“Free Trial, No Credit Card” – Is It Possible in Web Hosting?
In the world of web hosting, the phrase “Free Trial, No Credit Card” may seem too good to be true. Typically, when it comes to online goods and services, free trials often come with strings attached—usually in the form of providing payment details upfront. This helps vendors ensure you’re a potential paying customer, even if you’re only exploring the service for now.
But what if you’re not ready to commit?
Sharing financial details with an unfamiliar site can feel risky.
Fortunately, there are still web hosts that offer free trials without requiring your credit card information. In this article, we’ll explore the best free trial web hosting options available.
Some providers get around the credit card requirement by allowing alternative payment methods, like PayPal. Others may offer a free hosting tier or refrain from charging your credit card as a way for you to sample their services. And while not all hosts have a completely free trial, many provide a money-back guarantee, giving you a risk-free opportunity to test their platform.
Here’s a list of web hosting providers where you can sign up and experience their services without entering any payment details.
Web Hosting Free Trial to Try Out
| Web Host | Free Trial | Need credit card info when signup? |
|---|---|---|
| ScalaHosting | Anytime Money Back Guarantee | Yes, use PayPal to avoid giving credit card info. Also, cancel and refund anytime you want (no limit). |
| LiquidWeb | 14 days | No payment info needed. |
| Verpex | 45 days | Yes, use PayPal to avoid giving credit card info. |
| Kamatera | 30 days | Yes, credit card info needed but will not be charged during the first 30 days. |
| InMotion Hosting | 90 days | Yes, use PayPal to avoid giving credit card info. |
| DreamHost | 97 days | Yes, use PayPal to avoid giving credit card info. |
☝️Basically this table is all you need to get some good web hosting trials.
ScalaHosting
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.
Try at No Risk – Money Back Guarantee
Recommended for
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
LiquidWeb
LiquidWeb
LiquidWeb has long been recognized as a premium web hosting provider, catering primarily to larger businesses and enterprises with high-performance solutions. With a commitment to 100% network uptime and a 59-second response time for all technical support requests, LiquidWeb stands out as a reliable choice in the hosting industry.
Traditionally, their focus on enterprise-scale offerings meant that smaller businesses and individuals often found their services out of reach, especially without standard shared hosting options. However, LiquidWeb has recently introduced a more budget-friendly $5 Cloud VPS hosting plan, making their dependable and powerful hosting accessible to smaller businesses and newcomers. While their expertise remains in upscale and high-end hosting solutions, this new option allows a wider audience to experience the exceptional quality and support that LiquidWeb is known for.
Try at No Risk – Money Back Guarantee
Recommended for
HostScore
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
Verpex
Verpex
Verpex stands out in the web hosting landscape with its commitment to affordability, offering valuable features like daily backups and unlimited free site migrations. However, like many budget hosting providers, the inevitable price increases upon renewal can be a point of consideration for long-term users.
For those seeking beginner-friendly, budget-conscious, or small business hosting, Verpex proves to be a reliable choice, equipped to handle a variety of hosting needs. Whether you’re starting a personal blog or managing a growing business, the company is ready to support your web hosting journey with its flexible and user-focused approach.
Try at No Risk – Money Back Guarantee
Recommended for
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
Kamatera
Kamatera
While Kamatera’s affordability and advanced features make it a strong choice for experienced users with technical expertise, beginners may find it too complex to set up. Additionally, certain essential services like managed support and a web hosting control panel come at an extra cost, which can quickly add up. The IaaS platform excels in performance and scalability; but our market research shows that its customer support can occasionally fall short of expectations.
Overall, we believe Kamatera is ideal for users comfortable with self-management, but not the best fit for beginners or small businesses seeking a straightforward hosting solution.
Try at No Risk – Money Back Guarantee
Recommended for
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
InMotion Hosting
InMotion Hosting
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
Recommended for
HostScore
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
DreamHost
DreamHost
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
What is a “Free Trial” in Web Hosting?
A web hosting free trial is like taking a hosting service for a test drive. If you’re searching for a web host, this trial allows you to experience their features, performance, and customer support without paying upfront. It’s completely risk-free—you get to see if the hosting solution suits your needs before committing to a paid plan.
What is “Money-Back Guarantee” in Web Hosting?
A money-back guarantee in web hosting is an assurance from the provider that you’ll get a full refund if you’re unsatisfied within a specific timeframe after signing up. This period can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the host. For example, DreamHost offers an industry-leading 97-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to test their service for over three months with the option of a full refund if it doesn’t meet their expectations.
A money-back guarantee acts as a safety net for consumers, letting you test the hosting provider’s performance, customer support, and features without financial risk. If the service doesn’t deliver as promised, you can cancel within the guarantee period and get your money back. This guarantee reflects the web host’s confidence in their service and commitment to customer satisfaction.
How to Begin?
Simply sign up, set up your website, and see how it performs. If it meets your expectations, you can continue with a paid plan. If not, you can walk away with no financial commitment. It’s an easy way to explore hosting services without risking any money upfront.
Factors to consider when choosing free-to-try hosting plan
When selecting a free trial web host, make sure they offer a transparent and customer-friendly refund policy. This ensures a smooth process if you decide to request a refund. Also, look for hosts that provide extended refund periods, giving you more time to evaluate their service.
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?
Most web hosting providers offer refund periods ranging from 30 to 60 days, depending on the type of hosting. Anything longer than that is a significant advantage.
Take ScalaHosting, for example. Their money-back guarantee extends for the entire duration of your contract, though it’s pro-rated. This means you’ll be refunded for the remaining time on your plan, not the full amount paid at sign-up. These details matter, so always read the terms and conditions before committing to a hosting plan!
Conclusion: Free Hosting Trials Are Real
As you can see, it isn’t always necessary to provide a credit card to sign up for web hosting. Many hosts offer a chance to test their services to see if they meet your needs before making a financial commitment.
That’s why we always recommend opting for a host with a reliable money-back guarantee if you’re still exploring your options. Reputable web hosting companies process refunds quickly and efficiently, while less trustworthy providers may complicate or delay the process.
The web hosts listed above have strong track records and solid reputations, so you can trust their guarantees and enjoy a risk-free hosting experience.
Payment Alternatives if You Don’t Want to Use a Credit Card
If you prefer not to use a credit card, there are several alternative payment methods you can explore:
- Third-Party Payment Processors: Services like PayPal or Skrill offer a secure and widely accepted way to make payments without sharing your card details directly. Many hosting companies support these methods.
- Bank Transfers: Some web hosts allow direct bank transfers. However, this option is often limited to users residing in the same country as the host, and processing times can be slower than other methods.
- Checks: In rare cases, certain hosts may accept payment via check. Like bank transfers, this method is usually restricted to local customers and can take longer to process.
Keep in mind that not all hosts offer these alternatives, so it’s always a good idea to check their payment options before signing up.
