Top Web Hosting Sites for WordPress 2024 (How to Choose)
Picking the right web hosting provider for a WordPress site may seem like an impossible task for a beginner with the endless choices and reviews out there.
I’ve been doing this for a very long time, but still I end up spending hours of research every time I’m on the lookout for a new host.
Let me first share a quick list of the most important criteria to consider when choosing a WordPress host:
- Speed: You want to pick a fast hosting service that includes SSD storage, server-level caching, adequate server resources, and other performance enhancements. This is a crucial metric for the user experience and SEO.
- Uptime: Companies that proactively monitor their servers and have 24/7 technical support should have an excellent uptime track record.
- Security: An SSL certificate, malware scanning, and a firewall are some of the most important security features to look for. These should be included for free.
- Support: There is nothing worse than a web hosting provider that takes hours, or even days, to resolve a critical support request. Responsive 24/7 support is a make it or break it.
What Are The Best WordPress Hosting Sites in 2024?
I’ve used many web hosts so far and I can’t really give a one-size-fits-all answer to this question because it doesn’t exist.
However, here’s my take on some of the most popular WordPress hosts, including the ones I recommend and others that I’m not a big fan of.
1. HostArmada
HostArmada is my favorite choice these days for affordable shared hosting for new, small or low-traffic WordPress sites. I’ve had a good experience with their hosting service and support.
Just to name a few of their favorable features, you get cPanel with Softaculous (automatic WP installation and staging), free SSL certificates (don’t mind the the premium SSL add-on), Imunify360 malware scanning, CloudLinux, and outbound email filtering for higher deliverability.
2. Pressable
Pressable may not be very popular or cheap, but if you need a serious WordPress hosting service for an important website, this is a provider you can depend on. They easily have the best support service in comparison to most other hosts I’ve used.
Their managed WordPress hosting plans provide fast performance even for the heaviest ecommerce sites. The servers aren’t too crowded like most shared hosts, and each site gets plenty of server resources and capacity to accommodate traffic spikes smoothly.
3. Cloudways
Cloudways is one of the more modern web hosting platforms that focuses on managed cloud hosting. You get your own cloud server with any desired amount of CPU, RAM and disk space. They install and managed the server software for you, which is mostly an automated process.
If you have a large website, or a few of them, Cloudways can be a cost-effective option with plenty of room to scale up as you go.
The platform isn’t very beginner friendly, so if you are new to the game, you may initially have some challenges getting used to it.
4. Bluehost
Bluehost has been one of the main contributors to the WordPress project and it’s recommended by WordPress.org for that reason.
Personally, I’m not a big fan of this provider because I think their servers are too crowded, their renewal rates are quite high, their pricing isn’t very transparent, and their outsourced support agents aren’t the brightest or most helpful among the many hosts I’ve tried over the years.
5. HostGator
HostGator is actually owned by the same parent company that owns Bluehost. While each site has its unique front-end, many things on the back-end are basically the same.
Again, I’m not a big fan and I think you can get better service and support for your money at other places. HostGator too has high renewal prices and they’ve recently hiked up their prices big time.
6. Hostinger
Hostinger is another top player in the web hosting field and you must have seen their YouTube ads. They offer managed WordPress hosting at a relatively low price.
I do like the features they offer in their plans, but their control panel (hPanel) isn’t my favorite. I also didn’t like the fact that during my first month or so with them, live chat support used to answer instantly but after a while they kind of put you on the back burner and can take hours to respond to chat messages.
7. DreamHost
DreamHost was one of the very first web hosting providers that I used many years ago. They’ve been around for a long time and they generally have a good reputation.
As for my own experience, I wasn’t particularly impressed by the speed of their servers for the shared hosting plan I had wit them. This is a common issue with “cheap” and “unlimited” hosting services where the servers are usually oversold and too crowded. The service is fine overall, but I’ve had better performance at different other hosts.
8. SiteGround
SiteGround used to be one of the recommended hosts on WordPress.org, but for whatever reason it was removed from the list.
I don’t think it has to do with the quality of their service, because I’d easily choose SiteGround over the other recommendations there. This company has a great support service and a solid infrastructure that delivers fast performance. The high renewal price is the only disadvantage I can point out.
9. Kinsta
Kinsta provides premium WordPress hosting for small businesses, agencies and enterprises. It’s a fully managed hosting solution with some of the most experienced support staff in the industry.
Server speed, stability and uptime are top-grade, with the caveat that you are willing to pay a premium price tag for a plan that suits your site’s requirements.
Their plans come with a limited number of PHP workers, which can limit performance for dynamic sites like WooCommerce. You can always upgrade and get more PHP workers, but it may end up costing you a fortune with this premium service.
10. NameCheap
Last but not least, if you are a beginner starting out with a humble WordPress site, NameCheap can be a great and affordable host for you.
I primarily use NameCheap as my domain registrar but I can also vouch for their hosting services. I currently have one website using their shared cPanel hosting and it’s been a flawless experience so far.
This host may not have the best security features (malware protection isn’t included for free), but that’s not a big issue for a simple WordPress site as you can use a free security plugin for basic protection.
What WordPress Hosts Are Recommended on Reddit?
Many Reddit users have an issue with the big “popular” hosts out there, which mostly has to do with marketing tactics, tricky pricing, overselling, support outsourcing, etc.
All in all, two of the best WordPress hosting sites based on the various recommendations on Reddit are KnownHost and Cloudways.
KnownHost offers great features at an affordable price and they have a competent support team that usually responds within minutes.
Cloudways is a more advanced web hosting option where you can have a managed cloud server with scalable resources. It takes more getting used to but you get a good bang for your buck without gimmicky upgrades or hidden usage limits.
