WordPress Hosting and Web Hosting Key Differences

Choosing web hosting can be tricky, considering the wide choice of options available. Initially, they may seem similar, but on closer inspection, you’ll find various features, fits, and specialties that can significantly affect your performance. Similarly, WordPress hosting and web hosting differ significantly in hosting a WordPress website.

Web hosting includes dedicated, shared, cloud, and VPS hosting, while WordPress hosting is specifically tailored for WordPress websites, offering optimizations and exclusive perks like premium plugins. However, it’s essential to note that you can still host WordPress sites using traditional hosting options. These options are versatile and can accommodate various preferences.

In this article, we explore the differences between web hosting and WordPress hosting, highlighting their pros and cons and how to make the right choice for your website.

What is WordPress Hosting?

WordPress hosting is a specialized web hosting tailored to meet WordPress websites’ specific performance and security requirements. You might be familiar with “managed WordPress hosting,” which often involves features such as automatic updates and advanced security and performance enhancements. While WordPress hosting can be managed, it’s not a requirement. Managed WordPress hosting is generally more comprehensive and handles website management duties on your behalf.

The primary distinction between regular hosting and managed WordPress hosting often lies in the additional features. Managed WordPress hosting plans typically include pre-installed plugins designed to improve website performance. Additionally, there may be specialized tools for users managing multiple WordPress websites, such as a multisite feature allowing the management of several sites from one dashboard.

Consider IT Monks’ services if you are looking for fully managed hosting plans for your WordPress website. With our WordPress-optimized hosting, we take care of everything for you. We offer fast SEO cloud hosting, secure double offsite backups, secure Ubuntu servers, and 99.999% uptime guarantee. Besides, when hosting with IT Monks, you get premium themes, plugins, and features.

The Advantages of WordPress Hosting

Choosing a managed WordPress hosting plan over a regular shared web hosting service offers numerous benefits for those starting a WordPress site:

• Easier setup. Pre-installed plugins and themes create an optimized WordPress host environment, simplifying technical setups and installations.
• Optimal performance. WordPress hosting plans utilize servers configured specifically for WordPress sites, often including built-in caching software for fast loading speed.
• Up-to-date servers and software. Web hosts ensure their WordPress-specific servers run the latest software and automatic updates for WordPress, resulting in optimal compatibility and seamless performance.
• Hassle-free management. Web hosting plans handle most WordPress technicalities, allowing users to focus on improving search engine optimization (SEO) strategies.
• Secure servers. Managed WordPress hosting plans have security features to prevent WordPress-specific threats, including automatic plugin updates to reduce vulnerabilities.
• Expert support. Leading managed WordPress hosting providers offer an expert support team ready to assist with WordPress-specific site management and maintenance.

The Disadvantages of WordPress Hosting

WordPress hosting’s primary features are tailored for WordPress sites. If you’re considering creating a site using a different CMS, opting for regular web hosting or other CMS hosting solutions specific to your platform is advisable.

Typically, WordPress hosting comes with a higher price tag than shared hosting because of its WordPress-specific features, services, and functions. While advantageous for those with extra budget, it may lead to additional long-term costs.

Furthermore, customization options for websites on WordPress shared hosting plans are often restricted, as providers may limit the installation of other software.

What is Web Hosting?

Web hosting, also known as shared hosting or simple web hosting, involves an individual or organization purchasing online space to make their website accessible on the Internet. It’s a broad concept that encompasses this process. A web host allocates space on a server to store the files associated with your website and provides internet connectivity. This enables your website to go live online and appear in search results.

Web hosting is an umbrella term with many different types, providers, and features. If you plan on creating a website for your business, you’ll need to use a web hosting provider, as you won’t be able to get your site online without one.

Several web hosting provider options are available to meet different needs, regardless of your level of expertise, chosen content management system (CMS) or site builder, or website size. Let’s explore the breakdown below to understand the various hosting categories better.

1. Shared Hosting. Shared hosting involves a website sharing one web server and its resources with other sites. This is a cost-effective choice for small sites with low traffic volumes. It’s an ideal option for beginners or small business website owners who prefer not to handle the technical aspects of server maintenance. The hosting service provider handles server monitoring, updates, and backups.
2. VPS Hosting provides dedicated resources from a virtual partition of a physical server. It is suitable for medium to large sites that require more resources and better performance than shared hosting. This type of hosting is a good fit for website owners with advanced technical knowledge who desire greater control over their server settings by hosting their websites on VPS.
3. Cloud Hosting involves a site running on multiple virtual or cloud servers instead of just one physical server. It is well-suited for busy sites with high traffic volumes, offering higher uptime. Similar to shared hosting, the web host typically handles server maintenance. However, cloud-based web hosting provides better resource flexibility and overall site performance.
4. Dedicated Server Hosting allocates an entire server and its resources to one website. It is a high-cost, high-performance option for large or popular sites with dedicated technical staff. Dedicated server hosting offers advanced server management tools, operating software flexibility, and ultimate customization.

The Advantages of Web Hosting

• Cost Comparison. Standard hosting typically costs less than specialized WordPress hosting. However, it’s important to consider the included tools and benefits when evaluating the overall value.
• Hosting Flexibility. Opting for standard web hosting provides the flexibility to host various platforms or custom sites, making it convenient for managing multiple websites.
• Server Configuration Control. With standard hosting, you have more control over server configurations, especially with VPS or dedicated hosting plans. This allows for customization to meet specific requirements or development experience.
• Caching and Optimization Choice. Standard hosting enables you to select and configure caching and optimization mechanisms according to your preferences, offering a customized performance setup.

The Disadvantages of Web Hosting

• Less Specialized Support. While web hosting providers offer technical assistance, they may lack experts in addressing specific issues related to WordPress or other CMS platforms. This can result in longer resolution times and less tailored support for WordPress-related problems.
• Limited WordPress Maintenance. Unlike specialized WordPress hosting services, general web hosting requires users to manage WordPress updates, including plugins, themes, and the core software. Without dedicated WordPress maintenance assistance, users may encounter challenges in keeping their websites secure and up to date.
• Lack of Optimized Server. General web hosting services typically utilize standard servers that support a variety of CMSs and website builder software without coding. As a result, these servers lack optimization specifically for WordPress, leading to potential performance bottlenecks and suboptimal website speed. Additionally, users miss out on built-in WordPress performance plugins commonly found in specialized hosting environments.

Web Hosting vs WordPress Hosting Price Comparison

When deciding on hosting options for your website, it’s vital to grasp the disparities in pricing and features between web hosting and WordPress hosting. Let’s compare a popular basic web hosting plan with a typical WordPress hosting plan.

For Web Hosting 

HostGator presents a Shared Hosting plan priced at $2.75 per month. This plan offers unlimited bandwidth and storage, ensuring your website can handle high traffic volumes without extra charges. Additionally, HostGator provides a free SSL certificate for securing your website and a complimentary domain registration for one year to streamline the setup process. With one-click WordPress installation, HostGator’s Shared Hosting plan offers convenience and versatility for hosting a wide range of websites, including WordPress sites.

Regarding WordPress Hosting 

On the other hand, Bluehost’s Basic WordPress Hosting plan is priced at $2.95 per month. Despite being slightly pricier than HostGator’s Shared Hosting, this plan is specifically optimized for WordPress websites. With 50GB of SSD storage, Bluehost ensures fast loading times and efficient data management for your WordPress site. Like HostGator, Bluehost includes a free SSL certificate and a complimentary domain registration for the first year. However, Bluehost’s automatic WordPress updates feature sets it apart, which helps keep your site secure and updated with the latest software patches. Bluehost also offers 24/7 customer support, ensuring assistance is available whenever needed.

While both web hosting and WordPress hosting offer competitive pricing, there are distinct differences in their features and optimizations. Web hosting plans, like HostGator’s shared hosting, provide versatility for hosting various websites, including WordPress, at an affordable price. 

On the other hand, WordPress hosting, exemplified by Bluehost’s Basic WordPress Hosting, offers specialized resources and automatic WordPress updates explicitly tailored for WordPress sites. Depending on your needs and preferences, choosing between web hosting and WordPress hosting involves considering factors such as scalability, ease of use, and specific features required for your website’s success.

Key Differences Between WordPress Hosting and Web Hosting

The main distinction between WordPress and web hosting lies in the server configuration. WordPress hosting plans are tailored to provide optimized resources for the platform. For example, your web host may promote features like PHP 7 or enhanced PHP memory.

Furthermore, WordPress hosting often offers convenient add-on services to ensure smooth website operation. Your plan could encompass automatic updates, access to themes or plugins, one-click installation, and other beneficial features. It’s important to note that these extras are usually reflected in the price, mainly if you choose managed WordPress hosting.

While basic web hosting fits for storing and making your WordPress site accessible to the public, it may also include helpful features such as performance optimization, enhanced security, free SSL certificates, and more. However, you won’t have access to the specific benefits tailored for WordPress that the alternative provides.

How to Choose Between These Two

When choosing the right hosting, assessing your needs and experience level is essential. Consider the specifics of your hosting plan and whether the additional WordPress features benefit you.

Before deciding between shared and WordPress hosting, it’s essential to consider the type of site you want to create and your level of expertise as a website owner. Here are some questions to consider:

1. Do I Want to Create a WordPress Site?

If not, then WordPress hosting is not for you. In this case, you should look for the best web hosting type and plan that suits your needs.

2. Am I Good at General Website Maintenance?

If not, managed WordPress hosting is a great solution, as the host often handles WordPress-specific updates, backups, and caching. It’s also suitable for those who prioritize practicality in site management.

3. Am I Good at Securing My Website?

If not, then WordPress hosting is the way to go. The server hosting your website will have protocols to address security in WordPress development, and many WordPress hosting plans include pre-installed security plugins.

4. Is Budget an Issue?

If budget is not a concern, consider a managed WordPress hosting plan for the convenience of WordPress hosting features without compromising site performance. If budget concerns, opt for an affordable shared hosting plan that supports WordPress.

5. Do I Have Sufficient WordPress Knowledge?

For those with minimal WordPress experience, many WordPress hosting plans offer greater site management, professional support, and expert tech assistance, making it ideal for beginners. However, experienced users may also find it beneficial for more intuitive management. If you have sufficient WordPress knowledge, a standard web hosting plan is suitable and cost-effective, allowing for a more hands-on approach to site management.

The Verdict

Selecting the appropriate web host can significantly impact the success of your website. Opting for standard web hosting to launch your WordPress site is perfectly fine if that’s your preference. However, utilizing WordPress-specific features can ultimately save you great trouble.

WordPress hosting entails configuring your server resources precisely to align with the platform’s distinct requirements. Consequently, you will enjoy enhanced security and improved overall performance. Additionally, a secure WordPress hosting frequently includes automated maintenance tasks and dedicated customer support, rendering it a superior option for beginners.