8 Best WordPress Hosts for Beginners in 2024

Taking the leap with self-hosted WordPress (the downloadable version from WordPress.org) is intimidating if you’re new to website building. You may purchase a hosting plan only to realize it’s far too technical to manage yourself or lacks WordPress-specific features. Worst of all, the wrong host can leave your site vulnerable to attacks or unable to accommodate future growth.

As a business owner that’s faced the same predicament, I understand it’s time consuming to comb through all the hosting options. For that reason, I tested the best WordPress hosts and ranked them based on ease of use and overall value. With these options, it won’t be a battle to install WordPress, configure plugins, or build a new site from scratch.

That said, from all the options I tested I was most impressed by Hostinger’s managed WordPress hosting. Its plans are not only affordable, but also packed with valuable WordPress features like a 24/7 vulnerability scanner and proprietary WordPress AI tool. You can test it risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee or read on to explore other great options.

What We Look For in the Best WordPress Hosts for Beginners

Figuring out which WordPress hosts are worthwhile and beginner-friendly requires an experienced, discerning eye. While evaluating the sea of options available, I made sure to select hosts that met the following criteria tailored for beginners.

• Generous resources. Cheap hosting plans may be an attractive short-term option but they typically shortchange you in resources. Unexpected traffic spikes and unprecedented demands require scalability, so it’s important to choose a WordPress host that will have your back at every stage of your evolution.
• Tailored features. One-click WordPress installations and auto updates are non-negotiable features when you’re just starting out, so I made sure the hosts on my list will get you off to a productive start. They also offer intuitive WordPress features that allow you to customize your site without the technical hassle of extensive configurations.
• Reliable performance. Choosing an unreliable WordPress host is like building on a cracked foundation. Any good host should have an uptime guarantee of at least 99.95% and a capable server infrastructure for optimal performance. Without reliability, any WordPress plugins and eye-catching features are useless.
• Managed support. When things go technically wrong, you shouldn’t have to lose sleep trying to find the solution. Managed WordPress support can catch and resolve any issues before you become aware of them. That way, you don’t have the added stress of managing security attacks or downtime issues.
• Deals for beginners. When you’re just starting out, it’s intimidating to commit to a host if you’re not sure the service is worth it. That’s why every option on my list has a money-back guarantee in addition to generous discounts for new accounts.

1. Hostinger: Affordable Managed WordPress Plans With Unique Tools1

Hostinger is a well-rounded host with its powerful LiteSpeed servers and managed WordPress plans. Its Business plan is only $2.99, which is a great bang for your buck considering you’ll get 200 GB of NVMe storage, unlimited free SSL, and unlimited bandwidth. And let’s not forget its in-house content delivery network (CDN) that gives your WordPress site a 40% speed boost.

What’s most impressive is that its managed WordPress service is jam-packed with an attractive set of tools. Some notable mentions include a one-click WordPress staging tool that allows you to test out new plugins or themes before publishing the changes. Hostinger doesn’t skimp on its security features either, with automatic updates to keep your site secure, enhanced DDoS protection, and a web application firewall (WAF), just to name a few.

All in all, Hostinger proves to be a wise option for small business owners, e-commerce operations, and personal blogs alike. Caching solutions like automatic image optimization, minifying code, and object caching make it easy to enhance the performance of your WordPress site with no effort from you. While you must commit to a 48-month contract to get the lowest price, it’s a worthwhile investment that can accommodate future growth.

Features

• WordPress AI tools. This proprietary AI tool allows you to effortlessly generate SEO-friendly and unique content simply by describing what you need. You won’t need a copywriter to get your site up and running, plus its built-in AI troubleshooter can detect and fix common website errors.
• WordPress accelerator. The LiteSpeed Cache for WordPress (LSCWP) plugin works behind the scenes to make your site load quicker by storing frequently accessed information in a special memory area. This means your website will load faster for visitors, improving their experience and possibly even boosting your search engine rankings.
• Free prebuilt templates. These templates, also known as themes, come with pre-designed layouts and styles that you can easily customize to fit your needs. Instead of starting from scratch, you can choose a template that matches your vision and then tweak it to make it your own.
• Hostinger WordPress plugin. The Hostinger WordPress plugin serves as your personalized guide in the website creation process. It offers step-by-step assistance with tasks like adding or creating a logo, adding new pages, and previewing your site.

Read our in-depth Hostinger review to see how our WordPress site performed.

2. IONOS: All You Need for a Fast and Secure WordPress Site1

IONOS has accessible plans that grant you flexibility since you can choose between managed and unmanaged WordPress hosting. You’re probably better off with its managed service because surprisingly, there’s no price difference and you get a generous feature set for hassle-free WordPress management. Regardless of the plan you choose, your WordPress site will have impressive speeds and isolated hosting for an extra layer of security.

The Grow plan starts at $1.00 and offers more than enough resources with 50 GB of SSD storage, automatic updates, daily backups, and a year of free Jetpack backups. IONOS also has one of the best security setups, with its proprietary DDoS shield, malware scanner, and geo-redundant data centers (geographically separated data centers with copies of your site) to keep attacks and unwanted downtime at bay.

I will say that IONOS doesn’t have as many fancy WordPress features compared with Hostinger. However, IONOS is a great option for budget-conscious beginners that don’t want to compromise on quality.

Features

• IONOS setup assistant. The unique setup assistant is automatically launched when you log into your WordPress site. Simply tell the setup assistant what you want to do with your site and it’ll find you the right themes, connect your domain, and enable SSL. It makes it possible to set up a new site without any prior experience.
• Built-in performance monitoring. All plans include the SiteAnalytics tool, which lets you track important metrics about the users visiting your site. You can take the guesswork out of the equation by narrowing down your audience and tailoring your content to their needs.
• Free WordPress guide. You can download the IONOS WordPress guide for free and get a step-by-step tutorial on how to set up WordPress, create content, choose plugins, and boost your site’s performance.
• Personal assistant. Every IONOS plan has access to a personal assistant. You can contact them via chat or call for any questions you have about your WordPress site. This guarantees that you’ll always get prompt resolutions to your concerns.

Check out our full IONOS review for more WordPress features.

3. InterServer: Cheap WordPress Hosting With Generous Freebies1

For all-in-one managed hosting that’s reliable, affordable, and rather generous in resources, InterServer is a good choice. InterServer runs its shared servers at 50% capacity, so you can scale resources without slow loading speeds or downtime. At a baseline price, you get unlimited Ultra SSD storage, unlimited data transfers, unlimited FTP accounts, weekly backups, and automatic updates.

InterServer is the ideal e-commerce solution because of its ready-to-install scripts at no extra charge. You can choose from over 30 popular applications like Magento, WooCommerce, and OpenCart and launch your store in just a few minutes with a one-click installation feature. There’s no limit on the number of products you can add, too.

Keep in mind that InterServer’s data center locations are strictly based in the US, which may be a concern if you’re targeting a global audience. The good news is that InterServer includes free access to a Cloudflare CDN, which can greatly enhance your reach outside the US.

Features

• SitePad builder. This proprietary drag-and-drop site builder is a perfect option for non-techy beginners. It has a one-click publisher to streamline any changes and comes with more than 300 themes suitable for businesses, personal sites, portfolios, and online stores, plus 40+ widgets to enhance your site’s functionality.
• InterShield security. InterShield is a robust security system designed to keep your website safe from cyber threats. It works through five key layers: a firewall, a file upload scanner, automatic scans of running scripts, outbound email protection, and malware detection.
• Inter-Insurance. This unique InterServer feature ensures your website’s security and stability. With this service, you’ll get a thorough investigation to understand what happened, seamless restoration to bring your site back to its original state, and proactive prevention to address underlying causes.
• Inter-Proxy caching. InterServer’s Inter-Proxy caching system stores frequently accessed content for quick site loading. On top of LSCache (server-side caching for LiteSpeed), optimized files are either stored in RAM or on fast drives. Additionally, Google’s QUIC protocol enhances connection speeds.

Here’s our full take on InterServer’s performance.

4. Nexcess (Liquid Web): Premium Cloud Hosting Optimized for WordPress1

CAPTION: Nexcess has expert-backed WordPress support to take the technical burden off your back

Nexcess offers a fully managed WordPress solution with nice-to-have features that you’d expect for any reputable WordPress site: one-click staging, language translation powered by Weglot, SEO optimizations with Yoast, and marketing tools by HubSpot. As a bonus, its 24/7/365 WordPress support is among the best in the game and is an excellent resource for any technical questions.

If you build your WordPress site with Nexcess, you won’t have to upgrade to a better host once your business takes off and you need some extra horsepower. Thanks to its scalable cloud infrastructure, your site can quickly adapt to new demands and reach any audience with its global data centers. Regardless of your plan, you don’t have to worry about overage fees, traffic limits, or metered page views.

That said, Nexcess isn’t a cheap host but rather an investment toward your site’s long-term success. Even with its most basic plan you get a minimum of 10 PHP workers, with up to 20 autoscaled PHP workers on the more expensive plans. This ensures your site remains responsive even with heavy traffic spikes. Its caching stack is also one of the most sophisticated and has the capacity to take your WordPress site to the next level.

Features

• Edge CDN. Cloudflare’s powerful network runs this in-house CDN and spreads your site’s content across a global network, ensuring fast loading times for visitors worldwide. Advanced caching technology prioritizes key files, while features like HTTP/3 and Brotli compression maximize loading speeds. Plus, robust security measures offered via Cloudflare keep your site safe from online threats.
• WooCommerce automatic testing. This free and proprietary Nexcess feature ensures your online store runs smoothly. With just a minute’s worth of testing, it quickly spots any issues that might affect your customers’ shopping experience, such as problems with product carts, payment methods, or login details.
• Plugin performance monitor. This is a Nexcess tool that allows you to compare plugin performance, track changes over time, and understand the impact of updates on your site’s speed and functionality. With user-friendly feedback and the ability to evaluate individual page performance, you can make informed decisions without technical knowledge.
• Visual Comparison feature. This handy feature automatically duplicates your live site in a staging environment so you can compare plugin updates and environment changes before implementation. This tool will flag disruptive updates before deployment to ensure your site’s stability and efficiency.

For more on Nexcess and its WordPress features, read our comprehensive review.

5. A2 Hosting: Powerful Servers and Plenty of WordPress Features1

A2 Hosting is the ideal middle-ground option for a secure, speedy, and stable WordPress host. I say that because its managed WordPress plans with its must-have Turbo LiteSpeed servers start at $9.95. While not the cheapest out there, it’s not the most expensive, either. Considering you also get 50 GB NVMe storage and unmetered bandwidth, A2 Hosting delivers top quality for mid-point prices.

A2 Hosting’s automatic core updates will meet your WordPress site’s practical needs. Featuring automatic onsite backups and cloning and staging tools, A2 Hosting will give you the foundation to get started. Plus, its proprietary WordPress features don’t disappoint – the preinstalled A2 Optimized plugin with personalized performance and security recommendations for your site can really take the guesswork out of running your WordPress.

The catch with A2 Hosting is that you’ll end up paying a lot more if you’re running an online store and aren’t keen on technical management. Its ecommerce plans can be costly but it does offer one of the most comprehensive e-commerce solutions I’ve seen. You can get WooCommerce, Magento, OpenCart, and PrestaShop preinstalled and already optimized. You’re also exponentially covered with its unlimited storage and whopping 16 GB of dedicated RAM.

Features

• One-click site hardening. Powered by Immunify360, A2 Hosting’s hardening feature is ready with just one click. You can protect against malware, brute-force attacks, and spam. This integration simplifies security management and ensures your WordPress site stays protected without the need for complex configurations.
• Jetpack for WordPress. This versatile plugin has a variety of features preinstalled and simplifies essential tasks like site speed testing, image optimization, and spam protection. WordPress beginners will benefit from its user-friendly interface and one-click optimizations, streamlining tasks that might otherwise be complex or time-consuming.
• Redis object caching. Unlike traditional caching approaches, Redis uses in-memory storage (RAM) to enhance speed and efficiency. It caches specific sections of data rather than entire pages, allowing for quicker retrieval of frequently accessed data. This results in faster page load times and improved overall WordPress performance.
• 24/7/365 days support. A2 Hosting has readily available WordPress support that you can access via chat, phone, or ticket. Choose the contact method that’s most convenient for you and navigate any questions you may have with one of its WordPress experts.

For WordPress performance results, read our expert’s review on A2 Hosting.

6. Kinsta: Premier Servers and WordPress Performance With a Global Edge1

Kinsta is a valuable host if you’re targeting an international market and want a completely hands-off approach. You’ll host your site on Google’s top CPU servers and Premium Tier network, which can boost site performance by up to 200%. Kinsta’s CDN is also automatically enabled. With its 37 data center locations and 260+ point-of-presence (POP) locations, it’s considered one of the fastest WordPress hosts.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention its proprietary features either. From MyKinsta dashboard to its very own edge caching tool, this is a great host for WordPress beginners that want the full managed hosting treatment. MyKinsta is especially useful for the intuitive management of your backups, as you can access all daily, hourly, manual, and system generated. You also don’t have to worry about downtime since your site gets up to 480 checks a day.

It’s obvious that Kinsta has powerful specs but it’s annoying that the most affordable plan is capped at 25,000 visits per month. Kinsta will keep your site running if you happen to go over this limit, although there’s a small fee for every 1,000 visits over the cap. But considering you get top-of-the-line WordPress performance, features, and security, this shouldn’t be a deal breaker.

Features

• Enterprise-level firewall. Kinsta’s enterprise-level firewall with DDoS protection is a robust security feature that instantly detects and blocks malicious activities. Integrated with Cloudflare’s advanced technology, this firewall provides IP-based protection and firewall capabilities to proactively defend your site.
• HTTP/3 support. HTTP/3 is the latest version of the web protocol to communicate between web servers and browsers. It offers faster and more secure data transmission. With out-of-the-box support from Kinsta, you can enjoy these benefits without complex server configurations.
• One-click site management. This management tool offers a straightforward solution to complex management tasks. You can activate cache management, set up WordPress debugging and redirects, and turn on CDN management without technical expertise.
• One-click troubleshooting. Kinsta’s Application Performance Monitor (APM) is tailor-made for WordPress users, serving as a vital tool in diagnosing and resolving performance issues. You can pinpoint troublesome plugins and themes to enhance site performance and minimize page load times.

See Kinsta’s performance results in our expert review.

Other Notable WordPress Hosts for Beginners

7. FastComet1

For affordable plans with perks comparable to those of premium options, FastComet is a WordPress host to consider. Its managed plans host your site on a premium LiteSpeed server, with a cache plugin for WordPress. And in case you’re targeting an Asian audience, FastComet’s data center locations in Singapore, Mumbai, and Tokyo are advantageous.

FastComet’s WordPress toolkit allows for extensive site management with automatic smart updates, single-click integrity checks, and website hardening. Keep in mind that the maximum storage is 40 GB, which can be rather limiting for content-heavy sites. But to be fair, you get premium NVMe storage, which is a bargain considering the affordability of its plans.

8. InMotion Hosting1

With its unlimited resources, InMotion Hosting is a WordPress host that you shouldn’t overlook since most of its plans offer unlimited NVMe SSD, unlimited bandwidth, unlimited email accounts, and let you host unlimited sites. There’s even unique freebies like its advertising credits for Google AdWords that get included in every single plan.

It’s tailored for beginners too, with pre-installed WordPress, a drag-and-drop builder, 200 free WordPress themes, and free migration tools. What’s not-so-beginner-friendly is the contract term, which requires you to lock into a 1 to 3-year contract with up-front payment. What is nice is that there’s a 90-day money-back guarantee that lets you test things thoroughly before committing.

Which of These WordPress Hosts for Beginners is Right For You?

Choosing your first WordPress host isn’t easy, but you can find some incredible options when you know what you need. You can find a lot of hosts that will promise you the best WordPress hosting this side of town, but always prioritize the host that fits your budget and resources needs so you can benefit in the long term.

When it comes to a budget-friendly WordPress host that allows for continual growth, Hostinger is the best option available1. With up to 200 GB NVMe SSD storage, access to premium in-house CDN, and cutting-edge WordPress AI tools, Hostinger offers a solid cost-to-quality ratio that’s hard to come by.

If you’re looking for accessible plans and must-have features, go with IONOS. IONOS is a practical WordPress solution1 because of its advanced security suite and beginner-geared features like its WordPress assistant.

But in case you’re a business owner that needs a ready-to-launch e-commerce site, InterServer is an attractive host for your business1. You don’t need to worry about paying extra for popular e-commerce applications and can launch your site in no time with its drag-and-drop builder.

FAQ

What’s the difference between shared web hosting and WordPress hosting?

Shared web hosting involves multiple websites sharing resources on a single server, making it cost-effective but potentially less optimized for WordPress-specific needs. In contrast, WordPress hosting offers optimized performance, security, and features designed to enhance the WordPress experience.

What type of hosting do I need for WordPress?

Shared hosting, VPS hosting, and dedicated hosting can all run WordPress. However, there is hosting specific to WordPress where you can get managed services. With managed WordPress hosting you typically get access to features that cater to WordPress performance, such as specialized caching, automatic updates, and WordPress-specific support.

Do I need to buy hosting for WordPress?

​​Yes and no. A WordPress site requires hosting to be accessible on the web but you can find free hosts. ​​However, these free hosting services often come with limitations such as restricted storage space, limited bandwidth, and advertisements on your site. Affordable hosts like Hostinger are a good option for managed WordPress plans with generous resources.

Which is the cheapest hosting service for WordPress?

IONOS is the most affordable host for managed WordPress plans. Overall, IONOS offers the best bang for your buck considering you get 50 GB of SSD storage with its cheapest plan and unlimited bandwidth. It’s also among the most secure with its geo redundant servers and single-site hosting environment.