Best personal website hosting for 2025
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Looking to create a portfolio, blog, or resume website and don’t know where to start? Launching a website can seem daunting, especially if you’re a beginner. Therefore, choosing the best personal website hosting provider can make all the difference.
To help you make the right choice, along with the Cybernews research team, weI looked through the 58 hosting providers. We’ve tested and reviewed every single one to find those best suited for solopreneurs, freelancers, and individuals looking to create an online presence. From that list, I picked 7 of the top hosting providers for simple personal websites, basing my picks on their beginner-friendliness, usability, price-to-quality ratio, and reliability. Keep reading to find out how to build your very own website easily, quickly, and without spending too much money.
Best personal website hosting: ranked
- Hostinger – best overall | $2.69/month
- Bluehost – budget-friendly | $1.99/month
- SiteGround – fast hosting | $2.99/month
- DreamHost – robust protection | $2.59/month
- HostPapa – user-centered | $2.36/month
- HostArmada – beginner-friendly | $2.49/month
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Who needs personal web hosting?
Personal web hosting is designed specifically for individuals who want a simple, affordable, and effective solution for hosting personal websites, blogs, portfolios, or hobby sites. Here are some examples of personal websites:
- Blogs. Whether you’re an aspiring journalist or simply want to share your thoughts, a blog is an excellent way to show your writing to the world.
- Portfolios. Whether you’re a programmer, artist, or photographer, a portfolio website is a great way to present your work to the world.
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Resumes. Even if you don’t have your own work to showcase, a resume website will go a long way in showing off your skills.
- Small business websites. Whether you run a small shop or teach classes, a website can help you connect with your customers.
Best web hosting for personal websites – detailed list
If you’re wondering about where to host a personal website, we have tested quite a few top hosting providers to provide you with a shortlist of the best personal website hosts. I focused on factors like reliable performance, affordable pricing, and strong support, and narrowed it down to the top 7 choices.
1. Hostinger – best for a beginner creating a personal site
| Rating: | |
| Starting price: | From $2.69/month |
| Money-back guarantee: | 30-day |
| Customer support: | 24/7 live chat, email |
| Uptime guarantee: | 99.9% |
| Current deal: | Get up to 78% OFF Hostinger + free months |
Hostinger is my #1 choice for a personal website in 2025. It is an easy-to-use and affordable shared web host, starting at just $2.69/month. Not only that, but the affordable pricing is matched with good performance and helpful customer service.
Why is Hostinger good for personal web hosting?
I found Hostinger to be an excellent pick for individual websites. Its simple interface, one-click WordPress installation, and low prices made it my favorite provider on this list. Here are a few reasons why:
- User-friendly hPanel. Hostinger’s hPanel is straightforward and easy to navigate, which made creating my personal website very easy, and hassle-free.
- Affordable pricing. Hostinger offers budget-friendly plans, making it a great option for personal websites without breaking the bank.
- Free SSL certificate. Hostinger includes a free SSL certificate, adding security to your website and protecting visitor data.
- Fast loading speeds. With optimized servers, Hostinger delivers quick loading times to enhance user experience on your website.
Performance. Testing shows that it comes with excellent performance, thanks to its powerful technology, such as fast SSD storage, the latest PHP versions, and fast LiteSpeed Web Server technology. Plus, you can choose a server location either in the US, Europe, or Asia. If you want to learn more, you should read our Hostinger review.
| Uptime: | 100% |
| Average response time: | 60.30ms |
| Fully built site loading time: | 0.904s |
2. Bluehost – affordable personal website host
| Rating: | |
| Starting price: | From $1.99/month |
| Money-back guarantee: | 30-day |
| Customer support: | 24/7 live chat, phone |
| Uptime guarantee: | 99.9% |
| Current deal: | Get up to 83% OFF Bluehost |
Bluehost is the second best pick for personal WordPress websites, officially recommended by WordPress.org – just like Hostinger and Pressable – for its ease of use, reliability, performance, and support. It's straightforward and takes care of all of the technicalities, while users get to enjoy good reliability and helpful tools. The prices are also good, starting at $1.99/month.
Why is Bluehost good for individual websites?
I’ve enjoyed Bluehost’s services, particularly as they relate to WordPress. Building a website was very easy and intuitive. Here’s what I really enjoyed about Bluehost:
- AI-powered WordPress website builder. Bluehost’s AI tools created my website in only a few minutes, and all I really had to do was add all the content.
- Beginner-friendly interface. Bluehost’s simple control panel made it easy to set up and manage my website.
- Free domain for the first year. Bluehost includes a free domain name for the first year, making it affordable to create your online presence.
- SSL certificate included. The host keeps your personal website secure and builds trust with visitors by enabling HTTPS encryption at no extra cost.
- Automatic WordPress updates. Bluehost handles WordPress updates for you, helping your site stay secure and up-to-date.
Performance. Bluehost’s performance is pretty reliable and fast. While there is no official uptime guarantee, the host delivers trustworthy performance. Just be mindful that Bluehost only has data centers in the US. You can find in-depth data in our Bluehost review.
| Uptime: | 100% |
| Average response time: | 118.59ms |
| Fully built site loading time: | 1.263s |
3. IONOS – best budget-friendly personal web host
| Rating: | |
| Starting price: | From $1.00/month |
| Money-back guarantee: | 30-day |
| Customer support: | 24/7 live chat, phone |
| Uptime guarantee: | 99.99% |
| Current deal: | Get up to 91% OFF IONOS |
IONOS is in my top three, thanks to its excellent pricing and wide feature set. It offers a simple, 1-click install of most content management systems, ensuring you can focus on the content, rather than the technical side of your website. Its low pricing is also a plus, starting at only $1.00/month.
Why is IONOS good for individual websites?I enjoyed IONOS, especially when I considered its pricing. Its interface was really simple, and it offered everything I needed to start my website from scratch. Here’s what I liked in particular:
- AI-powered website builder. IONOS offers an AI website builder that I found really easy to use and pretty powerful.
- Simple control panel. IONOS offers a simple control panel that I found very easy to navigate while creating my website.
- Free domain and Wildcard SSL. IONOS doesn’t just offer a free domain, but adds an advanced Wildcard SSL to the bundle, bringing extra security to your website.
- 1-click installs. Thanks to 1-click installs, I was able to install my favorite content management system, in this case, WordPress, in seconds.
Performance. Cybernews’ testing ran into some trouble. Unfortunately, IONOS DDoS protection didn’t let us perform a full stress test, with errors popping up during higher loads. The page load test was also slightly below Google’s recommendation. However, tests we’ve run previously didn’t show such results, so this might be what caused the discrepancies. You can learn more about our testing in our full IONOS review.
| Uptime: | 85% |
| Average response time: | 181.48ms |
| Fully built site loading time: | 3.352s |
4. SiteGround – fast personal web hosting option
| Rating: | |
| Starting price: | From $2.99/month |
| Money-back guarantee: | 30-day |
| Customer support: | 24/7 live chat, phone |
| Uptime guarantee: | 99.9% |
| Current deal: | Get up to 83% OFF SiteGround + FREE TRANSFER |
SiteGround provides very easy-to-use hosting for personal websites. It offers a variety of features that are well- suited for personal websites, including fast performance (99.99% uptime), secure hosting (real-time monitoring system), a custom control panel, and affordable plans.
Why is SiteGround good for individual websites?
I found SiteGround to be an excellent choice for personal web hosting because of its user-friendly interface, as well as excellent security and performance tools. Here’s why I believe SiteGround deserves the #4 spot on my list.
- User-friendly management tools. SiteGround’s custom-built Site Tools make managing your website simple, even for those new to hosting.
- Advanced security measures. Features like daily backups, a free SSL certificate, and proactive security monitoring help keep your site protected.
- Optimized for fast loading. SiteGround’s infrastructure is built to deliver fast loading times, ensuring a smooth experience for visitors.
- Automatic daily backups. Daily backups are included at no extra cost, providing peace of mind with easy recovery options if needed.
Performance. In terms of speed and performance, SiteGround tests show amazing results. During our in-house tests with a fully built WordPress site, SiteGround was up 99.9% of the time with an average speed of 56.09ms. For a personal website, this is more than enough.
| Uptime: | 99.9% |
| Average response time: | 123.84ms |
| Fully built site loading time: | 0.839s |
5. DreamHost – a very secure personal hosting solution
| Rating: | |
| Starting price: | From $2.59/month |
| Money-back guarantee: | 97-day |
| Customer support: | 24/7 live chat, email, phone |
| Uptime guarantee: | 100% |
| Current deal: | Get DreamHost, now 72% OFF |
DreamHost is a WordPress-first provider that comes with generous server resources and affordable prices starting at $2.59/month. It also emphasizes privacy and offers various security features, making it a solid choice for those prioritizing security in their personal site hosting.
Why do I think DreamHost is good for individual websites?
My experience with DreamHost shows that its simple setup and excellent WordPress integration make it a perfect choice for simple websites launched by beginners. Here’s what I really liked about DreamHost:
- Simple setup and control. DreamHost’s custom control panel is straightforward, and it allowed me to build my website quickly, and without need for much technical knowledge.
- Free privacy protection. DreamHost includes free domain privacy with all plans, keeping your personal information secure from the public WHOIS database.
- Reliable performance. With a 100% uptime guarantee, DreamHost ensures your site remains accessible to visitors at all times.
- Unlimited storage and bandwidth. Ideal for personal sites with varied content, DreamHost’s plans offer unlimited resources to support your growth.
Performance. DreamHost is a highly reliable and fast hosting solution that comes with a 100% uptime guarantee. One thing to note is that the host’s data centers are located in the US alone. You can learn more about our testing in our full DreamHost review.
| Uptime: | 100% |
| Average response time: | 238.8ms |
| Fully built site loading time: | 1.103s |
6. HostPapa – customer-first hosting service
| Rating: | |
| Starting price: | From $2.36/month |
| Money-back guarantee: | 30-day |
| Customer support: | 24/7 live chat, email, phone |
| Uptime guarantee: | 99.9% |
| Current deal: | Get HostPapa, now 74% OFF |
HostPapa is a hidden gem for users who need extra support. With plans starting at $2.36/month, the host offers a standard user-friendly interface ideal for beginners combined with personal customer support options.
Why is HostPapa good for individual websites?
I found HostPapa to be an affordable alternative to many of the hosts on this list. With a friendly interface, and beginner-friendly functionalities, I felt HostPapa really wants your individual website to succeed. Here’s what I liked about HostPapa:
- Easy-to-use cPanel. HostPapa provides a user-friendly cPanel interface that is perfect for beginners to manage their websites with ease.
- Free website migration. HostPapa offers free website migration, making it easy to transfer your site if you’re switching from another host.
- Unlimited bandwidth. HostPapa’s plans come with unmetered bandwidth, giving personal sites the flexibility to grow without limitations on traffic.
- 24/7 support and 1-on-1 training. HostPapa provides 24/7 support and even offers a free 30-minute one-on-one training session to help you get started.
Performance. HostPapa is excellent when it comes to uptime. While the host gives a standard 99.9% uptime guarantee, much better results can be expected. However, our full HostPapa review shows that server responsiveness could be better. HostPapa has data centers in the US, Canada, and Europe.
| Uptime: | 100% |
| Average response time: | 119.13ms |
| Fully built site loading time: | 1.240s |
7. HostArmada – personal website hosting with beginner essentials
| Rating: | |
| Starting price: | From $2.49/month |
| Money-back guarantee: | 45-day |
| Customer support: | 24/7 live chat, ticket, email, phone |
| Uptime: | 99.9% |
| Current deal: | Get up to 75% OFF HostArmada |
HostArmada is another great hosting solution for personal websites due to its performance reliability and feature-rich plans. Not to mention that its prices start from as little as $2.49/month.
Why is HostArmada good for individual websites?
I found HostArmada to be an excellent host for individual web hosting needs. Its easy-to-use panel, and security tools will help beginners launch their websites quickly and securely. Here’s what I liked about HostArmada:
- Optimized server locations. With data centers across multiple continents, HostArmada ensures fast loading times by letting you choose the closest server to your audience.
- Easy-to-use cPanel. HostArmada provides an accessible control panel that is perfect for users new to web hosting.
- Daily data backups. HostArmada includes daily backups in all plans, offering peace of mind with reliable data protection.
- Advanced security tools. Equipped with features like firewalls and malware detection, HostArmada helps keep your site secure.
Performance. During our HostArmada tests, it demonstrated a perfect 99.9% uptime score with zero outages. The response time was solid as well, averaging at 94.57ms. Plus, with 9 data centers around the world, you’ll find some in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Sadly, the LiteSpeed web servers are only available with the most expensive tier.
| Uptime: | 99.9% |
| Average response time: | 94.57ms |
| Fully built site loading time: | 0.848s |
Personal website hosting compared
| Provider | Hostinger | Bluehost | IONOS | SiteGround | DreamHost | HostPapa | HostArmada |
| Rating | |||||||
| Pricing | From $2.69/month | From $1.99/month | From $1.00/month | From $2.99/month | From $2.59/month | From $2.36/month | From $2.49/month |
| Interface | hPanel | Native interface + cPanel | Native interface | Site Tools | Native interface | Native interface + cPanel | Native interface + cPanel |
| Free domain | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Free SSL | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Uptime | 99.9% | 99.9% | 99.99% | 99.9% | 100% | 99.9% | 99.9% |
| Average response time | 60.30ms | 118.59ms | 181.48ms | 123.84ms | 238.8ms | 119.13ms | 94.57ms |
| Site loading time | 0.904s | 1.263s | 3.352s | 0.839s | 1.103s | 1.240s | 0.848s |
| Data centers | The US, Europe, and Asia | The US | The US, Spain, Germany, the UK | The US, Singapore, Australia, the UK, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands | The US | The US, Canada, and Europe | The US, Europe, Asia, and Australia |
Personal website hosting ranking methodology
At Cybernews, our approach to evaluating web hosting providers for personal use is systematic and thorough, ensuring we provide reliable recommendations for those looking to host personal websites. To identify the best hosting for personal websites, together with the Cybernews research team, I analyzed 58 hosting providers, assessing various factors to ensure suitability for individuals needing accessible and affordable solutions.
Here’s how I tested and ranked the top personal web hosting providers:
- Ease of use (30%). Since personal website hosting typically appeals to users with limited technical expertise, ease of use is essential. I evaluated each provider’s control panel, setup process, and overall user interface to determine how beginner-friendly it is.
- Performance and uptime (30%). Reliability is crucial for personal sites. I used tools like GTmetrix to monitor loading speeds and uptime, ensuring each provider delivers smooth and consistent performance without frequent downtime.
- Value for money (20%). Cost-effectiveness is important for personal users. I reviewed pricing structures, focusing on features offered for entry-level plans, such as SSL certificates, free domains, and other essentials. We also assessed renewal rates to ensure long-term affordability.
- Security and additional features (20%). Security and extra features like SSL, malware protection, and privacy tools are necessary for safeguarding user data. I assessed each provider’s security measures, as well as optional add-ons, such as website builders or CDNs, that enhance the user experience.
Based on in-house testing and the gathered results, I ranked each provider from 1 to 6, presenting the best options for personal website hosting. This ranking aims to help users make informed decisions suited to their needs and budgets.
How to choose the right personal website host
When choosing personal website hosting, consider your needs and priorities. You’ll need different features depending on whether you’re building a simple portfolio website, or a small interactive shop. That’s why you should look at the following aspects when considering the best hosting for personal websites:
- Look for essential elements like a free domain, SSL certificate, and intuitive interface or control panel (like cPanel or hPanel) to simplify setup and management
- Ensure reliable uptime to keep your site accessible and prioritize fast response times and quick loading speeds for a better user experience.
- Check data center locations, especially if you want to serve a specific region more efficiently.
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Evaluate pricing to ensure the plan fits within your budget while still offering all the core features necessary for a smooth-running personal site.
How much does it cost to host a personal website?
Personal website hosting services can vary from around $2 to $10-30 a month. Besides hosting costs, there are other expenses to consider, such as the domain name, additional features, and web development. Below, I've broken down the costs of each element separately:
- Personal web space costs from $1 to $10/month.
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Domain names can be free or cost as much as $20/year. If you choose a web hosting plan, many providers include a free domain for the first year. After that, domain renewal prices typically start at around $10/year, depending on the domain extension. Free domains are a good choice if you’re not looking for personal branding, as they are usually subdomains like user.sites.google.com.
- Extra features like SSL, CDN, and advanced security can cost from $1 to several hundred dollars, based on the level of service.
Final thoughts
Creating a personal website, especially if you’re doing it for the first time, might seem like a daunting process. But it doesn’t have to be. Especially if you have a clear vision of how your personal website should look and how much you’re willing to spend.
The fastest way to create a site is by hosting it with a reputable provider, so we have tested dozens of potential candidates to shortlist the best personal website hosting solutions that are simple to use, do not cost a ton, yet still provide you with all the necessary features in one place.
With its intuitive control panel, strong value for money, and performance optimizations, Hostinger is a great option for both beginners and experienced users. Of course, other providers on this list also offer solid features and competitive options, making them worth exploring based on your specific needs.
Personal web hosting FAQ
Is shared hosting good for personal websites?
Yes, shared hosting is well suited for personal websites due to its affordability, ease of use, and scalability. Most shared hosting plans also come with user-friendly control panels and essential features like one-click installations, making it easy to set up and manage your website.
What’s the difference between hPanel, cPanel, and Site Tools?
All three are different tools for managing websites. hPanel and Site Tools are custom solutions from Hostinger and SiteGround. At the same time, cPanel is a proprietary hosting management solution that has been around for decades and is used by many different hosting providers.
Is shared hosting enough for a personal blog or portfolio?
Yes, shared hosting is enough for a personal blog or portfolio. Shared hosting gives you all the tools you need for a personal website without costing you too much money.
Are website builders included in personal hosting plans?
That depends on the provider. My top three – Hostinger, BlueHost, and IONOS – all include a website builder in their personal hosting plans.
Can I upgrade my personal web hosting plan later?
Yes, shared hosting plans usually offer the option to seamlessly upgrade to plans with higher resource limits as your website grows. Most hosting providers also offer options to switch to VPS, cloud, or dedicated hosting plans.
What are the best personal web hosting services with a free domain?
I recommend Hostinger if you’re looking for shared hosting with a free domain. Hostinger provides a free domain for the first year with all of its annual shared hosting plans and is a reliable web host.
How do I migrate my personal website to a new hosting provider?
Many hosting providers offer automatic transfer tools or migration assistance. When choosing a new web host, check what migration options it provides. You can also transfer your site manually using an FTP client to move your files and import your databases to the new server.
Do I need a domain for a personal website?
Yes, you need a domain for a personal website if you want a unique web address. Many hosting providers, like Hostinger, offer a free domain with their plans, making it simple to set up your site.
Can I use .COM for a personal website?
Yes, you can use a .com domain for a personal website. It’s a popular choice and gives your site a professional look, making it easy for visitors to remember.
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