Budget-friendly WordPress hosting doesn’t have to mean slow speeds or limited features. Many providers offer reliable performance, strong security, and the tools you need to grow — all at a price that will make you smile.
If you’re starting a new site or running a small business, the right hosting plan helps you launch with confidence. The best affordable options balance cost, speed, and support while keeping setup simple.
The best budget-friendly WordPress hosts
Below, we’ll highlight the seven best budget-friendly WordPress hosting providers for 2025, comparing features, pricing, and benefits. You’ll also find tips on getting the most from your hosting plan, including ways to improve speed and security.
Let’s get to it!
1. WordPress.com
WordPress.com offers a hassle-free hosting experience with built-in security, automatic updates, and a user-friendly dashboard. Unlike traditional web hosts, WordPress.com takes care of hosting management so you can spend more time building and growing your website.
Lower tier plans work well for those just starting out who want a more hands-off experience, but higher-tier plans unlock custom domain support, advanced design tools, and monetization options.
Features:
- Managed WordPress hosting with automatic updates and security
- A free plan with basic features
- Custom domain support on paid plans
- Built-in SEO tools to improve site visibility
- Jetpack-powered security and performance enhancements
Pros of WordPress.com:
- WordPress.com provides hassle-free hosting with automatic updates and built-in security, reducing maintenance for users.
- A free plan is available, making it an accessible option for basic websites and personal projects.
- The platform offers full WordPress integration with optimized performance.
- Built-in SEO tools and Jetpack features help improve site visibility and security without requiring extra plugins.
Cons of WordPress.com:
- Customization options are limited on the free and lower-tier plans, restricting design flexibility.
- Non-Business plans don’t support third-party plugins and themes.
Ease of use:
WordPress.com offers a fully-managed hosting experience, handling updates, security, and maintenance automatically. Its user-friendly dashboard, pre-installed WordPress setup, and built-in customization tools make it easy for beginners to create and manage a website.
Best for:
Bloggers, hobbyists, and small businesses looking for a low-maintenance hosting solution with built-in security and automatic updates stand to benefit the most from WordPress.com
Pricing:
WordPress.com offers a free plan, while paid plans start at $4/month (billed annually). The Business plan, which allows plugin and theme installation, starts at $25/month.
2. Bluehost
Bluehost offers one of the most popular WordPress hosting services and comes officially recommended by WordPress.org. Its affordable plans and one-click WordPress installation make setup simple for beginners. The platform includes a streamlined dashboard, automatic WordPress setup, and free domain registration for the first year.
Its shared hosting plans come with essential features, and though renewal rates are higher than introductory prices, Bluehost remains a solid choice for those seeking an affordable hosting solution.
Features:
- One-click WordPress installation for easy setup
- Free domain registration for the first year
- A free SSL certificate for enhanced security
- Unmetered bandwidth on all shared hosting plans
- 24/7 customer support
Pros of Bluehost:
- Bluehost provides a simple, beginner-friendly setup that makes it easy to get started with WordPress.
- A free domain is included for the first year, helping to reduce upfront costs.
- The hosting service offers reliable uptime and performance.
- Bluehost has strong integration with WordPress and is officially recommended by WordPress.org.
Cons of Bluehost:
- Renewal rates increase after the first term, making it more expensive over time.
- Automated backups are not included with basic plans.
Ease of use:
Bluehost is designed with beginners in mind, offering a straightforward setup process and an intuitive dashboard. It provides the essential features needed to keep your site running smoothly.
Best for:
Bluehost is an excellent choice for new WordPress users, bloggers, and small business owners looking for an affordable and easy-to-use hosting solution. Those needing more resources can upgrade to managed WordPress hosting for additional features and performance.
Pricing:
Bluehost’s shared hosting starts at $2.95/month for the first term, with renewals at $11.99/month.
3. DreamHost
DreamHost is a well-established WordPress hosting provider known for its straightforward pricing, reliable uptime, and commitment to open source technology. It offers a beginner-friendly experience while still delivering strong performance.
DreamHost’s shared hosting plans include unlimited bandwidth, free SSL certificates, and daily backups — features often reserved for premium hosting tiers. Plus, with a 97-day money-back guarantee, it’s one of the most risk-free options available.
Features:
- Unlimited bandwidth on shared hosting plans
- A free SSL certificate
- Automated daily backups at no extra cost
- One-click WordPress installation for easy setup
- A 97-day money-back guarantee, one of the longest in the industry
Pros of DreamHost:
- Shared hosting plans have no traffic limits or bandwidth restrictions.
- Automated daily backups are included for free, even on basic plans.
- The company has a strong commitment to WordPress and open source values.
Cons of DreamHost:
- DreamHost does not use cPanel, instead offering a custom control panel that may have a learning curve.
Ease of use:
This host offers a user-friendly experience with a custom control panel designed to simplify website management. One-click WordPress installation, automated updates, and free daily backups make it simple to maintain your site.
Best for:
DreamHost is a great choice for bloggers, small businesses, and personal websites looking for affordable, reliable WordPress hosting.
Pricing:
DreamHost’s shared hosting starts at $2.59/month when paid annually, then $6.99 for following years. Managed WordPress hosting plans start at $16.95/month with additional features like site staging and priority support, which bumps up to $19.99 in year two.
4. IONOS
IONOS is a budget-friendly hosting provider that offers excellent value, especially for small businesses and new website owners. With its low-cost introductory pricing and solid performance, it’s a strong contender for those who prioritize affordability.
One of IONOS’s standout features is its 24/7 personal consultant, providing help whenever needed. Though the custom control panel may take some getting used to, IONOS makes up for it with its reliability and super-low pricing.
Features:
- Ultra-low introductory pricing for budget-conscious users
- A free SSL certificate included in all plans
- Daily backups to protect your site’s data
- A personal consultant
- DDoS protection to keep your site secure
Pros of IONOS:
- IONOS offers some of the most affordable WordPress hosting plans available.
- Free daily backups and SSL certificates are included.
- Every customer gets a dedicated personal consultant.
- Hosting plans come with scalable resources.
Cons of IONOS:
- IONOS uses a custom control panel instead of cPanel, which may require some adjustment.
- The entry-level plan only supports one website.
Ease of use:
IONOS provides a simple hosting experience with one-click WordPress installation. The dashboard interface is designed to be user-friendly, but is not as intuitive as some competitors.
Best for:
IONOS is best for individuals and small businesses looking for an affordable WordPress hosting solution with solid security and performance. Its low-cost plans make it a great option for new website owners, while its scalable resources allow room for growth.
Pricing:
IONOS’s shared WordPress hosting starts at $1/month for the first year, then renews at $10/month. Higher-tier plans with more resources and features are available at competitive rates.
5. HostPapa
HostPapa is an independently-owned hosting provider that focuses on affordability, ease of use, and strong customer support. Designed with small businesses in mind, it offers budget-friendly WordPress hosting with free domain registration, SSL certificates, and automated backups.
A standout feature of HostPapa is its one-on-one training session, helping new users get comfortable with WordPress. While its entry-level plans provide good value, higher-tier plans include enhanced performance and security features that may be worth the investment as your site grows.
Features:
- Free domain registration for the first year
- A free SSL certificate included with all plans
- A one-on-one training session for beginners
- Automated website backups to protect data
- 24/7 customer support
Pros of HostPapa:
- HostPapa is beginner-friendly and includes free WordPress training to help new users get started.
- Customers receive a free domain and SSL certificate for the first year.
- The hosting plans include solid security features like automated backups and malware scanning.
- Customer support is responsive and available in multiple languages.
Cons of HostPapa:
- The entry-level plan comes with limited server resources, which may not be sufficient for high-traffic websites.
- Renewal rates increase after the first term, making it more expensive over time.
Ease of use:
HostPapa offers a straightforward setup process with one-click WordPress installation, free website migration, and a custom training session for new users.
Best for:
HostPapa is a great choice for small businesses, bloggers, and first-time website owners looking for an affordable and user-friendly hosting option. The included WordPress training session makes it ideal for those who want extra guidance without hiring a developer.
Pricing:
HostPapa’s shared WordPress hosting starts at $2.95/month for the first term and can be renewed after that for $13.99/month. Higher-tier plans with more performance and security features are available.
6. A2 Hosting
A2 Hosting provides speed-focused solutions, offering budget-friendly hosting without compromising performance. Its Turbo Servers, available on higher-tier plans, improve load times compared to many competitors.
A2 Hosting also caters to developers, supporting multiple PHP versions, staging environments, and WordPress-optimized servers. While the entry-level plan lacks Turbo Servers, it still delivers solid performance and reliability for smaller websites.
Features:
- Turbo Servers available on higher-tier plans for faster load times
- Free site migration included with all plans
- Automatic backups to keep your data safe
- Developer-friendly features including multiple PHP versions
- An anytime money-back guarantee for added flexibility
Pros of A2 Hosting:
- A2 Hosting focuses on speed, offering Turbo Server options for faster load times.
- Free site migration allows users to switch hosts easily without additional costs.
- Automatic backups provide extra security by ensuring website data remains safe.
- The hosting service supports advanced developer features, including multiple PHP versions and staging environments.
Cons of A2 Hosting:
- Turbo Servers are only available on higher-tier plans.
- The entry-level plan includes less storage than some competitors, which may be restrictive for larger websites.
- Renewal rates are significantly higher than introductory pricing.
Ease of use:
A2 Hosting provides a user-friendly experience with one-click WordPress installation and a simple control panel for site management. Automated updates, free site migration, and included backups help reduce maintenance tasks.
Best for:
A2 Hosting is a strong choice for website owners who need speed and performance on a budget. Its hosting plans work well for small businesses and developers who need flexibility and more control over their hosting environment.
Pricing:
A2 Hosting’s shared WordPress plan starts at $2.99/month for the first term, then renews at $12.99/month.
7. InMotion
InMotion Hosting offers affordable WordPress hosting with fast speeds, strong security, and reliable support. Every plan includes NVMe SSD storage for faster load times than many other budget hosts. Free website migrations make switching seamless, too. Shared hosting plans come with additional features like automatic backups, but renewal pricing is higher than some of the other providers on this list.
Features:
- NVMe SSD storage for faster performance
- Free website migration to make switching easy
- Automatic backups included with higher-tier plans
- Staging environment for testing site changes
Pros of InMotion:
- InMotion Hosting uses NVMe SSD storage, which improves speed and performance.
- The free website migration service allows you to switch hosts without experiencing downtime.
- InMotion offers a 90-day money-back guarantee.
- Lower-tier plans include more features than many competitors.
Cons of InMotion:
- Renewal rates increase after the first term, making long-term costs higher than the initial discounted pricing.
- The entry-level plan does not include automatic backups.
Ease of use:
InMotion Hosting offers a straightforward setup process, one-click WordPress installation, and an intuitive control panel, so beginners shouldn’t have a difficult time with it.
Best for:
This provider works well for small to medium-sized businesses, bloggers, and entrepreneurs seeking fast and reliable web hosting. Those with audiences outside the U.S. might experience slower response times due to data center locations, however.
Pricing:
InMotion’s shared WordPress hosting starts at $2.75/month for the first year and renews at $10.99/month.
Comparison of affordable WordPress hosting providers
| Hosting Provider | Number of Websites | Starting Prices per Month | Automatic Backups | Free SSL Certificate | Jetpack Integration | Automatic WordPress Updates | CDN Integration | Staging Functionality | Firewall and DDoS Protection | Malware Scanning | Support |
| DreamHost | One website | $2.59 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 24/7 |
| Bluehost | Multiple (on some plans) | $2.95 | On some plans | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | On some plans | 24/7 |
| IONOS | One website | $1.00 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Personal consultant |
| HostPapa | Multiple (on some plans) | $2.95 | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | 24/7 |
| A2 Hosting | Multiple (on some plans) | $2.99 | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes (on some plans) | Yes | 24/7 |
| InMotion | Unlimited | $2.75 | Yes (higher-tier plans) | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | 24/7 |
| WordPress.com | One website | Free ($4 for paid plans) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 24/7 support from Happiness Engineers |
How to make the most of affordable WordPress hosting
Budget-friendly hosting is a great start, but maximizing performance and reliability takes a few extra steps. Fortunately, free and low-cost tools help optimize your WordPress site without increasing expenses. Make the most of your hosting plan by doing the following:
1. Install a free speed optimization plugin
A slow site hurts user experience and SEO rankings. Jetpack Boost is a free plugin that improves speed with minimal effort.
With Jetpack Boost, you can optimize CSS loading to speed up page rendering, improve Core Web Vitals for better performance, and even use local fonts to reduce external requests.
Installing Jetpack Boost takes just a few seconds and helps any WordPress site run more efficiently.
2. Secure your site with a cost-effective solution
Most budget hosts include basic security, but adding extra protection keeps your site safer. Jetpack Security provides real-time malware scanning, automated backups, and spam protection in one solution.
Jetpack Security helps you:
- Prevent brute force attacks with login protection.
- Scan for malware and vulnerabilities before they cause issues.
- Backup your site automatically for quick recovery.
- Block spam comments and fake registrations.
Since many budget hosting plans lack advanced security, Jetpack Security fills the gap without high costs.
3. Use the free SSL certificate from your host
SSL encrypts data between your site and visitors, securing logins and transactions. Most hosting providers offer a free SSL certificate through Let’s Encrypt.
To activate your SSL certificate, log in to your hosting account, then find the security or SSL settings. Then, enable the free Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate or whatever is offered by your provider.
With SSL enabled, browsers will display a secure padlock icon, improving trust and preventing security warnings for visitors.
4. Keep WordPress core, themes, and plugins updated
Outdated software weakens security and slows down your site. Regular updates improve performance and fix vulnerabilities. Check your WordPress dashboard frequently for core, theme, and plugin updates.
Keeping everything up to date ensures better security and speed while reducing the risk of compatibility issues. If a plugin or theme is no longer maintained, consider replacing it with an actively updated alternative.
5. Choose a lightweight theme
Your theme affects how quickly your site loads. Feature-heavy themes may look nice, but they can slow down performance, especially on entry-level hosting plans.
For better speed, consider using lightweight themes like Twenty Twenty-Five. Also, avoid themes with excessive animations and bloated page builders. A lightweight theme ensures fast load times and a better user experience, even on lower-cost hosting.
Frequently asked questions
Below, you’ll find quick answers to common questions to help you choose the right plan, optimize performance, and keep your site secure without overspending:
What is cheap WordPress hosting, and why choose it?
Cheap WordPress hosting offers essential features at a budget-friendly price, ideal for personal blogs, small businesses, and new websites. Many providers still offer strong performance, security, and support, making them a great starting point.
Do I need technical experience to use cheap WordPress hosting?
No. Most providers offer one-click WordPress installation, automatic updates, and beginner-friendly dashboards. Plus, 24/7 support is available if you need help.
Can I host multiple WordPress sites on a cheap hosting plan?
Some plans support multiple sites, while others allow just one. Look for support for multiple websites in plan details, adequate storage and bandwidth, as well as upgrade options for future growth
What are renewal rates, and why are they higher than introductory prices?
Most providers offer discounted first-term pricing that increases upon renewal. To avoid surprises, check renewal pricing before signing up, choose longer-term plans to lock in savings, and take the time to compare hosts to find the best pricing.
Do cheap hosting plans include SSL certificates, and why are they important?
Yes, most include a free SSL certificate. It’s often provided through Let’s Encrypt. SSL encrypts data for security, prevents browser warnings, and improves SEO rankings
How can I secure my WordPress site on a budget?
Use Jetpack Security for affordable, all-in-one protection that blocks malware and brute force attacks, automates backups for quick recovery, and protects logins from hacking attempts. Many budget hosts offer basic security, but Jetpack Security adds extra protection.
How can I speed up my WordPress site on a budget?
Jetpack Boost improves site speed without extra costs. It includes an Image CDN and optimizes CSS loading. It also makes for better compliance with Core Web Vitals for SEO. Since budget hosting plans have limited resources, Jetpack Boost helps optimize performance without the need to upgrade your plan.
Jetpack 