TL;DR
The Best Web Hosting for Web Developers offers platforms that enhance productivity and streamline workflow management. Cloudways, our top recommendation, allows developers to efficiently handle multiple projects with ease, offering significant flexibility and performance. Additionally, exploring alternative hosting solutions like PaaS and serverless computing allows for increased scalability and adaptability for various development needs.
| Web Hosting | Starting Cost | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Cloudways | $14.00/mo | Managed cloud hosting – ultra scalable, support white-labeled hosting, free site migration assistance, and easy collaboration with Cloudways Team |
| ScalaHosting | $29.95/mo | Excellent managed VPS hosting plans with built-in security solution (SShield) and free control panel (SPanel). |
| LiquidWeb | $20.00/mo | Operates from privately-owned data centers; offers some high-end niche services you won’t easily find elsewhere. |
| Kamatera | $4.00/mo | Highly customizable cloud hosting solutions, scalable resources, global data centers, and powerful infrastructure tailored to developer needs. |
| NameCheap | $2.88/mo | Ultra-cheap unmanaged VPS hosting perfect for developers who want to save on hosting costs, along with free SSL certificates and dev-friendly tools. |
1. Cloudways
Website: https://www.cloudways.com
About Cloudways
Starting in 2011 in Malta, Cloudways is a provider of managed Cloud hosting solutions. It acts as a systems integrator, providing access to various services from Digital Ocean, Linode, Vultr, Amazon AWS and Google Cloud.
As far as web hosting companies go, Cloudways is considerably young. It entered the market in 2011 but since then has grown significantly. A large part of that growth is perhaps due to the relatively niche market space it occupies, as a systems integrator providing convenience for a bump in price.
To learn more, read my full Cloudways review.
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Why Cloudways is the Best Hosting Solution for Web Developers?
Cloudways checks all the right boxes for users running web development businesses. The flexibility of scale in terms of both server power and responsive customer support is particularly invaluable for web development businesses that demand agility.
Here are some notable features that you should look into when choosing a web host for your web development business.
Flexible Cloud Hosting Solutions – Scale Up or Down in Minutes
One of the main advantages of Cloud-based hosting is that their plans are extremely scalable. This gives site owners the potential for extreme agility, but normally requires going through support or sales channels.
How much you can scale your resources depends on which platform you opt for when you sign up with Cloudways. Each platform has its own little quirks for scaling. For example, Digital Ocean only allows upward scaling. If you want to scale down, it is a lot more involved.
Easy Collaboration Among Team Members
Cloudways has something it calls a ‘Teams’ feature which lets you add members to a collaborative group. This lets you not just combine members onto a project but also separate their access into distinct groups. For example, you might assign members to support or some others to have Cloud Console access.
Caution: Cloudways Pricings & Alternatives
Because Cloudways is not the infrastructure provider, your Cloudways bill prices will be relatively higher compared to buying unmanaged accounts from the infrastructure provider (often 100% higher).
Take Digital Ocean for example – Cloudways’ Digital Ocean cheapest package comes at $14 a month. For the same server specification, 1GB of RAM, a single processor core, 25GB storage, and 1TB of bandwidth; you can get it for just $6/mo when you purchase from Digital Ocean.
Cloudways Pros
- Topnotch server uptime and speed performance
- Good abstration over complex cloud server setups with integrated dashboard
- High scalability; Autonomous plan supports auto-scaling
- Easy server cloning, site staging, and website transfer
- Host unlimited applications in one account
- 30% discount for first two months with coupon "HOSTSCORE"
Cloudways Cons
- Getting expensive - Prices increased steadily for the past few years
- Limited trial period
- Excellent technical support, but poor billing practices and support
Visit Cloudways to learn more about the features
2. ScalaHosting
Website: https://www.scalahosting.com
About ScalaHosting
Founded in 2008 by Hristo Rusev and Vlad G, ScalaHosting provides hosting that empowers web professionals around the world.
Their hosting service is powered by their three data centers in the United States and Bulgaria, and integrated data centers operated by Digital Ocean. Managing more than 700,000 websites from approximately 120 countries on their servers, ScalaHosting is one of the fastest-growing, high-quality web hosts you shouldn’t overlook.
Read our full review on ScalaHosting.
Benefits of ScalaHosting for Web Developers
As a website operator, ScalaHosting is a hosting provider that I can personally vouch for. A few things that make Scala stand out as one of the best web hostings are their excellent server performance, features-rich shared hosting plan including free SSL and security protection, as well as helpful 24×7 technical support.
However, that’s not all. There are a number of notable features at ScalaHosting that makes them great for web development agencies.
ScalaHosting SPanel – Alternatives to cPanel
The strongest part of ScalaHosting’s offering (for web developers) is that they offer users an opportunity to use their in-house built sPanel WHCP (a server management software) instead of cPanel in their Managed VPS Hosting plans.
This comes at a very opportune time as:
- Both Plesk and cPanel are now owned by the same parent organization, leading to a near monopoly on the web hosting control panel (WHCP) market; and
- cPanel changed its pricing model and raised its licensing fees recently, impacting many users.
SPanel offers users an alternative that is excellent for many reasons. The key one being that it is fully compatible with cPanel. This means that cPanel users have an easy way out of the ecosystem should they wish to migrate to SPanel.
It also offers a much more cost-effective licensing structure compared to cPanel and is more agile and resource-friendly. Overall, SPanel was designed to be a one-stop control panel for users’ convenience.
SShield – Built-in A.I. Security Solution
All ScalaHosting plans are protected by SShiled, an in-house developed cybersecurity system. SShield supposedly works with an AI engine so that the defenses are adaptive. This is similar to how some heuristic antivirus applications work. Instead of referencing fixed information sets, the AI engine will assess potential threats based on logical deduction and threat potential.
SShield is fully automated and monitors all the sites on each server 24/7. Aside from defensive measures, the system will also notify site owners, including attack reports for reference.
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
3. LiquidWeb
Website: https://www.liquidweb.com
About LiquidWeb
Founded in 1997 by Matthew Hill, LiquidWeb offers web hosting services that empower web developers worldwide. The company wholly owns and manages five data centers. With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a Net Promoter Score of 67, the Michigan-based hosting companies powered more than 32,000 customers worldwide.
LiquidWeb isn’t your run-of-the-mill web hosting service provider. A cursory glance at its website is sufficient to let anyone know it’s a specialist. The company only caters to the high-performance crowd (ie. web developers and large agencies), and everything they operate leans heavily toward Cloud services. And of course, with great power comes a great price tag – LiquidWeb’s prices are also correspondingly not for the faint of heart.
Learn more in our full LiquidWeb review.
Notable LiquidWeb Features for Web Developers
Privately-Owned Data Centers
LiquidWeb owns and manages three data centers in Lansing, Michigan (in Central US), Arizona (US West Coast), and Amsterdam’s Central Europe facility. This self-operation means that the company has granular control over every aspect of its hosting business. Self-operated data centers guarantee a higher degree of security and data integrity than those simply renting space in third-party-operated areas.
Powerful Addons for Users with Special Needs
LiquidWeb offers some niche services you won’t easily find elsewhere. This makes them the perfect hosting solutions for web developers with higher-end clients.
- Storage & Backup – Acronis Cyber Backups, Object Storage, Block Storage.
- Security & Compliance – Hardware Firewall and VPN, Compliance Assistance, Server Protection, DDoS Protection, Data Protection, and more.
- HIPAA-Compliant Servers – For developers with clients in the healthcare industry.
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
4. Kamatera
Website: https://www.kamatera.com
About Kamatera
Kamatera is a cloud services platform that offers flexible and scalable hosting solutions. Known for its high-performance infrastructure, Kamatera provides a range of cloud-based services that cater to the needs of web developers, including cloud servers, managed cloud services, and block storage.
Notable Kamatera Features for Web Developers
Kamatera is ideal for web developers who need a powerful, scalable, and flexible hosting solution. The main reason why the web host stands out for developers is its unparalleled flexibility.
Kamatera allows developers to customize their environment to meet specific requirements, including choosing preferred operating systems, control panels, and software configurations. This flexibility is crucial for developers who need to tailor their hosting environment to specific project needs or who frequently test and deploy different applications.
Additionally, Kamatera’s high-performance infrastructure and global data center presence ensure that developers have the high-end hosting they need for any project, big or small.
Other key features for developers include:
- Scalability: Kamatera’s cloud infrastructure allows developers to easily scale their resources up or down based on their project requirements. You can start with minimal resources and expand as your needs grow, ensuring cost-efficiency.
- High Performance: Utilizing the latest Intel Xeon processors and SSD storage, Kamatera guarantees high-speed performance and low latency. Their global network of data centers ensures your applications run smoothly no matter where your users are located.
Kamatera Pros
- Excellent server speed performance
- Highly flexible hosting plans
- Wide range of support and use cases
- Affordable pricing at bare server unit
- Choice of 24 distributed data centers
- Free to create a $100 worth server during the first 30 days
Kamatera Cons
- Confusing pay-as-you-go pricing model
- Many vital add-ons require extra cost
Visit Kamatera to learn more about the features
5. NameCheap
Website: https://www.namecheap.com
About NameCheap
NameCheap is widely known for its cheap domain registration services, but it also offers affordable web hosting solutions tailored to the needs of web developers. With a focus on simplicity and cost-effectiveness, NameCheap provides a range of hosting options, including shared, VPS, dedicated, and managed WordPress hosting.
Notable NameCheap Features for Web Developers
NameCheap is an excellent choice for web developers who need a reliable and affordable hosting provider. The main reason why NameCheap is suitable for developers is because of their ultra-cheap unmanaged VPS. While these plans are not suitable for laymen, developers can take advantage of the low cost to save significantly on hosting expenses. This makes NameCheap a standout option for developers who are comfortable managing their own servers and want to maximize their budget without sacrificing quality.
Other key features that would benefit developers include:
- Developer-Friendly Tools: NameCheap offers support for multiple programming languages, SSH access, Git integration, and easy app deployment with Softaculous. Their hosting plans include cPanel, which provides a user-friendly interface for managing your websites.
- Performance and Reliability: With data centers located in the US and UK, NameCheap ensures reliable uptime and fast loading speeds. Their SSD storage enhances performance, making it suitable for development environments that require quick access and high performance.
- Security: Security is a priority at NameCheap, offering free PositiveSSL certificates, DDoS protection, and daily backups. Their two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your account.
NameCheap Pros
- Budget-friendly shared hosting plans
- Excellent domain name prices with free lifetime privacy protection
- Free site migration
- Perl, Ruby, and Python support in shared hosting plan
NameCheap Cons
- Price increase during the renewal
- Limited VPS plans
- Only US and UK-based servers
- Pay extra to choose UK-data center
Visit NameCheap to learn more about the features
What Makes a Web Host Great for Web Developers?
If you’re a web developer, here are some things to note when choosing your web host.
Affordable Pricing
The most common question a Web Developer gets from their clients is, “How much does it cost?” Because of this, pricing often becomes a focal point when choosing your web hosting provider. The best match is one with development support features are a reasonable price.
White-Label Hosting
White-label hosting allows developers to rebrand hosting services as their own, offering a seamless experience for their clients. This customization extends to control panels, billing interfaces, and support services – all these ensure a unified brand presence in front of your clients.
Additionally, the facility to white-label host your clients’ websites creates new revenue opportunities for developer.
Room to Expand
Unless your business stagnates, you’ll often need more web hosting resources at short notice. Choosing a web host with good scalability is essential to avoid poor performance and reliability issues.
Server Backup Facility
Web developers are the ones who work on a day-to-day basis on web hosting servers. Because of that, a web host with server backup facilities can help ensure your client’s data is always secure and reliable.
Server Migration Services
Most web developers can usually migrate websites easily. However, once the number of websites you need to move around grows, having a host that can help will be a godsend. Some web hosts offer cheap migration services that can support your business.
Reliable Server Performance
Web hosting performance is one of the most critical factors determining how fast your website loads. Suppose a development website is slower; that’s fine. But having unhappy clients bug you constantly about slow websites won’t be fun.
Advanced Security Features
A complete set of security features are essential for web developers to client websites from cyber threats. Look for hosting providers that offer comprehensive security measures such as DDoS protection, automated on-site and off-site backups, auto malware scanning, and firewalls. Advanced features like two-factor authentication (2FA), intrusion detection systems (IDS), and security patch management further enhance the security posture, ensuring client data remains safe and secure.
Also Good to Have:
Depending on your business model and clients’ requirements, the following are some good-to-have features in a web developer hosting solutions:
- WP-CLI Support – Manage multiple WordPress sites without a web browser.
- Pre-installed SSL – Save time and resources in handling clients’ websites SSL
- Multiple User Access in Billing & Server Management – Allow team members with different roles to collaboratively work on a web development project.
- Staging Environments: Test changes in a staging area before deploying to the live site, ensuring everything works correctly.
- Integrated CDN: Improve site speed and performance with a built-in Content Delivery Network.
- Customizable Server Configurations: Ability to tweak server settings to optimize performance for specific projects.
- Comprehensive Analytics: Access detailed performance analytics to monitor site metrics and make informed decisions.
- Automated Updates: Keep WordPress and other CMS plugins up-to-date automatically to enhance security and performance.
- Advanced Database Management Tools: Tools like phpMyAdmin or direct database access for efficient database management and optimization.
Alternatives to Conventional Hosting Solutions
In addition to traditional web hosting providers, developers have several alternative options for hosting projects that offer flexibility, scalability, and unique features tailored to specific needs.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
PaaS solutions like Heroku and Google App Engine provide an environment for developers to build, deploy, and manage applications without worrying about underlying infrastructure. These platforms offer built-in scalability, integrated development tools, and support for multiple programming languages, making them ideal for rapid application development.
Serverless Computing
Services like AWS Lambda, Azure Functions, and Google Cloud Functions allow developers to run code in response to events without provisioning or managing servers. This pay-as-you-go model is cost-effective for applications with variable workloads and simplifies scaling and maintenance.
Static Site Generators
For static websites, tools like Jekyll, Hugo, and Gatsby, combined with hosting services like Netlify and Vercel, offer an efficient way to build and deploy fast and scalable sites. These platforms often include features like continuous deployment, serverless functions, and CDN integration.
We have discussed about Static Website Hosting in another article – go check out!
Final Thoughts
Web Hosting Is An Important Part of Web Development Business
Running a web development business is far from easy, but it can get even trickier if you happen to be stuck with an unsupportive web host. I’ve always found it odd that many smaller developers choose web hosts purely on cost.
While price is important, make sure you also consider the above-mentioned factors and choose your web host wisely.
