Table of Contents
Introduction
When it comes to choosing the best web hosting for beginners, there are several important factors to consider. In this article, we will discuss the criteria that we used to compile this list, and then share our opinions on the top six web hosting providers for beginners. These criteria include one-click website installers, a user-friendly dashboard, useful features like email hosting, affordable pricing, good documentation and support. We will provide an overview of each hosting provider and highlight their top features for beginners. So, let’s get started!
Bluehost
Bluehost is a popular web host that offers affordable pricing and a beginner-friendly onboarding process. They provide a simple setup wizard that guides you through the process of setting up your website in just a few minutes. Bluehost also offers a custom hosting dashboard that makes it easy to manage important aspects of your hosting account, such as creating custom email addresses. They also provide one-click installers for additional sites and automatic WordPress updates.
Top features for beginners
- Simple setup wizard: Bluehost offers a super simple onboarding process to help you quickly get your first site up and running.
- One-click installers: Bluehost includes one-click installers for WordPress and other website tools.
- Custom hosting dashboard: Bluehost has a user-friendly custom dashboard on top of cPanel that makes it easy to perform key actions.
- Automatic WordPress updates: Bluehost automatically updates the WordPress software to keep your site secure.
- Free email hosting: Bluehost makes it easy to create your own email account at no extra cost.
- 24/7 support: Bluehost provides support via phone or live chat whenever you need assistance.
Pricing
Bluehost offers affordable plans starting from $2.75 per month for a single website. They also offer plans for unlimited websites at higher price points. With the Plus plan, which starts at $4.95 per month, you have the flexibility to create multiple websites. The Choice Plus plan, also starting at $4.95 per month, includes additional features like CodeGuard backups. Bluehost provides a free domain name for your first year of hosting.
SiteGround
SiteGround is a popular web host known for its excellent support and user-friendly interface. They offer a simple website setup wizard to help you launch your website quickly. SiteGround also provides a custom hosting dashboard and free email hosting. They offer automatic WordPress updates and backups to ensure the security and safety of your site. SiteGround offers 24/7 support via phone, live chat, and online tickets.
Top features for beginners
- Website setup wizard: SiteGround offers a simple wizard to help you launch your website after signing up.
- User-friendly custom dashboard: SiteGround has a user-friendly hosting dashboard to easily manage your website(s) and access key tools.
- Free email hosting: SiteGround makes it easy to create your own branded email address.
- Automatic WordPress updates: SiteGround automatically updates the WordPress software for you.
- Automatic backups: SiteGround automatically backs up your data to keep it safe.
- Excellent 24/7 support: SiteGround provides support via phone, live chat, and online tickets.
Pricing
SiteGround offers three hosting plans. The StartUp plan starts at $2.99 per month for a single website. The GrowBig plan starts at $4.99 per month and allows for unlimited websites. The GoGeek plan starts at $7.99 per month and offers additional resources and priority support. SiteGround provides a free domain name with any annual plan.
Hostinger
Hostinger offers cheap web hosting for beginners and also provides a free hosting service called 000webhost. This free service allows you to register for an account and build a website without any cost. While free hosting has limitations, it can be a great way to learn about hosting without any risk. Hostinger offers affordable prices, one-click installers for WordPress and other tools, a custom hosting dashboard, free email hosting, and 24/7 support.
Top features for beginners
- Free hosting option: Hostinger offers a free hosting service called 000webhost for beginners to learn the ropes.
- Affordable prices: Hostinger provides one of the cheapest hosting options on this list.
- One-click installers: Hostinger offers easy one-click installers for WordPress and other website tools.
- Custom hosting dashboard: Hostinger provides a user-friendly custom dashboard for easy management.
- Email hosting: Hostinger includes easy and free email hosting with all plans.
- 24/7 support: Hostinger offers support around the clock.
Pricing
Hostinger offers the cheapest prices on this list. The Single Shared plan starts from $1.99 per month for a single website and one email account. The Premium Shared plan starts from $2.99 per month for 100 websites and 100 email accounts. The Business Shared plan starts from $3.99 per month for 100 websites, daily backups, and improved performance.
DreamHost
DreamHost is another affordable and beginner-friendly host that offers a custom dashboard and hosting experience. They provide a WordPress website builder that guides you through setting up a custom WordPress website. DreamHost offers an affordable month-to-month billing option, unlike other hosts that require upfront payment for at least one year.
Top features for beginners
- WordPress website builder: DreamHost offers a drag-and-drop builder and templates to help you quickly build a beautiful website.
- One-click installer: DreamHost provides an all-purpose installer for WordPress and other content management systems.
- Custom hosting dashboard: DreamHost has a user-friendly hosting control panel to manage your sites.
- Automatic WordPress updates: DreamHost automatically updates the WordPress software for you.
- Automatic backups: DreamHost automatically backs up your site for peace of mind.
- Free email hosting: DreamHost offers free email hosting (except for the cheapest tier).
- 24/7 support: DreamHost provides support whenever you need it.
Pricing
DreamHost offers two shared plans. The Starter plan starts at $2.59 per month for a single website. The Unlimited plan starts at $3.95 per month for unlimited websites. DreamHost also offers a managed WordPress hosting service called DreamPress, which starts at $16.95 per month with annual billing or $19.95 per month with month-to-month billing. A free domain name is included with any annual plan.
Flywheel
Flywheel is a managed WordPress hosting provider that focuses exclusively on WordPress websites. They offer an automatic WordPress installation process and a user-friendly hosting dashboard. Flywheel provides automatic WordPress updates and backups to ensure the security and safety of your site. They also offer performance optimization and a free premium WordPress theme. Flywheel provides expert WordPress support 24/7.
Top features for beginners
- Automatic WordPress installation: Flywheel helps you automatically install WordPress according to your preferences.
- User-friendly hosting dashboard: Flywheel has the most user-friendly dashboard on this list.
- Automatic WordPress updates: Flywheel automatically updates the WordPress software and plugins.
- Automatic backups: Flywheel automatically backs up your site every day.
- Performance optimization: Flywheel implements performance optimizations for you.
- Free premium WordPress themes: Flywheel offers the premium Genesis Framework and 30+ StudioPress themes for free.
- 24/7 expert WordPress support: Flywheel provides support from WordPress experts.
Pricing
Flywheel offers the Tiny plan starting at $13.00 per month for up to 5,000 monthly visitors. The Starter plan starts at $25 per month for up to 25,000 monthly visitors. Flywheel does not offer its own email hosting service, but you can integrate with Google G Suite or Zoho Mail to create your own email address.
Wix
Wix is a hosted website builder tool that eliminates the need for separate web hosting. With Wix, you can design your website using pre-built templates and a visual, drag-and-drop editor. While not a traditional web hosting provider, Wix offers an easy-to-use solution for beginners. They also allow you to use your own domain name and offer eCommerce functionality.
Top features for beginners
- Hosted website builder: Wix allows you to create a website without the need for separate web hosting.
- Pre-made templates: Wix offers hundreds of professionally-designed templates.
- Drag-and-drop editor: Wix provides a visual editor for customizing your chosen template.
- Apps: Wix allows you to add new apps to extend your website’s functionality.
- Hands-off maintenance and security: Wix handles hosting, security, and maintenance for you.
- Easy eCommerce: Wix makes it easy to create an eCommerce store.
Pricing
Wix offers a limited free plan for testing purposes. Paid plans start at $16.00 per month. The Unlimited plan, starting at $22 per month, allows you to use your own custom domain name and removes Wix.com ads. It also includes the Site Booster app for improved SEO and other tools. Wix offers an integration with Google G Suite for creating a custom email address.
Conclusion
When it comes to web hosting for beginners, there are several excellent options to choose from. Bluehost, SiteGround, Hostinger, DreamHost, Flywheel, and Wix all offer beginner-friendly features and affordable pricing. Depending on your needs and preferences, one of these hosting providers may be the perfect fit for your first website. Consider the features and pricing of each option to make an informed decision. Happy hosting!