Managed hosting is a service where the host maintains the server, software stack, security and backups for you.
Managed hosting means someone else looks after the server so you can look after your website. The host installs and updates the operating system, web server, PHP and database software, watches for problems, applies security patches and takes backups. You get a working environment and a support team to call when something goes wrong.
Compare that with an unmanaged VPS, where you're handed a blank server and a root password. Everything from installing a web server to configuring a firewall is then your job.
What managed hosting usually includes
The exact list varies by provider, but managed hosting typically covers:
- Operating system and server software updates
- Security monitoring, malware scanning and a firewall
- Automatic backups with a set retention period
- Performance tuning, such as caching and a fast web server
- SSL certificates issued and renewed for you
- Support from people who can look at the server, not just your account
Some providers go further with managed WordPress, where they also handle core updates, staging sites and WordPress-specific caching.
Managed hosting vs unmanaged hosting
With managed hosting you pay for convenience and expertise. You spend less time on server admin and are less likely to be caught out by a missed patch.
With unmanaged hosting you get more control and often a lower price for the raw resources, but you're responsible for setup, security and recovery. It suits developers and sysadmins who enjoy that work and know how to do it.
A common misconception is that managed means locked down. Good managed hosting still gives you tools like a control panel, SSH and cron jobs. The host simply handles the layer underneath.
Who should choose managed hosting
Managed hosting suits most people running a business site, a shop or a blog: anyone whose time is better spent on content and customers than on server updates. It's also sensible when you don't have an in-house technical team to respond at 3am.
What to check before you buy managed hosting
- What's actually managed: the server only, or your application too?
- How often backups run, how long they're kept and how easy restores are.
- Whether support is available 24/7 and staffed by real people.
- Which access you keep, such as SSH, SFTP and a control panel.
- Whether website migration is included. AblePage, for example, moves your existing site for free.