Introduction:
The right choice of hosting provider for your WordPress hosting will mean the difference in how your website performs, the safety and security features it has, and ultimately your overall success. Two strong contenders in the world of managed WordPress hosting seem to be Nexcess and WP Engine. While both provide powerful solutions, this post discusses why many users of WordPress will find that Nexcess is their hosting solution of choice. We will look at various aspects of these web host providers, considering their feature comparison, performance, pricing, and the support they provide, empowering you to make an informed decision for your WordPress site.
Performance and Speed
Both Nexcess and WP Engine pride themselves on offering high-performance hosting solutions, but Nexcess takes the lead in several key areas:
a) Server Technology:
Nexcess utilizes cutting-edge server technology, including the latest generation of Intel Xeon processors and solid-state drives (SSDs) across all plans. This ensures faster data retrieval and processing times compared to traditional hard disk drives.
b) Content Delivery Network (CDN):
While both providers offer CDN services, Nexcess includes a free CDN with all plans, powered by Cloudflare. This global network of servers helps deliver your content faster to users worldwide without additional cost.
c) Caching:
Nexcess implements a multi-layered caching system, including object caching and full-page caching, which significantly reduces server load and improves site speed. Their proprietary plugin, Nexcess Cache, is fine-tuned for optimal WordPress performance.
d) PHP Workers:
Nexcess offers more PHP workers per plan compared to WP Engine, allowing for better handling of concurrent requests and improved performance during traffic spikes.
Scalability and Resources
As your WordPress site grows, you need a hosting provider that can scale with you:
a) Resource Allocation:
Nexcess offers more generous resource allocations across their plans, including higher storage limits, bandwidth, and PHP memory limits compared to WP Engine’s equivalent tiers.
b) Staging Environments:
Both providers offer staging environments, but Nexcess allows for multiple staging sites even on lower-tier plans, giving developers more flexibility for testing and deployment.
c) Site Migration:
Nexcess offers free site migrations for all plans, making it easier and more cost-effective to switch from another host. WP Engine charges for migrations on their lower-tier plans.
Security Features
Website security is paramount, and both hosts offer robust security measures:
a) Malware Scanning and Removal:
Nexcess provides daily malware scanning and automated removal on all plans, while WP Engine offers scanning but charges extra for removal on lower-tier plans.
b) SSL Certificates:
Both hosts offer free SSL certificates, but Nexcess provides wildcard SSL certificates on higher-tier plans at no additional cost.
c) Web Application Firewall (WAF):
Nexcess implements a powerful WAF on all plans, offering protection against common WordPress vulnerabilities and attacks.
Backup and Restore
Regular backups are crucial for any WordPress site:
a) Backup Frequency:
Nexcess performs daily backups for all plans, with the option for on-demand backups. WP Engine’s backup frequency varies by plan.
b) Retention Period:
Nexcess offers a longer backup retention period (30 days) compared to WP Engine’s 14-day retention on most plans.
c) Restore Process:
Both hosts offer one-click restore options, but Nexcess allows for partial restores, giving users more flexibility in recovering specific files or databases.
Developer-Friendly Features
For developers and agencies managing multiple WordPress sites, Nexcess offers several advantages:
a) Git Version Control:
Nexcess provides Git version control integration on all plans, allowing for easier collaboration and code management.
b) WP-CLI Support:
Both hosts support WP-CLI, but Nexcess offers more comprehensive documentation and support for this powerful command-line tool.
c) SSH Access:
Nexcess provides SSH access on all plans, giving developers more control over their hosting environment. WP Engine restricts SSH access to higher-tier plans.
eCommerce Optimization
For WordPress users running online stores, Nexcess offers specialized eCommerce hosting solutions:
a) WooCommerce Optimization:
Nexcess provides optimized hosting environments specifically for WooCommerce, including performance tweaks and specialized caching mechanisms.
b) Magento Integration:
For users requiring more robust eCommerce capabilities, Nexcess offers seamless integration with Magento, providing a powerful alternative to WooCommerce.
c) PCI Compliance:
Nexcess ensures PCI compliance across all their eCommerce hosting solutions, crucial for handling online payments securely.
Customer Support
Both Nexcess and WP Engine are known for their excellent customer support, but Nexcess edges out in a few areas:
a) Support Channels:
Nexcess offers 24/7 support via phone, live chat, and ticket system across all plans. WP Engine restricts phone support to higher-tier plans.
b) Response Times:
Nexcess boasts faster average response times for support tickets and live chat compared to WP Engine.
c) WordPress Expertise:
While both hosts employ WordPress experts, Nexcess support staff are often praised for their in-depth knowledge and ability to resolve complex issues quickly.
Pricing and Value
When it comes to pricing, Nexcess offers more value for your money:
a) Plan Tiers:
Nexcess offers more flexible plan tiers, allowing users to find a plan that closely matches their needs without overpaying for unnecessary resources.
b) Resource Allocation:
As mentioned earlier, Nexcess provides more generous resource allocations (storage, bandwidth, etc.) per dollar spent compared to WP Engine.
c) Add-ons and Extras:
Many features that come standard with Nexcess plans are charged as add-ons by WP Engine, potentially increasing the overall cost.
Plugin and Theme Restrictions
One significant advantage of Nexcess over WP Engine is the freedom it provides in terms of plugin and theme usage:
a) Plugin Restrictions:
WP Engine has a list of disallowed plugins due to performance or security concerns. Nexcess, on the other hand, allows users to install any plugin they choose, giving more flexibility in site customization.
b) Theme Compatibility:
Both hosts support a wide range of WordPress themes, but Nexcess’s more open approach means you’re less likely to encounter compatibility issues with niche or custom themes.
Multi-site Support
For users managing multiple WordPress installations:
a) WordPress Multisite:
Both hosts support WordPress Multisite, but Nexcess offers this feature on all plans, while WP Engine restricts it to higher-tier plans.
b) Site Management:
Nexcess provides a user-friendly dashboard for managing multiple WordPress sites, making it easier for agencies or businesses managing numerous web properties.
Conclusion:
While both Nexcess and WP Engine are reputable managed WordPress hosting providers, Nexcess stands out as the superior choice for many users. With its exceptional performance, generous resource allocations, comprehensive security features, and developer-friendly tools, Nexcess offers a more flexible and value-packed hosting solution.
The combination of cutting-edge server technology, optimized WordPress environments, and stellar customer support makes Nexcess an excellent choice for bloggers, small businesses, eCommerce stores, and even large enterprises. The absence of restrictive plugin policies and the inclusion of features like Git version control and SSH access on all plans further cement Nexcess’s position as a top-tier WordPress host.
While WP Engine certainly has its strengths, Nexcess’s overall package offers better value for money and more room for growth. Whether you’re just starting with WordPress or looking to upgrade your existing hosting setup, Nexcess provides the performance, security, and support you need to succeed online.
Remember, the best hosting provider for you will ultimately depend on your specific needs and budget. However, for most WordPress users seeking a balance of performance, features, and value, Nexcess emerges as the clear winner in this comparison.
