Rocket.net and Kinsta are two popular managed WordPress hosting providers, but they cater to slightly different needs. Rocket.net offers simpler pricing with built-in security and speed, making it ideal for those wanting an easy setup. Kinsta, on the other hand, provides a more advanced platform with strong developer tools and detailed analytics.
Choosing between them depends on what the user values most. Someone looking for fast and secure hosting without much hassle might prefer Rocket.net. If they need powerful features for large or complex sites, Kinsta could be a better fit. This comparison looks closely at their speed, security, pricing, and support.
Platform Overview
Rocket.net and Kinsta offer distinct hosting services suited for different user needs. Their company histories and main features shape the type of service they provide. Both support popular content management systems but vary in technology compatibility.
Company Background
Rocket.net was founded in 2019 with a focus on speed and security. It aims to provide a managed WordPress hosting platform that integrates a built-in CDN and optimized caching. This company targets small to medium businesses and agencies looking for simple yet powerful hosting.
Kinsta started earlier, in 2013, and has grown into a leading managed WordPress host. It uses Google Cloud’s infrastructure for reliability and performance. Its clients include larger businesses and high-traffic websites needing scalable solutions.
Both companies prioritize WordPress hosting but differ in their scale and service approach. Rocket.net puts more emphasis on ease of use and integrated features, while Kinsta offers advanced control and enterprise-level support.
Core Features Comparison
Rocket.net includes features like free global CDN, automatic backups, and a firewall designed to block threats before they reach the site. It also offers a user-friendly dashboard and 24/7 support. The focus is on simplicity combined with strong security.
Kinsta provides automatic daily backups, staging environments, and a custom dashboard called MyKinsta. It also offers detailed analytics, faster PHP versions, and server-level caching. Kinsta supports multi-site WordPress installs and geo-redundant infrastructure for uptime.
| Feature | Rocket.net | Kinsta |
| CDN | Built-in global CDN | Free CDN via Cloudflare |
| Backups | Automatic, daily | Automatic, daily with restore |
| Security | Firewall + malware scanning | Firewall + hack fix support |
| Dashboard | Simple, clear interface | Advanced MyKinsta dashboard |
| Support | 24/7 chat support | 24/7 chat & phone support |
Supported CMS and Technologies
Rocket.net focuses primarily on WordPress hosting. It supports WooCommerce, WPML, and popular WordPress plugins. Its technology stack includes LiteSpeed caching and PHP 8.x versions.
Kinsta also specializes in WordPress but allows support for WooCommerce and multisite networks. It supports PHP 7.4 up to 8.2. Kinsta uses Nginx servers and integrates easily with popular developer tools like SSH, Git, and WP-CLI.
Neither platform broadly supports CMS systems outside of WordPress. Both prioritize WordPress performance but offer technologies suited for developers and site managers looking to optimize speed and reliability.
Performance and Speed
Performance and speed depend heavily on the server setup, how content is delivered globally, and the reliability of the hosting provider. These factors impact website load times and uptime, shaping user experience and SEO rankings.
Server Architecture and Infrastructure
Rocket.net uses a cloud-based platform powered by the Google Cloud global network. This allows for quick resource scaling and fast data processing. Their infrastructure supports PHP 8.x and uses NVMe storage for improved input/output operations.
Kinsta also runs on Google Cloud but focuses on premium-tier machines optimized for WordPress. It offers isolated containers with dedicated resources, reducing the chance of slowdowns caused by other sites. Kinsta uses the latest PHP versions and LXD-managed hosts.
Both platforms prioritize modern technology and strong hardware for fast performance. However, Rocket.net’s emphasis on NVMe storage gives it a slight edge in disk speed.
Content Delivery Network Integration
Rocket.net includes a built-in CDN powered by Cloudflare Enterprise. This helps cache content at locations near users worldwide, reducing latency. The CDN is automatically enabled on all plans and covers images, scripts, and other files.
Kinsta integrates with KeyCDN, a reputable but less extensive network. It requires manual activation and configuration after setup. While effective, it does not offer the same global reach or DDoS protection found with Cloudflare Enterprise.
In summary, Rocket.net offers tighter CDN integration by default, improving global content delivery and security. Kinsta’s CDN is optional and may require more setup.
Load Times and Uptime Guarantees
Rocket.net reports average load times under 300 milliseconds globally. They guarantee 99.99% uptime with real-time monitoring and automated failovers. Their MyKinsta dashboard also provides performance insights.
Kinsta’s average loading speeds typically range around 350 milliseconds depending on location. They promise a 99.9% uptime SLA backed by proactive monitoring and backup systems.
Both providers maintain strong uptime and speedy load times, but Rocket.net’s guarantee percentage is slightly higher, and its use of Cloudflare Enterprise contributes to faster site loading worldwide.
Security and Reliability
Rocket.net and Kinsta offer strong approaches to keeping websites safe and online. Both focus on preventing attacks and recovering quickly from problems. Their security tools and backup systems help maintain uptime and protect data.
Managed Security Features
Rocket.net includes a built-in web application firewall (WAF) powered by Cloudflare. It automatically blocks common attacks like SQL injections and cross-site scripting (XSS). Users do not need to set up or manage the firewall themselves.
Kinsta uses its own firewall along with Google Cloud’s security layers. The platform monitors for malware and suspicious activity in real time. It also restricts login attempts to prevent brute-force attacks.
Both providers handle security updates and patches automatically. They also run daily malware scans. This reduces the chances of vulnerabilities being exploited without the site owner’s actions.
Backup and Restore Options
Rocket.net performs automatic daily backups stored for 14 days. Users can restore any backup from the control panel with one click. It also supports manual backups before major updates or changes.
Kinsta offers daily backups saved for 14 to 30 days, depending on the plan. They include automatic offsite backups, which provide extra data protection. Restoring backups happens through an easy interface with no downtime.
Neither Rocket.net nor Kinsta limits restore frequency. Both aim to keep site data safe and recovery fast to reduce disruptions.
SSL and DDoS Protections
Rocket.net provides free automatic SSL certificates from Let’s Encrypt. The certificates renew without user action. Rocket.net also uses Cloudflare’s network to block DDoS attacks at the edge.
Kinsta offers free SSL certificates via Let’s Encrypt as well. Users can also upload custom SSL certificates if needed. It uses Google Cloud Armor to detect and mitigate DDoS attacks.
Both services deliver HTTPS by default, boosting data security. Their DDoS protections help keep websites online even during attack attempts.
Pricing and Value
Both services offer tiered pricing with different features and limits. They include various resources suited to different site sizes and customer needs. The value depends on what users need, from small blogs to professional agencies.
Pricing Tiers and Plans
Rocket.net has three main plans: Starter, Professional, and Business. Prices start around $30/month and go up based on traffic and storage. Each plan includes free CDN, SSL, and security features.
Kinsta offers plans from Starter to Enterprise, with prices starting near $35/month. They charge based on visits rather than bandwidth, which suits growing sites with predictable traffic. Enterprise plans have custom pricing.
Rocket.net’s plans focus on including all features upfront. Kinsta separates some extras into higher tiers or add-ons, which can affect the total cost.
Included Resources and Limits
Rocket.net’s Starter plan includes 15 GB storage and 25,000 visitors per month. Professional and Business levels increase storage to 40 GB and 60 GB, with up to 100,000 visits. All plans offer free backups and malware scanning.
Kinsta’s Starter plan offers 10 GB storage and 25,000 visits, with options to add more resources. Higher plans have 20 GB to 100 GB storage and up to 1 million visits for the enterprise level. They provide automatic backups and uptime monitoring.
Rocket.net includes unlimited free CDN bandwidth, while Kinsta’s bandwidth depends partially on the plan but includes generous limits overall.
Value for Different User Types
Small business owners or bloggers may value Rocket.net’s simpler pricing and included CDN. It suits those wanting to avoid add-on costs or complicated billing.
Agencies and developers handling multiple sites might prefer Kinsta’s scalable resource options and detailed analytics. Kinsta’s pricing reflects its focus on larger sites and high traffic more clearly.
Both platforms offer support and features tailored to managed WordPress hosting, but the choice hinges on budget, site size, and expected growth.
Support and User Experience
Both Rocket.net and Kinsta provide strong support options and aim for smooth user experiences. Their setup processes and customer feedback highlight key differences in how users interact with each service.
Customer Support Channels
Rocket.net offers 24/7 live chat, email support, and phone support on higher plans. Their support team responds quickly, focusing on WordPress-specific issues and server optimization.
Kinsta also provides 24/7 live chat and ticket-based support. They do not offer phone support but have a detailed knowledge base and community forums. Kinsta’s support is known for technical depth, especially for performance and security help.
| Feature | Rocket.net | Kinsta |
| Live Chat | Yes, 24/7 | Yes, 24/7 |
| Phone Support | Yes, on advanced plans | No |
| Email Support | Yes | Yes |
| Knowledge Base | Yes | Extensive |
| Response Speed | Fast | Fast |
Ease of Use and Setup
Rocket.net provides a straightforward dashboard focused on WordPress with built-in optimization tools. Users can launch a site without complex steps and benefit from automatic updates and backups.
Kinsta’s dashboard, called MyKinsta, offers more features like analytics and performance monitoring. New users may find it slightly more complex but powerful once they get used to it. Kinsta also includes automatic backups and one-click staging environments.
Both platforms offer free site migrations but Rocket.net often handles them faster, with less user input needed.
User Reviews and Feedback
Users praise Rocket.net for fast support and simplicity. Many mention how quick it is to get help and that the platform makes WordPress hosting easy for beginners.
Kinsta is known for reliability and performance, with users appreciating the deep technical support. Some find it more suitable for experienced users or those who want fine control over their hosting environment.
Common notes from users include:
- Rocket.net is praised for speed and friendly support.
- Kinsta is valued for robust tools and expert help.
- Both platforms maintain high customer satisfaction rates.
Conclusion
Rocket.net and Kinsta both offer strong hosting services with good speed and security. Each one fits different needs depending on what the user values most.
Rocket.net is easy to use and includes built-in security features. It works well for users who want fast setup and simple management.
Kinsta offers more advanced tools and customization options. It suits those who need detailed control and robust performance for larger sites.
| Feature | Rocket.net | Kinsta |
| Ease of Use | High | Moderate |
| Security | Built-in, strong | Advanced tools |
| Performance | Fast, reliable | Very fast, scalable |
| Pricing | Competitive | Higher but with more features |
Choosing depends on priorities. Rocket.net is good for straightforward, speedy hosting. Kinsta works better for users needing extra power and flexibility.