What is Managed WordPress Hosting? Key Benefits Explained

Managing a website requires a lot of planning, time, and effort. It takes a knowledgeable team to create the best experience for visitors — and that’s before even considering the ongoing maintenance and troubleshooting once it’s live.

If you’d rather focus on growing your business and creating content than dealing with technical server maintenance, a managed WordPress hosting plan is a great solution.

On this page, we’ll break down what managed WordPress hosting is, the features it offers, and how to choose the right provider for your specific needs.

What is managed WordPress hosting?

Managed WordPress hosting is a type of plan where your host takes care of many technical aspects involved in running your website. With the right plan, you won’t have to worry about server maintenance, software updates, or performance optimization.

Providers design these plans specifically for WordPress, to help your site run smoothly and efficiently. In addition to the worry-free web hosting services themselves, managed plans often come with extra benefits like premium plugins, enhanced security features, and other tools to help improve your website’s speed and performance.

With the technical side taken care of, you can focus on your business while knowing your website is in expert hands.

Who needs managed WordPress hosting?

If you’re new to WordPress or don’t have a technical background, a managed plan provides extra support from your hosting provider, along with helpful tutorials and expert assistance.

It’s perfect for anyone hoping to skip the complexities of server management so they can focus their attention elsewhere. 

On the other hand, if you or your developer need full control over server settings or customizations, a managed plan may be too restrictive. 

Managed WordPress hosting is a go-to option for both seasoned pros building their tenth site and beginners just creating their first website. It’s the best option for the majority of users. 

How managed WordPress hosting works

Before we dive into the pros and cons of managed WordPress hosting, let’s take a look at how these plans work and what sets them apart from other options.

Server configurations tailored for WordPress

When you opt for traditional hosting, your provider typically gives you a basic server space that you can tailor to any type of website or project. It’s a flexible option, but it doesn’t offer much in the way of specific support for WordPress.

Managed WordPress hosting is different. Instead of a one-size-fits-all setup, your hosting provider tailors the server specifically for WordPress, creating an environment that helps your site run faster, securely, and more efficiently.

For example, managed hosting providers will make sure your server is using the latest version of PHP, the programming language that WordPress relies on.

They might also set up caching technologies or a content delivery network (CDN), both of which can significantly improve load times for your site. Faster load times mean a better experience for your visitors and may give you a search engine boost as well. 

Optimized backup and security protocols

A reliable managed WordPress host will optimize your server and implement strong security measures to protect your site and data.

Reputable hosts typically offer key features like free SSL certificates, DDoS protection, a web application firewall (WAF), malware scanning, and regular backups. If your host doesn’t, it might be time to look for a new provider.

You can also boost your site’s safety with a plugin like Jetpack. The tool’s Jetpack Security plan offers all of these features along with extra protection against spam and brute force attacks.

Scalability and performance management

Whether you’re planning for steady growth or anticipating a surge in traffic, you should be able to rely on your hosting provider to keep your website running smoothly.

The good news is that managed WordPress plans are highly scalable. Most hosts offer easy upgrades or downgrades through auto-scaling in cloud environments or simple one-click options in your account panel.

With scalable resources, your site can handle high traffic without performance issues.

Specialized WordPress hosting support

Traditional hosts design plans to support a wide range of technologies, meaning customer support teams have to troubleshoot many different platforms and software. As a result, support agents may not always be experts on WordPress, and you might not get the most efficient help when you run into issues.

With managed WordPress hosting, however, your support team specializes in WordPress websites. These experts know the ins and outs of WordPress and can help resolve issues quickly and efficiently, minimizing downtime and stress.

Developer-friendly tools

If you’re a developer or work with one, you’re probably aware that managed plans can have some restrictions. Thankfully, reputable managed WordPress providers offer tools and features specifically designed for advanced users, so you can still get the flexibility you need for development.

These tools often include staging environments, which allow you to test new features and updates safely before applying them to your live site. You’ll also find uptime monitoring to track your site’s performance, ensuring everything is running smoothly.

If you need a deeper level of control, many hosts offer SSH access, allowing you to securely connect to your site’s server and perform more advanced tasks. You may also have access to API integrations to connect your site with external services or applications.

Finally, managed hosting plans typically come with backup scheduling options to automate your site’s backup process, so you never have to worry about losing your work. The best hosts integrate with advanced tools like Jetpack VaultPress Backup, so every change is saved in real time and stored securely off site. 

These developer-friendly features provide the flexibility you need to build, manage, and optimize your WordPress site, all while enjoying the peace of mind that comes with a managed hosting plan.

Key benefits of managed WordPress hosting

Managed WordPress hosting offers a worry-free solution for those with limited time and technical experience. The key benefits of managed WordPress hosting include:

• Improved performance and speed. Experience faster load times with an optimized server environment.
• Enhanced server security measures. Your host takes extra steps to protect your site and data from security threats.
• Simplified maintenance and automated updates. There’s no need to worry about manual updates — your provider keeps everything running smoothly and securely.
• WordPress-savvy support. Get expert help from a team of WordPress experts whenever you need it.
• Enhanced scalability. Easily upgrade as your site grows, without concerns about bandwidth limits or performance slowdowns.
• More efficient time and resource allocation. With less time spent on server management, you can focus more on your website.

In short, a good managed WordPress provider removes the stress of hosting, so you can focus on what matters most.

Potential drawbacks of managed WordPress hosting

While managed WordPress hosting offers many benefits, it’s not the perfect fit for everyone. Here are a few drawbacks to consider:

• Higher costs compared to shared hosting. Shared hosting is more affordable, but usually comes with slower speeds and fewer resources compared to managed WordPress plans.
• Limited control over server configurations. Advanced users or developers who need more flexibility to install custom software or work on specialized projects may find managed plans restrictive.
• Possible plugin restrictions. Managed hosts may limit certain plugins for security reasons or to avoid conflicts with their services, so verify they support the plugins you need.

If you’re unsure about any features — whether it’s pricing, plan limitations, or supported plugins — be sure to contact potential providers before making your final decision.

How to choose the right managed WordPress hosting provider

If a managed WordPress plan sounds like a good fit for you, that’s great! However, not all plans marketed as “managed” meet the standards of a true managed WordPress service. So, how do you find the right provider?

Don’t worry — there are clear signs to help you choose a trustworthy provider for your site. Let’s walk through the steps:

• Evaluate performance and uptime guarantees. Look for a provider that offers a high uptime guarantee (close to 100%) to ensure your site stays accessible.
• Assess security features and protocols. Check the security measures and available software to ensure your site is well-protected.
• Review support availability and channels. Make sure support is available through your preferred channels and offers fast response times.
• Understand and compare pricing tiers. Compare different pricing tiers across competitors to ensure you’re getting the best value for your needs.
• Check scalability options for future growth. Confirm that your plan can easily scale as your site grows and handle high-traffic periods.
• Read reviews and testimonials. Customer reviews provide valuable insight into the provider’s performance and customer service.

Choosing the right managed WordPress hosting provider is crucial for the success of your website. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your goals.

How to maximize the benefits of managed WordPress hosting

While managed WordPress hosts handle most complex technical tasks, taking extra steps to protect your account is always beneficial. Here are some tips to help you build a solid foundation for your website.

Implement strong security measures

Add a layer of protection with a trusted security tool like Jetpack Security.

Jetpack offers real-time malware scanning and one-click fixes, real-time backups with unlimited restores from anywhere with an internet connection (even if your site is fully down), spam and brute force attack protection, a web application firewall, downtime alerts, and much more.

Keep effective backups

Up-to-date backups are crucial for any website. In case of a mistake, hack, or simple technical error, your hard work needs to be protected. Backups are only effective, however, if they’re clean and accessible in an emergency. That’s why you can’t rely on your host for this important task. 

Most hosts don’t take backups in real time. This means that the blog post you spent all afternoon on could be gone if something goes wrong tonight. Plus, host backups are typically kept on the same server as your site. This means that, if a hacker gains access to your server, your backups could also be compromised. 

Instead, choose a tool like Jetpack VaultPress Backup. It’s included as part of Jetpack Security or available through its own dedicated plugin. 

Jetpack VaultPress Backup saves every change on your site in real time. Every order, comment, blog post change, or page edit is saved immediately. Backups are stored off site, so you can always access them, and you can restore even if your website is completely down.

Update themes and plugins 

Even if your host offers auto-updates, it’s a good idea to regularly check yourself.

Outdated or incompatible plugins can cause issues or bring your site down. Try to test updates and site changes in a staging environment first to avoid any downtime.

Having a reliable backup plugin in place will also make it easier to restore your site quickly if something goes wrong during an update.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between managed and unmanaged hosting?

The main difference between managed and unmanaged hosting is who takes care of the technical side of things.

With managed hosting, the provider handles all the behind-the-scenes work for you. This includes server maintenance, software updates, security management, performance optimization, and backups.

On the other hand, with unmanaged hosting, you’re responsible for all the technical aspects of your site. This means you’ll need to handle everything from server configurations and updates to security, backups, and performance monitoring.

Unmanaged hosting can be more cost-effective and customizable, but requires more time and technical know-how to keep everything running properly.

Do I need technical knowledge to use managed WordPress hosting?

No, you don’t need to be a tech expert! Your host will manage the technical side of things and provide tools to help you get comfortable with the basics.

Can managed WordPress hosting improve website speed?

Yes! Managed WordPress hosting is optimized for WordPress, so it includes tools and settings that can significantly boost your site’s speed.

Can I host multiple websites with managed WordPress hosting?

Yes, but it depends on your provider and plan. Typically, a managed WordPress plan will include support for a certain number of sites.

Does managed WordPress hosting include email hosting services?

It varies by provider. Some hosts include email hosting, while others may offer it as a premium add-on, so make sure to check this before committing.

What should I do if my website is hacked despite the security features?

If your website gets hacked, the first thing you should do is contact your hosting provider. Most reputable managed WordPress hosts offer dedicated support for these kinds of emergencies. They can help you quickly assess the situation and take action to restore your site.

It’s also a good idea to review the activity log and your site’s security settings and identify how the breach happened. Working with your hosting provider and utilizing a plugin to enhance your site’s security can help prevent future attacks. 

How often are backups performed, and how can I restore my website?

Backup frequency is based on the tool that you use — these can be saved monthly, weekly, daily, or even in real time. 

Can I use managed WordPress hosting for non-WordPress websites?

No, managed WordPress hosting is designed specifically for WordPress sites.

What are the best hosting providers right now?

Front-runners include Pressable, Bluehost, WordPress.com, and WordPress VIP. Hosting is the foundation of your WordPress site, so it’s worth doing your research. We did a deep analysis of the best managed WordPress hosting providers to help you make the right choice.