Searching around for a web hosting for your blog or business website? A brief online search will quickly have you end up with a long list of service providers out there. But which one is the best pick for you? This article is here to help you figure that out.
Based on our experience over the years with many top web hosting providers, we have shortlisted the best web hosting companies to help you make the best decision for your business. We looked at the server specifications, performance, customer service, and very importantly the value for money of the web hosting packages. For this topic, we will be looking at Shared Hosting packages from each provider.
Here’s a quick list of the most recommended web hosting for your business:
- Namecheap – Best customer service and value for money
- GoDaddy – Best easy to use interface
- Hostinger – Best technical support
- InMotion Hosting – Best uptime rating
- HostGator – Best unlimited hosting
While we’re at it, let’s cover some basics and the technical terms that you will come across in the reviews below.
What is web hosting?
Simply put, web hosting is a service that hosts you website files (codes, images, etc) on the web server. The web hosting companies owns these web servers. And what’s a web server you may ask? It is basically high powered computers that connect your website to other internet users from all over the world.
In case you wonder, the photo above is how a servers look like on the server rack, in a server room. And usually within a high security building. And a close up view of the server racks on the photo below.
Web hosting technical terms that is important to know:
Shared Hosting
Shared Hosting considered as the entry-level web hosting category. It is also one of the most popular web hosting due to the affordability. Web hosting providers would host multiple users to on a single server while having unique user accounts for each subscription.
On top of that, the server maintenance is handled by the provider, which means website owners will not have to worry about it.
SSD Storage
SSD is the short for Solid State Drive. As somewhat indicated in the name it has no moving parts, unlike the hard disk drives that spins and makes sounds like a fan when operating. Our trusty portable USB drive is a good sample of SSD storage.
SSD storage is more stable, faster and less likely to malfunction because it has no moving parts.
Bandwidth
Amount of data transferred between the webserver and your website visitors. More bandwidth means your website will be able to handle more visitors within the same period of time.
SSL Certificate
SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. This is the current day standard technology to keep your website safe from hackers and other potential threats online. Having an SSL is utmost important in making sure your website ranks well on search engines.
CDN
Short for Content Delivery Network, your website files will be stored in a multiple servers in different locations around the world. When someone visits your website, the web server that is closest to the visitor will be connected. Shorter distance means faster loading time, and better search engine ranking.
Awesome! Now let’s look at the list of best budget friendly web hosting companies.
1. Namecheap
Founded in 2000, NameCheap is a Reputable and reliable web hosting on a budget. And they have around 4.3 million websites hosted on their platform. We like how NameCheap presents the information on the web hosting technical specifications in detail and upfront. Highlights of their shared hosting plans:
- 20GB - Unlimited SSD Storage
- Unlimited Bandwidth
- Free SSL Certificate
- Free Domain name (selected extensions)
- Free basic CDN
- Twice a week Backup
- 24/7 Technical support
2. GoDaddy
Founded in 1997, GoDaddy has more than 20 million customers and 7,000 over employees globally.
- 100GB - Unlimited SSD Storage
- Unlimited Bandwidth
- Free Domain name
- 24/7 Technical support
3. Hostinger
Established in 2004, Hostinger now has over 29 million registered users, with presence in 178 countries including the Philippines. Highlights of their shared hosting plans:
- 30GB - 200GB SSD Storage
- 100GB - Unlimited Bandwidth
- Free SSL Certificate
- Free Domain name (higher plans)
- Weekly Backups
- 24/7 Technical support
4. InMotion Hosting
Established in 2004, Hostinger now has over 29 million registered users, with presence in 178 countries including the Philippines. Highlights of their shared hosting plans:
- 10GB - 200GB SSD Storage
- Unlimited Bandwidth
- Free SSL Certificate
- Free Domain name
- 24/7 Technical support
5. HostGator
Started in 2002, HostGator currently has over 2 million websites hosted on their servers. They offer unlimited storage on their entry-level plans. Highlights of their shared hosting plans:
- Unlimited SSD Storage
- Unlimited Bandwidth
- Free SSL Certificate
- Free Domain name
- Unlimited Email accounts
- 24/7 Technical support
In closing, all recommended web hosting companies has strong international presence and have been around for long enough. They of them have built a great reputation for themselves. We have no complain with their customer service and technical support – 24/7 availability and responsive enough. Most important of all, all of them have good web hosting plans that cater to small businesses. You can’t go wrong with either of them.
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