The problem with shared hosting is that even if they have decent performance (e.g. SiteGround/Hostinger), they usually skimp on CPU/RAM, support, or have brutal renewals.
You can see this with SiteGround’s CPU limits, predatory renewals, and their “managed WordPress hosting” that doesn’t support WordPress. Or Hostinger’s low CPU/RAM and AI support. It usually gets worse on bigger hosts like GoDaddy, NameCheap, and Newfold Digital.
That’s why I don’t recommend them and looking at ChemiCloud’s WordPress Turbo plan instead. Not only can static sites get a ~100ms global TTFB with the LiteSpeed set up (which is also used on this ChemiCloud demo site), but you get more resources (3 CPU cores/3GB RAM + 100% of CPU resources) and better live chat support with 10-200 free migrations for ~$5/month.
The ~100ms TTFB is due to ChemiCloud’s new AMD EPYC CPUs (added in 2025) with 3.8 GHz clock speeds, QUIC.cloud, LiteSpeed servers + LiteSpeed Cache, and NVMe SSDs. If you wanted to limit everything to ~$5/mo, use free Super Page Cache instead of QUIC.cloud’s standard plan. The only other cost is Perfmatters if you need to disable unused plugins via the script manager.
Key things to note:
- You’re not trapped with scalable CPU/RAM (they’re the only shared host I know that does this). You get cPanel, 45-day money back, and relaxed renewal refunds.
- You’re not sold BS since scalability and dedicated IPs are the only shared hosting add-ons. Support doesn’t try to sell you more BS like some others do for security.
- Configuration is easy with free migrations and cPanel. You’ll need to configure LiteSpeed Cache and QUIC.cloud which isn’t hard using presets, and support can install Redis. If you still need help, email me at tom(at)onlinemediamasters.com.
- ~$5/month for hosting, LiteSpeed Cache is free, then use one of these CDNs: QUIC.cloud’s standard plan ($.02 – $.08/GB), Cloudflare APO ($5/mo), or Super Page Cache (free full page caching). Besides BFCM, I haven’t seen price changes. SiteGround had major price increases, sells add-ons, and has predatory renewals.
- Autorenewal policies aren’t predatory (but leave off anyway). ChemiCloud renews 7 days prior to your renewal date, so add that to your calendar if renewal rates are too high. Other hosts renew 14 – 15 days prior or make it a pain to cancel.
This is why going with a “popular host” is bad advice. They’re usually either a cash vacuum or skimp on CPU resources and support while ChemiCloud priotitizes them (see the spreadsheet).
- LiteSpeed servers
- 3.8 GHz CPUs + NVMe SSDs
- More CPU/RAM (and optional Turbo+ Boost add-on)
- Choose a plan, billing cycle, server location
- 10-200 free migrations
- cPanel with Imunify360
- Upgrade to PHP 8.3
- Configure LiteSpeed Cache
- Configure QUIC.cloud or Cloudflare
- ~100ms global TTFB
- Solid support with 4.9/5 TrustPilot rating
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- Thoughts on managed WordPress hosting + VPS plans
- ChemiCloud vs. similar hosts
1. LiteSpeed Servers
Recommended LiteSpeed Set Up:
- Hosting: I suggest the WordPress Turbo plan with 3 CPU cores + 3GB RAM.
- Cache plugin: LiteSpeed Cache (free, fast, use my tutorial for best results).
- CDN: QUIC.cloud (top CDN performer, use the standard plan for best results).
ChemiCloud uses LiteSpeed servers which have a ton of benefits in terms of performance, caching, resource usage, and of course being able to use LiteSpeed Cache + QUIC.cloud CDN.
Efficient Resource Usage – LiteSpeed can handle 2x the capacity of Apache which means less CPU/memory usage. This is a common problem on many hosts and used to make you upgrade.
LiteSpeed’s PHP Outperforms FastCGI/FPM – LiteSpeed PHP is more efficient than FastCGI (used on SiteGround) and FPM (used on Cloudways). Even PHP.net says “LSAPI is similar to FCGI, but is more efficient” and that it’s a “highly optimized API.” WordPress is built on PHP!
LiteSpeed Cache – there’s a reason it has 6M installs with a 4.8/5 star rating (and is free). Here are a few features LiteSpeed Cache includes which WP Rocket and SiteGround Optimizer don’t:
- Preload LCP images.
- Server-side caching (faster).
- Lazy load HTML selectors.
- Guest mode + guest optimization.
- Connects to object cache (Redis or Memcached).
- Remove unused CSS using the faster file method.
- Host third-party code locally, like fonts and Gravatars.
- Automatically exclude viewport/LCP images from lazy load.
- Limit post revisions while keeping a certain amount (instead of deleting them all).
2. 3.8 GHz CPUs + NVMe SSDs
I’ve been asking Dragos (from ChemiCloud) for faster CPUs, so their new AMD EPYC 9354 processors are a big win. For reference, most VPS and even some managed cloud hosts don’t use CPUs this fast if you check the spreadsheets – let alone on shared hosting. This isn’t listed on their website yet, so here are the emails between Dragos and I who is Chief Product Officer:
Click “General Specifications” to see the specs.
We know how important hosting is for TTFB, LCP, and wp-admin speed. It’s pretty crazy how many hosts brag about performance but don’t list their CPU model(s). Just like ANY machine whether it’s your web server or personal computer, CPUs have a huge impact on performance.
ChemiCloud uses PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs which have ∼10x faster read/write speeds than SATA SSDs. PCIe 5.0 is even faster but is also overkill in most cases (lower generations are obviously slower). It’s difficult to compare hosts because like CPUs, most don’t list generations. The only way I found out is because they updated me via email, but it’s not listed on the NVMe SSD page.
3. More CPU/RAM (And Optional Turbo+ Boost Add-On)
Their WordPress Turbo plan includes 3 CPU cores + 3GB RAM with 100% of CPU resources.
Several hosts also limit your CPU usage. SiteGround limits CPU seconds, Bluehost limits CPU time, and many other hosts limit it: NameHero is 25%, MechanicWeb is 60%, FastComet is 80%.
This is why CPU limits and 5xx errors are so common on other hosting companies.
ChemiCloud also has a Turbo+ Boost add-on to double it to 6 cores + 6 GB RAM for $6-7/mo. Which means if your resource usage increases, you don’t have to buy a new plan. This add-on can be much cheaper since hosts aren’t likely to give you the cheap intro price when upgrading.
Price:
- 12 months (7% Discount) $77.40 ($6.45/mo)
- 24 months (10% Discount) $150 ($6.25/mo)
- 36 months (14% Discount) $214.20 ($5.95/mo)
Just be careful about long contracts with a fixed amount of resources, especially if they don’t include much CPU/RAM. Resource usage should ideally be under 50% for optimal performance.
You can also view their TOS resource limits.
4. Choose A Plan, Billing Cycle, Server Location
I recommend the WordPress Turbo plan because of the extra resources (CPU cores, RAM, inodes, and storage). Do not use their WordPress Starter plan because 1GB of RAM is too low.
At checkout, you can sign up for 1 year (more expensive) or 3 years (less expensive), then choose your locations. You shouldn’t need anything else. 1 year is $77.88, 3 years is $161.64.
5. 10-200 Free Migrations
You get 200 cPanel + 10 non-cPanel migrations and you have 60 days to request them. Open a ticket, select the migrations department, and fill out your details in the form. You can search “migrations” in their TrustPilot profile to see reviews, but they’ve always been quick & painless. Or use a migrator plugin to do this yourself, or start fresh and install WordPress via Softaculous.
6. cPanel With Imunify360
Site Tools, hPanel, and other custom panels usually have limited functionality and bugs. They also tend to have worse security since a security suite (like Imunify360) is usually replaced with their ‘own’ security measures. Hosts likely did this to save money after cPanel increased prices.
It’s also harder to migrate away since ‘cPanel hosts’ usually offer unlimited cPanel migrations, but only 1 non-cPanel migration. ChemiCloud also takes daily backups that are stored off-site.
7. Upgrade To PHP 8.3
Login to your ChemiCloud cPanel → Select PHP Version. Update to the latest version while testing your site for broken elements, which probably means a specific plugin isn’t compatible.
8. Configure LiteSpeed Cache
Once you have a plan, we’ll start configuring things.
Install LiteSpeed Cache and use my tutorial to configure the settings (currently the most popular article on my site). You can always select one of LiteSpeed Cache’s preset settings (shown below), but I suggest configuring the settings manually (don’t worry, I color coded everything). Since ChemiCloud uses LiteSpeed servers, you get LiteSpeed exclusive features.
It’s an upgrade from WP Rocket, and an even bigger one from SiteGround Speed Optimizer which can’t even delay JavaScript or remove unused CSS. The developers do an awesome job releasing new features which you can follow in the LiteSpeed WordPress Community FB group.
Configure Redis (Or Memcached)
Step 1: Go cPanel → Redis Object Cache.
Step 2: Enable Redis and copy the socket path.
Step 3: Go to LiteSpeed Cache → Cache → Object. Enable object cache + Redis and paste the socket path. Port will always be 0. Save changes, then make sure you pass the connection test.
When setting up Redis on multiple sites, each site should have a unique Redis Database ID (0-100). For example, site 1 is “1” and site 2 is “2.” You can also read ChemiCloud’s Redis tutorial.
9. Configure QUIC.cloud Or Cloudflare
You’ll want to use QUIC.cloud’s standard plan (paid) or the free Super Page Cache plugin.
Both support dynamic caching (the main benefit). While Cloudflare has a much larger network, QUIC.cloud is needed for certain LiteSpeed Cache features to work, specifically critical CSS and image optimizations. While QUIC.cloud optimizes images, you would need to pay for Cloudflare Mirage/Polish for this. They also use geo-routing when using their DNS. Since ChemiCloud uses LiteSpeed Enterprise, you get free credits every month with QUIC.cloud, then it’s $.02 – $.08/GB depending on your region(s). Super Page Cache is free. You can also try both while testing TTFB.
Both are also excellent CDNs and usually top performers in SpeedVitals’ CDN Performance Tracker. Which is good considering Google lists your CDN as the 2nd best way to improve TTFB!
QUIC.cloud
Step 1: In the LSC General settings, request a domain key and add your Server IP.
Step 2: Go to CDN → QUIC.cloud CDN Setup → “Begin QUIC.cloud CDN Setup.” Then click “Refresh CDN Setup Status” and you’ll get 2 nameservers (kevin.quicns.net and jon.quicns.org). QUIC’s DNS provides better performance when using LiteSpeed with more accurate geo-routing.
Step 3: Add your QUIC nameservers to ChemiCloud (Domains → Manage Domain → Nameservers → Custom Nameservers). Refresh CDN status again and you should be all good!
Step 4: Configure the “CDN Config” settings in QUIC.cloud’s dashboard. 3 things I would try:
- QUIC backend – lets QUIC connect to your server via QUIC and HTTP/3.
- Block Browser XML-RPC – most sites don’t use XML-RPC and can block it.
- Hotlink Protection – prevents sites from copying images and using your bandwidth.
Step 5: Use the standard plan, not the free plan! The free plan only uses 6 PoPs without DDoS protection while the standard plan uses all 84 PoPs with more features. It costs $.02 – $.08/GB depending on the region (similar to BunnyCDN). You also get a certain amount of free credits every month if you’re using a host that uses LiteSpeed Enterprise (i.e. ChemiCloud, NameHero) but not if you use OpenLiteSpeed. Credits are needed for UCSS, CCSS, and image optimizations.
Cloudflare Super Page Cache
Step 1: Change your DNS to Cloudflare which performs well on dnsperf.com. Add your website to Cloudflare, they will scan records, then provide you with 2 nameservers. In ChemiCloud, you will change these (Domains → Manage Domains → Nameservers → Use Custom Nameservers).
Step 2: Install the Super Page Cache For Cloudflare plugin. Add your Cloudflare email, global API key, domain, and enable page caching. According to the developer (iSaumya), follow these next steps. If you have additional questions, I recommend asking iSaumya in a support thread.
- Disable LiteSpeed’s page caching and guest mode + guest optimization.
- “Only use LiteSpeed Cache for static file optimization.” However, I believe you can still configure it normally except for the caching/CDN settings (including using it for object cache, crawler, database optimization, Heartbeat, and image/page optimization settings).
- Do not enter your Cloudflare API details in LiteSpeed Cache (it’s handled by this plugin).
- Do not use the official Cloudflare plugin and make sure APO is disabled in CF dashboard.
- Enable fallback cache in Super Page Cache, then disable page caching in LiteSpeed Cache.
Step 3: Configure settings in your Cloudflare dashboard (I recommend the following):
- SSL/TLS Recommender (SSL/TLS → Overview).
- Always Use HTTPS (SSL/TLS → Edge Certificates).
- HTTP Strict Transport Security (SSL/TLS → Edge Certificates).
- WAF Rules (Security) to block unwanted requests.
- Brotli (Speed → Optimization → Content Optimization).
- Early Hints (Speed → Optimization → Content Optimization).
- Automatic Signed Exchanges (Speed → Optimization → Other).
- Crawler Hints (Caching → Configuration).
- Hotlink Protection (Scrape Shield).
- Purge Cloudflare’s Cache (after you’re done configuring settings).
10. ~100ms Global TTFB
They advertise sub-100ms on their managed WordPress hosting, but even on their shared hosting, static sites can get a 100ms global TTFB with QUIC.cloud CDN + LiteSpeed Cache.
Test the demo site in KeyCDN to measure TTFB in 10 locations or SpeedVitals to measure it in 40. Especially when using SpeedVitals, make sure you run 3 tests to ensure you get a cache HIT and that content is served from your CDN’s closest data center (recommended by SpeedVitals).
This test was taken before they added new CPUs (it used their New York data center).
This is why “choosing a host based on their server location” doesn’t always make sense (especially for static sites and if QUIC/Cloudflare have a close PoP to visitors). To get a similar TTFB on WooCommerce, you would ideally use CDN smart routing (such as Cloudflare Argo). Without a CDN, TTFB is fast for visitors close to the server location and slower in other locations:
While they promise a sub-100ms TTFB on their Managed WordPress Hosting, I would wait at least 1 year after any host launches a new service so they have time to improve it. But it does have promising specs (they’re one of the only managed WordPress hosts who use LiteSpeed).
11. Solid Support With 4.9/5 TrustPilot Rating
Search their profile for people who left SiteGround, Bluehost, HostGator, GoDaddy, etc.
12. 45-Day Money-Back Guarantee
If you decide to stick with them, ChemiCloud will renew your plan at the normal rate 7 days prior to your billing date (so put it in your calendar). SiteGround, Hostinger, Bluehost, and HostGator renew 14-15 days prior. Probably why renewals are one of their biggest complaints.
13. Thoughts On Managed WordPress Hosting + VPS Plans
Their managed cloud hosting has great specs and besides Rocket.net, is the only host I know promising a ~100 TTFB and uses LiteSpeed. Just wish they were able to keep Object Cache Pro. Unless Rocket.net is too pricey with their bandwidth + storage limits, I’d stick with them due to their experience, robust Cloudflare Enterprise integration, and “set and forget” type of hosting.
There are better VPS options which also support OpenLiteSpeed (like Vultr High Frequency on xCloud, Scala Hosting, MechanicWeb). You can compare them in the managed VPS spreadsheet.
14. ChemiCloud vs. Similar Hosts
Pro Tip: search TrustPilot reviews to see if people are migrating from one host to another. For example, several people moved from SiteGround to ChemiCloud, but 0 moved from ChemiCloud to SiteGround. That’s because most SiteGround users come from hosts like GoDaddy, Bluehost, and HostGator. Which IMO, doesn’t say much at all.
Many of my readers move from SiteGround, so here ya go:
- SiteGround limits CPU seconds and suspends accounts until you upgrade (a common issue in their FB group), ChemiCloud includes 100% of CPU resources.
- SiteGround gets expensive between higher renewals after 1 year, $14.99/mo premium CDN, $2.49/mo Site Scanner, $30 migrations, and a paid cache plugin (like FlyingPress / WP Rocket) if you want better performance than SG Optimizer. ChemiCloud costs significantly less between cheaper renewals, QUIC.cloud CDN, free Imunify360 Security, 10-200 free migrations, and free LiteSpeed Cache plugin.
- SiteGround develops custom products (SiteGround Speed Optimizer, CDN, Site Tools) compared to existing solutions (LiteSpeed Cache, Cloudflare, cPanel) that have experienced development teams and have usually been around much longer.
- SiteGround uses Nginx, ChemiCloud uses LiteSpeed (fast and resource-efficient).
- SiteGround’s Optimizer plugin can’t delay JavaScript, remove unused CSS, and lacks features with compatibility issues (hence a 4.2/5 star rating) compared to LiteSpeed Cache which has 4.8/stars, 6M installs, and a better development team.
- SiteGround’s CDN is a very limited version of Google’s CDN, lacks features, and generally performs worse than QUIC.cloud & Cloudflare who are top performers.
- SiteGround’s cheaper intro price is for 1 year, ChemiCloud’s is for 1 or 3 years.
- SiteGround renews plans 15 days prior to the billing date, ChemiCloud is 7 days.
- SiteGround GrowBig renews at $29.99/mo, ChemiCloud’s WP Turbo is $19.95/mo.
- SiteGround’s shared hosting doesn’t include malware scans or removal which can lead to problems, ChemiCloud does on the WP Turbo plan via Imunify360 Security.
- SiteGround didn’t disclose their CPU model on shared plans, ChemiCloud’s 3.8 GHz AMD EPYC 9354 CPUs are significantly faster than most shared hosting plans.
- SiteGround has 11 server locations, ChemiCloud’s shared hosting has 9 locations.
- SiteGround’s support got worse after they scaled, ChemiCloud is known for theirs.
Lmk how it goes! Seriously, please leave me a comment or join my Facebook group because I want to hear about your feedback on what you liked (or disliked) about them: chemicloud.com
Cheers,
Tom
