WP Engine logo Contact Us
WP Engine logo
WordPress HostingGrow your business with effortless site management, performance, security, & support.WooCommerce HostingSell online with improved performance and caching optimized for WooCommerce.Headless PlatformBuild, deploy, and manage headless websites with one integrated platform.All WP Engine Products
Website Tools
Smart Plugin ManagerGlobal Edge SecurityWebsite MonitoringLocal WordPress DevelopmentPage Speed BoostWP Engine Smart Search AIApplication PerformanceManaged Vector Database
WordPress Plugins
Advanced Custom FieldsNitroPackWP MigrateWP Offload MediaWP Offload SES
24/7 WordPress SupportAward-winning technical expertise, whenever you need it. Fast WordPressExperience optimal speed, reliability, and scalability with WP Engine. Secure WordPressEnterprise-grade security & proactive monitoring to protect your site. Free WordPress MigrationStress-free migrations, handled by our team of trusted experts. Advantages of WordPressUnlock possibilities with the world’s top content management system.
WP Engine Difference
Why WP EngineOur Platform TechnologyWordPress CMSManaged HostingWP Engine ReviewsCase Studies
Solutions For
EnterprisesAgenciesSmall BusinessesDevelopers
Hosting for EnterprisesPremium WordPress hosting with advanced security and expert support. Enterprise Plans & PricingCustomizable hosting with enhanced features and dedicated support. Case StudiesSuccess stories of performance gains and cost savings with WP Engine. Hidden Costs of Self-HostingFrom developer time to security and compliance, the true costs add up fast.

Find out why 200,000+ customers trust WP Engine.

WP Engine for AgenciesWhere agencies build smarter, manage easier, and grow bigger. Agency Hosting PlansBoost profits with scalable pricing and managed hosting tailored for agencies. Agency Partner ProgramGet priority support, discounted pricing, referral commissions, & more. Case StudiesSee how others are building successful websites with WP Engine. Find an AgencySearch our directory of expert agencies that specialize in WordPress.

“Building on WP Engine enabled us to concentrate fully on our expertise, knowing everything from hosting performance to security was being managed by their experts.”

Somer Athari, Noble Studios

2024 WP Engine APP Award Winner

ResourcesFind articles, ebooks, white papers, case studies, and more. Customer SupportSearch support articles from our technical experts. FAQA list of commonly asked questions regarding WP Engine's service. Builder CommunityLearn how to build modern and headless websites. Website TesterGet a detailed site health report filled with speed and security insights.

Need more help?

Our team of experts is here to help you accomplish your goals. Contact Us.

Contact UsLog In
Call Sales: 1-877-973-6446
Plans & Pricing
Resource Center
‹ Back to Resource Center

Beyond the Server: The Real-Life Strain of Self-Hosting

Posted in Entrepreneurship, Performance, Scalability, WordPress by Kellen Mace

Last updated on July 1st, 2025

In the dynamic world of web development and digital presence, WordPress stands as a titan, powering a significant portion of the internet. When it comes to hosting a WordPress site, a pivotal decision arises: should you brave the path of self-hosting on cloud platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure, or opt for a managed hosting solution for WordPress?

While self-hosting can seem empowering, offering granular control and the allure of potentially lower upfront costs, it carries a significant, often underestimated, “human cost.” This isn’t just about financial expenditure; it’s about the invaluable time, energy, expertise, and stress invested by individuals and teams to keep a WordPress site running smoothly and securely. For the vast majority, this human cost far outweighs the perceived benefits, making managed hosting for WordPress a more strategic and efficient choice.

The initial allure: Why consider self-hosting?

The appeal of self-hosting WordPress is understandable. It promises:

  • Complete Control: From server configurations to software versions, you dictate every aspect.
  • Customization Potential: The ability to install any software or configure the environment precisely to your needs.
  • Perceived Cost Savings: For those with the existing cloud infrastructure or technical know-how, it might initially seem like a cheaper route.

However, this control and customization come at a steep price—your time and sanity.

The unseen price tag: Unpacking the human cost of self-hosting

Check out the full white paper to delve into the day-to-day realities of the human effort required to self-host WordPress. To talk about a managed hosting option for your WordPress site, reach out to WP Engine to explore our options!

Get started

Build faster, protect your brand, and grow your business with a WordPress platform built to power remarkable online experiences.

Get Started

Explore WordPress Hosting