Searching for the Best WordPress Hosting for beginners in 2024? Then you are at the right place. In this detailed guide, I will be helping you pick the right hosting service with all the necessary features at a very affordable price.
Creating a website on WordPress has become very easy these days. That’s why most people prefer to create their first blog on self-hosted WordPress hosting only. But when you start looking for a good web hosting service you will definitely get confused.
WordPress hosting is nothing but a special type of shared hosting plan only, where you will find a couple of tools & plugins auto-installed to make your work easier. One-click WP installation, free SSL certificates, uptime reliability, site security, etc are a few basic features of a good WordPress hosting plan. Anyway, I will share in-depth details in this post about WordPress hosting, before that let me share our top picks.
Here are our top picks for the best WordPress hosting services for 2024.
- Starting price: INR 169 per month (three-year term)
- Storage and bandwidth: Over 50 GB of storage and unmetered bandwidth
- Free domain name: Yes
- Starting price: INR 169 per month (three-year term)
- Storage and bandwidth: Over 50 GB of storage and unmetered bandwidth
- Free domain name: Yes
- Starting price: INR 169 per month (three-year term)
- Storage and bandwidth: Over 50 GB of storage and unmetered bandwidth
- Free domain name: Yes
Best WordPress Hosting Services of 2024: SUMMARY
Finding the right hosting provider is tricky. There are many choices; how can you ensure you pick the best provider for your website?
Our recommendation for most people is Hostinger because it’s an affordable, fast, and reliable web hosting service. Sign up with Hostinger for as low as $1.99 per month. For all our readers we have a special Hostinger Coupon Code: BLOGGINGJOY to avail some extra discount.
I have spent over 12 years in this industry & running multiple websites. After trying more than 10+ hosting companies’ plans, I list the top 10 web hosting companies for new bloggers.
- Hostinger: The best overall
- GreenGeeks: The best for always-on support
- A2 Hosting: The best host for sites with lots of visual content
- Nexcess: The best e-commerce host
- DreamHost: The best option for quick and responsive website changes
- Bluehost: The best WordPress hosting for beginners
- Cloudways: The best for cloud hosting
- WP Engine: The best-managed WordPress host
- HostGator: The most affordable option for startups
- InMotion: The best choice for scaling big.
Keep reading for why these hosts are my top picks and how much it will cost to host your site on each.
What are the different types of web hosting?
If you are planning to create a blog or a website and have been searching for tutorials online, you might know by now that hosting is an obligation. There are now many different types of hosting services to suit different needs and budgets.
Before talking about some of the most popular types of hosting services, it is important to understand that hosting services are categorized in many different ways. From the setup of the servers, and management level, to additional services offered, there are multiple ways to divide the services.
Let us take the basic approach and divide the hosting services on the basis of how the setup of servers is done. Based on this categorization, the services are of the following types-
Shared Hosting
As the name suggests, with shared hosting your hosting server would be shared by other websites too. This means that the physical server, as well as the software applications of the server, would be shared by multiple websites.
As the server is shared, this service is generally more affordable. However, a major downside of this type of service is that your website might be slow at times depending on the traffic on other websites.
Dedicated Hosting
Dedicated hosting is the complete opposite of shared hosting. With this type of hosting, you have an entire server for hosting your website. As the resources of the server would not be shared by any other website, faster performance is the most important benefit of this service.
However, as you are using an entire server, the cost of dedicated hosting is considerably higher than shared hosting. If your website requires a higher level of security or plenty of system resources, dedicated hosting can be a great choice.
VPS Hosting
Virtual Private Server or VPS hosting is popularly known as an advanced version of traditional shared hosting. While this type of hosting also requires you to share the server with other websites, the sharing is done in a completely different way as compared to traditional shared hosting. This type of hosting works with the help of hypervisor software which can create multiple guest machines or virtual machines on the host machine.
This means that every website sharing the server will be treated as an individual virtual machine and will receive the same amount of resources as the other virtual machines on the server. As a result, the performance is faster than traditional shared hosting as no single website can consume more resources.
Managed Hosting
With the increasing popularity of CMS platforms like WordPress, hosting services like managed hosting have gained a lot of popularity. With this type of service, your hosting company would be responsible for keeping your CMS platform updated to ensure that your website has all the latest features and is protected against security threats.
Managed hosting can be seen as an improved version of dedicated hosting where you get to use the resources of a dedicated server. 24×7 technical support, upgrades, maintenance, and website monitoring are some of the features that you generally get with managed hosting.
Cloud Hosting
This is the latest type of hosting service which is an advanced version of VPS hosting. But while virtual machines are created on a physical server with VPS hosting, cloud hosting does the same on a network of computers or a giant server allowing your website to dynamically pull the required power.
The most important benefit of cloud hosting is the scalability it offers. As a vast network of computers shares their resources for creating the cloud network, your website can pull any amount of power as and when needed. This is an excellent option if you have scaling plans for your website in the future or if your website receives an unusual amount of traffic on particular days. For instance, if you are an e-commerce website, your website might require more resources around the holiday season.
These are some of the most common types of hosting services that you can use for your website. Apart from these, another type of hosting, WordPress hosting, has been receiving a lot of popularity. Let us have a look at what it is and what benefits it offers.
WordPress Hosting vs Shared Hosting
When setting up a website, choosing the right type of hosting is crucial. WordPress Hosting and Shared Hosting are popular options, each with its unique advantages and use cases. Understanding the differences can help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs.
WordPress Hosting
WordPress Hosting is specifically optimized for WordPress websites. It’s tailored to run WordPress-based sites efficiently, ensuring compatibility and smooth performance.
Advantages:
- Optimized Performance: Servers are specifically configured for WordPress, offering better speed and performance.
- Enhanced Security: Tailored to protect against WordPress-specific threats.
- Convenience: Comes with WordPress pre-installed, making it easier to start a website.
- Expert Support: Customer support teams are often knowledgeable in WordPress, providing more focused assistance.
Best Suited For:
- Websites built on WordPress.
- Users who prefer a streamlined experience tailored for WordPress.
- Businesses seeking performance optimization without extensive technical know-how.
Shared Hosting
Shared Hosting involves hosting multiple websites on a single server, and sharing resources like bandwidth and storage. It’s a cost-effective option for small to medium-sized websites.
Advantages:
- Cost-Effective: Generally cheaper because resources are shared.
- Flexibility: Supports various Content Management Systems (CMS) including WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal.
- User-Friendly: Most shared hosting plans come with cPanel, making website management straightforward.
- Scalability: Easy to upgrade plans as your website grows.
Best Suited For:
- Small businesses or personal blogs with limited traffic.
- Websites with a limited budget.
- Users who need a simple, no-frills hosting solution.
Pricing and Maintenance
- WordPress Hosting tends to be more expensive due to its specialized service. It requires less maintenance from the user’s side since many technical aspects are managed by the host.
- Shared Hosting is more affordable but might require more hands-on management, especially when hosting a WordPress site.
Security and Performance
- WordPress Hosting offers robust security features specifically for WordPress vulnerabilities and optimized performance for WordPress sites.
- Shared Hosting provides basic security, and performance can be affected by other websites on the server.
The choice between WordPress Hosting and Shared Hosting depends on your website’s needs. WordPress Hosting is ideal for those who want a hassle-free WordPress experience with optimal performance and security. Shared Hosting suits those who need an affordable, versatile hosting solution for smaller websites. Always consider your technical skills, budget, and website requirements before making a decision.
Best WordPress Hosting Providers of 2024: In Detail
Now that you’ve understood some of the most popular types of hosting services, it is time to review 15 of the top hosting service providers to help you make the right decision.
1. Bluehost WordPress Hosting
Bluehost is highly regarded in the web hosting community, particularly for those new to WordPress. Officially recommended by WordPress, it stands out for its affordable plans and comprehensive range of services. Bluehost caters to both novice and experienced website owners, offering a balance of user-friendly features and robust functionality. Its appeal lies in its simplicity and the supportive resources it provides to help users navigate the sometimes complex world of website hosting and management.
Key Features:
- Excellent Customer Service: Round-the-clock support through phone, chat, and email.
- Automatic WordPress Installation: Ensures you have the latest, most secure version.
- User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive dashboard with detailed walkthroughs.
- Scalability: Easy plan upgrades with no downtime, ideal for growing sites.
- Automatic Updates: Keeps your WordPress software up to date.
In terms of pricing, Bluehost is known for its budget-friendly options, particularly suited for websites with lower traffic expectations. They offer shared plans that are economical, along with a bonus of a $100 marketing credit for Google Ads and Microsoft Advertising. The pricing for Bluehost’s WordPress hosting services varies from $2.75 to $13.95 per month, making it an attractive option for beginners. The more expensive plans are tailored for creating multiple websites and handling higher traffic volumes, providing flexibility and scalability for growing websites.
2. A2 WordPress Hosting
A2 Hosting specializes in offering WordPress hosting plans that are straightforward and user-friendly, albeit with unique branding that might initially seem perplexing. Their services are characterized by proprietary technologies like “SwiftServer” for optimized hosting, with an option to upgrade to “Turbo” premium hosting for even faster website performance. This hosting is particularly notable for its speed, ensuring quick loading times for WordPress sites. The features provided are numerous and aim to enhance the hosting experience. A2 Hosting stands out for its focus on speed without compromising on affordability, making it an excellent choice for those seeking efficient WordPress hosting.
Key Features:
- SwiftServer Technology: Optimized hosting technology for enhanced performance.
- Turbo Premium Hosting: An upgrade option for even faster website loading.
- A2 Optimized Plugin: A bundle of preconfigured WordPress optimizations.
- WHMCS Interface: Easy management with the WHMCS control panel.
- Pro-rata Refund: Money-back option based on unused plan duration.
- Fast Web Servers: Ensures quick website loading times.
A2 Hosting offers several WordPress hosting plans, catering to different needs and budgets. The pricing starts from ₹955 for the ‘Run’ plan, which includes 50 GB SSD storage and unlimited bandwidth, suitable for hosting a single site. For more demanding users, the ‘Jump’ plan at ₹1513 offers 250 GB SSD storage and unlimited sites. Those requiring top-tier services can opt for the ‘Fly’ and ‘Sell’ plans, priced at ₹2309 and ₹3345 respectively, both providing unlimited NVMe storage and unlimited sites. All plans come with backup options, ensuring data safety. A2 Hosting’s pricing strategy is competitive, offering a range of features at various price points to accommodate different user requirements.
3. Hostinger WordPress Hosting
Hostinger.com is a web hosting provider renowned for its affordable and efficient services. It caters particularly well to WordPress users, offering specialized optimizations to enhance performance. Hostinger’s infrastructure utilizes PHP 7+, HTTP/2, and NGINX, ensuring a high-speed experience. Moreover, it boasts comprehensive security measures courtesy of BitNinja, providing an all-in-one safeguard for your website. This hosting service doesn’t impose extra charges for WordPress services, setting it apart from many competitors. Additionally, it includes convenient features like daily backups and a free SSL certificate, further enhancing its value.
Key Features:
- 1-click WordPress installation
- Advanced performance with PHP 7+, HTTP/2, and NGINX
- All-in-one security with BitNinja
- No additional costs for WordPress services
- Daily backups and a free SSL certificate
Pricing is a standout aspect of Hostinger, with plans starting at an affordable $2.99 per month. This pricing strategy makes it accessible to a wide range of users, from beginners to small businesses. Hostinger offers a range of plans, scaling up in features and resources to match different needs. All plans come with substantial SSD storage, ranging from 50 GB to 200 GB, ensuring fast and reliable website performance. Additionally, Hostinger provides a free domain name for the first year, which is a significant cost-saving perk. The company stands behind its service with a 30-day money-back guarantee, offering peace of mind to new users. With setup times as short as 4 minutes, getting started with Hostinger is both easy and swift.
4. GreenGeeks WordPress Hosting
GreenGeeks stands out as an eco-friendly web hosting solution. It operates on the principle of “maximum use,” ensuring no resources are wasted. The company emphasizes its commitment to the environment by reinvesting three times the amount of energy they use in renewable energy through the Bonneville Environmental Foundation.
Key Features:
- WordPress-specific plans
- Servers with Solid State Drives (SSD) for better loading times
- Customized caching technology
- Free SSL certificate
- Integration with Cloudflare
- Free domain name for one year
- 1-click WordPress installation
- Automatic updates
- Choice of data centers across North America and Europe
- 24/7 live chat support, along with phone and email support
- Access to a knowledge base and tutorials
GreenGeeks offers a budget-friendly pricing structure, tailored to various needs. The 12-month plan is priced at $4.95 per month, while both 24 and 36-month plans are more economical at $2.95 per month. For those preferring flexibility, a month-to-month option is available at $11.95. All plans include one website, unmetered space and bandwidth, one free domain, unlimited databases, and free nightly backups. This makes GreenGeeks a cost-effective choice for users seeking an environmentally responsible hosting solution without compromising on features and performance.
5. Kinsta WordPress Hosting
Kinsta is a fully managed WordPress hosting service, that utilizes Google Cloud’s infrastructure to ensure high performance and reliability. Designed with beginners in mind, it offers a smooth and intuitive user experience. Kinsta stands out for its simplicity in setup and maintenance, making it an ideal choice for those new to web hosting or WordPress. With its focus on delivering a seamless experience, Kinsta aims to reduce the technical hurdles often associated with web hosting, providing users with a straightforward path to getting their website up and running.
Key Features:
- Easy setup: Quick start for new websites or migration of existing ones.
- User-friendly dashboard: Simplifies daily website maintenance tasks.
- Extensive knowledge base: Comprehensive guides on WordPress and web-related topics.
- Advanced technical support: 24/7 assistance from senior WordPress experts.
- Automatic updates and backups: Ensures your site is always up to date and your data is secure.
In terms of pricing, Kinsta positions itself as a premium service. The cost reflects the quality and range of features it offers, starting at $29.17 per month. This pricing is relatively high compared to other hosting services, but it aligns with Kinsta’s commitment to providing a robust, high-performance hosting solution. Upgrading your plan can quickly elevate the cost to around $100 per month, making Kinsta a more suitable option for those who prioritize quality and performance over budget constraints.
6. NexCess WordPress Hosting
Nexcess, a division of Liquid Web, is a managed WordPress hosting provider known for its robust performance and reliability. It operates on fast NGINX web servers, catering mainly to WordPress and e-commerce websites. The hosting service is cloud-based, ensuring enhanced scalability and power to meet varying demands. Additionally, Nexcess offers managed hosting, meaning they take care of optimization and management tasks for your website.
Key Features:
- Managed Cloud Hosting: Specializes in WordPress and commerce-based sites.
- Affordable: More cost-effective than some competitors, offering similar benefits.
- Email Hosting and Unlimited Traffic: Includes features like email hosting and unrestricted traffic.
- Expert Support: 24/7 support from a knowledgeable team via phone, email, and chat.
- Daily Backups: Automatic daily backups with a 30-day retention period and on-demand restoration.
- Free Trial: 14-day trial period to test the services.
Pricing Structure: Nexcess offers a range of plans with varying storage, bandwidth, and website capacity. The entry-level plan, Spark, is priced at ₹1673 and includes 15GB storage, 2TB bandwidth, and hosting for one site, making it a great choice for beginners. The pricing scales up with higher-tier plans like Spark +, Maker, Designer, and others, offering increased storage and bandwidth for multiple websites. Top-tier plans like Executive and Enterprise cater to large-scale operations with substantial storage and bandwidth needs. All plans come with a two-month free offer and are designed to provide value for money, especially for WordPress users. While there’s no money-back guarantee, the 14-day free trial allows users to experience the service before committing.
7. InMotion WordPress Hosting
InMotion Hosting simplifies the process of setting up a WordPress site with its user-friendly BoldGrid website builder. This builder, known for its drag-and-drop functionality, allows users to create professional-looking websites without any coding knowledge. It’s particularly optimized for WordPress, running on NGINX web servers to ensure superior performance. InMotion Hosting is ideal for growing your online presence, offering unlimited bandwidth and access to a CDN (Content Delivery Network), which helps speed up site loading times for global audiences.
Key Features:
- BoldGrid Website Builder: Easily design your site with a drag-and-drop interface and pre-built themes.
- Unlimited Bandwidth: Support for growing audience sizes without worrying about data transfer limits.
- Content Delivery Network (CDN): Faster loading times for visitors around the globe.
- Free SSL Certificate: Enhances website security and search engine ranking.
- Free Domain Name: Available with all plans for the first year (renewal fees apply).
- Seamless Website Transfers: Transfer your site from another host with no downtime.
- Site Staging: Test changes privately before going live.
- Diverse WordPress Features: Includes WordPress-optimized servers and a range of other WordPress-centric tools.
Regarding pricing, InMotion Hosting offers several WordPress hosting plans, catering to different needs and budgets. The entry-level ‘WP Core’ plan starts at ₹397, providing 100 GB SSD storage and hosting for two websites. If you require more resources, the ‘WP Launch’, ‘WP Power’, and ‘WP Pro’ plans offer unlimited SSD storage and bandwidth, supporting an unlimited number of sites. The starting prices for these plans are ₹716 and ₹1353, respectively. All plans come with the assurance of a 90-day money-back guarantee, making it a risk-free choice for beginners and seasoned webmasters alike. With a focus on WordPress optimization, InMotion Hosting presents a balanced mix of features, performance, and affordability.
8. DreamHost
DreamHost stands out as a widely recognized web hosting provider, particularly endorsed by WordPress. It’s known for its commitment to delivering a seamless hosting experience with a 100% uptime guarantee. This makes it a reliable choice for both beginners and experienced website owners. DreamHost tailors its services to cater to a range of needs, ensuring that every user finds a hosting plan that aligns with their requirements.
Key Features:
- 97-Day Money-Back Guarantee: Offers a generous refund policy.
- Remixer Website Builder: A free tool for easy website creation available with any shared plan.
- One-Click WordPress Installation: Simplifies the process of setting up WordPress.
- Custom Control Panel: A user-friendly alternative to the traditional cPanel.
- Community and Support: Provides chat support, an active online community, and a comprehensive knowledge base.
- Automatic WordPress Updates: Ensures your WordPress installation is always up to date.
- Google Ads Credits: $100 worth of credits for Google Ads campaigns.
In terms of pricing, DreamHost is quite accessible, especially for those starting out. The WordPress hosting plans begin at a budget-friendly rate of $2.59 per month. For those seeking more advanced features, the DreamPress plan, priced at $16.95 per month, is an excellent upgrade. This plan includes priority WordPress support, complimentary professional website templates, and other enhanced features. DreamHost’s pricing structure is designed to accommodate a range of budgets while delivering quality service and support.
9. FastComet WordPress Hosting
FastComet stands out in the web hosting arena by offering data centers globally, ensuring faster loading times for your audience irrespective of their location. With data centers in North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region, FastComet provides a robust solution for hosting websites closer to your audience. This global presence helps reduce latency and improve site performance.
Key Features:
- Global Data Centers: Choose from multiple locations worldwide for server hosting.
- WordPress Integration: Easy one-click WordPress installer and drag-and-drop site builder.
- Free Site Transfer: Convenient for those moving from another host.
- Responsive 24/7 Support: Fast and reliable customer service.
- Server Optimizations: Entry-level plans include solid hosting power, with advanced optimizations available on higher plans.
- Enhanced Security: Protection against automated attacks and a robust firewall.
- Cloudflare CDN: For faster content delivery and additional security.
Pricing for FastComet is structured to cater to different needs. The entry-level plan, FastCloud Basic, is priced at ₹174, offering 15 GB SSD storage and support for one website. This plan is ideal for beginners and includes essential features for WordPress hosting. For more demanding needs, FastComet offers the FastCloud Plus and FastCloud Extra plans, priced at ₹262 and ₹350 respectively, both offering unlimited bandwidth and the ability to host multiple sites. While the initial prices are competitive, it’s essential to note that long-term commitment is advisable due to higher renewal rates. The “RocketBooster” WordPress optimizations, available only in the FastCloud Extra plan, are an additional cost but offer enhanced performance for demanding websites. FastComet’s 45-day money-back guarantee adds a layer of assurance for new users.
10. WP Engine
WP Engine is a highly regarded managed hosting service, specifically tailored for WordPress users. It offers a seamless experience with a focus on efficiency and ease of use. The entry-level plan, named Personal, is designed to cater to the needs of most new websites, offering robust features and a user-friendly interface.
- Key Features:
- Managed WordPress hosting
- 1 WordPress install
- Handles up to 25,000 visits monthly
- Automatic WordPress installation
- Excellent customer support with helpdesk, chat, and phone options
- High-quality security features
- StudioPress themes included
- Daily backups, free SSL and SSH access
WP Engine’s pricing structure is straightforward. The Personal plan costs $20 per month if billed annually or $24 on a month-to-month basis. This plan includes hosting for one website with 10GB of space and bandwidth sufficient for 25,000 visits or 50GB of data transfer. While it doesn’t offer free domain names, the inclusion of daily backups, advanced security features, and access to premium themes adds significant value. Additionally, WP Engine’s performance is noteworthy, with consistent uptimes and fast loading times across various global locations, making it a reliable choice for WordPress hosting.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
What is WordPress hosting and why is it important for beginners?
WordPress hosting is a service specifically optimized for WordPress websites, providing features and resources tailored to the platform. For beginners, it simplifies the process of setting up and managing a WordPress site, offering tools like one-click installations, automatic updates, and specialized support. It’s important because it ensures compatibility and optimal performance for WordPress sites.
Are there any affordable WordPress hosting options for beginners?
Yes, there are many affordable options. Companies like Bluehost, SiteGround, and DreamHost offer plans starting at less than $5/month, which are ideal for beginners. These plans often include essential features like a free domain, SSL certificate, and easy WordPress installation.
Can I switch my WordPress hosting provider later?
Absolutely. If your hosting needs change or you’re dissatisfied with your current provider, you can migrate your WordPress site to a new host. Many hosting providers offer free migration services or tools to assist with the process.
What is an SSL certificate and do I need one for my WordPress site?
An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate encrypts data transferred between your website and its visitors, crucial for security and trust. Most WordPress hosting providers include a free SSL certificate. It’s especially important if you’re running an e-commerce site or collecting sensitive information.
Is it possible to upgrade my WordPress hosting plan as my site grows?
Yes, most hosting providers offer scalable solutions. You can start with a basic plan and upgrade as your website attracts more traffic or requires more resources. This scalability is beneficial for managing costs while growing your online presence.
Conclusion: Which Is The Best WordPress Hosting Service in 2024 for Beginners?
In conclusion, choosing the right WordPress host for beginners depends on specific needs and priorities.
- Bluehost: Ideal for those on a budget, Bluehost offers an affordable and user-friendly platform. It’s a great starting point for beginners due to its ease of use and cost-effectiveness.
- Hostinger: Another budget-friendly option, Hostinger is known for its low prices. It provides a balance between affordability and reliable hosting services, making it an excellent choice for beginners who are cost-conscious.
- A2 Hosting: If performance is a primary concern, A2 Hosting stands out. It offers superior speed and reliability, which is crucial for enhancing user experience and SEO rankings. It’s a bit pricier but worth the investment for those who prioritize website performance.
- NexCess: For those looking for managed hosting solutions, NexCess is the top choice. It takes care of all the technical aspects of WordPress hosting, allowing beginners to focus on content and business growth without worrying about the technicalities.
Each of these hosts brings something unique to the table. Your choice should align with your specific needs, whether it’s budget, performance, or the convenience of managed hosting. As a beginner, it’s important to select a host that not only meets your current requirements but also has the potential to accommodate your site as it grows.