“Web hosting free trial no credit card” may sound unlikely. After all, when it comes to commercial goods and services the term free trial often comes with strings attached. Vendors want your payment information so they can be sure you aren’t taking them for a free ride – so they want to know that you can (eventually) pay for it.
However with sites we aren’t sure we want to do business yet, many of us are leery of providing them with financial information. Don’t despair though as there are other options that exist and we’re going to explore the best free trial web hosting.
There are various ways that this can work. For example, some offer alternative payment methods like PayPal, while others may have a free hosting option you can use as a starter to try out their services. Others which might not have a free trial do offer a money-back guarantee.
We’ve cobbled together a list of five hosting providers where you can sign up and test drive their hosting services without credit card information.
LiquidWeb
Quick Takeaway
LiquidWeb Hosting is the enterprise and developer haven. Tailor-made for businesses that demand muscle in their hosting, from bustling eCommerce sites to sprawling enterprises, LiquidWeb stands as a beacon of strength. With a promise of 100% network uptime, LiquidWeb positions itself as a pillar of reliability in a sea of uncertainty. Its customer support isn’t just responsive; it’s legendary, offering 59-seconds response rate to all technical support requests. While its premium price tag is not for everyone, for those in need of its specific blend of power, scalability, and support, LiquidWeb is unparalleled.
Try at No Risk – Money Back Guarantee
Recommended for
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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
LiquidWeb Cons
- No standard shared hosting plans
- No Asia-based data center
InMotion Hosting
Quick Takeaway
Tailored to fit the needs of beginners, small businesses, and anyone looking for a broad spectrum of hosting services, InMotion Hosting marks its territory with an appealing blend of affordability, variety, and a welcoming handoff with free migration services. It’s a sanctuary for those who value a balance of cost and quality, offering a hosting haven that doesn’t skimp on service.
However, InMotion is not without its hurdles. Some users have noted that the sprint isn’t quite as good in the lower-tier shared plans when it comes to speed optimization. And, the leap in renewal pricing may have you recalibrating your budget.
Try at No Risk – Money Back Guarantee
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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
HostArmada
Quick Takeaway
HostArmada sails into the hosting arena with affordable shared and VPS hosting plans, fortified by powerful security measures including daily backups and proactive malware scans. However, your journey may hit choppy waters with noticeable price jumps at renewal and speed enhancement features that seem to lag behind in the more budget-friendly plans. This positioning makes HostArmada a formidable choice, yet with certain reservations when stacked against other competitors in the field.
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HostArmada Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Daily remote backup included
- Host unlimited websites in mid-to-high shared hosting account
- 45-day money back guarantee
- Free malware scan & web applications firewall (WAF) in all shared hosting plans
HostArmada Cons
- Price increase during the renewal
- Lack server speed features in lower shared hosting plans
DreamHost
Quick Takeaway
DreamHost presents a mixed bag with its commitment to quality hosting marred by gaps in live chat support and server locations confined to the United States. The hurdles of no free site migration and looming price hikes upon renewal might give pause to potential users. Nonetheless, DreamHost holds its ground – especially in shared hosting section, with a solid reputation and an enticing 97-day money-back guarantee (longest in the hosting industry!) – making it a contender worth considering despite its quirks.
Try at No Risk – Money Back Guarantee
Recommended for
HostScore
DreamHost Pros
- Reliable server uptime performance
- Daily backup included in all shared hosting plans
- 97-day Money back guarantee
- Extensive knowledgebase
DreamHost Cons
- Price increase during the renewal
- Live chat support can be better
- Server location in the United States only
- No free site migration assistance
Cloudways
Quick Takeaway
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.
Try at No Risk – Money Back Guarantee
Recommended for
Cloudways Pros
- Topnotch server uptime and speed performance
- Good abstration over complex cloud server setups with integrated dashboard
- Outstanding customer support
- High scalability
- 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
What is “Free Trial” in Web Hosting?
A “Web Hosting Free Trial” is like a test drive for hosting services. If you’re searching for a web host, this trial lets you try out their features, speed, and customer support without spending a dime. It’s risk-free – you get to see if the hosting fits your needs before committing to a plan.
What is “Money Back Guarantee” in Web Hosting?
A “money-back guarantee” in web hosting is a promise from the hosting provider to refund your payment if you’re not satisfied with their service within a specified period after signing up. This period can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the host. DreamHost, for example, offers up to 97-day money back guarantee, where they will refund their users’ money even though they have use DreamHost servers for more than 3 months,
Money-back guarantee is a safety net for you as a shopper, allowing you to test their hosting services, including performance, customer support, and features, without financial risk. If the service doesn’t meet your expectations, you can cancel your plan within the guarantee period and get your money back. This guarantee demonstrates the provider’s confidence in their service quality and commitment to customer satisfaction.
How to Begin?
Just sign up, set up your site, and see how it performs. If you love it, you can continue with a paid hosting plan. If not, you walk away with no strings attached. It’s the perfect way to find the right web host without risking any of your money.
Factors to consider when choosing free-to-try hosting plan
When looking for a free trial web host, always make sure that they have a transparent and strong refund policy. This will help you not only have an easier time getting your money back, but also spell out for you which hosts have extended refund periods.
What is Usually Allowed in a free trial hosting account?
In a free trial hosting account, users are generally allowed to:
- Set Up and Manage Websites: You can create and upload website files, configure your site, and see how it looks live on the internet.
- Access Control Panel: Most hosts offer access to a control panel (like cPanel or Plesk) for managing your hosting settings, email accounts, and databases.
- Test Performance: You can evaluate the hosting performance in terms of speed, uptime, and reliability to see if it meets your needs.
- Use Website Builders: If available, you can try out website builders that come with the hosting service to create a site easily without coding.
- Explore Security Features: Test the security measures provided, like SSL certificates, firewalls, and malware scanning.
- Customer Support: Access to customer support to gauge the responsiveness and helpfulness of the hosting provider’s team.
Why Pay Attention to Hosting Companies’ Guarantees and Free Trials?
Standard refund periods are around 30 to 60 days in web hosting, depending on the type of hosting you’re looking at. Anything above that and you’ve got a winner.
In the rare case of ScalaHosting, the money-back guarantee stretches the entirety of your stay with them – but it’s pro-rated.
This means that you will be refunded for time left on your contract, not the entire amount you paid when signing up. Details matter, so make sure you look for the terms and conditions before signing up for anything!
Conclusion: Free Hosting Rides Do Exist
As you can see, it isn’t necessary to have a credit card to sign up for web hosting and you often will get a chance to test the hosting to see if you like it.
Because of that, I always recommend that if you’re planning on signing up with a host to take advantage of their money-back guarantee, always choose a reputable one. Some may give you problems or simply take forever to process refunds.
The hosts in this list have been around for some time now and all have excellent reputation, so feel safe with their assurance.
In a nutshell, aside from using credit cards, your other options include: Third-party payment processors such as Skrill or PayPal, Bank Transfers, or Check. Do bear in mind though that the latter two are often only possible if you are residing in the same country as the web host is in.
