Best Web Hosting Providers in 2024 for Starters and Beginners

Looking to start your own website? You’ll need to choose the right web hosting provider – and choosing the right one for you is a vital process.

Whether you’re setting up a personal blog, running an online store, or managing a large-scale enterprise site, the host you choose will directly affect how fast your site loads, how secure it is, and how reliable your service will be.

In this guide, we’ll break down the top web hosting providers for 2024, weighing their features, support, and overall performance. Plus, we’ll share some insider tips on what to consider when choosing a host that fits your specific needs and a clear step-by-step guide to help you make the best choice.

How we chose the best web hosting service

We considered several key factors when compiling this master list:

• Uptime and reliability: Consistent uptime and minimal downtime are critical for any website. We prioritized hosting providers with an uptime guarantee of at least 99.9%.
• Performance: Fast loading speeds are essential for both user experience and SEO. We examined server response times and overall website performance.
• Customer support: A responsive and helpful support team can make all the difference. We evaluated the availability and quality of customer support through various channels, including live chat, phone, and email.
• Pricing and value: We looked at both the initial costs and renewal rates, considering the value provided by each hosting provider’s features and services.
• Security features: We prioritized providers that offer essential security features like SSL certificates, firewalls, DDoS protection, and automatic backups.
• Scalability and flexibility: The ability to upgrade or downgrade hosting plans based on evolving needs is important for long-term growth.
• Ease of use: A user-friendly control panel and straightforward setup process are important, especially for beginners.

How to choose a hosting provider

Choosing the right hosting provider can be overwhelming, given the multitude of options available. Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate this important decision:

To get expert insights, we spoke with Alex Ioannides, a Head of DevOps at UptimeRobot, who shared some essential tips on what to look for in a hosting provider:

“When choosing a hosting provider, these are what I recommend looking for:

1. Understanding your needs: Before anything else, outline what you require from your hosting service. Are you running a small blog, a medium-sized e-commerce site, or a large corporate website? Your needs will determine the type of hosting – shared, VPS, dedicated, or cloud – that’s most appropriate.
2. Look beyond the price: While budget is important, the cheapest option is not always the best. Consider the long-term value, including features like customer support, security, and scalability. A provider with a slightly higher price tag might offer better performance and reliability.
3. Check the provider’s uptime guarantee: An uptime guarantee is a must-have for any hosting service. Downtime can cost you visitors, sales, and even search engine rankings. Aim for providers that offer a 99.9% or higher uptime guarantee.
4. Backups and data security: Look into how the provider handles backups and data protection. Check if they offer daily backups or if it’s an extra charge. Some providers automatically offer features like RAID-10 for added redundancy, 14-day backup storage, and make backups easily accessible through their dashboard. Additionally, confirm whether the data centers are Tier-3 certified for better security and reliability.
5. Nice-to-have integrations: Some hosting providers offer integrations that make setting up and managing your site easier, like one-click installations for WordPress or other CMS platforms. Features like Let’s Encrypt integration for SSL certificates and other security enhancements can save time and add convenience.
6. Test customer support: Customer support can make or break your experience with a hosting provider. Before committing, test their support team by asking a few questions. This will give you a good idea of their response time and expertise.
7. Evaluate the control panel and interface: A good hosting provider will offer an easy-to-use control panel, like cPanel or Plesk, making website management more accessible. This is particularly important if you’re not tech-savvy.
8. Read user reviews and feedback: Look for recent reviews from other users to see if there are any recurring issues or problems. Platforms like Trustpilot and G2 provide unbiased feedback that can help you make an informed decision.”

Best web hosting providers per category

These services are not one-size-fits-all, and as such, we’ve broken our top choices into several categories:

• Most reliable hosting
• Best VPS hosting
• Best WordPress hosting
• Best cloud hosting
• Best shared hosting
• Best dedicated hosting
• Best large scale hosting
• Most environmentally friendly hosting
• Most affordable hosting

Ready to find your perfect match?

Hostinger: Most reliable web hosting

Hostinger offers an affordable and user-friendly hosting solution, making it an excellent choice for beginners and budget-conscious users. People on Trustpilot love their fast service and exceptional quality, earning the provider a rating of 4.6.

Its custom hPanel simplifies website setup and management, while features like malware scanning, page speed monitoring, and an AI troubleshooter add great value at a low cost.

With 100% uptime in testing and fast load times of 0.607 seconds, Hostinger ensures reliability and speed, even on basic plans. Additionally, its global network of data centers and content delivery network (CDN) further betters performance by reducing latency and delivering content quickly across different regions.

Types of hosting (Offered by Hostinger)

Hosting Type	Availability
Shared hosting	✔️
VPS hosting	✔️
Cloud hosting	✔️
WordPress hosting	✔️
Managed WordPress	✔️

• Custom hPanel: An intuitive control panel that simplifies server management.
• AI troubleshooter: Automatically detects and suggests fixes for common website errors.
• Free website migration: Hostinger offers seamless migration services from other providers.
• Free SSL certificates: Available with all hosting plans for enhanced website security.
• Website builder: Includes an AI-powered website builder for fast and easy site creation.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Affordable pricing, especially for long-term plans	No telephone support, only live chat and ticketing
Data centers in nine global locations	Steep learning curve from shared to VPS hosting
AI-powered troubleshooting and malware scanning	Limited performance for resource-heavy sites

Are you interested in this extremely reliable hosting provider? UptimeRobot is proud to offer an exclusive 7% discount for new Hostinger customers!

IONOS: Best VPS hosting

Boasting a score of 4.6 on Trustpilot, IONOS offers one of the most budget-friendly VPS hosting plans that balance cost and performance, ideal for businesses looking to scale without breaking the bank.

Their cloud-powered VPS hosting solutions provide a range of options from basic to high-performance servers, making them suitable for various types of websites and applications. 

Their plans offer reliable performance, flexibility in operating system choice, and essential security features, all at highly competitive prices.

Hosting Type	Availability
Shared web hosting	✔️
VPS hosting	✔️
Cloud web hosting	✔️
Dedicated web hosting	✔️
WordPress web hosting	✔️
Reseller web hosting	✔️

• Affordable VPS plans: Starts at just $2 per month for 1GB of RAM and 10GB SSD storage.
• Scalable resources: Offers up to 24GB RAM and 640GB storage in higher-tier plans.
• Free SSL certificates: Includes GeoTrust Dedicated SSL and SiteLock security for enhanced data protection.
• 24/7 customer support: Accessible through email, web chat, and telephone for continuous support.
• Choice of operating systems: Options for both Linux and Windows-based servers, offering flexibility based on your needs.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Competitive pricing with low starting costs	Windows plans have additional licensing fees, increasing the overall cost.
Scalable VPS packages with robust performance	Lacks unlimited storage compared to some competitors.
Free Plesk and full root access

A2 Hosting: Best WordPress hosting

A2 Hosting is a top choice for WordPress hosting due to its user-friendly setup process, strong security features, and competitive pricing for beginners – and this sentiment is backed up by their 4.6 rating on Trustpilot

Their Managed WordPress hosting plans come with automated backups, a suite of WordPress tools, and high-performance storage, solidifying them as an excellent option for both first-time website owners and seasoned developers.

Although renewal rates are higher, the comprehensive features offered make A2 Hosting a strong contender for those focused on WordPress.

Hosting Type	Availability
WordPress hosting	✔️
Shared hosting	✔️
VPS hosting	✔️
Dedicated hosting	✔️

• Managed and unmanaged WordPress hosting: Includes WordPress Deluxe Toolkit, automated backups, and LiteSpeed server caching for enhanced performance.
• TurboHub for WordPress: Allows quick access to WordPress sites, auto-updates, and essential plugin management.
• High storage capacity: Offers a starting storage of 100GB, which is double what some competitors provide in their basic plans.
• Advanced security: Equipped with SSL certification, DDoS protection, brute-force protection, and malware scanning.
• Beginner-friendly setup: Offers optimized auto-install for WordPress, setup wizards, and a site assistant for easy website creation.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Low introductory pricing for all types of hosting	High renewal costs compared to other hosting providers
Wide variety of plans with ample storage options	Inconsistent customer support for support tickets and phone inquiries according to some users
Extensive security features even on lower-cost plans	Requires more steps for WordPress auto-install compared to some competitors

ScalaHosting: Best cloud hosting

With a rating of 4.9 on Trustpilot, this hosting service is among the best of the best. ScalaHosting stands out in the cloud hosting category for its combination of flexibility, security, and performance. With both managed and self-managed VPS hosting options, it caters to a range of technical needs.

One of ScalaHosting’s unique offerings is its proprietary SPanel, an alternative to cPanel, which simplifies server management and comes with built-in tools like SShield for cybersecurity and SWordPress Manager for easy WordPress management.

The platform’s high scalability allows users to easily adjust resources such as CPU, RAM, and storage to match their needs, ensuring cost-efficiency and adaptability as their website grows.

Hosting Type	Availability
WordPress hosting	✔️
Cloud VPS hosting	✔️
Shared hosting	✔️
Email hosting	✔️

• SShield cybersecurity: Monitors websites and emails continuously, with a high degree of user satisfaction reported.
• On-demand security scans: Included in all plans for proactive threat detection.
• Free daily backups: Easily recover your information in case of any data loss.
• Unlimited email accounts: Create as many email addresses as you need for each domain.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Dependable customer service	Only Windows-based VPS server options
Strong security features	Lacks dedicated hosting
Prorated, money-back guarantee	Site builder tools aren’t as user-friendly
Affordable pricing starting at $2.95/month

DreamHost: Best shared hosting

DreamHost stands out as one of the best shared hosting providers due to its balance of strong security features, extensive domain management tools, and a generous money-back guarantee.

 It’s designed to cater to personal and business needs, offering an easy-to-use interface while still packing the power needed for more demanding users.

Their shared hosting plans are affordable, offer unlimited data transfers, and include a WordPress staging feature, making them ideal for anyone looking to host a website with ease.

Despite its lack of phone support, DreamHost’s excellent live chat support ensures users still get quick and helpful responses to their questions. Users have given DreamHost an impressive 4.7 on Trustpilot.

Hosting Type	Availability
Shared hosting	✔️
WordPress hosting	✔️
VPS hosting	✔️
Dedicated hosting	✔️
Cloud hosting	✔️

• Unlimited data transfers and storage: All shared hosting plans come with unlimited bandwidth, so your site can grow without restrictions, and users can enjoy unlimited storage space, making it ideal for growing websites and media-heavy projects.
• One-click installs: With Softaculous, install over 200 apps, including WordPress, with a single click.
• 97-day money-back guarantee: DreamHost offers one of the most generous refund policies in the industry for shared hosting.
• Custom control panel: DreamHost provides a custom control panel that’s simple to use and offers easy access to all the tools needed for managing your website.
• Free domain for the first year: New users get a free domain name for the first year when signing up for an annual plan, making it easier to get started with a professional online presence.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Useful WordPress staging feature	Shared Starter plan lacks email
Unlimited data transfers per month	No telephone support
Daily backups and free SSL certificates	Lacks Windows-based servers

Mochahost: Best dedicated hosting

MochaHost is renowned for dedicated hosting due to its variety of affordable plans, extensive feature set, and generous refund policy – and the praise shines through in their stellar 4.8 Trustpilot rating.

Known for its low-cost services, MochaHost provides dedicated servers with numerous configurations to meet different needs, from small businesses to larger enterprises.

The platform also includes additional perks like free SSL certificates for life and a unique 180-day refund guarantee, which makes it a reliable and cost-effective choice for users seeking dedicated hosting.

Hosting Type	Availability
Shared hosting	✔️
WordPress hosting	✔️
VPS hosting	✔️
Dedicated hosting	✔️
Cloud hosting	✔️
Reseller hosting	✔️

• Low starting costs: Hosting plans start as low as $3.18 per month, making it budget-friendly for users.
• Unlimited storage and traffic: Some plans offer unlimited disk space and unmetered monthly traffic.
• SEO and marketing tools: Affordable tools are available to improve website visibility and traffic.
• Automatic daily backups: Automatic daily backups to ensure that all your website data is securely stored and can be easily restored when needed.
• Effortless site transfer: Complimentary website migration services, allowing you to move your website from another host smoothly and without complications.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Multiple hosting options, including dedicated servers	Prices may increase without prior notice
Low starting costs	Customer service may face issues with problem resolution according to some users
180-day refund policy for multi-year contracts	Some users report difficulties with canceling service and payments

Cloudways: Best large scale hosting

Cloudways is ideal for businesses requiring more than just an informational website, such as SaaS providers, startups, and online stores.

This hosting provider offers unparalleled scalability, performance, and management features across multiple cloud platforms, making it the go-to choice for larger, more demanding web projects

 Cloudways’ support team is also highly praised for its rapid response and technical expertise, providing users with 24/7 assistance.

While Cloudways comes at a premium price, the return on investment in terms of site speed, reliability, and support makes it a top pick for those who prioritize performance.

Users also love Cloudways, rating it a 4.6 on Trustpilot.

Hosting Type	Availability
Managed WordPress hosting	✔️
VPS hosting	✔️
Dedicated hosting	✔️
Cloud hosting	✔️
Enterprise hosting	✔️

• Top-notch server uptime and speed: Cloudways offers exceptional uptime and fast performance, making it ideal for high-traffic websites.
• Integrated dashboard: Simplifies managing complex cloud setups with an easy-to-use interface.
• Advanced caching mechanisms: Integrates caching solutions like Memcached, Varnish, Nginx, and Redis to boost performance.
• Auto-scaling and easy server management: Cloudways Autonomous supports auto-scaling based on Kubernetes (GKE), optimizing server resources based on traffic needs.
• Developer-friendly features: Offers tools like Git integration, staging environments, and automatic backups to streamline development workflows.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Excellent abstraction over complex cloud setups	Higher pricing compared to traditional hosting
Easy server cloning and site staging options	Limited trial period
Highly scalable with autonomous plan support

GreenGeeks: Most environmentally friendly hosting

GreenGeeks is known for its exceptional commitment to sustainability. Unlike most web hosts that aim for carbon neutrality, GreenGeeks takes it a step further by putting back three times the energy it consumes into the grid through green energy credits.

Additionally, for every hosting account created, they plant a tree, reinforcing their dedication to reducing carbon emissions.

With data centers located in the USA, Canada, Europe, and Singapore, GreenGeeks combines eco-friendly practices with feature-packed hosting plans, solidifying it as an ideal choice for environmentally-conscious users.

Though there have been recent issues with GreenGeek’s customer service and emailing capabilities as reported by users on Trustpilot (scoring GreenGeeks a 4.0 at the time of writing), GreenGeeks is still the top choice for most eco-friendly webhosting.

Hosting Type	Availability
Shared hosting	✔️
WordPress hosting	✔️
WooCommerce hosting	✔️
VPS hosting	✔️
Reseller hosting	✔️

• 300% green energy match: For every unit of energy used, GreenGeeks puts three back into the grid through renewable energy credits.
• Free SSL certificates: Every plan comes with free SSL certificates to secure your site and enhance SEO.
• Weebly website builder: Offers a free, easy-to-use drag-and-drop website builder to create beautiful, responsive sites.
• Unlimited email accounts: Allows you to create an unlimited number of email accounts across all plans.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Uses quality, industry-standard tools like cPanel and Softaculous	Higher prices after introductory deals expire
Shared hosting plans suitable for personal and small business websites	Basic WordPress and eCommerce plans
Low starting prices and good global data center coverage	No dedicated hosting plans

Bluehost: Cheapest web hosting

Bluehost is a highly popular choice for web hosting, especially among WordPress users, due to its high quality integration, ease of use, and affordable entry-level pricing.

It offers a comprehensive range of hosting types, including shared, VPS, dedicated, and managed WordPress hosting.

Known for its strong performance in WordPress hosting, Bluehost is recommended by WordPress itself, and its introductory prices are among the lowest available. Bluehost is an excellent choice for beginners and small businesses looking for value without sacrificing essential features.

But be aware – though prices are low and service is overall great, some users have had issues with Bluehost’s customer service responsiveness and other issues, and its current rating is just 4.1 on Trustpilot. Keep in mind you can’t get filet mignon for bologna prices.

Hosting Type	Availability
Shared hosting	✔️
Shared and managed WordPress hosting	✔️
WooCommerce hosting	✔️
VPS hosting	✔️
Dedicated hosting	✔️
Cloud hosting	✔️

• Budget-level pricing: Very affordable starting prices for shared hosting ($2.95/month), VPS hosting ($46.99/month), and cloud hosting ($29.99/month) with a 12-month term.
• WordPress integration: Officially recommended by WordPress and offers one-click installations, automated updates, and optimized performance for WordPress websites.
• Dependable features: Plans include unmetered bandwidth, free domain registration for the first year, cPanel access, and free backups to safeguard your site data.
• Free SSL certificate: Every hosting plan comes with a free SSL certificate to ensure your website is secure and trusted by visitors.
• 30-day money-back guarantee: All Bluehost plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try their services risk-free.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Affordable introductory prices with good value-for-money hosting plans	Limited features on the most basic plans
Strong integration with WordPress, recommended by WordPress since 2005	Additional costs for add-ons during checkout
Easy-to-use cPanel interface with a drag-and-drop website builder included	Renewal prices are higher compared to initial offers
Variety of hosting options catering to different needs, from shared to dedicated hosting

What is dedicated web hosting?

Dedicated web hosting provides an entire server exclusively for one website or application. It is best suited for high-traffic websites or businesses that require complete control over their server environment.

However, with that level of control comes greater responsibility. Managing a dedicated server requires some server administration knowledge or a dedicated person/team to handle it. 

This can lead to higher costs, and if issues arise, it can bring more headaches compared to simpler shared hosting, where a team manages the server for you, allowing you to focus solely on your website.

Use cases:

• High-traffic websites: Ideal for websites with substantial daily visitors, such as large e-commerce sites, news websites, or popular blogs.
• Data-sensitive businesses: Suitable for businesses dealing with sensitive data where strong security is essential, such as financial institutions or healthcare providers. But be aware that if your security skills aren’t up to snuff, it’s better to leave it in the hands of professionals.
• Custom applications: Perfect for organizations needing highly customized server configurations and full control over the server software and environment.

Benefits	Drawbacks
High performance: Offers dedicated resources, resulting in faster load times and reliability.	High cost: One of the most expensive hosting options, not suitable for all budgets.
Full control: Complete control over server settings, security, and software customization.	Requires technical expertise: Needs advanced knowledge to manage and maintain the server.
Strong security: No shared server environment reduces the risk of security breaches.	Overkill for small websites: Unnecessary for websites with low to moderate traffic.
Reliable uptime: Dedicated resources generally lead to excellent uptime and availability.

What is cloud hosting?

Cloud hosting utilizes a network of connected servers to distribute resources and provide maximum uptime. It is a highly flexible solution that’s good for growing businesses with fluctuating traffic.

Use cases:

• Rapidly growing businesses: Perfect for startups or businesses experiencing rapid growth, as it allows them to scale up or down based on demand.
• Seasonal websites: Ideal for websites that experience seasonal spikes in traffic, such as e-commerce stores during holidays or sales events.
• Web applications: Great for web applications that need high availability and reliability across multiple locations.

Benefits	Drawbacks
Scalability: Easily scales up or down according to website needs without downtime.	Complex pricing: Pay-as-you-go pricing models can be confusing and lead to unexpected costs.
Redundancy and reliability: Resources are distributed across multiple servers, reducing downtime risk.	Less control: Users have less control over the server environment compared to dedicated hosting.
Flexibility: Supports various configurations, which is good for a wide range of applications.	Technical knowledge required: This may require an understanding of cloud infrastructure for effective use.
High availability: Redundant server setup provides continuous availability even if one server fails.

What is shared hosting?

Shared hosting is a popular and cost-effective solution where multiple websites share the same server and its resources. It’s best for small websites or beginners looking to establish an online presence without high costs.

Use cases:

• Personal blogs or portfolios: Prime choice for individuals who want to showcase their work or share personal updates without significant traffic.
• Small businesses: Suitable for small local businesses with limited online traffic, such as local shops or small service providers.
• Beginner websites: A good starting point for those new to website creation who want a low-cost, low-maintenance solution.

Benefits	Drawbacks
Affordability: One of the most budget-friendly hosting options, making it accessible to everyone.	Limited resources: Shared resources can lead to slower website performance during peak times.
Ease of use: Managed by the hosting provider, making it easy for beginners to set up and manage.	Less control: Limited control over server configurations and settings.
Low maintenance: Server management is handled by the provider, reducing the need for technical skills.	Potential security risks: Sharing a server with other websites can increase security risks.
Suitable for low-traffic websites: Ideal for websites with minimal traffic requirements.	Limited scalability: Not suitable for websites that need to scale quickly.

What is a VPS?

A Virtual Private Server (VPS) provides a virtualized environment on a shared server with dedicated resources. It’s a middle ground between shared and dedicated hosting, good for medium-sized businesses or websites needing more control.

Use cases:

• Growing websites: Ideal for websites that have outgrown shared hosting but do not yet need the power of a dedicated server.
• Test environments: Great for developers who need to test applications in a controlled environment without affecting live websites.
• E-commerce websites: Suitable for online stores that need better performance and security compared to shared hosting.

Benefits	Drawbacks
Dedicated resources: Offers dedicated CPU, RAM, and storage, leading to better performance.	Higher cost than shared hosting: More expensive than shared hosting but cheaper than dedicated hosting.
Scalability: Easily upgrade resources as your website grows.	Requires technical knowledge: Users need a basic understanding of server management.
Enhanced control: More control over the server environment compared to shared hosting.	Potential performance issues: If not managed well, other VPS users on the same server could impact performance.
Improved security: Offers better security than shared hosting due to isolated server environments.

Conclusion

Choosing the right web hosting service is the first step to digital greatness. From shared and VPS to dedicated servers and cloud options, each comes with unique perks.

Focus on uptime, support, scalability, and price to find the perfect fit.

A solid hosting choice not only boosts your site’s performance, but also sets you up for future success. Do your homework, and lock in a host that grows with you!

And while you’re on it, don’t forget to set up a reliable uptime monitoring that will let you know when there’s something wrong and your website is down.