Choosing the right shared WordPress hosting can be a hard task.
When it comes to shared hosting, it is affordable but will it be fast enough? Secure enough? What if you need help at 2:00 am? And let’s be real – will it fit your budget without compromising quality?
We’ve sifted through countless hosting services, put them through our tests, and emerged with a list of the best shared WordPress hosting options that won’t make your wallet weep.
Top Shared Hosting Services
| Hosting Service | Overview | Pricing | Money Back | Free Domain | Free Email | Free SSL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluehost | Highlights user-friendly interface and beginner focus | $2.75/mo | 30 days | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Hostinger | Affordable with good features | $2.69/mo | 30 days | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| SiteGround | Optimized servers for fast loading times | $2.99/mo | 30 days | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| HostGator | Good balance of features and affordability | $2.52/mo | 30 days | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| InMotion Hosting | Utilizes cloud infrastructure for scalability | $2.29/mo | 90 days | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| GreenGeeks | Focuses on renewable energy | $2.95/mo | 30 days | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
How We Test and Review Hosting Services
For over a decade, we’ve put dozens of WordPress hosting companies to the test. Unlike other reviewers who rely on press releases, we take a hands-on approach.
First, we sign up for the hosting service and create a sample WordPress site that mimics a real user’s website, ensuring accurate results across all providers.
Then we use industry-standard tools like Pingdom, K6, and Bitcatcha to measure speed and reliability. We focus on what matters:
We test speed and server response time, high-traffic handling, and stress situations.
We check on affordability and value for money taking into account free domains, SSL, and CDN, along with money-back guarantees.
Websites are critical, and downtime can be devastating. We look for companies with knowledgeable support teams available 24/7/365.
Based on our rigorous testing, we recommend carefully selected WordPress hosting providers. They offer exceptional value without breaking the bank.
Why Trust WP101
At WP101, we have 16+ years of experience teaching WordPress to thousands of people. Our team of WordPress experts reviews every web hosting, plugin, and theme on real websites. We also regularly update our content to keep up with changes in WordPress and the marketing world to make sure you get the latest information.
Just getting started with WordPress? Want to learn how to use this platform to maximize your online reach? Sign up for our video tutorials and unlock your website’s full potential:
Get started with WORDPRESS 101 »
There’s a 7-day free trial along with a 14-day no-risk money-back guarantee so you can join with peace of mind and start learning today.
What’s in This Hosting Review Guide?
Here are the best shared hosting services we’ll review in this guide. You can use the quick links below to jump to the service that interests you the most.
These options include cheap WordPress hosting as well as premium features at affordable prices. Let’s get started.
Best Shared Web Hosting Providers
1. Bluehost
- Officially recommended by WordPress
- Excellent speed & uptime
- 10GB SSD storage
- Free SSL, CDN, and backups
- 24/7 customer support
- Get started with Bluehost »
Bluehost has long been a favorite in the WordPress community, and for good reason. As one of the few hosting providers officially recommended by WordPress.org, they’ve built a reputation for reliability and user-friendliness.
One of Bluehost’s key features is their one-click WordPress installation. This means you can have your WordPress site up and running in minutes, without any technical headaches. For beginners, this is a huge plus.
Their plans come with a free domain for the first year, which is a nice cost-saving perk. They also offer 24/7 support via phone, email, and live chat, ensuring you’re never left in the lurch if you encounter issues.
Where Bluehost really shines is in their scalability. As your site grows, you can easily upgrade from shared hosting to VPS or dedicated hosting without the hassle of migrating to a new provider.
We’ve worked out a deal with Bluehost exclusively for our users where you can get Bluehost’s shared hosting plan at just $1.99 per month. Get the Exclusive Deal Here »
Bluehost Pros
- Comes officially recommended by WordPress.org
- 1-click WordPress installation
- Setup wizard to get started with ease
- User-friendly and beginner-friendly dashboard
- Smart AI tools to automate the process
- Robust security with data encryption, automatic backups, and malware scans
Bluehost Cons
- They offer chat support and phone support. There’s no email support.
- Business email inboxes are available as an add-on service. They offer a free 3-month trial of professional email plans.
Who is Bluehost Best For?
From my experience setting up countless WordPress sites, Bluehost has consistently proven to be a reliable choice for newcomers and small businesses dipping their toes into the online world.
I’ve particularly appreciated their one-click WordPress installation and user-friendly dashboard when working with clients who are intimidated by tech – it’s saved me hours of explanation and troubleshooting.
I love Bluehost’s balance of affordability, ease of use, and scalability. You can launch your website without a big budget or getting lost in technical complexities.
Bluehost Pricing
Starts from $1.99 per month
✅ Free Domain ✅ Free SSL ✅ Free CDN
2. Hostinger
- 100 GB SSD Storage
- 99.9% uptime and performance
- Global data centers
- 24/7 customer support
- Free website migration
- Get started with Hostinger »
Hostinger has made a name for itself as one of the most affordable hosting options on the market. When it comes to features and performance, they really shine!
Their shared hosting plans come with a custom-built control panel that’s incredibly intuitive, even for beginners. This user-friendly interface makes managing your website a breeze, from setting up email accounts to monitoring your site’s performance.
One of Hostinger’s unique offerings is their WordPress Acceleration feature, which includes LiteSpeed caching and optimized servers. This means your WordPress site can load up to 5 times faster than on standard hosting.
Hostinger also prides itself on its 99.9% uptime guarantee and responsive customer support. While they don’t offer phone support, their 24/7 live chat is known for quick response times and helpful solutions.
Hostinger Pros
- 1-click WordPress installation
- Drag and drop website builder to create your site
- 150 designer-crafted website templates to choose from
- Hosting plans come with AI website creation options
- Built-in caching for faster website performance
- Advanced firewall and DDoS protection
- Integrate with Google Analytics and your favorite marketing tools
- Free Amazon Affiliate WordPress Plugin
Hostinger Cons
- Free CDN access is available only on higher plans.
Who is Hostinger Best For?
Hostinger is a hidden gem for budget-conscious entrepreneurs and hobbyist bloggers who need solid performance without emptying their wallets. I’ve been consistently impressed by how Hostinger manages to offer such competitive pricing while still delivering speeds that rival more expensive hosts.
Plus, Hostinger’s intuitive control panel and wealth of tutorials have made it my go-to recommendation for tech-savvy individuals who prefer a more hands-on approach to managing their WordPress sites.
Hostinger Pricing
Starts at $2.69 per month (+3 months free). There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee too.
✅ Free Domain ✅ Free SSL ✅ Free Email
3. SiteGround
- 10GB web space
- Unmetered traffic
- Auto updates
- Unlimited databases
- Unlimited email
- Get started with SiteGround »
SiteGround is often praised for its cutting-edge technology and top-notch performance. They’re another official WordPress recommended host, and they’ve earned that endorsement through their commitment to staying ahead of the curve. In my opinion, they are by far the fastest WordPress hosting.
One of SiteGround’s standout features is their custom-built SuperCacher, which dramatically improves website speed. They also offer free CDN and SSL certificates with all plans, boosting both your site’s performance and security.
SiteGround is known for its proactive security measures. They develop their own AI-powered systems to prevent brute-force attacks and bot attacks in real-time, giving you peace of mind about your site’s safety.
What really sets SiteGround apart is their developer-friendly features. From staging environments to Git integration, they offer tools that cater to both beginners and advanced users, making them an excellent choice if you plan to grow your WordPress skills.
SiteGround Pros
- Officially recommended by WordPress.org
- Cutting-edge speed technology with proprietary SuperCacher
- Free website migration for one website
- Daily backups and real-time security monitoring
- Staging environment for testing changes before going live
- User-friendly custom control panel (Site Tools)
- Excellent customer support with quick response times
- Free SSL certificate and CDN included with all plans
SiteGround Cons
- Higher pricing compared to some competitors, especially after the initial term
- Limited storage space on entry-level plans
Who is SiteGround Best For?
SiteGround is best for you if you prioritize speed, security, and top-notch support. At WP101, we’ve seen how their staging environments and Git integration have been a godsend for developers and site managers who need to test updates without risking their live sites.
While the price point is higher than some alternatives, I’ve found that SiteGround’s proactive security measures and lightning-fast load times make it worth every penny for serious bloggers, eCommerce sites, and growing businesses that can’t afford downtime or security breaches.
SiteGround Pricing
Starts at $2.99 per month. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee.
✅ Free Domain ✅ Free SSL ✅ Free Email
4. HostGator
- 99.9% uptime guarantee
- 10GB SSD storage
- Unmetered bandwidth
- Pre-installed WordPress
- 24/7/365 support
- Get started with HostGator »
HostGator has been a major player in the hosting game for years, known for their reliability and comprehensive feature set. They’re a solid choice for both beginners and growing businesses.
HostGator offers easy WordPress installation making it easy to get started with your site.
HostGator provides unmetered bandwidth and storage on all their shared hosting plans, which is great for sites with large media libraries or expecting high traffic. They also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Where HostGator really stands out is their excellent customer support. With 24/7/365 support via phone and live chat plus a vast knowledge base, you’re never far from help when you need it.
HostGator Pros
- User-friendly interface
- 1-click installation for popular applications like WordPress
- Server-level caching to improve website loading times
- Upgrade your plan without having to migrate your WordPress website to a different provider
- 24/7 customer support via chat, phone, or email
HostGator Cons
- Backup services are not included in basic plans and cost extra
Who is HostGator Best For?
I’ve found HostGator to be a go-to solution for small business owners and bloggers who need reliable, affordable hosting without the technical fuss. It’s particularly well-suited for WordPress beginners who appreciate the easy setup and consistent support – Their 24/7 chat has saved the day for my less tech-savvy clients on many occasions.
While it may not have all the bells and whistles of premium hosts, HostGator’s straightforward approach and generous resources make it a solid choice for those starting their online journey or running straightforward websites.
HostGator Pricing
Starts at $2.52 per month. There’s a 30-day money back guarantee.
✅ Free Domain ✅ Free SSL ✅ Free Email
5. InMotion Hosting
- 99.99% uptime
- 2x speed & performance
- Unlimited bandwidth
- 100GB SSD
- 24/7 live chat
- Get started with Inmotion Hosting »
InMotion Hosting is a reliable, feature-rich hosting provider that caters to a wide range of users, from beginners to seasoned developers. They’re particularly known for their excellent performance and top-notch customer support.
One of InMotion’s standout features is their BoldGrid website builder, which is included free with their hosting plans. This drag-and-drop builder is built on top of WordPress, offering an easy way to create professional-looking sites while still harnessing the power of WordPress.
InMotion offers free SSDs on all their plans, which significantly boosts website loading speeds. They also provide free backups and SSL certificates, ensuring your site’s data is secure and your visitors’ information is protected.
What really sets InMotion apart is their 90-day money-back guarantee on their shared hosting plans – one of the longest in the industry. This shows their confidence in their service and gives you ample time to thoroughly test their hosting.
InMotion Hosting Pros
- Excellent uptime and reliability
- Free SSD storage on all plans, boosting site speed
- BoldGrid website builder included for easy site creation
- 90-day money-back guarantee
- Free website migration for new customers
- Developer-friendly features like SSH access and Git support
- Choice of data center location (East or West Coast)
InMotion Hosting Cons
- Higher pricing compared to some budget hosts
Who is InMotion Hosting Best For?
InMotion Hosting gives you a balance of performance, support, and room to grow. Their BoldGrid website builder lets you create professional-looking sites without diving deep into WordPress complexities.
I like InMotion’s combination of SSD storage, free backups, and knowledgeable support team. If you prefer to have all these features included in your plan, then InMotion Hosting is worth every penny.
InMotion Hosting Pricing
Starts at $2.29 per month
✅ Free SSL ✅ Free Email ✅ Free Website Builder
Get started with Inmotion Hosting »
6. GreenGeeks
- 99.9% uptime
- 50GB to unlimited web space
- Unmetered transfer
- Auto WordPress updates
- Renewable energy
- 24/7 support
- Get started with GreenGeeks »
GreenGeeks stands out in the hosting crowd with their strong commitment to environmental sustainability. As their name suggests, they’re all about green hosting, making them an excellent choice for environmentally conscious website owners.
What sets GreenGeeks apart is their pledge to put back 3 times the power they consume into the grid through renewable energy. This means that by choosing GreenGeeks, you’re not just hosting your site – you’re actively contributing to a more sustainable internet.
But GreenGeeks isn’t just about being eco-friendly. They offer solid performance with their SSD storage, built-in caching, and CDN integration. This ensures your WordPress site loads quickly and efficiently, keeping your visitors happy and potentially boosting your search engine rankings.
One of GreenGeeks’ unique features is their proactive security scanning. They regularly scan for and patch vulnerabilities in popular WordPress plugins, adding an extra layer of protection to your site without you having to lift a finger.
GreenGeeks Pros
- Includes free WordPress install and auto updates
- Built-in caching ensures faster speed and reduced loading times
- Create unlimited databases
- They offer a 300% Green Energy Match
- GreenGeeks will plant 1 tree for every plan purchased
GreenGeeks Cons
- You can create only 1 website with standard performance on the base plan.
Who is GreenGeeks Best For?
It’s the perfect solution for environmentally conscious individuals and businesses who don’t want to compromise on performance or features. Their commitment to renewable energy has been a selling point for several of my eco-friendly clients, while their solid speed and reliability have consistently impressed even my more tech-savvy users.
GreenGeeks Pricing
Starts at $2.95 per month. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee.
✅ Free Domain ✅ Free SSL ✅ Free Email
That’s the list of the best shared WordPress web hosting services to choose from. I hope you found this guide helpful in choosing the right plan whether you want to start a blog, business website, or eCommerce store.
Which is the Best Shared WordPress Hosting Service?
Each of these hosting providers offers unique features and benefits, catering to different needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize eco-friendliness, performance, ease of use, or comprehensive support, there’s likely a host in this list that fits your requirements. Remember, choosing the right host is crucial for your WordPress site’s success, so take the time to consider which features are most important for your specific needs.
| Hosting Service | Overview | Pricing | Money Back | Free Domain | Free Email | Free SSL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluehost | Highlights user-friendly interface and beginner focus | $2.75/mo | 30 days | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Hostinger | Affordable with good features | $2.69/mo | 30 days | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| SiteGround | Optimized servers for fast loading times | $2.99/mo | 30 days | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| HostGator | Good balance of features and affordability | $2.52/mo | 30 days | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| InMotion Hosting | Utilizes cloud infrastructure for scalability | $2.29/mo | 90 days | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| GreenGeeks | Focuses on renewable energy | $2.95/mo | 30 days | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
BONUS: Tips on How To Choose the Right Host
1. Assess Your Needs: Determine whether you need shared vs managed WordPress hosting based on your technical skills and site requirements.
2. Consider Performance: Look for hosts that offer solid performance metrics and have a reputation for speed and reliability.
3. Check Reddit Recommendations: Platforms like Reddit can provide honest user experiences. Search for “Best WordPress hosting Reddit” or “Best shared WordPress hosting Reddit” for real user feedback.
4. Evaluate Support Options: Ensure the host offers comprehensive WordPress support, including 24/7 availability and knowledgeable staff.
5. Look for Scalability: Choose a host that allows you to easily upgrade as your site grows, from shared hosting to managed hosting or cloud hosting.
6. Consider Security Features: Look for hosts that offer robust security measures, regular backups, and SSL certificates.
7. Compare Pricing: While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest WordPress hosting, balance cost with features and reliability.
8. Check for Ease of Use: For beginners, look for hosts that offer one-click WordPress installation and user-friendly control panels.
9. Read Recent Reviews: Look for the “Best hosting for WordPress 2024” to get up-to-date recommendations.
10. Consider Your Business Type: If you’re running an online store, prioritize hosts known for “Best hosting for WordPress eCommerce.”
11. Look for Value-Added Features: Some hosts offer extras like free domain names, email accounts, or website builders.
12. Check Resource Allocation: Ensure the host offers sufficient storage and bandwidth for your needs.
13. Verify Uptime Guarantees: Look for hosts that offer at least 99.9% uptime guarantees.
14. Consider Data Center Locations: Choose a host with data centers close to your target audience for better performance.
Remember, the best shared WordPress hosting for small businesses might differ from what’s best for a personal blog. Always consider your specific needs when choosing a host. If you’re new to WordPress, our WordPress 101 course can help you make the most of your chosen hosting platform.
Next, I’ll answer some frequently asked questions on WordPress hosting services.
FAQs on Shared WordPress Hosting Services
What is shared WordPress hosting?
Shared WordPress hosting is a type of web hosting where multiple websites share resources on a single server. It’s typically the most affordable option for hosting a WordPress site, making it popular among beginners and small businesses.
How does shared hosting differ from other types of hosting?
Unlike VPS or dedicated hosting, shared hosting means your site shares server resources with other websites. This makes it more affordable but can potentially impact performance during high-traffic periods.
What’s the difference between shared vs managed WordPress hosting?
Shared hosting is more affordable but offers fewer resources, while managed WordPress hosting provides better performance, security, and WordPress-specific support.
Is shared WordPress hosting secure?
Most reputable hosts provide basic security measures for shared hosting. However, the level of security can vary between providers. It’s important to choose a host with a good security track record and to implement your own security best practices.
Can I upgrade from shared hosting as my site grows?
Yes, most hosting providers offer easy upgrade paths from shared hosting to VPS or dedicated hosting as your site’s needs grow.
What should I look for in a shared WordPress hosting provider?
Key factors include uptime guarantees, loading speeds, customer support, security features, and ease of use. Look for hosts that offer one-click WordPress installation and automatic updates.
What is the best shared WordPress hosting for beginners?
Hosts like Bluehost and SiteGround are often recommended for beginners due to their user-friendly interfaces and dedicated WordPress support.
How much does shared WordPress hosting typically cost?
Prices can range from about $1.99 to $15 per month, depending on the provider and plan features. Many hosts offer discounts for longer commitments.
Will shared hosting be enough for my WordPress site?
For most small to medium-sized WordPress sites, shared hosting is sufficient. However, if you expect high traffic volumes or need advanced features, you might need to consider more robust hosting options.
Is there free WordPress hosting available?
While free WordPress hosting exists, it often comes with limitations. For a professional site, it’s usually better to opt for affordable WordPress hosting. See 7 Best Free Web Hosting Companies (Actually FREE!)
What is the cheapest WordPress hosting?
Providers like Hostinger and Bluehost offer some of the most affordable WordPress hosting options, but be sure to compare features, not just price.
What is managed cloud hosting?
Managed cloud hosting combines the scalability of cloud infrastructure with the convenience of managed WordPress services, offering high performance and reliability.
What does “officially recommended by WordPress” mean?
WordPress.org officially recommends certain hosts, like Bluehost and SiteGround, indicating they meet WordPress’s standards for quality and compatibility.
What are hosting performance metrics, and why are they important?
Performance metrics include uptime, server response time, and page load speed. They’re crucial for user experience and SEO. Most web hosts provide a dashboard with these responses as well as a status page with real-time information about a host’s system performance and uptime, offering transparency about their service reliability.
What is the best hosting for WordPress eCommerce?
For eCommerce, consider hosts with strong security features, SSL certificates, and excellent uptime. SiteGround and WP Engine are popular choices.
Once you choose a hosting plan and get a domain name, you can install WordPress and start building your website. You can use the default WordPress customizer or choose a website builder like SeedProd or Thrive Theme Builder.
WordPress is an incredibly powerful CMS (content management system) with so many features. As you get comfortable with WordPress, you’ll definitely want to explore more features and sharpen your skills.
We’ve created video tutorials that are easy to follow and always up to date to help you unlock the full potential of WordPress.
Leave a Reply