plan
- Free CDN (with Cloudflare)
Pricing
DreamHost offers three managed WordPress hosting plans:
- DreamPress: Suitable for beginners and single websites, priced at $16.95/month
- DreamPress Plus: Ideal for small businesses and multiple websites, priced at $24.95/month
- DreamPress Pro: Perfect for larger sites and developers, priced at $71.95/month
Ideal Customer
DreamHost is a great choice for beginners, small businesses, and developers who want an affordable, user-friendly hosting provider with reliable performance and excellent customer support.
6. A2 Hosting
A2 Hosting is known for its high-speed hosting solutions and exceptional customer support. Offering managed WordPress hosting plans optimised for performance, A2 Hosting is ideal for users looking to boost their site’s speed and reliability.
Features
- Managed WordPress hosting
- Free SSL certificates
- Daily backups
- One-click staging for WordPress sites
- Automatic updates for plugins and core software
- Free site migration
- 99.9% uptime guarantee
- SSD storage
- Free CDN (with Cloudflare)
- Turbo servers for improved load times
Pricing
A2 Hosting offers three managed WordPress hosting plans:
- 1-Site: Suitable for beginners and single websites, priced at $12.99/month
- 3-Sites: Ideal for small businesses and multiple websites, priced at $22.99/month
- Unlimited: Perfect for larger sites and developers, priced at $42.99/month
Ideal Customer
A2 Hosting is an excellent option for beginners, small businesses, and developers who prioritise speed and performance. With affordable pricing and a range of features, A2 Hosting is a solid choice for those looking to optimise their WordPress site’s performance.
7. Cloudways
Cloudways is a unique managed WordPress hosting provider that offers scalable and flexible cloud hosting solutions. With the ability to choose from various cloud providers, such as Google Cloud Platform and Amazon Web Services, Cloudways delivers a customisable hosting experience that caters to a wide range of users.
Features
- Managed WordPress hosting
- Cloud hosting with a choice of cloud providers (Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services, DigitalOcean, Vultr, and Linode)
- Free SSL certificates
- Daily backups
- One-click staging for WordPress sites
- MySQL access
- Automatic updates for plugins and core software
- 99.9% uptime guarantee
- SSD storage
- Free CDN (with CloudwaysCDN)
- 24/7 customer support
Pricing
Cloudways offers pay-as-you-go pricing based on the cloud provider and resources you choose. Prices start as low as $10/month, making it an affordable and scalable option for WordPress users.
Ideal Customer
Cloudways would work well for users who want the flexibility of cloud hosting combined with the ease of managed WordPress hosting. With a range of cloud providers to choose from and scalable pricing, Cloudways is perfect for growing businesses and developers looking for customisable hosting solutions.
8. HostGator
HostGator is a hosting provider most people have heard of that offers a variety of hosting solutions, including managed WordPress hosting. Known for its reliable performance, user-friendly interface, and budget-friendly pricing, HostGator is a top-tier option for WordPress users of all experience levels.
Features
- Managed WordPress hosting
- Free SSL certificates
- Daily backups
- One-click staging for WordPress sites
- Automatic updates for plugins and core software
- User-friendly control panel
- 99.9% uptime guarantee
- SSD storage
- Free domain name with annual plan
- Free CDN (with Cloudflare)
Pricing
HostGator offers three managed WordPress hosting plans:
- Starter Plan: Suitable for beginners and single websites, priced at $5.95/month
- Standard Plan: Ideal for small businesses and multiple websites, priced at $7.95/month
- Business Plan: Perfect for larger sites and developers, priced at $9.95/month
Ideal Customer
HostGator is a great choice for beginners, small businesses, and developers seeking a reliable, user-friendly hosting provider with affordable pricing. With a range of features and scalable hosting plans, HostGator is a solid option for WordPress users looking for a budget-friendly alternative to WP Engine.
9. InMotion Hosting
InMotion is a well-established hosting provider offering a variety of hosting services, including managed WordPress hosting. With its emphasis on performance, reliability, and customer support, InMotion is an excellent choice for users looking for a feature-rich hosting solution.
Features
- Managed WordPress hosting
- Free SSL certificates
- Daily backups
- One-click staging for WordPress sites
- Automatic updates for plugins and core software
- User-friendly control panel
- 99.9% uptime guarantee
- SSD storage
- Free domain name with annual plan
- Free CDN (with StackPath)
Pricing
InMotion offers four managed WordPress hosting plans:
- WP-1000S: Suitable for beginners and single websites, priced at $6.99/month
- WP-2000S: Ideal for small businesses and multiple websites, priced at $9.99/month
- WP-3000S: Perfect for larger sites and developers, priced at $12.99/month
- WP-4000S: Tailored for high-traffic sites and e-commerce, priced at $19.99/month
Ideal Customer
InMotion is a solid choice for beginners, small businesses, and developers who value performance, reliability, and customer support. With a range of features and scalable hosting plans, InMotion is a solid option for WordPress users seeking a powerful and affordable alternative to WP Engine.
10. GreenGeeks
GreenGeeks is an eco-friendly hosting provider offering a range of hosting solutions, including managed WordPress hosting. With its focus on sustainability and performance, GreenGeeks is on the short-list for users looking for a reliable and environmentally-conscious hosting provider.
Features
- Managed WordPress hosting
- Free SSL certificates
- Daily backups
- One-click staging for WordPress sites
- Automatic updates for plugins and core software
- User-friendly control panel
- 99.9% uptime guarantee
- SSD storage
- Free domain name with annual plan
- Free CDN (with Cloudflare)
- 300% renewable energy commitment
Pricing
GreenGeeks offers three managed WordPress hosting plans:
- Lite: Suitable for beginners and single websites, priced at $2.95/month
- Pro: Ideal for small businesses and multiple websites, priced at $5.95/month
- Premium: Perfect for larger sites and developers, priced at $11.95/month
Ideal Customer
GreenGeeks is most appealing to beginners, small businesses, and developers who value both performance and sustainability. With its eco-friendly commitment and a range of features, GreenGeeks is a solid and environmentally-conscious alternative to WP Engine.
11. FastComet
FastComet is a reliable and feature-rich hosting provider that offers a range of hosting solutions, including managed WordPress hosting. It emphasises performance, security, and customer support, and makes for a solid choice for users looking for a high-quality hosting provider with competitive pricing.
Features
- Managed WordPress hosting
- Free SSL certificates
- Daily backups
- One-click staging for WordPress sites
- Automatic updates for plugins and core software
- User-friendly control panel
- 99.9% uptime guarantee
- SSD storage
- Free domain transfer
- Free CDN (with Cloudflare)
- Built-in firewall and malware protection
Pricing
FastComet offers three managed WordPress hosting plans:
- FastCloud: Suitable for beginners and single websites, priced at $3.95/month
- FastCloud Plus: Ideal for small businesses and multiple websites, priced at $5.95/month
- FastCloud Extra: Perfect for larger sites and developers, priced at $9.95/month
Ideal Customer
FastComet should work well for beginners, small businesses, and developers who prioritise performance, security, and customer support. With a range of features and competitive pricing, FastComet is a strong alternative to WP Engine for WordPress users looking for a quality hosting provider at a more affordable price point.
How to Choose the Right WPEngine Alternatives for Your Website
Selecting the right WPEngine alternatives for your website can be daunting, as there are several factors to consider when making this crucial decision. To help you choose the best hosting provider that meets your needs, follow these guidelines:
1. Identify Your Website’s Needs
First, determine the specific requirements of your website. Consider factors such as expected traffic, storage requirements, the number of websites you want to host, and whether you require any unique features or plugins. Think about if you need eCommerce features and prefer WooCommerce or Shopify support. Also, think about your level of technical skill and knowledge — are you comfortable with editing PHP yourself? With setting up a CDN or Nginx?
Understanding your website’s needs will make identifying a hosting provider that aligns with those requirements easier.
2. Budget
Set a realistic budget for your hosting expenses. While it’s essential to find a hosting provider with a plan that fits your budget, don’t compromise on quality or necessary features for the sake of saving a few dollars. Remember that investing in a reliable hosting provider will ultimately contribute to your website’s overall success.
3. Performance
One of the key factors to consider when selecting a hosting provider is performance. Look for a provider with a reputation for high performance, quick load times, and low latency. This is particularly important if you’re running an eCommerce website, a site that relies on user engagement, or even a SaaS app as poor performance can negatively impact your site’s user experience and conversion rates.
4. Uptime Guarantee
To ensure your website is always available to users, select a hosting provider that offers a high uptime guarantee of 99.9% or more. Frequent downtime can result in lost revenue and reduced user satisfaction, which can harm your website’s SEO.
5. Security Features
Website security is paramount. Ensure that your chosen hosting provider offers robust security features, such as free SSL certificates, regular malware scanning, firewalls, and DDoS protection. A hosting provider with strong security measures will help protect your website from potential threats and vulnerabilities.
6. Customer Support
It’s important to have reliable and responsive customer support when dealing with website or hosting issues. To ensure you get the help you need, choose a hosting provider that is known for their excellent customer support and expertise in WordPress.
7. Scalability
When your website gets bigger and changes, your hosting requirements may also change. To solve this, search for a hosting provider that provides scalable hosting plans. This will allow you to increase or decrease your plan depending on what you need. This way, you can modify your hosting resources according to your website’s varying demands and traffic.
8. Money-back Guarantee
A hosting provider that offers a multi-day money-back guarantee demonstrates confidence in their services. This allows you to test their hosting platform and features without any long-term commitment. If you’re not satisfied with the service, you can request a refund within the specified trial period.
By carefully considering these factors and evaluating each hosting provider based on your website’s unique needs, you can confidently choose the best WPEngine alternatives to power your online presence.
Which WPEngine Alternatives Suit Your Needs?
This article explores 11 top WPEngine alternatives that offer comparable features and budget-friendly pricing. Each hosting provider has its unique strengths and weaknesses, making it essential to evaluate them based on your website’s specific needs and priorities. By following the guidelines in our “How to Choose the Right WP Engine Alternative for Your Website” section, you can make an informed decision and select the best hosting provider for your project.
Whether you’re a beginner launching your first website, a small business owner, or a developer seeking advanced hosting features, there are WPEngine alternatives that fit your needs. Remember that investing in the right hosting provider is crucial for your website’s performance, security, and overall success. Take your time to explore each option, and you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect hosting solution for your website.
Good luck!