WP Engine vs Web.com: guide for 2024

Final verdict

Looking over WP Engine vs. Web.com, each hosting provider exhibits unique strengths and weaknesses tailored to different user needs.

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  WP Engine (Overall grade: 8.6)
  
  
  excels in offering specialized WordPress hosting with stellar performance, expert-level support, and advanced security measures. Its infrastructure ensures optimal uptime and load speeds, benefiting businesses with high-traffic or content-rich websites. The platform is favored for its user-friendly tools and robust CDN service, making it ideal for developers and larger enterprises seeking reliability and extensive features. However, its premium pricing can be a potential drawback for smaller sites or individual users.
  
• 
  Web.com (Overall grade: 7.3)
  
  
  provides an attractive option for beginners and smaller businesses with its budget-friendly plans, inclusive features like free domain and email hosting, and a user-friendly website builder. Although it covers essential hosting needs efficiently, Web.com falls short in performance metrics and lacks the advanced features seen in WP Engine. Its higher renewal rates and occasional downtime can be less appealing for those needing consistent and high-powered hosting solutions. Nonetheless, Web.com remains a solid choice for those prioritizing affordability and simplicity.
  

Hosting types offered

Both platforms provide a variety of hosting types, each designed to meet the different needs of users.

Although both offer a variety of hosting plans tailored to different needs, in
certain cases, one platform may prove to be more suitable.

Detailed comparison

🏆 Winner WP Engine: Exceptional uptime and availability for WordPress hosting.

WP Engine consistently ensures your website remains accessible, offering 24/7 uptime monitoring and high-performance metrics. The platform has shown an impressive 100% uptime over a recent two-month period, backed by a 99.99% SLA. With global data centers, WP Engine minimizes latency and boosts site performance, ensuring a seamless experience for users worldwide.

Web.com, while reliable with a 99.9% uptime guarantee, recorded a slightly lower actual uptime of 99.83% over a month with some downtime. They provide extensive support and additional features, but performance metrics like server response times vary. Renewal rates are also significantly higher after the first year, making it less cost-effective in the long run.

🏆 Winner WP Engine: Exceptional WordPress performance and reliability

WP Engine and Web.com both strive to deliver high-quality hosting services, but WP Engine stands out with its fast page load times, global CDN, and robust security features. WP Engine leverages proprietary EverCache® technology and the latest PHP versions for superior speed. Additionally, it offers over 200 CDN points of presence and highly available infrastructure across multiple data centers globally. Web.com also improves web performance with PHP 8.0 and OPcode Cache but provides a less extensive CDN service and data center locations.

Website speed

WP Engine excels in delivering fast page load times thanks to its EverCache® technology and optimized architecture for WordPress-specific conditions. It supports core web vitals crucial for Google rankings, while its global CDN enhances speed no matter where users are located. Conversely, Web.com offers upgraded PHP, MySQL 8, and the OPcode Cache for better performance, but it doesn’t quite match WP Engine’s speed optimizations and global CDN reach.

Scalability

WP Engine provides scalable architecture with isolated resources to manage traffic spikes effortlessly. Its infrastructure is highly redundant and scalable; however, specific details on automatic scaling or dedicated servers aren’t available. Web.com can support the majority of its customers’ bandwidth needs and offers scalable solutions, but like WP Engine, details on automatic scaling and dedicated servers are not specified.

🏆 Winner WP Engine: WP Engine offers advanced security measures and superior real-time monitoring for WordPress websites.

Both WP Engine and Web.com have notable differences in their approaches to technical and operational security, as well as in their compliance with regulations.

Technical security measures

WP Engine employs enterprise-grade technology that automates threat detection, blocking 72 million attacks daily. It also provides Global Edge Security, including a managed Web Application Firewall (WAF) and advanced DDoS mitigation. WP Engine uses Argo Smart Routing to ensure real-time congestion detection and fast, reliable web traffic routing. Additionally, WP Engine offers data encryption, daily backups, and comprehensive plugin vulnerability notifications. In contrast, Web.com provides several types of SSL certificates and essential site security features, but its focus is more on SSL variations and SiteLock solutions. Web.com also uses PHP 8.0 and MySQL 8 for better performance and security.

Operational security measures

WP Engine offers always-on monitoring, blocking over 26 billion attacks annually, along with continuous automated updates and proactive threat alerts. Their security management includes live teams for real-time monitoring and elevated edge protection. WP Engine also provides WooCommerce-specific protections, such as a managed WAF and encrypted global network routing. Web.com, on the other hand, offers Malware Scanning and Removal via SiteLock and manages multiple sites with directory pointers. Web.com also leverages CodeGuard for backup solutions and maintains a 99.9% uptime guarantee. Both platforms emphasize reliable operational security, but WP Engine’s comprehensive, continuous real-time monitoring gives it an edge.

Compliance and certifications

WP Engine holds SOC-2 compliance, ensuring adherence to Security and Availability Trust Services Categories, and is ISO 27001-2013 certified. It also provides PCI compliance scanning and proactive security management. Web.com focuses on GDPR compliance, ensuring data protection standards, and also offers PCI compliance through SiteLock. WP Engine supports a broader range of industry-standard certifications, reflecting a more robust compliance framework.

🏆 Winner WP Engine: Expertly managed WordPress hosting with robust security and top-notch performance.

When exploring the features offered by WP Engine and Web.com, a few differences stand out, particularly in website builder availability, user-friendliness, and customization potential. WP Engine doesn’t offer a built-in website builder, focusing instead on delivering powerful, managed WordPress solutions. It provides localized developer tools and ten premium WordPress themes, catering to users who prefer working directly within WordPress or through custom development. Additionally, WP Engine offers comprehensive security with proactive threat detection and global edge security, alongside specific managed updates for WordPress, PHP, and MySQL. On the other hand, Web.com includes a drag-and-drop website builder, making it easy for beginners to create and customize their site without needing in-depth technical knowledge. They also offer a free domain and SSL certificate for the first year, appealing to new users looking to minimize initial costs.

Additionally, WP Engine’s emphasis on performance and support is notable. They provide Lighthouse performance insights, edge content delivery with a Global CDN, and performance monitoring tools. Also, their premium support includes senior technical experts and ongoing website health assessments, making it ideal for businesses that require top-level assistance and robust performance guarantees. Although Web.com also guarantees 99.9% uptime and provides unmetered bandwidth, the user limitations in storage and visitor capacity by the plan might be restrictive for rapidly growing businesses. Furthermore, Web.com supports various programming languages like Ruby, Python, PHP5, and Perl, enabling more flexibility for developers inclined towards these technologies.

Both providers support a range of users from beginners to experts with user-friendly website builders and WordPress staging areas. However, in terms of developer tools, both WP Engine and Web.com offer robust options including SSH access, support for multiple programming languages, and Git for version control, thus appealing to developers looking for advanced capabilities.

Email services:

Email services at WP Engine do not provide email hosting, focusing exclusively on delivering superior WordPress hosting features. In contrast, Web.com includes business email hosting with each of their plans, enabling users to set up their own email campaigns. Web.com, however, doesn’t explicitly mention transactional email capabilities, which can be critical for operations like form submissions. For businesses needing integrated email solutions, Web.com’s offer may be more appealing.

🏆 Winner
WP Engine: Offering tailored plans with extensive features and higher bandwidth.

Evaluating the pricing of plans among various hosting providers can be complex due to their differing pricing and renewal strategies. Additionally, certain plans require annual commitments, which adds to the difficulty of making comparisons. The prices listed are based on monthly commitments; plans requiring annual commitments are indicated. Additionally, although some providers offer identical plans for WordPress and shared hosting, we have created separate tables for each to enhance clarity.

WP Engine provides a variety of managed WordPress hosting plans starting at $20 per month, increasing in price with additional features and support. Their offerings include automated updates, backups, premium themes, and enhanced performance options like EverCache® and global CDN. Web.com, on the other hand, offers more budget-friendly shared and WordPress hosting plans starting at $2.95 per month (renewing at higher rates) and includes features such as a free domain, SSL certificate, and unmetered bandwidth. While Web.com’s plans seem more affordable initially, WP Engine’s higher-tier plans provide advanced features suitable for larger-scale websites and enterprise needs.

Enterprise plans

For enterprise-level hosting needs, WP Engine’s Scale and Custom plans offer extensive features including substantial bandwidth, advanced support options, automated updates, backups, and additional security layers. Web.com does not provide specified enterprise plans, positioning WP Engine as the superior choice for businesses seeking comprehensive, large-scale hosting solutions.

🏆 Winner
WP Engine: Offers a user-friendly setup and a comprehensive support system for WordPress users.

WP Engine employs a custom admin panel tailored specifically for WordPress sites, offering a streamlined and intuitive interface. This can be exceptionally beneficial for both technical and non-technical users, as the user-friendly layout allows for easy access to essential features such as site backups, staging environments, and performance analytics. The admin panel also includes advanced tools for developers, making it a versatile option for different user skill levels.

Web.com, on the other hand, uses a more traditional control panel with a drag-and-drop website builder and options for easy domain management. Its interface is designed to be user-intuitive, with a centralized dashboard where users can monitor website performance and manage various administrative tasks including email account setup. Both technical and non-technical users will find the control panel accessible, but it lacks some of the more specialized tools that WP Engine offers.

WP Engine provides both automated and manual migration tools, including a free Automated Migration plugin specifically designed to simplify the process. The plugin takes minutes to set up and can migrate a site automatically by configuring it with the necessary credentials. For cases where the automated plugin is not compatible, WP Engine offers a Manual Migration Checklist to guide users step-by-step. Additionally, 24/7 support is available to assist during migrations. Web.com offers one-click installations for WordPress and manages automatic updates, but it does not explicitly mention specialized migration tools. This could potentially add complexity for users needing to migrate an existing site.

Both WP Engine and Web.com provide extensive help center resources, but WP Engine’s support center is particularly comprehensive, offering detailed guides, video tutorials, and 24/7 technical support via phone and chat. WP Engine’s resources include in-depth articles on migration, setup, performance optimization, and security, specifically tailored to WordPress users. Web.com offers a variety of help center articles and step-by-step guides that address general hosting setup and technical questions. Their support is accessible through live chat, email, and phone, ensuring users can get help when needed, but the depth and specialization of resources are not as extensive as WP Engine’s.

🏆 Winner: WP Engine: Streamlined and comprehensive user management capabilities.

WP Engine and Web.com both offer user management features, but WP Engine stands out in terms of flexibility and customization. WP Engine provides a detailed hierarchy of user roles with varying levels of access, including Owner, Full (with and without billing), and Partial (with and without billing), allowing granular control over who can perform tasks on the platform. In contrast, Web.com’s user management structure is more simplified, with two primary roles: Admin and Tech, offering basic distinctions in user permissions. WP Engine’s ability to fine-tune permissions based on specific needs and environments makes it more adaptable for various organizational requirements.

WP Engine offers a user-friendly interface for managing users within the User Portal, including options to add, edit, or remove users with clear, step-by-step instructions. The inclusion of detailed checklists for task assignments ensures precision in user management. Meanwhile, Web.com provides a straightforward user management interface through its Account Manager, focusing on essential functionalities. While Web.com’s approach is simpler, it may not provide the same level of control and customization as WP Engine, making WP Engine a better choice for those seeking detailed user role management capabilities.

In terms of access control measures, both platforms offer robust solutions but differ in their approach. WP Engine’s extensive list of user capabilities ensures that administrators can control almost every aspect of account and site management, efficiently managing a growing number of users. Its account activity log also supports detailed tracking and filtering, ensuring accountability. Web.com, while adequate in managing user access with its Admin and Tech roles, may fall short for growing businesses that need finer control over user permissions and access levels. WP Engine’s comprehensive access control framework is better suited for handling complex user hierarchies and access needs.

WP Engine user roles table:

Web.com user roles table:

🏆 Winner
WP Engine: Offers extensive 24/7 customer support and access to WordPress experts.

WP Engine and Web.com provide extensive customer support options for their users, ensuring accessible assistance. WP Engine offers around-the-clock support via phone and chat, valuable for immediate resolutions. They also provide access to WordPress expertise for troubleshooting and optimization, becoming indispensable for WordPress-centric websites. The user portal enhances self-service capabilities, and premium support options cater to those requiring higher levels of service.

Web.com also offers 24/7 technical support and a variety of contact methods, including phone, email, live chat, and a ticket system. This ensures comprehensive customer service accessibility. Their extended business hours for phone support cater to users seeking human interaction for guidance. Both hosting providers boast significant support infrastructures, with WP Engine being more focused on WordPress-specific support and access to specialized expertise.

User feedback

WP Engine exudes excellence in managed WordPress hosting, boasting top-notch technical support that’s often highlighted as a standout feature. Users appreciate the user-friendly dashboard, seamless migration tools, daily backups, and solid security measures, all of which contribute to high performance and reliability. However, the service does come at a higher price point, which some users find steep, especially for entry-level plans or smaller projects. Despite occasional concerns about costs and some technical nuances, WP Engine’s premium service quality justifies the expense for many, making it a highly recommended solution for businesses and developers alike.

The hosting provider offers a comprehensive solution for purchasing domain names, hosting, and website building, making it highly convenient for users managing multiple domains and websites. Users appreciate the convenience of having all services bundled together, but some express concerns about the limitations on hosting unlimited domains and the cost associated with individual website software. Overall, the service is satisfactory and well-rated, though there is room for improvement in accommodating users with extensive hosting needs.

FAQ