TL;DR
The best web hosting for bloggers combines ease of use, reliability, excellent support, and scalability at an affordable price. Our top choices for blog hosting are ScalaHosting, which is recommended for larger blogs, and Hostinger, preferred for smaller or new blogs. These providers are selected for their overall excellence and competitive pricing.
| Hosting Provider | Key Features | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Hostinger | Affordable, user-friendly, 24/7 support | Beginners and small blogs |
| ScalaHosting | Advanced security features, VPS hosting | Growing blogs |
| Verpex | Budget-friendly, daily backups, unlimited migrations | Cost-conscious bloggers |
| Kinsta | High performance, Google Cloud infrastructure | High-performance needs |
| Cloudways | Managed cloud hosting, scalability, high performance | Larger blogs |
| Liquid Web | Fully managed hosting, excellent support | Resource-intensive blogs |
| WP Engine | Managed WordPress, developer-friendly | WordPress-centric blogs |
| Bluehost | WordPress recommended, user-friendly, free domain | New bloggers |
Note: HostScore Ratings offer a general overview of web hosting quality. However, consider additional factors for your specific hosting needs. This page provides tailored hosting recommendations for companies or individuals who own a blog.
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.
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Support for WordPress (Most Popular Blogging Tools)
For a host that’s known for its budget-oriented offerings, Hostinger breaks from the norm regarding its WordPress plans. It offers Managed WordPress hosting packages across several platforms, from shared to Cloud servers.
The minimum number of sites you can host on these starts at 100, whereas most competitors will begin at single-site offerings. Additionally, you get all the regular trimmings like free email, unmetered bandwidth, a free domain name, and backup systems.One downside, however, is that the cheapest plan in its WordPress range has severe limitations. For example, you can’t install WooCommerce, create on-demand backups, or use staging sites.Number of Blogs Allowed in One Account
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Hostinger Pros
- Affordable – Lowest plan starts at $2.99/mo and support up to 100 websites
- Nine different data centers in four continents
- Good spread of web hosting plans
- User-friendly proprietary control panel (hPanel).
- Wide range of payment options accepted
- AI-powered website builder in all shared plans
- Additional 10% discount with coupon code “HOSTSCORE”
Hostinger Cons
- Price increase during the renewal
- Does not support Windows hosting
Visit Hostinger to learn more about the features
ScalaHosting
Founded in 2007 by Hristo Rusev and Vladislav Georgiev, ScalaHosting has its headquarters in the Dallas, Texas. The company provides various hosting services like shared hosting, VPS hosting, cloud hosting, and email hosting. Renowned for its innovation, ScalaHosting sets itself apart with proprietary creations like sPanel and SShield, both designed in-house, providing users with intuitive server management and enhanced security.
Support for WordPress (Most Popular Blogging Tools)
Regarding WordPress, ScalaHosting understands that there’s nothing better than having many choices. They cater to all WordPress lovers, from those wanting cheap WordPress hosting to unlimited WordPress resources and even power-hungry pros.
All their WordPress plans include unlimited email and databases. More importantly, the cheapest WordPress plans allow you to access staging, Git, and WP-CLI. It’s a lot of love that starts at low prices.
The only downside is that real-time malware protection only gets included once you get past the most basic plan. However, since we’re talking about WordPress, you can easily use a plugin to satisfy that need.
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ScalaHosting Pros
- Outstanding hosting uptime and speed performance
- Affordable managed VPS hosting – 40% cheaper than its competitors
- Anytime unconditional Money-back Guarantee
- Automated backup with 7 restore points
- Generous offer in server resources – Even the lowest shared plan gets full NVMe storage, unmetered bandwidth and unlimited emails
- NVMe SSD storage for all shared hosting plans
- Innovative technology – SPanel, SShield, SWordPress
ScalaHosting Cons
- Renewal rates for shared hosting plans are rather expensive
Visit ScalaHosting to learn more about the features
Verpex
Founded in late 2018, Verpex was launched by a seasoned team with a history of successful ventures, some of which were later acquired by GoDaddy. As a privately funded, cPanel-based cloud hosting provider, Verpex places a strong emphasis on security and performance. By 2024, the company had grown to host over 250,000 websites across 181 countries, focusing on delivering fast hosting, expert support, and building long-term client relationships – all at competitive rates.
Support for WordPress (Most Popular Blogging Tools)
Verpex offers unmanaged and managed WordPress hosting. The unmanaged plans are based on shared hosting. This is the cheapest WordPress hosting you’ll get here, with prices as low as $2.99/mo.
For that, you get cPanel-based plans with 1-click app installers, unlimited bandwidth, NVMe drives for better performance and daily backups. They’ll even help you migrate your site to their hosting plans for free.
Their managed WordPress hosting plans are the only place where Verpex claims special performance optimizations. However, the prices are notably higher, although they do give you assurance that they will not increase during your contract.
Number of Blogs Allowed in One Account
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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
Visit Verpex to learn more about the features
Kinsta
Kinsta emerged in 2013 from the collaboration of four friends – Mark Gavalda, Anita Dunai, Peter Sziraki, and Tom Zsomborgi – with a shared vision of excelling in managed WordPress hosting.
Specializing in a specific niche of web hosting can be extremely challenging, but Kinsta has managed to succeed. The company first started by offering powerful web hosting designed around WordPress and has since diversified into application, database, and free static site hosting solutions. Under the leadership of CEO Mark Gavalda, Kinsta has grown into a globally recognized hosting platform, celebrated for its exceptional service and support.
Support for WordPress (Most Popular Blogging Tools)
Kinsta is practically a legend when it comes to WordPress. It’s one of the few hosts that have built an entire business around this popular platform. However, Kinsta primarily caters to the high-performance market, so don’t expect their plans to come cheap.
That said, performance excellence is almost guaranteed. These guys are WordPress professionals, and their work is always top-of-the-line. Although they are now open to several more apps, they are always controlled and optimized by Kinsta.
Hosting any WordPress site on Kinsta will be rock-solid thanks to their foundational use of Google Cloud. When people say a company is serious about its business, they were probably thinking of Kinsta.
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Kinsta Pros
- Outstanding server uptime and speed performance
- Choice of 30+ server locations
- Optimized for best WordPress site performance
- Plans auto-scale during visitor spikes
- Specialized WordPress support staff
- Highly developer-friendly
Kinsta Cons
- Expensive; not suitable for owners with multiple small sites
- No email hosting
- No shared hosting
- Some WordPress plugins banned
Visit Kinsta to learn more about the features
Cloudways
Established in 2011 by co-founders Aaqib Gadit, Pere Hospital, and Uzair Gadit, Cloudways is a managed hosting platform that initially focused on leveraging partnerships with AWS, Google Cloud Platform, and Digital Ocean to serve its customers better. The acquisition by DigitalOcean in August 2022 further solidified this partnership, enhancing Cloudways’ ability to provide superior managed hosting solutions.
Support for WordPress (Most Popular Blogging Tools)
We’ve used Cloudways to run high-traffic volume WordPress sites, multi-sites, and everything else. It may not be the cheapest, but it won’t break the bank. A single CPU and two gigs of RAM will handle most typical WordPress sites.
Thanks to the Cloudways dashboard, managing those sites is also effortless. Everything from site migration to backups and cloning can be done in a few clicks. The convenience is way beyond what we’ve seen at higher price tags.
You’ll need to monitor specific resources, like storage space. You get less than most competitors provide, but that will only matter if you ignore SEO and overload your WordPress site. Not a great idea in any case.
Number of Blogs Allowed in One Account
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Cloudways Pros
- Topnotch server uptime and speed performance
- Good abstration over complex cloud server setups with integrated dashboard
- Outstanding customer support
- High scalability; Autonomous plan supports auto-scaling
- Easy server cloning, site staging, and website transfer
- Host unlimited applications in one account
- 25% discount for first two months with coupon “HOSTSCORE”
Cloudways Cons
- Getting expensive – Prices increased steadily for the past few years
- Limited trial period
Visit Cloudways to learn more about the features
LiquidWeb
Founded in 1997 by Matthew Hill, Liquid Web has established itself as a leading player in the hosting and managed cloud services market, catering specifically to the needs of businesses, developers, and professionals. With its headquarters in Lansing, Michigan, the company has grown to serve over 45,000 customers in 150 countries, managing more than 500,000 sites globally. Liquid Web is renowned for its industry-leading customer service, exemplified by its 59-second support guarantee, and its commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance hosting solutions. The company’s offerings range from managed WordPress and WooCommerce hosting to dedicated servers, VPS hosting, and custom enterprise solutions. Liquid Web’s focus on security and compliance, including HIPAA and PCI-compliant hosting, makes it a trusted partner for industries with stringent regulatory requirements. Over the years, Liquid Web has earned numerous accolades for its innovation and customer satisfaction, reinforcing its position as a trusted provider in the competitive hosting landscape.
Support for WordPress (Most Popular Blogging Tools)
WordPress plans at LiquidWeb are all fully managed. They also come in a mind-blowing range of sizes. There’s no unlimited resource provision here, but the plans scale well into the hundreds of GB in storage space.
LiquidWeb has two key advantages in WordPress hosting. The first is server monitoring, which lets them know if things are going wrong as quickly as possible. If so, they can work towards quick intervention instead of cure.
The second is what it claims to be “hundreds of modifications and special optimizations,” which offer you the best performance for WordPress sites. Compared to run-of-the-mill WordPress, these plans certainly are costly.
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LiquidWeb Pros
- Powerful enterprise hosting solutions with great scalability
- 100% network uptime, backed by detailed Service Level Agreement (SLA)
- Excellent customer support – 59-Second support response guarantee
- Self-operated data centres – Higher degree of security and data integrity compared to providers renting space from third-parties
- PCI-Compliant and HIPAA-Compliant hosting servers available
- Cheaper cloud VPS plan (starts at $5/mo) now available
LiquidWeb Cons
- Does not provide low-cost shared hosting plans
- No Asia-based data center
Visit LiquidWeb to learn more about the features
WP Engine
Established in 2010 by Ben Metcalfe, Cullen Wilson, and Jason Cohen, WP Engine has its headquarters nestled in Austin, Texas. Through strategic acquisitions like Flywheel and key WordPress plugins such as Genesis Advanced Custom Fields and WP Migrate, WP Engine has fortified its position in the industry while expanding its global footprint.
Boasting a revenue surge to $192.4M in 2023 and a clientele exceeding 120,000, WP Engine, under the leadership of CEO Heather Brunner, continues to chart a path of innovation and growth in the web hosting domain.
Support for WordPress (Most Popular Blogging Tools)
For many products and services, there are specialists, and then there are specialists. WP Engine is the latter when it comes to anything WordPress-related. Over the years, they’ve built their entire business around this platform alone.
Unlike most hosting companies, WP Engine only provides WordPress on Cloud-based platforms. It’s a managed solution that lets you focus on your content and business instead of technicalities. However, that also means cheap WordPress hosting is out of the question.
WP Engine also offers solutions for headless WordPress hosting. This allows for the possibility of highly customized front-ends driven by WordPress’s proven powers. This granular control also means the potential for much better performance—if done right.
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WP Engine Pros
- Outstanding server uptime and speed performance
- Round-the-clock WordPress-specialized support
- Developer-friendly environment
- Genesis framework and StudioPress themes included
- Choice of 20+ server locations in four continents
WP Engine Cons
- Email hosting services not included
- Only WordPress plans available
- Bandwidth and some server resources are highly limited
- No white-glove site migration
Visit WP Engine to learn more about the features
BlueHost
Founded in 2003 by Matt Heaton and Danny Ashworth, Bluehost has grown to become one of the world’s largest web hosting providers. Initially acquired by Endurance International Group (EIG) in 2010, it is now a flagship brand under NewFold Digital. Bluehost offers a comprehensive range of hosting services, including shared hosting, VPS, dedicated servers, and WordPress hosting. As one of the few hosts officially recommended by WordPress.org, it remains a popular choice for both beginners and experienced website owners.
Support for WordPress (Most Popular Blogging Tools)
Bluehost has strengthened its WordPress hosting lineup with a more feature-rich offering. All WordPress hosting plans now include free domain registration for the first year, built-in malware scanning, and Cloudflare CDN integration. Performance is enhanced with built-in caching, while the new “WonderSuite” (an AI-powered WP site builder) helps users create and customize WordPress sites effortlessly. While some resource limitations remain on lower-tier plans, Bluehost’s revamped packages offer solid value for those seeking reliable WordPress hosting at competitive prices.
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BlueHost Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Lowest shared hosting plan supports up to 10 websites
- Key server speed features included in all shared plans
- Easy WordPress site building with WonderSuite (their new AI tool)
- Officially recommended by WordPress.org
BlueHost Cons
- Endless upsells on expensive addons
- Daily website backup only free for first year
- Only US-based servers
Visit BlueHost to learn more about the features
How Do We Choose? Key Factors to Consider
Selecting the right hosting provider is crucial for the success of your blog. Below are the key factors to consider when choosing the best blog hosting.
| Factors | Why It Matters to Bloggers? |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | Most bloggers use blogging software like WordPress or Ghost to publish and manage their content. Ensure the web hosting service is optimized for your chosen CMS. Prefer a host that offers one-click installations, customizable templates, SEO tools, built-in analytics, and social media integration. Ideally, choose a host that provides a certain level of technical support for your selected CMS. |
| Ease of Use | Select a user-friendly platform with an user-friendly interface. Look for extensive documentation and tutorials. This focus allows you to manage your server and blog setup without technical headaches. |
| Performance | Opt for a platform with fast load times and high uptime to improve user experience. Poor performance can lead to high bounce rates. Test platforms for their handling of content-rich pages to ensure they meet performance standards. |
| Reliability | Choose a platform known for high uptime and stability to ensure your blog is always accessible. Research user reviews and uptime statistics. Reliable platforms help maintain trust and credibility with your audience. |
| Customer Support | Look for blog hosting platforms with responsive customer support via live chat, email, and phone. Evaluate the quality of support through user reviews. Good support ensures quick issue resolution and smooth operations. |
| Security Features | The internet is fraught with security threats. Strong security features protect data and maintain trust. Choose a host that provides built-in security features such as web application firewall, auto malware protection, and regular backups. |
| Room for Growth | Select a web host that scales with your needs (Shared, VPS, Cloud, Dedicated), offering increased storage and bandwidth. Ensure it supports third-party integrations for advanced features. Room for growth lets you focus on content without technical limits. |
| Value for Money | Don’t just look for the cheapest plan. Compare features and support against pricing. Consider whether the cost aligns with your budget and needs. Prioritize platforms that offer good value without unnecessary expenses. |
How Much Should You Pay for Your Blog Hosting?
In summary:
| Hosting Type | Price Range (per month) | Features | Host to Try |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Hosting | $3 – $10 | Basic resources, suitable for low-traffic blogs | Hostinger, Verpex |
| VPS Hosting | $20 – $60 | Dedicated resources, more control and scalability | InMotion Hosting, ScalaHosting |
| Dedicated Hosting | $80 – $250 | High performance, extensive customization, maximum control | LiquidWeb, KnownHost |
| Managed Hosting | $30 – $150 | Handles technical aspects like CMS updates, security, backups | WP Engine, Kinsta |
The fees you pay for your blog hosting depends on your specific needs and goals. For beginners or hobby bloggers, shared hosting plans typically range from $3 to $10 per month, offering an affordable way to start without significant investment. These plans provide basic resources suitable for low-traffic blogs.
For more established blogs or those expecting moderate traffic, a virtual private server (VPS) offers more control and scalability, with prices ranging from $20 to $60 per month. VPS hosting provides dedicated resources, enhancing performance and reliability, which is crucial for blogs with growing audiences.
If your blog requires high performance, extensive customization, or handles large amounts of traffic, dedicated hosting may be necessary. Dedicated hosting plans start around $80 to $250 per month and can go upwards depending on the server’s capabilities. This option ensures maximum control and resources but comes at a premium.
Additionally, consider the value of managed hosting service, which typically range from $30 to $150 per month. Managed hosting takes care of technical aspects like CMS updates, security, and backups, allowing you to focus on blog content creation.
Final Thoughts
When choosing the best web hosting for bloggers, it’s important to consider factors such as ease of use, reliability, customer support, and scalability.
For those just starting out, budget-friendly options like Hostinger provide a solid foundation with features that support growth. As your blog expands, you might consider more powerful solutions like Cloudways and Kinsta, which offer high performance and greater flexibility.
Ultimately, picking the right hosting is like finding the perfect pair of shoes – ensure they fit well, support your journey, and don’t pinch your budget. With the right choice, your blog will not just walk but strut confidently down the runway of the internet.
Frequent Asked Questions
What blogging platform should I use?
Your choice of blogging platform should be based on ease of use, customization needs, and budget. WordPress is highly popular due to its flexibility and extensive plugin ecosystem. Other platforms like Blogger or Squarespace also offer user-friendly interfaces for beginners.
Is there free web hosting suitable for bloggers?
Yes, there are free web hosting services suitable for new bloggers. WordPress.com offers a free basic hosting plan, and Blogger by Google provides a straightforward platform with reliable hosting. However, free hosting often comes with limitations on customization, domain name, and bandwidth, which can impact the scalability and professionalism of your blog.
Besides WordPress, what are other blogging tools to try out?
Although WordPress holds the lion’s share of the blogging market there are many other options available for bloggers. Top options include:
Typepad: This subscription-based blogging platform offers bloggers a quick and easy way to get started. Just sign up for an account, customize your site and you’re ready to go.
Medium: More than your average blogging platform, Medium is an entire ecosystem where subscribers not only share content but also help drive readership to one another.
Blogger.com: Having been around for 20 years now, Blogger.com is one of the oldest ready-to-run blog platforms around. Basic accounts here are free.
Ghost: Whether you want to use a ready-made blog platform or install one on your own blog host, Ghost can do either. It’s open source but isn’t exactly the cheapest option around.
Serendipity: Serendipity is a PHP-powered weblog engine which gives the user an easy way to create and maintain a blog.
How often should I post new content on my blog?
The frequency of posting depends on your capacity to produce quality content and your audience’s expectations. Consistency is key. Whether it’s once a week or twice a month, a regular schedule helps build audience anticipation and improves SEO.
How can I drive traffic to my blog?
Drive traffic by optimizing your content for search engines (SEO), sharing posts on social media, engaging with your community through comments and forums, and guest posting on other blogs. Utilizing email marketing to notify subscribers about new posts can also increase traffic.
How do I make money from my blog?
Monetize your blog through various channels such as affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, selling digital products or services, and display advertising. Diversifying your income streams can help increase your earnings potential.
