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A2 Hosting vs WP Engine guide for 2024
A2 Hosting is known for its speed-focused services, with features like SSD storage, Turbo Servers (claimed to be 20 times faster), and custom caching solutions. It’s flexible in terms of hosting options, providing shared, VPS, and dedicated hosting for various platforms, including WordPress. A2 Hosting is also developer-friendly, allowing root access on some plans and supporting multiple programming languages, making it suitable for a range of website needs.
WP Engine specializes exclusively in managed WordPress hosting and is tailored for businesses and developers focused on scalability and performance. It offers a streamlined experience with built-in security, daily backups, and access to premium themes and development tools. WP Engine is widely praised for its high-level support and optimization, making it a top choice for WordPress users needing a secure, high-performing environment.
In terms of pricing, A2 Hosting generally offers a more budget-friendly option with flexible plans, while WP Engine tends to be more expensive due to its premium, WordPress-specific optimizations and features. For users needing a dedicated WordPress environment with comprehensive support, WP Engine is ideal, while A2 Hosting appeals to those seeking speed and flexibility across multiple hosting environments.
A2 Hosting
Performance: |5.0| 
A2 Hosting emphasizes speed with its Turbo Servers, which claim to deliver up to 20x faster load times than standard hosting. They use SSD storage, LiteSpeed Cache, and optimized software stacks to enhance performance across various platforms, not just WordPress. A2 is ideal for users who prioritize quick load times and want a fast environment for a range of websites and applications.
Uptime: |4.9|
A2 Hosting provides a 99.9% uptime guarantee across its plans, leveraging features like SSD storage and Turbo Servers to maintain reliable performance. This guarantee aligns with industry standards, and its servers are optimized to handle traffic spikes, making it a stable choice for sites that need consistently high uptime at an affordable price.
Customer Service: |4.8|
A2 Hosting is known for its 24/7/365 “Guru Crew” support, which offers assistance via live chat, phone, and email. Their support team is generally responsive and knowledgeable about a range of technical issues, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users. A2 Hosting also has an extensive knowledge base for users who prefer self-service support.
WP Engine
Performance: |4.8|
WP Engine focuses on optimized WordPress performance, with server configurations, caching, and a content delivery network (CDN) specifically designed for WordPress sites. With features like EverCache and automatic updates, WP Engine ensures fast, stable load times even for high-traffic sites. It’s particularly effective for businesses needing a reliable, high-performance WordPress setup.
Uptime: |4.9|
WP Engine, on the other hand, is highly regarded for its uptime, often surpassing 99.9% due to its managed hosting infrastructure tailored for WordPress. With features like real-time monitoring, automatic backups, and a dedicated WordPress setup, WP Engine ensures minimal downtime, ideal for sites prioritizing reliability and performance without interruption.
Customer Service: |4.7|
WP Engine focuses on providing specialized support for WordPress, with 24/7 chat support on all plans and phone support available on higher-tier plans. Their team is highly trained in WordPress troubleshooting and optimization, often able to handle complex site issues. Many users report a high level of satisfaction with WP Engine’s customer service, which is reflected in the company’s reputation for quality support tailored specifically for WordPress users.
Overall Comparison A2 Hosting vs WP Engine
| Feature | A2 Hosting | WP Engine |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting Types | Shared, VPS, Dedicated, and WordPress | Managed WordPress only |
| Performance | SSD storage, Turbo Servers, custom caching | Premium caching, fast load times |
| Scalability | Options across multiple hosting types | Scalable within WordPress ecosystem |
| Security | Free SSL, dual firewall, DDoS protection | Daily backups, advanced WordPress security |
| Support | 24/7 support via chat, phone, and email | 24/7 specialized WordPress support |
| Developer Features | Root access, various programming languages | Access to premium themes, dev tools |
| Pricing | Budget-friendly, flexible | Premium-priced, focused on high quality |
| Ideal For | General website needs across platforms | Businesses dedicated to WordPress |
1. Plans and Pricing
Evaluating hosting plan pricing across providers can be challenging due to varied pricing models, renewal strategies, and the requirement for annual commitments in some plans. Here, prices are listed based on monthly rates, with annual commitments noted where applicable. For clarity, we have separated tables for WordPress and shared hosting plans, as some providers offer similar plans in both categories.
Comparing WP Engine and A2 Hosting pricing reveals notable differences in cost and features. WP Engine’s entry-level Startup Plan, starting at $20/month, focuses on managed WordPress hosting, offering 24/7 chat support and enhanced security. In contrast, A2 Hosting’s Startup plan is more budget-friendly at $2.99/month, including shared hosting features like free site migration, unlimited email accounts, and a money-back guarantee. While WP Engine is dedicated to managed WordPress hosting, A2 Hosting offers versatile, cost-effective plans with added benefits such as unlimited SSD storage and free automatic backups at higher tiers.
| Plan Type | A2 Hosting | WP Engine |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Plan | Starts at $2.99/month | Starts at $20/month |
| Mid-Tier Plan | Starts at $9.99/month | Starts at $39/month |
| High-Tier Plan | Starts at $15.99/month | Starts at $77/month |
| Enterprise/Custom | Custom pricing | Custom pricing |
| Free Trial/Money-Back | 30-day money-back guarantee | 60-day money-back guarantee |
Enterprise Plans
For enterprise-level needs, WP Engine’s custom plan begins at $600/month, featuring 24/7 support, advanced security, and a dedicated account manager, with further details available upon contacting sales. In comparison, A2 Hosting’s dedicated server options start at a more affordable $79.99/month, offering 16GB DDR4 RAM, high-performance CPUs, and root access, making it an attractive option for high-demand requirements. While both providers offer customizable solutions, A2 Hosting stands out for its affordability and feature-rich support.
2. Features
WP Engine and A2 Hosting each cater to distinct user needs, with differences in their focus and specialized features. WP Engine excels in managed WordPress hosting, offering plans from Essential to Enterprise levels. Notable features include EverCache® technology for accelerated site performance and advanced security with DDoS mitigation and a managed WAF. With end-to-end management, WP Engine is ideal for businesses looking for a hands-off, streamlined experience.
A2 Hosting, on the other hand, provides a wider range of hosting solutions, from beginner-friendly shared hosting to powerful dedicated servers. They stand out with Turbo Servers for faster page loads and helpful features like automatic core updates and free website migration. A2 Hosting also includes cPanel for intuitive site management and Softaculous for easy application installs.
In terms of usability and customization, A2 Hosting offers flexibility with its cPanel control panel and Softaculous installer, enabling users to manage various platforms easily. Their Turbo Servers boost site performance for a smoother user experience. WP Engine, meanwhile, offers advanced tools like a free automated migration plugin, Local WordPress Development, and WPGraphQL for headless setups, plus performance insights and site monitoring. A key highlight for WP Engine is its high customer satisfaction rate of 97%, supported by specialized technical support and continuous site health monitoring.
Ultimately, WP Engine is ideal for those wanting fully managed security and maintenance, while A2 Hosting suits users seeking adaptable, fast shared hosting with extensive functionality. Both providers offer distinct advantages tailored to different website needs.
| Feature | A2 Hosting | WP Engine |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting Types | Shared, VPS, and dedicated hosting | Managed WordPress hosting only |
| Storage | SSD storage with Turbo Servers | Premium performance & caching |
| Free Domain | Yes, for the first year | No |
| Free SSL Certificate | Yes | Yes |
| Website builder | Yes, using cPanel | No |
| Automatic Backups | No | Yes |
| Money-Back Guarantee | Yes, 30 days | Yes, 60 days |
| Support | 24/7 "Guru Crew" support via chat & phone | 24/7 specialized WordPress support |
Both WP Engine and A2 Hosting cater to a wide range of users, from beginners to advanced users, with user-friendly website builders and WordPress staging areas. However, in terms of developer tools, both providers offer powerful options like SSH access, multiple programming language support, and Git for version control, appealing to developers seeking advanced functionality.
Email Services
WP Engine focuses solely on web hosting and does not provide native email hosting or campaign capabilities. In contrast, A2 Hosting includes email hosting powered by Titan, featuring multi-account access, configurable webmail, and a mobile app. With robust features ideal for businesses managing email campaigns, A2 Hosting is a more versatile option for users seeking integrated email solutions.
3. Performance
Speed and Performance
Both WP Engine and A2 Hosting excel in speed and performance through their unique technologies. WP Engine’s fast load times are supported by EverCache® Technology and a free global CDN with over 200 locations. They also run the latest PHP versions to improve request efficiency. Meanwhile, A2 Hosting impresses with Turbo Servers claiming up to 20x faster speeds, NVMe drives, and LiteSpeed server technology. Both providers offer data centers globally, though WP Engine has more regional options, including Africa and the Middle East. A2 Hosting enhances the setup process with free site migration for easy onboarding.
Website Speed
WP Engine’s speed advantage comes from its EverCache® Technology, which can handle millions of hits daily by significantly reducing server load. Combined with managed CDN and Core Web Vitals optimization, user experience is notably improved. A2 Hosting counters with Turbo Cache and accelerated read/write speeds using NVMe drives, minimizing latency. Although WP Engine’s WordPress-specific optimizations give it an advantage in speed metrics, both providers provide SSL certificates and a variety of caching techniques.
Scalability
WP Engine features a highly scalable architecture that handles traffic spikes seamlessly, with isolated resources to ensure consistent performance during high traffic. Pricing for scaling isn’t specified. A2 Hosting offers scalability through VPS and dedicated server plans, with Turbo Hosting designed for growth. Users must manually upgrade plans, starting at $35.99/month for VPS and $79.99/month for dedicated servers, with costs varying by plan type.
4. Ease of Use
WP Engine and A2 Hosting both feature user-friendly admin panels suited to users of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced developers. WP Engine uses a custom control panel that includes advanced developer tools like Git Push and SSH Gateway, ideal for users seeking greater control over their WordPress setup. This specialized interface offers in-depth platform settings and is optimized for WordPress performance and security, making it highly effective, though it may feel a bit complex for non-technical users.
In contrast, A2 Hosting provides the popular cPanel interface along with its proprietary TurboHub for managed WordPress sites. Known for its ease of use, cPanel is accessible and intuitive, making it simple for both technical and non-technical users to navigate. TurboHub centralizes management tools, streamlining tasks like updates and performance monitoring to improve the user experience. For those who prefer a straightforward, familiar interface, cPanel offers a clear advantage with its user-friendly, easy-to-navigate design.
WP Engine and A2 Hosting both offer solid migration tools, though their methods vary. WP Engine provides a free Automated Migration plugin that makes the process simple for most users, and for any compatibility issues, they offer a detailed Manual Migration Checklist and 24/7 support. A2 Hosting, on the other hand, includes a free site migration service that ensures minimal downtime for a smooth transition, with additional support from the WordPress Toolkit within cPanel to further streamline WordPress site migration and management.
WP Engine’s help center is rich with resources, including in-depth articles, video tutorials, and guides on topics like security and performance optimization. Their 24/7 technical support via chat and phone covers everything from setup to WordPress updates. Similarly, A2 Hosting’s knowledge base is extensive, with articles and guides on both basic hosting configurations and advanced developer tools. Their 24/7/365 Guru Crew Support is available through live chat, email, or phone, ensuring assistance is always at hand.
A2 Hosting:
Control Panel: Uses cPanel, which is widely recognized for its user-friendly interface, making it easy for beginners to navigate.
Setup Process: Offers a straightforward setup with one-click installations for various platforms, including WordPress.
Customization: Provides flexibility for users to customize settings and configurations according to their needs.
Knowledge Base: Features a comprehensive knowledge base and tutorials, aiding users in troubleshooting and learning.
Support: 24/7 support available via chat, phone, and email, assisting users with various issues.
WP Engine:
Custom Dashboard: Offers a proprietary dashboard designed specifically for WordPress, simplifying management tasks for users.
Managed Environment: Fully managed services take care of updates, security, and backups, reducing user workload.
Staging Areas: Easily create staging environments for testing changes before going live, making it user-friendly for updates.
Optimized Performance: Automatic caching and performance optimizations require minimal user intervention.
Specialized Support: 24/7 support with WordPress expertise, providing targeted help for WordPress-specific issues.
Hosting Provided
What Our Customers Have to Say?
A2 Hosting
Speed and Performance: Many customers praise A2 Hosting for its fast loading times and reliable uptime, especially with Turbo Servers.
Customer Support: Users often highlight the responsiveness and helpfulness of the “Guru Crew,” appreciating 24/7 support options.
User-Friendly Interface: The cPanel interface is frequently mentioned as easy to use, especially for beginners.
Value for Money: Customers feel they receive good value for their investment, noting competitive pricing and various plan options.
Technical Issues: Some users report occasional technical issues or downtime, but support typically resolves these quickly.
WP Engine
Performance and Speed: Customers consistently commend WP Engine for superior performance and fast load times specifically for WordPress sites.
Excellent Support: Users frequently mention the specialized WordPress support team, highlighting their expertise and effective problem-solving.
Managed Services: Many appreciate the hands-off approach to updates, backups, and security, which allows them to focus on content rather than maintenance.
Ease of Use: The custom dashboard and staging environments are often praised for simplifying site management and development processes.
Cost Concerns: Some customers express that WP Engine’s pricing is on the higher side, but they generally feel the quality justifies the cost.
Advantage of A2 Hosting and WP Engine
| A2 Hosting | WP Engine |
|---|---|
| Affordable pricing options | Specialized managed WordPress hosting |
| Fast performance with Turbo Servers | Excellent performance optimizations |
| Wide range of hosting types | High level of WordPress expertise |
| Flexible configuration and customization | Comprehensive security features |
| 24/7 customer support | 24/7 specialized support for WordPress |
Disadvantage of A2 Hosting and WP Engine
| A2 Hosting | WP Engine |
|---|---|
| Technical issues reported occasionally | Higher pricing compared to competitors |
| Shared hosting can be slower at peak times | Limited to WordPress hosting only |
| Learning curve for advanced features | Less flexible for non-WordPress sites |
| May require manual updates | Some users may find the dashboard complex |
User management
Both WP Engine and A2 Hosting provide strong user management features designed to meet various administrative needs. WP Engine offers a structured approach to user roles, allowing owners to assign specific access levels like Owners, Full Users, and Partial Users. This detailed control extends to billing and environment-specific permissions, making WP Engine highly flexible. In comparison, A2 Hosting’s user management within Plesk enables admins to create roles with granted or restricted services, though it’s less detailed than WP Engine’s environment-specific permissions.
WP Engine’s user portal is intuitively designed for managing users—adding, editing, or revoking access is straightforward, with clear options for setting permissions. A2 Hosting, through Plesk, provides a simple interface for role management, making it easy to create, modify, or remove roles. However, Plesk’s general design lacks the environment-specific controls offered by WP Engine’s user portal.
For access control and scalability, WP Engine stands out with comprehensive logging and detailed activity tracking, allowing admins to manage user actions precisely and efficiently as user numbers and environments increase. A2 Hosting in Plesk offers reliable control, though it doesn’t match WP Engine’s depth in monitoring and scaling user access effectively.
Hosting Management
| Plan | A2 Hosting | WP Engine |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Plan | Starts at $2.99/month | Starts at $20/month |
| Mid-Tier Plan | Starts at $9.99/month | Starts at $39/month |
| High-Tier Plan | Starts at $15.99/month | Starts at $77/month |
| Enterprise/Custom | Custom pricing | Custom pricing |
| Free Trial/Money-Back | 30-day money-back guarantee | 60-day money-back guarantee |
A2 Hosting Price
WP Engine Price
5. Support
WP Engine offers a robust 24/7 support system with phone and live chat available to all clients. They also stand out with premium support options and specialized WordPress expertise, ideal for users who need targeted troubleshooting and optimization assistance. Their user portal includes useful account management tools, complemented by an extensive knowledge base filled with resources for self-guided help.
A2 Hosting
24/7 Availability: Support is accessible around the clock via live chat, phone, and email.
Guru Crew: Known for a dedicated and knowledgeable support team called the “Guru Crew.”
Response Time: Generally quick response times, especially for live chat and phone inquiries.
Support Channels: Offers multiple support channels to cater to different user preferences.
Knowledge Base: Extensive online knowledge base with articles, guides, and tutorials for self-help.
WP Engine
24/7 Support: Provides round-the-clock support via live chat, with phone support available on higher-tier plans.
WordPress Expertise: Support team specializes in WordPress, offering tailored assistance for WordPress-related issues.
Response Quality: High-quality responses from knowledgeable staff, often resolving issues quickly.
Migration Support: Free migration assistance available, making it easier for users to switch to WP Engine.
Dedicated Support: Offers dedicated account management for enterprise customers, providing personalized service.
In comparison, A2 Hosting provides continuous support through phone, live chat, and email/ticket options. Their “Guru Crew Support” team is well-regarded, with customer reviews highlighting satisfaction with the support services. While A2 Hosting excels in delivering immediate assistance, it lacks the specialized expertise and enterprise-level security features that WP Engine offers. Nevertheless, A2 Hosting ensures a dependable support experience with a solid track record of user satisfaction.
6. Security
Both WP Engine and A2 Hosting exhibit significant differences in their approaches to technical and operational security, as well as their compliance with regulations.
Technical Security Measures
WP Engine employs enterprise-grade technology to automate threat detection, blocking 72 million attacks daily while providing real-time monitoring and edge protection. Its security suite includes layered defenses such as a managed Web Application Firewall, DDoS mitigation, Cloudflare CDN, and SSL certificates. In contrast, A2 Hosting offers a strong security suite with tools like Imunify360 and ModSecurity, along with free SSL certificates and virus scanning features. While A2 Hosting supports multiple PHP versions and extensions, WP Engine’s comprehensive threat management and dedicated live security team distinguish it from competitors.
Operational Security Measures
WP Engine provides proactive security alerts, continuous monitoring, automated updates, and notifications for plugin vulnerabilities, along with 24/7 global support and premium options. Its real-time security management is bolstered by a dedicated live team. A2 Hosting also features two-factor authentication, patch management, and SSH for secure file transfers, along with proactive tools like Imunify360 and Patchman for real-time protection. Despite the fact that both hosting services have robust operational safeguards, WP Engine offers more comprehensive proactive security management and constant monitoring.
| Feature | A2 Hosting | WP Engine |
|---|---|---|
| SSL Certificates | Free SSL included with all plans | Free SSL certificates included |
| Malware Scanning | Free malware scanning and removal | Automated malware scanning |
| Firewalls | Dual firewall protection | Advanced firewall protection |
| DDoS Protection | DDoS protection available | Built-in DDoS protection |
| Backup Solutions | Manual backups; options for automated | Daily automated backups |
| Security Monitoring | 24/7 security monitoring available | Continuous security monitoring |
| Software Updates | User-managed; automatic updates available | Automatic updates for WordPress core and plugins |
Compliance and Certifications
WP Engine complies with SOC-2 standards for Security and Availability and is certified under ISO 27001-2013. Its platform also includes PCI vulnerability scanning. On the other hand, A2 Hosting is GDPR compliant and offers guidance for achieving PCI compliance through third-party APIs, but it does not support HIPAA or SSAE 16 compliance. WP Engine’s certifications and broader compliance capabilities provide it with an advantage in regulatory adherence.
Final Recommendation
| Criteria | A2 Hosting | WP Engine |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Users seeking budget-friendly options and flexibility across various hosting types | Businesses and developers focused on high-performance WordPress hosting |
| Performance Needs | Ideal for websites needing fast loading speeds and customizable options | Best suited for high-traffic WordPress sites requiring top performance |
| Technical Support | Great for users needing general hosting assistance and flexibility | Excellent for those needing specialized WordPress support and expertise |
| Ease of Use | Suitable for users comfortable with cPanel and looking for flexibility | Ideal for users seeking a streamlined, managed WordPress experience |
| Budget Considerations | More affordable with various pricing tiers | Higher pricing justified by premium features and services |
| Security Requirements | Good security features, but user involvement in maintenance is needed | Comprehensive security and managed updates ensure peace of mind |
| Growth Potential | Flexible scaling options across different hosting types | Built-in scalability features tailored for WordPress growth |
Frequently Asked Questions
A2 Hosting is a web hosting provider known for its speed and performance, offering a variety of hosting options, including shared, VPS, and dedicated hosting.
- Providing high-performance hosting solutions just for WordPress websites is the specialty of managed WordPress hosting company WP Engine.
- A2 Hosting generally offers more budget-friendly options compared to WP Engine, which is considered premium-priced due to its specialized services.
- Yes, A2 Hosting supports WordPress and offers optimized plans for WordPress hosting, including features like one-click installations and managed WordPress options.
- Yes, WP Engine offers daily automated backups as part of its managed services, ensuring your WordPress site is regularly backed up and secure.
A2 Hosting provides 24/7 customer support via live chat, phone, and email, known for its responsive and knowledgeable “Guru Crew.”
- WP Engine offers 24/7 support with a focus on WordPress expertise, providing tailored assistance for WordPress-specific issues and migrations.
- Yes, A2 Hosting offers flexible scaling options, allowing users to upgrade their plans as their website grows.
- Yes, WP Engine provides advanced security features, including automated malware scanning, firewalls, and regular updates to ensure WordPress sites remain secure.
- Yes, A2 Hosting offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, while WP Engine provides a 60-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to try their services risk-free.
A2 Hosting’s use of cPanel may be more familiar and user-friendly for beginners, while WP Engine’s custom dashboard is optimized for WordPress users but might require some learning.
- A2 Hosting is known for its fast performance, especially with Turbo Servers, while WP Engine is recognized for its high-performance optimizations tailored specifically for WordPress sites.
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