When you’re searching for the best web hosting service, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the choices out there.
Two popular options are Nexcess and Kinsta, both known for offering fast and reliable hosting solutions. But how do you know which one is right for you?
I’ve taken a closer look at both to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re running a small business website or a growing online store, each platform has its strengths.
Nexcess is perfect for those looking for great scalability at an affordable price, while Kinsta shines when it comes to top-tier performance and customer support.
In this comparison, I’ll walk you through their key differences, so you can pick the best option for your needs. Let’s dive in!
Nexcess Overview
Nexcess is a leading managed hosting provider specializing in high-performance, scalable solutions tailored for eCommerce, content, and complex websites.
With a strong focus on platforms like WordPress, Magento, and WooCommerce, Nexcess offers managed services that ensure speed, security, and reliability.
Their cloud hosting solutions include automatic scaling, daily backups, and 24/7 expert support.
Nexcess is known for its easy-to-use control panel, developer-friendly tools, and robust infrastructure, making it a trusted partner for businesses seeking seamless web performance and growth.
Kinsta Overview
Kinsta, established in 2013, is a premium managed WordPress hosting provider renowned for its high-performance infrastructure and exceptional customer support.
Built exclusively on the Google Cloud Platform’s premium tier network, Kinsta offers over 35 data centers worldwide, ensuring rapid and reliable content delivery.
Key features include server-level caching, a built-in content delivery network (CDN) powered by Cloudflare, automatic daily backups, and robust security measures such as firewalls and DDoS protection.
The user-friendly MyKinsta dashboard facilitates easy site management, while 24/7 expert support is available to assist users. Kinsta’s scalable plans cater to a diverse range of clients, from small businesses to large enterprises.
Features Comparison: Nexcess vs Kinsta
When comparing Nexcess and Kinsta, both offer robust managed WordPress hosting solutions, each with distinct features catering to different user needs. Here’s a detailed comparison:
1. Data Centers and Content Delivery Network (CDN):
Kinsta: Operates across 35 data centers globally, including nine in the U.S., two in Canada, ten in Europe, two in Australia, one in Israel, nine in Asia, and two in South America. Kinsta integrates with Cloudflare’s Enterprise CDN, providing extensive coverage with over 275 locations worldwide.
Nexcess: Maintains ten data centers, with six in the U.S., three in Europe, and one in Australia. Nexcess offers its proprietary Edge CDN, featuring 20+ locations across North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region.
2. Backup and Data Restoration:
Kinsta: Provides automated daily backups with a retention period of 14 days. Extended backup retention is available for an additional fee.
Nexcess: Offers automated daily backups stored offsite with a 30-day retention period, allowing for more extended data recovery options.
3. Customer Support:
Kinsta: Delivers 24/7 support via live chat and email, with a reputation for responsive and knowledgeable assistance.
Nexcess: Provides 24/7 support through live chat, email, and phone, offering multiple channels for customer assistance.
4. Security Features:
Kinsta: Utilizes enterprise-level firewalls from Cloudflare and Google Cloud, offering robust protection against threats. Kinsta also commits to fixing sites for free if compromised.
Nexcess: Includes iThemes Security Pro, featuring brute force protection, two-factor authentication, and firewall capabilities.
5. Additional Features:
Kinsta: Specializes in upscale managed hosting with features like automatic database optimization, server-level full-page caching, and a custom dashboard.
Nexcess: Provides automatic plugin updates, auto image compression, no pageview limits, and full server access, catering to users requiring comprehensive management tools.
Verdict:
Nexcess stands out for its extended backup retention, comprehensive security features, and more affordable pricing, making it a compelling choice for users seeking value and robust data protection.
However, the optimal choice depends on specific requirements, such as the need for extensive global data center coverage or particular security protocols.
Pricing Comparison: Nexcess vs Kinsta
Nexcess Pricing:
Nexcess offers a range of managed hosting plans tailored for platforms like WordPress, WooCommerce, and Magento. Their Managed WordPress hosting plans are structured as follows:
1. Spark Plan: $21/month for 1 site, 15GB storage, and 2TB bandwidth.
2. Maker Plan: $87/month for 5 sites, 40GB storage, and 3TB bandwidth.
3. Designer Plan: $120/month for 10 sites, 60GB storage, and 4TB bandwidth.
4. Builder Plan: $164/month for 25 sites, 100GB storage, and 5TB bandwidth.
5. Producer Plan: $328/month for 50 sites, 300GB storage, and 5TB bandwidth.
6. Executive Plan: $602/month for 100 sites, 500GB storage, and 10TB bandwidth.
7. Enterprise Plan: $1,095/month for 250 sites, 800GB storage, and 10TB bandwidth.
Note: Nexcess often provides discounts for the initial months or annual billing cycles.
Kinsta Pricing:
Kinsta offers a variety of plans designed to cater to different user needs:
1. Starter: At $35/month, this plan supports 1 WordPress install, 25,000 visits, 10GB storage, and includes free CDN and SSL.
2. Pro: For $70/month, it offers 2 WordPress installs, 50,000 visits, 20GB storage, along with free CDN and SSL.
3. Business 1: Priced at $115/month, this plan includes 5 WordPress installs, 100,000 visits, 30GB storage, with free CDN and SSL.
4. Business 2: At $225/month, it provides 10 WordPress installs, 250,000 visits, 40GB storage, and free CDN and SSL.
5. Enterprise 1: At $675/month, this plan includes 60 WordPress installs, 1,000,000 visits, 100GB storage, with free CDN and SSL.
6. Enterprise 2: Priced at $1,000/month, it provides 80 WordPress installs, 1,500,000 visits, 150GB storage, and free CDN and SSL.
Conclusion:
For users seeking a budget-friendly managed WordPress hosting service with generous resources and inclusive features, Nexcess stands out as a compelling choice over Kinsta. Its transparent pricing and absence of visitor-based overage charges provide greater predictability and value.
The Final Verdict
Nexcess outperforms Kinsta in affordability and scalability, offering flexible pricing plans for small businesses and growing websites.
With a wider range of hosting options, including shared, VPS, and dedicated servers, Nexcess is better suited for diverse needs.
It also provides built-in features like automatic backups, enhanced security, and robust support at a more competitive price.
Kinsta excels in speed and premium features, but Nexcess delivers greater value, making it the superior choice for budget-conscious users.
FAQ’s
Which is more affordable?
Nexcess offers lower starting prices and includes more features like email hosting.
Who provides better storage and bandwidth?
Nexcess provides more storage and 2 TB of bandwidth, while Kinsta limits resources by visitor count.
Does either offer email hosting?
Nexcess includes email hosting for free; Kinsta does not.
Which platform has global data centers?
Kinsta leads with 35 global data centers, while Nexcess offers 10.
Which platform is better for scaling traffic?
Nexcess offers predictable auto-scaling; Kinsta charges for visitor overages.
