WP Engine vs Kinsta: Best WordPress Host Compared
The digital world is always changing, and WordPress hosting needs to keep up. WP Engine and Kinsta are at the top, each with their own strengths. They offer great hosting features, fast performance, and top-notch support for WordPress users.
WP Engine is a giant, hosting over 1.5 million sites in 150 countries. It’s the go-to for WordPress1. With over 1,000 staff, WP Engine provides 24/7 support from WordPress pros1. Kinsta, on the other hand, focuses on speed and security, with servers in 35 places2.
Both WP Engine and Kinsta offer managed WordPress hosting. They have automatic updates, daily backups, and expert help. WP Engine’s EverCache makes sites super fast, while Kinsta’s edge caching boosts hosting performance1. WP Engine also keeps backups for 60 days, twice as long as Kinsta12.
See how Kinsta and WP Engine compare in features, performance, and more, in this full hosting analysis.
Key Takeaways
- WP Engine powers over 1.5 million sites across 150 countries, making it the leading WordPress hosting platform.
- Kinsta offers premium hosting with a focus on performance and security, with data centers in 35 locations.
- WP Engine’s proprietary EverCache technology and 60-day backup retention set it apart from Kinsta.
- Both platforms provide managed WordPress services, automatic updates, and expert 24/7 customer support.
- Kinsta features edge caching technology and a 99.9% server uptime, while WP Engine offers a 99.95% uptime.
WP Engine vs Kinsta: In-Depth Performance Analysis
Website speed and reliability are key when choosing WordPress hosting. We compared WP Engine and Kinsta to see how they stack up.
Server Response Time Comparison
Our tests show both hosts have fast server response times. WP Engine averages 0.26 seconds, perfect for sites with up to 25,000 visitors3. Kinsta’s response times average 335ms, scoring 99% on GTMetrix4.
Load Time Testing Results
Kinsta and WP Engine both have quick page load times. Kinsta’s average is 1.9 seconds4, while WP Engine’s sites load under 1 second3. These speeds boost user experience and SEO.
Uptime Statistics
Both hosts are reliable, with uptime guarantees. Kinsta has a 99.99% uptime4, with 100% uptime in recent tests4. WP Engine also has a 100% uptime record3.
Both WP Engine and Kinsta offer fast websites and high reliability. Your choice depends on your needs and budget.
Both hosts have plans for all types of sites. Kinsta’s Starter plan is $30 per month annually4. WP Engine’s entry-level plan is $25 per month3. Your decision should match your site’s needs and future growth.
Platform Infrastructure and Technology Stack
WP Engine and Kinsta have different ways of handling their infrastructure and technology stack. WP Engine works with Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud Platform. They offer solutions for high-availability and disaster recovery5. On the other hand, Kinsta uses only Google Cloud Platform and has 35 data centers worldwide for top performance and availability67.
Kinsta stands out with its containerized approach to hosting. WP Engine, on the other hand, offers various options like shared, single node, and cluster configurations5. Kinsta’s containerization makes it more scalable and efficient, allowing for quick resource allocation7.
| Feature | WP Engine | Kinsta |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud Platform | Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud Platform | Google Cloud Platform |
| Data Center Locations | 14 | 35 |
| Hosting Infrastructure | Shared, single node, and cluster | Containerized |
| WordPress Installs | 518 on 4 dedicated servers (10% high traffic, 10% normal traffic, 70% low traffic, 10% development only) | N/A |
The choice between Kinsta and WP Engine depends on your WordPress website’s needs. Kinsta’s focus on Google Cloud Platform and containerization might attract those seeking scalability and performance. WP Engine’s flexibility in cloud platforms and infrastructure might appeal to others567.
“Kinsta’s containerized approach allows for more efficient resource allocation and scalability compared to WP Engine’s traditional hosting infrastructure options.”
Pricing Plans and Value Proposition
WP Engine and Kinsta both have WordPress hosting plans for different needs8. Kinsta starts at $30 a month, while WP Engine’s essential plan is $258. Both offer starter plans with 25,000 monthly visits and 10GB storage.
Starter Plan Comparison
Kinsta’s starter plan is $30 a month, and WP Engine’s is $258. WP Engine might be better value because it includes free StudioPress themes8.
Business Plan Features
As websites grow, they need more advanced hosting. Kinsta’s business plans start at $96, and WP Engine’s core plan is $4008. Both offer top features and support for big websites.
Enterprise Solutions
For big WordPress sites, WP Engine and Kinsta have special plans8. These plans handle lots of traffic, offer strong hosting security, and ensure top performance8.
WP Engine seems to have better prices for starter and business plans8. But Kinsta’s uptime, speed, and security might make it better for those seeking premium hosting8.
| Hosting Provider | Starter Plan Price | Business Plan Price | Uptime Guarantee | Money-back Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kinsta | $30/month | $96/month | 99.99% | 30 days |
| WP Engine | $25/month | $400/month | 99.95% | 60 days |
WP Engine and Kinsta both offer great WordPress hosting plans and managed hosting pricing options8910. Your choice depends on your website’s needs, budget, and what features are most important to you8910.
Security Features and Protection Measures
Every good WordPress hosting has a strong security setup. WP Engine and Kinsta are leaders in this area. They offer top-notch security features to keep your WordPress site safe from threats11.
WP Engine has a dedicated security team that watches for and fixes security issues. They work with Cloudflare to give you Global Edge Security. This includes a managed web application firewall and DDoS protection11.
Kinsta uses Cloudflare’s security solutions in all its plans. This means your site gets top-notch DDoS protection, malware scanning, and a strong firewall11.
Both WP Engine and Kinsta scan for malware every day and offer free SSL certificates. This ensures your site’s data is safe and encrypted. Their proactive security and strong protection make them great choices for your WordPress site11.
When it comes to keeping your WordPress site safe, WP Engine and Kinsta are committed. They offer a secure and reliable hosting environment. They cover all your security needs, from WordPress security to DDoS protection, malware scanning, and a strong firewall11.
| Feature | WP Engine | Kinsta |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated Security Team | Yes | No |
| DDoS Protection | Yes (Cloudflare) | Yes (Cloudflare) |
| Malware Scanning | Yes | Yes |
| SSL Certificates | Free | Free |
“At WP Engine, we have a dedicated security team that monitors and responds to potential threats, ensuring your WordPress website remains secure and protected.”
Choosing WP Engine or Kinsta means your WordPress site is in good hands. They offer top security measures. This lets you focus on growing your online presence without worry11.
Backup Solutions and Data Management
WP Engine and Kinsta both provide strong backup solutions for your WordPress site12. WP Engine backs up your site daily and keeps backups for 60 days13. This means you can restore your site from the last 60 days easily.
Kinsta also backs up your site daily but keeps backups for 14 to 30 days, depending on your plan12. Both hosts make restoring your site simple with just a few clicks. WP Engine lets you restore up to 40 backups from the dashboard. Older backups might need support help.
Automated Backup Systems
13 Kinsta’s plans include daily automated backups with retention periods of 14 to 20 days13. They also offer hourly backups as an extra feature for more protection12. WP Engine focuses on daily backups with a 60-day retention period, giving you a detailed backup history.
Retention Periods
13 Kinsta’s backup retention varies from 14 to 20 days, based on your plan13. WP Engine, on the other hand, offers a 60-day retention period for daily backups13. This gives you more flexibility and peace of mind with WP Engine.
Restoration Capabilities
13 Both Kinsta and WP Engine offer easy one-click restoration options13. WP Engine lets you restore from up to 40 backups directly from the dashboard. Older backups might need support help13. Kinsta provides restoration for all daily backups, making it easy to recover your site at any time.
In summary, WP Engine and Kinsta both have great backup solutions for your WordPress site12. WP Engine is faster and handles loads better13. Kinsta, on the other hand, offers more backup and restoration options, including hourly backups and longer retention periods14. Your choice will depend on your specific needs and preferences for data protection and site recovery121314.
Developer Tools and Workflow Features
At WP Engine and Kinsta, we know how crucial smooth workflows and powerful tools are for WordPress site building and management. Both offer features to make development easier and help developers work better.
WP Engine has three environments: development, staging, and production15. This setup lets developers test changes locally, then stage them before deploying live. Kinsta, on the other hand, has only two environments: staging and production1.
WP Engine includes LocalWP for local development, allowing sites to be set up offline15. Kinsta offers DevKinsta, which mirrors their hosting and integrates with their control panel for easy site transitions15.
Both hosts support Git integration, SFTP connections, and staging environments. This makes it easy to use your preferred version control and deployment methods1. WP Engine also comes with the Genesis Framework and StudioPress themes, giving developers a strong base for custom sites1.
WP Engine and Kinsta provide a wide range of tools and features for WordPress developers. Whether you use LocalWP or DevKinsta for local work, or need smooth staging and production environments, they’ve got you covered.
| Feature | WP Engine | Kinsta |
|---|---|---|
| Local Development Tools | LocalWP | DevKinsta |
| Staging Environments | 3 (Dev, Staging, Production) | 2 (Staging, Production) |
| Git Integration | Yes | Yes |
| SFTP Connections | Yes | Yes |
| Included Frameworks/Themes | Genesis Framework, StudioPress Themes | N/A |
Data Center Locations and Global Coverage
Kinsta and WP Engine have different strengths when it comes to data centers and global reach. Kinsta has 35 data center locations worldwide16. This wide spread helps meet the needs of users all over the globe. WP Engine, on the other hand, has data centers in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia16. It has a strong global presence but fewer locations than Kinsta.
Geographic Distribution
The location of data centers is key for fast website performance and good user experience. Kinsta uses Google Cloud’s global network, offering VMs that are up to 200% quicker than GCP’s lower-tier machines16. WP Engine, with 11 Google Cloud Server locations16, has a more limited presence. This difference can greatly affect website loading times and user experience, worldwide.
CDN Implementation
Both Kinsta and WP Engine offer content delivery network (CDN) services to improve website performance. Kinsta has its own Kinsta CDN, while WP Engine provides access to a Global CDN16. Kinsta also has edge caching technology, which boosts global performance16. This gives Kinsta an edge over WP Engine’s CDN.
In summary, Kinsta’s wide global data center network and advanced CDN make it a top choice for worldwide coverage and website performance161718.
Customer Support and Technical Assistance
At WP Engine and Kinsta, we know how crucial good customer support is, mainly for WordPress users. Both offer 24/7 expert WordPress support. This ensures you get help whenever you need it13.
Kinsta goes the extra mile with live chat support for all plans. This lets users quickly talk to experts. WP Engine also has live chat, plus phone support for its top plans13.
Both WP Engine and Kinsta have great support teams. Kinsta has a 4.6/5 star rating on Trustpilot with over 650 positive reviews. WP Engine has a 4.8/5 star rating with over 1300 positive reviews13.
Need help with website migration, troubleshooting, or optimizing your WordPress site? The dedicated teams at WP Engine and Kinsta are here for you. They’re committed to making your hosting experience smooth and efficient13.
Scalability and Resource Management
WP Engine and Kinsta are great for high-traffic websites. WP Engine uses AWS to adjust resources automatically with Dynamic Web Scaling19. Kinsta handles many requests with its PHP worker system, making it easy to upgrade plans as your site grows19.
Kinsta has 37 data centers on 5 continents, while WP Engine has 20 on 4 continents20. This wide reach means fast loading speeds for users all over the world, improving the user experience19.
Both hosting providers are great for big websites and enterprises19. WP Engine, for example, supports some of the top 200,000 websites globally19.
In short, WP Engine and Kinsta offer top-notch scalability and resource management for all website sizes19. WP Engine’s auto-scaling and Kinsta’s PHP worker system are ready for high-traffic sites and growing businesses19.
Pros and Cons
Choosing between WP Engine and Kinsta for WordPress hosting has its pros and cons. It’s important to look at each platform’s features to see which fits your needs21.
Kinsta has 34 data centers worldwide and promises 99.9% uptime. This means your WordPress site will run fast and reliably21. It also offers automated SSL certificates and edge caching for better user experience. But, Kinsta’s plans start at $35 per month, which might be more than some want to pay21.
WP Engine is more budget-friendly, with prices from $20 to $600 per month. It’s good for businesses of all sizes21. WP Engine also has a longer money-back guarantee and offers phone support on advanced plans. This can be great for those who need extra help. But, WP Engine has fewer data centers, at 18, and doesn’t offer automatic wildcard SSL certificates21.
In the end, your choice between WP Engine and Kinsta depends on your hosting needs, budget, and preferences. Both offer strong WordPress hosting solutions with their own strengths and weaknesses. By weighing the pros and cons, you can choose the best option for your business and website2122.
Alternatives
WP Engine and Kinsta are big names in managed WordPress hosting. But, there are other good options to consider23. SiteGround, Cloudways, Flywheel, and Pantheon offer different features and prices. They meet various needs and budgets in the WordPress world.
Flywheel has a $13 per month plan for a single site. It comes with 5 GB storage, 5,000 visits, and 20 GB bandwidth12. Kinsta and WP Engine’s starter plans cost $29.17 and $25 per month. They offer more resources12.
Flywheel was the best in load handling tests. WP Engine was the fastest in speed tests12. Kinsta did well in both, showing it’s strong and flexible12.
Kinsta gets high praise from customers. It has a 4.8 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot and a 4.8 in a 2018 CodeinWP survey24. WP Engine’s ratings are 3.8 and 4.4, respectively24.
Choosing a managed WordPress host depends on your needs, budget, and what matters most to you24. Look into what each provider offers. This will help you find the best host for your WordPress site.
| Feature | SiteGround | Cloudways | Flywheel | Pantheon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter Plan Price | $6.99/month | $10/month | $13/month | $25/month |
| Starter Plan Visits | 10,000/month | 25,000/month | 5,000/month | 25,000/month |
| Starter Plan Storage | 10 GB | 25 GB | 5 GB | 10 GB |
| Starter Plan Bandwidth | Unlimited | 1 TB | 20 GB | 100 GB |
| Backup Retention | 30 days | 14 days | 30 days | 14 days |
Each provider has its own set of features and prices23. It’s key to think about what you need and compare each option. This will help you choose the best host for your WordPress site.
Personal Experience
Our team has worked with WP Engine and Kinsta, two top WordPress hosting providers. We’ve seen both offer great performance, stability, and support2420.
Kinsta’s customers seem happier than WP Engine’s, based on big surveys24. Kinsta also beats WP Engine in some data tests24. Plus, Kinsta scored higher in user satisfaction in 2018 and Trustpilot24.
Both Kinsta and WP Engine are Top Tier in Review Signal’s tests24. WP Engine won in some tests, but Kinsta did better in others24.
Kinsta’s support team got high marks in the 2018 CodeinWP survey24. WP Engine was close behind, scoring 4.7 out of 5 for support24.
Both offer strong security, backups, and tools for WordPress site management2420. We’re impressed with their performance and reviews2420.
In conclusion, our experience with WP Engine and Kinsta is great. We think either is a top choice for reliable, high-quality WordPress hosting2420.
Conclusion
We’ve looked closely at Kinsta and WP Engine, two top best WordPress host providers. Both offer strong managed WordPress services with great performance and security. But, the right choice depends on what you need and like.
Kinsta shines with its fast server response time25 and load testing results25. It also has an easy control panel and automatic daily backups23. WP Engine, though, has longer backup retention23 and more tools for developers.
WP Engine’s Startup plan is $30 a month, a bit cheaper than Kinsta’s Starter plan at $3523. Both have similar visitor limits23. But, think about Kinsta’s overage fees23 and WP Engine’s bandwidth limits23 when choosing. Both are great for managed WordPress services, but pick what fits your needs, budget, and business goals.
Source Links
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