TL;DR
With servers running in Bangalore, Delhi, and Chennai, Cloudways tops our list of Best Web Host India. Excellent hosting performance, solid security features, and auto-scalability options make them an ideal choice for anyone looking to establish a strong online presence in India.
Hostinger
Hostinger has swiftly risen from its humble beginnings in 2004 to become a globally recognized web hosting powerhouse, known for its affordable, user-friendly services and innovative technologies like the proprietary hPanel. With a commitment to excellence and a rapidly expanding team, Hostinger continues to redefine the web hosting landscape, making it easier for users around the world to establish their online presence.
Plans & Pricings
Recommended for
HostScore
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
Cloudways
Cloudways is a systems integrator specializing in deploying solutions across various cloud platforms including Digital Ocean, Amazon AWS, and Google Cloud. Their business model is unique, functioning as a Platform as a Service (PaaS) provider rather than a traditional web server host.
Plans & Pricings
Recommended for
HostScore
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
Kinsta
Specializing in a very specific niche of web hosting can be an extremely challenging thing to do but Kinsta has managed to succeed. The company offers users the unique opportunity to opt for extremely powerful web hosting that is designed around a single platform – WordPress.
Plans & Pricings
Recommended for
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
Kamatera
Kamatera isn’t your average run-of-the-mill web hosting provider. The company is laser-focused on cloud services and offer high flexibility – even their “standard” plans require you to customize the server configurations. All plans at Kamatera comes with a custom management console, which makes apps deployment and scaling up fast and easy.
Plans & Pricings
Recommended for
HostScore
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
TMDHosting
TMDHosting is a full-service host and offer the gamut of hosting types ranging from shared all the way to dedicated servers. Plans are reasonably priced and come with significant value-added features. The company operates from data centers in five continents including South America and Africa, which is not often seen in market.
Plans & Pricings
Recommended for
HostScore
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
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.
Plans & Pricings
Recommended for
HostScore
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.
Fastcomet
While the brand may not be globally recognized, Fastcomet comes up aces when considering performance. It tacks along sterling support to bring it up to par with the best in the industry. If reliability is what you seek, look no further.
Plans & Pricings
Recommended for
HostScore
Fastcomet Pros
- High-speed and reliable hosting
- Decent range of hosting plans
- Comprehensive support
- Excellent reputation
Fastcomet Cons
- Limited features on lower-priced plans
Digital Ocean
Cloud hosting can be a little daunting for many people in the first place, but Digital Ocean has made that doubly so with the liberal use of self-developed technical jargon. For layman unfamiliar with the company, start by exploring “Droplets” – their unique term for “cloud hosting solution”. That said, Digital Ocean is a highly modular and scalable environment with many advanced, developer-friendly features. Everything here is priced independently, so you’re really paying for only what you need.
Plans & Pricings
Recommended for
HostScore
Digital Ocean Pros
- Outstanding server uptime and speed performance
- Competitive and flexible pricing model
- Choice of 15 distributed data centers
- Highly configurable virtual machines
- Built-in alert system for resource thresholds or critical issues
Digital Ocean Cons
- Charges apply for automated backups
- Unencrypted backups
- Only suitable for advanced users
- Less user-friendly for team operations
Choosing the Right Web Host in India: Three Key Factors
When selecting a web hosting provider in India, it’s essential to consider various factors that cater to the unique needs of Indian users. Key aspects to focus on include Pricing, performance, and features.
1. Cost Effectiveness
When choosing a web host, it’s crucial to ensure you’re making a cost-effective choice. Here are some important factors to consider for getting the best value for your money:
- Affordable Plans: Look for hosting providers that offer competitive pricing without compromising essential features. Some good options, like those we recommend above, offer discounts and free domains for users who commit to long-term subscriptions. Take advantage of these deals to get the most value for your money.
- Transparent Pricing: Ensure the provider has clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees. While discounts during signup are great, be cautious of expensive renewal prices. Choose a web host that offers a good deal for new users but does not significantly increase their renewal prices to ensure affordable long-term costs.
- Inclusive Packages: Check if the plans include essential services like domain registration, SSL certificates, and website builders. These inclusions can save you additional costs and provide necessary tools for your website.
- Discounts and Promotions: Many hosting companies offer discounts and promotions, especially during sales events. Keeping an eye out for these can help you snag a great deal and maximize your savings.
2. Hosting Reliability
Reliable hosting performance is crucial for maintaining a positive user experience and keeping your site accessible.
Uptime Guarantees
Look for a hosting provider that offers at least a 99.9% uptime guarantee – which means your website is guaranteed to be functional 99.9% of the time.
| Uptime Guarantee | Short Description | Potential Downtime |
|---|---|---|
| 99% | Your website is up and running 99% of the time. | ~3.65 days/year |
| 99.9% | Known as the “three nines,” this is the industry standard. | ~8.76 hours/year |
| 99.99% | Even more reliable, reducing downtime significantly. | ~52.56 minutes/year |
| 99.999% | Near-perfect uptime, ensuring minimal disruption. | ~5.26 minutes/year |
Historical Uptime Data
Ask your web host if they have data to back up their claim. Some hosting providers can provide reports to show you their past uptime performance. Look at this data over a few months to see if their uptime is consistently high.
Example:
For an unbiased opinion on a web host’s uptime, consider reading hosting user reviews from trustworthy sources.
Also, once you have signed up for a new web host, consider tracking your site using third-party uptime monitoring tools, such as UptimeRobot and Pingdom. These services regularly check if your site is up and running and can give you a more accurate picture of a web host’s uptime.
3. Hosting Features
Features play a crucial role in determining how well a hosting service meets your needs. It can be an optimization for WordPress site or a built-in tool for your eCommerce platform. Hosting with a web host with the right feature can save you from tons of undesired hassles and technical headaches.
Built-In CDN
Providers with built-in CDN support, like Cloudflare, can help mitigate latency by caching your website content on multiple servers worldwide, ensuring faster load times for all users. CDNs (Content Delivery Networks) work by caching your website content on multiple servers spread across different geographic locations.
This means that when a user accesses your site, the data is delivered from the server closest to their location. This not only improves user experience but also helps in reducing server load and bandwidth usage, making your site more resilient to traffic spikes.
Customer Support
Reliable customer support is essential. Providers offering 24/7 support with multiple contact options (chat, phone, email) can be very helpful.
Helpful Knowledgebase
When choosing a web hosting provider, it’s crucial to avoid companies whose knowledgebase is filled with endless upsells. Instead, look for those that focus on genuinely helping their customers with complete and comprehensive documentation.
A well-structured knowledgebase can significantly enhance your user experience by providing clear, detailed guides and troubleshooting steps.
Control Panel
A user-friendly control panel is essential for managing your website with ease.
Due to the constant price hikes with cPanel, many hosting companies have developed their in-house control panels. These custom-built solutions can vary greatly in terms of usability and features. Before committing to a provider, take the time to explore their control panel demo. Ensure that you are comfortable with the interface and that it offers all the functionality you need to manage your website effectively.
A good control panel should simplify tasks such as managing domains, setting up email accounts, and configuring server settings.
One-Click WordPress Installations
WordPress powers more than 35% of websites worldwide. Because of this—especially if you are new—you are likely to build your website using this platform. Hence, choose a web host suitable for WordPress. This feature simplifies the setup process, making it easy for beginners to get started.
Example
International vs Local Indian Hosting Providers
Whether to host your websites with a local provider or with an international hosting company is always a big debate in India. Both options have their benefits and drawbacks – your decision will hinge on your specific business needs and project budget. Let’s go through the ins and outs of both choices below.
Hosting Locally with an India-based Web Host
Advantages
- Lower Latency for Local Users: Hosting your website on servers located within India can reduce latency for users in the country, ensuring faster load times and a better user experience. This is particularly important for businesses targeting Indian audiences, as faster websites can lead to higher engagement and conversion rates.
- Compliance with Local Regulations: Local providers are more familiar with Indian regulations and data protection laws, ensuring better compliance. This can be crucial for businesses handling sensitive data, as non-compliance can lead to legal issues and penalties.
- Local Customer Support: Local hosting providers can offer customer support in regional languages and operate within local business hours, making it easier to resolve issues quickly. Having support that understands local nuances and can communicate effectively in your language can be a significant advantage.
Notable Providers: MilesWeb, Hosting Raja, BigRock.
Hosting with International Providers
Benefits
- Advanced Features: Due to economy of scale and steep competition, international providers often offer latest technology, such as advanced security measures, faster NVMe storage, and latest speed optimization. These features can provide better performance and security for your website, ensuring a smoother user experience.
- Global Presence: With data centers worldwide, international providers can ensure better performance for users outside India by using CDN support. This is especially beneficial if your business has a global audience, as it ensures faster access to your site from different parts of the world.
- Scalability: International hosting providers usually offer better scalability options (to Cloud, VPS, or Dedicated Hosting), allowing you to upgrade your hosting plan as your website grows. This flexibility can be crucial for businesses expecting rapid growth or fluctuating traffic patterns.
Notable Providers: Cloudways, Hostinger, UltaHost.
Choosing the Right Option
- Target Audience: If most of your users are in India, a local host may provide better performance. For a global audience, an international host with CDN capabilities might be more suitable.
- Support Needs: Determine whether local language support and business hours are important for your business.
- Budget: Compare the costs, including potential savings from local providers versus the advanced features of international ones.
- Growth Plans: Think about your website’s scalability and future needs. International providers often offer more robust options for growing businesses.
By weighing these factors, you can make a more informed decision that aligns with your business goals and provides the best experience for your users.
Conclusion
India is a unique nation with a diverse audience. When building a site for this region, it’s essential to choose a web host that caters to these unique needs. Factors such as cost-effectiveness, performance, reliability, and essential features like WordPress optimization and CDN support play a crucial role.
By selecting a hosting provider that offers competitive pricing, transparent terms, and comprehensive packages, you ensure that your website remains affordable and scalable. Providers like Cloudways and Hostinger offer excellent options for both local India and international server locations.
About India
India, the world’s second-most populous country, is a land where ancient traditions meet high-tech innovation. With a population exceeding 1.3 billion, it’s a vibrant and dynamic nation, bustling with cultural richness and economic growth. Major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru are not only economic powerhouses but also hubs of technological innovation and entrepreneurship.
State of eCommerce in India
India’s eCommerce market is on fire, thanks to increasing internet penetration and the widespread use of smartphones. In 2022, the market was valued at a whopping $74.8 billion and is projected to hit an impressive $188 billion by 2025. Platforms like Flipkart, Amazon India, and Snapdeal are the big players, serving millions of consumers across the nation.
The surge in digital payments and the government’s push towards a digital economy are throwing fuel on this blazing growth. As more businesses and consumers hop online, the demand for cheap and reliable web hosting is skyrocketing. This is great news for both local and international hosting providers, who have a golden opportunity to cater to the evolving needs of the Indian market.
