Best Cheap Linux Shared Hosting

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TL;DR

Cheap Linux Web Hosting offers an affordable way to host websites with the flexibility and security of the Linux operating system. It’s ideal for small businesses, personal projects, and developers who need a budget-friendly option. Our top pick, Hostinger, not only offers low prices but also provide essential features like user-friendly control panels, regular backup & easy restore, one-click installers, and responsive customer support, making them excellent choices for beginners and those with modest hosting needs.

Hosting ProviderStarting PriceKey FeaturesProsCons
Hostinger$2.99/monthcPanel, host 100 websites, weekly backupsAffordable, user-friendly, reliable uptime, good customer supportLimited advanced features
Verpex$2.99/monthFree domain, daily backups, cPanelFree migrations, daily backups, SSD storageHigher renewal rates
UltaHost$3.08/monthFree domain, NVMe storage, cPanelCompetitive pricing, free migrationsLimited disk space
TMD Hosting$2.99/monthUnlimited bandwidth, SSD storage, cPanelStrong customer support, unlimited featuresSignup discount only for first year,; renewal prices increase significantly
InMotion Hosting$3.49/monthFree SSL, unlimited bandwidth, cPanelReliable performance, free domain includedHigher price on renewal

Note: While our HostScore ratings provide a general overview of host performance, there are other factors you should consider for your specific needs. Our cheap Linux hosting selections in this article address this by offering tailored suggestions for different requirements.

Hostinger

Hostinger traces its origins back to 2004 when it began as Hosting Media, a brainchild of enterprising youth in Kaunas, Lithuania. Their journey of innovation commenced with the launch of 000webhost.com in 2007, followed by the establishment of the esteemed cPanel brand Hosting24.com in 2008.

The pivotal year of 2011 heralded the rise of Hostinger, accompanied by its bespoke hPanel interface. In 2016, Hostinger unveiled its cutting-edge cloud hosting service, marking another milestone in its remarkable evolution. In 2021, the company celebrated a significant milestone with the addition of its 1,000th employee, reinforcing its status as a premier provider of web hosting solutions.

Exclusive Deal Use promo code ‘HOSTSCORE’ to enjoy additional 10% discount on your first bill. Click here to order with discount now.

What We Think

Don’t be fooled by the low sign-up prices that Hostinger is boasting, they are far from your average budget host. Hostinger hosting excels in both speed and uptime performance which is hard to come by at this entry point price tag. Be aware though that renewal prices can hit your bottom line.

Learn More in Our Review

Cheapest Linux Hosting Plans

Linux Shared Hosting:
$2.99
– $9.99
/mo

Number of Websites Allowed

Lowest Shared Linux Plan:
100
; Higher Shared Linux Plans:
300

HostScore

%82.4
Hosting Services
Shared, VPS, and Cloud
Visit Online

Hostinger Pros

  • Very cost-effective – Lowest plan starts at $2.99/mo and support up to 100 websites
  • Nine different data centers in four continents
  • Good spread of hosting plans
  • User-friendly control panel (hPanel)
  • Wide range of payment options accepted
  • Git environment available on shared hosting
  • Additional 10% discount with coupon code “HOSTSCORE”

Hostinger Cons

  • Price increase during the renewal
  • Does not support Windows hosting

Verpex

Founded in late 2018, Verpex emerges from a seasoned team whose prior ventures were acquired by GoDaddy. This privately funded cPanel-based cloud hosting service prioritizes security and performance. Boasting over 250,000 hosted websites across 181 countries by 2024, Verpex emphasizes swift hosting, expert support, and enduring client partnerships at competitive rates.

What We Think

As a newcomer in the hosting industry, Verpex shows promise with feature-rich, affordable plans and solid customer support. Sadly, however, their premium hosting plans fall short in value compared to top-tier providers.

Learn More in Our Review

Cheapest Linux Hosting Plans

Linux Shared Hosting:
$2.99
– $8.99
/mo

Number of Websites Allowed

Lowest Shared Linux Plan:
1
; Higher Shared Linux Plans:
Unlimited

HostScore

%79.5
Hosting Services
Shared, VPS, Dedicated, Cloud, and Reseller
Visit Online

Verpex Pros

  • Budget-friendly shared and VPS hosting plans
  • 45-day money back guarantee
  • Daily backup included in all shared hosting plans
  • Unlimited free site migrations
  • Choice of 12 distributed data centers across five continents
  • Wide hosting selections including Windows and dedicated hosting

Verpex Cons

  • Price increase during the renewal

TMDHosting

Founded in 2007, TMD Hosting is a web hosting company headquartered in Orlando, Florida, USA. TMD Hosting prides itself on offering a wide range of hosting solutions, including shared hosting, VPS hosting, dedicated servers, and WordPress hosting. The company operates from data centers across three continents (North America, Europe, and Asia), ensuring high performance and reliability for its global customer base.

What We Think

TMDHosting shines as a full-service host with plans spanning shared to dedicated servers. With global data centers, including rare locations like South America and Africa, and lightning-fast customer support. In short – a no-brainer for those seeking value-packed hosting.

Learn More in Our Review

Cheapest Linux Hosting Plans

Linux Shared Hosting:
$2.99
– $8.99
/mo

Number of Websites Allowed

Lowest Shared Linux Plan:
1
; Higher Shared Linux Plans:
Unlimited

HostScore

%77.0
Hosting Services
Shared, VPS, Dedicated, and Cloud
Visit Online

TMDHosting Pros

  • Affordable pricing
  • Choice of global data centres in six continents
  • Easy-to-use centralized dashboard
  • Free white glove migration
  • Host unlimited websites in Business or Enterprise plans
  • Outstanding customer support
  • Reinforced DDoS protection for all shared hosting accounts

TMDHosting Cons

  • Lowest shared plan does not support automatic backup
  • Free domain has no privacy protection
  • Price increase during the renewal

Ultahost

Launched in 2018 by global entrepreneurs Elin and Deen Doughouz, UltaHost is a dynamic web hosting provider with dual headquarters in Delaware, USA, and Istanbul, Turkey.

With data centers strategically situated in key locations like Dallas, Texas, the Netherlands, Frankfurt, Germany, and Montreal, Canada, UltaHost ensures reliable service worldwide.

What We Think

Being the new kid in town Ultahost hosting offers are tempting. That’s especially true for their cheaper plans like Shared Hosting or WordPress Hosting. The cost is meager, and the company doesn’t overly penalize those that don’t want extended contracts. There’s no harm in taking them for a spin at just $3 per month with 99.99% uptime guarantee and free website migrations.

Learn More in Our Review

Cheapest Linux Hosting Plans

Linux Shared Hosting:
$3.08
– $12.99
/mo

Number of Websites Allowed

Lowest Shared Linux Plan:
Unlimited
; Higher Shared Linux Plans:
Unlimited

HostScore

%76.4
Hosting Services
Shared, VPS, Dedicated, and Reseller
Visit Online

Ultahost Pros

  • Outstanding server uptime and speed performance
  • Highly competitive pricing
  • Easy-to-use user dashboard
  • NVMe SSD storage in all shared hosting plans
  • Free malware scan & web applications firewall (WAF) in all shared hosting plans
  • Choice of 5 server locations in four continents

Ultahost Cons

  • Price increase during the renewal
  • Limited disk space.

InMotion Hosting

InMotion Hosting, established in 2001 by Sunil Saxena and Todd Robinson in Los Angeles, California, has grown to become a well-regarded name in the web hosting industry. The company’s foundation by industry veterans is reflective of its deep commitment to offering reliable and user-friendly hosting solutions.

What We Think

Backed by excellent performance and customer support, InMotion Hosting is easily one of the top web hosting choices in the market. There are extensive plans available for website to scale up with. And for those with an already existing site, free migration services for easy transfer.

Learn More in Our Review

Cheapest Linux Hosting Plans

Linux Shared Hosting:
$3.49
– $11.25
/mo

Number of Websites Allowed

Lowest Shared Linux Plan:
2
; Higher Shared Linux Plans:
Unlimited

HostScore

%71.9
Hosting Services
Shared, VPS, Dedicated, Cloud, and Reseller
Visit Online

InMotion Hosting Pros

  • Affordable pricing
  • Lowest shared hosting plan supports Python, Node.JS, Ruby and GIT version control
  • Choice of data center locations in the United States and Europe
  • Free AutoSSL
  • Built-in hack, DDoS, and malware protection
  • 90-day money back guarantee
  • Free website migration services

InMotion Hosting Cons

  • Lower shared hosting plans lack speed optimization
  • Price increase during the renewal


Cheap Linux Hosting Explained

What is Cheap Linux Hosting?

Cheap Linux Hosting refers to web hosting services that run on the Linux operating system and are available at a lower price point. These hosting plans, typically in shared server environment, are designed to provide essential features at an affordable cost, making them accessible for users with limited budgets.

Linux is a popular choice for web hosting due to its stability, security, and open-source nature (no license fees!), which allows hosting providers to keep costs down.

What’s in a Good Cheap Linux Hosting Deal?

Even selling at a relative lower price point, cheap Linux hosting must meet several key requirements to ensure it offers good value:

  • Basic Security: Even at a low cost, hosting should include essential security features like regular backup and basic firewalls to protect your website.
  • Adequate Resources: Sufficient CPU, RAM, and storage are needed to run websites smoothly, even on a budget plan.
  • Support for Popular Applications: Cheap Linux hosting should support popular applications like WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal, which are commonly used by beginners and small businesses.
  • Good for Beginners and Small Sites: A good cheap Linux hosting plans should be made best suited for small websites, personal projects, or beginners looking to get started with minimal technical difficulties and investments. On top of low cost, smooth onboarding process and a user-friendliness control panel are keys.
Hostinger Cheap Linux
The cheapest Linux plan at Hostinger covers tons of features including free pre-built website templates, capacity to host 100 websites, weekly backup, email hosting, as well as unlimited free SSL.

How Can Some Linux Hosting So Cheap?

Linux shared hosting is affordable for several reasons.

First of all, the open-source nature of Linux further cuts costs, as there are no licensing fees. Furthermore, in a shared server environment, multiple websites share the same server resources, such as CPU, RAM, and storage. This setup allows hosting providers to spread the cost of server maintenance across many users, significantly reducing the price for each.

Additionally, intense market competition pushes companies to offer deep discounts for new signups, sometimes even at a loss, to attract customers.

Who Should Use a Cheap Linux Hosting Plan?

A cheap Linux shared hosting plan is best suited for those who are just starting their online journey or have relatively simple hosting needs.

  • Small businesses with limited budgets can benefit from these plans by establishing an online presence without hefty upfront costs.
  • Personal projects like blogs, portfolios, or hobby sites are also ideal candidates, as they typically require fewer resources and can thrive in a shared environment.
  • Freelancers and developers may find cheap Linux hosting useful for testing environments or small-scale client projects, where affordability is key but high performance isn’t critical.

How is Expensive Linux Hosting Different?

Dedicated Server Resources

Expensive Linux hosting differs from cheaper options in several key areas, starting with dedicated resources. Unlike shared hosting, expensive plans provide dedicated CPU, RAM, and storage, ensuring consistent performance even during high traffic periods. This is crucial for businesses running resource-intensive applications or experiencing heavy visitor loads.

Special Industry Compliances

Another significant difference is special compliances. For example, businesses needing to adhere to strict regulations like HIPAA for healthcare data or PCI DSS for payment processing will require hosting solutions that offer enhanced security and compliance features. LiquidWeb, for instance, provides HIPAA-compliant hosting, complete with data encryption and secure backups, making it ideal for industries that handle sensitive information.

Advanced Supports

Support is another area where expensive Linux hosting excels. Premium hosting providers like Cloudways offer advanced support services, including 24/7 access to experienced engineers who can assist with complex issues. This level of support is vital for businesses that cannot afford downtime or need specialized assistance with server configurations.

Extra Security Measures

In addition to these features, expensive hosting often includes advanced security measures, such as hourly backups, DDoS protection, and custom firewalls, which are typically not available with cheaper plans. These enhancements make expensive hosting a better fit for websites requiring high levels of reliability, security, and customization.

How to Choose the Best Cheap Linux Hosting for Your Needs

Analyzing the Price Point

When choosing a cheap Linux shared hosting plan, price is often the most critical factor.

However, it’s essential to look beyond just the headline price and consider the full cost of ownership. Start by examining introductory offers – many hosts lure new customers with heavily discounted rates for the first year, but these prices often jump significantly upon renewal. Be wary of hidden fees such as setup charges, domain registration costs, or extra fees for add-ons like SSL certificates and backups.

Consider the total cost over time rather than just the monthly rate. This includes renewal prices, potential upgrade costs if you need more resources, and any charges for additional features that aren’t included in the basic plan. Some hosts may offer lower upfront costs but could end up being more expensive in the long run due to higher renewal rates or essential features that are only available as paid extras.

Finally, look out for money-back guarantees. A hosting provider with a solid money-back policy allows you to try the service without a long-term commitment, giving you flexibility if the host doesn’t meet your expectations.

Other Important Factors to Consider

  • Security Features: Basic security measures such as free SSL certificates, regular backups, and firewall protection should be included to safeguard your website.
  • Ease of Use: Look for hosting providers with intuitive control panels like cPanel or Plesk, making site management straightforward, even for beginners.
  • Performance and Uptime: Ensure the host offers strong uptime guarantees and decent load speeds, which are crucial for keeping your site accessible.
  • Scalability: Choose a host that allows easy upgrades as your website grows, ensuring you don’t outgrow your plan too quickly.
  • Customer Support: Opt for providers that offer 24/7 support, preferably with multiple contact methods like chat, phone, and email, to help when issues arise.

Final Thoughts

Cheap Linux web hosting provides an affordable entry point for individuals and businesses looking to establish an online presence. While these plans come with some limitations, they are sufficient for many small-scale projects.

By choosing a hosting provider that balances cost with essential features, you can get your website up and running without overspending. As your needs grow, most providers offer upgrade paths to more powerful plans, ensuring that your hosting solution can scale with your ambitions.


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Article by Jerry Low

Jerry Low has immersed himself in web technologies for over a decade and has built many successful sites from scratch. He is a self-professed geek who has made it his life’s ambition to keep the web hosting industry honest. For latest personal updates and news, follow Jerry on Facebook and Twitter.
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