ipage vs WP engine

Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, iPage is a veteran in the web hosting industry known for offering straightforward, budget-friendly solutions for individuals and small businesses. Their platform integrates hosting, domain registration, email, and a drag-and-drop website builder into one streamlined package, removing much of the complexity often associated with setting up a website. They provide unlimited storage and scalable bandwidth, a free domain for the first year, SSL certificates, and one-click WordPress installation, making them an accessible option for beginners. Now operating under Newfold Digital (formerly Endurance International Group), iPage continues to serve existing customers but has stopped accepting new users as the brand transitions into iPage by Network Solutions. While they’ve long been appreciated for simplicity and low startup costs, user feedback has become mixed, with recurring complaints about slow support and rising renewal rates. Despite these shifts, iPage remains part of Newfold’s extensive hosting network, a portfolio that also includes Bluehost and HostGator. Their legacy stands as a reflection of accessible web hosting for newcomers, even as the company’s focus shifts toward integration within the broader Network Solutions ecosystem.

WP Engine was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in Austin, Texas. They specialize in managed WordPress hosting, focusing on delivering reliable performance, enhanced security, and hands-off site management. Their services run on a global cloud infrastructure that includes Google Cloud Platform, Amazon Web Services, and Microsoft Azure, giving users the flexibility to scale as their sites grow. The company offers shared managed hosting, premium dedicated hosting, Atlas headless hosting, and WooCommerce hosting for online stores. Key features include automated updates, daily backups, staging environments, a global CDN, and real-time security monitoring. WP Engine has earned industry recognition for its performance and developer-focused tools. On the Better Business Bureau, the company is listed but not accredited, and does not currently have a letter grade rating. Customers praise their 24/7 expert support and strong security measures, though some mention higher pricing and a learning curve for beginners. This combination of performance, security, and flexibility has made WP Engine a popular choice for businesses, agencies, and e-commerce owners looking for specialized hosting.