Shared hosting gives you a “slice” of a multi-tenant server with a fair amount of control. You can manage files and databases, choose PHP versions, tweak .htaccess, install most plugins and themes, run cron jobs, and use tools like cPanel, all within usage limits. It’s cost-effective and flexible, but performance can vary because resources are shared.
Managed WordPress hosting also provides a slice of a server, but the platform is more locked down to deliver a consistent, fast, secure experience. The the stack is more standardized, providing updates, security, backups, and staging, and manages the overall platform rather than your site’s content. Some plugins or custom services may be restricted to keep things stable and performant. You trade some configurability for reliability, support, and speed, at a higher price.
