Choosing between Nexcess and WP Engine can be tricky, especially since both are top players in the world of managed WordPress hosting. The right choice for you depends on your website’s needs and priorities.
If you’re looking for affordable pricing and scalability, especially for growing eCommerce sites, Nexcess is a fantastic option. It offers managed WordPress hosting with added features like WooCommerce optimization, automatic scaling, and solid performance at a reasonable price.
On the other hand, WP Engine is a bit pricier but delivers premium performance and exceptional customer support. Known for its superior speed, reliability, and security features, WP Engine is great for websites that need the best performance and are willing to pay a little extra for it.
Let’s break down the differences to help you decide which hosting provider is the best for your needs!
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.
WP Engine Overview
WP Engine is a premium managed WordPress hosting provider specializing in speed, security, and scalability for websites. Catering to businesses, developers, and agencies, it offers robust features like automated updates, daily backups, and advanced security.
WP Engine’s proprietary EverCache technology ensures fast load times, while its global CDN optimizes site performance. The platform includes staging environments, developer tools, and 24/7 expert support.
With a focus on reliability and innovation, WP Engine empowers users to create exceptional digital experiences.
Features Comparison: Nexcess vs WP Engine
When comparing Nexcess and WP Engine, both offer robust managed WordPress hosting solutions, each with distinct features catering to different user needs. Here’s a detailed comparison:
1. Performance and Speed:
Nexcess:Utilizes optimized servers, advanced caching mechanisms, a built-in Content Delivery Network (CDN), and premium image compression to deliver fast website speeds.
In head-to-head comparisons, Nexcess has demonstrated slightly faster performance than WP Engine.
WP Engine: Employs the Google Cloud Platform and proprietary EverCache® technology to enhance website speed and performance. While offering impressive speed, it may not match Nexcess in certain scenarios.
2. Security Features:
Nexcess: Provides automatic plugin updates, iThemes Security Pro, and a 100% uptime guarantee. It imposes no restrictions on themes and plugins, offering flexibility to users.
WP Engine: Offers free SSL certificates, real-time threat detection, and enterprise-grade security measures. However, some advanced security features may require additional fees.
3. Scalability and Resources:
Nexcess: Features automatic plugin testing and updates, no pageview or traffic limits, and is generally less expensive for hosting multiple websites. It includes iThemes Sync for managing multiple sites.
WP Engine: Provides a streamlined website staging environment and a 60-day money-back guarantee. However, it may charge for traffic overages and has restrictions on certain plugins.
4. Customer Support:
Nexcess: Offers responsive customer support with a focus on WordPress expertise. Users have reported satisfaction with the assistance provided.
WP Engine: Provides 24/7 customer support with a high satisfaction rate. However, some users have reported issues with scripted responses and less helpful front-line support.
5. Special Features:
Nexcess: Includes iThemes Sync for managing multiple sites, automatic plugin updates with visual regression testing, and no restrictions on themes and plugins. It also offers free autoscaling to handle traffic surges without extra fees.
WP Engine: Provides free StudioPress themes, page performance tools, and a proprietary EverCache® technology for enhanced speed. However, it may have restrictions on certain plugins and themes.
Verdict:
While both Nexcess and WP Engine are reputable managed WordPress hosting providers, Nexcess’s offerings in performance optimization, plugin flexibility, traffic management, and cost-effectiveness for multiple sites present compelling reasons to consider it as a preferable option, depending on specific user needs.
Pricing Comparison: Nexcess vs WP Engine
When evaluating the pricing structures of Nexcess and WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting, it’s essential to consider the specific needs of your website, such as the number of sites, expected traffic, storage requirements, and budget constraints. Here’s a detailed comparison of their offerings:
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.
Wp Engine Pricing:
WP Engine offers a range of managed WordPress hosting plans tailored to various needs:
| Plan | Monthly Price (Annual Billing) | Monthly Price (Monthly Billing) | Sites Included | Visits/Month | Storage | Bandwidth/Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Startup | $20 | $30 | 1 | 25,000 | 10 GB | 50 GB |
| Professional | $39 | $59 | 3 | 75,000 | 15 GB | 125 GB |
| Growth | $77 | $115 | 10 | 100,000 | 20 GB | 200 GB |
| Scale | $193 | $290 | 30 | 400,000 | 50 GB | 500 GB |
Verdict:
In summary, Nexcess offers a more budget-friendly approach to managed WordPress hosting by providing lower entry-level pricing, inclusive features without hidden costs, and more accommodating plans for multiple websites, making it a compelling alternative to WP Engine.
The Final Verdict
Nexcess is a better choice than WP Engine for users seeking flexible, affordable hosting with a wide range of options, including shared, VPS, and managed WordPress plans.
Nexcess offers robust features like automatic backups, enhanced security, and 24/7 support at more competitive prices.
While WP Engine excels in premium WordPress hosting, Nexcess delivers similar performance and reliability at a lower cost, making it the ideal solution for businesses looking for scalability and value without sacrificing quality.
FAQ’s
Which is cheaper?
Nexcess offers more affordable plans with inclusive features compared to WP Engine.
Which supports more plugins?
Nexcess allows all plugins, while WP Engine restricts certain ones.
Does either include email hosting?
Nexcess includes free email hosting; WP Engine does not.
Which is better for traffic spikes?
Nexcess has no visitor limits or overage fees, unlike WP Engine.
Which is better for eCommerce?
Nexcess excels with WooCommerce-specific optimization and tools.
Which provides more storage?
Nexcess typically offers more storage at a lower price point.
