Rocket.net vs WP Engine – “Better for WordPress …”

Rocket.net vs SiteGround

99.0 %

Overall Score

Rocket.net vs WP Engine logo

96.5 %

Overall Score

Rocket.net is a managed WordPress hosting provider known for its speed and security. It utilizes Cloudflare’s Enterprise network to deliver faster loading times and enhanced protection against cyber threats. Its infrastructure is built to serve enterprise-level WordPress sites with ease, making it ideal for users prioritizing speed and performance, especially for e-commerce or high-traffic sites.

WP Engine is a leading managed WordPress hosting provider with a focus on reliability, scalability, and comprehensive developer tools. It offers various tiers of services, including robust backup options, staging environments, and a range of solutions for businesses of all sizes. WP Engine also emphasizes customer support, offering around-the-clock assistance for troubleshooting and performance optimization.

While both are premium services targeting high-performance websites, Rocket.net stands out for its integration with Cloudflare for superior speed and security, whereas WP Engine offers more advanced features for developers and large teams with a focus on scalability and customer support.

Rocket.net

Performance: |5.0| ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rocket.net excels in performance thanks to its integration with Cloudflare’s Enterprise network, offering rapid global content delivery and enhanced caching. This setup ensures fast page load times and reduces latency, especially for sites with international audiences. Rocket.net also optimizes performance at the edge, providing superior speed right out of the box with minimal need for user configuration.

Uptime: |4.9|⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Both Rocket.net and WP Engine offer excellent uptime, with both providers consistently delivering around 99.99%. Rocket.net benefits from Cloudflare’s global network, which enhances uptime by mitigating DDoS attacks and routing traffic efficiently, while WP Engine ensures reliability through its use of Google Cloud and AWS infrastructure, backed by proactive monitoring and automatic failovers to minimize downtime.

Customer Service: |4.8|⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rocket.net offers 24/7 customer support with a focus on personalized, hands-on assistance, often praised for its quick response times and knowledgeable staff. Their support team is highly proactive, helping users optimize performance and resolve technical issues efficiently.

WP Engine

Performance: |4.8| ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

WP Engine is known for its solid performance, particularly in terms of uptime and reliability. While it doesn’t leverage Cloudflare Enterprise like Rocket.net, it offers robust caching through its EverCache technology and utilizes Google Cloud and AWS servers for consistent, fast load times. WP Engine’s performance tools allow for custom tuning and are well-suited for larger or more complex sites.

Uptime: |4.9|⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Both Rocket.net and WP Engine offer excellent uptime, with both providers consistently delivering around 99.99%. Rocket.net benefits from Cloudflare’s global network, which enhances uptime by mitigating DDoS attacks and routing traffic efficiently, while WP Engine ensures reliability through its use of Google Cloud and AWS infrastructure, backed by proactive monitoring and automatic failovers to minimize downtime.

Customer Service: |4.7|⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

WP Engine, also known for its exceptional customer service, provides 24/7 support through chat, phone, and ticketing, with a strong focus on WordPress-specific expertise. WP Engine offers in-depth troubleshooting, along with a vast knowledge base and resources for developers and site managers, catering to a wide range of customer needs.

Overall Comparison Rocket.net vs WP Engine

WP Engine and Rocket.net are both popular WordPress hosting providers, having supported millions of websites over the years. Their strong reputations stem from their reliability and customer loyalty.

WP Engine (Overall rating: 8.5) is known for being a dependable managed WordPress hosting service. With an impressive 99.99% uptime and a network of globally distributed data centers, it offers enhanced performance by reducing latency and improving reliability. Security is a major focus for WP Engine, featuring automated threat detection, advanced DDoS protection, and daily backups, all of which contribute to a safe and stable hosting environment. The platform also provides advanced tools like WPGraphQL and Node.js, making it appealing to developers and agencies. However, WP Engine can be costly, especially for smaller budgets or individuals, as prices increase with higher-tier plans.

Rocket.net (Overall rating: 9.0) stands out for its speed and performance, powered by an enterprise CDN and advanced caching technologies. It provides a reliable 99% uptime and includes useful support features such as free migrations and daily backups. Rocket.net is ideal for high-traffic websites, leveraging edge locations and speed optimizations. While it may lack some of the advanced developer tools offered by WP Engine, Rocket.net offers a simplified interface and outstanding customer support, making it a great option for users who prioritize efficiency and ease of use. Its competitive features and overall value make it an attractive choice for a streamlined hosting experience.

AspectRocket.netWP Engine
Hosting TypeManaged WordPress HostingManaged WordPress Hosting
Performance Cloudflare Enterprise CDN for ultra-fast speed EverCache, Google Cloud & AWS for solid performance
Uptime99.99% uptime with Cloudflare’s global network 99.99% uptime with Google Cloud & AWS infrastructure
SecurityDDoS protection, WAF, real-time monitoringThreat detection, firewalls, and daily malware scans
Customer Support24/7 live chat and email support24/7 chat, phone, and ticketing support
Backups Daily automatic backupsDaily automatic backups
Developer FeaturesBasic WordPress optimization toolsAdvanced developer tools, staging environments
Global CDN275+ locations with Cloudflare integrationContent delivery through global data centers
MigrationsUnlimited free migrationsFree automated migrations
Pricing Starts around $30/month Starts around $20/month

1. Plans and Pricing

Comparing pricing plans across hosting providers can be challenging due to variations in pricing structures, renewal strategies, and the need for annual commitments in some cases. To simplify comparisons, the prices shown are based on monthly plans, with annual commitment requirements clearly noted. Although some providers offer identical plans for both WordPress and shared hosting, separate tables are provided for each to improve clarity.

When evaluating WP Engine and Rocket.net, Rocket.net stands out for offering more comprehensive and competitive features, such as additional PHP workers and a higher visitor allowance, providing better value for the price. WP Engine offers various plans packed with advanced WordPress features like EverCache® and Genesis blocks, but its higher-tier plans tend to be more expensive. Rocket.net’s introductory offer of $1 for the first month, along with two free months on annual plans, delivers significant initial savings. Both hosts guarantee 99.99% uptime and provide robust security, SSL certificates, and CDN services, but Rocket.net’s higher visitor capacity and longer backup retention make it a slightly better overall value than WP Engine.

Plan Rocket.netWP Engine
Entry-Level Plan$30/month$20/month
Mid-Tier Plan $60/month$39/month
High-Tier Plan$100/month$77/month
Enterprise PlanCustom pricingCustom pricing
Free Trial No free trial No free trial, but 60-day money-back guarantee
Annual DiscountUp to 2 months free with annual billingUp to 4 months free with annual billing

Enterprise Plans

WP Engine’s Custom Plan starts at $600 per month and requires contacting sales for specific details, allowing for tailored solutions like advanced DDoS protection or dedicated onboarding services. In contrast, Rocket.net’s Enterprise plans, priced between $649 and $2,599 per month, provide clearly defined specifications, including CPU cores, RAM, bandwidth, and extended backup retention for 30 days. Rocket.net also offers extra perks such as a private Slack channel and enterprise-level phone support, showcasing a more transparent and detailed approach for higher-tier customers.

Pricing Plan of Rocket.net

Pricing Plan of WP Engine

2. Features

When comparing WP Engine and Rocket.net, both excel in different areas, particularly in ease of use and advanced customization. WP Engine shines with its seamless site management tools, offering daily and on-demand backups, along with advanced developer features like WPGraphQL and Node.js Frontend. It also provides free automated migration plugins, making the setup process smoother. On the other hand, Rocket.net, while lacking a free domain, stands out with features like one-click staging and secure file management, making it an excellent option for users seeking convenience and straightforward database management. WP Engine’s upper-tier plans offer strong advantages for enterprises with globally distributed content delivery and proactive security measures. Meanwhile, Rocket.net’s simple interface and solid security features, including brute-force and malware protection, make it well-suited for small to medium businesses that prioritize security and ease of use.

A key distinction is WP Engine’s value-added services, such as daily backups and premium support with custom onboarding, making it ideal for serious business needs. In contrast, Rocket.net offers full-page caching and image optimization, which are great for maintaining fast performance. Both hosts provide free SSL certificates, but WP Engine edges ahead with more comprehensive performance guarantees and versatile developer tools. High customer satisfaction ratings further enhance WP Engine’s reputation, making it a reliable and well-supported hosting platform.

Rocket.net WP Engine
optimizationBuilt-in edge optimization Staging environments for development
Backup Automatic daily backupsAutomatic daily backups
Free Domain
Free SSL CertificateYesYes
protectionDDoS protection and WAFGoogle Cloud & AWS infrastructure
securityReal-time security monitoringPerformance insights and recommendations
ThemesUnlimited free migrations35+ premium WordPress themes included
Money-Back GuaranteeYesYes, 60 days
data centerGlobal caching at 275+ locationsAdvanced developer tools and workflows
Support24/7 customer support24/7 customer support
FTP & SFTP account YesYes
Git and SSH accessYesYes
Email hostingNoNo

Both WP Engine and Rocket.net cater to a wide range of users, from beginners to experts, with intuitive website builders and WordPress staging areas. For developers, both hosts offer strong tools, including SSH access, support for multiple programming languages, and Git for version control, making them appealing to those seeking advanced features.

Email Services:

Neither WP Engine nor Rocket.net includes dedicated email hosting within their platforms. They do not support transactional emails or provide features for managing email campaigns. Users needing email services will have to rely on third-party providers like Google Workspace, Outlook, or Zoho, as these hosts focus on optimizing WordPress performance, security, and advanced site management.

3. Performance

In terms of overall performance, both WP Engine and Rocket.net deliver excellent services. WP Engine offers fast page load times with its EverCache® technology and a CDN with over 200 points of presence. Its globally distributed data centers ensure wide server availability. Rocket.net, however, has a faster average Time to First Byte (TTFB) and leverages numerous edge locations to provide quicker access. Its enterprise CDN and full-page caching strategies ensure top-tier performance right from the start.

Website Speed

Rocket.net excels in speed, with an average TTFB of around 83ms, significantly outpacing many competitors. WP Engine, while still fast, has a higher TTFB at around 616ms. Rocket.net’s pre-configured optimizations mean minimal effort is required to achieve optimal speed out of the box, with customers reporting TTFB improvements of up to 800%. Both hosts support the latest PHP versions, and WP Engine is optimized for Core Web Vitals, which is advantageous for SEO.

Here is the page performance of WP Engine

Scalability

WP Engine offers a scalable architecture with isolated resources to handle traffic surges efficiently. It supports traffic scaling, although details on automatic upgrades aren’t provided. Rocket.net’s scalability is boosted by its global edge locations and built-in performance optimizations, but like WP Engine, it lacks specifics on automatic plan upgrades. The cost of scaling varies for both, and neither provides detailed pricing information on scaling processes upfront.

Hosting Management

AspectRocket.net WP Engine
Control PanelCustom control panel focused on simplicityCustom dashboard with more advanced features
Ease of Use Very beginner-friendly with minimal configurationSlightly more complex, better for advanced users
One-Click InstallationsOne-click WordPress installationsOne-click WordPress installations
Staging EnvironmentsNot included in lower-tier plansAvailable on all plans
Backup ManagementAutomatic daily backups, manual backups availableAutomatic daily backups with restore options
Updates ManagementAutomatic WordPress updates Automatic WordPress and plugin updates
Plugin ManagementManual plugin management Advanced plugin management, update notifications

4. Ease of Use

Rocket.net prioritizes user-friendliness, making it ideal for beginners who want a straightforward hosting experience. Its custom control panel features an intuitive interface for managing WordPress installations, backups, and settings. With one-click installations and automatic updates, users can easily get their websites running without needing extensive technical knowledge.

In contrast, WP Engine serves a wider audience, from beginners to advanced developers. It also offers one-click installations and a custom dashboard, but its advanced options can be overwhelming for newcomers. However, these features equip seasoned users with powerful tools for customization and optimization.

Overall, Rocket.net excels in ease of use for those seeking simplicity and speed, while WP Engine provides a comprehensive set of features that may require a steeper learning curve, offering greater flexibility for users with more advanced needs.

What Our Customers Have to Say?

Rocket.net

Speed and Performance: Customers consistently praise Rocket.net for its exceptional loading speeds and overall performance, attributing it to the Cloudflare integration.

User-Friendly Interface: Many users highlight the simplicity and intuitiveness of the control panel, making it easy to manage their websites.

Responsive Support: Users appreciate the prompt and knowledgeable customer support, noting quick resolution of issues.

Reliable Security: Customers value the robust security features, including DDoS protection and real-time monitoring.

Seamless Migrations: Many users report a smooth migration process to Rocket.net, with minimal downtime.

WP Engine 

Stability and Uptime: Customers frequently mention the reliability and consistent uptime, making it a trustworthy option for business websites.

Advanced Features: Users appreciate the variety of tools available for developers, including staging environments and performance insights.

Strong Customer Support: Many users commend the support team for their expertise and availability, helping with both technical and billing inquiries.

Comprehensive Resources: Customers enjoy the wealth of educational resources and documentation that assist in optimizing their sites.

Cost Considerations: Some users express that while WP Engine is more expensive, the value provided through performance and features justifies the cost.

Hosting Provided

hosting provided

Advantage of Rocket.net and WP Engine

Rocket.netWP Engine
Fast performance with Cloudflare Enterprise CDNReliable uptime with Google Cloud infrastructure
User-friendly control panel for easy managementAdvanced developer tools for customization
Automatic daily backups for peace of mind Staging environments available for testing
Excellent customer support with quick response timesExtensive documentation and resources
Unlimited free migrations for new customers Comprehensive security features and monitoring

Disadvantage of Rocket.net and WP Engine

Rocket.netWP Engine
Limited advanced developer featuresHigher pricing compared to some competitors
Staging environments not included in lower tiersDue of its intricacy, it may be too much for novices.
Fewer data center locationsSome features may require manual configuration
No free trial optionLimited options for non-WordPress sites
Less established brand compared to WP EngineAdditional costs for premium support or features

5. Support

Both WP Engine and Rocket.net offer 24/7 customer support, ensuring help is always available. WP Engine provides round-the-clock support via phone and live chat for all customers, with premium support options for more complex issues. Additionally, users can access a comprehensive knowledge base and a user portal to manage their accounts and find self-help resources. While email support isn’t specifically highlighted, it is accessible through the user portal.

Rocket.net

24/7 Availability: Provides round-the-clock support via live chat and email.

Expert Assistance: Staffed by knowledgeable support agents with expertise in WordPress hosting.

Quick Response Times: Customers often report fast resolutions to their inquiries.

Proactive Support: Support team takes a hands-on approach, offering performance optimization tips.

User-Friendly Resources: Comprehensive knowledge base and documentation available for self-help.

WP Engine

24/7 Support Channels: Offers support through live chat, phone, and ticketing systems.

WordPress Expertise: Agents are specifically trained in WordPress, providing tailored assistance.

Rapid Response: Users commend the quick response times for both technical and non-technical issues.

Extensive Documentation: A wide range of articles, tutorials, and resources for troubleshooting and learning.

Onboarding Assistance: Provides dedicated onboarding support for new customers to ease the setup process.

Rocket.net, in contrast, is noted for its rapid response times and variety of support options, including phone, live chat, email, a ticket system, and a private Slack channel for Enterprise customers. Customers praise Rocket.net’s support for being swift and highly effective, contributing to high satisfaction levels due to the prompt and expert assistance. The inclusion of free migrations, including WooCommerce, along with dedicated enterprise support, sets Rocket.net apart from the competition.

WP Engine vs Rocket.net: User feedback

WP Engine is highly regarded for its outstanding customer support, intuitive dashboards, and seamless WordPress integration. Users frequently commend the platform’s strong security features, automatic backups, and fast website performance. However, many reviews mention that WP Engine’s pricing is on the higher side compared to other hosting providers, making it less ideal for smaller budgets or individual projects. Some users also reported concerns about shared server performance and the cost of add-ons, but overall, WP Engine is considered a premium service that justifies its price for those who can afford it.

Rocket.net is widely praised for its excellent support, easy-to-use interface, and top-tier security features. The integration with Cloudflare Enterprise and an included Enterprise CDN are standout advantages, saving users money and reducing the need for extra plugins. Customers appreciate the platform’s powerful features like staging areas, manual backups, and integrated file management. While the feedback is overwhelmingly positive, some users suggest adding more analytics tools for an even better experience.

6. Security

Which one has better security features?

Technical Security Measures

Both WP Engine and Rocket.net provide robust technical security, though they differ in some areas. WP Engine blocks 72 million attacks daily with automated threat detection and offers Global Edge Security, which includes a managed WAF, advanced DDoS protection, and SSL. Rocket.net also provides enterprise-level WAF, real-time malware protection through Imunify360, and enforces HTTPS for all requests with unlimited free SSL certificates. While both hosts automate updates for WordPress core, plugins, and themes, WP Engine adds visual regression test rollbacks for added security. This gives WP Engine a slight advantage in edge security.

AspectRocket.netWP Engine
DDoS ProtectionIncluded with enterprise-level security featuresIncluded with robust security measures
Web Application Firewall Integrated Web Application Firewall (WAF) Advanced WAF to protect against threats
Automatic BackupsDaily automatic backups with easy restore optionsDaily automatic backups with one-click restore
Malware ScanningReal-time security monitoring and malware scanning Daily malware scans and automatic remediation
SSL CertificatesFree SSL certificates includedFree SSL certificates included
Security AuditsRegular security audits and updatesContinuous monitoring and regular security updates
User Access ControlsRole-based access managementDetailed user permissions for enhanced security

Operational Security Measures

Both WP Engine and Rocket.net ensure strong operational security through continuous monitoring and proactive threat detection. WP Engine provides proactive security alerts, domain status reporting, and live monitoring around-the-clock. Rocket.net provides real-time security reports and always-on protection, scanning each website request. Both offer brute force and bot protection, but WP Engine adds extra layers like automated WordPress core updates, two-factor authentication, daily backups, and platform-level protection. WP Engine’s operational security is further reinforced by a 97% customer satisfaction rate.

Compliance and Certifications

WP Engine is SOC-2 compliant, meeting standards for Security and Availability Trust Services, and is ISO 27001-2013 certified for information security management. Rocket.net is fully PCI and GDPR compliant for all WordPress installations. WP Engine also offers PCI vulnerability scanning, although results may vary based on customization. Both providers are committed to regulatory compliance, enhancing their reputation for reliability and trustworthiness.

Final Recommendations

CriteriaRocket.netWP Engine
Best ForUsers seeking speed and simplicityUsers needing advanced features and flexibility
Performance Excellent speed with Cloudflare integrationStrong performance with EverCache technology
Ease of UseHighly user-friendly interface More complex but offers robust features
Customer SupportResponsive and proactive 24/7 supportComprehensive support with various channels
Security FeaturesStrong security measures with WAF and real-time monitoringAdvanced security tools and regular audits
PricingCompetitive pricing for basic plans Higher pricing but justifiable for advanced features
Developer Tools Basic features for developersExtensive tools for advanced development
MigrationSmooth and unlimited migrations Free automated migrations
Trial PeriodNo free trial available No free trial, but 60-day money-back guarantee

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Rocket.net is a managed WordPress hosting provider that focuses on speed, security, and user-friendliness, utilizing Cloudflare’s Enterprise CDN for enhanced performance.

WP Engine is a leading managed WordPress hosting provider offering a robust platform designed for scalability, advanced developer tools, and comprehensive customer support.

Rocket.net utilizes Cloudflare’s Enterprise CDN, global caching, and automatic performance optimizations to deliver fast loading times.

WP Engine employs its proprietary EverCache technology to optimize speed, along with using Google Cloud and AWS infrastructure for reliable performance.

Rocket.net provides 24/7 customer support via live chat and email, with a focus on proactive assistance and quick resolution of issues.

WP Engine also offers 24/7 support through live chat, phone, and a ticketing system, with a strong emphasis on WordPress expertise.

Yes, Rocket.net offers automatic daily backups with easy restore options.

WP Engine provides automatic daily backups as well, with one-click restore capabilities for added convenience.

Yes, Rocket.net offers unlimited free migrations, making the transition to their platform smooth and straightforward.

WP Engine also provides free automated migrations, ensuring a hassle-free process for moving your website.

No, Rocket.net does not offer a free trial, but they do have a money-back guarantee.

WP Engine does not offer a free trial but provides a 60-day money-back guarantee for new customers.

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