Which Hosting Companies Support the Latest PHP Versions?

Not all web hosts support the latest PHP versions and that can hurt your website more than you think.

PHP powers most modern websites, from WordPress blogs and WooCommerce stores to Laravel and Joomla apps. This site you are reading, is built using WordPress and powered by PHP. But many shared hosting providers still default to older versions like PHP 8.0 (or worse, 7.4), which may no longer receive security updates or plugin support.

In this article, we’ll explain why PHP version support matters, which hosting companies offer the newest versions (and this time of writing, PHP 8.4.11 is the latest version and PHP 8.5.0 Beta 1 is available for testing), and how to check or change your current PHP setup. Whether you’re running a simple business site or deploying a custom application, staying up to date can improve your site’s speed, security, and future compatibility.

Why PHP Version Support Matters for Your Website?

PHP version support affects your website’s speed, security, and compatibility with modern plugins and CMS features.

• Newer PHP versions process code faster and use fewer server resources. For example, PHP 8.2 can execute scripts up to 40% faster than PHP 7.4, which directly improves your page load speed. This leads to faster page loads, better SEO outcomes, and smoother user experience.
• Security is another key reason. The PHP development team officially stops supporting older versions after a set period. PHP 7.4, for instance, reached end-of-life in late 2022, which means no more security updates. If your host still defaults to PHP 7.4 or doesn’t let you upgrade, you’re exposed to avoidable vulnerabilities.
• Plugin and CMS compatibility also depend on your PHP version. Some WordPress plugins require PHP 8.0 or higher to function correctly. Using an outdated version can break themes or prevent updates altogether.

Which Web Hosts Support the Latest PHP Versions?

Most leading hosting companies support PHP 8.1 and 8.2, but only a few have adopted PHP 8.3 as of mid-2025.

Some web hosts delay version rollouts for stability, while others allow users to switch PHP versions freely via control panels like cPanel, hPanel, or Plesk. If you’re using frameworks like Laravel 10 or plugins that require PHP 8.2+, this matters.

Here’s how major providers compare:

Web Host	Highest PHP Version	Notes (Version Selection & Support)
Bluehost	PHP 8.3	Supports PHP 8.3 on shared plans (minimum PHP 8.1). Customers can change PHP versions via cPanel’s MultiPHP Manager.
Cloudways	PHP 8.3	Supports PHP 7.4 through 8.3 on its managed cloud platform. Default is PHP 8.1, but users can upgrade to 8.3 via the Cloudways dashboard. Version selection is flexible per server.
DreamHost	PHP 8.4	Offers multiple PHP versions up to 8.4 on shared hosting. PHP 8.4, 8.3, 8.2, and 8.1 are all available to select in the DreamHost panel.
GreenGeeks	PHP 8.4	Provides the latest stable PHP on shared plans. Multiple versions (7.4 and up) can be selected in cPanel; GreenGeeks supports PHP through the most recent 8.x releases.
Hostinger	PHP 8.4	Supports PHP 7.3 through 8.4 on shared hosting. The hPanel control panel allows one-click switching between PHP versions.
InMotion Hosting	PHP 8.4	Supports PHP versions 7.4, 8.0, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, and now 8.4 on cPanel shared plans. PHP 8.4 became available on shared servers by Dec 2024. Users can change versions via cPanel (MultiPHP Manager).
Kinsta	PHP 8.4	Managed WordPress host – supports up to PHP 8.4 (available in MyKinsta dashboard). Note: PHP 8.4 and 8.3 are offered, but WordPress core has only beta support for 8.3/8.4, so Kinsta recommends most sites stick to 8.2 for now.
SiteGround	PHP 8.4	Offers PHP versions 7.3 through 8.4 on all shared servers. The Site Tools panel lets users choose their PHP version per site.
TMD Hosting	PHP 8.2	Supports multiple PHP versions (via cPanel) up to 8.2 on shared plans.
WP Engine	PHP 8.2	Managed WordPress environment – supports up to PHP 8.2 on shared plans. (PHP 8.3+ not yet fully supported on WP Engine’s platform as of the latest update.) Version upgrades are handled by WP Engine, with user control limited to the offered versions.
UltaHost	PHP 8.2	Supports up to PHP 8.2 on shared hosting. Offers a PHP selector (e.g. in cPanel) for switching versions.
Verpex	PHP 8.2	Supports up to PHP 8.2 on shared plans. Provides multiple PHP versions to choose from via the hosting control panel.
HostGator	PHP 8.3	Supports PHP 8.3 on shared cPanel hosting. In mid-2023 HostGator made PHP 8.2 the default, and later introduced 8.3 as an option. Users can switch PHP versions per site using MultiPHP Manager.
HostPapa	PHP 8.4	Supports PHP up to 8.4 on shared hosting. Customers can select their PHP version (from 7.x to 8.x) in cPanel.
Namecheap	PHP 8.4	Offers a range of PHP versions (5.2 through 8.4) on shared plans. The default PHP can be changed in cPanel’s PHP Selector. PHP 8.4 is fully supported as of 2025.
Hosting.com (A2)	PHP 8.4	Supports PHP 8.4 (current stable) and all legacy versions down to 4.4 on shared hosting. Users can easily switch PHP versions in the control panel.
GoDaddy	PHP 8.3	Supports PHP 8.3 on Linux shared hosting. Customers can change the PHP version in cPanel.
IONOS (1&1)	PHP 8.3	Supports PHP 8.1, 8.2, and 8.3 on shared plans. The hosting interface allows manual PHP version selection.

Note: This table reflects the highest available PHP versions tested on standard shared or managed WordPress plans. VPS and cloud plans may support newer versions if you manage the environment manually.

What is PHP and How Do Versions Work?

PHP is the server-side programming language that powers over 75% of websites – especially those built with WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal.

Each version of PHP introduces performance improvements, new language features, and deprecates outdated functions. Upgrading to a newer version means your code runs faster and more securely.

Here’s a quick breakdown of recent versions:

• PHP 7.4: Reached end-of-life in November 2022. Still supported by some hosts, but no longer receives security updates.
• PHP 8.0: Introduced just-in-time (JIT) compilation, making code execution significantly faster.
• PHP 8.1: Brought improvements like readonly properties and fibers, which aid async processing.
• PHP 8.2: Focused on stability, removing deprecated features and improving memory handling.
• PHP 8.3: Latest stable release with minor enhancements and stricter type handling.

What Happens If You Use an Outdated PHP Version?

Running an outdated PHP version puts your website at risk—slower speeds, plugin conflicts, and known security vulnerabilities.

For example, PHP 7.4 reached end-of-life in November 2022. Since then, it has stopped receiving security patches from the core development team. If your web host still defaults to 7.4—or doesn’t give you the option to upgrade—you could be exposed to unpatched bugs or remote exploits.

Beyond security, outdated PHP can break your site.

Newer WordPress plugins and themes may not support legacy versions, which can cause fatal errors, blank pages, or update failures. You’ll also miss out on performance gains introduced in PHP 8+, including faster page rendering and lower CPU usage.

Here’s what typically breaks when you run older PHP versions:

• Plugins or extensions that require PHP 8.0 or higher
• CMS updates that check for minimum version support
• Hosting features like object caching or opcache optimization
• Compatibility with modern frameworks like Laravel 10 or Symfony 6

Some hosts still support PHP 7.4 or even 7.3, but using those versions long-term is not recommended. If your site or stack depends on legacy code, consider updating or migrating to a host that offers safer version control.

How to Check Your Current PHP Version

You can check your current PHP version using your hosting control panel, WordPress dashboard, or by uploading a small diagnostic file. Here are three common methods:

Using Web Host Control Panel

Most shared and VPS hosts include a PHP version manager inside control panel (cPanel, DirectAdmin, hPanel, etc).

1. Log in to your hosting control panel.
2. Search for “Select PHP Version” or “PHP Settings.”
3. Your active version will appear at the top of the page.
4. You may also see a dropdown to change the version (if supported).

If you’re using Plesk, look under “PHP Settings” inside your site dashboard.

Using WordPress Site Health

If you’re using WordPress:

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Go to: Tools → Site Health → Info tab
3. Scroll to the “Server” section.
4. Look for the PHP Version field.

This shows the version your server is running—even if your theme or plugins require a newer one.

Using a phpinfo() File

For full technical details:

1. Open a plain text editor.
2. Paste this line of code: <?php phpinfo(); ?>
3. Save the file as phpinfo.php
4. Upload it to your website’s root folder via FTP
5. Visit yoursite.com/phpinfo.php in your browser
6. The PHP version will be listed at the top, along with other environment details.
7. Delete this file afterward for security reasons.

How to Update Your PHP Version with Your Host?

Via Common Web Hosting Control Panel

Generally, you can manage (downgrade or upgrade) your server PHP version from your web hosting control panel. Once logged in, look for the “PHP Version” or “Select PHP Version” section, which is often found under the “Software” or “Services” category. From there, you can choose the new PHP version from a dropdown list or similar interface.

Via Hosting Provider’s Support

If you are unsure or need more specific guidance, it’s best to contact your hosting provider’s support team for assistance.

Some managed WordPress hosts (like Kinsta or WP Engine) do not allow version switching through a dashboard. Instead, they apply updates in stages and may let you request a version change via support.

• Check your host’s knowledge base or contact live chat support.
• Some hosts only allow switching between approved stable versions (e.g., PHP 8.0 → 8.1).
• If you’re on an older plan, you may be required to migrate to a newer stack before switching.

What to Do if You Can’t Update PHP?

If your hosting provider doesn’t support recent PHP versions (8.1 or higher), consider these options:

• Check for account-level restrictions – some shared plans cap PHP at older versions, but upgrading to VPS unlocks newer ones.
• Reach out to support – some hosts will enable the version manually if you ask.
• Switch hosting providers – if you’re stuck on PHP 7.4 or earlier with no upgrade path, it may be time to change hosts.

See our top hosts that support PHP 8.2+ for performance-optimized options.

Who Should Care Most About PHP Version Support?

PHP version support matters most to WordPress / Joomla / Drupal users, developers, eCommerce site owners, and anyone running modern plugins or frameworks.

If you run a WordPress site, especially with WooCommerce, your performance and plugin stability rely heavily on up-to-date PHP. Some caching plugins, security tools, and form builders now require PHP 8.0 or newer to work reliably.

You should prioritize newer PHP support if you:

• Use WordPress, Joomla, Laravel, or custom PHP scripts
• Run an eCommerce store (WooCommerce, PrestaShop, etc.)
• Care about speed, SEO, or Core Web Vitals scores
• Have security concerns or compliance needs (HIPAA, PCI DSS)
• Build with modern frameworks or use advanced plugins

If you’re running a static site or using your hosting plan for email only, the PHP version may not affect you much. But for most users, having access to current PHP releases is one of the easiest ways to future-proof your website.

Final Thoughts

If your web host doesn’t support modern PHP versions, it’s time to reconsider your provider.

Keeping up with the latest PHP version is about security, compatibility, and long-term performance. Hosts like Hostinger, InMotion Hosting, Hosting.com, and SiteGround currently lead the pack by offering easy version switching and timely PHP updates, even on budget plans.

On the other hand, some well-known providers still default to PHP 7.4 or restrict upgrades on shared hosting tiers. That may leave your site vulnerable or limit plugin compatibility down the road.

Before you sign up or renew your hosting subscription, check which PHP versions are supported, whether version switching is allowed, and how your host handles major PHP updates.

Want to compare hosts by performance, support, and price? Read our latest hosting reviews.