I built my very first WordPress website while still in high school. That’s how I quickly learned how important it is to choose the right hosting provider.
Later on, I built my own online businesses and helped other companies create WordPress websites. During this time, I learned how web hosting affects a website’s speed, uptime, security, and scalability.
That’s why I’ve put together this guide to help you find the best WordPress hosting for your website.
Why Trust My Recommendations?
Hi, my name is Syed Balkhi. I am the founder of WPBeginner and CEO of Awesome Motive. I am a serial entrepreneur and have been building WordPress products since 2009.
I’ve spent over 19 years with WordPress and have tried countless hosting companies along the way. I’ve seen how different hosting solutions can make or break a website, from small personal blogs to large business sites.
Here is why you should trust my recommendations:
- Hands-On Experience: I’ve personally used all the hosting providers listed here for my own projects.
- Comprehensive Testing: My team and I rigorously test each host for speed, uptime, and customer support and show you the results.
- Community Feedback: Through WPBeginner, I’ve helped thousands of users choose the right hosting, gathering invaluable feedback.
- Transparency: Unlike others, I base my recommendations on real data and user experiences. I choose the companies that offer the most value to my readers.
This guide is the result of years of experience, research, and user input. I’m confident it will help you make an informed decision.
Top Picks (Quick Comparison)
| Host | Starting Price / mo | Average Load Time | Best For | User Score | WPBeginner Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1.99 | 1.2 s | 🏆 Best overall WordPress hosting | 4.9/5 | A++ (Review) |
| $2.99 | 397 ms | High-performance WordPress hosting | 4.9/5 |
A++ (Review) |
| $2.69 | 374 ms | Small businesses & blogs | 4.9/5 |
A++ (Review) |
| $2.59 | 439 ms | Small businesses & personal sites | 4.7/5 |
A (Review) |
| $1.75 | 560 ms | Professionals & small businesses | 4.8/5 |
A (Review) |
 | $10 | 636 ms | Best for Business / eCommerce | 4.8/5 | A (Review) |
 | $2.52 | 1.0 s | Blogs / small businesses | 4.7/5 |
A (Review) |
How Do I Test Each Hosting Company?
My Testing Methodology
Transparency is important to me, so I want to share how I evaluate each hosting company. Knowing my process will help you understand why I recommend these WordPress hosts.
When deciding which hosting companies to recommend, I focus on several key factors:
- Speed and Server Response Time: I test server response times to ensure your website loads quickly. Fast performance boosts SEO rankings and improves the user experience.
- Ability to Handle High Traffic: I run stress tests to see if the host can handle traffic spikes during peak times, like during a sales promotion or holidays.
- Price and Affordability: Higher hosting costs can be discouraging for many users. I look for hosts that offer great value at affordable prices, which is ideal for small businesses.
- Easy Refunds/Cancellation: I prefer hosts that offer a money-back guarantee and make it simple to cancel if needed.
- Free Domain and SSL: I highlight hosts that provide a free domain for at least the first year and free SSL certificates for security.
- Support Response Time: I value hosts with 24/7 support from knowledgeable teams who can quickly address issues. I also look at their support documentation for more advanced DIY users.
The Testing Process
I signed up with each hosting company and set up a test website using a default WordPress theme. I filled the site with dummy content, including media and images.
Then, I used independent third-party tools to monitor various performance metrics. Here are the tools I used.
Tools I Used for Testing
To ensure accurate and reliable results, I used several industry-standard tools:
- K6 by GrafanaLabs: For stress testing, I used K6 to simulate high-traffic scenarios and see how each hosting provider handles load under pressure.
- Pingdom: I performed speed tests using Pingdom to calculate page load times. I ran multiple tests from different locations to get an average page load time.
- Bitcatcha: To measure server response times globally, I used Bitcatcha, which provides average response times from various locations worldwide.
- Uptime Robot: To monitor uptime, I relied on Uptime Robot to track the availability of each hosting provider over an extended period.
Other Factors I Considered
- Personal Experience: My hands-on experience with each hosting company significantly influenced my evaluations.
- Customer Reviews: I looked at other customer reviews to gain a broader perspective on user satisfaction and common issues.
- Different Use Cases: I considered various usage scenarios to ensure that the hosting providers meet the needs of different types of websites and users.
What Are the WordPress Hosting Requirements?
When I first started with WordPress, I was pleasantly surprised by how lightweight it was. WordPress is designed to be compatible with almost all good web hosting companies.
In fact, WordPress’s requirements are quite minimal:
- PHP version 7.4 or greater
- MySQL version 5.7 or greater OR MariaDB version 10.3 or greater
- HTTPS support (SSL certificate)
That’s it! You can run WordPress on their servers if a hosting provider supports these basic requirements.
Most of the hosting companies that I recommend know WordPress well and meet these requirements. However, I always suggest using a hosting provider that keeps its server environment up-to-date to ensure optimal performance and security.
When choosing a WordPress host, it’s a good idea to look for features like one-click WordPress installation, automatic updates, and dedicated WordPress support. These features can make your life much easier, especially if you’re new to building websites.
Things to Consider When Choosing WordPress Hosting
I’ve learned that while speed, security, and reliability are vital when selecting WordPress hosting, understanding your needs is equally important. You can save time and money by evaluating what you require beforehand.
Evaluating Your WordPress Hosting Needs
There are various types of hosting services available, and choosing the right one depends on your website’s goals. Let’s explore these options to help you make an informed decision.
Free WordPress Hosting
Free website hosting might sound appealing, but it often has significant drawbacks. In my experience, these services can be unreliable, may force ads onto your site, or require you to include their links. This can undermine your site’s professionalism and user experience.
If you’re serious about your website, I recommend avoiding free hosting services.
Shared WordPress Hosting
Shared hosting is the most popular choice for beginners because of its affordability and ease of use. Your site shares server resources with other websites, which helps keep costs low.
However, be cautious of promises like “unlimited” resources. Hosting providers may impose limitations if your site consumes excessive resources.
Shared web hosting is ideal for small businesses and blogs just starting out.
WordPress VPS Hosting
A Virtual Private Server (VPS) offers more control and flexibility than shared hosting. It’s like having your own dedicated portion of a server, allowing for better performance and customization.
VPS hosting suits medium-sized businesses, high-traffic blogs, and developers needing specific server configurations. If you’re not tech-savvy, then consider a managed VPS instead, where the hosting provider handles maintenance and updates.
WordPress Dedicated Server Hosting
Dedicated hosting gives you an entire server for your website. This means maximum performance, control, and security but is more expensive.
I only recommend dedicated servers for large businesses and high-traffic websites that require robust resources and customized server settings.
Managed WordPress Hosting
Managed WordPress hosting is a hands-off solution where the provider handles all technical aspects like updates, security, and backups. They optimize your site for performance and handle any technical issues.
While it can be more expensive, it’s worth considering if you prefer not to manage the technical side of running a website. It’s great for established bloggers and businesses that can justify the investment.
Making Your Decision
Understanding these hosting types helps you choose the best option for your needs. Over the years, I’ve tested and worked with all the top hosting companies. The providers I recommend offer excellent service and support, and I’ve personally hand-picked them based on my experience.
Need Help? Hire a WordPress Expert!
Looking to elevate your WordPress site? WPBeginner WordPress Website Design services can help you create a professional, high-performing website that stands out. Let my experienced team bring your vision to life!
Best WordPress Hosting Providers
Managing websites that attract millions of visitors each month has shown me just how important the right WordPress hosting can be. Through extensive experience with various hosting companies, I’ve hand-picked providers that consistently deliver exceptional performance, reliability, and support.
Whether you’re starting your first blog or running a high-traffic business site, these hosting options offer the quality and features you need. Let’s explore my top recommendations for the best WordPress hosting providers.
1. Bluehost
| Quick info:🔹Starting from $1.99/mo 🔹Free Domain: Yes 🔹Sites Allowed: 1 🔹Disk Space: 10GB |
Bluehost is one of the largest web hosting companies and an official WordPress-recommended hosting provider. I’ve been recommending Bluehost since 2012, and their commitment to quality has only improved over the years.
Setting up your website with Bluehost is incredibly straightforward, thanks to their intuitive dashboard and one-click WordPress installation. They offer a free domain name for the first year, a great perk for those just getting started.
One thing I appreciate about Bluehost is their continuous effort to enhance their hosting platform. They’ve upgraded to faster SSD storage and integrated advanced security features to keep your site running smoothly and securely.
Their 24/7 customer support has always been responsive whenever I’ve needed assistance. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced webmaster, Bluehost offers a range of hosting plans to suit your needs.
 |
| Performance |
| Uptime: 99.99% |
| Page load time: 1.2 s |
| Avg. Response Time: 144 ms |
| WPBeginner Rating: A++ |
| User Rating: 4.9/5 |
| Best For: Overall best WordPress hosting |
Pros of Using Bluehost
- Affordable pricing with a free domain name included
- User-friendly interface suitable for beginners
- Reliable uptime and solid server performance
- 24/7 customer support via phone, chat, and email
- Officially recommended by WordPress.org
Best For
- Best overall WordPress hosting for beginners and small businesses
- Ideal for starting blogs, portfolios, and small online stores
Bluehost Performance Tests
Uptime
In my tests, Bluehost maintained an uptime of 99.98%, ensuring the website is accessible almost all the time.
Page Load Speed
The average page load time was around 1.2 seconds. While acceptable, it can be improved with caching plugins and optimizations.
Response Time
Bluehost showed consistent response times across various locations, averaging around 144 ms in the U.S.
Stress Testing
Under a load of up to 50 virtual users, Bluehost’s servers handled the traffic smoothly without significant slowdowns.
My Experience: I host several personal and business websites on Bluehost. Their ease of use and reliability make them a go-to choice for me. Whether you’re just starting or looking to grow your online presence, Bluehost offers a solid hosting platform to build on. (Read the full Bluehost review by my team and other customers.)
2. SiteGround
| Quick info:🔹Starting from $2.99/mo 🔹Free Domain: Yes 🔹Sites Allowed: 1 🔹Disk Space: 10GB |
SiteGround is consistently ranked as one of the top-rated WordPress hosting providers. I use SiteGround for many businesses, including WPBeginner, and their performance and customer support have always exceeded my expectations.
One of the standout features of SiteGround is their focus on speed and security. They use the Google Cloud Platform, ensuring high reliability and fast loading times. Their custom caching plugin, SG Optimizer, further enhances website performance, loading sites incredibly fast.
I find their hosting control panel very intuitive, making it easy for beginners to manage their websites and hosting accounts. For advanced users, they offer powerful tools like SSH access, WP-CLI, Git integration, and staging environments.
What truly sets SiteGround apart is their exceptional customer support. Their support team is available 24/7 via phone, live chat, and tickets. They’ve been quick to respond and incredibly knowledgeable whenever I’ve needed assistance.
 |
| Performance |
| Uptime: 100% |
| Page load time: 397 ms |
| Avg. Response Time: 123 ms |
| WPBeginner Rating: A++ |
| User Rating: 4.9/5 |
| Best For: High-performance hosting |
Pros of Using SiteGround
- High-performance hosting built on Google Cloud Platform
- Exceptional 24/7 customer support with quick response times
- User-friendly interface with advanced features for developers
- Free SSL certificates, daily backups, and CDN integration
- Commitment to security with proactive updates and patches
Best For
- Best all-purpose WordPress hosting suitable for various types of websites
- Ideal for business websites, blogs, and online stores seeking high performance
SiteGround Performance Tests
Uptime
In my tests, SiteGround maintained an uptime of 100%, meaning that the website was always accessible to visitors.
Page Load Speed
The average page load time was an impressive 397 ms, making it one of the fastest hosting providers I’ve tested.
Response Time
SiteGround showed excellent response times globally, averaging around 123 ms, meaning your site will load quickly for visitors worldwide.
Stress Testing
Under a load of up to 50 virtual users, SiteGround’s servers performed exceptionally well, handling traffic spikes without any issues.
My Experience: I use SiteGround to host the WPBeginner website, which is very large and has a lot of traffic. Here is the case study explaining why WPBeginner switched to SiteGround. Overall, I have found them to be highly reliable, secure, and responsive. I also use SiteGround to host websites for several other businesses. Many of my colleagues and clients also use SiteGround, and they consistently praise their customer service and reliability. (Read the full SiteGround review by my team and other SiteGround customers.)
3. Hostinger
| Quick info:🔹Starting from $2.69/mo 🔹Free Domain: Yes 🔹Sites Allowed: 1 🔹Disk Space: 50GB |
Hostinger has quickly become one of the most popular WordPress hosting providers globally. Known for their affordable plans and beginner-friendly interface, Hostinger provides exceptional value without compromising performance.
What I like most about Hostinger is their use of LiteSpeed servers, which deliver fast loading times and excellent performance. They also include a custom-built control panel (hPanel) that’s intuitive and perfect for beginners. With a single-click WordPress installer and managed automatic updates, setting up your website is hassle-free.
Hostinger also offers robust security features, including free SSL certificates, Cloudflare-protected nameservers, and regular automated backups. Their multilingual 24/7 support is helpful for users worldwide, ensuring that you can get assistance whenever you need it.
 |
| Performance |
| Uptime: 99.9% |
| Page load time: 374 ms |
| Avg. Response Time: 210 ms |
| WPBeginner Rating: A++ |
| User Rating: 4.9/5 |
| Best For: Small businesses & blogs |
Pros of Using Hostinger
- Affordable pricing plans, ideal for budget-conscious users
- LiteSpeed servers for fast and reliable performance
- Intuitive hPanel control panel tailored for beginners
- Free domain registration and SSL included
- Multilingual 24/7 customer support via live chat
Best For
- Best for small businesses, blogs, and personal websites
- A great choice for users looking for affordability with performance
Hostinger Performance Tests
Uptime
Hostinger consistently maintained an uptime of 100% during testing, ensuring the website stayed accessible.
Page Load Speed
The average page load time was 374 ms, one of the fastest among affordable hosting providers.
Response Time
Hostinger’s LiteSpeed servers performed exceptionally well, with an average response time of 210 ms globally.
Stress Testing
During stress tests with up to 50 virtual users, Hostinger’s servers handled the load efficiently, making it a reliable option for growing websites.
My Experience: My team and I have several websites hosted on Hostinger, and I have also recommended them to many friends, customers, and clients. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Their low-cost plans and excellent performance make them a standout choice for WordPress hosting. If you’re on a budget but don’t want to compromise on speed or features, Hostinger is an excellent option. (Read my full Hostinger review for more details.)
4. DreamHost
| Quick info:🔹Starting from $2.59/mo 🔹Free Domain: Yes 🔹Sites Allowed: 1 🔹Disk Space: Unlimited |
DreamHost is a long-standing name in the web hosting industry. Their commitment to simplicity, affordability, and transparency makes them popular among WordPress users.
DreamHost’s custom control panel is beginner-friendly and makes website management straightforward. They offer automatic WordPress updates, free SSL certificates, and a free domain name with annual plans. Their unlimited storage and bandwidth appeal to users who are anticipating growing traffic and content.
One standout feature is DreamHost’s generous 97-day money-back guarantee. This gives you plenty of time to evaluate their service risk-free. Their in-house support team is available 24/7 and consistently provides helpful solutions to any issues.
 |
| Performance |
| Uptime: 100% |
| Page load time: 439 ms |
| Avg. Response Time: 137 ms |
| WPBeginner Rating: A+ |
| User Rating: 4.8/5 |
| Best For: Small businesses & personal sites |
Pros of Using DreamHost
- Officially recommended by WordPress.org
- Generous 97-day money-back guarantee
- Unlimited bandwidth and storage with most plans
- Free automated WordPress migrations and updates
- Affordable pricing with a free domain name for the first year
Best For
- Small businesses and personal websites
- People who value simplicity and transparency
DreamHost Performance Tests
Uptime
DreamHost maintained an uptime of 100% during my tests, ensuring reliable availability for your website.
Page Load Speed
The average page load time was 439 ms, making DreamHost a solid performer in speed.
Response Time
DreamHost’s servers averaged a response time of 137 ms across various locations, ensuring quick loading times for visitors worldwide.
Stress Testing
DreamHost handled up to 50 virtual users without significant slowdowns during stress tests, proving a reliable option for growing websites.
My Experience: I have worked with DreamHost on several projects and always appreciated their transparent pricing and reliable performance. Their focus on simplicity and affordability makes them an excellent choice for small businesses, personal blogs, and beginners. (Read the complete DreamHost review for more details.)
5. A2 Hosting
| Quick info:🔹Starting from $1.75/mo 🔹Free Domain: No 🔹Sites Allowed: 1 🔹Disk Space: 100GB |
A2 Hosting is known for their emphasis on speed and performance, making them a solid choice for WordPress users. While A2 Hosting offers great managed hosting plans, their shared WordPress hosting plans deliver equally impressive performance and reliability at an affordable price.
For me, the stand-out feature of A2 Hosting is their optimized servers. They use LiteSpeed caching, which enhances performance significantly compared to standard shared hosting setups. Additionally, A2 Hosting includes free SSL certificates and a Cloudflare CDN integration for added security and faster global delivery.
Their user-friendly control panel and one-click WordPress installation make it easy for beginners to get started. For advanced users, A2 Hosting also provides developer-friendly tools like SSH access, WP-CLI, and Git integration.
What I particularly like about A2 Hosting is their “Anytime Money Back Guarantee,” which gives you the flexibility to cancel your hosting plan if you’re not satisfied. Their 24/7 support team, known as the Guru Crew, is always available to assist with any issues.
 |
| Performance |
| Uptime: 99.97% |
| Page load time: 560 ms |
| Avg. Response Time: 180 ms |
| WPBeginner Rating: A |
| User Rating: 4.8/5 |
| Best For: Professionals & small businesses |
Pros of Using A2 Hosting
- Turbo Servers with LiteSpeed caching for faster page loads
- Money-back guarantee for risk-free hosting
- Free SSL certificates and CDN integration for security and performance
- Developer-friendly features like SSH access and WP-CLI
- Optimized WordPress environment with pre-configured caching
Best For
- Web professionals, developers, and small business websites
- Users seeking faster loading times on a budget
A2 Hosting Performance Tests
Uptime
During my testing, A2 Hosting achieved an uptime of 99.97%, which is consistent website availability.
Page Load Speed
The average page load time on their Turbo Servers was 438 ms, which is faster than many shared hosting providers.
Response Time
Response times were consistent across regions, averaging around 123.9 ms.
Stress Testing
Under stress testing with up to 50 virtual users, A2 Hosting maintained stable performance without significant slowdowns.
My Experience: I’ve often recommended A2 Hosting to developers and small businesses that need fast and reliable shared hosting. Their Turbo Servers deliver noticeable speed improvements, and the flexibility of their plans makes them a great option for users wanting to optimize WordPress performance without breaking the bank. (Read the full A2 Hosting review for more details.)
6. WordPress.com
| Quick info: 🔹Starting from $10/mo 🔹Free Domain: Yes 🔹Sites Allowed: 1 🔹Disk Space: 50 GB |
WordPress.com is one of the most recognized managed WordPress hosting providers. It’s designed for users who want a simple, hands-off hosting experience.
WordPress.com is a bit more expensive than other hosting providers on this list. But I like that it offers built-in security, backups, and automatic updates without bandwidth restrictions. This makes it a bargain at this price point.
It’s a great choice for those who value reliability and convenience. I recommend starting with a ‘Business’ plan, which lets you install plugins.
Overall, I love WordPress.com for its incredibly fast servers, remarkable uptime, and reliable security.
 |
| Performance |
| Uptime: 99.95% |
| Page load time: 636 ms |
| Avg. Response Time: 1 ms |
| WPBeginner Rating: A+ |
| User Rating: 4.8/5 |
| Best For: Managed hosting for personal and professional websites |
Pros of Using WordPress.com
- Fully managed platform with built-in backups, security, and updates
- Unlimited visitors without bandwidth restrictions
- Optimized performance with fast servers and a global CDN
- Reliable uptime and fast customer support on higher-tier plans
Best For
- Users who want a hands-off hosting solution
- Bloggers, small businesses, and professionals
WordPress.com Performance Tests
Uptime
The uptime for WordPress.com was consistently 100% during my tests, making it highly reliable.
Page Load Speed
The average page load speed was measured at 636 ms, which I tested from multiple global locations.
Stress Testing
During stress tests, WordPress.com maintained excellent performance under high traffic loads.
My Experience: Over the years, I’ve used WordPress.com for various projects, and its ease of use and performance make it a standout option. This platform is a solid choice if you prioritize convenience and built-in features. You can also read my team’s full WordPress.com review for more details.
7. HostGator
| Quick info:🔹Starting from $2.52/mo 🔹Free Domain: Yes 🔹Sites Allowed: 1 🔹Disk Space: Unmetered |
I have been a long-time customer of HostGator. In fact, WPBeginner was first hosted on HostGator. I started with their shared hosting plan and then upgraded as this website grew in traffic and business. Even now, I still host several websites with HostGator and have found them consistently dependable.
HostGator is one of the most well-known names in web hosting, particularly for beginners and small businesses. Their shared WordPress hosting plans are affordable, reliable, and with beginner-friendly features.
HostGator offers generous SSD storage and bandwidth, which is ideal for growing blogs and small websites. Their control panel is intuitive, making managing your website and hosting settings easy. They also provide a one-click WordPress installer, allowing you to get started in minutes.
One of HostGator’s strengths is their 24/7 customer support via phone, chat, and email. Each plan also includes a free domain name for the first year, free SSL certificates, and a 45-day money-back guarantee.
 |
| Performance |
| Uptime: 99.98% |
| Page load time: 1.3 s |
| Avg. Response Time: 230 ms |
| WPBeginner Rating: A |
| User Rating: 4.7/5 |
| Best For: Blogs & small businesses |
Pros of Using HostGator
- Affordable shared hosting plans with generous storage and bandwidth
- Free domain name and SSL certificate included
- Beginner-friendly with a simple control panel and one-click WordPress installation
- 24/7 customer support with quick response times
- 30-day money-back guarantee for risk-free hosting
Best For
- Blogs and small business websites
- A great starting point for beginners and budget-conscious users
HostGator Performance Tests
Uptime
HostGator achieved an uptime of 100% during my testing, which is excellent for shared hosting plans.
Page Load Speed
The average page load time was 989 ms, which is good for small to medium-sized websites.
Response Time
Response times were consistent across major locations, averaging 230 ms in the U.S.
Stress Testing
HostGator performed well during stress testing with up to 50 virtual users, maintaining stable speeds without major slowdowns.
My Experience: I used HostGator for WPBeginner for many years until we outgrew and moved to enterprise-grade hosting. I still host several websites on HostGator and have found their hosting plans reliable and affordable. Their user-friendly interface and excellent customer support make them a top choice for beginners and small businesses. HostGator is a great option if you’re looking for budget-friendly hosting with a solid feature set. (Read the full HostGator review for more details.)
My Verdict: The Best WordPress Hosting Providers for 2024
Still deciding which WordPress hosting provider is right for your site? Let me help make it easier by sharing my top three recommendations based on extensive testing, personal experience, and user feedback.
Each website has unique needs, whether it’s speed, scalability, or affordability. Here’s my list of the best hosting providers and who they’re best suited for:
1. Bluehost
🏆 Best Overall WordPress Hosting
Bluehost is my top choice for beginners and anyone starting a WordPress site. They are officially recommended by WordPress.org and offer excellent performance, free domains, and 24/7 support. This is a fantastic all-around solution, especially for beginners. I’ve recommended Bluehost for years, and they remain a reliable choice for WPBeginner readers.
2. SiteGround
🎖️ Best High-Performance WordPress Hosting
SiteGround is my recommendation for hosting websites of any size. They offer top-tier performance, excellent customer support, and advanced features like staging tools and a built-in CDN. My team hosts several high-traffic websites on SiteGround, and they’ve been one of the most dependable providers we’ve used.
3. Hostinger
💡 Best for Small Businesses & Personal Sites
For budget-friendly hosting that doesn’t compromise on performance, Hostinger is a great choice. They are perfect for small businesses and personal projects, offering Litespeed servers and an easy-to-use dashboard. My team has been impressed with Hostinger’s speed and support, making them a reliable option for smaller websites.
With these top recommendations, you’re sure to find the perfect hosting provider for your WordPress website.
How to Choose the Best WordPress Hosting (Infographic)
I’ve seen how choosing the right WordPress hosting can make a big difference in a website’s success.
Many WordPress developers and agencies recommend WPBeginner’s hosting guide to their clients because it explains hosting options in a way that’s easy to understand.
To make this even simpler, I created a WordPress hosting infographic. It’s a great way to help your clients or readers understand why choosing the best hosting is important for their online business.
When sharing this infographic, please credit the source: WPBeginner WordPress Hosting Guide. This resource is designed to make WordPress hosting decisions easier for everyone.
WordPress Hosting Quiz
Sorting through all the hosting options can feel overwhelming. Many readers who go through this guide often reach out to us for personalized recommendations to find the best WordPress hosting for their needs.
To make things easier, I’ve created a WordPress hosting recommendation tool. It asks a few simple questions and helps you find the hosting provider that fits your needs.
Just answer the questions in the widget below to get started.
If you’d still like personalized help from a WordPress expert, feel free to contact us through our contact form. A team member will respond within 24 hours.
WordPress Hosting FAQs
I’ve helped over 2 million users start their websites and answered many questions along the way. Below, I’ve compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions about WordPress hosting.
Do I need WordPress hosting to start a website?
If you want to build a WordPress website, then you’ll need web hosting. Your hosting server stores your website’s files, and every website online uses a hosting provider.
Are there any free WordPress hosting providers?
Yes, there are free hosting providers, but I don’t recommend them. Free hosting often includes hidden drawbacks like ads, malware risks, and sudden shutdowns. If you’re serious about your website, it’s best to avoid free hosting. For more details, check out why free websites aren’t a good idea.
How much does it cost to build a WordPress site?
The cost depends on your needs and can range from $100 to $30,000. WordPress itself is free, but hosting and domain names are paid services. Additional costs can include themes, plugins, or other tools. Here’s a complete guide on how much it costs to build a WordPress website.
Do I need to have my domain and WordPress hosting from the same provider?
No, you can purchase your domain from a domain registrar like Domain.com and use a different WordPress hosting provider. However, many hosting providers include a free domain with their plans, which simplifies the setup process if you don’t already own a domain.
Can I use these WordPress hosting providers for an eCommerce site?
Yes, you can. All the hosting providers I recommend include SSL certificates, which are essential for eCommerce. If you’re looking for specialized hosting, check out my comparison of the best WooCommerce hosting.
How do I install WordPress on my hosting account?
All the hosting providers I recommend include a 1-click WordPress installation feature. For more details, follow my guide on how to install WordPress.
How much traffic can these WordPress hosting companies handle?
Traffic capacity depends on your hosting plan. Most shared hosting plans can handle 1,000 to 2,000 daily visitors if your site is optimized for performance. As your site grows, your hosting provider may recommend upgrading to VPS, dedicated, or managed hosting. For more details, see my guide on how much traffic WordPress can handle.
Which WordPress hosting is better for beginners: GoDaddy or Bluehost?
I recommend Bluehost for beginners because of their user-friendly features. While GoDaddy is also a good option, their hosting is slightly more complex to use. For a detailed comparison, check out Bluehost vs. GoDaddy hosting.
Should I purchase monthly WordPress hosting plans or commit long-term?
I always recommend long-term plans. They’re significantly cheaper than monthly plans, which often cost almost double. If you’re serious about your website, then choosing a 12- or 24-month plan is a smarter option.
Do I need cPanel WordPress hosting?
cPanel is a popular control panel used by many WordPress hosting companies. While you don’t need cPanel, it simplifies tasks like installing WordPress and managing email accounts.
Many hosting providers now offer custom dashboards for a more user-friendly experience, making it easier to manage your website without needing cPanel.
Can I switch my WordPress hosting provider later?
Yes, you can switch providers if you’re unhappy. Most hosting companies offer free migration services to make the transition smooth. If you prefer to handle it yourself, follow my guide on moving WordPress to a new host.
Does my WordPress hosting data center location matter?
Yes, the data center location impacts your site’s performance in specific regions. For example, if your audience is in the US, you should choose a US-based data center. Or if your audience is in Europe, select a European data center.
If you’re unsure, you can start with a US-based center and use a WordPress CDN later to improve performance globally.
Do I need any WordPress hosting add-ons?
Most hosting companies offer add-ons like website builders, email tools, or SEO features. You don’t need these when starting out. I recommend unchecking unnecessary options during signup and focusing on WordPress hosting.
If you need these features later, free alternatives are often available. For recommendations, check out my list of must-have WordPress plugins.
Do WordPress hosting companies offer branded email addresses?
Yes, most hosting companies let you create branded business email addresses for free. However, I recommend using Google Workspace (formerly GSuite) for better reliability and features.
Do these WordPress hosting companies offer website backups?
Yes, most hosting providers offer daily backups. However, I always recommend using a WordPress backup plugin to maintain your own backups for added security.
What is WP-CLI that’s offered as part of my WordPress hosting?
WP-CLI is a command-line interface for WordPress. It helps developers manage WordPress sites efficiently by allowing updates, plugin installations, and more without a browser.
While beginners don’t typically need it, it’s a great tool for developers and is included among the most reputable hosting providers.
Which is the best WordPress hosting for SEO?
SiteGround and Hostinger are excellent for SEO because of their fast servers and multiple data center locations. Both also come pre-installed with the All in One SEO plugin, which is free and highly effective.
Which is the best WordPress hosting for developers?
SiteGround is my top recommendation for developers, offering tools like staging, WP-CLI, and Git access. Hostinger is another great budget-friendly option with fast servers.
Which is the best WordPress enterprise hosting?
WP Engine and SiteGround Enterprise are the top options for enterprise WordPress hosting. Both offer advanced security, scalability, and dedicated support. Other options include WordPress.com VIP, Pagely, and Kinsta.
Which is the fastest WordPress hosting company?
Hostinger is the fastest for shared hosting, while WP Engine and SiteGround offer exceptional speed for higher-tier hosting plans. See my performance test results for more details.
What is the best cheap WordPress hosting?
Bluehost ($1.99/month) and DreamHost ($2.59/month) offer excellent service at a low cost, making them the best options for cheap WordPress hosting.
Are there other WordPress hosting providers not listed here?
Yes, there are thousands of hosting companies, but I’ve focused on the best options to avoid overwhelming you. Other notable providers include WordPress.com, WP Engine, Flywheel, Kinsta, Cloudways, GoDaddy, LiquidWeb, and more.
Which are the best WordPress hosting companies, in your opinion?
My top 3 choices for the best WordPress hosting companies are:
- Bluehost – Best overall WordPress hosting (great value).
- SiteGround – Best WordPress support in the industry (premium hosting).
- Hostinger – Best WordPress hosting for small businesses.
No, this last question is not a joke. I seriously get this question even after referring people to this guide.
Related Reading
- Best Web Hosting Companies
- Best Managed WordPress Hosting
- Best Shared WordPress Hosting
- Best VPS Hosting
- Best Free Website Hosting
- Best Month to Month Web Hosting Plans
- Best Reseller Web Hosting
- Best Fastest WordPress Hosting with Performance Tests
I hope this guide helped you find the perfect WordPress hosting provider. I’d love to hear about your experience with these hosts or answer any questions you may have. Feel free to send me a message, and I’ll be happy to help!
alessandro
GREAT content, thank you
WPBeginner Support
You’re welcome!
Admin
Adam Bell
Personally, I’m a SiteGround guy. Then WP Engine which is great too but a bit on the pricey side.
WPBeginner Support
Thanks for sharing your preference for those looking at their options
Admin
alessandro
Great post, thank you very much!
WPBeginner Support
You’re welcome!
Admin
Melanie Marttila
Very informative post. Love the comparison and contrast of the various hosting services.
WPBeginner Support
Glad to hear you found it helpful!
Admin
James
Always such great information! I learned so much even BEFORE I actually got started!
WPBeginner Support
Thank you for your kind words!
Admin
Mihai
thank you. Very educative
WPBeginner Support
You’re welcome!
Admin
alessandro
Great resouce, it has been very usefull for me
WPBeginner Support
Glad to hear our guide was helpful!
Admin
Ankit Panchal
I love this site very much, Very nice and informative content, Thanks
WPBeginner Support
You’re welcome, glad you like our site!
Admin
Mick Williams
thank you, as always, for making something I find complicating a little simpler to navigate! happy birthday!!
WPBeginner Support
You’re welcome, we’re happy our content can help make things a little easier
Admin
Kevin Parsons
Can’t recommend wpbeginner highly enough. What a breath of fresh air you guys bring to ordinary blokes like me. So helpful, so useful and so easy. Don’t stop doing it, you make a difference…. thank you :o) KP
WPBeginner Support
Thank you for your recommendation of our content and we hope you keep finding our content helpful!
Admin
Huzaifa Saad
This is the real content that every beginner need
WPBeginner Support
Glad to hear you found it helpful!
Admin
Byron Pulsifer
Siteground has been proven to be my preferred
WPBeginner Support
Thanks for sharing your preferred host for those looking at comparisons
Admin
Denise C
Thank you for all the information to helps us succeed.
WPBeginner Support
You’re welcome, glad you found our content helpful!
Admin
Elke
First I took the hosting quiz, then I read the post. Very helpful.
WPBeginner Support
Glad to hear our post and quiz were helpful!
Admin
Aiesha
I recently switched from Siteground to Dreamhost. They’re both great, but DH seems to offer more bang for your buck.
WPBeginner Support
Thanks for sharing your preference
Admin
Satyam Vishwakarma
It’s the best in-depth article written.
WPBeginner Support
Glad you found our guide helpful!
Admin
Miriam Tirips
Some good suggestions here. We’ve been happy using Siteground for the past few years.
WPBeginner Support
Thanks for sharing your preferred hosting
Admin
Tom
Strong list. WPE being my go to.
WPBeginner Support
Thanks for sharing your preferred hosting
Admin
Joydeep Phukan
Hostinger is my favourite as of now. I bought it during Black Friday deals.
WPBeginner Support
Thanks for sharing your preference!
Admin
Adnan Ahmad
In my opinion Bluehost and Hostinger are the best one.
WPBeginner Support
Thanks for sharing your opinion
Admin
Ryan DeVere
“PROS: Free Site Migration”
SiteGround is great but it should be noted that you only get 1 free migration. after that you need to pay something like $30 a site to migrate or you can move it yourself.
Editorial Staff
Thank you for letting us know Ryan. Yes this is standard with most other hosting companies. Vast majority of users only have one site. Since each site migration takes time, the $30 fee is fairly reasonable after the first free migration.
Admin
Lawrence Ladomery
In my experience, the best web hosts are often local ones that a) have servers in your own country and b) offer local support.
WPBeginner Support
Thank you for sharing your recommendations
Admin
Ritu Consul
Hi There,
Thank you for your article. It was honestly delivered and very informative. I do have a question. I looked on the Word Press site and they offer hosting. Why would it better to use something like BlueHost when WordPress offers hosting as well?
WPBeginner Support
If you mean WordPress.com then that hosting is different, you can see our guide below on the differences between a hosted site and WordPress.com.
https://www.wpbeginner.com/beginners-guide/self-hosted-wordpress-org-vs-free-wordpress-com-infograph/
Admin
Coraline Anny
This was a great article giving detailed pros/cons of the most popular hosting providers. I didn’t know WPBeginner offered such in-depth hosting reviews! I’m definitely going to check them out next time I’m in the market for a new host. I’ve been considering using this fast managed wordpress hosting service, but I’m definitely going to read WPBeginner’s review before making my final decision.
WPBeginner Support
Glad you found our recommendations helpful!
Admin
Ron Wood
Since I started reviewing your blogs, it has helped me figure out all the pros and cons of my work. I highly recommend it. Thumbs up.
WPBeginner Support
Glad our guides have been helpful
Admin
Sam
Which packages did you use when you purchased the hosting services? I see that with Siteground there’s a huge swing in cost from their general WordPress hosting to their cloud hosting? Were you achieving these results on their lower tier plans?
WPBeginner Support
For this review, we were using SiteGround’s WordPress hosting.
Admin
Stefan Robert
hey hey. can i host my website on two different hosting server?
WPBeginner Support
You would only want one hosting for your site unless you mean for your domain in which case you can have a different domain host. We cover the difference between domain and hosting a bit more in our article below:
https://www.wpbeginner.com/beginners-guide/whats-the-difference-between-domain-name-and-web-hosting-explained/
Admin
Shahzaib
Great and Helpful information. Thanks wpbeginner
WPBeginner Support
Glad our guide was helpful
Admin
Kathy Kral
An oldtimer with php/html trying to move over to Wordpress the last couple of years, I’ve found your website invaluable. Thanks for explaining things like the reader may have no idea, because that’s exactly what I needed!! You have cleared up so many basic questions I’ve had because my brain was still in programming mode lol
After 12 years with GoDaddy, I just went over to HostGator after reading your reviews and found them just as accommodating as you said. I volunteer my services for several non profits and this change will help me out a ton! Many thanks, guys, you are much appreciated!
WPBeginner Support
Glad you found the user reviews helpful in selecting your new host
Admin
Abdullah Al Muaz
hey hey. can i host my website on two different hosting server?
WPBeginner Support
We do not have a recommended method for beginners but it can likely be done if you are wanting.
Admin
Erica
Bluehost does not support wordpress.com, only wordpress.org! I just spent an hour speaking to them about hosting my wordpress.com site. Your information on here is not current.
WPBeginner Support
Our information is still current, you may be confusing the difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org. You may want to take a look at our article below that goes over the differences between the two:
https://www.wpbeginner.com/beginners-guide/self-hosted-wordpress-org-vs-free-wordpress-com-infograph/
Admin
Haris Bilal
Hey WpBeginners Admin,
Your Website is really helpful and gives the perfect solution for everyproblem that a Newbie faces working with Wordpress.
Can you please tell me the Plugin for your have used for “This Hosting Quiz” you have taken above and related plugins?
I also want to create a questionnair on my WordPress Website
I’ll be so thankful for your answer.
WPBeginner Support
For that, we’re using Interact at the moment, you can take a look at their site using our link below:
https://www.wpbeginner.com/refer/tryinteract/
Admin
Tahir Marfani
I also prefer site ground
WPBeginner Support
Thanks for sharing your preference
Admin
Jimmy Adames
I joined Hostgator under you guys a few months ago
Siva
I used to use dreamhost for a while.
It was good with very less downtime. Also mine was a small site. So never had any issues
Amy Hlavaty
Lots of great info. Thanks! (I bookmarked)
Shravan
Best hosting I signed up following WPB is siteground.
Also your 11th anniversary newsletter is loaded! Awesome tips and ideas
Shivam
I actually went with dreamhost and for now I’m pretty happy. I’ve got hosting + domain for almost the half of the prices of bluehost and with the same features… we’ll see in long term…
Melissa Rezza
This is a very informative article! I just recently got Bluehost. So far, I’m happy with them. Reading about all the hosting options, I’m glad I did choose them, they seem to know what they’re doing. Lots of info here. Thanks so much.
Samuel
Incredible platform
Mary Houtris
Very helpful article especially for a newbie to Worpress!
Emily
Thank you for all your content! WPBeginner saves me time and energy. It eliminates any second-guessing when it comes to taking the right path for my website.
S Sah
Wpbeginer is One of the best solution of my all bloging problems.
Diana
Syd, is the go to guy for all things WP. So generous with his knowledge. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you do!
Chris Myers
Is is the first place I come to get answers to my WP questions. Thanks for all you do.
Liliana Ferreira
Great content! Wish I had found this more soon!
Irene
Very educative. I learnt a lot
Mohamed Hakem
Thank you for this great Comparison(s), you are the city of light for everything related to WordPress and building a Website in general.
For me I Think SiteGround is the one, but in terms of (Friendly) and
(the offer) I go with BlueHost.
Steven Beazer
Thanks for all the guidance provided through the various WPBegginer channels.
Thomas Long
Perfect timing for me. This was just the article I needed to get me past one of those nagging indecision points. The ones that are so minor and never get prioritized…yet never seem to fix themselves?
Thank you for this post