The main difference between web hosting and WordPress hosting is that ‘web hosting’ is a broad term for all types of hosting services and WordPress hosting is a subcategory of hosting exclusively for WordPress websites.
Web hosting is a service that allows individuals and organizations to post a website or web page on the Internet. This can be built on WordPress or any other platform. WordPress hosting is fine-tuned to enhance the performance and security of sites powered by the popular WordPress content management system.
This article explains the differences between web hosting vs WordPress hosting. We’ll talk about what ‘managed’ and ‘unmanaged’ means, discuss their pros and cons, and help you figure out which one fits your needs.
What Is Web Hosting?
Web hosting is a service that provides the necessary technologies and resources for a website to be viewed on the Internet. This involves storing a website’s files on a server to ensure that users can access it via browsers. Different types of hosting are available to cater to various website sizes and traffic levels.
There are 6 types of web hosting:
- Shared hosting In shared hosting, several websites share resources on a single server. This option is commonly chosen by beginners and small businesses that do not require extensive resources.
- WordPress hosting This type of hosting is specifically optimized for WordPress sites, and offers tools and resources tailored to the WordPress platform.
- Cloud hosting A scalable and reliable hosting solution where your site is hosted on multiple cloud servers. It offers greater uptime and resources.
- Dedicated hosting Dedicated hosting provides a dedicated server for a single client. It gives users maximum control, customization, and performance.
- VPS hosting A Virtual Private Server offers dedicated resources to your site while still sharing a physical server with others. It gives you more power and flexibility than shared hosting, without the cost of a dedicated server.
- Reseller hosting Reseller hosting allows you to act as a hosting provider yourself. You can sell hosting services to others while managing the backend through a parent host.
Shared hosting and WordPress hosting are often directly compared because they are among the most popular and affordable options available. They cater to a wide range of users, from individuals creating their first website to small businesses seeking an easy-to-manage solution.
The Advantages of Shared Web Hosting
There are 6 advantages of shared web hosting:
- Cost-effectiveness Shared hosting is the most affordable option. Server costs are shared among multiple users so they can enjoy lower prices.
- Ease of use Web host providers offer user-friendly interfaces that are ideal for beginners. This includes one-click installations for various applications.
- Built-in cPanel Most services include cPanel or a similar control panel for straightforward website management.
- Compatible with a variety of CMS and platforms Shared hosting supports a wide range of content management systems and platforms, not just WordPress. This makes it a flexible option for various website needs.
- Scalability Shared hosting accommodates early stages of website growth and provides options to upgrade plans as needed.
- Customer support Providers offer comprehensive support such as 24/7 assistance and resources for troubleshooting.
The Disadvantages of Shared Web Hosting
There are 3 disadvantages of shared web hosting:
- Limited resources Shared resources lead to slower website performance during high traffic on other sites on the same server.
- Not specialized for WordPress Shared hosting supports WordPress but it’s not specialized for it. This means it won’t offer the same level of performance, security, or WordPress-specific features as dedicated WordPress hosting services.
- Security risks Shared hosting is less secure since a compromised website will also affect other websites in the same server.
What Is WordPress Hosting?
WordPress hosting is a specialized type of web hosting tailored specifically for WordPress websites. This hosting environment is optimized to enhance the performance and security of WordPress sites. It includes features such as one-click WordPress installations, automatic updates, and support specifically skilled in WordPress technicalities.
The Advantages of WordPress Hosting
There are 6 advantages of WordPress hosting:
- Optimized performance This type of hosting is specifically tuned for WordPress. This results in faster load times and enhanced performance.
- Enhanced security Tailored security measures address WordPress-specific vulnerabilities more effectively.
- Automatic updates Automatic WordPress software and plugin updates keep the site secure and functional.
- Expert support The best WordPress hosts have customer support teams knowledgeable in WordPress-specific issues.
- WordPress-centric features WordPress hosting includes tools like one-click WordPress install, WP-CLI integration, and specialized caching.
- Improved uptime Hosting environments optimized for WordPress result in higher uptime rates for websites.
The Disadvantages of WordPress Hosting
There are 3 disadvantages of WordPress hosting:
- Platform-specfiic WordPress hosting is not suitable for non-WordPress websites using other content management systems.
- Higher cost Managed WordPress hosting is more expensive compared to standard shared hosting options.
- Less control Users have limited access to server settings due to WordPress-specific configurations.
Web Hosting vs WordPress Hosting: Managed and Unmanaged Plans
Managed hosting is a service where the hosting provider takes care of the technical aspects of running a server. This includes security, backups, updates, and overall server management. Managed WordPress hosting is a subcategory that focuses specifically on WordPress sites. It offers services like WordPress updates, optimized performance for WordPress, and expert WordPress support. Check our best managed WordPress hosting shortlist for our brand recommendations.
Unmanaged hosting places the responsibility of managing the server on the user. This includes installing updates and managing security. Unmanaged WordPress hosting is a subcategory where the user manages these aspects specifically for a WordPress environment. This means you’re responsible for making sure WordPress is updated, optimized, and secure. This is without the direct assistance of the hosting provider. Unmanaged WordPress hosting is sometimes referred to as regular WordPress hosting.
Should You Choose Managed or Unmanaged Hosting?
Choosing between managed and unmanaged hosting depends on your expertise, time, and the level of control you require:
- Managed hosting is ideal for users who prefer a hassle-free experience or lack technical expertise. It’s suitable for businesses or individuals who want to focus on content and business growth, since it leaves the technicalities to the experts.
- Managed WordPress hosting specifically caters to those with WordPress sites who want optimized performance and don’t want to deal with the technicalities of WordPress maintenance.
- Unmanaged hosting suits tech-savvy users who want more control over their server environment. It’s ideal for those who have the time and skills to manage their own server.
- Unmanaged WordPress hosting is best for WordPress experts who prefer to apply their own customizations and optimizations. Users must have the skills to maintain their WordPress environment independently.
Web Hosting vs WordPress Hosting – Which Is Right for You?
Choosing between web hosting and WordPress hosting depends on your specific website needs and goals. Consider these scenarios to guide you in making the right decision:
- For WordPress-specific support and optimization Choose WordPress hosting. It’s optimized for WordPress performance and security.
- For non-WordPress sites or diverse software needs Opt for web hosting. It’s more flexible and supports various types of software.
- For beginners with WordPress Managed WordPress hosting is more suitable. Most providers include one-click WordPress installations, managed updates, and 24/7 support.
- For those on a tight budget Web hosting is more cost-effective. It offers a range of affordable options, especially for shared hosting plans.
- For extensive customization and control Web hosting is better. It provides more freedom for customization beyond WordPress constraints.
Web Hosting vs WordPress Hosting FAQ
Below is an FAQ addressing common queries to help you understand the differences between web and WordPress hosting.
Can WordPress Host Websites?
Yes, WordPress can host websites through its WordPress.com platform but not its WordPress.org platform. Hosting websites via WordPress is not recommended for those who need customization and full control. WordPress.com offers ease and convenience but it limits users in terms of plugin installation, theme flexibility, and monetization opportunities. In contrast, WordPress.org allows self-hosting and gives users complete control over their website. Check our best self-hosted WordPress shortlist for our brand recommendations.
Can I Host My WordPress Website for Free?
Yes, you can host your WordPress website for free using a free WordPress hosting provider or WordPress.com’s free plan. Neither option is recommended because free hosting services offer limited bandwidth, storage, and security. WordPress.com’s free plan restricts customization and prohibits custom themes or plugins. It also places ads on your site. You’re also limited to a WordPress.com subdomain.
What Should You Expect from the Best WordPress Hosting?
The best WordPress hosting should include these 6 key features:
- 1-Click WordPress Install
- Staging Environments
- Tech Team with WordPress Expertise
- Security Measures for WordPress
- Optimization for WordPress Performance
- Managed Updates (for Managed Plans)
Check our best WordPress hosting shortlist for our brand recommendations.
What Is Fast WordPress Hosting?
Fast WordPress hosting is a type of hosting optimized for WordPress that provides global average server response times below 180 milliseconds. This hosting uses SSD or NVMe SSD servers which are faster than regular hard drives. It has features made for WordPress, such as a 1-click install, automatic updates, and enhanced security protocols specifically for WordPress sites. Check our fastest WordPress hosting shortlist for our brand recommendations.
Is WordPress a Domain Host?
No, WordPress is not a domain host. WordPress is primarily a content management system (CMS) used for managing websites. WordPress.com offers domain hosting as part of its package, but it’s not a standalone domain hosting provider. Users need to purchase domain names through separate domain registrars and then connect those domains to their WordPress websites. The same follows for self-hosted WordPress sites on WordPress.org.
Verdict: Which Is Better, Web Hosting vs WordPress Hosting?
The better choice between web hosting and WordPress hosting will depend on your specific requirements.
Traditional web hosting suits websites not based on WordPress, or those who need greater software and application flexibility.
WordPress hosting is ideal for those running WordPress websites because it offers optimized performance, ease of use, and WordPress-specific support. It’s tailored to enhance the functionality and security of WordPress sites.
Each hosting type comes with their own strengths and limitations. Your decision should ultimately align with your site’s technical demands and your personal expertise.