4 MONTHS FREE for a LIMITED TIME! ☆ EDITOR'S CHOICE ☆
– Valid for ALL WordPress & WooCommerce Plans!
When it comes to WP Engine Review: Is It the Best Web Hosting Provider, there are many that cater to small businesses while still keeping their prices affordable for individual users. But there are also hosts like WP Engine that focus specifically on serving companies, and their pricing reflects that commitment.
If you’re considering WP Engine for your WordPress site, it’s important to make sure they deliver all the essentials you need at the right price. In this review, we’ll break down the pros and cons of WP Engine to help small business owners make informed decisions.
Table of Contents
General Info & WP Engine Review Overview:
WP Engine: History at a Glance
WP Engine is a UK-based web hosting company that was founded in 2010 with a focus on providing top-tier WordPress hosting services. Since then, WP Engine has grown rapidly and now boasts over 80,000 customers across 140 countries, powering an impressive 500,000 sites.
This kind of growth is a testament to the quality of service that WP Engine provides and its popularity among WordPress users worldwide. With its reputation for advanced security and performance features, it’s no wonder that WP Engine has become a go-to choice for many businesses looking for reliable and powerful WordPress hosting.
Reliability & Performance
Uptime is a critical metric for any web hosting company, as it measures how consistently the servers keep the hosted sites available to visitors. WP Engine understands the importance of uptime and has prioritized providing near-perfect uptime to its customers. The reality is that no web host can guarantee 100% uptime, but WP Engine claims an impressive 99.99% uptime, which is equivalent to less than an hour of downtime per year.
Here Are the Key Points to Note About WP Engine’s Uptime:
To Help Visualize the Differences in Uptime, Here’s a Chart Comparing WP Engine’s Uptime With Some Other Popular Web Hosting Providers:
| Provider | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| WP Engine | 99.99% | 99.95% |
| HostGator | 99.9% | 99.87% |
| Bluehost | 99.9% | 99.86% |
| SiteGround | 99.9% | 99.98% |
| GoDaddy | 99.9% | 99.85% |
WP Engine’s Features
WP Engine’s extensive range of features is a testament to its commitment to providing essential services to businesses. In this review, we’ll focus mainly on the Startup shared hosting package and the features it offers.
The Startup package is designed for sites that are just starting out and includes 10GB of storage, 25,000 visits per month, and 50GB of bandwidth. While these limits may seem restrictive, they are more than enough for smaller sites.
In addition to these basic features, WP Engine also provides a content delivery network (CDN) to speed up site delivery to visitors across the globe. It also offers a free SSL certificate, enabling visitors to securely connect to your site via HTTPS.
WP Engine also offers daily automated backups, automatic core WordPress updates, staging environments for testing site changes, per-user permissions, and hack protection. It also integrates with Amazon Web Services for enhanced functionality. Overall, WP Engine’s features cater to businesses of all sizes and provide excellent value for money.
Here’s a Chart Summarizing the Key Features of WP Engine’s Startup Package:
| Features | Startup Package |
|---|---|
| Storage | 10GB |
| Visits per month | 25,000 |
| Bandwidth | 50GB |
| CDN | ✔️ |
| SSL Certificate | Free |
| Backups | Daily automated |
| WordPress updates | Automatic |
| Staging | ✔️ |
| Hack protection | ✔️ |
| AWS integration | ✔️ |
Is WP Engine Easy to Use?
WP Engine sets an example for its competitors on how to do sign-ups right. The company is transparent and upfront about its pricing, with no hidden costs. The basic package costs $35 per month, and that’s what you pay regardless of the length of your commitment, except for the two-month discount advertised next to the price. Compared to many web hosts, WP Engine doesn’t mess around with add-ons; none are selected by default.
This means that customers won’t be surprised by extra costs at checkout. After selecting the plan and add-ons, customers provide their payment details and other information like an account name and email, and they’re ready to go. This rare practice of transparency is worth applauding.
Customer Support
WP Engine provides a wealth of support options for its customers. The Resource Center is an educational hub that offers tips and advice on how to improve your site, from basic tasks such as embedding Google Maps content to more complex topics such as SEO research papers. In addition, WP Engine’s traditional support section organizes help articles into categories such as WordPress, troubleshooting, and site setup, making it easy to find the information you need. The Solution Center offers even more helpful articles and tips on various topics related to site operation.
If you need more personalized support, WP Engine has got you covered. The company provides 24/7 phone and trouble ticket support and live chat for all packages except for the Startup package. Overall, WP Engine offers a comprehensive support system that ensures you have the resources and help you need to succeed with your website.
Pricing & Value for Money
When it comes to pricing, WP Engine is a costly undertaking. The basic Startup package starts at $35 per month, and while you can choose to pay monthly, WP Engine offers a two-month discount if you prepay for the entire year. This brings the total cost down to $350 per year, which is significantly more expensive than the sub-$100 plans offered by mainstream hosts. However, it’s important to note that WP Engine’s packages start at a more advanced level than what you’d get from hosts like GoDaddy or Bluehost, so it’s not a fair comparison.
Apart from the Startup package, WP Engine offers a Growth package for $115 per month, significantly increasing monthly visits and bandwidth. For larger enterprises that need a customized plan, WP Engine also provides the Scale package, which starts at $290 per month. Additionally, all plans come with a two-month free discount if you prepay for a year, and the company offers a 60-day money-back guarantee to ensure customer satisfaction.
And as requested, here’s a chart to better illustrate the different pricing options for WP Engine’s hosting packages:
| Hosting Package | Monthly Cost | Yearly Cost (with 4 months free!) |
| Startup | $20/mo | $240/yr |
| Growth | $77/mo | $920/yr |
| Scale | $194/mo | $2,320/yr |
WP Engine’s Place in the Hosting Universe
WP Engine’s services come at a higher price than the more mainstream web hosts. However, WP Engine is a different kind of service, offering features that are particularly well-suited for companies with IT departments or developers on staff.
For instance, WP Engine provides content delivery network (CDN) support, automatic core WordPress updates, daily automated backups, staging environments for testing site changes, and per-user permissions, among other features. These are all essential for larger enterprises with complex web needs that go beyond a simple WordPress install.
FAQ’s
What is WP Engine, and what makes it different from other web hosting providers?
WP Engine is a managed WordPress hosting provider that offers various services, including automatic updates, daily backups, advanced security, and developer tools. However, what sets WP Engine apart from other web hosting providers is its specialization in providing high-performance, reliable hosting that caters specifically to WordPress websites.
While their plans may be pricier than mainstream web hosts, WP Engine offers advanced features and excellent customer support that is highly beneficial for businesses with specialized needs and high-traffic websites.
How much does WP Engine cost, and what plans are available?
WP Engine provides a range of plans to suit different needs and budgets. The Startup plan is the most affordable option, starting at $35 per month, and it offers 25,000 monthly visitors, 50GB of bandwidth, and 10GB of local storage. The Growth plan is the next tier up, starting at $115 per month, and it comes with up to 100,000 monthly visitors, 200GB of bandwidth, and 20GB of local storage.
The Scale plan is the highest tier plan, starting at $290 per month, and it provides up to 400,000 monthly visitors, 500GB of bandwidth, and 50GB of local storage. WP Engine also offers custom enterprise plans for businesses with larger needs. All plans come with a 60-day money-back guarantee and two months of free hosting if you pay for a year upfront. While the pricing may be higher compared to other web hosting providers, the additional features and services make it a wise investment for businesses and websites with high traffic.
What features does WP Engine offer, and how do they benefit website owners?
WP Engine is a web hosting company that specializes in managed WordPress hosting, offering a range of features that can benefit website owners, particularly those with high-traffic WordPress sites or requiring advanced hosting solutions. Some of the key features include:
- Managed WordPress hosting: WP Engine’s hosting platform is optimized specifically for WordPress, which means you get faster load times, improved security, and automatic updates.
- Global CDN: WP Engine offers a global content delivery network (CDN) to improve the speed and reliability of your site for visitors around the world.
- Staging environments: With WP Engine, you can easily create staging environments to test changes and updates to your site before making them live.
- Security features: WP Engine offers a range of security features, including firewalls, malware scans, and SSL certificates, to help protect your site from cyber threats.
- Developer tools: WP Engine offers a suite of developer tools, including Git integration, SSH access, and one-click deployments, that can benefit website owners who work with developers or have development skills themselves.
Overall, these features can help website owners improve their site’s performance, security, and reliability and provide a better user experience for visitors. WP Engine’s hosting plans may be more expensive than other web hosting providers, but the advanced features and top-notch customer support make it a good choice for businesses with specialized needs.
Is WP Engine suitable for beginners who are new to website building and maintenance?
WP Engine is known for its high-quality hosting services, with a focus on providing advanced features and functionalities for businesses and professionals. However, there may be better options for beginners who are new to website building and maintenance. While WP Engine offers excellent customer support, the service is geared towards users with some level of technical expertise. As a result, the user interface may be overwhelming for beginners, and the company’s extensive range of features may be challenging to manage for novices. For those who are new to website building, start with a more basic web hosting solution that offers a simpler and more user-friendly interface.
What kind of customer support does WP Engine offer, and how responsive are they?
WP Engine offers comprehensive customer support through multiple channels, including phone, chat, and email, available round the clock throughout the year. The company also provides a knowledge base, a user portal with helpful resources, and a community forum, making it easier for users to find the solutions they need. The support staff is highly trained, knowledgeable, and responsive, providing quick response times and friendly service. Moreover, WP Engine offers a 60-day money-back guarantee for their plans, allowing customers to try their services with peace of mind and get a refund if they are not satisfied. With a strong customer support system, WP Engine aims to provide website owners with the assistance they need to run their websites smoothly and efficiently.
How fast and reliable is WP Engine’s hosting service?
WP Engine’s hosting service is highly regarded for its fast and reliable performance. The company leverages Google Cloud Platform and Amazon Web Services to power its infrastructure, ensuring high levels of speed and uptime. WP Engine also provides a content delivery network (CDN) that delivers content from nearby server locations that improve page load times.
To further optimize performance, WP Engine utilizes its proprietary technology called EverCache, which merges caching and CDN to serve pages faster. Moreover, WP Engine’s built-in staging environment enables users to test changes before deploying them live, mitigating any potential downtime or errors.
Overall, WP Engine’s hosting service is known for its fast and reliable performance, minimal downtime, and excellent performance metrics, making it a great choice for website owners who require high-performing hosting solutions.
Does WP Engine offer any money-back guarantees or trial periods?
WP Engine offers a 60-day money-back guarantee to its customers, which is a longer period than what most other hosting companies provide. This means you have ample time to try the service and decide if it meets your needs. However, it’s important to note that this refund policy only applies to the first payment made and not subsequent renewals. This policy gives customers peace of mind, knowing they can get their money back if they are unsatisfied with the service.
In addition to the money-back guarantee, WP Engine also offers a 14-day free trial period for new customers. This trial period allows you to test out the service without having to commit to a plan. During the trial period, you can explore WP Engine’s features, test their performance, and see if they meet your needs. If you decide to continue using WP Engine after the trial period, you will need to choose a plan and make a payment. Overall, WP Engine’s money-back guarantee and free trial period provide customers with flexibility and confidence in their decision-making process.
Can I migrate my existing website to WP Engine, and is it a complicated process?
WP Engine provides an easy and hassle-free migration process for website owners who want to switch to their platform. The company offers a plugin called “WP Engine Automated Migration” that simplifies the migration process for WordPress sites. Moreover, WP Engine offers a free manual migration service for customers who need assistance in transferring their sites. However, if you have a custom-built website or are using a platform other than WordPress, the migration process may require additional assistance from WP Engine’s support team. Overall, WP Engine provides excellent migration support to ensure a smooth and efficient transfer of existing websites to their platform.
Does WP Engine offer any security features to protect my website from cyber-attacks?
WP Engine places great importance on website security, and they provide a variety of security features to safeguard their customers’ websites. Here are some of the security features that WP Engine offers:
- Daily backups: WP Engine creates daily backups of your website, allowing you to quickly restore your site if it is hacked or compromised.
- Firewall protection: WP Engine employs a web application firewall that guards against common attacks like SQL injections and cross-site scripting (XSS).
- Malware scanning: WP Engine conducts daily malware scans on your site and immediately notifies you if any suspicious activity is found.
- SSL certificates: WP Engine provides free SSL certificates for all customers, which encrypt data transmitted between the website and the user’s browser.
- Two-factor authentication: WP Engine supports two-factor authentication, adding an extra layer of security to the login process.
Overall, WP Engine’s security features are robust and provide excellent protection against a wide range of security threats.
What are the pros and cons of using WP Engine as a web hosting provider?
Overall, WP Engine is an excellent choice for WordPress sites that require high performance and robust security. However, it may only be the best fit for some website owners due to its high cost and WordPress-centric approach.
Harry Banks is a tech blogger who concentrates on the interplay between technology and society. His writings reflect on the effects of technology on our daily lives, including work, leisure, communication, and social interaction. Harry’s blog offers a discerning standpoint on the role of technology in our society, scrutinizing both its advantages and potential pitfalls. He also provides commentary on the most recent technology news and trends, contextualizing them and evaluating their potential consequences. Harry’s reflective and thought-provoking perspectives on the world of tech and its impact on society have established him as an esteemed influencer in the tech community.
To read more similar articles, click here
Thanks for visiting our Website. If you appreciate our work, kindly show us some support in our comments section 🙂
