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WordPress Guide → Vs → Managed WordPress vs. cPanel
Managed WordPress vs. cPanel: Which is best?
If you’re new to using WordPress, you may have some questions about your options. This blog breaks down WordPress cPanel, DIY, and managed WordPress hosting.
Keep reading to understand how they compare when it comes to backups, performance, site management, and more.
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What is cPanel WordPress?
cPanel WordPress is a Linux-based graphical interface (GUI) which is used as a dashboard to helps users manage their server and hosting account. Some web hosts provide cPanel for WordPress. Liquid Web is a WordPress host that offers cPanel, for example.
What is managed WordPress hosting?
Managed WordPress hosting is a service where your WordPress site is typically hosted on a dedicated server, virtual private server, or on the cloud. Managed WordPress hosting provides you with your site’s day-to-day hardware and software maintenance, as well as expert hosting support.
Backups On cPanel WordPress vs. Hosting
cPanel backups
You can connect to cPanel’s backup tools, but know that it will save the files onto the source destination by default. This might be acceptable, but it should be noted that in the unfortunate event that your server ever crashed, your backups would go along with it.
Managed WordPress
With a fully managed WordPress host like Liquid Web, we take care of the boring and time-consuming work for you, backing up every site on your account and removing old backups as needed.
With Liquid Web, you can set up a daily schedule that suits your needs and run one-offs in between as desired. You can also rest easy knowing your backups are saved for 30 days on a separate server, eliminating risks and increasing security overall.
WordPress plugins & core updates
cPanel updates
cPanel offers the ability to install WordPress onto a website. The process involves downloading it, uploading it, and verifying it. It’s work for certain, but it gets the job done.
Plugins can be added through the WordPress repo, but updates must be done on a manual basis, backing up the site (as previously mentioned), confirming the details, and agreeing to the update.
Once it’s live, you can check your site to make sure everything worked as expected.
Managed WordPress updates
Nothing is left to chance with the managed hosting approach. With Nexcess, we run checks before any given plugin is automatically updated using our visual comparison tool, confirming your site will still look the same after the update as it did before.
Managing more than one site
cPanel
Everything required for regular upkeep is done on a per-site basis. Multiple third-party tools are needed to simplify the process, which often comes with additional expenses and management tasks.
Managed WordPress
Every Managed WordPress account at Liquid Web comes standard with Solid Central, giving you the ability to manage all of your sites in one beautiful dashboard at no additional cost. You’re also able to set up reporting and notifications as needed, tailored to your portfolio’s needs.
Cache & performance
cPanel
If you want to keep your individual sites running fast and smooth, you’ll need to investigate what plugins are available based on your specific capabilities. The best of these will not be free, but the alternative is too expensive. The management of these will all be on you, though some automation may be included with more premium options.
Managed WordPress
Website performance matters. From Varnish to Memcache to Redis and more, Liquid Web fully managed WordPress hosting takes care of the licenses and support for you, pre-configuring all of it to help you run the fastest, most stable site possible.
Overall Control
There’s a common misconception that Managed WordPress is really just about giving up control to the host, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
In reality, you’re gaining MORE control! With more free time to focus on things that matter and access to SSH, phpMyAdmin, and your database, you can do everything you could with the DIY approach and more with Managed WordPress from Liquid Web.
Getting started with Managed WordPress vs. DIY vs. cPanel
When you’re ready to upgrade your WordPress hosting, Liquid Web can help. We’ve been offering the premium hosting for WordPress sites for decades—with the fastest speeds, best uptime guarantees, and most robust security features. Click below to explore options or start a chat to connect with one of our WordPress hosting experts right now.
Additional resources
What is WordPress? →
A complete beginner’s guide—from use cases, to basics, to how to get started
Is self-hosted WordPress a good Tumblr alternative? →
We’ll explore their pros and cons to help you understand both platforms’ unique offerings. Then, we’ll walk you through what makes them so different, highlighting which option makes the most sense depending on your objectives.
How to integrate WordPress and Slack →
If your org uses Slack and WordPress, there are several ways you can tie them together.
Jessica Frick brings over 20 years of experience in the technology sector. A graduate of Rollins College, she’s focused on delivering the best web applications (including WordPress, WooCommerce, Magento, and more!) to customers with the best performance possible. When she’s not obsessing about all things digital, you can find her enjoying quality time with her family, listening to music, binging a sci-fi series, working in her garden, or brewing some iced tea.