Web hosts ensure text, media files, and metadata are associated with the right URL so that when you enter a web address, you get the correct website. As a business owner, you want the best web hosting service you can afford, since your website is a calling card for your entire business.
Here’s a guide to finding a web host for your business’s site, plus a rundown of some of the top web hosting providers on the market.
What is web hosting?
Web hosting is a service that allows individuals and organizations to make their websites accessible on the internet. It involves renting or buying space on a physical server that stores website files. When users want to view a website, they enter its address (URL) into their browser, which then retrieves the website files from the server and displays the website on their device. A web hosting provider provides and maintains the web servers that make this possible.
Key components of web hosting
Here are the main components of a web hosting service:
- Server. Computers store website files, and web hosting companies maintain this hardware to ensure websites are always running and accessible.
- Bandwidth. This is the data that transfers between the server and users over a specific period, and allows more users to access the site simultaneously without performance issues.
- Disk space. Disk space is the amount of storage provided for website files, databases, and other content; larger websites with more media (images, videos) require more disk space.
- Domain name. A domain name is the unique address of the website, like www.example.com. It is not part of the hosting service itself but is necessary for accessing the hosted site.
- Uptime. As the amount of time the server is operational and accessible, uptime is crucial for ensuring a website is consistently available to users.
Recommended reading: I Have a Domain Name, Now What? Essential Next Steps
How Shopify tests web hosting services
To find the best web hosting services for 2025, Shopify tested leading providers based on uptime commitment, customer support evaluation, page loading time/site speed, cost and affordability, feature sets, ease of use, reliability, G2 ratings, and renewal rates.
All of these factors are essential for those looking to run a fully functional website, online business owners setting up online stores, and first-time site owners.
With that testing criteria in mind, here’s a closer look at the core types of web hosting these services offer, from shared hosting plans to dedicated hosting plans to everything in between.
Types of web hosting
- Shared hosting
- Virtual private server (VPS) hosting
- Dedicated hosting
- Cloud hosting
- Managed hosting
- Reseller hosting
As a customer, you have multiple website hosting options from which to choose—from a high-performance virtual private server to shared space on a large server. Here are six options to consider when selecting a web hosting plan:
1. Shared hosting
In shared web hosting, multiple websites share the same server and resources. It is cost-effective but can lead to slower performance if one site uses excessive resources.
2. Virtual private server (VPS) hosting
In VPS hosting, websites share a physical server but have dedicated resources and a separate operating environment. VPS hosting plans offer better performance and more control than shared hosting.
3. Dedicated hosting
The dedicated server hosting model devotes an entire web server to a single website. Dedicated servers provide maximum performance and control, but they are more expensive.
4. Cloud hosting
Cloud hosting plans are a network of virtual and physical servers that host websites. This setup offers scalable resources and high reliability because if a web server goes down, a cloud hosting service can offload traffic to a different server that it operates.
5. Managed hosting
A managed hosting provider handles server management tasks, including maintenance, updates, and security. This arguably makes managed web hosting the best web hosting service for those who prefer not to manage the technical aspects of their brand’s website.
6. Reseller hosting
Reseller hosting plans allow individuals or companies to resell hosting services under their brand. This model may appeal to web developers or agencies that offer web hosting plans as part of a larger suite of services. Shopify is one such example. When you sell merchandise through Shopify, you get a website builder and hosting for your ecommerce store, along with many other services tailored to the retail industry.
Features to look for in web hosting services
- Reliability
- Scalability
- Security features
- Customer support
- Performance and speed
- Ease of use
- Pricing and value
- Server locations and CDN
As a business owner, you must ensure your website operates efficiently, remains secure, and provides a positive user experience. Here are seven key features to look for when sorting through the many web hosting services on the market:
Reliability
Look for a hosting provider with a strong reputation for reliability. Consistent server performance is crucial to ensure your website is always accessible. Many providers offer a percentage-based uptime guarantee, such as 99.9%. Higher uptime guarantees are critical for maintaining a professional presence and avoiding lost sales or leads.
Scalability
Your hosting needs may change as your business grows. Choose a hosting service that allows easy upgrades in terms of storage, bandwidth, and other resources. Look for providers that offer many web hosting plans (including shared, VPS, dedicated, and cloud) so you can upgrade without migrating to a different host.
Security features
SSL certificates encrypt data transferred between your website and users. An SSL certificate is essential for protecting sensitive information and building trust. Additionally, regular automated backups ensure you can quickly recover your website in case of data loss or cyberattacks. Proactive security measures such as malware scanning and removal can protect your site from malicious activities.
You’ll also want to look for hosting companies that offer DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) protection. DDoS protection scans for and blocks threats, usually through different methods like web application firewalls and always-on monitoring and mitigation.
Customer support
24/7 customer support is crucial—especially if you run an ecommerce site or your website plays a critical role in your business operations. Multiple support options (live chat, phone, email) ensure you can get help in the way that suits you best.
Look for hosting providers with knowledgeable support teams that can assist with technical issues promptly and effectively. Lower-grade website hosts may outsource their customer support to workers who lack the requisite expertise to help you.
Performance and speed
Servers nearer to your target audience may reduce latency and improve loading times. If your customer base mostly resides in the US or Canada, you’ll benefit from North American servers. Alternatively, a content delivery network (CDN) can distribute your website’s content across multiple locations globally, speeding up access for users regardless of their geographic location.
Ensure your hosting plan provides sufficient central processing unit (CPU) power, random access memory (RAM), and other resources to handle your site performance and bandwidth needs.
Ease of use
A user-friendly control panel (like cPanel or Plesk) simplifies website management tasks such as setting up email accounts, managing files, and installing applications. Easy-to-use tools will help you quickly make adjustments to your website and then go back to more pressing work. Look for features like one-click installations for popular content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress, database management tools, and file management capabilities.
Pricing and value
Choose providers that offer free web hosting or affordable hosting costs, and take care to avoid hidden fees. Investigate site renewal rates as they can sometimes increase after the initial sign-up rate. A money-back guarantee allows you to test the hosting service and ensure it meets your needs without a long-term commitment.
Evaluate what the price includes, such as free domain registration, a free SSL certificate, email accounts, and backups. Make sure your hosting plan aligns with the website-building tools you intend to use. For instance, WordPress hosting companies specialize in supporting a WordPress website.
Server locations and CDN
To keep your site fast and reliable, choose a hosting platform with servers located close to your audience. Proximity reduces latency and helps pages load more quickly. Look for a plan that includes a content delivery network (CDN), a global system of servers. Shopify includes a built-in CDN for every store, ensuring your pages load quickly no matter where your customers are.
Best web hosting services
Here’s a quick overview of 10 web hosting providers to consider as you seek the ideal hosting service for your business:
| Provider | Who it’s for | Notable features | Support & uptime | G2 ⭐ rating | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shopify | Businesses of all sizes needing all-in-one ecommerce hosting | Drag-and-drop builder, integrated payments, SSL, domain registration, 8,000+ apps | 24/7 email, chat, phone | ⭐ 4.4 | Starter $5/month Basic $29/month Advanced $299/month |
| InMotion | SMEs needing scalable, reliable hosting | NVMe SSD, cPanel/Stack optimization, free domain + SSL, DDoS protection, 90-day money-back | 24/7 human chat, some phone support; uptime 99.99% | ⭐ 4.3 | Shared $1.99–$25.99/month Promo from $2.99/month |
| WP Engine | Managed WordPress users wanting top performance | Daily backups, staging, global CDN, DDoS protection | 24/7 chat, some phone support; uptime 99.9% | ⭐ 4.5 | $25–$400/month |
| Bluehost | Beginners and small businesses on a budget | Free domain (1 year), SSL, 30-day money-back | 24/7 chat + email, phone on higher plans | ⭐ 4.4 | $4.95–$16.99/month $11.99–$24.99/month renewal |
| SiteGround | WordPress users valuing support and reliability | Unmetered traffic, renewable energy, backups, CDN + SSL | 24/7 chat + phone, ticket; SLA of 15 minutes | ⭐ 4.2 | $2.99–$7.99/month $17.99–$44.99/month renewal |
| HostGator | Budget users and small sites | Free builder, site migration, SSL, malware scan, DDoS protection | 24/7 chat, X & phone; uptime 99% | ⭐ 3.6 | $3.75–$13.95/month $10.95–$29.69 renewal |
| DreamHost | Bloggers and WordPress sites | Unlimited bandwidth, free domain + SSL, daily backups | 24/7 in-house chat + tech support (*1-hour response*); uptime 100% | ⭐ 4.0 | $2.59–$9.95/month $6.99–$17.99 renewal |
| Hostinger.co (formerly A2) | Speed-focused developers and power users | Turbo servers, SSL, hPanel, daily backups | 24/7/365 chat + phone; uptime 99.9% | ⭐ 4.4 | $1.99–$8.99 intro $11.99–$27.99 renewal |
| GreenGeeks | Eco-conscious users | 300% renewable energy matching, SSL, backups, free shared per plan | 24/7 chat + email + phone; 1–2 hr. response; uptime 99.9% | ⭐ 3.8 | $2.95–$8.95/month $17.25–$29.95 renewal |
| Hostinger | Cost-focused site data users and self-hosters | hPanel, global data centers, SSL, email accounts | 24/7 live chat; uptime 99.9% | ⭐ 4.4 | $1.99–$11.99/month avg range |
Shopify
Shopify is the best web hosting provider for ecommerce merchants who need an all-in-one retail service. Use the AI store builder to create a free store design in minutes or get started with one of many ready-built themes. Each Shopify store comes with unlimited product listings, robust analytics, access to more than 8,000 apps, and 24/7 customer support. Shopify boasts fast page loading times, with an LCP of one second on desktop.
Who it’s for
Shopify is built for businesses of all sizes, from solopreneurs to large enterprises, and has hosting built into its platform.
Features
- Notable features: User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop store builder, integrated payment processing and SSL certificates, domain registration, mobile-optimized themes, comprehensive analytics, and reporting.
- AI tools: Use Shopify Magic to streamline your store design process and create landing pages and product listings, then tap Sidekick as your always-on business consultant.
- Advanced customization and API access: While coding isn’t required, you can tailor your storefront and back-end systems to meet your unique needs with extensive customization options and API support.
- 24/7 customer support: Enjoy round-the-clock support via email, live chat, and phone.
- Security: Shopify stores are all Level 1 PCI compliant. This is the strictest set of security requirements outlined by the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).
- G2 ⭐️ rating: 4.4
Plans and pricing
Shopify offers a wide range of plans to support businesses of all sizes. These rates are all when billed annually:
- Starter: $5 per month
- Basic: $29 per month
- Grow: $79 per month
- Advanced: $299 per month
Start your Shopify free trial, no credit card required. Get three days free, then the first three months for $1 per month.
InMotion
InMotion Hosting features NVMe SSD storage, optimizations via its UltraStack architecture, built-in security tools (SSL, DDoS protection), and a cPanel interface. InMotion claims 24/7 human support and a 99.99% uptime guarantee on many plans. That said, backups aren’t included on all tiers, and some users report inconsistent support or slower response times under heavy load. In Shopify’s tests, InMotion had an LCP desktop loading time of 1.6 seconds.
Who it’s for
InMotion Hosting is for small to medium-sized businesses who need a reliable hosting solution they can grow with.
Features
- Noteworthy features: Free domain name and SSL, unlimited bandwidth and disk space, free site migration, malware and DDoS protection, up to 90-day money-back guarantee.
- Support offered: 24/7 human support via chat; some plans include phone support.
- Uptime claim: 99.99%
- G2 ⭐️ rating: 4.3
Plans and pricing
Plan pricing is based on the type of hosting service you choose. Shared hosting pricing ranges from $11.99 to $25.99, with promotional pricing starting at $2.99 for new customers only.
WP Engine
WP Engine is a premium managed WordPress platform built for performance, security, and scale. It’s designed for businesses, agencies, and high-traffic sites that want a hands-off hosting experience. Each plan includes automated WordPress updates, daily backups, staging environments, and performance tools. However, WP Engine comes at a higher price point than standard shared hosts. In Shopify’s tests, WP Engine had an LCP loading time of 1.7 seconds.
Who it’s for
WP Engine is for WordPress users looking for a managed hosting solution.
Features
- Noteworthy features: Fully managed WordPress hosting, daily backups and automated updates, SSL certificate and Level 3 and 4 DDoS protection, global CDN.
- Support offered: Available 24/7/365 via a knowledge base, AI assistant, and chat. Some plans include phone support.
- Uptime claim: 99.99%
- G2 ⭐️ rating: 4.5
Plans and pricing
Pricing ranges from $25 to $400 per month; renewal rates not listed.
Bluehost
Bluehost is one of the few hosts officially recommended by WordPress.org, and its plans include built-in tools for quick setup, automatic updates, and simple site management. Mid-tier plans support hosting and managing multiple websites under one account, while entry-level tiers are more limited. Notably, BlueHost has one of the lowest G2 ratings among major hosts, with some reviewers citing difficulty with site functionality, reliability, and customer support. In Shopify’s tests, BlueHost had an LCP loading time of 2.8 seconds on desktop.
Who it’s for
Bluehost is for beginners and small businesses looking for a simple and affordable hosting solution.
Features
- Noteworthy features: Free domain name for the first year, SSL certificate included, 30-day money-back-guarantee.
- Support offered: 24/7 email and chat support; phone support available on higher tier plans.
- Uptime claim: Depends on type of hosting.
- G2 ⭐️ rating: 3.4
Plans and pricing
Introductory pricing for standard plans ranges from $4.99 to $16.99 per month for a 12-month term. Then, plans renew at $11.99 to $24.99 for a 12-month term. Additional discounts apply for those committing to a 36-month term. Pricing increases for high-performance, commerce, VPS, dedicated, and cloud hosting plans.
SiteGround
SiteGround offers standard web hosting, cloud hosting, reseller hosting, hosting for WooCommerce, and managed WordPress hosting plans. While many compelling features come standard, SiteGround’s renewal pricing is higher than many other web hosts on this list. SiteGround had a fast LCP loading time of 1.1 seconds on desktop during testing.
Who it’s for
SiteGround is for WordPress users who value customer support and reliability.
Features
- Noteworthy features: Unmetered traffic, 100% renewable energy matching, website builder, daily backups, free CDN and SSL, managed WordPress features.
- Support offered: 24/7 live chat, phone support, and access to technicians via ticketing with a 15 minute response time SLA.
- Uptime claim: None provided.
- G2 ⭐️ rating: 4.2
Plans and pricing
Introductory pricing for web hosting plans ranges from $2.99 to $7.99 per month. Renewal rates range from $17.99 to $44.99 per month billed yearly for a 12-month term.
HostGator
HostGator caters to budget-conscious users and small businesses looking for simple, flexible shared hosting. While its affordability and ease of setup make it appealing for beginners, reviewers often note inconsistent performance, longer support wait times, and aggressive upsells. During our page speed tests, HostGator had an LCP loading time of 1.3 seconds on desktop.
Who it’s for
HostGator is a budget option for small businesses or for those building a personal website.
Features
- Noteworthy features: Free website builder, user-friendly control panel, free site migration tool, unmetered bandwidth, free SSL, malware scanning, and DDoS protection, 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Support offered: 24/7 support via live chat, X, and phone, with a self-serve knowledge base and blog resources.
- Uptime claim: 99%
- G2 ⭐️ rating: 3.6
Plans and pricing
Introductory pricing for web hosting plans ranges from $3.75 to $13.95 per month for a 36-month term. Rates renew at $10.99 to $29.69.
DreamHost
DreamHost embraces comprehensive and flexible hosting making it a strong choice for hosting a WordPress site. However, based on our testing it had the slowest LCP load time of 4.3 seconds on desktop.
Who it’s for
DreamHost is for bloggers or small businesses who want to build or already have a WordPress site.
Features
- Noteworthy features: Unmetered bandwidth, one-click WordPress installer, free domain and privacy protection, free SSL certificate, DDoS protection, daily backups.
- Support offered: 24/7 in-house support. Technical support response times are less than an hour; connect via chat in less than a minute.
- Uptime claim: 100%
- G2 ⭐️ rating: 4.0
Plans and pricing
Promotional pricing ranges from $2.99 to $9.99 per month for the first year. Renewal rates range from $10.99 to $25.99 per month.
Hosting.com (formerly A2 Hosting)
Hosting.com (formerly A2 Hosting) is a web hosting provider that offers excellent speed and performance, developer-friendly options, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. While Hosting.com delivers strong uptime and scalability, some reviewers have complained about its cost. Shopify’s tests revealed an LCP loading time of 1.5 seconds on desktop.
Who it’s for
Hosting.com is for those looking for speed and performance at an affordable price point.
Features
- Noteworthy features: Turbo servers for faster loading times, free site migration, 30-day money-back guarantee, free SSL, daily backups.
- Support offered: In-house support offered 24/7/365 via live chat and phone.
- Uptime claim: 99.9%
- G2 ⭐️ rating: 4.4
Plans and pricing
Introductory pricing ranges from $1.99 to $8.99 for the first year, billed annually. Plans renew at $11.99 to $27.99 per year, billed annually.
GreenGeeks
GreenGeeks markets itself as an eco-friendly web host, offsetting three times the energy it consumes. It’s good for bloggers, small businesses, and WordPress users who care about sustainability. However, GreenGeeks’ pricing increases sharply after renewal. In Shopify’s tests, GreenGeeks showed an LCP page load time of 1.9 seconds on desktop.
Who it’s for
GreenGeeks is for eco-conscious individuals looking for a green hosting alternative.
Features
- Noteworthy features: 30-day money-back guarantee, unmetered traffic, daily backups, AI website builder, 300% renewable energy match, one tree planted per hosting account.
- Support offered: 24/7 expert support via phone, live chat, and email. Email resolution times are estimated between 15 and 20 minutes.
- Uptime claim: 99.9%
- G2 ⭐️ rating: 3.8
Plans and pricing
Promotional pricing for WordPress and WooCommerce hosting ranges from $2.95 to $8.95 per month for the initial term. Renewal rates range from $12.95 to $29.95 per month. Plans for reseller and VPS hosting are also available at higher rates.
Hostinger
Hostinger offers a proprietary control panel called hPanel, an AI website builder, global data centers, and fast loading times. There’s no phone support, and lower tiers include reduced storage, but Hostinger remains one of the most cost-effective options for budget-focused site owners. According to Shopify’s tests, Hostinger had a 1.6 second LCP page loading time on desktop.
Who it’s for
Hostinger is for those looking for a solid web hosting option at a good cost, or who need a self-hosted solution.
Features
- Noteworthy features: Free site migration, 30-day money-back guarantee, SSL, weekly automatic backups, email addresses.
- Support offered: 24/7 support via live chat; the company claims responses “within minutes.”
- Uptime claim: 99.9%
- G2 ⭐️ rating: 4.4
Plans and pricing
Hostinger offers plans at month-to-month, 12-month, 24-month, and 48-month terms. Pricing is more competitive the longer you commit. Month-to-month pricing starts at $12.19 per month; 48-month term pricing ranges from $2.49 to $7.49 per month and renews at $10.99 to $25.99 per month.
Best web hosting services FAQ
What is the difference between web hosting and domain hosting?
Web hosting involves storing website files on a server to make them accessible online, while domain hosting involves managing the domain name that users type into their browser to access your website.
Does Shopify offer web hosting?
Yes, Shopify offers web hosting as part of its comprehensive ecommerce platform, which also includes a website builder and myriad retail tools to manage your ecommerce business.
How do you choose the best web hosting service?
To choose the right web hosting plan, evaluate your needs, such as whether you require a site builder, unlimited disk space, or specific features like full root access for advanced customization of an existing website. Additionally, ensure the service can efficiently host websites and meet your scalability requirements.
What is the best web hosting service?
Our recommended hosting provider for the best web hosting service is Shopify. Shopify retains the highest usage percentage (4.9%) out of all web hosting providers. Aside from being the world’s leading ecommerce platform, Shopify plans include powerful web hosting.
What is a good price for web hosting?
A reliable web hosting service costs less during the initial promotional period when you first sign up. For example, the lowest promotional rate on our list of the best web hosting services is $2.49 per month. Renewal rates range from $11 to $30 per month, depending on tier and contract length. A good price for web hosting remains close to that range. All-in-one solutions cost a bit more, but keep everything together, making it a much better user experience.
