How to Choose the Best WordPress Hosting in 2024

A website is like your physical storefront — it’s your virtual chance to showcase your business, welcome customers, and close deals. But just as the foundation of a building must be strong and secure, the hosting of your WordPress website must be, too.

Whether you’re a one-person business or a rapidly-expanding startup, choosing a hosting solution is a vital decision that can significantly impact your website’s performance, security, and overall success. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the essential considerations and factors to help you navigate the maze of options and find the perfect match for your business.

In addition to the guide below, take a look at the list of our recommended WordPress hosting providers.

1. Understand the different types of WordPress hosting

Finding the perfect host for your WordPress website requires an understanding of each type of hosting solution. In this section, we’ll demystify the options, so you can make a solid choice.

Shared hosting

Shared hosting is the equivalent of renting a room in a house full of tenants. You share the server’s resources with other websites. It’s an economical option for startups and small businesses. However, if one website on the server experiences a surge in traffic or a security breach, it could affect the performance and security of your website. You also tend to have fewer resources allocated to your site, since you’re sharing a finite number with everyone else.

Virtual private server (VPS) hosting

VPS hosting is like upgrading to a townhouse from a cramped apartment. You still share the server, but resources are divided into separate virtual environments. This provides better performance and more control over your website. VPS is ideal for businesses that have outgrown shared hosting but aren’t quite ready for dedicated server hosting.

Managed WordPress hosting

Managed WordPress hosting is like having a personal butler for your website. The hosting provider takes care of technical aspects like updates, backups, and security. This allows you to focus on growing your business. Managed hosting is best for those who want a hands-off approach to website maintenance.

Dedicated server hosting

Dedicated server hosting is the equivalent of owning a single-family home. You have an entire server to yourself, with unparalleled control, performance, and security. However, it comes with a hefty price tag and is best suited for large businesses or high-traffic websites. And it typically requires more maintenance, so you’ll either need to have some server management experience or hire someone who does.

Cloud hosting

Cloud hosting is like having an ever-expanding floor plan. Your website is hosted on a network of servers, allowing you to scale resources as needed. This offers flexibility and performance without the need for a dedicated server. Cloud hosting is ideal for businesses with fluctuating traffic or those anticipating rapid growth.

2. Determine your WordPress hosting needs and budget

Before diving into the sea of hosting providers, it’s essential to assess your needs and budget. This will help you narrow down your options and find the best fit for your business.

Traffic and bandwidth requirements

Estimate your website’s traffic to determine the amount of bandwidth needed. High-traffic websites require more resources, so look for hosting plans that offer generous bandwidth allowances or even unmetered bandwidth. 

If you’re just starting, it’s unlikely that you’ll need to account for massive amounts of traffic. However, if you have an aggressive marketing plan or expect national exposure, you may want to plan accordingly. It’s somewhat common for unprepared sites to crash when they get sudden, unexpected exposure from major influencers or national press.

If you’re moving your site from another platform or buying an existing property, you can reference Google Analytics or Jetpack Stats data to help you make a more informed decision.

Storage space requirements

Consider the amount of storage needed for your website’s files, databases, and emails. Websites with large media files or extensive databases may require more storage space than others. Ensure the hosting plan you choose offers enough to accommodate your needs, and allows you to easily scale as you grow.

Images are often the biggest offenders when it comes to taking up website space. Learn how to optimize and compress images in WordPress. 

Memory needs

Memory is different from storage in the sense that it’s space used temporarily to process data. Once that’s complete, the data no longer takes up space unless it’s moved to storage. 

WooCommerce, for example, recommends a minimum WordPress memory limit of 256MB, though it’s possible to run with less if you’re willing to sacrifice performance (you shouldn’t be). 

Popular sites can receive numerous requests simultaneously, and a lack of memory can overwhelm its ability to process data. This can crash a site or, at the very least, make it run very slowly. 

Ensuring your host allocates enough memory to process all the plugins and features on your website is just as important as having enough storage.

Website security requirements

Security should be a top priority for every business. Assess the level of security your website needs, including protection against hackers, malware, and DDoS attacks. Some hosting providers offer built-in security plugins such as Jetpack Security, while others may let you figure out security on your own.

Technical expertise and control requirements

Determine how much control you want over your server environment. If you have the technical expertise, you may prefer a hosting solution that allows for more customization. On the other hand, if you prefer a hands-off approach, managed hosting may be a better fit.

Budget constraints

Evaluate your budget to ensure that you choose a hosting plan that offers the features you need at a price you can afford. Keep in mind that some providers offer promotional pricing for the first term, which may increase dramatically upon renewal.

3. Look for reliability and uptime guarantees

A website that’s constantly down is like a store with its doors locked — customers can’t access it, and you lose potential sales. Reliability and uptime are crucial factors when choosing a hosting provider.

Service Level Agreements (SLAs)

Examine the hosting provider’s Service Level Agreement (SLA) to understand their uptime guarantees and the compensation offered for any downtime. A good SLA should guarantee at least 99.9% uptime, ensuring your website is accessible the vast majority of the time.

Historical uptime performance

Review the provider’s historical uptime performance to determine if they consistently meet their SLA guarantees. Look for third-party downtime monitoring services or independent reviews that track uptime data for a less biased view.

Redundancy and backup measures

Inquire about the hosting provider’s redundancy and backup measures to ensure your website’s data is safe and recoverable in the event of a disaster. A robust backup solution should include daily or weekly backups, offsite storage, and easy restoration options.

You’ll also want an independent, real-time WordPress backup solution from a third party. This way, your investment is protected in case your host is compromised. 

4. Consider server performance and speed

People won’t stick around for a slow-loading site. In addition to strong WordPress performance optimization for your site, ensuring your hosting provider offers excellent server performance and speed is vital for a positive user experience and improved search engine rankings.

Server hardware and infrastructure

Investigate the hosting provider’s server hardware and infrastructure to ensure that they use up-to-date, high-quality components. Look for providers that use solid-state drives (SSDs), as they offer faster data retrieval compared to traditional hard drives.

Content delivery networks (CDNs)

Instead of serving your website to everyone around the world from a single location, a content delivery network (CDN) stores your website’s content in locations around the world and serves it to visitors from the location nearest to them. CDNs help reduce latency and improve page load times. Check if the hosting provider offers CDN integration or if you can easily set up a free third-party CDN such as Jetpack CDN. 

Caching technologies

Caching technologies store and serve frequently-accessed data, reducing server load and improving website performance. Look for hosting providers that offer built-in caching solutions or support popular caching plugins.

Server location and latency

Choose a hosting provider with data centers located near your target audience to reduce latency and improve page load times. If your audience is spread across multiple regions, consider using a CDN to further enhance performance.

5. Check the hosting provider’s security measures

Your site and host should be like a fortress, keeping unwanted visitors out to protect valuable contents inside. Evaluating the hosting provider’s security measures is essential for safeguarding your website and customer data.

Firewalls and intrusion detection systems

Ensure the hosting provider uses firewalls and intrusion detection systems to protect your website from hackers and other security threats. These security measures act as a barrier, preventing unauthorized access to your server environment.

Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificates

An SSL certificate encrypts data exchanged between your site and visitors. They’re essential for protecting sensitive customer data. In fact, they’re so important that Google includes SSL certificates in their ranking factors and some browsers will display bright red warning labels on sites that don’t have them. Look for hosting providers that offer free SSL certificates or support third-party SSL installation. 

If you need one, learn how to get your own free SSL certificate. 

Malware and virus scanning

Check if the hosting provider performs regular malware and virus scanning to protect your website from threats. Some providers offer built-in scanning tools, while others may require additional plugins or services.

Data encryption and backup

Data encryption and backup are crucial for protecting your website’s data from unauthorized access or loss. Look for hosting providers that offer encryption options and robust backup solutions. Ideally, you’ll also install a WordPress backup plugin that provides more control and keeps your backups safe if your server is compromised.

6. Evaluate technical support and customer service

Choosing a hosting provider with exceptional support and customer service is essential for resolving issues quickly and efficiently.

If you’re not an experienced developer — and aren’t working with someone who is — this becomes even more important. Without good support, your site could go down for long periods of time during an emergency. 

Available support channels

Evaluate the hosting provider’s support channels, such as live chat, email, phone, or ticket systems. Multiple support options ensure you can reach out for help in a way that’s convenient for you.

Response times and availability

Inquire about the hosting provider’s response times and availability. Look for providers that offer 24/7 support and quick response times to minimize downtime and frustration.

Technical expertise and knowledge base

Assess the technical expertise of the hosting provider’s support team to ensure they can effectively assist you with any issues. Additionally, a comprehensive knowledge base with tutorials, guides, and FAQs is invaluable for self-help and troubleshooting.

Customer reviews and satisfaction

Read customer reviews and testimonials to gauge overall satisfaction with the hosting provider’s support and customer service. Look for patterns in feedback, such as consistently slow response times or unresolved issues.

7. Review pricing plans and add-ons

Carefully review each hosting provider’s pricing options to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money. Remember to account for introductory offers that may expire after your initial commitment period. 

Plan features and limitations

Examine the features and limitations of each hosting plan to ensure it meets your needs. Look for any restrictions on bandwidth, storage, or the number of websites you can host.

Payment terms and renewal rates

Review the hosting provider’s payment terms and renewal rates. Some providers offer discounted pricing for the first term, which may increase significantly upon renewal. Understand these pricing changes to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Additional services and features

Investigate the hosting provider’s additional services and features, such as website migration, domain registration, or email hosting. These extras may be included in your hosting plan or available as paid add-ons.

8. Check for user-friendly interfaces and control panels

Choose a hosting provider that offers an intuitive control panel and website management tools.

Control panel features and customization

Evaluate the hosting provider’s control panel features and customization options. Popular control panels like cPanel or Plesk offer extensive functionality and are widely supported.

Access and permissions management

Examine the hosting provider’s access and permissions management options. This is especially important if you have a team working on your website and need to grant varying levels of access to different users.

Website management tools and applications

Explore the website management tools and applications offered by the hosting provider. Look for an automated installation for WordPress, as well as tools for managing databases, email accounts, and domains.

9. Look for WordPress-specific features and compatibility

Since WordPress powers your website, it’s crucial to choose a hosting provider that offers features and compatibility tailored to the platform.

WordPress installation and configuration

Ensure the hosting provider offers a one-click WordPress installation or streamlined setup process to simplify the installation and configuration of your WordPress site.

WordPress security

Implementing strong security measures is paramount for protecting your website from threats. Consider hosting providers that offer built-in security features or include popular security plugins. 

Jetpack, for example, is considered to be the best all-around WordPress security plugin. Jetpack’s Security plan includes a comprehensive array of prevention, detection, and recovery options for a wide variety of threats. From brute force attack prevention and malware scanning with one-click fixes to downtime monitoring and real-time backups with quick restore options, it provides unparalleled peace of mind.

WordPress backups

Regular backups are essential for safeguarding your website’s data and ensuring quick recovery in case of data loss or corruption. Consider hosting providers that offer automatic backups. 

However, you shouldn’t solely rely on your host’s backups as an issue that takes down your site may have also compromised your servers, rendering those backups useless.

Jetpack VaultPress Backup is a reliable plugin, providing real-time backup and easy restoration features. It’s also included as part of the comprehensive Security plan for Jetpack. 

WordPress performance optimization

Optimizing your WordPress site’s performance can improve user experience and search engine rankings. Look for hosting providers that offer built-in performance optimization features or support plugins that help enhance your site’s speed. 

Jetpack Boost is one such solution, offering features such as critical CSS generation, deferring of non-essential JavaScript, and lazy image loading. Discover more about Jetpack Boost here: https://jetpack.com/boost/

10. Read reviews and compare hosting providers

Before making a decision, it’s essential to gather as much information as possible about your top hosting provider candidates. Reading reviews and comparing providers can help you make an informed choice.

Independent reviews and ratings

Examine independent reviews and ratings of the hosting providers you’re considering. Look for unbiased opinions from reputable sources, such as industry experts, bloggers, or publications.

Social media feedback and recommendations

Social media can be a treasure trove of customer feedback and recommendations. Browse the hosting providers’ social media pages and search for mentions of their services to gain insight into customer satisfaction and common issues.

Direct comparison of features and pricing

Create a side-by-side comparison of the features and pricing offered by each hosting provider. This will help you visualize the differences and make a more informed decision based on your needs and budget.

Word-of-mouth recommendations and referrals

Don’t underestimate the power of word-of-mouth recommendations and referrals. Consult your professional network, friends, or online communities to gather personal experiences and opinions about the hosting providers you’re considering.

Make an informed decision 

Finding the best hosting for your WordPress website is a critical decision that can impact your business’s online presence and growth. By understanding the different types of hosting, assessing your needs and budget, and carefully researching and comparing hosting providers, you can find a solution that serves your needs and protects your investment for years to come.  

Want to get recommendations from a trusted source? See the hosts recommended by Jetpack.

Frequently asked questions about WordPress hosting

Where can I find recommended WordPress hosting providers?

There are several sources to find recommended WordPress hosting providers, such as independent reviews, community forums, and industry experts’ opinions.

Additionally, you can explore the hosting providers recommended by trusted WordPress partners, such as Jetpack. Jetpack’s recommended hosting providers have been vetted for their compatibility, performance, and reliability.

Discover Jetpack’s recommended hosting partners.

How can I migrate my existing WordPress site to a new hosting provider?

Migrating your WordPress site to a new hosting provider typically involves the following steps:

1. Create a full backup of your existing site, including all files and databases.
2. Set up an account with the new hosting provider.
3. Upload your site files and import the database to the new hosting environment.
4. Update the DNS settings of your domain to point to the new hosting provider’s servers.
5. Test your site to ensure everything is working correctly and resolve any issues.

Some hosting providers offer free website migration services.  

Ready to make a change? Read our full guide to migrating a WordPress site. 

How often should I back up my WordPress site?

To be safe, you should always have an off-site, real-time WordPress backup solution in place. This way, every time you make a change on your site, it will be safely stored, and you’ll never lose your work again. 

Should I back up my site with my hosting provider or a third-party service?

For maximum safety, you should have backups from both your hosting provider and a third-party backup plugin. Many hosting providers include automated backups as part of their hosting plans, while others may charge extra for this service. The frequency of backups, how securely they’re stored, and what they include can vary. 

Third-party backup services, such as Jetpack VaultPress Backup, provide specialized features and options tailored for WordPress sites. Consider factors such as cost, ease of use, and restoration options when selecting a backup solution.

It’s also important to understand that if your server is compromised in any way, such as an error from your provider or a hack, you may also lose your backups. That’s just one reason that also using a third-party plugin is critical.

How important is website security for a WordPress site?

Website security is crucial for any WordPress site, as it helps protect your site from hackers, malware, and other potential threats. This allows you to safeguard your customers’ data, maintain your online reputation, and prevent downtime or data loss. Learn more about WordPress security. 

What security features should I look for in a hosting provider?

When evaluating a hosting provider’s security features, look for the following:

• Firewalls and intrusion detection systems to prevent unauthorized access.
• Regular malware and virus scanning.
• SSL certificate support to encrypt data exchanged between your site and its visitors.
• Secure data encryption and backup solutions.
• Support for security plugins, such as Jetpack Protect, to enhance your site’s security.
• High-quality customer support services.

How can I protect my WordPress site from malware and viruses?

To protect your WordPress site from malware and viruses, follow these best practices:

• Keep your WordPress core, themes, and plugins up to date.
• Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication for all user accounts.
• Install a reputable security plugin, such as Jetpack Protect, to monitor and protect your site from threats.
• Perform regular malware and virus scans.
• Only download plugins and themes from trusted sources.

What are uptime guarantees, and why are they important?

Uptime guarantees refer to the percentage of time a hosting provider promises to keep your website accessible and online. These guarantees are essential, as they indicate the hosting provider’s commitment to maintaining the availability and reliability of your site. A higher uptime guarantee, such as 99.9%, minimizes the chances of your website experiencing downtime, ensuring a positive user experience and protecting your online reputation.

How can I monitor my WordPress site for uptime and performance?

Monitoring your WordPress site for uptime and performance can be done through various methods, including:

• Using website monitoring tools and services, such as Jetpack, which check your site at regular intervals and notify you in case of downtime or performance issues.
• Installing performance monitoring plugins, like Jetpack Boost, which provide features such as site performance metrics and one-click enhancements.

Regularly monitoring your site’s uptime and performance helps you identify and address issues promptly, ensuring a smooth and satisfying user experience for your visitors.

Jetpack: Enterprise-grade security and backups for all WordPress sites

It’s essential to emphasize the critical role that security and backups play in the success and safety of your website. Jetpack offers powerful, enterprise-grade solutions accessible to all WordPress websites.

Jetpack Protect offers features such as malware scanning with one-click fixes, instant threat notifications, and a robust web application firewall (WAF), ensuring your website remains safe from cyber threats. By choosing Jetpack Protect, you can confidently secure your site without breaking the bank. Learn more about Jetpack Protect here: https://jetpack.com/protect/ 

Jetpack VaultPress Backup is a robust backup solution that safeguards your site’s data and offers seamless restoration in case of data loss or corruption. With real-time backups and easy-to-use restoration features, VaultPress Backup ensures that your website’s precious data is always protected and recoverable. Discover more about VaultPress Backup here: https://jetpack.com/upgrade/backup/

For those seeking a comprehensive solution that combines the best of both worlds, Jetpack Security is the answer. This all-in-one option bundles Jetpack Protect, VaultPress Backup, and additional features to provide a complete security suite for your WordPress site. By choosing Jetpack Security, you can rest assured that your website is protected by a powerful and reliable solution that offers enterprise-grade security and backups tailored for WordPress. Explore Jetpack Security here: https://jetpack.com/features/security/

Choosing the best WordPress hosting is just the beginning of your journey to building a secure, high-performing, and reliable website. By complementing your hosting solution with Jetpack’s suite of plugins, you can elevate your site’s security and backup capabilities, giving you the peace of mind to focus on what truly matters: growing your business and providing an exceptional online experience for your visitors. 

Don’t wait; fortify your WordPress site today with Jetpack’s unparalleled security and backup solutions.

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