Confused by the difference between web hosting and WordPress hosting?
If you’re confused about the difference, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common hosting questions we hear at Buzzword! Generally speaking though, you don’t need WordPress-specific hosting to run a successful website with WordPress. In fact, many companies market their standard shared plans to WordPress users. However, these packages often include useful features that will help your website perform better in the long run.
In this post, we’re going to address the confusion that seems to keep popping up in the hosting world with the terms WordPress hosting and web hosting.
WordPress hosting and web hosting are two very different types of hosting and should not be confused. There are some basic differences between the two, and each has its own benefits, plans, and providers. Here’s a guide to WordPress hosting and web hosting, and how to differentiate and choose between the two.
What is WordPress hosting?
In a nutshell, WordPress hosting is a web hosting service optimized for running WordPress websites.
With a WordPress host, you get tons of tools and services that are tailored specifically for WordPress websites. These can vary depending on which WP hosting service you choose, but often include features such as one-click installation, automatic software updates, and a dedicated WordPress support staff to provide personalized support.
Benefits of WordPress hosting
Let’s say you’re considering shared web hosting and shared WordPress hosting plans. Here are some of the benefits you can expect if you choose the latter:
- Predictable server usage. This means that the service provider allocates resources better and solves technical problems faster.
- WordPress-specific server configuration. We modify your server for optimal WordPress performance and faster page load times. However, keep in mind that this is not a guarantee and you may still be affected by issues with other sites.
- Enhanced security. Your provider pays close attention to WordPress-specific threats.
- Easy setup. Pre-configured settings allow you to easily connect devices such as SSL certificates or Content Delivery Networks (CDNs). You can still use them on regular web hosting, but it may require a few extra steps.
- Beginner friendship. WordPress hosting usually comes with pre-installed WordPress software, automatic updates and expert customer support. You may also have access to free themes.
Who Should Uses WordPress Hosting?
If you have created your website using WordPress, you can benefit immensely from using WordPress hosting. WP Hosting integrates seamlessly with websites built with WordPress and improves your website’s performance, security and offers automatic updates. If you have a WordPress website, you don’t need to use WordPress hosting, but the combination of the two creates the ultimate package.
For those looking for a managed hosting plan, WordPress hosting is also beneficial. WordPress hosts often offer managed services where the site is managed and maintained by WP experts. It’s a great option for those with little time or experience running a website.
What is Web Hosting?
Web hosting is a much more general term and describes the process by which an individual or organization purchases space online to make their website available on the internet.
Web hosting works by taking space on a server to store files related to your website and providing an internet connection to your website. This helps your website appear on the web and show up in search results.
Web hosting is a generic term and there are many types of web hosting and different providers and services. If you want to create a website for your business, you will need to use a web hosting service because you will not be able to get your website online without hosting.
What is the difference between web hosting and WordPress hosting?
The key difference between web hosting and WordPress hosting is that web hosting is a much broader, comprehensive service, while WordPress hosting is a specialized niche for WordPress installations.
Web hosting is a more general service and refers to any hosting service that stores your website files on a server to make your website live on the internet. Web hosting caters to a wide range of website builders, and websites hosted on one of their servers can run on thousands of different platforms.
WordPress hosting, on the other hand, is a specific niche of web hosting. WordPress hosting can also use shared servers to host multiple websites at the same time, but unlike web hosting, every website on a shared server will be a WordPress website. A WordPress host is specifically designed for WordPress installations and offers customized solutions, services and support optimized for WordPress performance.
How to choose the best hosting for your business
With over 350,000 web hosting providers available worldwide, it can be difficult to choose the right one for your business – especially if you’re still debating between WordPress and web hosting.
Both options have their advantages and are available in a variety of plans from a wide range of providers. To choose the best solution for your business, keep in mind the key things a business needs in a web hosting service:
- Dedicated 24-hour customer service
- Supported domain name management
- Basic safety features
- Uptime guarantee
- Server availability
Web hosting and WordPress hosting plans
Whether you choose WordPress or web hosting, you need to choose a hosting plan. Shared hosting, VPS hosting, dedicated server hosting, and cloud hosting are popular services offered by both WordPress hosting and web hosting.
WordPress hosting providers also offer additional managed hosting services that can help keep your website running.
Here are the six most popular hosting packages available:
- Shared Hosting – When you use a shared hosting plan, your website shares a server with other customers. It’s a cheaper option and easy to set up, making it ideal for those starting out with a website or those who don’t have a lot of website traffic.
- Virtual Private Servers – VPS package is similar to shared hosting; you will share your server with other users, but you will be more isolated and have your own area. This plan is ideal for those working on a lower budget who want a higher level of control and customization.
- Dedicated server – if you have a high traffic website and need optimized performance and fast loading speed, a dedicated server is a good choice. Dedicated servers offer full customization, greater reliability and the ability to grow your business; but they represent a high investment opportunity.
- Cloud hosting – this is a relatively new type of hosting where the website is hosted on a cloud infrastructure rather than on a physical server. This hosting plan has a lot to offer those looking for scalability and stability at a cheaper price, but prices aren’t always fixed, so if your website sees an increase in traffic, you may see unexpected increases in costs.
- Managed WordPress Hosting – Many WordPress hosting providers offer a managed service where the host manages and runs all the technical aspects of your WordPress website for you. Managed hosting plans can be run on any of the hosting plans listed above and offer optimal security, performance and configuration.
- Optimized WordPress Hosting – if you are looking for a hosting plan that offers pre-installed features and technologies to optimize your website, Optimized WordPress Hosting is a great choice. Optimized WordPress Hosting is a complete package that includes pre-installed WordPress hosting, WordPress optimized servers, built-in WordPress security and WordPress expert support.
Which plan you choose depends on your budget, your website traffic, and how much help you want from your provider to run your website.
Web Hosting vs WordPress Hosting: Which is Right for You?
Choosing the right type of hosting depends on your needs and experience level. You may also want to consider the specifics of your hosting plan and determine whether additional WordPress features are useful to you.
- First, are you building your website with WordPress? If not, WordPress hosting is not applicable.
- What is your budget? Standard shared plans are cheaper, while managed WordPress hosting is more expensive.
- Are you concerned about security? WordPress hosting is often more secure due to increased protection against common threats.
- Prefer server maintenance to be done behind the scenes? If so, you will appreciate automatic WordPress updates.
- Are you familiar with WordPress or need a little hand-holding? Less experienced users will benefit from dedicated WordPress support.
- What type of content are you planning for your website? Let’s say you expect to upload extensive image galleries or videos. In this case, easy access to features like cache or CDN can be useful.
- Finally, how much traffic do you expect? Will a shared plan be enough for your needs? If you expect to get a lot of visitors right after launch, you may want to consider a different type of hosting.
Web Hosting vs. WordPress Hosting: The Verdict
Overall, if you answered yes to most of the above questions, then you should choose WordPress hosting. It is an excellent solution for both beginners and web developers, as it can save a lot of time.
Also, while WordPress hosting doesn’t necessarily guarantee faster page load times, it does offer an advantage over standard web hosting. On the other hand, standard web hosting gives you more control over every aspect of your website, which can be a significant factor for more experienced users.
This type of hosting is also cheaper overall, although the price difference may not be significant for shared plans. Many companies offer the same entry price for all their shared hosting plans, so make sure you check the services so you know what you’re getting.
WordPress Hosting vs Web Hosting: The Conclusion
In the battle between WordPress hosting and web hosting, there is no right or wrong choice. Which service you choose ultimately depends on what type of hosting plan you want, what budget you want, and how much help you want from your hosting provider when running your website.
The main difference between WordPress and web hosting is the services they offer; so if you are looking for a general service, web hosting may be for you. But if you’re looking for a customized service that’s optimized for WordPress performance, then WordPress hosting is a perfect choice.
Ask us about which Web Hosting Plan you should be on!
