Forbes Advisor Ratings
Methodology
There are a few different factors you need to take into account when picking the best shared hosting service of 2024, from functionality to cost and customer service. We’ve assessed 10 different hosting providers across multiple criteria, weighing up their overall value and features on offer. This includes specific functionality suited to shared hosting platforms such as its server locations and storage limits as well as overall monthly costs and discounted introductory periods.
Decision Factor | Scoring Weight | Description |
---|---|---|
Value | 30% | We assess each provider’s monthly and annual subscription costs, any discounts or introductory pricing that expire upon renewal and the presence of a free trial. |
General Features | 27% | We take into account general features on offer such as storage, bandwidth, domain names and SSL certificates as well as performance and security features. |
Expert Score | 20% | Our experts analyze each provider’s features, value for money, reputation and ease of use to give it a total score. |
Service and Support | 10% | We look at what channels you can use to contact each provider’s customer support. |
Ratings and Reviews | 9% | We factor in public reviews on platforms such as Trustpilot, G2 and Capterra to understand customers’ real-life experiences with each provider. |
Hosting Type | 4% | Finally, we assess the type of hosting offered for each shared web host provider, including whether it’s managed or cloud-based, and what control panel is used. |
Read more: How we test web hosting services
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best shared hosting service?
There are a number of great shared hosting services available at an affordable price. For example, Mochahost’s easy-to-use interface makes it our pick for beginners who are new to hosting services, while Namecheap is the best budget option, given the value it offers at a low price. Enterprises that need a high-performing WordPress solution are likely to find it in Kinsta, while IONOS’ flexibility and range of pricing plans make it the best option for scaling businesses.
How does shared hosting work?
Shared hosting works by allowing multiple websites to use the same server. Each website gets a share of the server’s resources including storage, bandwidth and databases.
Is shared hosting good?
Shared hosting is a great option if you’re on a tight budget. It’s cheaper because other websites share the resources and costs of operating the servers. For the average small business website and blog, shared hosting will provide a sufficient service at the best price. However, if you have a large website with lots of traffic, then it’s best to upgrade to a VPS or dedicated server.
What is the difference between shared hosting and VPS hosting?
Shared hosting is like living in an apartment complex. Multiple sites share the same server resources. It’s affordable and simple to use, but resources are limited. This option is suitable for small businesses, personal sites or blogs that don’t require massive resources or high-level security.
VPS (virtual private server) hosting is similar to living in a condominium. You still share a building but have your own dedicated portion of the resources. It’s more expensive but offers greater control, more resources and improved security. This option is ideal for medium-sized businesses, e-commerce sites or those who need more customization and have a higher budget.
Are automatic backups important for shared hosting?
Automatic backups are important for shared hosting. They ensure that if something goes wrong with your website, you can restore it without losing data easily. Many hosting providers offer automatic backups, which is a great way to keep your website safe. Additionally, you should also back up your website manually on a regular basis to ensure that your data is safe and secure.
Does shared hosting affect SEO?
Shared hosting itself doesn’t directly affect SEO, but the performance factors associated with it, such as site speed and uptime, can impact your site’s SEO rankings.
How much traffic can shared hosting handle?
The traffic capacity of a shared hosting service may fluctuate, but it is usually adequate for websites with moderate-to-low traffic, which is commonly around 30,000 to 50,000 visitors each month.
Is shared hosting a good option for WordPress?
Shared hosting can be a good option for WordPress, especially for smaller sites or blogs because of its cost-effectiveness and ease of use.