One of the problems beginners face when starting a blog is the choice of web hosting. This article will help you in choosing the best cheap hosting site for your blog whether you are a beginner or in search of a better web hosting site.
There are a lot of cheap web hosting sites on the web, but only a few deliver good services. Get ready to put your site online or migrate it as little as possible. Follow this guide to choose the best cheap web hosting.
Buying any of these web hostings qualifies you for a free blog setup service and other freebies.
5 criteria to consider before choosing a Hosting Site
- Cost– All hosting sites’ price varies, some are cheap and some are very expensive depending on the hosting plan you chose.
- Ease of use– Is it user-friendly? Some hosts are very easy to use.
- Support– How fast can you get a response when something goes wrong on your site? Some hosting sites are very fast in responding to problems in less than 5 minutes while others delay in responding.
- Speed- One of the ways to determine how fast your site will be is your choice of Hosting. The faster your hosting, the faster your website will load and that means your visitors will see what you have there much sooner.
- Uptime is the time that a website or web service is available to users in a given period. Represented as a ratio of the time available divided by the total time, the ratio is calculated in monthly or yearly increments. Although 100% uptime is the goal, the industry considers 99.999% uptime as high availability.
- Freebies: This is like saying thank you for using our service. Some web hosting offers free SSL certificates, domains, CDN, site migration and so on.
Types of Web Hosting
Shared
Shared hosting is a type of web hosting where a single physical server hosts multiple sites. Many users utilize the resources on a single server, which keeps the costs low. Users each get a section of a server in which they can host their website files. Shared servers can host hundreds of users. Each customer using the shared hosting platform’s server has access to features like databases, monthly traffic, disk space, email accounts, FTP accounts, and other add-ons offered by the host. System resources are shared on-demand by customers on the server, and each gets a percentage of everything from RAM and CPU, and other elements such as the single MySQL server, Apache server, and mail server.
Shared hosting offers the most cost-effective way to get a site online since the costs of maintaining a server are split among all the users. This style of hosting is best suited for a small website or blog that doesn’t require advanced configurations or high bandwidth. Since shared hosting is not sufficient for sites with high traffic, high-volume sites should look to VPS or dedicated hosting solutions instead. Shared hosting is the cheapest of all hosting plans (NameCheap). This is best for beginners,
VPS
VPS is short for a Virtual Private Server. VPS hosting is one of the most popular hosting services you can choose for your website. It uses virtualization technology to provide you with dedicated (private) resources on a server with multiple users.It’s a more secure and stable solution than shared hosting where you don’t get a dedicated server space. However, it’s smaller-scale and cheaper than renting an entire server.VPS hosting is usually chosen by website owners who have medium-level traffic that exceeds the limits of shared hosting plans but still don’t need the resources of a dedicated server. It is Faster and more secure than shared hosting but it is expensive (Hostinger).
Dedicated
Dedicated hosting is a website hosting environment that provides the highest level of resource allocation, privacy, and control. Dedicated servers are completely isolated from one another, so users get full access to configure their server any way they want without affecting another user or being affected by the actions of other users.
Users of VPS hosting have allocated resources just like Dedicated hosting users, however, the number of available resources on VPS servers may still not be what a website needs. For example, VPS servers often start with 2GB of RAM, whereas Dedicated servers often start with at least 4GB of RAM available. In short, Dedicated hosting allows for the same full customization and control of a VPS server, but with even more horsepower (Bluehost).
Cloud
Unlike traditional web hosting providers that use physical servers, cloud hosting spreads data across several virtual servers. (This hosting server exists solely in a virtual environment, hence the name, “cloud.”) With cloud hosting, if you happen to max out on storage or bandwidth on one virtual server, you can easily utilize another for untapped resources. By having multiple servers at your virtual disposal, cloud hosting maximizes uptime and balances out any spikes in website traffic.
VPS Hosting works just like an independent physical server would, except it’s partitioned into multiple “virtual” servers.
Sounds similar to cloud hosting servers, no? The main difference here is that instead of having one server that’s dedicated to your website, e.g. a VPS, you have access to a network of nearly-unlimited virtual machines (NameCheap).
WordPress
In a nutshell, WordPress hosting is a form of web hosting optimized to run WordPress sites.
By using a WordPress host, you’ll receive lots of tools and services that are specifically tailored to WordPress sites. These may vary depending on what WP hosting service you opt for, but often include features such as one-click-install, automatic software updates, and a team of support staff who specialize in WordPress to provide you with customized support. It is strictly for sites using WordPress (Hostpapa).
Reseller
Reseller Hosting in simple terms can be said to be a hosting service where you, the reseller, rent out your services to your customers, in turn, earning a profit. These web hosting services include server bandwidth, CPU, disk space, RAM, etc. You can have 10, 50 or any number of customers depending on how much server space and resources you have purchased.
Say, for instance, you already run a web development or designing agency then adding web hosting to your service package can turn your online business into a one-stop-shop to set up a website (Hostgator).
Best Cheap Web Hosting For Beginners
Too tired to read through the list? Then go with Bluehost or Host Papa.
I recommend both sites because they provide new users with a free domain and SSL certificates.
1. Bluehost
Cost
| Basic Plan | Plus Plan | Choice Plus Plan | Pro Plan | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $2.75/month Renews at $8.99/mo |
$5.45/month Renews at $11.99/mo |
$5.45/month Renews at $16.99/mo |
$13.95/month Renews at $26.99/mo |
| Websites | 1 | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Bandwidth | Unmetered | Unmetered | Unmetered | Unmetered |
| Storage | 50 GB | Unmetered | Unmetered | Unmetered |
| Email Accounts | 5 | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Other Features | – | • Free CDN | • Free Domain Privacy • Free CDN • Automated Backup 1 Year |
• Free CDN • Free Domain Privacy • Automated Backups • Dedicated IP |
Ease of use
It is great for beginners because it is easy to use. You can easily install and begin WordPress through cPanel. All you have to do is point and click in most cases.
Support
You can contact Bluehost via 24/7 live chat, and phone. Also, they have a knowledge base section where you search for issues you have with your site.
Uptime
It has an uptime of 99.95% of the time during the last 12 months.
Speed
713 ms (August 2020 to July 2021)
Freebies
Free Domain 1st Year, Free SSL Certificate and CDN. Daily automatic data backups
Bluehost Users Review
As of the time of writing this article, BlueHost has an average rating of 2.4.
2. Hostgator
Cost
| Hatchling Plan | Baby Plan | Business Plan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $2.75/month Renews at $6.95/mo |
$3.50/month Renews at $9.95/mo |
$5.25/month Renews at $14.95/mo |
| Websites | 1 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Bandwidth | Unmetered | Unmetered | Unmetered |
| Storage | Unmetered | Unmetered | Unmetered |
| Email Accounts | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Other Features | – | •Unlimited Addon Domains | • Dedicated IP • Free Positive SSL Upgrade • Free SEO Tools |
Ease of use
HostGator is tailor-made for beginner bloggers or webmasters.
Their site is full of tutorials, walkthroughs, and more to help you navigate the murky world of DNS and data centers.
They also have extra features for beginners who are looking to set up a site without the hassle of hiring other people to design, build, and manage everything.
Support
HostGator provides a knowledge base, phone, email, and live chat support.
Uptime
99.95% (August 2020 to July 2021)
Speed
707 ms (August 2020 to July 2021)
Freebies
Free Domain 1st Year, SSL Certificate Single Free Site Transfer
Hostgator User Review
3. HostPapa
HostPapa is a large Canadian hosting service that works primarily with small businesses. The list of services includes general and reseller hosting, VPS, and online site builder. Data centers are spread across different regions, as the company focuses on cooperation with customers from different countries: Europe, USA, Australia, Asia, etc. And everywhere HostPapa uses exclusively green energy (from environmentally friendly renewable sources) for power supply. It was founded in 2006 by Jamie Opalchuk.
Cost
| Starter Plan | Business Plan | Business Pro Plan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $3.95/month Renews at $9.99/mo |
$3.95/month Renews at $14.99/mo |
$12.95/month Renews at $23.99/mo |
| Websites | 2 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Bandwidth | Unmetered | Unmetered | Unmetered |
| Storage | 100 GB | Unmetered | Unmetered |
| Email Accounts | 100 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Other Features | – | • Unlimited MYSQL Databases • 2x More CPU and MYSQL Resources |
• 4x More CPU and MYSQL Resources • Domain Privacy • Automated Website Backup • Premium Wildcard SSL and SiteLock Detect |
Ease of use
it’s very easy to use
Support
They offer 24/7 support through phone, mail, email, ticketing, live chat, and even fax.
Uptime
99.98% (August 2020 to July 2021)
Speed
569 ms (August 2020 to July 2021)
Freebies
Free Domain Registration, 100 Email Accounts, SpamAssassin, Free SSL Certificate, Site transfer.
Users Review
4. NameCheap
Cost
| Stellar Plan | Stellar Plus Plan | Stellar Business Plan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $1.44/month Renews at $2.88/mo |
$2.44/month Renews at $4.88/mo |
$4.44/month Renews at $8.88/mo |
| Websites | 3 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Bandwidth | Unmetered | Unmetered | Unmetered |
| Storage | 20 GB | Unmetered | 50 GB |
| Email Accounts | 30 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Other Features | – | • AutoBackup | • AutoBackup • Cloud Storage |
Ease of use
Also easy to use.
Support
24/7 Live Chat, Ticketing, and Knowledge Base
Uptime
99.95% (August 2020 to July 2021)
Speed
421 ms (August 2020 to July 2021)
Freebies
Free CDN, Free SSL, domain, and site transfer
User Review
5. DreamHost
DreamHost is a Los Angeles-based web hosting provider and domain name registrar. It is owned by New Dream Network, LLC, founded in 1996 by Dallas Bethune, Josh Jones, Michael Rodriguez and Sage Weil, undergraduate students at Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, California, and registered in 1997 by Michael Rodriguez.
Cost
| Shared Starter Plan | Shared Unlimited Plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $2.59/month Renews at $5.99/mo |
$3.95/month Renews at $10.99/mo |
| Websites | 1 | Unlimited |
| Bandwidth | Unmetered | Unmetered |
| Storage | Unmetered | Unmetered |
| Email Accounts | Costs extra ($1.67/mo) | Unlimited |
| Other Features | – | • Unlimited Subdomains & MySQL Databases • Unlimited FTP/SFTP/Shell Users |
Ease of use
Support
Live Chat, Mail, Knowledge Base, and Forum are available at 3.00 AM-9.30 PM PT every day.
Uptime
99.84% (August 2020 to July 2021)
Speed
1350 ms (August 2020 to July 2021)
Freebies
Free SSL, free domain 1st year Free for WordPress Sites
Users Reviews
6. Hostinger
Cost
| Single Shared Plan | Premium Shared Plan | Business Shared Plan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $1.39/month Renews at $2.99/mo |
$2.59/month Renews at $5.99/mo |
$4.99/month Renews at $8.99/mo |
| Websites | 1 | 100 | 100 |
| Bandwidth | 100 GB | Unmetered | Unmetered |
| Storage | 30 GB | 100 GB | 200 GB |
| Email Accounts | 1 | 100 | 100 |
| Other Features | • Free SSL • WordPress Acceleration and Cloudflare • GIT Access |
• Free Domain • SSH Access • GIT Access |
• Free Domain • Free CDN • Daily Backups |
Ease of use
Hostinger offers a modern, easy-to-use interface where you can find everything you need in one location. Great for beginners.
Support
24/7 Live Chat, Knowledge Base, Ticketing
Uptime
99.74% or 99.93% if we exclude the outage (August 2020 to July 2021)
Speed
382 ms (August 2020 to July 2021)
Freebies
Free SSL Security Single Free Site Transfer, free CDN and domain
Users Review
Conclusion
The success of your site starts from the web hosting site you are using. So be careful of what you chose. The list above provides reputable web hosting providers you should consider using and the best is, it’s cheap. Namecheap is the cheapest, Hostinger is the easiest to use for beginners and Dreamhost is the fastest in terms of speed.
Sources: Images from hostingadvise.com
