Top 10 Web Hosting For Small Businesses

In this article, we’ll show you the top 10 web hosting providers perfect for small businesses. 

Key Takeaways

• The top 10 web hosting for small businesses include Shopify, IONOS, Bluehost, A2 hosting, GoDaddy, Hostgator, Dreamhost, Inmotion hosting, Hostinger, and iPage. 
• Out of these choices, we strongly recommend Shopify due to its fast, reliable, and unmetered hosting included in all plans. Shopify merchants can benefit from a free domain, instant updates, and the convenience of not dealing with the complexities of hosting infrastructure management.

10 Best Web Hosting Providers

For small businesses, selecting a dependable hosting provider is important. We’ve compiled this list of the best hosting providers of “shared hosting” – the cheapest hosting solution for small businesses.

Shopify

Overview

Shopify offers secure hosting on all plans, ensuring businesses can access powerful e-commerce tools and reliable web hosting. 

Pricing

Shopify offers 5 subscription plans, 4 of which allow you to build a website, starting from just $39 per month, depending on the features and services included. 

Additionally, Shopify offers a 3-day free trial and a special deal of $1/month for the first 3 months, allowing users to explore and experience the platform’s capabilities before committing to a paid plan. 

Features

• Free SSL certificate and Level 1 PCI compliance ensure that all sensitive data and transactions are meticulously encrypted, guaranteeing high security. Shopify instills confidence in customers, as their personal information remains safeguarded during online interactions, fostering a trustworthy and secure environment for business transactions.

• Unlimited bandwidth helps your online store quickly handle increasing traffic. This capability ensures consistent and optimal website performance, guaranteeing visitors can navigate and interact with your site smoothly, regardless of visitor numbers or data consumption fluctuations.

• Free domain name: Business owners have the flexibility to enhance their brand by selecting a custom domain name available for purchase through Shopify. Alternatively, they can use an existing domain name or take advantage of the complimentary .myshopify.com domain provided.

• Unlimited email forwarding: With Shopify, you’ll receive an unlimited supply of forwarding email addresses at no cost. When messages are sent to these newly created email addresses (e.g. info@yourstore.com), they will be automatically forwarded to an email account you already possess (e.g. youremail@example.com). This streamlined process saves you time and lends a professional image to your business.

Customer Support

Shopify offers 24/7 customer support, providing store owners with immediate assistance, allowing them to focus on growing their online businesses without worrying about technical obstacles.

Performance

Shopify employs a Content Delivery Network (CDN) with multiple servers to ensure visitors worldwide can access your ecommerce store swiftly, even as your business experiences rapid growth.

IONOS

Overview

IONOS provides hosting services that meet diverse business needs with various hosting solutions designed to cater to various requirements, promising reliability and performance in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Pricing

IONOS hosting presents a range of four plans – Essential, Starter, Plus, and Ultimate – each priced affordably between $1 and $10 per month. With a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing customers to explore their chosen plan risk-free.

Features

• Daily backups: With this service, your information remains secure, and you can rest easy knowing that your essential data can be effortlessly restored.

• Free domain for 1 year: When you sign up for their hosting services, you can choose a domain name that perfectly represents your online presence, and IONOS will cover the cost for the first year. This offer saves you money and streamlines the process of getting your website up and running.

• Free SSL certificate included in their hosting plans, encrypting email transmissions and boosting recipient trust. These certificates also enable the shift to HTTPS, enhancing website security and credibility. Moreover, IONOS provides SSL Wildcard certificates for multi-subdomain protection, ensuring comprehensive online safety.

• Free email @ your domain: This feature enables you to convey credibility and a strong brand image to your customers, fostering trust and engagement.

Customer Support

IONOS web hosting offers free 24/7 customer support, a vital resource that significantly aids store owners. 

Performance

Based on our comprehensive testing and research across various hosting providers, IONOS stands out as the leader in site speed and uptime. This is a significant advantage for small businesses, as a fast and reliable website is crucial for improving SEO rankings and delivering an excellent user experience.

Bluehost

Overview

Bluehost remains a reliable option for small businesses due to its extensive features, top-notch customer service, and budget-friendly shared hosting plans.

Pricing

Bluehost offers competitive monthly pricing, ranging from $2.95 to $13.95, catering to various budget considerations. Notably, substantial savings of up to 60% by opting for the 36-month plan provide businesses an attractive opportunity to secure reliable hosting services while optimizing their cost efficiency.

Features

• Free domain for your first year: This feature comes with a hosting account and covers popular domains like .com, .net, .org, and .blog, with a value equivalent to $17.99. 

• 10GB-100GB storage: Bluehost’s storage options range from 10GB SSD for the Basic plans to 100GB for the Pro plan, accommodating diverse content needs. The varying storage capacities across plans allow efficient management of digital assets.

• Free SSL certificate: The SSL certificates are automatically assigned and installed for all domains, ensuring a seamless and protected online experience.

• Unmetered bandwidth ensures consistent website performance during high-traffic periods. Plans offer a set data transfer rate, allowing unlimited data processing within that limit. This guarantees a smooth user experience, making your website accessible and responsive even during spikes in visitor activity.

Customer Support

Bluehost offers a comprehensive customer support ecosystem featuring 24/7 live chat, round-the-clock phone assistance, and an extensive Knowledge Center.

Performance

Backed by a robust 99.98% uptime guarantee, Bluehost ensures a consistently reliable performance. This uptime translates into uninterrupted email accessibility, bolstering operational efficiency, communication reliability, and overall user satisfaction for store owners and their clientele.

A2 Hosting

Overview

A2 Hosting delivers dependable hosting solutions for businesses of various sizes, ensuring effective and seamless operation.

Pricing

A2 Hosting presents an array of plans, including affordable Shared hosting at $2.99 to $14.99/month, ensuring options for diverse needs. With a 30-day money-back guarantee, users can confidently explore A2 Hosting’s web hosting services.

Features

• Unlimited Websites: A2 Hosting offers the capability to host unlimited websites within a single hosting account. This feature allows store owners to manage multiple online stores or websites under a unified hosting plan, streamlining management and reducing costs associated with separate hosting accounts.

• Unlimited Storage: A2 Hosting enables store owners to store vast data, including emails, attachments, and website content. This ensures seamless operations without worrying about running out of storage space.

• Free SSL Certificate: A2 Hosting offers diverse SSL options from providers like Rapid SSL, Geotrust, and Digicert that enhance security for sensitive information, ensuring businesses can choose the right encryption level.

• Automated Backups A2 Hosting offers versatile backup options for shared hosting, reseller accounts, dedicated servers, VPS, A2 cloud backup, and email and Google Drive integration, providing comprehensive data protection.

• Global Server Locations: A2 Hosting’s extensive network of server locations worldwide boosts website performance, especially for e-commerce. With centers in the USA, Europe, and Asia, businesses benefit from faster loading times and smoother user experiences, catering to a global customer base.

Customer Support

A2 Hosting’s adept and affable support squad operates around the clock, 365 days a year, providing astute aid whenever needed.

Performance

A2 Hosting ensures a 99.9% uptime guarantee, although our evaluations indicate an overall average performance. While A2 Hosting’s performance might leave room for improvement, it’s crucial to consider your priorities. If superior performance is paramount, exploring alternatives like our recommended choice, Shopify, could yield a more satisfying hosting experience.

GoDaddy

Overview

Godaddy’s web hosting is a significant player, securing a 10.4% market share. With a particular focus on WordPress-driven websites, Godaddy has established itself as a preferred choice for enterprises aiming for efficient web hosting solutions.

Pricing

Godaddy hosting is available across a range of budget-friendly plans from $5.99 to $17.99 monthly. Notably, the Deluxe plan stands out as the recommended choice by GoDaddy, offering optimal value for comprehensive hosting features and benefits.

Features

• Unmetered Bandwidth: GoDaddy’s unmetered bandwidth feature ensures you won’t be charged extra for traffic spikes as your site gains more visitors. This feature applies to all GoDaddy hosting plans.

• Daily Backups: Safeguard essential data with automated daily backups, minimizing disruptions and data loss for seamless business operations. GoDaddy also simplifies the process of monitoring your site, conducting malware scans, and enabling easy restoration in case of unforeseen data issues.

• Free 1-click WordPress Installation: This empowers store owners to establish and maintain their online presence swiftly, allowing them to focus on their core business activities while minimizing the challenges of technical intricacies and enhancing operational efficiency.

• Free Domain: This means that when you choose GoDaddy as your hosting provider, you can select a domain name that aligns with your brand or business, and GoDaddy covers the cost of that domain name for the first year. 

• Free SSL Certificate: This encryption ensures sensitive data remains confidential and meets legal and ecommerce payment standards. Not only does it protect user information, but it also boosts SEO and credibility by avoiding browser warnings. Establish trust, secure data, and create a safe browsing experience for your site’s visitors.

Customer Support

GoDaddy stands as a stalwart with its 24/7 call and live chat support. With this unwavering support, GoDaddy shines as a guiding light in the expansive cosmos of hosting services.

Performance

Godaddy boasts superior performance and rapid load times, backed by a dependable web hosting service with a guaranteed 99.9% uptime. This robust performance feature contributes significantly to an enhanced browsing experience for store owners, ensuring consistent website access and promoting seamless customer interactions.

Hostgator

Overview

HostGator is known for its strong standing as a reliable option for those searching for trustworthy web hosting services.

Pricing

Hostgator services are priced from $2.75 and $5.25/month for shared hosting. Their pricing ensures affordability without compromising quality. Moreover, they stand behind their service with a 30-day money-back guarantee, demonstrating their commitment to customer satisfaction.

Features

• Free Domain For 1st Year: When you opt for a 12, 24, or 36-month Shared hosting plan, you qualify for free domain name registration. This feature saves you initial expenses and establishes a solid online presence, enhancing your brand recognition from the very start.

• Unmetered Bandwidth: It offers a fixed-speed connection that allows data transfer without concerns about overage fees. This means your site can handle increased traffic smoothly. With unmetered bandwidth, you can focus on providing a seamless user experience and growing your online presence without data limitations.

• Unlimited Storage: HostGator Baby and Business Plan offer unlimited storage capacity. This means you can store and manage your website content, emails, and data without worrying about running out of space.

• Free SSL Certification: HostGator is committed to a safer online environment and offers free SSL certificates for all hosted websites, promoting secure communication and establishing trust with your visitors.

• One-Click WordPress Installation: This convenient feature is available for new Shared hosting packages and simplifies the website setup process. Whether you’re launching a blog, an online store, or a personal website, HostGator’s one-click installation ensures a seamless and efficient start to your online journey.

Customer Support

HostGator’s customer support ensures uninterrupted web hosting through 24/7, 365 phone or chat assistance, swiftly resolving issues and optimizing communication. 

Performance

HostGator proudly offers a 99.9% uptime guarantee for its hosting services. This uptime commitment ensures that your website remains accessible to visitors nearly all the time, providing a reliable online presence for your business. 

Hostinger 

Overview

Hostinger presents a comprehensive web hosting solution that integrates affordability, advanced features, and top-tier performance.

Pricing

The hosting provider presents four cost-effective plans: single, premium, business, and cloud startup, with discounted pricing from $1.99 to $3.99 per month. Users can enjoy a 3-month free trial with premium, business, and cloud startup plans and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Features

• Up to 200GB Storage: The generous storage capacity allows store owners to manage and organize a substantial volume of email data, attachments, and other essential files. 

• Unlimited Bandwidth: With unlimited bandwidth, store owners can handle increased website traffic and email communications without worrying about performance limitations.

• Free Daily Backups: In case of any unexpected data loss or technical issues, store owners can easily restore critical information, minimizing potential business disruptions and ensuring seamless continuity.

• Up to 100 Email Accounts: This feature allows store owners to create multiple email accounts under their domain, enabling effective organization and streamlined communication across different departments or teams.

Customer Support

Hostinger offers comprehensive customer support, available 24/7 across all plans, ensuring prompt assistance for any queries or technical issues. Additionally, customers opting for the cloud startup plan benefit from priority support, receiving even faster and dedicated assistance to address their hosting needs effectively.

Performance

Hostinger boasts a robust 99.9% uptime guarantee, ensuring consistent accessibility to emails and seamless communication. This high level of uptime reliability contributes to maintaining uninterrupted business operations and enhancing customer engagement.

Dreamhost

Overview

DreamHost offers exceptional value for small businesses with its robust features and ample storage capacity, making it an ideal choice for those requiring significant content hosting and room for expansion.

Pricing

DreamHost’s email provider hosting comes at a competitive pricing range of $2.59 to $3.95 per month, offering flexibility with no commitment contracts. What sets them apart is their generous 97-day money-back guarantee, one of the longest in the industry.

Features

• 100% Uptime Guarantee: This high uptime minimizes disruptions, maximizes visibility, and helps maintain a positive user experience, ultimately leading to increased customer engagement and potential sales.

• Strong Security Features: DreamHost’s robust security features, including malware scanning, DDoS protection, and SSL certificates, help safeguard your website and sensitive customer data. This instills confidence in your visitors, reassuring them that their information is safe while interacting with your site. A secure online environment can also improve your search engine rankings, further benefiting your business.

• Domain-Management Tools: DreamHost’s domain-management tools simplify the process of registering, transferring, and managing domain names. This feature enables you to create a memorable web address that reflects your brand, enhances your online visibility, streamlines your online presence, and maintains a consistent brand image.

• Money-Back Guarantee: DreamHost’s shared hosting money-back guarantee allows you to try their services risk-free. This assurance lets you test the platform’s suitability for your business without committing to a long-term contract upfront. It also demonstrates DreamHost’s confidence in the quality of its hosting services.

Customer Support

Although DreamHost might not provide phone support, it compensates with round-the-clock expert customer assistance accessible through email, live chat, and multiple languages across continents. Their team guarantees prompt responses and personalized help.

Performance

The 100% uptime guarantee of DreamHost’s web hosting assures store owners of a continuous and uninterrupted online presence.

Inmotion Hosting

Overview

InMotion Hosting is recognized for its affordability. It emerges as the most cost-effective choice among the options, addressing the needs of businesses in search of budget-friendly yet premium hosting solutions.

Pricing

InMotion Hosting presents a range of services with shared hosting prices varying from $2.49 to $12.99. The Power plan, highlighted by InMotion Hosting as a top recommendation, provides a balanced blend of features and value, catering to diverse business needs.

Features

• Free SSL Certificate: InMotion Hosting’s free SSL certificate safeguards sensitive information such as payment details and personal data. For small businesses, a secure online setting is pivotal in establishing credibility and cultivating customer loyalty.

• Optimized for PrestaShop, Magento, OpenCart, and WooCommerce: Small businesses often rely on e-commerce platforms like PrestaShop, Magento, OpenCart, and WooCommerce to create and manage online stores. InMotion Hosting’s optimization for these platforms ensures the hosting environment is tailored to their specific requirements. For small businesses engaged in e-commerce, these enhancements can lead to higher conversion rates, increased sales, and satisfied customers.

• Advanced Caching: InMotion Hosting’s technology optimizes website performance by storing frequently accessed data in a cache, reducing the need for repeated server requests. Enhanced website performance can improve user engagement, prolonged visit durations, and potentially higher conversion rates for small businesses.

Customer Support

InMotion Hosting provides 24/7 comprehensive customer support through live chat and direct phone channels. However, it’s important to note that direct phone support is exclusively available for Power and Pro plans.

Performance

In our evaluation, InMotion’s web hosting performance displayed lower site speed and uptime metrics. This assessment highlights areas where improvements could be made to enhance the overall reliability and speed of the hosting service.

iPage

Overview

iPage is a respectable option and a cost-effective alternative to some of the higher-priced choices like GoDaddy Hosting. Additionally, iPage stands out as the sole provider offering a single shared hosting plan, eliminating the complexity of choosing from various packages by consolidating everything in a single, convenient location.

Pricing

Discover iPage hosting email hosting offers a budget-friendly choice with plans priced between $1.99 to $2.99 monthly. Enjoy a hassle-free experience with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a simple, all-inclusive plan. Ideal for small businesses, blogs, and personal websites, iPage provides essential tools to take your online presence to the next level easily.

Features

• Unlimited Websites: iPage enables users to host multiple websites under a single hosting account. While these sites will share the same storage and bandwidth quotas, it’s important to note that they will still be subject to the resource limitations of the hosting account. This feature provides versatility for managing multiple online projects within one convenient platform.

• Unlimited Storage: iPage provides unrestricted disk space for website content if it adheres to the Terms of Service. Customers can efficiently manage their files, although occasional assistance may be provided for optimizing file organization and maintaining performance.

• Free SSL Certificate: iPage’s free SSL certificate ensures secure and encrypted email transmissions, crucial for eCommerce and data protection. By enhancing email privacy, building customer trust, and safeguarding sensitive information, this feature contributes to the credibility and reliability of the web hosting service.

• Free Domain for a Year: iPage web hosting offers free domain registration for qualified plans during the first year, enhancing your online presence. While free initially, the domain renews at the regular rate.

Customer Support

iPage’s customer support offers round-the-clock assistance through live chat and phone support from 7 am to 12 am daily. 

Performance

iPage’s high-performance servers, coupled with UPS power backup and generators, contribute to a reliable and stable hosting environment.

How To Choose The Best Hosting Provider For Your Small Business?

Choosing the best hosting provider for your small business involves a series of careful considerations.

• Assess your website’s specific requirements. This entails evaluating factors such as expected traffic volume, storage needs, and the necessary features and functionalities your website demands.

• Determine your budget: A clear budget assists in streamlining your choices and picking a hosting plan that aligns with your requirements while offering great value for your investment. It prevents unnecessary expenditures and ensures a cost-efficient decision for your business.

• Prioritize Website Loading Speed: Opt for a provider that emphasizes high-speed performance to ensure seamless browsing for visitors and better search visibility.

• Plan for Scalability: As your business grows, so will your website’s traffic and resource needs. Pick a hosting provider with scalability options, allowing easy upgrades to handle increased traffic and maintain performance.

• Transparent Pricing and Terms: Hidden fees and limitations can catch you off guard. Choose a provider with transparent pricing and terms to understand costs fully, preventing unexpected financial surprises.

• Reputation and Reliability: Research the hosting provider’s reputation. Read reviews, evaluate uptime, and assess customer support. A reliable provider ensures your website remains accessible, enhancing the user experience.

Bottom Line

Our top 10 best web hosting sites for small businesses provide excellent options, with Shopify, IONOS, and Bluehost leading the pack in quality and value. Shopify is our top recommendation for exceptional performance, offering powerful features and impressive site speed for businesses seeking online success.

FAQs