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When it comes to building a successful WordPress site, your hosting provider isn’t just a background player — it’s the foundation of everything. From page speed and uptime to plugin compatibility and security, choosing the wrong host can mean sluggish performance, downtime, and endless tech headaches.

So it’s no surprise that one of the most Googled questions for site owners is: what’s the best hosting for WordPress?

In 2025, that answer is more nuanced than ever. Shared hosting is out. Cookie-cutter plans are dated. And serious WordPress users — from bloggers to developers to eCommerce stores — are demanding more: more speed, more reliability, and more intelligent tools.

That’s where Liquid Web and its managed WordPress brand Nexcess stand out. This isn’t just another “top 10 hosting providers” roundup. This guide breaks down exactly why Liquid Web and Nexcess are outperforming the competition — with real features, smart tools, and performance benchmarks to back it up.

Best Hosting for WordPress

What Does “Best Hosting for WordPress” Actually Mean in 2025?

When people search for the “best hosting for WordPress,” they often assume it’s about price or speed alone. But in 2025, the definition of “best” has evolved — especially as WordPress powers more complex, high-traffic websites, online stores, and membership platforms.

Modern WordPress users need more than just uptime guarantees and SSD storage. They need specialized infrastructure and smart tools built specifically for the WordPress ecosystem — and that’s where many hosts fall short.

So before we get into why Liquid Web and Nexcess rise above the rest, let’s define what “best” actually means for a WordPress host in today’s landscape.

Core Criteria to Evaluate WordPress Hosting in 2025

To be considered the best, a WordPress host should check all the following boxes — not just one or two:

Speed and Performance

  • Page load times under 2 seconds
  • Optimized server stack (PHP 8.2+, OPcache, HTTP/3)
  • Built-in CDN, caching, and image optimization

Uptime Reliability

  • Minimum 99.9% uptime guarantee
  • Proactive server monitoring
  • Autoscaling to handle unexpected traffic spikes

Security Infrastructure

  • Daily backups and easy restores
  • Malware scanning and DDoS protection
  • Web application firewall (WAF) and free SSLs

WordPress-Specific Optimization

  • Automatic plugin and core updates
  • Visual comparison tools to test updates safely
  • Pre-installed themes and plugins tailored for WordPress

Support from WordPress Experts

  • 24/7 access to agents who know WordPress inside and out
  • Fast ticket response times
  • Hands-on help with migrations, staging, and troubleshooting

Developer and Agency Features

  • Git support, WP-CLI, staging environments
  • Plugin performance monitoring
  • Team collaboration tools

Scalability for Growth

  • Flexible plan upgrades
  • No surprise billing or resource throttling
  • Support for WooCommerce and high-traffic workloads

Why Most Hosts Don’t Measure Up

The harsh truth? Most “WordPress hosts” are just rebranded shared servers with a 1-click install and a dashboard skin. They lack the infrastructure and support required to power serious websites.

That’s why we’re not just listing hosts that offer the basics — we’re focusing on providers that invest in purpose-built WordPress environments, not just generic hosting platforms.

Best Hosting for WordPress

Liquid Web vs Nexcess: What’s the Difference?

Liquid Web and Nexcess are often mentioned side by side — and for good reason. Nexcess is the managed WordPress hosting platform built by Liquid Web, one of the most respected names in the web hosting industry. But while they share the same DNA, their roles in the hosting ecosystem are very different.

Let’s break down exactly how these two providers serve different needs — and when to choose one over the other.

Nexcess: Fully Managed WordPress Hosting at Scale

Nexcess is a WordPress hosting provider built for creators, agencies, and businesses that want a premium, hands-off experience. Every hosting plan includes performance enhancements, built-in security, and developer-grade tools, but without the need for server management.

If you run a WordPress website — especially one with WooCommerce or multiple plugins — Nexcess gives you a streamlined experience with automatic updates, plugin performance monitoring, and tools built specifically for site speed and uptime.

It’s ideal for:

  • Small business owners who want fast, secure hosting without learning DevOps
  • Freelancers or agencies managing multiple client sites
  • eCommerce store owners using WooCommerce

Liquid Web: Enterprise-Level Hosting Solutions

Liquid Web is the parent hosting company and focuses on high-powered, scalable solutions like VPS hosting, cloud hosting, and dedicated servers. It’s built for users who need custom configurations, root access, and flexible infrastructure — with full support from a technical support team available 24/7.

This makes Liquid Web an excellent choice for:

  • Developers and system admins who want control over every setting
  • Larger businesses or SaaS platforms needing guaranteed resources
  • Agencies migrating from shared hosting to enterprise-grade architecture

Which Web Hosting Service Is Right for You?

If you’re focused purely on managed WordPress hosting, Nexcess is your best bet. It removes the complexity of server management and gives you the speed, stability, and support of a high-end web hosting service — without needing to configure anything manually.

On the other hand, if you want a fully customizable stack or are migrating enterprise-level infrastructure, Liquid Web offers unmatched flexibility with the power to scale as you grow

Performance That Outpaces the Competition

Speed isn’t just a “nice to have” — it’s a core ranking factor for SEO and a major driver of conversions. If your WordPress website takes more than a few seconds to load, users will bounce and Google will notice.

That’s why the best WordPress hosting providers today prioritize infrastructure that’s purpose-built for speed.

Liquid Web and Nexcess offer some of the fastest WordPress hosting options available, outperforming well-known providers like Bluehost, SiteGround, and even WP Engine.

Built for Speed at Every Level

Nexcess uses an optimized tech stack that includes:

  • PHP 8.2+ with OPcache and HTTP/3 support
  • Server-level caching to eliminate the need for third-party plugins
  • Automatic image compression and lazy loading
  • Free CDN powered by Cloudflare Enterprise
  • Dedicated bandwidth on VPS and cloud platforms
  • Instant provisioning and one-click WordPress installation on every plan

Whether you’re hosting a blog, business website, or WooCommerce store, you get the performance of a fully optimized environment — with none of the hassle of configuring it yourself.

Real Load Time Benchmarks (Chart)

Independent performance tests consistently show Nexcess and Liquid Web ahead of their peers. Below is a comparison of average load times across major hosting companies:

This kind of speed isn’t just about technical bragging rights. It directly impacts bounce rate, user satisfaction, and conversion rates.

Built-In Performance That Shared Hosts Can’t Touch

Most shared hosting providers struggle to deliver consistent speed under traffic — especially if you manage multiple websites or rely on dynamic content like WooCommerce or membership portals.

Liquid Web and Nexcess eliminate those limitations with:

  • Automatic WordPress updates (with rollback safety)
  • Managed hosting environments tuned specifically for WordPress
  • Built-in scalability for unexpected traffic
  • A secure hosting setup that keeps speed consistent under load

Security That’s Baked In — Not Bolted On

Most WordPress hosting providers treat security like an afterthought — offering basic firewalls or upselling premium protection layers. But in today’s environment, threats evolve faster than plugins, and even small WordPress websites can be targets for malware, brute-force attacks, or data breaches.

That’s why Liquid Web and Nexcess take a different approach: security is built directly into the hosting environment. No extra fees. No complicated setup. Just continuous protection from day one.

Free SSL Certificates on Every Plan

Every web hosting plan from Nexcess and Liquid Web includes a free SSL certificate. It’s automatically provisioned and renewed, so you’ll never need to configure it manually or risk downtime due to expiration.

This ensures that all data between your site and its visitors is encrypted — and it also improves SEO rankings, since Google gives preference to HTTPS-enabled sites.

Daily Backups and Easy Restores

Accidents happen. Updates break things. Users make mistakes. With automatic daily backups, you can restore your entire WordPress site with just a few clicks. Whether you’re fixing a botched update or recovering from a malware infection, the built-in backup system gives you peace of mind.

You can also trigger on-demand backups before major changes — a must-have feature for staging or WooCommerce store owners.

Malware Monitoring and Threat Detection

Unlike shared hosting providers that rely on reactive scans, Liquid Web and Nexcess monitor your environment 24/7 using advanced tools and real-time alerts. This includes:

  • Malware scanning and quarantining
  • Brute-force attack protection
  • IP blacklisting
  • Web Application Firewall (WAF)
  • DDoS mitigation at the edge via Cloudflare Enterprise

This level of protection is often an expensive add-on with other hosts — but here, it’s included in every plan.

iThemes Security Pro Included Free

Most hosting companies recommend third-party plugins for basic WordPress security. Nexcess goes further by bundling one of the most powerful WordPress security plugins on the market — iThemes Security Pro — for free.

This plugin adds:

  • Two-factor authentication (2FA)
  • File change detection
  • Login hardening
  • Scheduled malware scans
  • And more — all configured out of the box

It’s the kind of real-world security WordPress users need, especially those running multiple websites or eCommerce stores.

Secure Hosting Without the Headaches

Whether you’re hosting a business website, running an online store, or managing multiple client sites, security should be automatic — not a DIY project. Liquid Web and Nexcess make that possible.

You don’t have to search for the right plugin, pay extra for a firewall, or worry about backups. It’s all managed for you by a team of security and hosting experts.

FeatureNexcess / Liquid WebBluehostSiteGroundWP Engine
Free SSL CertificateIncludedIncludedIncludedIncluded
Daily BackupsAutomaticManual or PaidBasicIncluded
iThemes Security ProIncludedNot IncludedNot IncludedNot Included
Malware ScanningReal-TimeLimitedLimitedIncluded
DDoS ProtectionCloudflare EnterpriseBasic OnlyAdd-OnPro Plans
Web Application FirewallBuilt-InNot IncludedNot IncludedIncluded
Two-Factor AuthenticationEnabled by DefaultRequires PluginRequires PluginRequires Plugin

WordPress-Specific Tools That Save Hours Every Month

A lot of hosting companies promise “WordPress optimized” environments — but very few actually offer tools that make managing WordPress easier. Nexcess and Liquid Web go beyond the basics with a set of premium, time-saving features built specifically for WordPress users.

Whether you’re launching a blog, managing multiple sites, or developing custom themes and plugins, these tools are built to streamline your workflow.

One-Click WordPress Installation & Setup

Forget cPanel or confusing installers. Nexcess offers instant WordPress setup — just choose your plan, and your site is deployed with all core files, performance optimizations, and security protocols in place.

You also get:

  • Free website migration with white-glove support
  • Multiple server locations via Liquid Web’s global data centers
  • Git, WP-CLI, and SSH access for developers
  • Smart caching and a built-in CDN for reliable performance

This is enterprise-grade hosting without the enterprise complexity.

Plugin Performance Monitoring

A common cause of slow WordPress websites? Bad plugins.

Nexcess includes Plugin Performance Monitoring, which automatically detects which plugins are slowing down your site — and when performance drops. You’ll get alerts and insights in real time, so you can remove or replace problem plugins before they affect visitors or rankings.

Smart Updates with Visual Testing

Updating plugins and themes shouldn’t break your site. With Smart Updates, Nexcess takes a screenshot of your site before and after every update and compares the two. If something changes visually, the update is paused and flagged for review.

This is a game-changer for:

  • Designers managing client sites
  • Test site workflows
  • WooCommerce stores where uptime and layout matter
  • Agencies managing multiple environments

No more crossing your fingers after clicking “update.”

Built-In Staging Environments

Need to test new features, themes, or plugins? Every plan includes 1-click staging so you can duplicate your site in a safe sandbox, make your changes, and push live when you’re ready — no downtime, no surprises.

Developer Tools on Every Plan

For technical users, Nexcess and Liquid Web don’t lock down the environment. You get:

  • WP-CLI
  • Git integration
  • SSH access
  • PHP version control
  • .htaccess and wp-config.php customization

These tools meet real WordPress hosting requirements — especially if you’re building custom features or working across multiple sites.

Customer Support That Solves Problems — Not Tickets

You don’t need customer support until you really need it — and when that happens, the last thing you want is to deal with generic responses, long hold times, or agents who don’t understand WordPress.

That’s where Nexcess and Liquid Web stand out from other web hosting companies.

24/7/365 Human Support from WordPress Experts

Every hosting account includes access to around-the-clock support, not just via chat or email, but also by phone. Even better — support is staffed by real engineers who specialize in WordPress, WooCommerce, and PHP-based applications.

Whether you’re having trouble with a plugin, need help migrating a site, or have performance issues you can’t explain, Nexcess’s team has the technical depth to actually solve the issue — not just escalate it.

This is a premium hosting experience, not the kind you get with entry-level shared providers.

Fast, Consistent Response Times

You won’t wait 48 hours to hear back. Nexcess’s support team is known for:

  • Sub-5-minute response times via live chat
  • Fast escalations to Tier 2 or higher when needed
  • Issue ownership — no endless bouncing between reps
  • Full transparency and follow-up after tickets are closed

Whether you’re launching a new WordPress site or optimizing an existing one, support is always within reach.

Built for WordPress — Not Just “Hosting”

Many affordable hosting companies outsource support or only help with server uptime — not your actual site. Nexcess is different. The support team:

  • Understands the WordPress community
  • Can help debug plugins, themes, caching, and update issues
  • Supports advanced workflows like staging, WP-CLI, and multisite
  • Helps agencies and developers with multiple sites or clients

This kind of WordPress-focused support is rare — and it’s why Nexcess has such high customer satisfaction scores in independent reviews.

Advanced Infrastructure: Built for Scale, Speed, and Security

Under the hood, Nexcess and Liquid Web operate some of the most advanced infrastructure in the WordPress hosting industry — engineered to serve everything from high traffic blogs to enterprise-grade ecommerce sites.

This isn’t generic shared hosting. It’s a purpose-built platform with power, speed, and reliability that most shared hosting providers can’t match.

Multiple Global Data Centers for Faster Load Times

With multiple server locations across North America and beyond, Liquid Web minimizes latency and maximizes speed — no matter where your audience lives. Your WordPress site can be provisioned in the nearest data center, ensuring quick TTFB and snappy performance on every device.

This network is monitored 24/7 and supported by SLA-backed uptime guarantees — a critical advantage for businesses, agencies, and mission-critical sites.

Autoscaling Without Overages

Traffic spikes shouldn’t crash your website — or your wallet.

On Nexcess, autoscaling is included. When your WordPress site experiences a traffic surge, resources scale up automatically — and without surprise overage charges.

This is especially valuable for:

  • Product launches
  • Seasonal promotions
  • Viral blog posts or influencer traffic
  • Live webinars or event-driven pages

VPS and Dedicated Hosting Options

Need more power? Liquid Web offers fully managed dedicated hosting and VPS plans with:

  • Root access (optional)
  • Custom server configurations
  • Dedicated IP addresses
  • Full control over server-level software
  • Isolated resources for maximum performance

This is true enterprise-grade hosting, without the pain of managing your own hardware.

Built-In Reliability and Redundancy

No single point of failure. No noisy neighbors. No overloaded shared environments.

Whether you’re on a VPS, cloud container, or dedicated server, every WordPress plan includes:

  • RAID-protected storage
  • Real-time server monitoring
  • Network redundancy and failover protection
  • Isolated containerized architecture (on Nexcess)

It’s a hosting environment engineered for reliable performance, even under pressure.

FeatureShared HostingVPS Hosting (Liquid Web)Dedicated Hosting (Liquid Web)
Resource AllocationShared with other usersGuaranteed resourcesFully dedicated server
PerformanceVariable / limitedHigh / consistentMaximum / enterprise-grade
SecurityBasicAdvanced, isolated containerFull server control & isolation
CustomizationVery limitedRoot access, full stack controlFull OS and software control
Use CaseBasic sites & blogsGrowing businesses & dev teamsHigh-traffic, mission-critical sites
Starting Price (approx.)$2–$10/month$59–$139/month$149+/month

Transparent Pricing with Real Value — No Hidden Costs

It’s easy to be drawn in by cheap WordPress hosting ads — $2.99/month sounds great until you realize the real price comes later.

With many shared hosting providers, essential features like backups, malware protection, email, or even basic customer support are stripped out and sold as paid add-ons. You’re left with a barebones hosting account and a long list of upsells just to get your site running securely.

Nexcess and Liquid Web take a different approach: everything is included, up front, with no surprises.

All-Inclusive Hosting That Pays Off Long-Term

Here’s what’s included on every WordPress plan at no extra cost:

  • Free website migration
  • Free SSL certificate
  • Daily automatic backups
  • Built-in CDN and caching
  • Plugin performance monitoring
  • Smart updates with visual regression testing
  • iThemes Security Pro included
  • 24/7/365 expert support
  • Email accounts and staging environments
  • Multiple sites support (on higher tiers)

Other hosts may offer a low sticker price, but when you calculate the total cost of ownership, Nexcess often wins — especially over time.

No Intro Rate Gimmicks

Most budget hosts offer a “starter” rate for 12–36 months, then hike your renewal rate 2–3x higher. Nexcess offers clear, upfront pricing with no long-term lock-ins or auto-renew traps.

What you see is what you pay — no surprises in month 13.

Plans Designed for Growth

Whether you’re just launching your first WordPress blog or scaling a high-traffic store, Nexcess has WordPress plans that grow with you.

  • Starter Plans: Great for freelancers, bloggers, or side projects
  • Growth Plans: Perfect for small agencies or ecommerce stores
  • Pro & Enterprise Plans: Ideal for developers, large businesses, or resource-heavy environments

All plans include managed hosting, so you’re not stuck configuring servers or patching WordPress core files manually.

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Not sure if it’s the right fit? Try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee — no strings attached. Cancel within the first month and get a full refund.

Compare that to hosts that charge setup fees, lock you in for 3 years, or make it difficult to cancel.

Optional Free Domain?

Nexcess doesn’t offer a free domain name with hosting — and that’s a good thing. It means:

  • You maintain domain control (no forced registrar renewals)
  • You’re not locked into a long-term bundled contract
  • You can use any domain provider you want

It’s a transparent trade-off: Nexcess focuses on world-class infrastructure and WordPress performance — not domain sales.

One-Click Migrations & Launch Tools That Just Work

Switching hosts or launching your first WordPress site shouldn’t feel like a technical project. With Nexcess, it doesn’t. Their onboarding and migration systems are built to eliminate the typical pain points of working with most WordPress hosting companies.

Free Site Migration — With People, Not Just Portals

If you already have a WordPress site hosted somewhere else, Nexcess offers free site migration handled by real experts. No scripts. No copy-paste. Just provide login details and their team will handle the entire migration — usually within 24–48 hours.

Even better: their live chat service is available around the clock if you have questions or need to prep before migrating.

This is a major upgrade from reliable shared hosting plans that either:

  • Charge extra for migrations
  • Send you to third-party plugins
  • Leave you on your own to figure it out

Launch in Minutes — WordPress Pre-Installed

Every hosting plan comes with WordPress pre-installed, so you can skip cPanel installers and get straight to building.

Once your account is created:

  • You receive admin login credentials instantly
  • Your dashboard includes pre-configured caching and security
  • Smart plugin monitoring and updates are enabled by default
  • Visual staging environments are ready to use
  • You can install WordPress on multiple sites (if your plan allows)

This is ideal for:

  • Beginners launching a personal blog
  • Agencies spinning up client sites
  • Freelancers building sites for their online business
  • Businesses rebuilding after outgrowing budget hosts

Easy-to-Use Control Panel — No cPanel Clutter

Nexcess uses a custom control panel that’s intuitive and stripped of bloat. You can:

  • Manage backups
  • Set up staging
  • Deploy new WordPress installs
  • Monitor performance
  • Open support tickets or live chats

It’s cleaner and easier to use than traditional cPanel or Plesk environments — with everything built specifically for managed WordPress hosting.

Tools That Scale With You

Whether you’re running a single site or managing a growing portfolio, Nexcess tools adapt to your needs. You can:

  • Clone and deploy WordPress multisite networks
  • Manage website traffic from built-in analytics
  • Upgrade without site downtime
  • Scale storage and bandwidth seamlessly

No upsell fatigue. No third-party plugins required. Just tools that work the way they should — right out of the box.

Performance & Security: Proven, Tested, Trusted

Choosing a hosting provider isn’t just about disk space or bandwidth anymore. Today’s WordPress sites demand speed, uptime, and protection against evolving security threats — and that’s exactly what Liquid Web and Nexcess deliver.

If you care about SEO, conversion rates, and a healthy site, performance and security should never be an afterthought.

Lightning-Fast WordPress Website Load Times

Your WordPress website will load fast right out of the box. Here’s why:

  • Built-in Edge CDN with intelligent caching
  • High-performance PHP workers and object caching
  • Modern infrastructure running on optimized cloud VMs
  • Global data centers with low latency architecture
  • Performance monitoring dashboard to track bottlenecks

Whether you’re serving a landing page, a blog, or a dynamic WooCommerce store, you get the load times and responsiveness needed to compete.

WordPress-Specific Security Features

Security isn’t a plugin — it’s part of the platform. With Nexcess and Liquid Web, you’re protected by multiple layers of built-in security features:

  • iThemes Security Pro included for all sites
  • Free SSL certificate auto-renewals
  • Daily malware scanning
  • Web application firewall (WAF)
  • Server-level brute force protection
  • Real-time file integrity monitoring

This isn’t optional or upsold — it’s part of every managed plan, designed specifically to support WordPress and WooCommerce sites at scale.

Cloud Hosting That Powers Performance

Under the hood, Nexcess runs on a modern cloud hosting stack — containerized environments that isolate your WordPress instance from noisy neighbors.

Every site gets:

  • Scalable bandwidth
  • Guaranteed resources
  • Dedicated IPs (on premium plans)
  • Zero shared resource throttling
  • Environment-level resource allocation

Whether you’re managing multiple websites or running one high-traffic WooCommerce store, your performance stays stable — even during spikes.

Managed Hosting = Less Worry, More Uptime

This is the benefit of true managed hosting — you’re not worrying about security patches, PHP versions, plugin conflicts, or core updates. It’s all handled.

Liquid Web also guarantees 99.999% uptime and backs it with real SLA credits. Their platform is monitored 24/7 with on-site engineers at their data centers.

You’re not just buying hosting. You’re buying reliability, performance, and peace of mind.

How to Choose the Right WordPress Hosting Provider

With hundreds of options available, choosing a WordPress hosting provider can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re launching a single blog or managing multiple websites for clients, the right platform will make or break your experience — not just your budget.

Below, we break down the core factors to evaluate when choosing your host, and why Nexcess and Liquid Web stand out as ideal choices for anyone serious about WordPress.

1. Does It Truly Support WordPress?

Not all hosting companies are optimized for WordPress. A host might claim to be “WordPress-friendly,” but lack features like:

  • Auto core updates
  • Smart plugin handling
  • Built-in caching
  • Image optimization
  • Automatic staging

Nexcess provides support for WordPress at the core level — not just with compatibility, but with active optimization. From the server stack to the control panel, everything is purpose-built for WordPress.

2. Is It Built for Growth and Scale?

If you’re managing multiple websites, your hosting solution needs to offer:

  • Site cloning
  • Resource isolation
  • Centralized management
  • Easy user/team collaboration
  • Scalable plans with no migration required

Nexcess includes all of this — with tools designed for agencies, developers, and freelancers who build, launch, and maintain multiple installs.

3. Does It Support WordPress Multisite?

If you’re running a WordPress multisite network — for a school, enterprise, SaaS product, or franchise — you’ll need a host that understands and supports the extra complexity.

Liquid Web offers plans that are multisite-ready, with options to fine-tune:

  • Subdomain vs subdirectory installs
  • Network-wide plugin control
  • Isolated performance monitoring
  • Admin management across subsites

Many hosts (including InMotion Hosting) technically “allow” multisite, but don’t optimize or support it. Nexcess, by contrast, builds for it.

4. Does It Offer Premium Hosting Performance?

If you’re running a business, ecommerce store, or client-facing property — “just okay” isn’t enough. You need premium hosting that delivers:

  • High-speed infrastructure
  • SLA-backed uptime
  • Security hardening
  • Real-time performance monitoring
  • Automatic backups and versioning

Nexcess doesn’t just match this; it includes all of it in the base price — no add-ons, no hidden upgrades.

5. Is It Actually a Hosting Provider — or a Reseller?

A key detail many overlook: Some “hosting companies” are just resellers. They rent space from larger providers (often overcrowded servers) and repackage it as their own.

Nexcess and Liquid Web own and operate their infrastructure, with in-house engineers managing their own data centers and hardware. That means:

  • Better uptime
  • Faster support
  • Tighter security
  • Greater accountability

6. How Does the Support Team Handle Real Issues?

Let’s be honest: most low-cost hosting providers rely on offshore scripts, slow escalations, and support teams that only solve billing issues.

Nexcess delivers true expert support, 24/7/365 — with WordPress-certified technicians who can handle:

  • Plugin conflicts
  • Site migrations
  • DNS routing
  • PHP tuning
  • WooCommerce performance

You’re not just buying storage space — you’re getting a support team that speaks your tech language.

Nexcess vs Bluehost vs SiteGround vs InMotion Hosting: Feature Comparison

With so many WordPress hosting companies on the market, it’s easy to assume they’re all basically the same — but the truth is, they differ significantly in performance, support, and what’s actually included.

Below is a side-by-side breakdown of what you get with Nexcess compared to three of the most commonly mentioned providers: Bluehost, SiteGround, and InMotion Hosting.

FeatureNexcessBluehostSiteGroundInMotion
Managed HostingYesNoPartialNo
Free Site MigrationYesLimitedNoLimited
Free SSL CertificateYesYesYesYes
Automatic Daily BackupsYesNo (Add-on)YesLimited
Staging EnvironmentYesPartialYesNo
Performance MonitoringYesNoNoNo
Premium Hosting FeaturesYes (All Included)Add-Ons RequiredAdd-Ons RequiredAdd-Ons Required
24/7 Expert Support TeamYesTiered SupportTiered SupportSlower Escalation

Why This Matters

While some cheap WordPress hosting plans might seem like a deal, they often sacrifice long-term support and flexibility. Nexcess offers premium hosting features with transparent pricing, no nickel-and-diming, and a support team that can actually solve WordPress-specific issues.

With free site migration, daily backups, real staging environments, and top-tier infrastructure, the value speaks for itself.

Frequently Asked Questions About WordPress Hosting

What is managed WordPress hosting?

Managed WordPress hosting is a service where the hosting provider handles the technical aspects of running WordPress for you. This includes automatic updates, server optimization, security monitoring, daily backups, and expert support. Platforms like Nexcess are designed specifically for WordPress, ensuring better performance, reliability, and scalability than traditional shared hosting.

Is Nexcess a good hosting provider for WordPress?

Yes — Nexcess is one of the top premium hosting providers for WordPress. They offer managed solutions, advanced caching, staging environments, and built-in performance tools. Unlike many cheap WordPress hosting options, Nexcess includes features like free site migration, automatic backups, and performance monitoring by default.

What’s the difference between shared hosting and managed hosting?

Shared hosting places multiple websites on a single server with shared resources. It’s cheap but often results in slow performance, limited support, and higher security risks. Managed hosting — like what Nexcess offers — gives your WordPress website dedicated resources, expert-level support, and tools optimized for performance and growth.

Does Nexcess include a free domain?

No, Nexcess does not include a free domain by default. Unlike providers like Bluehost or InMotion Hosting, which sometimes offer a free domain for the first year, Nexcess focuses on performance, reliability, and professional-grade hosting. Most businesses prefer purchasing their domain separately for more control and flexibility.

Can I install WordPress manually with Nexcess?

WordPress comes pre-installed on all Nexcess plans. However, if you prefer a manual install — for example, if you’re using a custom stack — you have full access to do so via their control panel, SSH, or WP-CLI. It’s flexible enough for developers but streamlined for beginners.

Is Nexcess good for multiple websites?

Yes. Nexcess offers hosting plans specifically designed for managing multiple WordPress websites. You can manage everything from one dashboard, create staging environments, assign resources to each site, and scale as needed. Their platform is ideal for agencies, freelancers, and multi-site business setups.

How does Nexcess compare to InMotion Hosting?

InMotion Hosting is a popular budget option, but it lacks many of the premium hosting features Nexcess includes by default — like smart plugin monitoring, advanced caching, instant staging, and real-time performance tools. Nexcess also provides better uptime guarantees, data center infrastructure, and 24/7 expert support for WordPress-specific issues.

Does Nexcess support WooCommerce stores?

Absolutely. Nexcess offers specialized managed WooCommerce hosting with built-in performance tuning for product pages, carts, and checkout flows. Their platform handles high traffic, dynamic content, and resource-heavy plugins with ease — making it a great choice for online stores.

How much traffic can Nexcess handle?

Nexcess scales based on your plan, but most WordPress hosting packages are built to handle tens of thousands of visitors per month — and even more with proper caching and CDN. They also monitor your site in real time, allowing you to scale up quickly if your traffic spikes.

What makes Nexcess different from other WordPress hosting companies?

Nexcess isn’t a reseller or general-purpose host. They’re a specialized WordPress hosting provider that owns its infrastructure, offers real-time optimization, and supports WordPress at a technical level. Their focus on performance, uptime, scalability, and true expert support separates them from standard hosts like Bluehost or SiteGround.

Why Nexcess Is the Best Hosting for WordPress

There’s no shortage of WordPress hosting providers, but few deliver the full package: speed, security, scalability, and expert support — all without upsells, resource throttling, or vague promises.

Nexcess is different. Backed by Liquid Web, their platform is engineered specifically for WordPress professionals, ecommerce store owners, agencies, and freelancers who need more than shared hosting can offer.

Here’s why it stands out:

  • Performance that ranks: With built-in caching, object optimization, edge CDN, and dedicated PHP workers, Nexcess sites load fast — even under pressure.
  • Security that protects: You get firewalls, malware scanning, iThemes Security Pro, and daily backups — with no third-party patchwork needed.
  • Support that solves problems: Their 24/7 team includes real WordPress experts, not generic ticket responders. You’re supported by people who understand plugin conflicts, database issues, and performance tuning.
  • Tools that make life easier: Instant staging, smart updates, plugin monitoring, and Git/SSH access are available across every plan.

Whether you’re launching your first WordPress website or managing dozens of installs for clients, Nexcess gives you the power and flexibility of a true managed hosting platform.

Ready to Choose Better Hosting?

If you’re tired of slow load times, poor support, or surprise renewals — it’s time to move to a platform built for performance and peace of mind.

Start your site with Nexcess today — and experience hosting that’s built to grow with you.
Best Hosting for WordPress

best wordpress hosting

When it comes to building a successful WordPress site, your hosting provider isn’t just a background player — it’s the foundation of everything. From page speed and uptime to plugin compatibility and security, choosing the wrong host can mean sluggish performance, downtime, and endless tech headaches.

So it’s no surprise that one of the most Googled questions for site owners is: what’s the best hosting for WordPress?

In 2025, that answer is more nuanced than ever. Shared hosting is out. Cookie-cutter plans are dated. And serious WordPress users — from bloggers to developers to eCommerce stores — are demanding more: more speed, more reliability, and more intelligent tools.

That’s where Liquid Web and its managed WordPress brand Nexcess stand out. This isn’t just another “top 10 hosting providers” roundup. This guide breaks down exactly why Liquid Web and Nexcess are outperforming the competition — with real features, smart tools, and performance benchmarks to back it up.

Best Hosting for WordPress

What Does “Best Hosting for WordPress” Actually Mean in 2025?

When people search for the “best hosting for WordPress,” they often assume it’s about price or speed alone. But in 2025, the definition of “best” has evolved — especially as WordPress powers more complex, high-traffic websites, online stores, and membership platforms.

Modern WordPress users need more than just uptime guarantees and SSD storage. They need specialized infrastructure and smart tools built specifically for the WordPress ecosystem — and that’s where many hosts fall short.

So before we get into why Liquid Web and Nexcess rise above the rest, let’s define what “best” actually means for a WordPress host in today’s landscape.

Core Criteria to Evaluate WordPress Hosting in 2025

To be considered the best, a WordPress host should check all the following boxes — not just one or two:

Speed and Performance

  • Page load times under 2 seconds
  • Optimized server stack (PHP 8.2+, OPcache, HTTP/3)
  • Built-in CDN, caching, and image optimization

Uptime Reliability

  • Minimum 99.9% uptime guarantee
  • Proactive server monitoring
  • Autoscaling to handle unexpected traffic spikes

Security Infrastructure

  • Daily backups and easy restores
  • Malware scanning and DDoS protection
  • Web application firewall (WAF) and free SSLs

WordPress-Specific Optimization

  • Automatic plugin and core updates
  • Visual comparison tools to test updates safely
  • Pre-installed themes and plugins tailored for WordPress

Support from WordPress Experts

  • 24/7 access to agents who know WordPress inside and out
  • Fast ticket response times
  • Hands-on help with migrations, staging, and troubleshooting

Developer and Agency Features

  • Git support, WP-CLI, staging environments
  • Plugin performance monitoring
  • Team collaboration tools

Scalability for Growth

  • Flexible plan upgrades
  • No surprise billing or resource throttling
  • Support for WooCommerce and high-traffic workloads

Why Most Hosts Don’t Measure Up

The harsh truth? Most “WordPress hosts” are just rebranded shared servers with a 1-click install and a dashboard skin. They lack the infrastructure and support required to power serious websites.

That’s why we’re not just listing hosts that offer the basics — we’re focusing on providers that invest in purpose-built WordPress environments, not just generic hosting platforms.

Best Hosting for WordPress

Liquid Web vs Nexcess: What’s the Difference?

Liquid Web and Nexcess are often mentioned side by side — and for good reason. Nexcess is the managed WordPress hosting platform built by Liquid Web, one of the most respected names in the web hosting industry. But while they share the same DNA, their roles in the hosting ecosystem are very different.

Let’s break down exactly how these two providers serve different needs — and when to choose one over the other.

Nexcess: Fully Managed WordPress Hosting at Scale

Nexcess is a WordPress hosting provider built for creators, agencies, and businesses that want a premium, hands-off experience. Every hosting plan includes performance enhancements, built-in security, and developer-grade tools, but without the need for server management.

If you run a WordPress website — especially one with WooCommerce or multiple plugins — Nexcess gives you a streamlined experience with automatic updates, plugin performance monitoring, and tools built specifically for site speed and uptime.

It’s ideal for:

  • Small business owners who want fast, secure hosting without learning DevOps
  • Freelancers or agencies managing multiple client sites
  • eCommerce store owners using WooCommerce

Liquid Web: Enterprise-Level Hosting Solutions

Liquid Web is the parent hosting company and focuses on high-powered, scalable solutions like VPS hosting, cloud hosting, and dedicated servers. It’s built for users who need custom configurations, root access, and flexible infrastructure — with full support from a technical support team available 24/7.

This makes Liquid Web an excellent choice for:

  • Developers and system admins who want control over every setting
  • Larger businesses or SaaS platforms needing guaranteed resources
  • Agencies migrating from shared hosting to enterprise-grade architecture

Which Web Hosting Service Is Right for You?

If you’re focused purely on managed WordPress hosting, Nexcess is your best bet. It removes the complexity of server management and gives you the speed, stability, and support of a high-end web hosting service — without needing to configure anything manually.

On the other hand, if you want a fully customizable stack or are migrating enterprise-level infrastructure, Liquid Web offers unmatched flexibility with the power to scale as you grow

Performance That Outpaces the Competition

Speed isn’t just a “nice to have” — it’s a core ranking factor for SEO and a major driver of conversions. If your WordPress website takes more than a few seconds to load, users will bounce and Google will notice.

That’s why the best WordPress hosting providers today prioritize infrastructure that’s purpose-built for speed.

Liquid Web and Nexcess offer some of the fastest WordPress hosting options available, outperforming well-known providers like Bluehost, SiteGround, and even WP Engine.

Built for Speed at Every Level

Nexcess uses an optimized tech stack that includes:

  • PHP 8.2+ with OPcache and HTTP/3 support
  • Server-level caching to eliminate the need for third-party plugins
  • Automatic image compression and lazy loading
  • Free CDN powered by Cloudflare Enterprise
  • Dedicated bandwidth on VPS and cloud platforms
  • Instant provisioning and one-click WordPress installation on every plan

Whether you’re hosting a blog, business website, or WooCommerce store, you get the performance of a fully optimized environment — with none of the hassle of configuring it yourself.

Real Load Time Benchmarks (Chart)

Independent performance tests consistently show Nexcess and Liquid Web ahead of their peers. Below is a comparison of average load times across major hosting companies:

This kind of speed isn’t just about technical bragging rights. It directly impacts bounce rate, user satisfaction, and conversion rates.

Built-In Performance That Shared Hosts Can’t Touch

Most shared hosting providers struggle to deliver consistent speed under traffic — especially if you manage multiple websites or rely on dynamic content like WooCommerce or membership portals.

Liquid Web and Nexcess eliminate those limitations with:

  • Automatic WordPress updates (with rollback safety)
  • Managed hosting environments tuned specifically for WordPress
  • Built-in scalability for unexpected traffic
  • A secure hosting setup that keeps speed consistent under load

Security That’s Baked In — Not Bolted On

Most WordPress hosting providers treat security like an afterthought — offering basic firewalls or upselling premium protection layers. But in today’s environment, threats evolve faster than plugins, and even small WordPress websites can be targets for malware, brute-force attacks, or data breaches.

That’s why Liquid Web and Nexcess take a different approach: security is built directly into the hosting environment. No extra fees. No complicated setup. Just continuous protection from day one.

Free SSL Certificates on Every Plan

Every web hosting plan from Nexcess and Liquid Web includes a free SSL certificate. It’s automatically provisioned and renewed, so you’ll never need to configure it manually or risk downtime due to expiration.

This ensures that all data between your site and its visitors is encrypted — and it also improves SEO rankings, since Google gives preference to HTTPS-enabled sites.

Daily Backups and Easy Restores

Accidents happen. Updates break things. Users make mistakes. With automatic daily backups, you can restore your entire WordPress site with just a few clicks. Whether you’re fixing a botched update or recovering from a malware infection, the built-in backup system gives you peace of mind.

You can also trigger on-demand backups before major changes — a must-have feature for staging or WooCommerce store owners.

Malware Monitoring and Threat Detection

Unlike shared hosting providers that rely on reactive scans, Liquid Web and Nexcess monitor your environment 24/7 using advanced tools and real-time alerts. This includes:

  • Malware scanning and quarantining
  • Brute-force attack protection
  • IP blacklisting
  • Web Application Firewall (WAF)
  • DDoS mitigation at the edge via Cloudflare Enterprise

This level of protection is often an expensive add-on with other hosts — but here, it’s included in every plan.

iThemes Security Pro Included Free

Most hosting companies recommend third-party plugins for basic WordPress security. Nexcess goes further by bundling one of the most powerful WordPress security plugins on the market — iThemes Security Pro — for free.

This plugin adds:

  • Two-factor authentication (2FA)
  • File change detection
  • Login hardening
  • Scheduled malware scans
  • And more — all configured out of the box

It’s the kind of real-world security WordPress users need, especially those running multiple websites or eCommerce stores.

Secure Hosting Without the Headaches

Whether you’re hosting a business website, running an online store, or managing multiple client sites, security should be automatic — not a DIY project. Liquid Web and Nexcess make that possible.

You don’t have to search for the right plugin, pay extra for a firewall, or worry about backups. It’s all managed for you by a team of security and hosting experts.

FeatureNexcess / Liquid WebBluehostSiteGroundWP Engine
Free SSL CertificateIncludedIncludedIncludedIncluded
Daily BackupsAutomaticManual or PaidBasicIncluded
iThemes Security ProIncludedNot IncludedNot IncludedNot Included
Malware ScanningReal-TimeLimitedLimitedIncluded
DDoS ProtectionCloudflare EnterpriseBasic OnlyAdd-OnPro Plans
Web Application FirewallBuilt-InNot IncludedNot IncludedIncluded
Two-Factor AuthenticationEnabled by DefaultRequires PluginRequires PluginRequires Plugin

WordPress-Specific Tools That Save Hours Every Month

A lot of hosting companies promise “WordPress optimized” environments — but very few actually offer tools that make managing WordPress easier. Nexcess and Liquid Web go beyond the basics with a set of premium, time-saving features built specifically for WordPress users.

Whether you’re launching a blog, managing multiple sites, or developing custom themes and plugins, these tools are built to streamline your workflow.

One-Click WordPress Installation & Setup

Forget cPanel or confusing installers. Nexcess offers instant WordPress setup — just choose your plan, and your site is deployed with all core files, performance optimizations, and security protocols in place.

You also get:

  • Free website migration with white-glove support
  • Multiple server locations via Liquid Web’s global data centers
  • Git, WP-CLI, and SSH access for developers
  • Smart caching and a built-in CDN for reliable performance

This is enterprise-grade hosting without the enterprise complexity.

Plugin Performance Monitoring

A common cause of slow WordPress websites? Bad plugins.

Nexcess includes Plugin Performance Monitoring, which automatically detects which plugins are slowing down your site — and when performance drops. You’ll get alerts and insights in real time, so you can remove or replace problem plugins before they affect visitors or rankings.

Smart Updates with Visual Testing

Updating plugins and themes shouldn’t break your site. With Smart Updates, Nexcess takes a screenshot of your site before and after every update and compares the two. If something changes visually, the update is paused and flagged for review.

This is a game-changer for:

  • Designers managing client sites
  • Test site workflows
  • WooCommerce stores where uptime and layout matter
  • Agencies managing multiple environments

No more crossing your fingers after clicking “update.”

Built-In Staging Environments

Need to test new features, themes, or plugins? Every plan includes 1-click staging so you can duplicate your site in a safe sandbox, make your changes, and push live when you’re ready — no downtime, no surprises.

Developer Tools on Every Plan

For technical users, Nexcess and Liquid Web don’t lock down the environment. You get:

  • WP-CLI
  • Git integration
  • SSH access
  • PHP version control
  • .htaccess and wp-config.php customization

These tools meet real WordPress hosting requirements — especially if you’re building custom features or working across multiple sites.

Customer Support That Solves Problems — Not Tickets

You don’t need customer support until you really need it — and when that happens, the last thing you want is to deal with generic responses, long hold times, or agents who don’t understand WordPress.

That’s where Nexcess and Liquid Web stand out from other web hosting companies.

24/7/365 Human Support from WordPress Experts

Every hosting account includes access to around-the-clock support, not just via chat or email, but also by phone. Even better — support is staffed by real engineers who specialize in WordPress, WooCommerce, and PHP-based applications.

Whether you’re having trouble with a plugin, need help migrating a site, or have performance issues you can’t explain, Nexcess’s team has the technical depth to actually solve the issue — not just escalate it.

This is a premium hosting experience, not the kind you get with entry-level shared providers.

Fast, Consistent Response Times

You won’t wait 48 hours to hear back. Nexcess’s support team is known for:

  • Sub-5-minute response times via live chat
  • Fast escalations to Tier 2 or higher when needed
  • Issue ownership — no endless bouncing between reps
  • Full transparency and follow-up after tickets are closed

Whether you’re launching a new WordPress site or optimizing an existing one, support is always within reach.

Built for WordPress — Not Just “Hosting”

Many affordable hosting companies outsource support or only help with server uptime — not your actual site. Nexcess is different. The support team:

  • Understands the WordPress community
  • Can help debug plugins, themes, caching, and update issues
  • Supports advanced workflows like staging, WP-CLI, and multisite
  • Helps agencies and developers with multiple sites or clients

This kind of WordPress-focused support is rare — and it’s why Nexcess has such high customer satisfaction scores in independent reviews.

Advanced Infrastructure: Built for Scale, Speed, and Security

Under the hood, Nexcess and Liquid Web operate some of the most advanced infrastructure in the WordPress hosting industry — engineered to serve everything from high traffic blogs to enterprise-grade ecommerce sites.

This isn’t generic shared hosting. It’s a purpose-built platform with power, speed, and reliability that most shared hosting providers can’t match.

Multiple Global Data Centers for Faster Load Times

With multiple server locations across North America and beyond, Liquid Web minimizes latency and maximizes speed — no matter where your audience lives. Your WordPress site can be provisioned in the nearest data center, ensuring quick TTFB and snappy performance on every device.

This network is monitored 24/7 and supported by SLA-backed uptime guarantees — a critical advantage for businesses, agencies, and mission-critical sites.

Autoscaling Without Overages

Traffic spikes shouldn’t crash your website — or your wallet.

On Nexcess, autoscaling is included. When your WordPress site experiences a traffic surge, resources scale up automatically — and without surprise overage charges.

This is especially valuable for:

  • Product launches
  • Seasonal promotions
  • Viral blog posts or influencer traffic
  • Live webinars or event-driven pages

VPS and Dedicated Hosting Options

Need more power? Liquid Web offers fully managed dedicated hosting and VPS plans with:

  • Root access (optional)
  • Custom server configurations
  • Dedicated IP addresses
  • Full control over server-level software
  • Isolated resources for maximum performance

This is true enterprise-grade hosting, without the pain of managing your own hardware.

Built-In Reliability and Redundancy

No single point of failure. No noisy neighbors. No overloaded shared environments.

Whether you’re on a VPS, cloud container, or dedicated server, every WordPress plan includes:

  • RAID-protected storage
  • Real-time server monitoring
  • Network redundancy and failover protection
  • Isolated containerized architecture (on Nexcess)

It’s a hosting environment engineered for reliable performance, even under pressure.

FeatureShared HostingVPS Hosting (Liquid Web)Dedicated Hosting (Liquid Web)
Resource AllocationShared with other usersGuaranteed resourcesFully dedicated server
PerformanceVariable / limitedHigh / consistentMaximum / enterprise-grade
SecurityBasicAdvanced, isolated containerFull server control & isolation
CustomizationVery limitedRoot access, full stack controlFull OS and software control
Use CaseBasic sites & blogsGrowing businesses & dev teamsHigh-traffic, mission-critical sites
Starting Price (approx.)$2–$10/month$59–$139/month$149+/month

Transparent Pricing with Real Value — No Hidden Costs

It’s easy to be drawn in by cheap WordPress hosting ads — $2.99/month sounds great until you realize the real price comes later.

With many shared hosting providers, essential features like backups, malware protection, email, or even basic customer support are stripped out and sold as paid add-ons. You’re left with a barebones hosting account and a long list of upsells just to get your site running securely.

Nexcess and Liquid Web take a different approach: everything is included, up front, with no surprises.

All-Inclusive Hosting That Pays Off Long-Term

Here’s what’s included on every WordPress plan at no extra cost:

  • Free website migration
  • Free SSL certificate
  • Daily automatic backups
  • Built-in CDN and caching
  • Plugin performance monitoring
  • Smart updates with visual regression testing
  • iThemes Security Pro included
  • 24/7/365 expert support
  • Email accounts and staging environments
  • Multiple sites support (on higher tiers)

Other hosts may offer a low sticker price, but when you calculate the total cost of ownership, Nexcess often wins — especially over time.

No Intro Rate Gimmicks

Most budget hosts offer a “starter” rate for 12–36 months, then hike your renewal rate 2–3x higher. Nexcess offers clear, upfront pricing with no long-term lock-ins or auto-renew traps.

What you see is what you pay — no surprises in month 13.

Plans Designed for Growth

Whether you’re just launching your first WordPress blog or scaling a high-traffic store, Nexcess has WordPress plans that grow with you.

  • Starter Plans: Great for freelancers, bloggers, or side projects
  • Growth Plans: Perfect for small agencies or ecommerce stores
  • Pro & Enterprise Plans: Ideal for developers, large businesses, or resource-heavy environments

All plans include managed hosting, so you’re not stuck configuring servers or patching WordPress core files manually.

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Not sure if it’s the right fit? Try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee — no strings attached. Cancel within the first month and get a full refund.

Compare that to hosts that charge setup fees, lock you in for 3 years, or make it difficult to cancel.

Optional Free Domain?

Nexcess doesn’t offer a free domain name with hosting — and that’s a good thing. It means:

  • You maintain domain control (no forced registrar renewals)
  • You’re not locked into a long-term bundled contract
  • You can use any domain provider you want

It’s a transparent trade-off: Nexcess focuses on world-class infrastructure and WordPress performance — not domain sales.

One-Click Migrations & Launch Tools That Just Work

Switching hosts or launching your first WordPress site shouldn’t feel like a technical project. With Nexcess, it doesn’t. Their onboarding and migration systems are built to eliminate the typical pain points of working with most WordPress hosting companies.

Free Site Migration — With People, Not Just Portals

If you already have a WordPress site hosted somewhere else, Nexcess offers free site migration handled by real experts. No scripts. No copy-paste. Just provide login details and their team will handle the entire migration — usually within 24–48 hours.

Even better: their live chat service is available around the clock if you have questions or need to prep before migrating.

This is a major upgrade from reliable shared hosting plans that either:

  • Charge extra for migrations
  • Send you to third-party plugins
  • Leave you on your own to figure it out

Launch in Minutes — WordPress Pre-Installed

Every hosting plan comes with WordPress pre-installed, so you can skip cPanel installers and get straight to building.

Once your account is created:

  • You receive admin login credentials instantly
  • Your dashboard includes pre-configured caching and security
  • Smart plugin monitoring and updates are enabled by default
  • Visual staging environments are ready to use
  • You can install WordPress on multiple sites (if your plan allows)

This is ideal for:

  • Beginners launching a personal blog
  • Agencies spinning up client sites
  • Freelancers building sites for their online business
  • Businesses rebuilding after outgrowing budget hosts

Easy-to-Use Control Panel — No cPanel Clutter

Nexcess uses a custom control panel that’s intuitive and stripped of bloat. You can:

  • Manage backups
  • Set up staging
  • Deploy new WordPress installs
  • Monitor performance
  • Open support tickets or live chats

It’s cleaner and easier to use than traditional cPanel or Plesk environments — with everything built specifically for managed WordPress hosting.

Tools That Scale With You

Whether you’re running a single site or managing a growing portfolio, Nexcess tools adapt to your needs. You can:

  • Clone and deploy WordPress multisite networks
  • Manage website traffic from built-in analytics
  • Upgrade without site downtime
  • Scale storage and bandwidth seamlessly

No upsell fatigue. No third-party plugins required. Just tools that work the way they should — right out of the box.

Performance & Security: Proven, Tested, Trusted

Choosing a hosting provider isn’t just about disk space or bandwidth anymore. Today’s WordPress sites demand speed, uptime, and protection against evolving security threats — and that’s exactly what Liquid Web and Nexcess deliver.

If you care about SEO, conversion rates, and a healthy site, performance and security should never be an afterthought.

Lightning-Fast WordPress Website Load Times

Your WordPress website will load fast right out of the box. Here’s why:

  • Built-in Edge CDN with intelligent caching
  • High-performance PHP workers and object caching
  • Modern infrastructure running on optimized cloud VMs
  • Global data centers with low latency architecture
  • Performance monitoring dashboard to track bottlenecks

Whether you’re serving a landing page, a blog, or a dynamic WooCommerce store, you get the load times and responsiveness needed to compete.

WordPress-Specific Security Features

Security isn’t a plugin — it’s part of the platform. With Nexcess and Liquid Web, you’re protected by multiple layers of built-in security features:

  • iThemes Security Pro included for all sites
  • Free SSL certificate auto-renewals
  • Daily malware scanning
  • Web application firewall (WAF)
  • Server-level brute force protection
  • Real-time file integrity monitoring

This isn’t optional or upsold — it’s part of every managed plan, designed specifically to support WordPress and WooCommerce sites at scale.

Cloud Hosting That Powers Performance

Under the hood, Nexcess runs on a modern cloud hosting stack — containerized environments that isolate your WordPress instance from noisy neighbors.

Every site gets:

  • Scalable bandwidth
  • Guaranteed resources
  • Dedicated IPs (on premium plans)
  • Zero shared resource throttling
  • Environment-level resource allocation

Whether you’re managing multiple websites or running one high-traffic WooCommerce store, your performance stays stable — even during spikes.

Managed Hosting = Less Worry, More Uptime

This is the benefit of true managed hosting — you’re not worrying about security patches, PHP versions, plugin conflicts, or core updates. It’s all handled.

Liquid Web also guarantees 99.999% uptime and backs it with real SLA credits. Their platform is monitored 24/7 with on-site engineers at their data centers.

You’re not just buying hosting. You’re buying reliability, performance, and peace of mind.

How to Choose the Right WordPress Hosting Provider

With hundreds of options available, choosing a WordPress hosting provider can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re launching a single blog or managing multiple websites for clients, the right platform will make or break your experience — not just your budget.

Below, we break down the core factors to evaluate when choosing your host, and why Nexcess and Liquid Web stand out as ideal choices for anyone serious about WordPress.

1. Does It Truly Support WordPress?

Not all hosting companies are optimized for WordPress. A host might claim to be “WordPress-friendly,” but lack features like:

  • Auto core updates
  • Smart plugin handling
  • Built-in caching
  • Image optimization
  • Automatic staging

Nexcess provides support for WordPress at the core level — not just with compatibility, but with active optimization. From the server stack to the control panel, everything is purpose-built for WordPress.

2. Is It Built for Growth and Scale?

If you’re managing multiple websites, your hosting solution needs to offer:

  • Site cloning
  • Resource isolation
  • Centralized management
  • Easy user/team collaboration
  • Scalable plans with no migration required

Nexcess includes all of this — with tools designed for agencies, developers, and freelancers who build, launch, and maintain multiple installs.

3. Does It Support WordPress Multisite?

If you’re running a WordPress multisite network — for a school, enterprise, SaaS product, or franchise — you’ll need a host that understands and supports the extra complexity.

Liquid Web offers plans that are multisite-ready, with options to fine-tune:

  • Subdomain vs subdirectory installs
  • Network-wide plugin control
  • Isolated performance monitoring
  • Admin management across subsites

Many hosts (including InMotion Hosting) technically “allow” multisite, but don’t optimize or support it. Nexcess, by contrast, builds for it.

4. Does It Offer Premium Hosting Performance?

If you’re running a business, ecommerce store, or client-facing property — “just okay” isn’t enough. You need premium hosting that delivers:

  • High-speed infrastructure
  • SLA-backed uptime
  • Security hardening
  • Real-time performance monitoring
  • Automatic backups and versioning

Nexcess doesn’t just match this; it includes all of it in the base price — no add-ons, no hidden upgrades.

5. Is It Actually a Hosting Provider — or a Reseller?

A key detail many overlook: Some “hosting companies” are just resellers. They rent space from larger providers (often overcrowded servers) and repackage it as their own.

Nexcess and Liquid Web own and operate their infrastructure, with in-house engineers managing their own data centers and hardware. That means:

  • Better uptime
  • Faster support
  • Tighter security
  • Greater accountability

6. How Does the Support Team Handle Real Issues?

Let’s be honest: most low-cost hosting providers rely on offshore scripts, slow escalations, and support teams that only solve billing issues.

Nexcess delivers true expert support, 24/7/365 — with WordPress-certified technicians who can handle:

  • Plugin conflicts
  • Site migrations
  • DNS routing
  • PHP tuning
  • WooCommerce performance

You’re not just buying storage space — you’re getting a support team that speaks your tech language.

Nexcess vs Bluehost vs SiteGround vs InMotion Hosting: Feature Comparison

With so many WordPress hosting companies on the market, it’s easy to assume they’re all basically the same — but the truth is, they differ significantly in performance, support, and what’s actually included.

Below is a side-by-side breakdown of what you get with Nexcess compared to three of the most commonly mentioned providers: Bluehost, SiteGround, and InMotion Hosting.

FeatureNexcessBluehostSiteGroundInMotion
Managed HostingYesNoPartialNo
Free Site MigrationYesLimitedNoLimited
Free SSL CertificateYesYesYesYes
Automatic Daily BackupsYesNo (Add-on)YesLimited
Staging EnvironmentYesPartialYesNo
Performance MonitoringYesNoNoNo
Premium Hosting FeaturesYes (All Included)Add-Ons RequiredAdd-Ons RequiredAdd-Ons Required
24/7 Expert Support TeamYesTiered SupportTiered SupportSlower Escalation

Why This Matters

While some cheap WordPress hosting plans might seem like a deal, they often sacrifice long-term support and flexibility. Nexcess offers premium hosting features with transparent pricing, no nickel-and-diming, and a support team that can actually solve WordPress-specific issues.

With free site migration, daily backups, real staging environments, and top-tier infrastructure, the value speaks for itself.

Frequently Asked Questions About WordPress Hosting

What is managed WordPress hosting?

Managed WordPress hosting is a service where the hosting provider handles the technical aspects of running WordPress for you. This includes automatic updates, server optimization, security monitoring, daily backups, and expert support. Platforms like Nexcess are designed specifically for WordPress, ensuring better performance, reliability, and scalability than traditional shared hosting.

Is Nexcess a good hosting provider for WordPress?

Yes — Nexcess is one of the top premium hosting providers for WordPress. They offer managed solutions, advanced caching, staging environments, and built-in performance tools. Unlike many cheap WordPress hosting options, Nexcess includes features like free site migration, automatic backups, and performance monitoring by default.

What’s the difference between shared hosting and managed hosting?

Shared hosting places multiple websites on a single server with shared resources. It’s cheap but often results in slow performance, limited support, and higher security risks. Managed hosting — like what Nexcess offers — gives your WordPress website dedicated resources, expert-level support, and tools optimized for performance and growth.

Does Nexcess include a free domain?

No, Nexcess does not include a free domain by default. Unlike providers like Bluehost or InMotion Hosting, which sometimes offer a free domain for the first year, Nexcess focuses on performance, reliability, and professional-grade hosting. Most businesses prefer purchasing their domain separately for more control and flexibility.

Can I install WordPress manually with Nexcess?

WordPress comes pre-installed on all Nexcess plans. However, if you prefer a manual install — for example, if you’re using a custom stack — you have full access to do so via their control panel, SSH, or WP-CLI. It’s flexible enough for developers but streamlined for beginners.

Is Nexcess good for multiple websites?

Yes. Nexcess offers hosting plans specifically designed for managing multiple WordPress websites. You can manage everything from one dashboard, create staging environments, assign resources to each site, and scale as needed. Their platform is ideal for agencies, freelancers, and multi-site business setups.

How does Nexcess compare to InMotion Hosting?

InMotion Hosting is a popular budget option, but it lacks many of the premium hosting features Nexcess includes by default — like smart plugin monitoring, advanced caching, instant staging, and real-time performance tools. Nexcess also provides better uptime guarantees, data center infrastructure, and 24/7 expert support for WordPress-specific issues.

Does Nexcess support WooCommerce stores?

Absolutely. Nexcess offers specialized managed WooCommerce hosting with built-in performance tuning for product pages, carts, and checkout flows. Their platform handles high traffic, dynamic content, and resource-heavy plugins with ease — making it a great choice for online stores.

How much traffic can Nexcess handle?

Nexcess scales based on your plan, but most WordPress hosting packages are built to handle tens of thousands of visitors per month — and even more with proper caching and CDN. They also monitor your site in real time, allowing you to scale up quickly if your traffic spikes.

What makes Nexcess different from other WordPress hosting companies?

Nexcess isn’t a reseller or general-purpose host. They’re a specialized WordPress hosting provider that owns its infrastructure, offers real-time optimization, and supports WordPress at a technical level. Their focus on performance, uptime, scalability, and true expert support separates them from standard hosts like Bluehost or SiteGround.

Why Nexcess Is the Best Hosting for WordPress

There’s no shortage of WordPress hosting providers, but few deliver the full package: speed, security, scalability, and expert support — all without upsells, resource throttling, or vague promises.

Nexcess is different. Backed by Liquid Web, their platform is engineered specifically for WordPress professionals, ecommerce store owners, agencies, and freelancers who need more than shared hosting can offer.

Here’s why it stands out:

  • Performance that ranks: With built-in caching, object optimization, edge CDN, and dedicated PHP workers, Nexcess sites load fast — even under pressure.
  • Security that protects: You get firewalls, malware scanning, iThemes Security Pro, and daily backups — with no third-party patchwork needed.
  • Support that solves problems: Their 24/7 team includes real WordPress experts, not generic ticket responders. You’re supported by people who understand plugin conflicts, database issues, and performance tuning.
  • Tools that make life easier: Instant staging, smart updates, plugin monitoring, and Git/SSH access are available across every plan.

Whether you’re launching your first WordPress website or managing dozens of installs for clients, Nexcess gives you the power and flexibility of a true managed hosting platform.

Ready to Choose Better Hosting?

If you’re tired of slow load times, poor support, or surprise renewals — it’s time to move to a platform built for performance and peace of mind.

Start your site with Nexcess today — and experience hosting that’s built to grow with you.
Best Hosting for WordPress