WPMU DEV reduces overhead by keeping hosting and management inside the same commercial and support relationship.
MainWP is not a managed host, which is exactly why WPMU DEV wins this route so clearly.
This route is really about operational overhead: whether the team wants hosting to be a managed part of the stack or is comfortable assembling and running more of the system itself.
MainWP still appeals when self-hosting the control layer is a feature, not a burden.
Route-specific reading
WPMU DEV reaches usable hosting-and-management value faster for most teams.
MainWP gains ground only if self-hosted control is strategically important.
This route rewards lower admin overhead over maximum self-managed flexibility.
Checks before publishing
WPMU DEV
Confirm live pricing, hosting, plugin suite, and Hub feature scope.
MainWP
Confirm live free/pro pricing, self-hosted features, and dashboard capabilities.
Buyer fit
Use WPMU DEV when lower overhead and managed value matter most.
Exception
Use MainWP when self-hosted ownership is a deliberate strategic preference.