Managed cloud hosting has become the go-to solution for businesses seeking scalable, secure, and easy-to-manage hosting services.
It offers companies the opportunity to offload the complexity of cloud infrastructure management to experts, ensuring high performance and uptime.
But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one? In this article, we’ll explore the benefits, use cases, and top managed hosting services, along with detailed comparisons of products by use case, pros, cons, and pricing.
What is Managed Cloud Hosting?
Managed cloud hosting is a service where a provider manages the cloud infrastructure on behalf of the user.
This includes tasks such as server maintenance, security updates, backups, and scaling resources. It allows businesses to focus on their core activities while experts handle the technical aspects of cloud management.
Benefits of Managed Cloud Hosting
Reduced Complexity
Managed cloud hosting simplifies IT infrastructure by offloading tasks like server monitoring, patching, and maintenance. This reduces the need for in-house IT teams to manage complicated cloud environments, saving both time and resources.
Improved Performance and Reliability
Managed cloud hosting providers offer robust infrastructures with high availability and guaranteed uptimes. Most services include auto-scaling features to accommodate traffic spikes, ensuring your website or application remains accessible.
Enhanced Security
Managed hosting services often come with advanced security features such as regular patching, firewall protection, and monitoring. Providers handle the security updates, reducing the risk of vulnerabilities.
Cost Efficiency
Despite being a premium service, managed cloud hosting can save money in the long term by eliminating the need for full-time IT staff and reducing downtime due to outages or maintenance.
See also: Amazon VPS Service: Best Plans, Benefits & Buying Guide
Top 5 Managed Cloud Hosting Services
1. Kinsta Managed Cloud Hosting
Kinsta is a popular choice for managed WordPress cloud hosting, offering fully-managed services powered by Google Cloud Platform. It’s ideal for businesses looking for high performance and excellent support without handling the backend.
Kinsta is designed to handle high-traffic WordPress sites, offering scalability, top-notch security, and dedicated customer support, making it an excellent choice for businesses that want to focus on growth without worrying about server management.
- Use Case: Best for WordPress sites with high traffic.
- Pros:
- Powered by Google Cloud Platform
- 24/7 customer support
- Automatic backups
- Cons:
- Higher pricing for enterprise plans
- Features:
- Built-in cachingFree CDN integrationPremium migration support
You can purchase Kinsta directly from their website. They offer a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. - Price: Starts at $35 per month
2. Cloudways Managed Hosting
Cloudways offers a flexible managed hosting service with support for multiple cloud providers, including AWS, Google Cloud, and DigitalOcean. Its pay-as-you-go model makes it cost-effective for growing businesses.
Cloudways is perfect for businesses needing flexibility with their cloud hosting, offering a range of cloud provider options while managing everything from security to updates.
- Use Case: Ideal for developers and businesses needing flexibility across cloud platforms.
- Pros:
- Multi-cloud options
- 24/7 monitoring and support
- Easy server management
- Cons:
- Add-ons can increase costs
- Price: Starts at $10 per month
- Features:
- Automated backupsCustom control panelPay-as-you-go pricing
You can purchase Cloudways hosting on their official website.
3. WP Engine Managed Hosting
WP Engine is a top-tier managed hosting provider for WordPress websites. It offers excellent performance, security, and scalability options, making it a favorite among developers and businesses alike.
WP Engine offers an optimized environment for WordPress, making it ideal for users looking for high performance, security, and dedicated WordPress support.
- Use Case: Best for WordPress and WooCommerce stores.
- Pros:
- Advanced security features
- Staging environment for testing
- Excellent customer support
- Cons:
- High costs for larger sites
- Price: Starts at $30 per month
- Features:
- Daily backupsGlobal CDN24/7 support
You can buy WP Engine services directly from their official site.
4. Liquid Web Managed Hosting
Liquid Web is a premium managed cloud hosting provider that specializes in VPS and dedicated servers. It’s designed for businesses needing high performance and enterprise-level support.
Liquid Web is designed for businesses that require high availability, performance, and security, making it perfect for large websites and e-commerce platforms.
- Use Case: Best for large-scale businesses and high-traffic websites.
- Pros:
- High-performance VPS and dedicated servers
- 100% uptime guarantee
- Managed security services
- Cons:
- Higher starting price point
- Price: Starts at $59 per month
- Features:
- Managed firewallDDoS protectionFree SSL certificates
You can purchase Liquid Web hosting on their website.
5. A2 Hosting Managed VPS
A2 Hosting offers a fully managed VPS hosting solution with SSD-powered servers for fast loading speeds and enhanced security.
A2 Hosting is an excellent choice for small businesses and developers looking for a managed VPS solution with fast speeds and superior customer support.
- Use Case: Ideal for small businesses and developers needing fast, reliable hosting.
- Pros:
- Fast SSD storage
- Free SSL
- 24/7 customer support
- Cons:
- Limited server locations
- Price: Starts at $25 per month
- Features:
- Free site migrationManaged software updatesTurbo servers for faster speeds
You can buy A2 Hosting from their official site.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between managed and unmanaged cloud hosting?
Managed hosting includes services like server monitoring, backups, and security updates, while unmanaged hosting leaves these responsibilities to the user.
2. Is managed cloud hosting worth the extra cost?
For businesses without dedicated IT teams, managed cloud hosting is worth the investment as it saves time, reduces complexity, and enhances security and performance.
3. Can I switch between managed hosting providers easily?
Yes, most managed cloud hosting providers offer migration services, allowing users to switch platforms with minimal downtime.