WordPress vs. WP Engine: What’s Really Going On and How It Affects WordPress Websites

Avery Sunridge | October 14, 2024

For as long as WordPress has been around, there’s been one golden rule: keep everything open-source and collaborative. 

But now, WordPress and WP Engine—a managed WordPress hosting giant—seem to be butting heads. If you’re using WP Engine or considering them, you might be wondering: “Should I be worried?” or “What does this even mean for me?”

So, What’s the Deal?

The tension started brewing when WP Engine, known for its lightning-fast hosting and top-notch support, started adding its own proprietary enhancements. Think of it like them creating their own “special recipe” on top of the standard WordPress experience.

This all sounds good, right? After all, who doesn’t want a faster, more secure site? But here’s the catch: these “enhancements” started stepping on the toes of WordPress’s open-source community. WP Engine’s approach meant certain features were no longer playing nicely with standard WordPress plugins, causing compatibility issues and raising a lot of eyebrows among developers.

What’s at Stake for WordPress Site Owners?

If you’re a WP Engine customer, you might have noticed some rumblings recently. Let’s break it down:

  1. Compatibility Concerns: WP Engine’s custom tech stack might mean some plugins or themes won’t work as expected—think of it like using an Android app on an iPhone. Not a perfect fit!
  2. Price Justification: WP Engine’s premium pricing has always been a bit higher, but many accepted it due to their managed features. With these new issues cropping up, people are asking if it’s still worth the extra bucks.
  3. The Community Divide: More than just a technical issue, this is causing a split in the WordPress community. Long-time WordPress supporters are picking sides, and it’s making a lot of customers rethink their hosting choices.

WP Engine’s Perspective: Why They’re Doing It

To be fair, WP Engine has a reason for these changes. They argue that their custom solutions are designed to offer a better, faster, and more secure experience. While that may be true, it’s led to a situation where they’re building their own “flavour” of WordPress that doesn’t quite play by the original rules.

Why Does This Matter?

The big question is: should you be concerned? Well, it depends on what you value most. WP Engine still offers great performance and security, but you might start noticing:

  • Theme and Plugin Breakages: As WordPress rolls out new updates, there’s a chance your favourite plugins might not be fully compatible if they rely on standard WordPress coding principles.
  • Potential Lock-In: The more customizations WP Engine adds, the harder it could be to migrate away in the future if things go south.
  • Higher Costs: If you’re paying a premium for peace of mind, it’s fair to question if you’re really getting it with all this drama.

Here’s How Automation Agency Can Help

We get it. Hosting isn’t exactly the most exciting thing to deal with, and this feud makes it even more confusing. But you don’t have to figure it out alone. If you’re on WP Engine and starting to wonder if it’s time to switch, or if you’re just worried about how future WordPress updates might affect your site, we can help you weigh your options.

  • Need a Second Opinion? We’ll review your current setup, identify potential risks, and recommend the best course of action.
  • Ready to Move? We specialize in seamless WordPress migrations, so if you want to switch hosts without losing a step, we’ve got you covered.
  • Want to Stay on WordPress Without the Drama? You might prefer to stick with the platform but avoid WP Engine. We offer our own reliable hosting solutions tailored for WordPress, with all the benefits and none of the headaches.

Let’s Take the Stress Out of Hosting

WordPress vs. WP Engine—it’s a heated debate that’s not going away anytime soon. But you don’t have to be caught in the crossfire. Whether you’re looking to jump ship or simply need help making your current setup bulletproof, we’re here to make it simple.

Reach out to us today, and let’s make sure your website is future-proof, no matter what comes next.

About the author 

Avery Sunridge

Avery Sunridge is a Copywriter at Automation Agency, where she brings over 5 years of experience in digital marketing. Specializing in Sales Funnels, Email Marketing Automation, and Landing Pages, Avery crafts content that not only engages but also drives results. Her expertise has been instrumental in elevating the agency's content strategy, making complex automation processes understandable for clients. Avery is passionate about helping businesses streamline their marketing to achieve their goals effortlessly.

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