The Best Web Hosting Services for 2026
Selecting the right web host is essential for online success. The best web hosting services we’ve tested cater to a wide range of users, from small bloggers to big businesses, and everything in between.
Building a website is complex enough without spending hours researching various hosts. So turn to PCMag to find the right web hosting service for your personal or business project. We’ve tested and reviewed web hosting services for a decade, evaluating them on price, features, customer service, and other criteria. For example, HostGator has excellent shared hosting plans that make it ideal for small projects. Meanwhile, larger companies should consider Liquid Web for its powerful VPS plans and managed hosting services. Those aren’t the only web hosts we recommend, however. Read on for our 10 favorites, followed by the key factors you must consider when choosing the best web hosting service for you.
Overview: Top Picks Based on Our Testing
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Ionos Web Hosting
Best for Large-Scale Cloud Hosting
4.0 Excellent
Pros
✅Linux- or Windows-based servers
✅Easy-to-use website creation tools
✅Many hosting plans for various budgets and needs
Cons
❌Sparse email options
Why We Picked It
Who It’s For
SMBs on a budget: Additionally, Ionos caters to price-conscious entrepreneurs and small to medium-sized businesses. It offers affordable plans (shared and WordPress hosting start at $4 and $5 per month, respectively) with notable bonus features, including a free domain and SSL certificate.
Specs & Configurations
VPS Hosting ✔️
Dedicated Hosting ✔️
WordPress Hosting ✔️
Cloud Hosting ✔️
Reseller Hosting ❌
Linux Servers ✔️
Windows Servers ✔️
24/7 Customer Support ✔️
GET IT NOW
Hostinger Web Hosting
Best for Customizable Server Packages
4.0 Excellent
Pros
✅AI tools
✅Gaming servers
✅Includes the Hostinger Website Builder
✅Helpful customer service
Cons
❌Not every plan has a Windows option
❌No phone support
Why We Picked It
Who It’s For
Individual webmasters and agencies: Many of Hostinger’s plans let you host and manage multiple websites from a single dashboard (up to 50 with some shared plans and up to 300 with cloud-based agency plans). Hostinger also offers easy client management, integrated performance monitoring, referrals, and highly scalable specs to ensure reliable performance for growing agencies.
Specs & Configurations
VPS Hosting✔️
Dedicated Hosting✔️
WordPress Hosting✔️
Cloud Hosting✔️
Reseller Hosting✔️
Linux Servers✔️
Windows Servers✔️
24/7 Customer Support✔️
GET IT NOW
InMotion Web Hosting
Best for Hosting Variety
4.0 Excellent
Pros
✅Unlimited data transfers with all dedicated, shared, and WordPress tiers
✅Easy-to-use website-building software
✅Lengthy money-back guarantee
Cons
Why We Picked It
Who It’s For
Seasoned webmasters: InMotion offers developer-friendly features, including full SSH access, support for various programming languages (PHP, Python, Ruby), and Git integration. To sweeten the deal, it offers a generous 90-day money-back guarantee on most long-term plans, as well as free, expertly handled website migration services that minimize risk and simplify the onboarding process for clients.
Specs & Configurations
VPS Hosting✔️
Dedicated Hosting✔️
WordPress Hosting✔️
Cloud Hosting✔️
Reseller Hosting✔️
Linux Servers✔️
Windows Servers❌
24/7 Customer Support✔️
GET IT NOW
Bluehost Web Hosting
Best for Building WordPress Sites
4.0 Excellent
Pros
✅Useful WordPress site-building software
✅Dependable uptime in testing
✅Easy-to-use interface
✅Free site migration
✅Terrific customer service
Cons
❌No reseller hosting
❌Shared hosting doesn’t have monthly options
Why We Picked It
Who It’s For
WordPress-focused SMBs: As an officially recognized hosting WordPress.org partner, BlueHost is a strong match for businesses that plan to build on WordPress’s dependable, open-source foundation. Its WordPress-specific hosting and WooCommerce plans make it an ideal choice for online stores, as well. Want to make sure your site is available as much as possible? BlueHost has WordPress cloud hosting (starting at $75 per month) with a 100% uptime promise (excluding scheduled maintenance).
Specs & Configurations
VPS Hosting✔️
Dedicated Hosting✔️
WordPress Hosting✔️
Cloud Hosting❌
Reseller Hosting✔️
Linux Servers✔️
Windows Servers❌
24/7 Customer Support✔️
GET IT NOW
DreamHost Web Hosting
Best for a Lengthy Money-Back Guarantee
4.0 Excellent
Pros
✅Extensive domain-management tools
✅Unlimited data transfers per month with many plans
✅Generous shared hosting money-back guarantee
Cons
❌No telephone support
❌Not all plans have Windows-based servers
Why We Picked It
Who It’s For
Professional web designers: DreamHost’s services cater to small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that require scalable and flexible cloud hosting options. Don’t let the beginner-friendly facade fool you; DreamHost supports a range of programming languages (PHP, Perl, Python, Ruby), full shell access (SSH), and cron jobs, giving you greater control over the hosting environment.
Specs & Configurations
VPS Hosting✔️
Dedicated Hosting✔️
WordPress Hosting✔️
Cloud Hosting✔️
Reseller Hosting❌
Linux Servers✔️
Windows Servers❌
24/7 Customer Support✔️
GET IT NOW
HostGator Web Hosting
Best for Shared Hosting
4.0 Excellent
Pros
✅Excellent shared hosting offerings
✅Useful site-building software and e-commerce tools
✅Helpful 24/7 customer service
✅Outstanding uptime
Cons
❌No longer offers cloud hosting
Why We Picked It
Who It’s For
Beginners on a budget: HostGator is an excellent starting point for beginners, bloggers, and hobbyists due to its focus on simplicity and affordability. HostGator’s introductory shared plans ($2.75 per month for a 36-month term) offer a cost-effective entry point for personal projects. New users benefit from a guided setup, a one-click installer for WordPress and other software, a free domain for the first year, free SSL certificates, and access to 24/7 customer support via live chat.
Specs & Configurations
VPS Hosting✔️
Dedicated Hosting✔️
WordPress Hosting✔️
Cloud Hosting✔️
Reseller Hosting✔️
Linux Servers✔️
Windows Servers✔️
24/7 Customer Support✔️
GET IT NOW
Liquid Web Hosting
Best for Managed Hosting
4.0 Excellent
Pros
✅Prorated VPS plans
✅Powerful, high-end server specs
✅Excellent uptime
✅Terrific customer service
Cons
❌Lacks shared hosting plans
Why We Picked It
Who It’s For
SMBs without an IT staff: Liquid Web also benefits small businesses or individuals new to VPS or dedicated hosting, particularly those seeking fully managed support due to a lack of an IT crew. Support is readily available with 24/7 phone and chat support, ensuring you receive the technical assistance you need promptly.
Specs & Configurations
VPS Hosting✔️
Dedicated Hosting✔️
WordPress Hosting✔️
Cloud Hosting✔️
Reseller Hosting✔️
Linux Servers✔️
Windows Servers✔️
24/7 Customer Support✔️
GET IT NOW
Green Geeks Web Hosting
Best for Eco-Friendly Hosting
4.0 Excellent
Pros
✅Eco-friendly green angle
✅Good balance of features and affordability
✅Helpful customer support
Cons
❌Canceling services is cumbersome
Why We Picked It
Who It’s For
SMBs: GreenGeeks is a great choice for bloggers and small business owners, especially those who use WordPress, as it offers a balance of performance (via LiteSpeed servers and SSD storage), security, and a commitment to sustainability, all without the complexity and cost of enterprise-level plans.
Specs & Configurations
VPS Hosting✔️
Dedicated Hosting✔️
WordPress Hosting✔️
Cloud Hosting❌
Reseller Hosting✔️
Linux Servers✔️
Windows Servers❌
24/7 Customer Support❌
GET IT NOW
ScalaHosting Web Hosting
Best for Flexible VPS Servers
4.0 Excellent
Pros
✅Reasonable prices
✅Dependable customer service
✅Prorated, money-back guarantee
Cons
❌Site builder tools could be easier to use
❌Only select plans have Windows-based servers
Why We Picked It
Who It’s For
Seasoned webmasters: ScalaHosting is also suitable for technically proficient users who need full back-end control via self-managed VPS hosting. Experienced users will appreciate its advanced features, including full SSH access, multiple PHP versions, Git integration, and cron jobs.
Specs & Configurations
VPS Hosting✔️
Dedicated Hosting❌
WordPress Hosting✔️
Cloud Hosting✔️
Reseller Hosting✔️
Linux Servers✔️
Windows Servers✔️
24/7 Customer Support✔️
GET IT NOW
Hosting.com Web Hosting
Best for Back-End Control
3.5 Good
Pros
✅Unlimited data transfers with most plans
✅Excellent, 24/7 customer support
✅Good money-back guarantee
✅Easy service cancellation
Cons
❌Lacks cloud and dedicated server plans
Why We Picked It
Who It’s For
Individual web designers and agencies: Hosting.com also offers the flexibility and advanced control options that appeal to agencies and web developers managing multiple sites or demanding custom configurations. Dedicated and VPS plans offer full root access, SSH access, Git integration, and support for advanced programs like Node.js.
Specs & Configurations
VPS Hosting✔️
Dedicated Hosting❌
WordPress Hosting✔️
Cloud Hosting❌
Reseller Hosting✔️
Linux Servers✔️
Windows Servers❌
24/7 Customer Support✔️
GET IT NOW
The Best Web Hosting Services for 2026
Compare Specs
What to Look for in a Web Host
Web hosting services offer varying amounts of monthly data transfers, storage, email, and other features. Even how you pay (month-to-month vs. annual vs. prorated payments) can be radically different, too. So, taking time to plot exactly what your company needs for online success is essential.
For example, you should familiarize yourself with the various web hosting tiers. In your research, you’ll find shared, virtual private server (VPS), dedicated hosting, and WordPress hosting plans. Each tier offers different specs and features that you should take the time to analyze. Many web hosts also offer reseller plans that let you sell hosting without spinning up your own servers. It’s a wide field.
What Is Shared Web Hosting?
Shared hosting is web hosting in which the provider houses multiple sites on a single server. For example, Site A shares the same server as Site B, Site C, Site D, and Site E. The upside is that the multiple sites share the server cost, so shared web hosting is generally very inexpensive. It’s cheap web hosting. In fact, you can find an option for less than $10 per month.
You could think of the sites that share your server as your roommates; there’s really not that much separating you from them. Sure, you can close the bedroom door, but they can still cause nightmares for you in the kitchen and the bathroom. In shared hosting terms, all sites share a single server’s resources, so huge traffic spikes on Site A may impact the performance of neighboring sites.
What Is VPS Web Hosting?
VPS hosting is similar to shared hosting in that multiple sites share the same server, but the similarities end there. In housing terms, VPS hosting is like renting your own apartment in a larger building. You’re much more isolated than in the roommate situation mentioned above; it’s still possible that a neighboring apartment could annoy you, but far less likely. In terms of VPS hosting, Site A’s traffic surge will have a lesser impact on Site B and Site C. As you’d expect, VPS hosting costs more money than shared hosting. Expect to pay roughly $20 to $60 per month, depending on the service.
What Is Dedicated Web Hosting?
Dedicated hosting, on the other hand, is both powerful and pricey. It’s reserved for sites that require an incredible amount of server resources.
Unlike shared or VPS hosting, dedicated hosting makes your website the lone tenant on a server. To extend the housing metaphor, having a dedicated server is like owning your own home. This means that your website taps the server’s full power and pays for the privilege. If you’re looking for a high-powered site—an online mansion for your business—dedicated hosting is the way to go. That said, many dedicated web hosting services require you to handle backend technical issues (more on that in a bit). Dedicated hosting will cost you approximately $100 per month, and the cost increases significantly if you opt for high-speed servers, large RAM, and storage capacities.
What Is WordPress Hosting?
WordPress hosting is ideal for people who want to build their websites on the foundation of the popular WordPress content management system (CMS) from WordPress.org. This free, open-source blogging and site-building platform has multiple ways to set up shop.
You gain the most web-building functionality if you create a self-hosted site. This typically involves transferring the free WordPress CMS to the server or signing up for a web host’s optimized WordPress plan. With an optimized plan, the host automatically handles backend stuff, so you don’t have to worry about updating the plug-ins and CMS, and enabling automatic backups. In these instances, the WordPress environment typically comes preinstalled on the server. In most cases, this shouldn’t cost much more money than a web host’s shared or VPS hosting plans.
You can also host your website on WordPress.com, but this is a different type of hosting from the one mentioned above. WordPress.com uses the same code from WordPress.org, but hides the server code and handles the hosting for you. In that sense, it resembles website builders. It’s a simpler, yet less flexible and customizable, way to approach WordPress hosting.
What Is Cloud Web Hosting?
Cloud hosting services use a network of virtual and physical servers to store and maintain your website. This means that your site is hosted across a multitude of servers, potentially located worldwide. As a result, cloud hosting is generally much more flexible than traditional hosting, which is limited to physical servers rented via data centers.
This hosting type has numerous benefits, including impressive scalability with storage and RAM resources. Speed and performance are also excellent, as cloud hosting distributes workloads across multiple servers. Cloud hosting services are extremely reliable and can provide excellent data backup and recovery for the same reason. Cloud hosting is all over the map in terms of pricing, with some companies offering prorated payment options.
What Is the Best Web Host for Beginners?
If you’re a web hosting novice, there are several key factors to consider when committing to a service. Many web hosts offer limited features in their starter packages and then expand the offerings (sometimes tremendously) for higher-tier plans. However, a few services, such as Bluehost and HostGator, are the best web hosting options for beginners due to their competitive prices, comprehensive feature sets, and ease of use.
Read the small print to ensure the plan you select offers what you need. If you don’t want to code the site yourself, ensure that the web host you choose comes with a website builder. Many require you to pay for the builder as a separate add-on, typically for less than $20 per month. Website builders usually don’t cost a lot of money, but if you can find a web host that includes one for free, that’s money in your pocket. And if it’s integrated with your hosting service, you’re more likely to have a smooth, supported experience.
Remember, you want a web host with 24/7 customer support—if not by phone, then at least by chat. Forums, knowledge bases, and help tickets are useful, but sometimes, you just need to communicate with another human to get things ironed out as quickly as possible. That said, not all 24/7 customer support teams are equal, which we confirmed in our in-depth web hosting reviews. Ease of use and strong uptime are important, too.
If you’re unsure of the hosting type your business needs, consider starting with low-cost shared or WordPress hosting. You can always upgrade to a more robust, feature-rich package, such as VPS hosting or dedicated hosting, in the future. Please note that some hosts don’t offer all hosting types, so consider how much you expect your website to grow. It’s worth spending the time up-front to ensure that the host you select can provide the growth you envision for your site, as switching web hosting providers midstream is not a trivial undertaking.
Once you’ve decided on your price range, consider how long you’ll need web hosting. If it’s a short-term project—say, less than a month or two—you can typically receive a refund if you cancel your hosting within 60 days. Some companies offer 30-day money-back guarantees, and others offer 90-day guarantees. Once again, it’s beneficial to do your homework.
What About Free Web Hosting?
You’ve come to the wrong place if you’re looking for free web hosting. Our list includes the best web hosting services overall, and they come at a cost. Check out the best free web hosting services for our top picks in the category. Be aware that free hosting comes with sacrifices, typically in terms of power and branding.
Should You Use a Linux or Windows Server?
When it comes to server operating systems, Linux is typically the default option. Still, some hosts offer a choice of Linux or Windows. Don’t let the idea of a Linux host intimidate you. Nowadays, most web hosts offer a graphical interface or a control panel to simplify server administration and website management; you click easily identifiable icons instead of tinkering with the command line.
If you have specific server-side applications that require Windows, such as SQL Server or a custom application written in .NET, you must ensure that your potential web host offers Windows hosting. Windows hosting is often more expensive than Linux hosting, especially in the dedicated server area (you’ll typically see the price difference as you explore the options before checkout). While that’s not always the case, it’s essential to be aware of this as you shop around.
What Are the Differences Between Managed and Unmanaged Hosting?
There are many reasons to use managed hosting services, but convenience is at the top of the list. Managed hosting providers handle server monitoring, security, and website backups, giving your site vital firewalls, intrusion detection, and file-scanning functionality to keep it safe and up to date without your input. Managed hosting typically includes comprehensive technical support, allowing you to promptly contact your provider whenever you encounter a website issue. Hostinger and BlueHost offer great managed WordPress hosting plans, for example.
On the other hand, unmanaged web hosting is a great option if you’re comfortable handling server management duties. With unmanaged hosting, you are entirely responsible for server administration, including the initial setup, ongoing maintenance, and security. This may be a tall order if you’re unfamiliar with these tasks. However, if you have a strong technical background, these responsibilities also come with great flexibility. For example, you can customize the hosting environment by installing a preferred control panel or security tool.
What to Look for in Small Businesses Hosting?
When it’s time to set up shop, look for a web host that offers dedicated servers, advanced cloud server platforms (such as Amazon Web Services or Google Cloud), custom server builds if needed, and 24/7 customer support. Depending on your focus, you may want a web host that can handle pageviews or visitors that rank in the thousands or millions. Many busy hosting plans also offer an onboarding specialist who can help you get started.
If you’re planning on selling a product, look for a web host that offers a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate because it encrypts the data between the customer’s browser and web host to safeguard purchasing information. You’re probably familiar with SSL; the green padlock appears in your web browser’s address bar as you visit an online financial institution or retail outlet. A few companies toss in an SSL certificate free of charge; others may charge you roughly $100 per year for that extra security layer.
What Is Email Hosting?
If you aim to have a web presence, you must have email. It’s a convenient way for potential customers and clients to send you a message, a Word document, or other files. Most web hosts include email in their hosting plans. Some web hosts offer unlimited email account creation (which is great for future growth), while others offer a finite amount. You, naturally, should want unlimited email.
That said, not all web hosts offer email. WP Engine, for example, does not. In such instances, you must sign up for email accounts from a company other than your web host. GoDaddy, for instance, sells email packages starting at $5.99 per user per month. That might sound like a hassle and just one more thing to keep track of, but some webmasters believe that separating your email hosting and web hosting services is a smart move. That way, one provider going offline won’t completely bork your business.
What Is Web Hosting Uptime?
All the aforementioned features are valuable to the web hosting experience, but none match the importance of site uptime. If your site is down, clients or customers will be unable to find you or access your products or services. That can cost you money.
No matter how good a service’s pricing, specs, and features are, it can’t score well overall if it doesn’t have rock-solid uptime. Accordingly, we compare each web host’s uptime guarantee so you can understand what to expect before signing up.
What are the Best Web Hosting Services for E-Commerce and Marketing?
Upon reviewing the services listed here (and many more), we discovered that, although the packages are similar, they are not identical. Some are more security-focused than others, offering anti-spam and anti-malware tools at every price tier. Others offer a variety of email marketing tools. While most of the hosts we’ve reviewed have built-in e-commerce tools, you may want to consider using a more robust, third-party e-commerce platform, such as our Editors’ Choice winners, Shopify and Wix Stores.
