The Best Web Hosting Services of 2024: Our Top Picks
If you want to build a website, the first step is choosing the right web hosting service. With dozens of options available, finding the perfect fit can be a challenge. The good news is that you no longer need to be a programmer or hire someone to build advanced website features for you. Many web hosting providers now offer comprehensive packages that include everything you need to launch and maintain a successful website, from e-commerce tools to SEO assistance and security features. And the best part? These services are affordable and accessible to everyone.
Our Top Recommendation: Hostinger
After conducting extensive research and hands-on testing, ZDNet’s top pick for the best web hosting service overall is Hostinger. Hostinger offers plans starting at only $2.99 per month, making it an excellent choice for most website owners. Their premium plan includes a website builder, WordPress integration, templates, emails, SEO tools, marketing assistance, and more.
Best Web Hosting Services of 2024
Hostinger
Best web hosting service overall
Hostinger’s premium plan offers excellent value for the money, with features like 100GB storage, up to 100 email addresses, free SSL security, unlimited bandwidth, and a free domain name. The plan supports multiple websites and includes basic e-commerce capabilities, one-click WordPress installation, and migration. Customer reviews praise Hostinger for its customer service, ease of use, and affordability.
Features: cPanel: Yes | SSL: Some plans | SSH: Yes | Backups: Yes | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Support: 24/7, live chat support
DreamHost
Best web hosting service for professionals
DreamHost’s easy-to-use interface, efficiency, and customer support make it a top choice for business owners and webmasters. The hosting provider offers a wide range of hosting options, including shared hosting, VPS, dedicated servers, and more. DreamHost also provides G Suite integration, domain integration, Google Cloud support, free SSL certificates, and a 97-day money-back guarantee.
Features: cPanel: No, proprietary panel | SSL: Free | SSH: Yes | Backups: Yes | Money-back guarantee: 97 days | Support: 24/7 chat, ticket, call-back
Ionos
Best budget web hosting service
Ionos is a top pick for affordable, long-term web hosting. The provider offers reliable uptime, daily backups, free SSL certificates, email, a free domain, and 24/7 support. Ionos’s plans are affordable, with options to support one website or unlimited websites with unlimited databases and storage.
Features: cPanel: Yes | SSL: Yes, wildcard | SSH: Yes | Backups: Daily | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Support: 24/7
A2 Web Hosting
Best web hosting service for beginners
A2 Hosting is an excellent option for beginners looking to learn web development without breaking the bank. With plans starting at $1.95 per month, A2 offers a range of features including a website builder, unlimited email accounts, ample storage, and automatic backups. Customer reviews highlight A2’s 24/7 customer support and scalability options.
Features: Multi-tier plans | 99.99% uptime commitment | Free SSL certificates | cPanel control | Money-back guarantee | Automatic backups | 24/7 phone, email, live chat support
GreenGeeks
Best web hosting service for the environmentally-conscious
GreenGeeks is a great option for eco-conscious users looking for sustainable hosting solutions. The provider offers environmentally friendly hosting backed by fast, reliable servers. GreenGeeks offers a variety of hosting options, including standard hosting, WordPress installs, and e-commerce services. Plans start at $2.95 per month with options to upgrade for unlimited websites, managed WordPress installs, and more.
Features: cPanel: Yes | SSL: Free | SSH: Yes | Backups: Varies by plan | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Support: Depends on plan
GoDaddy
Best web hosting service for GoDaddy domain customers
GoDaddy is a popular choice for individuals and small businesses looking for a reliable web hosting platform. With plans starting at $5.99 per month, GoDaddy offers a range of features including free domain names, SSL certificates, automatic WordPress updates, and daily backups. Customer reviews highlight GoDaddy’s customer service, pricing, and integration with other GoDaddy services.
Features: cPanel: Some plans | SSL: Some plans | SSH: Some plans | Backups: Some plans | Money-back guarantee: 30 days for annual plans, 48 hours for monthly plans | Support: 24/7/365 US-based ticket and phone
Wix
Best web hosting service for simple e-commerce
Wix is a popular choice for users looking for a simple website builder with a focus on e-commerce. With plans starting at $17 per month, Wix offers a range of templates and an easy-to-use website builder. While Wix may not offer the same level of customization as WordPress, it provides a streamlined website creation process for beginners.
Features: cPanel: No | SSL: Free | SSH: No | Backups: Site history | Money-back guarantee: 14 days | Support: 24/7 English call-back
Expert Takeaways
Hostinger tops our list for its excellent features and affordability, making it a great choice for most website owners. DreamHost, Ionos, A2 Hosting, GreenGeeks, GoDaddy, and Wix all offer unique benefits and features depending on your specific needs. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn web development or a seasoned professional in need of scalable hosting options, there’s a perfect provider for you.
Considerations When Choosing a Web Hosting Service
When selecting a web hosting provider, it’s essential to consider factors like reliability, affordability, scalability, and customer support. Choose a provider with a proven track record of stability, a pricing structure that fits your budget, options to scale your hosting as your business grows, and reliable customer support for all your needs.
Choosing the Right Web Hosting Provider
Whether you’re a beginner looking to launch your first website or a seasoned webmaster in search of high-performance hosting, finding the right web hosting provider is crucial. Our recommendations are based on extensive testing, user reviews, and industry expertise. From popular options like WordPress.com to powerful IaaS providers like Amazon and Google, there’s a hosting solution for every need.
For more information and expert insights, reach out to industry professionals like Nick Farnborough and Gerrid Smith, who have years of experience in digital marketing and SEO. They can provide additional guidance and recommendations tailored to your specific requirements.