Flywheel vs WP Engine: Which WordPress Hosting Company Is the Best for You?
The rise of content consumption on the web means that nearly every industry has been impacted by the increasing need for speed and agility when it comes to website delivery.
And the traditional web hostings, such as shared hosting or free hosting, which offer either a limited number of databases or none at all, are no longer sufficient to meet the demands of a growing business or blog.
This is where the “performance” of a web hosting company comes in.
While all web hostings must provide reliable service and uptime, it is one of the most important considerations for a business or blog owner when choosing a web host.
Features And Capabilities Of Web Hostings
The two biggest names in web hosting, GoDaddy and Bluehost, both offer extensive functionality and customization options for their customers to take advantage of. Whether you’re a developer looking to launch a new site or business or a seasoned professional seeking a reliable, high-performing host, these brands can accommodate your needs.
GoDaddy provides a free version of its hosting service as well as a premium one, while Bluehost is only available as a premium host. But, even the free version of GoDaddy’s hosting is sufficient for most users.
You’ll find that most web hostings offer the same critical features and functionalities, including WordPress installation, domain name registration, email accounts and site backups. What sets the two biggest web hostings apart from the rest is their support capabilities and how they deal with critical issues.
No Further Rerouting
One of the major differences between GoDaddy and Bluehost is that GoDaddy automatically provides a static IP address to your site (shared hosting), while Bluehost does not (VPS hosting). When using a shared hosting account, if you encounter any issues with your site’s performance or functionality, you’ll need to contact your host to ask them to solve the problem. While this might not seem like a critical difference, when your site is down for an extended period of time, even once or twice, it can have a serious impact on your business.
With a static IP address, when your site goes down, it stays down. You don’t need to worry about whether or not your host will be able to fix the problem because it doesn’t change. This will also speed up your site’s loading time. If you’re looking for a host that offers this option, consider GoDaddy. Otherwise, if you’re looking for a host that allows you to host multiple sites on one account or needs-based support, Bluehost is the go-to choice.
The Price Is Right
Finally, as important as speed and functionality are, it’s also important to consider the cost of the service. As noted, GoDaddy and Bluehost are the two biggest names in the industry, so we’ll start there. The cost of a domain name with GoDaddy is $12.95 per year, while with Bluehost it’s $2.95 per month. So, even though Bluehost is a smaller company, its pricing is significantly lower than GoDaddy’s. And, as discussed above, GoDaddy’s shared hosting starts at $2.95 per month, plus $12.95 per year for the domain name.
Now, let’s look at some of the smaller web hostings. These are the hosts we recommended above all else because of their reputation and customer support. So, while we don’t recommend them as our #1 choice due to the lack of features and capabilities compared to the two biggest names, we do recommend them based on their prices and the level of support they provide. Specifically, we recommend Dreamhost and WP Engine.
Dreamhost
With Dreamhost, you’ll find everything you need in a single package. And, at a very competitive price. So, if you’re looking for a host that provides the basics well and doesn’t cost a fortune, consider Dreamhost. And note, this host is dedicated to WordPress users, so if you’re already using WordPress, this is the host for you.
Unlike most of the other web hostings discussed here, Dreamhost does not provide a free version of its services. However, it does provide a free domain name for one year with the purchase of any web hosting plan.
It’s also important to keep in mind that Dreamhost changed its pricing a few months ago. It used to be that its web hosting plans cost $2.95 per month plus $12.95 per year for the domain name. But now, you can get the same service with the option to register up to three domains and keep your existing domain for free. So if you’re looking for a host that provides a decent amount of functionality for a lower price, consider this option. Or, if you’re looking to purchase a premium domain name, you can get the same service for less from Dreamhost as well.
WP Engine
WP Engine is actually the company behind WordPress itself. So, if you’re already using WordPress, this is the host for you. And the great thing is that WP Engine provides a free version of its services which, in most cases, will have enough features for any business or blog. But, if you’re looking for additional functionality, you can purchase a premium plan. And, at the same time, you can get a dedicated IP address which provides your site with a more stable connection and faster loading speed.
As with most of the other web hostings discussed here, the features and functionalities of WP Engine are extensive. But, what sets it apart is its support. If you have a problem with your site (and you know you will), you can contact WP Engine directly and get the help you need. While most web hostings offer either email or phone support, WP Engine provides chat support as well. So, if you need immediate help, this is the host for you.
Additionally, WP Engine offers a money-back guarantee if you meet the right criteria. So, if you want to ensure that you’re getting the best possible service, consider this host.
Choosing a web host can be tricky. You want to find a provider that is reliable and has the features you need at a price that you can afford. But you also don’t want to overpay for a service you won’t need. So, while it might be tempting to just pick the first web hosting company that pops up in your web browser, you should really take the time to do your research and make informed decisions about which hosting provider is the best for you.