10 Best Shared Hosting Providers for Your New Website
Shared hosting is a popular option for new website owners or small businesses due to its affordability and ease of use. Shared hosting essentially means sharing server resources with other websites, and it can come with different features and limitations depending on the provider.
In this article, we will explore some of the best shared hosting providers and the features they offer.
Features To Consider
Before choosing a shared hosting provider, it’s important to consider some key features that will impact your website’s performance and user experience. Some of these features include:
- Storage and bandwidth
- Website builder and content management system (CMS)
- Email hosting and support
- Security and backup options
- Uptime and performance guarantees
- Customer support channels
- Scalability options
Bluehost
Bluehost is a well-known shared hosting provider that’s been around since 2003. It offers a range of features designed to cater to various website needs, from a simple blog to an e-commerce platform. Bluehost’s shared hosting plans come with unmetered storage and bandwidth, a free domain name for the first year, and a user-friendly website builder.
It also has automatic WordPress installation and updates, making it a great option for those using WordPress as their CMS. Bluehost’s customer support is available 24/7 via phone, live chat, and email, and it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for shared hosting plans.
SiteGround
SiteGround is another popular shared hosting provider that prides itself on its speed and security features. Its shared hosting plans come with SSD storage, free Cloudflare CDN, and free SSL certificates to ensure fast and secure website loading times.
SiteGround also offers automatic updates for WordPress and Joomla, along with a website builder that’s easy to use for beginners. Its customer support is available 24/7 via phone, live chat, and ticket system, and it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for shared hosting plans.
A2 Hosting
A2 Hosting is a relatively new player in the shared hosting scene, but it’s quickly gaining popularity for its speed and reliability. Its shared hosting plans come with unlimited storage and bandwidth, along with free website migration and a website builder with over 100 templates to choose from.
A2 Hosting also offers multiple security and backup options, including free HackScan protection and free daily backups. Its customer support is available 24/7 via phone, live chat, and email, with a promise of a 99.9% uptime guarantee.
HostGator
HostGator is a veteran shared hosting provider that’s been around since 2002. It’s known for its affordable plans and user-friendly interface, making it a great option for beginners. HostGator’s shared hosting plans come with unmetered storage and bandwidth, a website builder with over 100 templates, and a one-click WordPress installation.
HostGator also offers automatic backups and malware scans, along with 24/7 customer support via phone, live chat, and email. It also has a 45-day money-back guarantee for shared hosting plans.
InMotion Hosting
InMotion Hosting is another longstanding shared hosting provider that’s been around since 2001. It offers a range of features designed to suit different website needs, from a simple blog to a large e-commerce site. InMotion Hosting’s shared hosting plans come with SSD storage, unlimited bandwidth, a free domain name for the first year, and a user-friendly website builder.
It also has free backups, malware protection, and a 90-day money-back guarantee for shared hosting plans. Its customer support is available 24/7 via phone, live chat, and email.
DreamHost
DreamHost is a shared hosting provider that stands out for its commitment to open-source and sustainable web hosting. Its shared hosting plans come with unlimited storage and bandwidth, a website builder, and easy WordPress installation. DreamHost also offers free domain privacy, automatic backups, and free SSL certificates.
Its customer support is available 24/7 via email and live chat, and it offers a 97-day money-back guarantee for shared hosting plans.
GoDaddy
GoDaddy is a well-known web hosting provider that offers shared hosting plans with user-friendly features and affordable pricing. Its shared hosting plans come with unmetered storage and bandwidth, a website builder, and a free domain name for the first year.
GoDaddy also offers automatic WordPress updates and free Microsoft Office 365 email for the first year. Its customer support is available 24/7 via phone and live chat, with a 30-day money-back guarantee for shared hosting plans.
Namecheap
Namecheap is a shared hosting provider that’s known for its affordable pricing and reliable service. Its shared hosting plans come with SSD storage, 3 websites hosted, a website builder, and easy WordPress installation.
Namecheap also offers automatic backups and a free domain name for the first year. Its customer support is available 24/7 via live chat and ticket system, and it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for shared hosting plans.
GreenGeeks
GreenGeeks is a shared hosting provider that’s committed to eco-friendly and sustainable web hosting. Its shared hosting plans come with unlimited storage and bandwidth, a website builder, and easy WordPress installation.
GreenGeeks also offers free domain name registration or transfer, free backups, and free SSL certificates. Its customer support is available 24/7 via phone, live chat, and email, and it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for shared hosting plans.
Comparison and Pricing
When it comes to pricing, shared hosting plans can range from a few dollars a month to over $15 a month, depending on the provider and the features included. It’s important to consider the features that matter most to your website needs and compare the plans side by side to find the best value.
Some providers offer special discounts for the first year, so it’s important to check the renewal rates as well.
Customer Support
Good customer support can make a big difference when it comes to website hosting. It’s important to choose a provider that offers 24/7 support via different channels and has a good reputation for resolving issues promptly and efficiently.
Security Features
Shared hosting can come with some security risks, so it’s important to choose a provider that offers adequate security features to protect your website and data. Look for features like SSL certificates, malware scanning, and automatic backups.
Uptime And Performance
Uptime and performance are crucial for a website’s success, so it’s important to choose a provider that offers reliable uptime guarantees and fast loading times. Look for providers that offer at least a 99% uptime guarantee and use SSD storage for faster loading times.
Scalability
As your website grows, you may need more resources and features to accommodate the traffic and functionality. It’s important to choose a provider that offers scalability options and can accommodate your website’s growth.
Control Panel
The control panel is where you manage your website’s settings, files, and features. Look for providers that offer user-friendly and intuitive control panels, like cPanel or Plesk.
Ease Of Use
Shared hosting should be easy to use, even for beginners. Look for providers that offer user-friendly interfaces, website builders, and one-click installations for popular CMSs.
Freebies And Add-ons
Some providers offer freebies and add-ons with their shared hosting plans, like free domain names, website migrations, or advertising credits. Look for providers that offer valuable freebies and add-ons that can help your website’s growth.
Money-Back Guarantee
It’s important to choose a provider that offers a money-back guarantee for shared hosting plans, so you can try out the service risk-free and get a refund if you’re not satisfied. Look for providers that offer at least a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Conclusion
Choosing the best shared hosting provider for your website can depend on many factors, but it’s important to consider the features that matter most to your website’s success. Look for providers that offer reliable uptime guarantees, fast loading times, user-friendly interfaces, and good customer support.
Consider the value you get for your money and don’t forget to check the renewal rates. With the right shared hosting provider, you can launch your website quickly and efficiently, and focus on growing your online presence.