If you crave complete control over your server environment—choosing PHP versions, installing custom services, and fine-tuning performance—VPS hosting beats managed WordPress platforms hands down. Yet, if ease-of-use and frictionless setup are your priorities, managed WordPress is worth considering.
What Do We Mean by “Control”?
Let’s break it down:
- Server-level access: Do you need root access via SSH, command-line tools, or custom cron jobs?
- Software flexibility: Can you install your own themes, plugins, Composer dependencies, or even Docker?
- Stack configuration: Can you tweak PHP versions, Apache, Nginx, SSL, caching, and monitoring on your own?
- Upgrade freedom: Do larger sites or apps need automatic resource scaling and OS-level updates?
Managed WordPress Hosting—The Pros & Cons
✔ Pros:
- Optimized for speed, backups, security, and updates
- One-click staging sites, malware scanning, and email support
- Easy dashboard with WordPress-specific theme/plugin tools
⚠️ Cons:
- Zero root access—no custom SSH, server tools, or cron setups
- Theme/plugin limitations—some hosts blacklist* certain plugins
- Higher renewal costs as site grows and demands scale
VPS Hosting—True Control at Your Fingertips
✔ Pros:
- Full root and SSH access—run any service you want
- Install Redis, Docker, node.js, Python, or any custom stack
- Pick OS, PHP version, server modules, caching, and CDN
- Install WP-CLI, CRON jobs, and custom logging
⚠️ Cons:
- Requires sysadmin-level involvement (server management, updates)
- Security, backups, and patching are your responsibility—unless you choose managed VPS
- Slightly more hands-on than one-click WordPress platforms
Cost Breakdown: Which Gives You Better Value?
| Feature | Managed WP Hosting | VPS Hosting |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Starting Price | 12$– 20$ | 5$–10$ |
| Root/Shell Access | ❌ | ✅ |
| Install Custom Software | ❌ | ✅ |
| Automatic OS Updates | ✅ | Optional (for managed) |
| Backup & Security | ✅ Built-in | DIY or optional managed |
| Scalability | Semi-automatic | Fully customizable |
Bottom line: VPS can be more affordable in the long run if you value technical flexibility and control, especially as your site or apps grow.
When to Use Managed WordPress Hosting
Choose this option when:
- Your site is basic (blog, brochure site, small business page)
- You prefer to avoid server administration
- You rely on staging, caching, and support
- Your budget allows ~20$/month for maintenance-free hosting
When VPS Is the Better Choice
Opt for VPS when:
- You build custom plugins, services, or need cron jobs
- You’re running multiple WordPress sites on the same server
- You need to customize PHP modules or caching layers yourself
- You run non-WordPress apps (Node, Python, Laravel)
- You aim to optimize costs as resource use increases
Final Verdict: Who Wins?
- Do you want the maximum level of control, flexibility and cost-efficiency? You’re in control with VPS.
- Prefer a streamlined, maintenance-free experience with WordPress-specific tools? Choose managed WordPress hosting—it handles the nuts and bolts for you.
Ideally, start with managed WordPress for simplicity. Once your site outgrows it, switch to a VPS—where you control the server, stack, and performance settings your way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I migrate from managed WordPress to VPS later?
Absolutely—export your database and files, then set up on the VPS using tools like WP-CLI or plugins like All-in-One WP Migration.
Q: Is VPS hosting harder to manage?
Not really—it just depends on what you’re looking for. If you enjoy having full control over your setup and like the idea of customizing things to fit your exact needs, unmanaged VPS is actually a great option. You get the flexibility to install what you want, tweak performance, and handle security your own way. Sure, it requires a bit of technical know-how, but for many people, that’s part of the fun.
Q: Do both include backups?
Managed WordPress always includes scheduled backups. VPS requires manual setup or managed backup add-ons.
Q: Which is better for e-commerce (WooCommerce)?
If you’re on a budget and need heavy customization, VPS wins. Otherwise, managed WordPress works fine for smaller stores.
Q: What about scalability?
VPS offers flexible and granular scaling—you can add CPU/RAM when needed. Managed WP may result in plan upgrades or migration to higher tiers.
Ready to Choose?
- Want full server access and flexibility? Explore our VPS plans.
- Want simplicity and fast WordPress performance? Check out our WordPress Hosting options.
