WP Engine Review (2024)
TL;DR: What We Think of WP Engine
WP Engine is one of those hosts which has forsaken all and chosen to focus their entire business on WordPress hosting only. They offer cloud-based managed WordPress hosting which is powerful, slightly justifying their rather hefty price tag. Aside from that, two core benefits stand out here – their in-house built caching system, knwon as EverCahce, and specialized WordPress support staff.
Suitable for:
Managed WordPress, or Developers-friendly Hosting
Our Evaluation: WP Engine Pros and Cons
WP Engine Pros
- Outstanding server uptime and speed performance
- Round-the-clock WordPress-specialized support
- Developer-friendly environment
- Genesis framework and StudioPress themes included
- Choice of 20+ server locations in four continents
WP Engine Cons
- Email hosting services not included
- Only WordPress plans available
- Bandwidth and some server resources are highly limited
- No white-glove site migration
Our Detail Findings & Experience with WP Engine
About WP Engine: Quick Introduction
Established in 2010 by Ben Metcalfe, Cullen Wilson, and Jason Cohen, WP Engine has its headquarters nestled in Austin, Texas. Through strategic acquisitions like Flywheel and key WordPress plugins such as Genesis Advanced Custom Fields and WP Migrate, WP Engine has fortified its position in the industry while expanding its global footprint.
Boasting a revenue surge to $192.4M in 2023 and a clientele exceeding 120,000, WP Engine, under the leadership of CEO Heather Brunner, continues to chart a path of innovation and growth in the web hosting domain.
| Performance |
Is WP Engine fast in terms of hosting speed and performance?In short, yes. As a managed WordPress hosting provider, WP Engine is renowned for its impressive uptime and speed performance. The web host runs on Google’s cloud infrastructure and comes with built-in caching mechanism (EverCache). These make sites hosted on WP Engine platform loads quickly and more efficient. The company publishes their server and network service status publicly, click here to visit. |
| Security |
Are websites hosted on WP Engine secure with server-side security?Yes, websites hosted at WP Engine are safe. WP Engine prioritizes security with features such as auto malware scan, advanced web application firewall (WAF), DDoS protection, free SSL certificates, daily backup, . These measures protect your data and ensure your site is secure from common cyber threats. |
| Supports |
What types of customer support does WP Engine offer?WP Engine provides expert assistance through 24/7 phone, live chat, and email support. Their support team is highly knowledgeable about WordPress-specific issues – which is a significant advantage for WordPress site owners. |
| Value for Money |
Is WP Engine worth its pricing in term of value?Managed WordPress hosting services like WP Engine tend to be more expensive due to their specialized focus on WordPress optimization and performance. These platforms provide a suite of tailored services including automatic updates, enhanced security, and expert WordPress support, which contribute to their higher cost. When considering WP Engine, it’s important to evaluate your hosting needs to find out whether the additional cost for these specialized features aligns with your requirements. |
| Overall Users Satisfaction |
What do users say about WP Engine?WP Engine demonstrates high user satisfaction according to our collected customer feedback data. Customers frequently commend WP Engine for its exceptional server performance and WordPress expert support. Many note that their website speed gets an instant boost right after shifting to WP Engine platform. Furthermore, the platform’s strong security features, including regular updates and powerful protection against threats, receive significant praise. For additional insights, please refer to the user reviews section below. |
| Beginners Friendliness |
Is WP Engine suitable for beginners?WP Engine might not be the best choice for solo bloggers or newbies. Although it offers a user-friendly dashboard and specialized support, its resource limitations and lack of email services could be significant drawbacks. The platform is designed more for users deeply invested in WordPress, and its plans are pricier compared to alternatives better suited for beginners or those with simpler needs. |
| Small Business Friendliness |
Is WP Engine suitable for small businesses?WP Engine’s focus on WordPress-specific hosting and its expertise in this area make it a strong contender for businesses that need advanced WordPress features and support. The platform’s managed technical details, advanced network options, and multiple data center locations provide a powerful infrastructure for growing businesses. However, the relatively high cost and limited resources may be a concern for some small businesses. |
| Web Developers Friendliness |
Is WP Engine suitable for web developers?For web developers, WP Engine is a very attractive option – especially for those specializing in WordPress development. The platform offers a WordPress-only cloud platform, developer-friendly tools, and a range of advanced features like the Genesis Framework and integrated local development environments. However, the absence of email hosting and domain name registration, along with its WordPress-exclusive focus, means it may not suit developers looking for a more versatile hosting solution. |
| Host Own Email |
Can you host custom email accounts with WP Engine?No, you cannot host your own email accounts with WP Engine. To do this, you will need to utilize a third-party email provider like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 at additional cost. |
| Onboarding |
Is WP Engine easy for new customers to start with?The onboarding process for WP Engine is smooth but tailored more towards experienced WordPress users rather than beginners. Making payment will trigger their system to send you your account details. This will contain all the information you need to get started with them. For users familiar with WordPress, WP Engine’s interface and dashboard are straightforward to navigate, enhancing the startup process and making site migration seamless with their migration plugin. However, beginners might find the platform challenging at first due to its developer-focused design. |
| Free Trial |
Is WP Engine available for a free trial?Yes, WP Engine offers a 60-day free trial period. If you are not satisfied with their services for any reason, you can cancel within this period and receive a full refund. |
WP Engine Plans & Pricing
WP Engine’s product offerings include a range of managed WordPress hosting solutions. They cater to various user needs, from small businesses to large enterprises, with services like automated site maintenance, expert WordPress support, and specialized WooCommerce hosting for eCommerce.
Consider Renewal Prices When Choosing
When evaluating hosting options, it is important to note that many hosting companies offer substantial discounts during the initial signup period, but prices often increase significantly upon renewal. Be sure to research and compare the renewal prices and not just the introductory rates to understand the true cost of hosting over time.
To help you in making an informed decision, we have prepared two tables below that compare the initial signup costs and renewal costs of WP Engine services with several other providers we monitor.
Compare WP Engine’s Signup Cost Against Competitors
| Web Host | Shared | VPS | Dedicated | Cloud | Managed WP | Windows |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WP Engine | $ – /mo | $ – /mo | $ – /mo | $35.00 – 675.00/mo | $15.00 – 145.00/mo | $ – /mo |
| LiquidWeb | $ – /mo | $20.00 – 55.00/mo | $199.00 – 549.00/mo | $5.00 – 350.00/mo | $17.50 – 912.50/mo | $65.00 – 145.00/mo |
| HostArmada | $2.99 – 5.49/mo | $29.95 – 74.23/mo | $81.95 – 180.95/mo | $ – /mo | $2.99 – 5.49/mo | $ – /mo |
| Nexcess | $ – /mo | $ – /mo | $ – /mo | $52 – 894/mo | $17.5 – 912/mo | $ – /mo |
| AltusHost | $10.92 – 27.39/mo | $17.52 – 70.23/mo | $164.64 – 329.34/mo | $ – /mo | $8.65 – 21.70/mo | $ – /mo |
| NameCheap | $1.48 – 4.98/mo | $6.88 – 24.88/mo | $59.57 – 238.88/mo | $ – /mo | $2.91 – 5.74/mo | $ – /mo |
Compare WP Engine’s Renewal Cost Against Competitors
| Web Host | Shared | VPS | Dedicated | Cloud | Managed WP | Windows |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WP Engine | $ – /mo | $ – /mo | $ – /mo | $35.00 – 675.00/mo | $30.00 – 145.00/mo | $ – /mo |
| LiquidWeb | $ – /mo | $20.00 – 55.00/mo | $299.00 – 549.00/mo | $5.00 – 350.00/mo | $17.50 – 912.50/mo | $65.00 – 145.00/mo |
| HostArmada | $11.95 – 21.95/mo | $59.90 – 148.45/mo | $163.90 – 361.90/mo | $ – /mo | $11.95 – 21.95/mo | $ – /mo |
| Nexcess | $ – /mo | $ – /mo | $ – /mo | $52 – 894/mo | $17.5 – 912/mo | $ – /mo |
| AltusHost | $10.92 – 27.39/mo | $17.52 – 70.23/mo | $164.64 – 329.34/mo | $ – /mo | $8.65 – 21.70/mo | $ – /mo |
| NameCheap | $4.48 – 9.48/mo | $9.88 – 28.88/mo | $67.88 – 259.88/mo | $ – /mo | $6.88 – 19.88/mo | $ – /mo |
Caution: Prices May Vary Web hosting prices can change frequently. For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information, please visit the official WP Engine website.
Is WP Engine the Right Choice for You?
For those well-versed in the digital realm and in search of unparalleled WordPress hosting, WP Engine stands out.
With flawless server uptime that keeps your site running like a well-oiled machine, expert WordPress support that understands your every need, and a broad selection of server locations ensuring your WordPress site is fast and accessible worldwide. Beyond its technical prowess, WP Engine also offers an ecosystem of WordPress-specific tools and features, designed to elevate your site’s performance, security, and scalability. It’s more than just hosting; it’s a comprehensive platform for those who mean serious business with their WordPress sites.
Summary of WP Engine Pros and Cons
WP Engine Pros
- Outstanding server uptime and speed performance
- Round-the-clock WordPress-specialized support
- Developer-friendly environment
- Genesis framework and StudioPress themes included
- Choice of 20+ server locations in four continents
WP Engine Cons
- Email hosting services not included
- Only WordPress plans available
- Bandwidth and some server resources are highly limited
- No white-glove site migration
WP Engine Alternatives to Consider
In case WP Engine is not right for you, below are some alternatives to consider. You can also find more options in our hosting reviews page (full list).