Liquid Web vs KnownHost: Power and Support Reviewed
When you move past beginner hosting and need serious power, two names stand tall: Liquid Web and KnownHost. Both are premium providers known for managed hosting, strong support, and reliability. But how do they compare when performance and service are on the line?
Company Background
Liquid Web Overview
Founded in 1997, Liquid Web specializes in fully managed hosting for businesses, agencies, and professionals. It focuses on VPS, dedicated, and cloud solutions — not shared hosting. Its reputation rests on “Heroic Support” and premium infrastructure.
KnownHost Overview
KnownHost, founded in 2006, is also a U.S.-based managed hosting provider. It emphasizes performance, security, and customer service across VPS, cloud, and dedicated hosting. Like Liquid Web, it does not offer low-cost shared hosting.
Pricing and Plans
Liquid Web Pricing
Liquid Web VPS plans start around $25/month with managed support. Dedicated servers begin closer to $149/month. Pricing reflects the premium nature of the platform.
Included:
- Managed VPS and dedicated hosting
- Free SSL
- 100% uptime guarantee (network & power)
- Daily backups
KnownHost Pricing
KnownHost VPS plans start lower, often around $5–$10/month for entry unmanaged plans, and around $28/month for managed VPS. Dedicated hosting begins closer to $80/month.
Included:
- Managed and unmanaged options
- Free SSL
- High-availability cloud options
- Free migration services
Verdict: KnownHost offers a wider pricing range, appealing to both budget-conscious and premium users. Liquid Web positions itself squarely at the high end.
Performance and Reliability
Liquid Web Performance
Liquid Web guarantees 100% network uptime and uses enterprise-grade data centers in the U.S. and Europe. Its infrastructure is optimized for mission-critical performance.
KnownHost Performance
KnownHost also delivers excellent uptime (99.99% in most tests) with SSD storage and redundant systems. Its performance consistently ranks among the best in managed VPS hosting.
Verdict: Both excel in reliability. Liquid Web has the stronger uptime guarantee, while KnownHost offers impressive performance with more flexible pricing.
Ease of Use
Liquid Web Dashboard
Liquid Web uses its proprietary dashboard paired with cPanel or Plesk. It’s polished, with streamlined tools for managed services.
KnownHost Dashboard
KnownHost relies on cPanel/WHM for VPS and dedicated hosting. Its interface is familiar to most web professionals but less modern than Liquid Web’s.
Verdict: Liquid Web feels more premium, while KnownHost offers familiarity and flexibility.
Support and Service
Liquid Web Support
- 24/7 phone, chat, and ticket support
- “Heroic Support” promise
- 59-second initial response guarantee
KnownHost Support
- 24/7 ticket and chat support
- U.S.-based team with strong reputation
- No 59-second guarantee, but consistently praised for responsiveness
Verdict: Liquid Web wins on speed of response, while KnownHost is trusted for knowledgeable and steady support.
Features Compared
| Feature | Liquid Web | KnownHost |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Hosting | No | No |
| VPS Hosting | Yes (managed only) | Yes (managed & unmanaged) |
| Dedicated Servers | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud Hosting | Yes | Yes |
| SSL Certificate | Free | Free |
| Uptime Guarantee | 100% (network/power) | 99.99% |
| Support | Heroic Support, 24/7 | 24/7, highly rated |
Pros and Cons
Liquid Web Pros
- 100% uptime guarantee
- 59-second support response SLA
- Fully managed hosting only (hands-off for clients)
- Premium infrastructure
Liquid Web Cons
- Higher entry price
- No shared hosting for beginners
KnownHost Pros
- Managed and unmanaged plans available
- Excellent uptime and performance
- More affordable entry-level options
- U.S.-based support team
KnownHost Cons
- No 100% uptime guarantee
- Interface less polished than Liquid Web’s
- Smaller brand recognition globally
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose Liquid Web if: You want guaranteed uptime, enterprise-grade infrastructure, and ultra-fast support responses. Best for mission-critical sites.
- Choose KnownHost if: You want managed performance at a lower entry price or prefer the flexibility of managed vs. unmanaged VPS options.
Final Takeaway: Liquid Web is a premium provider for businesses that can’t afford downtime. KnownHost offers nearly the same reliability and service at a friendlier price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Liquid Web better than KnownHost?
It depends. Liquid Web is more premium with stronger guarantees, while KnownHost provides similar performance at a lower cost.
Does KnownHost offer shared hosting?
No. Like Liquid Web, KnownHost focuses on VPS, cloud, and dedicated solutions.
Which has better uptime?
Liquid Web guarantees 100% uptime, while KnownHost averages 99.99% in independent tests.
Which is cheaper long-term?
KnownHost is more affordable, especially for smaller VPS plans. Liquid Web is aimed at enterprise budgets.
Which is better for beginners?
Neither offers entry-level shared hosting, but KnownHost’s lower-priced VPS plans may be easier to start with.
Do both provide free SSL?
Yes, both include free SSL certificates on hosting plans.
References
- Liquid Web official site
- KnownHost official site
- Independent hosting benchmarks
Links
- Liquid Web Hosting
- KnownHost Hosting
- Best Hosting for Beginners (internal link)
Liquid Web sets the gold standard for uptime and rapid support, while KnownHost provides nearly the same experience with more budget-friendly plans.
