Best hosting for beginners 2025
Our in-house experts conduct internal independent, hands-on testing and transparent reviews of web hosting providers by using custom-built tools or utilizing industry-recognized tools and methods to ensure impartial and evidence-based assessments.
Using the same criteria for all services, we share our detailed methodologies and practices to help customers make informed hosting decisions.
Learn more
Choosing your first web hosting provider can feel overwhelming – especially when you’re hit with technical jargon and feature lists that don’t make much sense yet. That’s why beginner-friendly features like easy-to-use dashboards, one-click installs, and reliable support are essential.
We’ve been testing web hosting services with the Cybernews research team since 2021. After the latest round of testing in April 2025, I’ve added two new options to the list. Now, I’m sharing the updated top 7 beginner-friendly hosting providers that make it easy to build, launch, and manage a website, even if it’s your first time.
Best web hosting for beginners in April 2025
- Hostinger – best hosting for beginners overall
- IONOS – cheapest hosting with beginner tools and strong security
- Bluehost – best hosting for WordPress
- DreamHost – simple hosting with a long refund policy for beginners
- SiteGround – hosting for beginners with excellent performance
- HostGator – straightforward hosting with plenty of resources
- Liquid Web – high-performing VPS hosting
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 web hosting for beginners?
Web hosting is the service that stores your website’s files and makes them accessible on the internet. For beginners, the best hosting providers offer simple tools and guided setups that don’t require any technical knowledge or coding skills.
A beginner-friendly host usually includes key features like a free website builder, email accounts, and basic security tools right from the start. This helps you get your site online without buying extra add-ons or figuring things out on your own.
If you’re not planning to code your site, a hosting plan with a drag-and-drop website builder can be especially helpful. Some hosts charge extra for this, but beginner-focused providers like Hostinger include it in their base plans.
Finally, dependable customer support and reliable performance matter. Look for providers with 24/7 support, clear instructions, and an easy-to-navigate dashboard – all of which make it much easier to manage your website day to day.
Best web hosting for beginners – our detailed list
With the help of the Cybernews research team, I reviewed 58 web hosting providers to select services that guarantee ease of use, great prices, performance, and tools that require minimal technical knowledge. Let's take a look at the best beginner-friendly web hosting providers.
1. Hostinger – best beginner-friendly web hosting overall
| Rating: | |
| Customer support: | 24/7 live chat, email, knowledge base |
| Pricing: | From $2.69/month |
| Money-back guarantee: | 30-day |
| Best deal: | Get up to 78% OFF Hostinger + free months |
Hostinger remains the top pick for beginner web hosting in 2025 thanks to its balance of ease of use, performance, and affordability. Its intuitive setup, excellent tools, and beginner-focused features make getting online simple and stress-free.
Why is Hostinger suitable for beginners?
Hostinger uses a custom-built control panel called hPanel, which is designed to be beginner-friendly. It includes guided setup, one-click installations, and AI website builder tools that make launching a site fast and simple. Users also get automated SSL setup, weekly backups, and access to performance settings without digging through technical menus. Even if you get stuck, Hostinger offers 24/7 support via live chat.
Who should pick Hostinger?
Hostinger is ideal for beginners, freelancers, and small business owners who want to create a blog, portfolio, or small online store without needing technical expertise. With plenty of resources and room to grow, it’s also a smart long-term choice to pick Hostinger.
For more information, read our full Hostinger review.
2. IONOS – most affordable hosting with beginner tools and powerful security
| Rating: | |
| Customer support: | 24/7 live chat, phone support |
| Pricing: | From $1.00/month |
| Money-back guarantee: | 30-day |
| Best deal: | Get up to 91% OFF IONOS |
IONOS is an excellent option for beginners who want a simple, secure, and affordable way to get online. With plans starting at just $1.00month, it combines solid performance, strong security, and intuitive tools that make setup easy – even for complete newcomers.
Why is IONOS suitable for beginners?
IONOS makes website setup simple with its easy-to-use custom dashboard and beginner-friendly tools. During onboarding, users can choose between manual setup or an AI-powered website creation tool, which generates a site layout based on a few business-related questions. It also offers one-click installation for popular platforms like WordPress and Drupal. While its interface differs from standard cPanel, it's well organized and easy to navigate after a short adjustment.
Who should pick IONOS?
IONOS is great for small websites, personal blogs, portfolios, and simple business sites. If you're starting on a tight budget but still want strong tools and advanced security features like daily backups and malware scanning, IONOS is one of the best low-cost options out there.
You can find all the details in our full IONOS review.
3. Bluehost – best hosting provider suited for WordPress
| Rating: | |
| Customer support: | Live chat, phone, priority ticketing (costs extra) |
| Pricing: | From $1.99/month |
| Money-back guarantee: | 30-day |
| Best deal: | Get up to 83% OFF Bluehost |
Bluehost is a beginner-focused hosting provider, especially great for those looking to launch a WordPress site. Its intuitive dashboard, one-click installs, and pre-installed WordPress tools make the setup process seamless and stress-free.
Why is Bluehost suitable for beginners?
Bluehost offers a functional custom dashboard paired with the familiar cPanel, making it easy to manage your site. It has a WordPress website builder, staging environments, daily backups, and free SSL. Beginners can also benefit from a free custom domain and at least 5 email accounts, included with all shared plans.
Who should pick Bluehost?
Bluehost is a strong fit for beginners building personal websites, blogs, or small business pages on WordPress. Built-in tools and automated workflows are especially helpful for users who want a hassle-free experience from setup to launch.
Check out our full Bluehost review for more details.
4. DreamHost – straightforward hosting with extended refund policy for beginners
| Features: | |
| Customer support: | Email tickets, live chat, phone support (paid) |
| Pricing: | From $2.59/month |
| Money-back guarantee: | 97-day |
| Best deal: | Get DreamHost, now 72% OFF |
DreamHost is a beginner-friendly host that focuses on ease of use and simplicity. It doesn’t overwhelm you with too many features but still gives you all the core tools needed to launch a basic website. The long 97-day money-back guarantee makes it an attractive option if you want time to explore before fully committing.
Why is DreamHost suitable for beginners?
With DreamHost, managing your site is straightforward, thanks to its clean custom dashboard. The provider includes a built-in WordPress site builder, one-click installations, and daily automated backups to keep things running smoothly. Most essentials, like SSL and CDN, come pre-configured, so there’s little you need to adjust manually.
Who should pick DreamHost?
DreamHost is a solid choice for those setting up personal projects, like hobby sites or community pages. It’s best suited for users who prefer a no-fuss setup and don’t need a large feature set right away.
Read our complete DreamHost review to learn more.
5. SiteGround – beginner hosting services with great performance
| Rating: | |
| Customer support: | Live chat, phone support, helpdesk tickets |
| Pricing: | From $2.99/month |
| Money-back guarantee: | 30-day |
| Best deal: | Get up to 83% OFF SiteGround + FREE TRANSFER |
SiteGround is a great starting point for beginners who want fast and reliable hosting. Its platform combines solid performance with helpful tools that support a smooth onboarding process. While it’s not the cheapest on the list, the quality you get makes it worth considering.
Why is SiteGround suitable for beginners?
SiteGround simplifies setup with its user-friendly panel and automated tools. With just a few clicks, you can install WordPress, activate security features like SSL, and manage email accounts. Built-in caching, daily backups, and a free CDN are included with all plans, reducing the need for manual configurations.
Who should pick SiteGround?
If you value speed and reliability above all else, SiteGround is a strong choice. It’s ideal for users building small business websites or blogs that need stable uptime and fast load times right out of the box.
Find out more in our in-depth SiteGround review.
6. HostGator – simple hosting with generous resources
| Rating: | |
| Customer support: | Live chat, phone support |
| Pricing: | From $2.29/month |
| Money-back guarantee: | 30-day |
| Best deal: | Get up to 81% OFF HostGator |
HostGator is a reliable entry-level hosting service that delivers the basics without overwhelming new users. While it doesn’t have the polish of some top-tier providers, its classic cPanel interface, solid performance, and unmetered resources make it a decent option for anyone launching their first site on a budget.
Why is HostGator suitable for beginners?
HostGator sticks to a familiar formula with the widely used cPanel and helpful one-click installers. Every plan includes a free domain, SSL, unlimited bandwidth and storage, and access to a simple website builder that supports up to six pages. While its tools feel a bit dated compared to competitors, the setup process is easy to follow and leaves little room for confusion.
Who should pick HostGator?
HostGator is best for users who want affordable, simple hosting with room to grow. It’s a good match for beginners creating basic websites like resumes, portfolios, or hobby blogs – especially if you value generous resources over modern design.
Check out our full HostGator review.
7. Liquid Web – high-performing VPS hosting with robust reliability
| Rating: | |
| Customer support: | Live chat, phone, tickets 24/7 |
| Pricing: | From $8.85/month |
| Money-back guarantee: | 30-day |
| Best deal: | Get Liquid Web, now 85% OFF |
Liquid Web is a solid pick for those ready to step into the world of VPS hosting. While not the cheapest option on this list, it stands out with fully managed plans, impressive uptime, and advanced features designed to handle demanding projects.
Why is Liquid Web suitable for beginners?
Each VPS plan includes server setup, maintenance, and easy-to-use control panels like InterWorx. Beginners can benefit from automated backups, free SSL, integrated firewall, and one-click app installers like Softaculous – all designed to simplify hosting without compromising performance.
Who should pick Liquid Web?
Liquid Web suits users building resource-heavy websites or applications who want reliable hosting without handling complex server tasks. It’s especially useful for small businesses planning to scale fast.
Explore more in our detailed Liquid Web review.
Web hosting for beginners compared
| Rating | Starting price | Uptime | Speed | Free domain | Free SSL | Email accounts | Customer support | |
| Hostinger | $2.69/month | 100% | 176ms | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | 24/7 live chat, email, and ticketing system | |
| IONOS | $1.00/month | 100% | 914ms | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | 24/7 live chat, phone support | |
| Bluehost | $1.99/month | 100% | 154ms | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | 24/7 live chat, phone line, and ticket support | |
| DreamHost | $2.59/month | 100% | 239ms | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | 24/7 email ticket system, live chat, and phone support | |
| SiteGround | $2.99/month | 100% | 56ms | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | 24/7 live chat, phone line, and helpdesk tickets | |
| HostGator | $2.29/month | 100% | 162ms | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | 24/7 live chat and phone line | |
| Liquid Web | $8.85/month | 100% | 110ms | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Live chat, phone, tickets 24/7 |
How we tested beginner-friendly web hosting
To find the best beginner-friendly web hosts, the Cybernews research team and I reviewed 58 hosting services. Here’s a simple breakdown of our hosting testing and ranking process:
- Ease of use (30%). First, the research team and I compiled an initial list of providers that are generally good for beginners, with easy-to-navigate dashboards and other features. We also looked at whether there are any automation or guidelines that make starting with a host easier.
-
Features (20%). Then, we considered the features and resources offered, such as free SSL, custom domains, other security features, and CDNs.
- Performance (20%). The research team tested each provider’s performance, including metrics such as uptime, server response time, site load time, and traffic handling.
- Support (15%). I noted what support options each provider offers and reached out to them with simple questions that a beginner may have to evaluate the responsiveness and helpfulness of the agents.
- Pricing (15%). Finally, I compared the price-to-quality ratio between the providers, taking into consideration all testing and evaluation results.
After we did all the evaluations, we ranked the initially chosen providers from 1 to 7 based on their test and assessment results to give you a clear understanding of which host best suits your needs.
What type of web hosting is best for beginners?
The best type of web hosting for beginners is shared hosting. It’s budget-friendly, requires no technical knowledge, and includes everything you need to get started. With shared hosting, your site runs on a server alongside others, which helps keep costs low while still offering key features like domain management, email hosting, and SSL certificates.
Look for a provider that offers an easy-to-use control panel (like cPanel or Hostinger’s hPanel), one-click WordPress installs, and a built-in website builder. These tools make launching and managing your site easy without coding or handling complex settings.
How much does beginner web hosting cost?
Beginner web hosting is generally very affordable, with prices starting at as low as $1.00/month. Most providers offer several plans based on features, performance, and contract length. For example, IONOS is the cheapest option at $1.00/month, while Liquid Web, a more advanced choice, starts at $8.85/month.
Other beginner-friendly hosts, such as Bluehost and HostGator, offer plans starting from $1.99-$2.29/month, while Hostinger, DreamHost, and SiteGround offer plans starting from $2.59-$2.99/month.
Remember that these are usually promotional prices for the first term. Renewal rates may be higher, so it’s worth comparing long-term costs before committing.
How to choose a beginner-friendly web host
Web hosting for beginners can be simple, as numerous excellent hosting providers simplify establishing a website. Below are some key points for selecting the most suitable web host for a beginner:
- Easy-to-use control panel. A user-friendly dashboard is essential. Look for hosts with intuitive panels like hPanel (used by Hostinger) or cPanel (used by Bluehost), which make it easier to manage your site, emails, domains, and backups without technical knowledge.
- Beginner-focused features. Look for tools that simplify setup, such as AI-powered website builders, one-click CMS installations, and automatic updates. These features remove the need for manual setup and reduce the chances of making critical errors.
- Built-in website builders. A free website builder is a big plus. It lets you quickly create your first site with drag-and-drop tools – no coding needed.
- Customer support. Look for 24/7 live support and support via email or phone. This is particularly important for beginners, as you may have numerous questions about the workflow.
- Pricing. Don’t forget to compare the prices of different providers. Also, look for additional free features, such as a free domain, included in the pricing.
- Compatibility. If you plan to integrate your website with a CMS, check if the host is compatible with your chosen system, such as WordPress.
Bottom line
Finding the right web hosting provider as a beginner can be overwhelming – especially when every host claims to be “easy to use.” But a truly beginner-friendly platform should go beyond a clean interface. It should also offer helpful tools like website builders, AI assistance, and guided setup options.
That’s why Hostinger is my top recommendation. It combines an intuitive control panel, great performance, a drag-and-drop web builder, and AI tools – all at a beginner-friendly price.
That said, the best host for you depends on your personal needs. Whether it’s pricing, ease of use, or included features that matter most, I hope this list helps you find the provider that fits your goals and gets your site online with confidence.
FAQ
Do I need technical skills to set up web hosting?
No, not necessarily. Most beginner-friendly web hosting providers offer intuitive control panels, one-click installers, and guided setup tools that make it easy to get started without any technical background. With features like AI website builders and 24/7 support, you can launch your site even as a complete beginner.
Which hosting providers offer free website builders?
Most of the providers mentioned in our detailed list, including Hostinger, Bluehost, and DreamHost, offer free website builders.
How reliable are beginner web hosting providers?
Beginner-friendly hosting providers are typically very reliable, with many offering 99.9% uptime and solid performance. Top-rated options like Hostinger combine stability with speed, making it a great starting point.
What kind of support should beginners expect from a hosting provider?
Beginners should look for 24/7 customer support via live chat or phone, plus an extensive knowledge base. Top providers like Hostinger offer all of this, helping users solve issues quickly and guiding them through setup, installations, and troubleshooting without needing technical expertise.
Can I host an online store as a beginner?
Yes, beginners can host an online store. Many hosting providers offer eCommerce tools like store builders, payment integrations, and security features. With beginner-friendly platforms and guidance, launching an online shop is totally manageable, even without technical experience.
Is GoDaddy good for beginners?
GoDaddy web hosting is good for beginners in terms of easy cPanel-based hosting management, but its prices are premium, and its features make it a better fit for business websites and more seasoned users. For beginners, I recommend Hostinger, as it includes an intuitive custom hPanel and lots of freebies, including a free domain and SSL certificate.
