WP Engine vs Liquid Web: Which Hosting Provider is Best for You in 2025?

Choosing the right hosting provider can make or break your website’s performance. Whether you’re a blogger, an online store owner, or running a corporate site, your hosting provider plays a crucial role in your website’s success.

WP Engine and Liquid Web are two of the leading options, consistently ranked highly for their exceptional performance and use satisfaction. WP Engine serves more than 200,000 customers in 150 countries with WordPress-optimized hosting. On the other hand, Liquid Web, known for its impressive uptime and robust infrastructure, supports over 500,000 sites.

But there’s more to the story than just features and performance. Recent developments surrounding the ongoing clash between WP Engine and WordPress’s parent company, Automattic, have added complexity to the hosting landscape. 

Also, many long-term users of Liquid Web have been voicing concerns about the company’s customer support. These factors make the comparison between the two hosting providers especially timely.

So, before we get into a detailed comparison, let’s explore why WP Engine’s position in the WordPress ecosystem has sparked fresh debates and what implications this has for users.

Why the WP Engine vs. Liquid Web WordPress Hosting Comparison Matters Now

WP Engine and Automattic are currently engaged in a legal dispute that has significant implications for WordPress hosting. The conflict began with Matt Mullenweg, WordPress co-founder and Automattic CEO, accusing WP Engine of unfairly exploiting the ecosystem and misusing the WordPress trademark. This led to demands for significant licensing fees.  

In response, WP Engine accused Automattic of trademark misuse and extortion, escalating the conflict into a legal and public dispute. This tension led to WP Engine’s ban from WordPress.org, sparking debates about transparency and collaboration within the WordPress ecosystem. 

This ban limits WP Engine’s accessibility on WordPress.org, creating challenges for users who rely on plugin updates, integrations, or community resources.

Further complicating the situation, WordPress.org recently forked the popular Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) plugin and replaced it with its own “Secure Custom Fields” version. They justified the move, citing security concerns and the need to remove commercial upsells from the original plugin. 

These ongoing conflicts have raised concerns about how all this will impact user experience, WordPress’s trustworthiness, and the stability of the broader ecosystem.

As we compare the two hosting platforms, WP Engine’s recent controversies bring unique perspectives to the discussion. With this broader context in mind, let’s explore how these hosting giants perform in key areas like speed, security, and customer support.

Overview of WP Engine and Liquid Web

Here’s a general overview of what both these web hosts offer:

Feature	WP Engine	Liquid Web
Specialization	Focuses exclusively on providing specialized managed WordPress hosting	Offers a versatile range of hosting solutions, including WordPress, VPS, and dedicated hosting
Free Domain	No	No
Automatic Backups	Yes, daily backups included	Yes, daily backups included
Staging Environment	Yes	Yes
Free CDN	Yes	Yes
Money-Back Guarantee	60-day money-back guarantee for annual plans	30-day money-back guarantee
Email Hosting	No	Yes
Free Site Migration	Yes	Yes

Both WP Engine and Liquid Web are managed hosting companies, meaning they handle many technical aspects for you, such as server maintenance, updates, and security. While WP Engine focuses exclusively on WordPress hosting, Liquid Web offers managed hosting for a broader range of solutions, including custom applications and other CMS platforms.

One key difference between the two hosting platforms is their target audiences. WP Engine provides WordPress hosting solutions that cater to all sizes and budgets. In contrast, Liquid Web focuses on high-performance hosting designed for websites with massive traffic and resource demands.

Now, let’s examine and compare their features more closely to help you find the best fit for your needs.

WP Engine vs Liquid Web: Performance and Uptime

When it comes to performance and uptime, Liquid Web and WP Engine both provide exceptional service. However, they differ significantly in their infrastructure and global reach.

WP Engine specializes in providing high-performance hosting specifically optimized for WordPress. It offers a 99.99% SLA so that your website is always accessible. 

Powered by Google Cloud, WP Engine’s infrastructure includes multiple data centers in key global regions, including North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. This extensive coverage helps them provide fast load times for users across the globe. 

Additionally, the platform runs on the latest PHP versions and offers Core Web Vitals optimization for top-tier performance.

One of WP Engine’s standout features is its global Content Delivery Network (CDN), covering over 200 locations for fast content delivery worldwide. It also integrates EverCache® technology to optimize caching and boost site speed so that you don’t have to rely on third-party plugins.

Liquid Web offers a range of hosting solutions, including VPS, dedicated servers, and WordPress hosting, all powered by high-speed AMD EPYC and Intel Xeon processors. 

The platform guarantees 100% uptime, backed by multi-server environments, real-time DDoS protection, and a 59-second initial response for support.

With data centers across North America, Europe, and Asia, Liquid Web provides global reach while offering full root access for custom performance configurations. Additionally, it also offers a fast 10 Gbps network for high-speed data transfer and minimal latency. This makes it an ideal choice for handling high-traffic websites. 

However, Liquid Web does not provide a managed CDN like WP Engine. So, content delivery speeds may not be as fast for global users unless you set up a third-party CDN.

Which One is Better?

WP Engine stands out due to its global CDN and WordPress-optimized hosting. While Liquid Web offers a strong 100% uptime guarantee and excellent network speeds, WP Engine’s broader CDN gives it an edge in overall performance.

WP Engine vs Liquid Web: Ease of Use and User Management

Your choice between WP Engine and Liquid Web will impact every single workday ahead of you. An easy-to-use hosting platform can save you time, reduce frustration, and help you focus on growing your website or business. That’s why it’s important to compare both providers in terms of ease of use and user management.

WP Engine has a simple and easy-to-use dashboard designed specifically for WordPress users. It allows you to set detailed roles and permissions for team members. It also offers environment-specific access, so users can have different permissions for development, staging, and live sites. 

Additionally, the hosting provider ensures transparency and accountability by keeping activity logs that track what users do on the platform.

In comparison, Liquid Web offers four predefined roles that are simpler but effective only for general management and simpler setups. The platform also provides fully managed hosting services, handling tasks like server monitoring, updates, and backups. 

When it comes to interface design, WP Engine provides an intuitive user experience with a clear workflow. Managing users is straightforward and accessible, even if you’re new to hosting platforms.

Liquid Web, on the other hand, uses traditional cPanel and Plesk control panels. These interfaces might be familiar to seasoned users but can feel more complex for beginners.

Which One is Better?

WP Engine stands out for its granular control, environment-specific access, and user-friendly design, making it scalable for growing teams or complex projects. While Liquid Web provides solid tools, it lacks the flexibility and depth offered by WP Engine.

WP Engine vs Liquid Web: Security and Compliance

Both WP Engine and Liquid Web provide important security features like free SSL certificates and automatic backups. They also come with malware detection and removal tools to protect against malicious software. These shared features form the baseline of security, but each platform builds on this foundation differently. 

Technical Security 

WP Engine integrates with Cloudflare to offer Web Application Firewall (WAF) and DDoS mitigation at the network edge. This helps to stop threats before they reach your site, using Argo Smart Routing to optimize traffic flow and reduce latency.

It also employs proactive threat detection, blocking over 26 billion attacks annually.  Additionally, the platform ensures secure file management by restricting access to sensitive files like .htaccess and wp-config.php.

Liquid Web, on the other hand, provides a broad range of security services designed for high-traffic and compliance-focused websites. Its ServerSecure and Imunify360 Plus services include real-time malware scanning, intrusion detection, and proactive monitoring to defend against cyber threats. 

Liquid Web also offers Real-time DDoS protection, combined with the F5 AIP Intrusion Detection System, which actively monitors and defends against advanced threats.

Certifications and Compliance

WP Engine ensures the safety of your data with SOC 2 compliance and ISO 27001:2013 certification, proving its commitment to security and operational excellence. It also supports PCI DSS compliance, making it a solid choice for secure payment processing. 

Additionally, WP Engine aligns with GDPR standards to safeguard the personal data of EU customers and help your business comply with international privacy laws.

Liquid Web also ticks several compliance boxes, including SOC 2, PCI DSS, and GDPR. It goes a step further by offering HIPAA-compliant hosting, making it an excellent choice for healthcare organizations managing sensitive patient data. This added focus on healthcare gives Liquid Web an edge for businesses with stringent regulatory requirements.

Operational Security Features

WP Engine provides 24/7 monitoring, real-time alerts, and automatic WordPress updates for core, plugins, and themes. It also has a visual regression rollback feature, so if an update causes compatibility issues, you can easily revert to a previous state.

Liquid Web focuses on consistent security with 24/7/365 on-site support and real-time vulnerability remediation. It provides robust data encryption and daily backups, ensuring stability and protection. 

Here, WP Engine stands out with its integrated update management tailored for WordPress users.

Which One is Better?

WP Engine is better for users who want simple, automated security designed for WordPress sites. However, Liquid Web is the right option for those in complex or highly regulated industries requiring advanced compliance options and customizable security.

WP Engine vs Liquid Web: Hosting Features and Developer Tools

Having the right features and tools can save time, reduce technical issues, and enhance the overall user experience.

Both hosting providers offer beneficial features like:

• Free SSL certificate from Let’s Encrypt to secure your websites.
• One-click staging environment that lets you test updates without affecting your live site.
• Cloudflare CDN integration that ensures faster global page loads.
• Developer tools like SSH, FTP, and WP-CLI that simplify your development workflow.
• Cloning features that allow you to safely replicate setups.
• Automatic backups to ensure your website data is safe and quickly restored.
• Advanced caching options that speed up your site and improve performance.
• Git integration for version control to streamline your development process.

However, each one also brings certain unique advantages to the table. Let’s take a look at them.

WP Engine

WP Engine is built specifically for WordPress, offering a suite of tools and features to simplify WordPress management. Here’s a breakdown of its standout offerings:

• Headless CMS flexibility with frameworks like React or Next.js for custom front-end development.
• Free access to 35+ StudioPress themes to speed up your site development.
• Lighthouse Performance Insights with recommendations for improving site speed and SEO.
• Genesis Framework for building SEO-optimized and fast-loading WordPress sites.
• Managed WordPress updates to keep your site running the latest version without manual intervention.
• “Local” by Flywheel for offline development with seamless syncing to WP Engine environments.

Liquid Web

Liquid Web provides a robust set of features and developer tools aimed at businesses and developers managing high-traffic websites or mission-critical applications. Here’s a breakdown of its standout offerings:

• VPS and dedicated hosting options for businesses that require more control and scalability.
• Multi-platform support for CMSs like Magento, Drupal, and Joomla, offering flexibility for various websites.
• High-performance infrastructure with SSD storage, caching, and dedicated resources for optimal site speed and reliability.
• Control panels like cPanel/WHM and Plesk for flexible server management options.
• Stencil feature for quick creation of new sites using pre-configured plugins and themes.
• Email hosting capabilities for seamless management of marketing campaigns and transactional emails.
• Option to manage unlimited websites under one plan with flexible control panels like InterWorx, Plesk, or cPanel.

When you look at the features offered by both platforms, WP Engine stands out as a fully managed WordPress hosting provider suitable for businesses of all sizes. However, WP Engine does not provide email hosting services.

Which One is Better?

WP Engine is a good option for users who need a specialized WordPress hosting solution. Liquid Web is better for businesses or developers who require more control, scalability, and multi-platform support.

WP Engine vs Liquid Web: Customer Support

Technical issues can strike your website at any time. You need fast and reliable customer support to keep your site running. Both Liquid Engine and CloudHost excel at customer service, offering 24/7 support through multiple channels. 

Feature	WP Engine	Liquid Web
Phone support	Yes	Yes
Live chat support	Yes	Yes
Automated Chatbot/ Virtual Assistance	Yes	No
Email support	No	Yes
Enterprise support (dedicated agent/priority support)	Yes	Yes

WP Engine is recognized for its expertise in WordPress support. It gives you access to a team of WordPress experts who can help resolve any issues you might have. The platform offers 24/7 live chat for all customers, while phone support is available only for higher-tier plans. 

Feedback on WP Engine’s support is generally positive, with users praising the team’s helpfulness. However, some users have noted variability in response times.

Liquid Web is valued for its technical support across various hosting environments. It offers 24/7 support with impressive initial response times for chat, phone, and helpdesk inquiries. However, some long-term customers have recently reported a decline in the quality of support.

When it comes to resources, both WP Engine and Liquid Web offer a comprehensive suite, including detailed documentation, tutorials, a knowledge base, and guides to assist users with their hosting services.

Which One is Better?

WP Engine is perfect for users who need WordPress-specific support.

WP Engine vs Liquid Web: Ease of Setup

Setting up your website should be a breeze! When you pick a hosting provider, make sure you can get things up and running without needing a degree in computer science.

WP Engine offers a streamlined, user-friendly experience, especially for WordPress users. It uses a custom admin panel designed specifically for WordPress, making it simple to manage domains, backups, and performance settings. 

The platform has a clean and intuitive interface designed to support technical and non-technical users.

Additionally, WP Engine provides a free automated migration plugin that makes it easy for you to transfer your WordPress site from other platforms without needing technical expertise. If you require any help, they also offer a detailed manual migration guide and 24/7 chat support.

Liquid Web offers a flexible and user-friendly hosting setup suitable for both beginners and advanced users. Its custom management interface is designed with clear options and visual aids to guide users. For those familiar with traditional tools, Liquid Web also offers cPanel.

For website transfer, Liquid Web offers full migration support so that you can move your site with minimal downtime. Whether you’re running a basic site or a resource-heavy application, Liquid Web’s setup options are designed to meet all levels of expertise.

As we have already seen, both platforms provide extensive documentation and 24/7 customer support. This makes it easy for users to find help if needed. 

Which One is Better?

Liquid Web is the better choice for users who need more flexibility and hands-on assistance, thanks to its superior migration services and detailed knowledge base.

Now that we’ve covered the technical details, it’s time to move on to one of the most anticipated sections—comparing the pricing and plans of WP Engine and Liquid Web.

WP Engine vs Liquid Web: Pricing

When it comes to pricing, WP Engine and Liquid Web cater to different types of users, so understanding their plans and what’s included can help you make an informed decision.

WP Engine Pricing and Plans

WP Engine focuses on managed WordPress hosting with straightforward plans tailored for performance and security. Its pricing includes the following tiers:

Plan	Price (per month)	No. of Sites	Storage	Bandwidth	Visits	Ideal For
Startup	$20	1	10 GB	75 GB	25,000	Small websites & blogs
Professional	$40	3	15 GB	150 GB	75,000	Building your brand
Growth	$77	10	20 GB	240 GB	100,000	A growing business
Scale	$194	30	50 GB	550 GB	400,000	Higher capacity sites

Note: This pricing is based on rates available as of November 2024. Prices and plans are subject to change. Check the official websites of WP Engine for up-to-date information.

WP Engine also offers a custom plan called ‘Core Hosting’ for larger enterprises with specific needs. This plan starts at $400 per month. It is tailored to handle high traffic and complex requirements, providing additional resources and dedicated support.

All plans include features like daily backups, activity logs, a global CDN, EverCache® technology, a free automated migration plugin, and flexible site copy tools.

Apart from this, WP Engine offers a 60-day money-back guarantee on its managed WordPress hosting plans, so you can try its services risk-free for two months. This guarantee applies only to annual billing plans and does not cover premium or custom plans.

Liquid Web Pricing and Plans

Liquid Web provides various hosting solutions, including managed WordPress, WooCommerce, VPS, and dedicated servers. The pricing ranges from $20 per month for basic VPS plans to $730 per month for enterprise-level WordPress hosting. 

The platform also provides a 30-day money-back guarantee. Here’s a breakdown of their WordPress hosting pricing plans:

Plan Name	Monthly Price (Billed Annually)	No. of Sites	Storage	Bandwidth	Ideal For
Spark	$14/mo	1	15 GB	2 TB	For personal projects & small websites
Spark+	$28.67/mo	3	25 GB	2.5 TB	For growing sites & entrepreneurs
Maker	$58/mo	5	40 GB	3 TB	For small & medium businesses
Designer	$80/mo	10	60 GB	4 TB	For freelancers working with multiple clients
Builder	$109.33/mo	25	100 GB	5 TB	For small website agencies & parent brands
Producer	$218.67/mo	50	300 GB	5 TB	For growingagencies & teams
Executive	$401.33/mo	100	500 GB	10 TB	For design &dev companies
Enterprise	$730/mo	250	800 GB	10 TB	For large agencies& hosting resellers

Note: This pricing is based on rates available as of November 2024. Prices and plans are subject to change. Check the official websites of Liquid Web for up-to-date information.

Which One is Better?

For WordPress-specific hosting, WP Engine takes the lead with its focus on WordPress features, cost-effective scalability, and simplicity in pricing. Liquid Web remains a better fit for businesses needing broader hosting flexibility or enterprise-grade resources.

Before we conclude the article and let you choose the right provider for your business, we would like to highlight a few points about how the ongoing ban of WP Engine from WordPress.org can affect your website.

Cons of WP Engine’s Ban From WordPress.org

The ongoing ban on WP Engine from WordPress.org can have direct consequences for users, particularly in terms of maintaining and securing their websites. Here’s how it might affect you:

1. Limited Plugin and Theme Updates: With access to WordPress.org restricted, users can no longer update plugins and themes directly through the familiar dashboard. This adds complexity to website maintenance, requiring time-consuming manual updates.
2. Delays in Core Updates: Regular WordPress core updates are essential for new features, performance improvements, and security patches. The ban might cause delays in accessing these updates, leaving your website less efficient and more vulnerable.
3. Reduced Support Options: As WP Engine faces challenges due to the ban, its ability to provide comprehensive support may be impacted. Users might find fewer resources available for managing and optimizing their websites.

Over time, the inability to update plugins, themes, and WordPress could lead to performance issues, compatibility errors, and a subpar user experience.

Understanding these potential risks will help you make informed decisions about your hosting provider and website management strategy.

Conclusion

So, the battle ‘WP Engine vs Liquid Web’ comes down to what you need from your hosting provider. 

• Choose WP Engine if you’re running a WordPress site and value ease of use, WordPress-specific optimizations, and features like EverCache®, global CDN, and premium StudioPress themes. It’s ideal for users who prioritize simplicity, scalability, and top-tier performance tailored for WordPress.
• Choose Liquid Web if you need hosting for high-traffic, resource-intensive websites or require flexibility across multiple platforms. Its robust infrastructure, customization options, and compliance solutions make it a great choice for businesses with advanced hosting requirements. 

Both providers are excellent in their respective domains, but your final decision should align with your technical expertise, budget, and hosting preferences. Take advantage of their money-back guarantees to test their features and see which platform fits your needs better!

Additionally, if the ongoing concerns with WP Engine raise doubts, Liquid Web offers a dependable alternative. 

But what if you want a solution that blends flexibility, scalability, and user-friendliness? This is where Cloudways shines. With managed cloud hosting, Cloudways combines powerful performance, easy setup, and budget-friendly pricing, making it an excellent alternative to explore.

For more insights on the latest WordPress news and hosting solutions, visit WPLift, a trusted resource for WordPress users. To learn more about how the WP Engine vs. WordPress dispute began, check out this blog. We’ll continue to provide updates and in-depth coverage as this story develops.