HUSTLR Awards for

Best Web Hosting

Website development is an extensive process that involves a series of steps, from setup and configuration to design and optimization. It also requires you to take a wide range of vital decisions such as choosing the website theme, color palette, typography, etc. However, one of the most critical decisions in this process is the selection of your web hosting provider. If you want your website to yield the desired results, you must pick a fast, reliable, and secure hosting provider.

That’s why we’ve curated the top web hosting providers for different purposes to help you make the right choice.

Here’s how we shortlisted the top contenders and picked the winners in each subcategory:

BEST VALUE FOR MONEY

If you’re looking for a web hosting provider that packs all the essential features in affordable pricing plans, Bluehost is the right choice. It offers a wide range of options such as shared, VPS, and Dedicated Hosting. Each pricing plan includes a free domain name (for the first year), a free SSL certificate, and unlimited bandwidth.

The basic shared hosting plan starts at $3.95 per month and includes 50GB of SSD storage. Moreover, Bluehost offers a one-click install for common website development platforms including WordPress. It’s also known for its awesome customer support.

  • Excellent speed and uptime guarantee
  • Includes free domain and SSL certificate
  • Compatible with WordPress
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Unlimited bandwidth (included in all plans)
  • Responsive live chat and phone support
  • The cheapest plan requires a minimum commitment of 36 months
  • Doesn’t offer free migration
  • Only U.S.-based servers (can be an issue if your website attracts a global audience)

HUSTLR reviewed more than 15 web hosting providers. Our team analyzed various factors including features, add-ons, performance, scalability, versatility, support, and pricing.

We selected Bluehost as the winner because it offers a wide range of affordable hosting plans for beginners as well as experienced developers. It’s easy to configure and offers top-notch customer support. Moreover, it’s suitable for any type of website, from simple portfolios and blogs to complex eCommerce stores.

Apart from ratings, our team also evaluated how well a hosting service would adapt to the growing needs of a user. We also looked into user reviews on various online platforms. Additionally, our team consulted web developers, bloggers, online business owners, and webmasters who have the first-hand experience of using these services.

MOST AFFORDABLE

Are you looking for a hosting service that provides unlimited bandwidth and storage in less than $3 per month? DreamHost is your best bet. It offers simple and transparent pricing plans as well as managed WordPress hosting. The best part is that it doesn’t compromise with performance in exchange for affordability. All plans also include a free SSL certificate.

What sets DreamHost apart is its remarkable 97-day money-back guarantee (the industry standard is 30 days). Moreover, it provides you with a custom dashboard instead of the standard cPanel.

  • Unlimited bandwidth and SSD storage (included in all plans)
  • Impressive uptime guarantee
  • Various options for WordPress hosting
  • Free SSL certificate
  • Easy-to-use custom dashboard
  • 97-day money-back guarantee and affordable renewal rates
  • Doesn’t offer 24-hour chat support
  • Starter plan doesn’t include an email account

HUSTLR evaluated more than 10 web hosting providers. Our team analyzed various factors including features, add-ons, ease-of-use, performance, pricing, versatility, and scalability.

We selected DreamHost as the winner because it offers the best features at the most affordable rates. It also offers different types of hosting (shared, VPS, dedicated, and cloud); so, you can switch to an advanced plan as your website grows. Moreover, it comes with a trendsetting 97-day money-back guarantee.

Apart from ratings, our team evaluated how well a hosting provider catered to the needs of different types of websites. We also looked into user reviews on various online platforms. Additionally, our team consulted various webmasters, bloggers, and developers who have the first-hand experience of using these services.

HIGHEST PERFORMANCE

Kinsta is the one-stop-shop for managed WordPress hosting. Its steep price tag comes with high-end features such as free SSL and CDN.

Additionally, it provides free migrations and a hack fix guarantee, which means that you can sit back and relax while they take care of all the messy work. It’s also known for its round-the-clock multi-channel customer support.

  • Fast speed servers
  • High security network
  • Powered by Google Cloud platform
  • Full daily backups
  • Free SSL certificate and CDN
  • 24×7 tech support
  • Free demo
  • High rates
  • No domain registrations

HUSTLR reviewed more than 10 web hosting providers. Our team evaluated various factors including scalability, reliability, security, support, features, add-ons, and pricing. We also analyzed specific parameters such as uptime guarantee, speed, and CDN compatibility.

We selected Kinsta as the winner because of its excellent speed, uptime, and security features. It also provides top-notch customer support, daily backups, reliable data centers, and free CDN. Moreover, it offers a wide range of reliable hosting options including reseller hosting, managed WordPress hosting, and VPS.

Apart from ratings, our team considered whether a service fulfilled or exceeded a user’s expectation. We also looked into user reviews on various online platforms. Additionally, our team interacted with webmasters, developers, and bloggers who have the first-hand experience of using these services.

BEST LOAD SPEED

WPX

If you want to launch a WordPress website, look no further than WPX, which offers blazing fast web hosting services for WordPress.

The best part about WPX is that even the starter plan allows you to host multiple websites, unlike other hosts where most starter plans let you host just one website.

With each hosting plan, you also get access to WPX Cloud CDN that can help you improve your page loading speed manifold. With an uptime guarantee of 99.95%, you can be sure that your website is in safe hands.

  • 99.95% uptime
  • High speed CDN with 26 data centers
  • Unlimited site migrations
  • DDoS protection
  • Optimized for WordPress
  • 24x7x365 customer support
  • Higher price for the starter plan
  • No cPanel access

Hustlr reviewed more than 15 web hosting providers. Our team analyzed various factors including performance, features, compatibility, scalability, and affordability. We also evaluated specific performance parameters such as speed, uptime, TTFB, etc.

We selected WPX Hosting as the winner because it offers the highest loading speed at the most affordable rates. With data centers located in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, it ensures that your website can be quickly accessed from anywhere in the world.

Apart from ratings, our team evaluated how well a hosting provider dealt with sudden traffic spikes. We also used tools such as Pingdom and Google PageSpeed Insights to verify the speeds. Moreover, we looked into user reviews on various online platforms.

BEST SUPPORT

SiteGround is one of the leading web hosting providers and is officially recommended by WordPress. What sets it apart is its well-trained, proactive, and resourceful tech support team. You can reach out to them throughout the day via live chat, phone, email, and ticketing system. It also boasts a comprehensive, well-organized, and user-friendly knowledge base.

Additionally, SiteGround offers six data centers located across four continents (U.S., Europe, Asia, and Australia) that use Google Cloud Servers. It is also known for its excellent uptime guarantee (which is displayed on the website).

  • Uses high-speed Google Cloud servers
  • Geographically distributed data centers
  • Robust customer-focused knowledge base
  • Responsive multi-channel tech support
  • Transparent uptime guarantee
  • Unlimited bandwidth
  • Free automated WordPress site migration
  • Renewal rates are expensive
  • All plans offer limited storage

HUSTLR evaluated more than 15 web hosting providers. Our team analyzed various factors including ease-of-use, performance, features, add-ons, and pricing. We also considered specific parameters such as support channels, response time, and quality of knowledge base.

We selected SiteGround as the winner because it has one of the most technically sound and helpful customer support teams. It also boasts an excellent knowledge base that is regularly monitored and updated. Moreover, SiteGround offers a wide array of reliable, secure, and high-speed hosting plans.

Apart from ratings, our team considered how well a hosting provider catered to the needs of beginners and developers. We also looked into user reviews on various online platforms. Additionally, our team consulted various web developers, designers, webmasters, and online business owners who have the first-hand experience of using these services.

BEST FOR PODCASTING

If you intend to launch a podcast, Buzzsprout is the platform you should choose. This web hosting platform is dedicated to podcasts, and that’s why it’s a class apart from the rest.

It helps you seamlessly list your podcast on some of the most popular platforms such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Additionally, you get detailed insights into your listenership so that you can improve your podcasts even further.

  • Free starter plan
  • Optimized for podcasts
  • Easy to get listed on major podcasting platforms
  • Detailed podcast analytics
  • Unlimited team members
  • Possible to import podcast
  • Free plan podcasts are deleted after 90 days
  • Ads on the free plan website
  • Limited upload allowed for each plan

HUSTLR reviewed more than 10 web hosting providers. Our team evaluated various factors including ease-of-use, features, add-ons, scalability, performance, support, and affordability. We also analyzed specific features such as bandwidth and storage as well as the quality of the WordPress hosting solution.

We selected Buzzsprout as the winner because it offers the right tools to easily set up and build an awesome-looking website. Moreover, all its pricing plans include unmetered bandwidth and storage.

Apart from ratings, our team analyzed how well a hosting service will fulfill the growing needs of new-age podcasters. We also looked into user reviews on various online platforms. Additionally, we interacted with various popular podcasters who have first-hand experience of using these services.

BEST FOR BLOGGING

WP Engine is a powerful and widely used managed WordPress hosting provider. It provides various blogger-friendly features such as a staging site, automatic WordPress updates, and free automatic backups. You can focus on creating great content and improving your blog while WP Engine monitors and maintains your website in the background.

Moreover, you get access to a plethora of StudioPress themes and the Genesis Framework. The only catch is that WP Engine strictly provides hosting for WordPress websites. However, this isn’t a big issue considering most blogs are built on WordPress.

  • Fully-managed WordPress hosting
  • Excellent speed and uptime
  • Extensive knowledge-base and WordPress-focused customer support
  • Access to StudioPress themes and Genesis Framework
  • Free global CDN
  • Free daily backups
  • 60-day free trial
  • Expensive pricing plans

HUSTLR reviewed more than 15 web hosting providers. We analyzed various factors including features, reliability, performance, scalability, support, and pricing. We also evaluated specific features such as staging site, backups, themes, and the overall quality of managed WordPress hosting.

We selected WP Engine as the winner because its features have been tailored for WordPress websites. Moreover, it offers advanced features such as top-notch security, CDN compatibility, and EverCache Technology.

Apart from ratings, our team considered how well a hosting provider fulfilled the needs of blogs in different niches. We also looked into user reviews on various online platforms. Additionally, we consulted many bloggers and content creators who have the first-hand experience of using these services.

BEST FOR MISSION-CRITICAL WEBSITES

Liquid Web, a leading name in managed web hosting, is ideal for websites that demand speed, security, and stability. Apart from exceptional loading speeds and uptime, Liquid Web is known for its world-class tech support. You can choose from a wide array of VPS, dedicated, and cloud hosting solutions.

Additionally, Liquid Web offers managed hosting solutions that have been optimized for WordPress and WooCommerce. You also get access to fully managed premium email hosting. Liquid Web is also known for its remarkable security features including integrated firewall and DDoS protection.

  • Best-in-class uptime and speed
  • 24×7 tech support via live chat, phone, and helpdesk
  • Optimized hosting for WordPress and WooCommerce
  • Plenty of developer-friendly tools
  • Easy to set up and configure
  • Excellent security features including firewall and DDoS protection
  • No shared hosting plan
  • Expensive

HUSTLR reviewed more than 10 web hosting providers that cater to mission-critical websites. Our team analyzed various factors including features, performance, pricing, security, scalability, and versatility. We also analyzed specific criteria such as ease-of-use, developer-friendly tools, and customer support.

We selected Liquid Web as the winner because of its flawless performance and best-in-class multi-channel tech support. From site migration and setup to security and maintenance – Liquid Web handholds you through everything. Moreover, it’s suitable for a wide range of mission-critical websites.

Apart from ratings, our team considered how well a hosting provider will adapt to the growing needs of a user. We also looked into user reviews on various online platforms. Additionally, we consulted web developers, online business owners, and webmasters who have the first-hand experience of using these services.

BEST FOR DEVELOPERS

InterServer offers all the standard features you’d expect from a state-of-the-art hosting provider. These include diverse hosting solutions, excellent customer support, free migration, and top-notch performance. Moreover, you can choose between Linux and Windows OS for your server. It also supports a wide range of programming languages including multiple PHP versions, PERL 5.10, and Ruby on Rails.

What sets InterServer apart is its price lock guarantee, which ensures that you don’t have to pay higher renewal fees. It is particularly known for its cloud-based VPS hosting.

  • Easy to configure and use
  • Scalable hosting solutions
  • Award-winning customer support
  • Offers both Linux and Windows OS
  • Transparent pricing with Price Lock Guarantee
  • One-click install for WordPress, Joomla, etc.
  • Starting plans are slightly expensive
  • U.S.-based data centers

HUSTLR reviewed more than 10 developer-friendly web hosting providers. Our team evaluated various factors including performance, security, features, support, scalability, and pricing. We also analyzed specific factors such as OS compatibility and programming language support.

We selected InterServer as the winner because it provides developer-friendly features and resources without escalating the cost. It supports a wide range of programming languages as well. The best part is that you pay the same monthly fee as long as you use the service.

Apart from ratings, our team considered how well a hosting provider will fulfill the growing needs of a user. We also looked into user reviews on various online platforms. Additionally, we interacted with various developers and webmasters who have the first-hand experience of using these services.

BEST FOR CREATIVES

InMotion is a user-friendly, hassle-free, and affordable web hosting provider. It offers a decent range of flexible hosting solutions including managed WordPress hosting. You also get access to a WordPress-based website builder. Moreover, InMotion provides website development services at an additional cost.

It includes standard features such as a free domain, SSL, firewall, DDoS protection, and a one-click installer for more than 400 applications. Moreover, you get unlimited storage and bandwidth. The best part is that you can easily switch to a higher plan as your website grows.

  • Easy to use
  • Excellent multi-channel customer support and top-notch knowledge base
  • Impressive speed and performance
  • One-click install for 400+ applications
  • Advanced security features
  • Flexible and scalable hosting solutions
  • U.S.-based data centers
  • No free backups and staging sites

HUSTLR evaluated more than 10 web hosting providers. Our team analyzed various factors including performance, scalability, features, affordability, and versatility.

We selected InMotion Hosting as the winner because it provides feature-packed yet affordable hosting solutions. Moreover, you get access to best-in-class tech support via live chat and phone. Its advanced plans are e-commerce ready. This means you can easily convert your portfolio or blog into an online store in the future.

Apart from ratings, our team considered how well a hosting provider fulfilled the needs of different types of websites. We also looked into user reviews on various platforms. Additionally, we consulted various content creators, artists, and creative professionals who have first-hand experience of using these services.

Conclusion

Your web hosting provider can make or break your website. It’s one of the most crucial factors that decides whether your website will be fast and responsive or slow and prone to downtimes. That’s why our team has selected the best hosting providers in different subcategories to help you make the right choice.

We analyzed more than 30 web hosting providers and over 200 reviews to shortlist the top contenders for each subcategory. Apart from the rating system, we carefully evaluated each service in terms of usefulness and scalability to select the winners. Moreover, our team consulted various experienced developers, designers, webmasters, content creators, and online business owners who’ve been using these services.

Our Methodology for Best Web Hosting Award

How We Shortlisted the Top Contenders:

HUSTLR reviewed more than 30 web hosting providers to cover all the subcategories. Our team evaluated each service based on specific parameters and chose between 10 and 20 hosting providers in each subcategory. Here are the commonly used parameters:

  • Versatility – How well does a service work for different types of websites such as online stores, portfolios, educational sites, etc.?
  • Scalability – How well does a service adapt to the growing needs of a user?
  • User-level – Is a service suitable for beginners as well as developers?
  • Compatibility – Does a service support common CMS such as WordPress, Joomla, etc.? Is it compatible with WooCommerce and Magento?
  • Performance – Does a service provide top-notch uptime, speed, and security?
  • Pricing – Is a service affordable for new users? Does it offer a transparent money-back guarantee or free trial?

In addition to these parameters, our team considered specific criteria for each subcategory. For instance, support channels and knowledge base were evaluated for the “Best Support” subcategory. Likewise, programming language and debugging support we considered for the “Best for Developer” subcategory.

How We Selected the Winners for Each Subcategory:

For each subcategory, our team assigned ratings (between 1 and 5) based on different parameters for each shortlisted service. The criteria used for assigning these ratings were based on each subcategory. Here are the generic rating parameters:

  • Ease-of-use – How easy is it to sign-up and start using a service?
  • Support – Does a service provide 24×7 customer support? How resourceful and responsive are the support reps? What are the support channels used?
  • Value for money – Do the features and add-ons justify the cost?
  • Wow factor – Does a hosting provider fulfill or exceed the expectations of its target users?

Based on these ratings, we shortlisted 5 top contenders for each subcategory. The final decision was based on how well a service fulfilled the needs of different user segments and adapted to their growing needs.

How We Validated the Winners:

HUSTLR analyzed more than 200 user reviews on various online platforms and forums. We also verified the features and pricing details from a hosting provider’s official website. Additionally, our team consulted real-life users including developers, webmasters, bloggers, content creators, etc. who have first-hand experience of using these services.

Share
Pin
Tweet
Share
Reddit