Best personal website hosting: making web hosting easy
Through independent research and testing, our team of experts offers transparent and thorough reviews of web hosting providers. We use the same testing criteria for all providers to offer a fair and unbiased assessment of each hosting service.
Our in-depth articles include feedback about our hands-on hosting experience and other crucial information for potential customers.
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Miglė Šeikytė
Content Lead
Are you looking to create a professional-looking personal website like a blog or a portfolio, yet the process seems too daunting?
A personal website is one of the most effective ways to represent yourself, your hobby, or your services online fast and easily. And it also makes it easy to monetize on it.
That being said, there are numerous hosting solutions claiming to offer the best web hosting for a personal site. So to help you make an informed decision, we have tested a variety of providers based on providers' interfaces and their intuitiveness, the variety of features included within the plans, uptime and site loading time, as well as customer support effectiveness, and value for money.
So read on to find the best personal website hosting solutions that passed the test.
Best personal website hosting: ranked
- Bluehost – best personal website host overall
- Hostinger – easy WordPress hosting for personal use
- SiteGround – speedy personal website hosting with optimization tools
- DreamHost – high-performance, intuitive personal website hosting provider
- HostPapa – user-centered personal website hosting with good support
- HostArmada – beginner-friendly host for personal project
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.
Web hosting for personal websites – our detailed list:
If you’re wondering about where to host personal website, we have tested quite a few quality hosting providers to provide you with a shortlist of the best personal website hosts.
1. Bluehost – best affordable personal website host
| Features: | Automatic WordPress setup, free domain, SSL, website builder |
| Uptime: | 99.9% |
| Speed: | 361ms |
| Best for: | Personal WordPress websites built by beginner users |
| Current deal: | Get up to 75% OFF Bluehost! |
Bluehost is the best pick for personal WordPress websites. It's easy to use 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.
The host offers an excellent user experience, thanks to the following features:
Interface. Bluehost’s native panel is very beginner friendly. The native panel has everything a user might need starting from domain registration to security features and more. Additionally, the host also includes a simplistic cPanel for more advanced features.
Features. All Bluehost’s shared hosting plans come with a free custom domain, an SSL certificate, unlimited bandwidth, and at least 5 email accounts. Additionally, free CDN, malware scanning, and an AI website builder are also included.
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 alone.
| Uptime: | 99.9% |
| Average response time: | 971ms |
| Fully built site loading time: | 1.8s |
Customer support. The provider offers 24/7 customer support via live chat and phone. Bluehost’s agents are very knowledgeable and speedy to help. More so, for an additional cost Bluehost also offers premium support services – Blue Sky.
Pricing. Bluehost offers 4 shared hosting plans with prices starting at just $1.99/month with annual billing. Additionally, there’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee.
In short, Bluehost’s ease of use and numerous helpful features make it a great pick for personal site creation.
Visit our Bluehost review to learn more about the service.
2. Hostinger – beginner-friendly WordPress-centric hosting
| Features: | Free SSL, automatic backups, LiteSpeed web server, hPanel |
| Uptime: | 99.9% |
| Speed: | 511ms |
| Best for: | All personal projects on tight budgets in need of good performance |
| Current deal: | Get up to 78% OFF Hostinger + 3 months free! |
Hostinger is an easy-to-use and affordable shared web hosting provider, ideal for hosting personal websites, starting at just $2.54/month. Not only that, the affordable pricing is matched with good performance and helpful customer service.
Interface: Hostinger offers an easy-to-use interface powered by hPanel. The panel is very intuitive and includes everything from a one-click installer for all the most popular apps to security and performance settings.
Features: All Hostinger’s plans allow to host at least 100 websites, as well as include up to 100 professional email accounts, unlimited bandwidth, free CDN, weekly backups, a free SSL certificate, and a custom domain name.
Performance: The host comes with perfect performance, thanks to powerful tech. These include fast SSD storage, the latest PHP versions, and fast LiteSpeed Web Server tech with caching already configured. Plus, you can choose a server location either in the US, Europe, or Asia.
| Uptime: | 99.9% |
| Average response time: | 511ms |
| Fully built site loading time: | 0.9s |
Customer support: You can reach Hostinger’s support team via 24/7 live chat or email. The customer support is very skilled and friendly, as well as quick to solve any occurring issues.
Pricing: The provider offers a very simple pricing structure where you can choose from 2 shared and 1 cloud plan. The prices start at as low as $2.54/month with a 4-year billing cycle. On top of that, there’s a standard 30-day money-back guarantee.
Visit our Hostinger review to learn more about the service.
3. SiteGround – easy-to-use and fast personal hosting option
| Features: | Native CDN, Ultrafast PHP, SuperCacher |
| Uptime: | 99.9% |
| Speed: | 217ms |
| Best for: | Performance-centric provider for small business websites |
| Current deal: | Get up to 83% OFF SiteGround + FREE TRANSFER! |
SiteGround is a very easy-to-use web hosting for personal use. 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.
Interface: SiteGround has a native control panel called Site Tools, which is simple and beginner-friendly. It has domain registration, security features, and can be customized to your personal needs, which we consider a big bonus.
Features: All SiteGround plans come with a free domain for a year, free SSLs, a custom caching option, free email accounts, and daily backups. For WordPress, there are WordPress Starter and Migrator plugins available.
Performance: In terms of speed and performance, SiteGround is a winner. During our in-house tests with a fully built WordPress site, SiteGround was up 99.9% of the time with an average speed of 217ms. For a personal website, this is more than enough.
| Uptime: | 99.9% |
| Average response time: | 217ms |
| Fully built site loading time: | 1.8s |
Customer support: The host offers all-rounded customer support – 24/7 live chat and phone. There’s also a ticket system and an extensive knowledge base.
Pricing: SiteGround has 3 plans – StartUp ($2.99/month), GrowBig ($4.99/month), and GoGeek ($7.99/month). Additionally, you can make use of a 30-day money-back guarantee.
In short, Siteground is a very versatile and user-friendly hosting provider for personal use. It caters to both beginners and advanced users with extra features and speed optimization tools.
To learn more about the provider, read our SiteGround review.
4. DreamHost – very secure and speedy personal hosting solution
| Features: | Free domain, SSL, domain privacy, automatic backups, website builder |
| Uptime: | 100% |
| Speed: | 231ms |
| Best for: | Security and privacy-oriented WordPress hosting |
| Current deal: | Get DreamHost, now 79% 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, making it among the best secure web hosting service for personal use.
The key features offered by DreamHost include:
Interface: DreamHost’s native user interface is oriented towards beginner users. A WordPress website can be set up in a single click, meanwhile, all tools and functionalities have explanations and tutorials on how to use them.
Features: DreamHost offers feature-rich and cheap plans for all billing terms. You get a premium WordPress website builder, a free custom domain, unmetered bandwidth, an SSL, automatic backups, CDN, domain privacy, and a web application firewall.
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.
| Uptime: | 100% |
| Average response time: | 231ms |
| Fully built site loading time: | 1.6s |
Customer support: DreamHost’s support can be reached via live chat (5:30 AM - 9:30 PM PT), phone, and 24/7 email tickets. Overall, the agents are knowledgeable and friendly too. Just be mindful that the phone option is paid.
Pricing: When it comes to pricing, DreamHost is very straightforward. There are only 2 shared hosting plans to choose from with prices starting at $2.59/month with a 36-month billing. Moreover, it offers a very generous 97-day money-back guarantee.
DreamHost provides clear and straightforward plans that offer inclusive resources, coupled with good security features and a WordPress website builder.
Visit our DreamHost review to learn more about the service.
5. HostPapa – beginner and business-oriented hosting provider
| Features: | Free domain, SSL, email accounts, 1-on-1 training, cPanel |
| Uptime: | 99.9% |
| Speed: | 1.19s |
| Best for: | Beginner users seeking help building a website |
| Current deal: | Get HostPapa, now 82% OFF! |
HostPapa is a hidden gem for users that 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.
The main things that make HostPapa worth your attention include:
Interface: HostPapa uses a standard cPanel management, from where you can easily install WordPress, manage backups, or add domains - giving you complete control of your site.
Features: All 4 hosts shared hosting packages come with a free custom domain, an SSL, at least 100GB storage, multiple email accounts, a simplistic website builder, and many security features like server firewall, DDoS protection, brute force detection, and more.
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. Alternatively, its server responsiveness could be better. Regardless, HostPapa has data centers in the US, Canada, and Europe.
| Uptime: | 99.9% |
| Average response time: | 1.19s |
| Fully built site loading time: | 1.5s |
Customer support: Traditional customer support can be contacted via 24/7 live chat, email, or phone. However, HostPapa offers one free one-one-training session by professionals too. As a whole, provider agents are knowledgeable, speedy, and effective in helping out.
Pricing: HostPapa presents 4 separate shared hosting plans, with prices starting at $2.36/month and going up to $10.36/month. Additionally, if you wish to test the services risk-free, there’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee.
In sum, HostPapa’s standardized approach coupled with one-on-one support makes it one of the best website hosting for personal websites.
Visit our HostPapa review to learn more about the service.
6. HostArmada – beginner-friendly host with all the essentials
| Features: | Free SSL, free domain, LiteSpeed web server, cPanel |
| Uptime: | 99.9% |
| Speed: | 412ms |
| Best for: | Personal websites in need of all essential features |
| Current deal: | Get up to 75% OFF HostArmada! |
HostArmada is another great hosting solution for personal websites due to its performance reliability as well as feature-rich plans. Not to mention that its prices start from as little as $2.49/month.
Interface: HostArmada uses a custom dashboard and cPanel combo. The former is very intuitive and simple to navigate, while cPanel is where you can manage more advanced features.
Features: HostArmada’s shared hosting plans are the most popular solution for personal website hosting. All 3 plans come with a free domain, cPanel, free SSL, unlimited email accounts as well as unmetered bandwidth. Plus, website transfers are free as well.
Performance: During our tests, HostArmada demonstrated a perfect 99.9% uptime score with zero outages. The response time was solid as well, averaging at 412ms. 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: | 412ms |
| Fully built site loading time: | 1.6s |
Customer support: You can contact HostArmada’s customer support via a 24/7 live chat, email, and phone support. The agents we contacted were very quick to respond and explained everything in depth.
Pricing: This host offers 3 shared hosting plans with prices starting from $2.49/month when purchasing it long-term. Additionally, you can make use of a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
With great performance, quick customer service, and loads of features to kick start your personal site, HostArmada offers excellent value for the money you pay.
You can learn more about the service in our HostArmada review.
Personal website hosting compared
| Provider | Bluehost | Hostinger | SiteGround | DreamHost | HostPapa | HostArmada |
| Brand |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Rating | ||||||
| Interface | Native interface +cPanel | hPanel | Site Tools | Native interface | Native interface +cPanel | Native interface +cPanel |
| Free domain | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Free SSL | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Uptime | 99.9% | 99.9% | 99.9% | 100% | 99.9% | 99.9% |
| Average response time | 361ms | 511ms | 217ms | 231ms | 1.19s | 412ms |
| Site loading time | 1.8s | 0.9s | 1.8s | 1.6s | 1.5s | 1.6s |
| Data centers | The US | The US, Europe, and Asia | The US, Singapore, Australia, the UK, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands | The US | The US, Canada, and Europe | The US, Europe, Asia, and Australia |
| Price | From $1.99/month | From $2.54/month | From $2.99/month | From $2.59/month | From $2.36/month | From $2.49/month |
How much does it cost to host a personal website?
Personal website hosting costs can vary from around $1 to $10-30 a month. It consists of hosting costs, domain name, additional features, and web development.
- Hosting cost – A personal website is generally a lightweight site. This means you can opt for the cheapest shared hosting plan. In our list, Bluehost’s cheapest plan of $1.99/month should suffice your needs. In case you want more features, you can always opt for higher-priced plans.
- Domain name price – on average, a domain name can cost anywhere between $8 to $20 per year. However, most hosting providers give access to a free domain for a year when you sign up for long-term plans.
- Website design – if you opt for WordPress, you can take advantage of its ecosystem, including free themes and plugins. Additionally, you also get WordPress website builder with many hosting providers out there. On this list, Hostinger and DreamHost have really good ones.
- Scalability – Do you want to scale? Then, you need to consider the prices of VPS, Cloud, or dedicated hosting servers. On average, these server types are three to four times costly compared to shared hosting.
- Extra features – depending on the complexity of your project, take extra security and other tools into consideration. This can cost you from $1 to hundreds of dollars extra.
To put it together, the most simplistic personal website will cost you $1.99/month for good hosting and an additional $8-10/year for a domain name. That's very cheap and you can use this point as a benchmark when deciding on the size and features of your future website.
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.
And due to its very intuitive control panel, great value-for-money ratio, and many performance optimizations, we recommend Bluehost as our top suggestion both for beginners and experienced users.
Personal web hosting FAQs
What is the best hosting for a personal website?
The best web hosting for a personal website is currently offered by Bluehost. It's cheap, has good performance, support, and is easy to use – all of the essentials needed for personal projects.
Where can I host my personal website?
You can host your personal website with any reputable hosting company. On this list, we have 5 excellent options for various needs to consider.
Is WordPress hosting free?
No, WordPress hosting is not free, however, WordPress application is. To host WordPress, you need to get a proper hosting provider and then install WordPress on the server.
How can I publish my website for free?
You can use free hosting providers to host your website for free. However, it is not a recommended way as your site is extensively limited when it comes to basic features and resources. A self-hosted site also suffers from similar problems.
How expensive is a server?
A dedicated server is expensive. The prices for hardware range from a hundred to thousands of dollars. That's excluding software, electricity, and maintenance. However, you can set up a personal server hosting operation pretty cheaply using old computer hardware.
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