What Happened to Flywheel?
Flywheel was a popular managed WordPress host known for its clean interface and designer-friendly approach. In 2019, WP Engine acquired Flywheel. Over time the product lines were consolidated, and many former Flywheel customers found themselves on WP Engine’s higher pricing tiers with fewer of the features they originally signed up for.
If you’re looking for a Flywheel alternative – whether you’ve been migrated to WP Engine or are simply searching for a more independent, focused host – UpperLevel is worth a serious look.
UpperLevel vs. Flywheel / WP Engine: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | UpperLevel | Flywheel / WP Engine |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $24/mo flat | $20–$30/mo intro → higher at renewal |
| Renewal Price Increases | ✓ None – always flat | ✗ Prices increase at renewal |
| Storage Technology | ✓ NVMe SSD (fastest) | Standard SSD |
| Support Location | ✓ US-based, Level 3 | International / mixed |
| Support Response Time | ✓ Under 5 min, 24/7/365 | Varies by plan tier |
| Independent Company | ✓ Yes – focused on WP hosting | ✗ Acquired / part of WP Engine group |
| Malware Removal | ✓ Unlimited, included | Varies / add-on cost |
| Daily Backups | ✓ Daily, 30-day retention | Daily included |
| Free Migration | ✓ Yes, team-handled | Available on some plans |
| Money-Back Guarantee | ✓ 45 days | 60 days (WP Engine) |
5 Reasons UpperLevel Is the Best Flywheel Alternative
Who Should Consider UpperLevel as a Flywheel Alternative?
- Former Flywheel customers who were migrated to WP Engine and are facing higher prices or a different product experience.
- Designers and agencies who valued Flywheel’s simplicity and want a host that stays focused on WordPress.
- Anyone tired of acquisition-driven price hikes at managed hosting companies.
- Small businesses who want predictable, transparent hosting costs month after month.
What UpperLevel Customers Say
“After Flywheel got folded into WP Engine, I was paying more for less. UpperLevel is simpler, faster, and the support team actually picks up.”
“I manage 12 client sites. Knowing the price won’t change at renewal makes budgeting way easier.”
For more information, visit Flywheel’s official site, learn about WordPress, or read the WordPress performance guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Flywheel still available as a standalone product?
Flywheel was acquired by WP Engine in 2019 and has since been integrated into the WP Engine platform. Customers looking for a Flywheel-style independent managed WordPress host often find UpperLevel a strong fit.
How does UpperLevel compare to WP Engine in pricing?
WP Engine’s managed WordPress plans start around $20–$30/month for a single site with renewal pricing higher. UpperLevel starts at $24/month with no renewal increases – making it competitively priced with more transparent billing.
Does UpperLevel offer free migration from WP Engine or Flywheel?
Yes – UpperLevel includes free website migration on all plans. The team handles the technical transfer with zero downtime.
Is UpperLevel good for agencies managing multiple WordPress sites?
Yes. UpperLevel works with freelancers and agencies managing multiple client sites. Contact the team to discuss multi-site arrangements and agency pricing.