Best cheap cloud hosting providers for 2025
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Finding cheap cloud hosting may seem like an impossible goal since it’s usually a costly service. You pay more for flexibility, reliability, scalability, and advanced features. Fortunately, there are still affordable cloud hosting providers out there that don’t compromise on quality.
Below are my top picks for cheap cloud hosting, starting from just $2.49/month. These 6 hosts keep costs low without sacrificing resources, features, performance, or ease of use.
6 cheap cloud hosting services by Cybernews
- Hostinger – best cheap cloud hosting for small to medium websites from $7.43/month
- IONOS – best cloud hosting for small businesses from $5.76/month
- HostArmada – cheapest cloud hosting from $2.49/month
- Bluehost – best cloud hosting solution for bloggers and WordPress users from $29.99/month
- DreamHost – best cloud hosting with flexible OS support from $4.50/month
- SiteGround – best fully managed cloud hosting services from $90.00/month
Our in-house research team and expert writers work hand in hand to regularly test hosting services and provide accurate and fact-checked information. Discover the ins and outs of how we test and evaluate website hosting providers.
Key points while choosing a cheap cloud host
Choosing a cheap cloud host doesn’t mean you have to settle for the lowest quality. Instead, it’s all about finding a provider that balances cost and quality. When making your choice, consider:
- Pricing and scalability. Costs should be low with no hidden fees. Look for pay-as-you-go pricing to avoid overpaying. The best hosting providers also make scaling easy so your hosting can keep up with your needs.
- Resources. Ensure you get sufficient storage, RAM, and CPU, as some budget hosts limit these.
- Features. Basics like automated backups, firewalls, and one-click installations are non-negotiables for security and convenience.
- Speed. Don’t neglect performance-focused optimizations like SSD storage, content delivery network (CDN), high-speed processors, and server-side caching.
- Reliability. A minimum 99.9% uptime guarantee minimizes the risk of frequent downtime and service interruptions.
- Ease of use. A user-friendly dashboard/control panel simplifies management significantly. Alternatively, opt for managed services if you prefer a hands-off approach.
- Customer support. Affordable hosting doesn’t mean you should be left stranded when issues arise. Look for 24/7 support, ideally with live chat, for quick assistance.
Cheap cloud servers for web hosting – detailed overview
Together with the Cybernews research team, we thoroughly tested and reviewed 58 providers to identify cloud hosting providers that don’t cut costs at the expense of quality. Here are the top 6 budget-friendly hosts that deliver solid resources, rich features, strong performance, and excellent ease of use.
1. Hostinger – best affordable cloud hosting for growing websites
| Rating: | |
| Starting price: | From $7.43/month |
| Money-back guarantee: | Yes, 30-day |
| Disk space: | 200-300GB |
| CPU: | 2-6 CPU cores |
| RAM: | 3-12GB |
| Best deal: | Get up to 77% OFF Hostinger + free months |
Hostinger tops my list of the best cheap cloud hosting providers, especially for small to medium-sized and growing websites, because of its well-rounded services. Starting at just $7.43/month, you get a fully managed service, leaving you free to focus on growing your site. Plus, Hostinger doesn’t skimp on features and security tools to keep your site in top shape.
My overall experience with Hostinger cloud hosting – 5/5
I had a great experience with Hostinger overall. The first thing that stood out was the managed hosting for WordPress and WooCommerce. I liked that it handles the behind-the-scenes tasks like server maintenance so you can put your energy into growing your website instead.
Hostinger isn’t one to sacrifice features, either. Along with basic features like a free domain and automatic updates, you also get extra perks like a drag-and-drop website builder, priority support, various AI tools, 1-click Google integration, and staging tools.
Security-wise, Hostinger is well-equipped. A quick look shows it offers the essentials and then some – including enhanced distributed denial of service (DDoS) protection, malware scanner, web application firewall (WAF), dedicated IP address, and free CDN and SSL.
2. IONOS – budget-friendly cloud hosting for small business websites
| Rating: | |
| Starting price: | Pay as you go, from $5.76/month |
| Money-back guarantee: | Yes, 30-day |
| Disk space: | 60-960GB for preconfigured cubes, 1-4000GB for manual configurations |
| CPU: | 1-16 vCPU for preconfigured cubes, 1-60 for manual configurations |
| RAM: | 2-64GB for preconfigured cubes, 1-230GB for manual configurations |
| Best deal: | Get up to 91% OFF IONOS |
For small businesses, IONOS is a great choice for cloud hosting. Plans start as low as $5.76/month for preconfigured packages, making it one of the cheapest cloud providers on this list. It uses a pay as you go pricing model, so you only pay for the resources you use. Plus, its reliable performance keeps your website accessible 24/7.
My overall experience with IONOS cloud hosting – 5/5
I had a great experience with IONOS, from checkout to website management. One thing I really liked is its pay-as-you-go pricing model – you can scale easily without overpaying, which is a big plus for small businesses. No surprise overage fees, no budgeting headaches.
If you prefer a simple setup without messing with manual resource adjustments, IONOS offers preconfigured cloud server packages called IONOS Cloud Cubes. These come with different CPU, RAM, and storage options.
I also noticed that IONOS comes with a 99.99% uptime guarantee, which means your website stays up and running with minimal hiccups, even when traffic spikes. On top of that, its DDoS protection adds an extra layer of security by blocking malicious traffic to reduce the risk of downtime caused by cyberattacks.
3. HostArmada – best cloud hosting services for budget-conscious users
| Rating: | |
| Starting price: | From $2.49/month |
| Money-back guarantee: | Yes, 45-day |
| Disk space: | 15-40GB |
| CPU: | 2-6 CPU cores |
| RAM: | 2-6GB |
| Best deal: | Get up to 75% OFF HostArmada |
HostArmada offers the cheapest cloud server hosting services on this list, with prices starting at just $2.49/month. But don't be fooled by its low price – it still packs solid resources, a wide variety of features, and strong security. It’s a great choice for individuals, small businesses on a tight budget, and even startups just getting off the ground.
My overall experience with HostArmada cloud hosting – 4/5
With cloud hosting plans starting at just $2.49/month, HostArmada’s pricing is its biggest draw and, from my experience, it doesn’t sacrifice quality.
For instance, HostArmada comes with cPanel – one of the most popular control panels on the market. Known for its ease of use and functionality, cPanel makes site management a breeze for beginners and seasoned veterans alike.
You’re not missing out on features, either. HostArmada covers the essentials with a free domain, SSL, website migration, and daily backups. On the security side, you get malware protection, virus scanning, and WAF. Plus, with data centers in 11 locations across 9 countries, you can choose a server close to your audience to reduce latency for a smoother browsing experience.
4. Bluehost – cloud servers for blogs and WordPress sites
| Rating: | |
| Starting price: | From $29.99/month |
| Money-back guarantee: | Yes, 30-day |
| Disk space: | 10-225GB |
| CPU: | 2-150 vCPU |
| RAM: | Unspecified |
| Best deal: | Get up to 83% OFF Bluehost |
Bluehost is an excellent cloud hosting option for bloggers and WordPress users. From $29.99/month, you get a fully managed WordPress-optimized service that takes care of all the backend heavy lifting for you. At the same time, its robust security keeps your WordPress site safe from threats like malware and DDoS attacks.
My overall experience with Bluehost cloud hosting – 4/5
I found Bluehost’s WordPress-optimized cloud hosting solution a delight. It’s a managed service stuffed with features to make managing WordPress easier. This includes Yoast SEO Premium, Global Edge Caching, automatic WordPress and plugin updates, and free migration.
I also really liked that it guarantees 99.9% uptime, backed by a service level agreement (SLA), ensuring that your site remains consistently online and accessible to visitors without interruptions.
On top of that, I’m impressed with Bluehost’s strict security measures. It protects your site with premium WAF, premium CDN, DDoS protection, real-time security scans, and real-time backups. It even throws in a free SSL certificate for secure data encryption.
5. DreamHost – scalable cloud hosting solution with multi-OS compatibility ding
| Rating: | |
| Starting price: | Charges based on use, from $4.50/month |
| Money-back guarantee: | Yes, 97-day |
| Disk space: | 100GB block storage and 80GB SSD disk with all plans |
| CPU: | 1-4 vCPU |
| RAM: | 512MB-8GB |
| Best deal: | Get DreamHost, now 72% OFF |
If you’re looking for flexibility in your cloud hosting solution, DreamHost is a strong choice, starting at $4.50/month. With its scalable pay-as-you-go billing, adjustable resources, and compatibility with multiple operating systems, DreamHost is the perfect example of flexibility. Plus, you get full root access, giving you complete control over your server environment.
My overall experience with DreamHost cloud hosting – 3/5
I found DreamHost to be a flexible cloud hosting provider. For starters, instead of being locked into a flat rate plan where you pay for resources you don’t use, DreamHost offers a flexible billing model where you’re charged by the hour for each running instance – until you hit the monthly cap.
I also see this flexibility extends to its infrastructure. DreamCompute – DreamHost’s cloud computing service – runs on OpenStack (an open-source cloud platform) and includes full root access. Put simply, DreamHost’s broad OS compatibility means you can run Linux or BSD on DreamCompute. If you’re up for the challenge, you can even install Windows manually.
6. SiteGround – expert fully managed cloud hosting services
| Rating: | |
| Starting price: | From $90.00/month |
| Money-back guarantee: | Yes, 30-day |
| Disk space: | 40-160GB for pre-built plans, 40-1000GB for custom plans |
| CPU: | 4-16 CPU cores for pre-built plans, 4-33 CPU cores for custom plans |
| RAM: | 8-16GB for pre-built plans, 8-130GB for custom plans |
| Best deal: | Get up to 83% OFF SiteGround + FREE TRANSFER |
With plans starting at $90.00/month, SiteGround might not have the cheapest prices, but you’re still getting your money’s worth. It’s a fully managed service packed with ample features, giving you powerful and reliable performance without the hassle.
My overall experience with SiteGround cloud hosting – 3/5
In my view, SiteGround’s biggest appeal is that it’s fully managed. The provider handles everything – from server upkeep and management to security and performance – so you can focus on running and growing your website. At the same time, you still get plenty of features, including staging, GIT and WP-CLI integration, and collaboration tools.
I also liked SiteGround’s focus on performance. It offers speed-boosting features like a CDN, servers in 11 global locations and caching tools such as SuperCacher and SG Optimizer. Plus, its automatic scaling kicks in and adds resources when traffic spikes, so your site stays up and running.
Compare cheap cloud hosting providers
| Provider | 1-month plan | 1-year plan | 2-year plan | 3-year plan | 4-year plan |
| Hostinger | From $27.99/month | From $9.99/month ($119.88 for the year) | From $8.99/month ($215.76 for 2 years) | N/A | From $7.43/month ($356.67 for 4 years) |
| IONOS | From $5.76/month (Pay as you go) | From $5.76/month ($69.12 for the year) (Pay as you go) | From $5.76/month ($138.24 for 2 years) (Pay as you go) | From $5.76/month ($207.36 for 3 years) (Pay as you go) | From $5.76/month ($276.48 for 4 years) (Pay as you go) |
| HostArmada | From $12.95/month | From $2.99/month ($35.88 for the year) | From $2.74/month ($65.76 for 2 years) | From $2.49/month ($89.64 for 3 years) | N/A |
| Bluehost | From $91.99/month | From $29.99/month ($359.88 for the year) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| DreamHost | From $4.50/month (Pay as you go) | From $4.50/month ($54.00 for the year) (Pay as you go) | From $4.50/month ($108.00 for 2 years) (Pay as you go) | From $4.50/month ($162.00 for 3 years) (Pay as you go) | From $4.50/month ($216.00 for 4 years) (Pay as you go) |
| SiteGround | From $100.00/month | From $90.00/month ($1080.00 for the year) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Our ranking methodology
At Cybernews, we have a rigorous testing and reviewing process to ensure our rankings of cheap cloud hosting services are unbiased and comprehensive. For more details, visit our how we test website hosting page.
I started with 58 hosting providers and narrowed the pool down to the top 6. Here’s what I focused on:
- Price-to-value ratio (25%). Instead of just looking at price tags, I focused on the options that provide the best value for money. I also ensured each provider offers either free trials or money-back guarantees, so you can try them out risk-free.
- Resources and scalability (25%). I looked for hosts that offer generous storage, RAM, CPU, and bandwidth to ensure they can accommodate different project requirements. I also made sure they provide flexible solutions, allowing you to scale as your website grows.
- Security features (20%). I assessed the hosts’ security measures, focusing on SSL certificates, automated backups, firewalls, and distributed denial of service (DDoS) protection.
- Ease of use (20%). I tested each host’s user interface, focusing on their control panels, dashboards, and setup processes.
- Support (10%). I reviewed both the availability and quality of customer support, prioritizing providers with 24/7 options and live help.
I then ranked the providers from 1 to 6 to ensure you get reliable and well-rounded cheap cloud hosting recommendations.
Tips on how to get the cheapest deals
Even the best cloud hosting services can be found for a cheaper price if you know how to shop smart. Here are some tips to score the best deals:
- Long-term plans. Going with an annual or multi-year plan instead of monthly billing can often get you substantial discounts.
- Seasonal sales. Keep an eye out for promotions and special offers. Special events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotions often see prices reduced significantly.
- Student discounts. Some hosting providers offer special pricing for students, whether through free hosting credits or discounted rates.
- Promo codes. Make sure to use Cybernews hosting promo codes for the best prices.
- Trial periods and money-back guarantees. Most hosts provide free trials or money-back guarantees. The standard guarantee lasts 30-45 days, but some hosts offer extended ones. For instance, DreamHost has a 97-day money-back guarantee.
- Start small. Start with the cheapest option to save money and upgrade when needed. Many providers also offer a pay-as-you-go model, so you only pay for what you use.
Final thoughts
To sum it up, the best cloud hosting services don’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of affordable options that still offer great resources and features, excellent performance, robust security, and ease of use. The trick is knowing what to look for and where to find it.
For the best cheap cloud hosting solution that doesn’t compromise on quality, Hostinger gets my vote. From just $7.43/month, it offers rich features, strong security, and fully managed convenience. However, if Hostinger doesn’t suit your needs, check out the other options on this list. There’s something for everyone.
Best cheap cloud hosting FAQ
What is cloud web hosting?
Cloud web hosting uses a network of remote servers to host your website, distributing data across multiple servers. If a server goes down, this setup reallocates resources to prevent downtime. It’s ideal if you’re looking for scalability, reliability, and better performance.
Do I need cloud web hosting?
Whether you need cloud web hosting depends on your needs and preferences. It’s ideal if you need scalability, reliability, greater control, and advanced performance. Otherwise, shared or VPS hosting might suffice.
How much does cloud hosting typically cost?
Cloud hosting costs can vary significantly depending on the provider. The most affordable plan on this list is from HostArmada, priced at just $2.49/month. However, generally, cloud hosting tends to be more expensive than shared hosting.
What is the cost of a 1TB cloud server?
The costs of a 1TB cloud server depend on the provider and configuration. For large amounts like this, providers typically require you to contact them directly for a custom quote.
What are the benefits of cloud web hosting?
The benefits of cloud web hosting include scalability, cost-efficiency, and reliability. You can easily adjust resources as needed, pay only for what you use, and experience less downtime thanks to multiple servers supporting your site.
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