Best cheap website hosting for May 2025
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Hosting a website doesn't have to break the bank. In fact, there are plenty of cheap hosting providers with prices that start at $1.00/month, and they still deliver excellent performance and include the best features. However, with so many choices available, finding an affordable option that still meets your needs can feel a bit overwhelming. Whether you're launching your first website or looking for a low-cost solution, it's important to evaluate the host's performance, reliability, and feature set.
The Cybernews team has been regularly testing web hosting providers for over 3 years. For this article, together with the team, I’ve looked into 58 hosting services and created a list of the 7 best cheap web hosting providers. Read on to find our top picks that offer great value and quality for less than $3.00/month.
7 best cheap web hosting services: comparison
| Pricing | Money-back guarantee | Storage | Free domain name | Free SSL certificate | |
| Hostinger | From $2.69/month | 30-day | From 25GB SSD | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| IONOS | From $1.00/month | 30-day | From 10 GB SSD | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Bluehost | From $1.99/month | 30-day | From 10GB SSD | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| DreamHost | From $2.59/month | 97-day | From 50 GB SSD | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| A2 Hosting | From $1.99/month | A 30-day full refund or 90-day pro-rated refund | From 100 GB SSD | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| HostGator | From $2.29/month | 30-day | From 10 GB SSD | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| InterServer | From $2.50/month | 30-day | Unlimited | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
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.
What is cheap web hosting?
Cheap web hosting is an affordable service, often featuring shared hosting plans. However, not all budget hosts are worth signing up for. Here are some things that I found crucial when picking a worthwhile cheap web host:
- The speed, uptime, and stress testing results of each provider. I believe anyone can have a fast and responsive website, even at an affordable price.
- Whether basic security features like SSL certificates, DDoS protection, and malware scanners are available.
- Affordable pricing across multiple types of hosting. While shared hosting is typically the cheapest, I also checked the price of WordPress, VPS, cloud, and dedicated hosting plans.
- If essential features like domains, SSL certificates, website transfers, and builders are included in the starting plan or required as costly add-ons.
- High-quality customer support, with 24/7 live chat, robust knowledge bases, and even phone support for better assistance.
Top cheap website hosting: detailed list
When reviewing the best web hosting providers and identifying the best cheap web hosting options, I focused on key factors like features, ease of use, functionality, and overall intuitiveness. In this detailed list, you’ll find my personal favorite budget-friendly web hosting providers and their detailed reviews.
1. Hostinger – best cheap hosting for beginners in 2025
| Rating: | |
| Pricing: | From $2.69/month |
| Free domain: | ✅ Yes |
| Free SSL: | ✅ Yes |
| Free website migration: | ✅ Free unlimited migrations for WordPress and open-source sites |
| Customer support: | 24/7 live chat, email, knowledge base |
| Best deal: | Get up to 78% OFF Hostinger + free months |
Hostinger is the best beginner-friendly and affordable hosting option on this list. For just $2.69/month, it stands out for its user-friendly control panel, AI features, speedy performance, and expert-level support. It also offers features like a one-click installer, which makes it an excellent cheap beginner hosting service.
Hostinger pricing
| Hosting type | Pricing | Features |
| Shared hosting | From $2.69/month to $7.19/month | Free domain, website migration, unlimited free SSL, up to 100 websites, professional email, web builder |
| WordPress hosting | From $2.69/month to $27.89/month | Free domain, web builder, professional email, WordPress vulnerabilities scanner, Smart WordPress auto-updates, WordPress acceleration |
| Cloud hosting | From $7.19/month to $27.89/month | Free domain, website migration, unlimited free SSL, dedicated IP, allocated resources |
| VPS hosting | From $4.49/month to $17.99/month | Free snapshots, automatic weekly updates, firewall, DDoS protection, Kodee AI assistant |
You can also check our Hostinger pricing page for detailed information about all plans. That said, Hostinger offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for all its hosting plans, so you can try it risk-free. Once you’re ready to commit, you can get an even better discount with Hostinger's coupon codes.
My overall experience with Hostinger – 5/5
Using Hostinger was really easy and simple because of its AI tools. For example, the AI website creator let me build a site in just a few minutes. I also thought the addition of a domain generator was clever. The control panel also makes the overall site and hosting management easy. I especially enjoyed that I could customize which widgets appear on the dashboard. This is useful if you’re interested in tracking performance and managing resources more efficiently. The only thing I was a bit disappointed with was that integrating a different control panel, such as cPanel, is not that easy. However, we have tested the hPanel in our Hostinger review, and it was very easy to use and navigate.
2. IONOS – the cheapest web hosting on our list
| Rating: | |
| Pricing: | From $1.00/month |
| Free domain: | ✅ Yes |
| Free SSL: | ✅ Yes |
| Free website migration: | ✅ Manual migration or migration with the help of WordPress plugin |
| Customer support: | 24/7 live chat, phone, knowledge base |
| Best deal: | Get up to 91% OFF IONOS |
IONOS is the cheapest hosting provider on our list, starting at just $1.00/month. It’s ideal for small businesses seeking affordable hosting with scalability. It offers a variety of add-ons, making it flexible enough to adapt to your growing needs.
IONOS pricing
| Hosting type | Pricing | Features |
| Shared hosting | From $1.00/month to $10.00/month | Free domain, SSL, professional email, DDoS protection |
| WordPress hosting | From $1.00/month to $8.00/month | Free domain, SSL, professional email, DDoS protection, automatic WordPress updates, daily backups |
| VPS hosting | From $2.00/month to $30.00/month | Customizable firewall, DDoS protection, full root access, unlimited traffic |
| Dedicated hosting | From $48.00/month to $502.00/month | Configurable hardware, firewall, email box |
IONOS also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee with all its plans. For bigger savings, our IONOS coupon codes are definitely worth considering.
My overall experience with IONOS – 4/5
IONOS was relatively easy to use. I could install and set up WordPress on my server with just a few clicks. I also liked that it offers many additional features and add-ons, such as website protection and automated backups. Additionally, I enjoyed that all IONOS features and functionalities were easily accessible on one page. However, I found that the custom control panel isn’t as user-friendly as cPanel. I also had a somewhat inconsistent experience with customer support. Nevertheless, the performance was quite solid, with fast loading times. I also liked that IONOS offers unlimited bandwidth, which means there's no cap on data transfer – perfect for handling traffic spikes.
3. Bluehost – WordPress-approved affordable hosting solution
| Rating: | |
| Pricing: | From $1.99/month |
| Free domain: | ✅ Yes |
| Free SSL: | ✅ Yes (first year) |
| Free website migration: | ✅ Free WordPress migration for one site |
| Customer support: | 24/7 live chat, phone, knowledge base |
| Best deal: | Get up to 83% OFF Bluehost |
Bluehost is an affordable web hosting solution focused on WordPress. Its prices start at just $1.99/month, and its website builder and user-friendly interface ensure a smooth experience for all.
Bluehost pricing
| Hosting type | Pricing | Features |
| Shared hosting | From $1.99/month to $7.45/month | Free domain, SSL, migration tool, DDoS protection, malware scanning, firewall |
| WordPress hosting | From $7.45/month to $7.45/month | Free domain, SSL, migration tool, managed WordPress updates, DDoS protection, malware scanning, firewall |
| Cloud hosting | From $49.99/month to $109.99/month | Global caching, Yoast SEO premium, unrestricted bandwidth, priority support |
| VPS hosting | From $46.99/month to $94.99/month | 2 dedicated IPs, free migration tool, full root access |
| Dedicated hosting | $141.19/month | 3 dedicated IPs, free migration tool, guided server setup |
You can also check our detailed Bluehost pricing breakdown. With a 30-day money-back guarantee on all hosting plans, you can explore its wide range of options with confidence. Also, you can get an even bigger discount by checking out Bluehost's coupon codes.
My overall experience with Bluehost –4/5
While testing Bluehost, I was really impressed by how intuitive the control panel felt. I was able to access all features and easily set up the website. All essential tools are right there, making it very easy to set up a website with just a few clicks. While it does feel a bit basic when you get into more advanced things like custom SSL or accessing detailed website metrics, these can be managed through cPanel. I found it to be a great option for hosting WordPress sites. Also, according to Cybernews’ Bluehost review, its AI website builder is similar to Hostinger's, simplifying the site creation process and making it beginner-friendly.
4. DreamHost – best affordable shared hosting
| Rating: | |
| Pricing: | From $2.59/month |
| Free domain: | ✅ Yes |
| Free SSL: | ✅ Yes |
| Free website migration: | ✅ Free website migration plugin and paid options for website migration |
| Customer support: | 24/7 live chat, email, phone, knowledge base |
| Best deal: | Get DreamHost, now 72% OFF |
Dreamhost is an affordable provider of the best shared hosting experience. It’s a simplistic yet feature-rich, cheap web host. The shared hosting plans start at just $2.59/month. Its WordPress tools, including one-click installation, are ideal for setting up blogs or portfolio websites.
DreamHost pricing
| Hosting type | Pricing | Features |
| Shared hosting | From $2.59/month to $3.95/month | Free domain, SSL, traffic analysis, AI website builder |
| WordPress hosting | From $2.59/month to $3.95/month | Free domain, SSL, WordPress installer, AI website builder |
| VPS hosting | From $10.00/month to $60.00/month | Free email, unlimited websites, Business Advisor, automatic software updates |
| Dedicated hosting | From $165.00/month to $625.00/month | DDoS protection, full root access, Ubuntu Linux |
DreamHost is known for its generous 97-day money-back guarantee on shared hosting plans, giving you plenty of time to test its services. Plus, you can take advantage of DreamHost’s coupons to score even bigger discounts on its already great prices. If you’re looking for more information, take a look at our DreamHost pricing breakdown.
My overall experience with DreamHost – 3/5
DreamHost impressed me as a versatile hosting solution, which I think would be ideal for eCommerce, blogs, or portfolio sites. The control panel is packed with features but still easy to navigate, so it’s a good fit for both beginners and more experienced users. However, Dreamhost doesn’t have cPanel and uses its own custom panel, which was tested in our DreamHost review. I found that it takes some time to adjust, especially if you’re coming from a host that uses a relatively standard control panel. That said, I actually preferred how DreamHost handles custom SSL compared to Bluehost. Some of the features that I particularly enjoyed were the 1-click WordPress installation and the AI Business Advisor.
5. A2 Hosting – cheap hosting for the best performance
| Rating: | |
| Pricing: | From $1.99/month |
| Free domain: | ❌ No |
| Free SSL: | ✅ Yes |
| Free website migration: | ✅ Free migration for one site |
| Customer support: | 24/7 live chat, phone, knowledge base |
| Best deal: | Get hosting.com, now up to 80% OFF |
A2 Hosting is a performance-focused web hosting provider. Its prices start at $1.99/month for shared hosting, and you get special servers for the fastest site loading speed. With developer and user-friendly tools and strong security measures, A2 Hosting ensures your online store runs smoothly while keeping your data safe.
A2 Hosting pricing
| Hosting type | Pricing | Features |
| Shared hosting | From $1.99/month to $7.99/month | Free site migration, automatic backups, cPanel, free SSL |
| WordPress hosting | From $1.99/month to $21.99/month | Free site migration, automatic updates, pre-installed WordPress, WordPress ToolKit |
| VPS hosting | From $3.99/month to $90.99/month | Dedicated resources, managed or unmanaged plans, free SSL |
| Dedicated hosting | From $130.00/month to $535.99/month | Free performance optimization, root level access, Imunify 360 security suite |
All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you plenty of time to test it out.
My overall experience with A2 Hosting – 3/5
My overall experience with A2 Hosting was positive. I was especially impressed with the site loading speed. A2 Hosting uses its Turbo Servers, which offer up to 20 times faster performance. However, it was disappointing to find out that the best performance is reserved for the higher subscription tiers. Nevertheless, I was pleased to see that A2 Hosting excels in security. The security features are easy to find and manage right from the dashboard, which we tested in our A2 Hosting review. That said, if you need to dive into more advanced configurations, you’ll have to use cPanel since the main dashboard is a bit limited in that area.
6. HostGator – secure web hosting with affordable plans
| Rating: | |
| Pricing: | From $2.29/month |
| Free domain: | ✅ Yes |
| Free SSL: | ✅ Yes |
| Free website migration: | ✅ 1 free WordPress/cPanel migration and inter-server migration |
| Customer support: | 24/7 live chat, phone, knowledge base |
| Best deal: | Get up to 81% OFF HostGator |
HostGator is a good secure option for affordable blog hosting. It offers enhanced security features through SiteLock, making it a secure and reliable choice for bloggers.
HostGator pricing
| Hosting type | Pricing | Features |
| Shared hosting | From $2.29/month to $4.59/month | Free domain, SSL, professional email trial, malware scanning, automated backups |
| WordPress hosting | From $3.09/month to $11.70/month | Free domain, SSL, pre-installed WordPress, malware scanning, automated backups, Cloudflare CDN |
| VPS hosting | From $34.99/month to $82.99/month | 1 dedicated IP, free migration, one-click app installer |
| Dedicated hosting | $141.19/month | 1 dedicated IP, free migration, full server control, DDoS protection |
HostGator provides a 30-day money-back guarantee for shared, WordPress, and VPS hosting plans. If you're after a bigger discount, be sure to check out HostGator’s coupons for even more savings.
My overall experience with HostGator – 3/5
When testing HostGator, I found the WordPress setup process to be quick and easy. I was able to install CMS and set up all plugins in just a few clicks. I was also particularly impressed with the security suite, which we covered in our HostGator review. HostGator offers a range of security features through SiteLock, helping to protect your website against all sorts of threats. Another feature I appreciated was the custom name server configuration. However, I found it slightly inconvenient that many configuration options require switching to cPanel from the main dashboard. I believe Hostinger and IONOS are more convenient in that sense.
7. InterServer – cost-effective VPS hosting
| Rating: | |
| Pricing: | From $2.50/month |
| Free domain: | ❌ No |
| Free SSL: | ✅ Yes |
| Free website migration: | ✅ Free for standard shared hosting |
| Customer support: | 24/7 live chat, email, phone, knowledge base |
| Best deal: | Get InterServer, now 65% OFF |
InterServer is a versatile and cheap hosting provider, with plans for VPS hosting starting at just $3.00/month. It's suitable for both beginners and advanced users. With great customization options, it allows you to tailor your hosting experience to fit your technical expertise, all while maintaining advanced security features.
InterServer pricing
| Hosting type | Pricing | Features |
| Shared hosting | $2.50/month | Free migration, SSL, unlimited email accounts, website builder, InterShield Security |
| VPS hosting | From $3.00/month to $160.00/month | Linux, Storage, or Windows VPS, root access |
| Dedicated hosting | From $74.00/month to $899.00/month | 24/7 uptime monitoring, floating IP, DDoS protection, remote reboots |
InterServer offers a 30-day money-back guarantee with its shared hosting plans.
Plus, InterServer’s coupon codes provide an excellent chance to grab an even more affordable hosting plan.
My overall experience with InterServer – 3/5
As noted in our InterServer review, the dashboard is very feature-rich, which I really appreciated. Many advanced tools are built right into the Interserver’s native dashboard, so I rarely had to switch over to cPanel, making everything feel more streamlined. I also liked the inclusion of DirectAdmin, as it was a nice change from the usual cPanel most hosting providers rely on. I also liked the features that help with setup, such as the Rapid Deploy Servers, which offer faster configuration than traditional dedicated servers. That said, some features require separate purchases, which can add up quickly. I noticed that on cheaper plans, the dashboard felt a bit empty.
Cheap web hosting ranking methodology
At Cybernews, we use a clear methodology to thoroughly test web hosts. You can learn more about our testing process on our how we test web hosting page.
To come up with the list of the best cheap hosting providers, I first evaluated 58 options based on pricing and performance. From there, I narrowed it down to 7 providers, which the research team and I tested further using the following criteria:
1. Pricing (30%). I reviewed the pricing for the most popular hosting types, including WordPress and shared hosting, while also considering the costs for VPS and dedicated plans. I also assessed the value for money, considering whether the provider includes features like a domain name, SSL certificate, and other extras in its pricing.
2. Ease of use (20%). I evaluated how user-friendly each provider is, considering both beginners and advanced users. This includes testing how simple it is to set up a website and how intuitive the interface feels.
3. Performance (20%). Together with the research team, I conducted extensive tests on each provider's speed, uptime, and ability to handle increased traffic. For this, we used tools like k6 and webpagetest.org to gather comprehensive data.
4. Features (15%). I assessed the range of features offered, including storage space, email accounts, number of websites, CDN, and whether the provider offers a website builder.
5. Security (15%). I considered all relevant security features, such as SSL certificates, DDoS protection, malware defense, firewalls, and backup options.
After completing these tests and evaluations, I ranked each provider from 1 to 7 based on their overall performance in each category, providing you with a well-rounded recommendation.
How much does cheap web hosting typically cost?
Cheap web hosting usually ranges between $1.00/month and $10.00/month. Most of these plans are shared hosting, which is the most affordable option. Here’s a closer look at the different types of hosting:
- Shared hosting. The cheapest option, typically priced between $1.00/month and $4.00/month.
- VPS hosting. Offers allocated resources and better performance, with pricing ranging from $3.00/month to $160.00/month.
- Dedicated hosting. Allows full server control and personal resources but is often the most expensive hosting option, costing anywhere from $48.00/month to $1000.00/month.
Web hosting price depends on the hosting type, features, and resources you need. To save more, look out for discounts during sales events like Black Friday or other holidays.
What are the main differences between cheap and premium web hosting?
Cheap web hosting provides basic features, while premium web hosting offers more advanced features, greater resources, and better performance. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
- Resources. Cheap web hosting often has limited bandwidth and storage, while premium web hosting offers more resources, ensuring faster loading and better performance.
- Features. Cheap web hosting usually provides only the basic features. On the other hand, Premium web hosting offers features like SSL certificates, firewalls, web builders, professional email, and backups.
- Support. Cheap web hosting tends to have fewer support options and slower response times. Meanwhile, premium web hosting offers 24/7 support via live chat, email, or a dedicated phone line.
- Scalability. Cheap web hosting may offer limited scalability options, while premium web hosting allows for easier upgrades as your site grows, handling more traffic smoothly.
- Reliability. Cheap web hosting often has lower uptime, while premium web hosting offers more than a 99.9% uptime guarantee, ensuring your website stays online.
Is cheap web hosting reliable?
Yes, cheap web hosting can be reliable, but not all providers offer the same level of reliability. It’s essential to weigh your options and make an informed choice. Check out our list of the best cheap web hosting providers that deliver solid reliability, features, and performance.
What features should I look for in a cheap web hosting plan?
When choosing a cheap web hosting plan, make sure it includes essential security features, like SSL certificates, DDoS protection, and malware scans. Also, check for any bandwidth restrictions – unlimited bandwidth is ideal. Check if backups are included, as they’re crucial for any website. Extras like a web builder and professional email are great additions for any business and are often included in cheap web hosting plans. Finally, consider whether your provider offers scalability options so you can grow your site without hassle.
Which type of hosting is cheaper?
Shared hosting is typically the most affordable type of web hosting. In shared hosting, multiple websites are hosted on a single server, which means the server's resources — such as CPU, RAM, and storage — are shared among all websites hosted on that server. This setup significantly lowers the cost of hosting, making it an excellent choice for those just starting out or running smaller sites with lower traffic.
Video review
For a slightly different perspective on the cheapest web hosting providers, watch our team's video review.
Summary
Hosting a website doesn't have to be expensive. You can get started for less than $2.00/month. For smaller websites, WordPress and shared hosting are often the most cost-effective solutions. When choosing a budget hosting provider, it’s essential to evaluate the features it offers to ensure you're getting the best value for your money.
My top recommendation for cheap web hosting is Hostinger, which is known for its reliability and performance. However, every option on this list is great, and the best choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. I suggest defining your goals and selecting the provider that aligns with them.
Cheap web hosting FAQ
Do cheap hosting plans include a free domain name?
Yes, some cheap hosting plans include a free domain name for the first year. That said, it’s important to double-check what’s included in your specific plan.
What are the potential drawbacks of cheap web hosting?
Cheap web hosting can often lead to slow website loading speeds, frequent downtime, and poor security. Choosing a reliable web host can mitigate these risks.
Can I upgrade my cheap web hosting plan later?
Yes, you can upgrade your hosting plan later. However, upgrades typically don't come with the same discounts as the initial plans.
Is customer support available with cheap hosting services?
Yes, most cheap web hosting services offer customer support. However, the quality and availability of the customer support can vary.
Is Google web hosting free?
Yes, Google Sites is one of the best free web hosting options. You can build, host, and maintain your website at no cost. It provides 99.9% uptime, solid performance, unlimited websites, and free SSL.
Can I pay for Hostinger monthly?
No, you have to pay upfront for Hostinger’s 12, 24, and 48-month plans.
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