Choosing a hosting plan can be overwhelming. Every server type comes with its own pros and cons—and on top of that, there’s the choice between managed and unmanaged hosting.

This guide breaks down what managed hosting is, how it works, and how to decide if it’s right for you.

What Is Managed Hosting?

Managed hosting is a type of web hosting service where the provider handles the technical management of your website’s server. Unlike unmanaged hosting, where you take on most of the responsibilities, managed hosting allows you to focus on your business while experts handle the backend.

Reputable managed providers offer support, make sure backups are taken regularly, and optimize your server for better performance. This means the hosting company takes care of your server’s security, speed, and hardware.

Managed hosting services can be perfect for businesses that want to save time and resources without having to hire an in-house IT team. 

Types of Managed Hosting

When it comes to managed hosting, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Depending on your needs, different types of managed hosting can offer specialized services to support your project. Here’s a breakdown of the main types: 

1. Fully Managed Hosting

In a fully managed hosting plan, the hosting provider handles all aspects of your server, from updates to security, backups, and performance monitoring. You won’t need to worry about server management—the provider takes care of the entire infrastructure. 

This is a great option for businesses that want a hassle-free experience and don’t have the resources to manage technical details. 

2. Partially or Semi-Managed Hosting 

Partially managed hosting is a hybrid approach. While the hosting provider manages critical server functions like security updates, you still have more control over other aspects. 

This can include installing software or managing certain server configurations. It’s ideal for businesses that need some support but still want a level of customization. 

3. Specialized Managed Hosting Solutions

Specialized managed hosting solutions are designed for specific use cases. For example, if you run a WordPress site, you might opt for a managed WordPress hosting plan where the provider handles everything and also offers built-in tools for WordPress. 

Similarly, if you’re hosting ecommerce sites or resource-intensive applications, you might need a solution tailored to those needs. 

• Managed WordPress hosting

When using WordPress, no matter whether it’s on managed or unmanaged hosting, you benefit from its abundance of resources. This includes templates, plugins, tools, and its supportive community. 

What managed WordPress hosting does is enhance these advantages by handling different technical tasks such as core updates, server-level caching, and automated daily backups. 

Additionally, your hosting provider may develop exclusive in-house tools to improve your WordPress site’s performance. 

• Managed WooCommerce hosting

We also offer a robust and user-friendly managed WooCommerce hosting, where you can enjoy the same features as with our managed WordPress hosting while focusing on what matters most—increasing sales.

Benefits of Managed Hosting

Understanding the benefits of managed hosting is important, especially if you are just starting a new project.

1. Cost-Effective in the Long Run

While managed hosting services may have higher upfront costs compared to unmanaged hosting, they can be more cost-effective in the long run. With managed hosting, you save on hiring in-house IT teams and avoid unexpected repair or downtime costs. 

Plus, providers typically include services like backups and security updates, which can further reduce overall expenses.

• No hidden costs – with unmanaged hosting, managing hardware, updates, and security on your own requires additional resources that aren’t always budget-friendly. Moreover, without expert oversight, this can lead to mistakes, increasing unexpected expenses.
• Reduced need for additional expertise – managed hosting services include technical support, security updates, and performance optimization, reducing the need to hire IT staff or outsource server management, thus saving on significant labor costs.
• Time savings – with managed hosting, you’re not responsible for any technical aspect of your hosting, freeing up time to focus on what will really drive you profit: growing your business or planning your website.
• Scalability – managed hosting providers often offer scalable solutions that adapt to your needs without requiring costly hardware upgrades or additional IT resources.   

2. Enhanced Security and Monitoring

One of the primary benefits of managed web hosting is its enhanced security. Hosting providers take on the responsibility of protecting your website from cyber threats. This includes implementing regular updates, monitoring for vulnerabilities, and managing firewalls. 

They also provide proactive measures, such as malware and spam protection, which are essential for maintaining a secure online presence. 

Here are some of the most important security measures a managed provider maintains: 

• Firewalls that aim to block unauthorized access by monitoring and regulating data traffic.
• Brute-force prevention that implements CAPTCHAs, or uses two-factor authentication.
• Denial-of-service attack (DDoS) protection ensures that legitimate users can still access your services during a cyber attack.
• Data encryption is used to protect sensitive information.
• Patch management ensures that all server components are up-to-date and secure via regularly software updates 
• Security audits assess the effectiveness of security measures.

Keep in mind that the level of security varies between providers. At SiteGround we’re constantly updating our security arsenal with out-of-the-box technology and additional features to keep your website safe.

3. Consistent and Optimal Performance

Running servers optimally demands ongoing attention and technical know-how. Managed hosting assumes this responsibility—it includes continuous monitoring and maintenance to make sure your systems perform efficiently around the clock.

Here are some typical server maintenance tasks that your managed hosting provider handles for you:

• Hardware and software updates. The latest software versions, such as the default PHP 8.2 and the latest MySQL 8 that are used on all SiteGround servers.
• Server backups. SiteGround provides automatic daily backups for all hosting plans, storing each for up to 30 days in a separate data center location different from the one hosting the live account, for added security. Additional features are available through our Premium Backup service.
• Proactive issue resolution. SiteGround’s 24/7 monitoring checks servers every 0.5 seconds, detecting, fixing, and preventing issues automatically.
• Load balancing. SiteGround’s in-house CDN 2.0, included for free in all plans, features cross-region load balancing and automatic multi-region failover.

4. Streamlined Website Management

Managing a website doesn’t have to be complicated. In the past, building and maintaining a site meant dealing with code like HTML, CSS, or PHP—a challenge for anyone without technical skills. Today, content management systems (CMS) like WordPress make it easy to create and update your site through visual editors and simple interfaces.

Managed hosting makes it even easier. Features like one-click CMS installations, staging, and search and replace tools eliminate a lot of headaches. Already have a site elsewhere? Managed hosting often includes hassle-free migration services.

5. Access to Expert Support

As a website owner, encountering a worst-case scenario without knowing what to do can be incredibly stressful and damaging to your reputation. Issues like data breaches, extended downtime, or being locked out of your systems can lead to losing customer trust and, ultimately, revenue.

This is where managed hosting providers can be invaluable. A good managed hosting plan includes dedicated, around-the-clock support through various channels such as live chat, support tickets, and phone. 

In contrast, unmanaged hosting typically provides minimal support, focusing primarily on hardware or network-related issues, with little to no help for application-level concerns.

Potential Drawbacks of Managed Hosting

Using a managed hosting provider means no backend work, however, it also comes with some limitations. 

1. Limited Control and Customization

Unlike unmanaged hosting, where you can customize freely and have access to the server, managed hosting limits users to the functionalities, apps, and tools provided by the host. This may not suit those seeking extensive customization. 

However, keep in mind that such flexibility is necessary only for highly technical users with very specific needs, such as developing custom server configurations or running niche applications. 

For most users, managed hosting not only simplifies the process but also offers optimal performance, security, and support without the hassle of managing everything yourself. 

2. Dependency on the Hosting Provider

With managed hosting, users typically do not have control over when scheduled server maintenance and system updates occur, as these are handled by the hosting provider. 

Additionally, if an issue arises with the hosting environment, the managed provider’s dedicated support team is responsible for resolving it, with minimal impact on your website’s availability and performance.

This is why it is crucial to opt for a provider offering 24/7 monitoring and a rapid response.

How to Choose a Managed Hosting Provider

No two companies offer the same managed hosting services. The level of security, support and speed can vary significantly across providers, so we’ll explore the most important factors to consider when choosing one.

1. Security Practices and Backups

Security should be a top priority when choosing a managed hosting provider. A reliable provider will include up-to-date security protocols, virus and spam protection, and regular malware scans as part of their core hosting services.

Additionally, look for automated daily backups and easy restoration options. These are vital against data loss caused by cyberattacks, accidental file deletion or data breach due to phishing. If a provider doesn’t include backups, it’s a red flag. 

Finally, strong firewalls, SSL support, and basic security measures like two-factor authentication should come standard with any robust hosting plan.

2. Support Availability and Expertise

When something goes wrong, having access to an experienced managed hosting team can make all the difference. Choose a managed hosting company that offers 24/7 support with fast response times and multiple contact channels—live chat, tickets, and phone.

More importantly, make sure that the support staff has deep technical expertise. Whether it’s troubleshooting a server issue, optimizing performance, or helping with website and application administration, knowledgeable support can save you time, money, and stress.

Great customer service benefits aren’t just about responsiveness—they’re about resolution. Look for companies with a proven hosting provider’s success rate and positive customer feedback.

3. Performance Technologies

A reliable managed hosting provider should use cutting-edge technology for optimal website performance. This includes modern server hosting infrastructure like SSD or NVMe storage, built-in caching, HTTP/3 support, and a powerful CDN.

Some managed hosting services also offer custom in-house software that help with server performance tuning, traffic scaling, and uptime monitoring. These features are crucial for maintaining reliable site performance, especially for high-traffic or resource-intensive sites like a growing WordPress site or online store.

In short, advanced performance tech isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a critical part of a robust hosting plan that supports your business as it grows.

4. Scalability and Upgrade Options

As your business grows, so do your hosting needs. A good managed hosting provider makes it easy to scale. Whether you’re adding more hosting resources, launching new projects, or handling traffic spikes, your hosting company should offer seamless upgrade paths.

Look for hosting solutions that support vertical and horizontal scaling—such as moving up to a higher plan or expanding into multiple environments. This flexibility means your site won’t suffer from bottlenecks or affect server performance during peak times.

Also, check if your provider allows you to increase storage, bandwidth, or memory without downtime. This kind of adaptability helps you stay focused on your business operations without worrying about the backend.

5. User-Friendly Tools and Dashboard

A smooth control panel experience can make a big difference, especially for users who don’t have deep technical expertise. The best managed hosting providers offer intuitive dashboards where you can monitor server performance, manage domains, access backups, and install apps—all in a few clicks.

Whether you’re managing a WordPress site, updating DNS settings, or reviewing hosting plan details, a clean interface saves time and reduces the chance of errors. Features like one-click staging, automatic updates, and integrated analytics empower both developers and beginners.

Ultimately, your hosting company should simplify administration, not add to your to-do list. A well-designed dashboard helps you get more out of your managed hosting services—without needing to rely on support for every task.

Make Your Business Thrive with SiteGround

Choosing the right hosting provider will take a load off your shoulders. From handling hardware management and server hosting to keeping websites safe with up-to-date security, a reliable partner does the heavy lifting so managed hosting customers can focus on growing their business.

Whether you’re running a WordPress site, an online store, or a custom app, managed hosting lets you tap into expert support, robust hosting technology, and a fully maintained network. You don’t need your own infrastructure or an experienced hosting IT team—your provider takes care of it all.

In the end, the right managed hosting services aren’t just about convenience—they’re about enabling business success. So when you’re ready to move beyond the limitations of unmanaged hosting, choose a hosting company that offers not only the right tools, but also a proven hosting provider’s success rate and commitment to excellence.

SiteGround is managing over 3,000,000 domains globally, with 98% satisfied customers, and is renowned for its 5-star support services. So, why not give us a try?