WordPress is a PHP application that uses a web server to deliver pages. WordPress generates the pages; the web server handles the connection and sends data over the network. Traditionally, that web server was Apache, a venerable open source project used on millions of websites.
However, Apache isn’t ideal for high-traffic WordPress sites and WooCommerce stores. The most popular alternatives are the open-source NGINX and the proprietary LiteSpeed, which is billed as a faster, drop-in replacement for Apache. But is LiteSpeed the best web server for platforms that host high-traffic WordPress sites? In this LiteSpeed vs. Pressable comparison, we explore why Pressable takes a different approach to WordPress-optimized hosting.
What is Pressable?
Pressable is a managed WordPress hosting platform from Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, WooCommerce, and Jetpack. Pressable runs on WP Cloud, Automattic’s container-based infrastructure built specifically for WordPress. Pressable targets agencies, ecommerce merchants, and businesses that need expert-managed hosting with a 100% uptime guarantee.
What is LiteSpeed?
LiteSpeed is a proprietary web server developed by LiteSpeed Technologies. Unlike NGINX and Apache, LiteSpeed is a proprietary product. You will need a commercial license for production use, a cost typically absorbed by hosting providers and passed on in their pricing. LiteSpeed Technologies also offers LiteSpeed Cache (LSCache), a free WordPress plugin that works with the LiteSpeed web server to provide page caching, image optimization, and performance features.
Pressable vs. LiteSpeed Platform Comparison Table
| Pressable WordPress Hosting | LiteSpeed | |
|---|---|---|
| Built for WordPress | Runs on WP Cloud, Automattic’s WordPress-native infrastructure | A third-party web server software compatible with WordPress |
| Caching configuration |
Automatic on every site No plugin required |
Requires LSCache plugin installation and per-site setup |
| CDN/Edge delivery | Included on all plans, 28+ global locations | Requires QUIC.cloud or third-party CDN |
| DDoS Protection | On-demand Defensive Mode | Basic DDoS protection |
| Multi-site consistency | Same caching and configuration across all sites | Each site is configured independently |
| Support Accountability | Single team with full-stack visibility | May involve host, LiteSpeed, and CDN vendors |
| API and automation | Pressable API and dashboard control | Limited integration and automation |
Don’t Let Slow Hosting Throttle Your Growth
Pressable isn’t just a faster host, it’s a smarter long-term bet built for high performance without the high stress.
LiteSpeed vs. NGINX
LiteSpeed and NGINX are modern web servers that handle traffic more efficiently than Apache. NGINX powers over a third of the web, including many high-traffic sites. LiteSpeed offers comparable performance, but its main advantage is its ability to easily replace Apache in systems that expect .htaccess and other Apache conventions.
Once you’re using a modern web server, whether it’s NGINX or LiteSpeed matters less than you might expect for WordPress speed and reliability. Performance issues are more often caused by network latency, PHP execution, and database queries, not by how the server handles and uses resources.
What does matter is how well the server is integrated into a complete WordPress-optimized hosting stack. Your sites need a fast server working with WordPress-optimized infrastructure and caching, all managed as a seamless whole.
Platform-Integrated Caching vs. Plugin-Based Caching
Pressable’s caching is built into the hosting platform. Edge Cache, Batcache, Object Cache, and OPCache work automatically on every site without additional plugins or third-party services. Caching behavior is consistent across all sites, integrates with Pressable’s high-availability infrastructure and failover systems, and can be controlled via the Pressable dashboard or automated through the Pressable API.
In contrast, LiteSpeed Cache is a WordPress plugin. You have to install and configure it on every site. Plugin updates can change caching behavior or introduce compatibility issues, adding another dependency to test after every update. For agencies managing multiple WordPress sites, that’s one more plugin to maintain across every install.
Native Edge Caching vs. Third-Party CDN Dependency
LiteSpeed’s caching plugin handles origin caching. For edge delivery, LiteSpeed users typically add QUIC.cloud or Cloudflare. These are separate services requiring account setup, DNS configuration, and plugin coordination. Both solutions have usage limits on the free tier, bill separately, and require coordinating cache purges across systems.
Pressable includes edge caching on all plans. Content is distributed across 28+ global points of presence. The Edge Cache is responsive to existing Batcache TTL settings without separate configuration, and WordPress and WooCommerce cache purges propagate automatically.
A Single Point of Accountability for Support
When caching issues arise on a LiteSpeed-based host, troubleshooting may involve multiple parties: the hosting provider, LiteSpeed Technologies, QUIC.cloud, and any third-party object cache. If the issue spans components, you may need to coordinate between support teams.
With Pressable, the caching stack and hosting platform are managed by a single provider. Support requests for caching-related issues go to our team rather than being split across vendors. Pressable’s expert support team has context on both the caching infrastructure and the WordPress application layer.
Why Choose Pressable as Your LiteSpeed Alternative
Easy-to-Use Managed WordPress Hosting
Pressable takes care of your site so you don’t have to. From setup to day-to-day management, Pressable is simple, streamlined, and stress-free.
- Automatic WordPress core and plugin updates
- One-click staging sites, backups, and restores
- Intuitive dashboard with usage and performance data
Keep Your Sites Safe With Built-In WordPress Security
All of our WordPress managed hosting accounts include powerful, always-on security features to safeguard your site against vulnerabilities and threats.
- Real-time malware scanning and threat monitoring
- A fully managed web application firewall (WAF) blocks malicious traffic
- Free Jetpack Security provides real-time backups with one-click restores, brute force prevention, and spam protection
Stay Online With High-Availability WordPress Hosting
Downtime isn’t an option. Pressable’s infrastructure is built for resilience, with automatic failover and global redundancy to keep your site available around the clock.
- 100% network uptime guarantee
- Geo-redundant data centers with live replication
- Automatic failover across server nodes and regions
Get Help From WordPress Experts, Anytime
Connect with a support team that knows WordPress inside and out. There are no support tiers, no scripted responses, and no long wait times. Just answers from people who understand WordPress and our hosting platform.
- 24/7 access to WordPress-certified support
- Every technician is a WordPress expert
- Average first response time is fewer than four minutes
Scale Without Limits or Penalties
As your traffic grows, Pressable grows with you. The platform scales automatically to handle traffic spikes and growing audiences.
- Auto-scaling CPU and PHP workers up to 110 cores
- Generous visitor allowances and unlimited bandwidth on every plan
- No overage fees or resource throttling
- I love the speed that my website comes up.
- Sites haven’t gone down since moving to Pressable.
- Best hosting support, bar none.
- Above and beyond any other host.
- Worth every penny.
- Easy way to switch hosting.
- Great value for the quality we get.
- Much faster speeds than other big box hosting.
- AMAZING support.
- Sites run smoother, faster and the difference is amazing.
- Press ABLE, that’s the name.
- The features I needed were all there.
- I wish I’d found Pressable earlier.