TL;DR
Choosing the Best Hosting with Free Website Migration can make moving your website headache-free. For beginners, Hostinger is a great choice with its unlimited free website migrations, user-friendly control panel, and affordable pricing. For advanced users, Cloudways scalability and month-to-month pricing model makes them a tempting choice.
| Provider | Hosting Type | Price From | Free Website Migration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloudways | Cloud Hosting | $14.00/mo | 1 free migration per account |
| Hostinger | Shared, VPS, Cloud | $2.99/mo | Unlimited free migrations |
| ScalaHosting | Shared, VPS, Cloud | $2.95/mo | Unlimited free migrations |
| Verpex | Shared, VPS, Cloud | $2.99/mo | Unlimited free migrations |
| N6Cloud | Shared, VPS, Cloud | $2.24/mo | Unlimited free migrations |
Note: While our HostScore ratings provide a general overview of host performance, there are other factors you should consider for your specific needs. Our top hosting with free website migration selections in this article address this by offering tailored suggestions.
Hostinger
Hostinger: Our budget shared hosting hero. With its wallet-friendly charm, Hostinger sweeps you off your feet with stellar hosting performance, easy-breezy email setup, and a dashboard so intuitive, even your grandma could navigate it. Imagine globe-trotting server locations and upgrades that grow with you – from newbie to tech guru, they’ve got you covered. And the price? Let’s just say, you won’t have to break your piggy bank.
Perfect for the newbies, the lone wolves of freelancing, and small business hustlers, Hostinger is your golden ticket. Yes, the price hikes post-honeymoon phase might pinch a bit, but the entry deals are sweet enough to let you get started.
Our promo code “HostScore” offers additional 10% discounts – use it in your order page during signup.
Our Overall Ratings & Review
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.
Plans & Pricing
How Can You Reach for Support?
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
ScalaHosting
ScalaHosting, in our opinion, is a sure bet for diverse web needs. Sporting a commendable HostScore above 80%, the hosting provider shines across the board—welcoming beginners with open arms, empowering small businesses, and catering to the global or eCommerce crowd with ease. This web host’s allure lies in its trio of reliability, cost-effectiveness, and cutting-edge offerings like the intuitive SPanel and the security-centric SShield.
Yes, there’s a bump in the road with renewal rates taking an uptick, yet ScalaHosting’s overall value proposition remains powerful, hardly wavering in its commitment to quality and affordability. The cherry on top? Their “Anytime Unconditional Money-back Guarantee.” This policy isn’t just about peace of mind; it’s a bold statement of confidence in their hosting services, making ScalaHosting an excellent choice for those looking to dive into web hosting waters without the fear of financial commitment. With ScalaHosting, it’s not just about giving their services a try—it’s about stepping into a risk-free zone of web hosting excellence.
Our Overall Ratings & Review
ScalaHosting shines with powerful VPS plans and intuitive server management tools like sPanel and SShield. Their “Anytime Unconditional Money-back Guarantee” adds a daring edge for those keen on exploring without wallet worry. From novices to pros, it is a promising port of call for all web adventurers.
Plans & Pricing
How Can You Reach for Support?
HostScore
ScalaHosting Pros
- Outstanding hosting uptime and speed performance
- Affordable pricing
- Anytime unconditional Money-back Guarantee
- Automated backup with 7 restore points
- Generous offer in server resources – Even the lowest shared plan gets unmetered bandwidth and unlimited emails
- NVMe SSD storage for all shared hosting plans
- Innovative technology – SPanel, SShield, SWordPress
ScalaHosting Cons
- Price increase during the renewal
Cloudways
Known for its stellar hosting performance and unparalleled customer support, Cloudways stands out in the managed cloud hosting arena. Picture an expert support team that’s always on, ready to serve up solutions on a silver platter, 24/7. With scalability that flexes like a gymnast, in both server power and data transfer, it’s a dream for sites that thrive on agility.
While Cloudways’ price point sits above the bargain bin, the return on investment in terms of site speed, reliability, and the peace of mind that comes with top-tier support and scalability is undeniable. It isn’t just recommended for those who need high-performance hosting; it’s a beacon for anyone looking to elevate their online experience, ensuring that your digital presence is not just noticed, but remembered.
Our Overall Ratings & Review
Cloudways is not your bargain basement host, but worth every penny for serious site runners seeking premium support and top-notch hosting across multiple clouds. Newbies beware: this is high octane hosting for the seasoned operators.
Plans & Pricing
How Can You Reach for Support?
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
Verpex
Verpex shines in the web hosting galaxy with its commitment to affordability, complemented by the safety net of daily backups and the freedom of unlimited free site migrations. However, the plot thickens with the predictable twist of price hikes upon renewal, a chapter often found in the tales of budget hosting.
For those navigating the waters of beginner-friendly, budget, small business, or even more niche hosting needs, Verpex stands out as a capable vessel, ready to embark on a variety of web hosting journeys with open arms.
Our Overall Ratings & Review
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.
Plans & Pricing
How Can You Reach for Support?
HostScore
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
N6 Cloud
Founded by industry veterans with over 20 years of experience, N6 Cloud is a solid hosting choice for Canadian websites. One of N6 Cloud’s standout features is its state-of-the-art, HIPAA and PCI DSS compliant data centers located in Canada. These facilities boast advanced high-powered servers, continuous monitoring, and yearly compliance audits.
The web host services are reasonably priced, offering a wide range of options to cater to various needs. Their customer support is also commendable, providing reliable assistance whenever needed. For those hesitant to commit, N6 Cloud offers a risk-free model with a 30-day money-back guarantee for most services.
While N6 Cloud already offers significant advantages, an upgrade from SSD to NVMe storage in some plans would further enhance their offerings, boosting performance and appeal.
Our Overall Ratings & Review
N6 Cloud, though it has a slightly outdated website and limited geolocation, is a solid choice for Canadian businesses. It offers reasonable prices, a wide range of services, and good support. An upgrade from SSD to NVMe storage in some plans would significantly enhance their offerings and increase their appeal.
Plans & Pricing
How Can You Reach for Support?
N6 Cloud Pros
- Competitive pricing
- Solid range of hosting plans
- LiteSpeed Web Server in higher shared plans
- Daily backup in all shared and VPS plans
- Helpful support documentation
N6 Cloud Cons
- Lack choices in server location
- No NVMe storage in shared hosting plans
- Live chat only available during in-house office hours (8am – 5pm PT)
Website Migration Services Explained
What is Website Migration?
Website Migration refers to the process of moving a website from one hosting provider to another. This can involve transferring files, databases, email accounts, and other components that make up a website. The term can also mean moving from one server environment to another within the same provider or changing the website’s domain. The goal is to ensure that the website remains fully functional and accessible throughout the transition.
What Does the Term Mean in a Web Hosting Offer?
Free Website Migration in Web Hosting refers to the service provided by hosting companies to transfer your website from your current hosting provider to their servers at no cost. This service typically includes moving your website’s files, databases, and sometimes email accounts. It is particularly useful for users who lack the technical skills or time to handle the migration themselves, ensuring a seamless switch to a new host without service interruptions.
How Does Website Migration Service Work?
Website migration usually involves a series of steps managed by the hosting provider’s support team:
- Initiation: The process begins when a customer requests migration services after signing up with the new host.
- Preparation: The hosting provider reviews the current setup and prepares the new server environment to match the old one, ensuring compatibility.
- Data Transfer: The actual migration involves transferring website files, databases, and configurations from the old host to the new one. This step is often automated or assisted by tools developed by the hosting provider.
- Testing and Finalization: Once the data is transferred, the new host tests the website to ensure everything works correctly. The customer is then asked to review and confirm that the site is functioning as expected.
What Is Usually Included in Free Website Migration?
Free website migration services typically include the transfer of your website’s essential components from one hosting provider to another. This usually covers:
- Website Files: Migration of all files, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, images, and other static content.
- Databases: Transferring databases, including all your data, tables, and settings.
- Email Accounts: Moving existing email accounts and their contents, though some hosts may only migrate accounts without content.
- Domain Configuration: Updating DNS settings to ensure your domain points to the new host without downtime.
- Basic Configuration: Ensuring your site works correctly on the new server, including updating paths, file permissions, and other necessary configurations.
What Is Usually Not Included In Free Website Migration?
While free migration services cover the basics, there are often limitations:
- Large or Complex Websites: Some hosts may charge for migrating large databases or complex websites, especially if they involve multiple domains or custom configurations.
- Third-Party Integrations: Migration of third-party services, such as CDN configurations, SSL certificates, or external APIs, might not be included.
- Website Redesign or Optimization: Free migration does not typically include redesigning or optimizing your website for better performance on the new host.
- Custom Email Configurations: While basic email migration is often included, custom email setups, especially those involving third-party email clients, might require additional fees or self-management.
- Multiple Sites or Subdomains: Some hosts may only migrate a single site for free, with additional sites or subdomains incurring extra charges.
What If You Bought a Host Without Free Migration Service?
If you’ve chosen a host that doesn’t offer free migration, don’t worry—there are still options available to migrate your website effectively:
Manual Migration
You can manually transfer your files, databases, and other configurations. This option requires technical knowledge but gives you full control over the process. If you’re not comfortable with this, you might consider hiring professional migration services to handle the task for you, ensuring a smooth transition without technical headaches.
For step-by-step instructions on how to manually move your site, check out our Website Migration Guide.
Migration Tools
Many hosts provide migration tools that automate much of the process. Tools like Duplicator, All-in-One WP Migration, and Migrate Guru for WordPress can make migration easier, though some require a premium version for full functionality.
- Duplicator: Ideal for WordPress users; it packages your entire site into a single zip file, making it easy to move and set up on a new server.
- Migrate Guru: Designed for large sites; it’s a free, easy-to-use tool that handles complex migrations efficiently without requiring advanced technical skills.
- All-in-One WP Migration: User-friendly and efficient; allows you to export and import your site with minimal effort, though some features require a premium version.
What Other Features to Consider Besides Free Migration Services?
While free website migration is a valuable perk, it shouldn’t be the sole deciding factor when choosing a web host. Here are other essential features to consider:
- Customer Support: Reliable 24/7 customer support is crucial, especially during and after migration. Look for hosts with responsive support teams that offer multiple contact methods, including live chat, email, and phone support.
- Performance: Evaluate the hosting provider’s server performance, including uptime, speed, and resource allocation. A faster, more reliable host can significantly impact your website’s success.
- Scalability: Choose a host that offers flexible upgrade options. As your site grows, you may need more resources, and the ability to scale without major disruptions is important.
- Security Features: Look for hosts that provide robust security measures, such as regular backups, DDoS protection, firewalls, and SSL certificates. These features are vital for maintaining your site’s integrity.
- Pricing and Value: Consider the overall value of the hosting plan, including what you get for the price. Sometimes paying slightly more can provide access to better features, support, and performance.
Final Thoughts: Which Provider Suits Your Needs?
Free website migration is a convenient service, but it shouldn’t be a deal breaker. Here’s how to decide:
- Beginner Users: If you’re new to website management and want to avoid the technical hassle, choose a host with free migration and excellent customer support like Hostinger or Verpex.
- Small Business Owners: If performance and scalability are more critical for your growing business, Cloudways or ScalaHosting could be better choices, even if they charge for migration.
- Tech-Savvy Users: If you’re comfortable with tech, consider hosts like N6 Cloud that might offer better pricing or performance but require you to handle migration yourself.
In the end, weigh the importance of free migration against other features like support, performance, and scalability to find the best fit for your needs.
