The Big Web Hosting Comparison Test: The 7 Best Web Hosting Providers
You have an exciting project, a good idea for a website, and want to put it online right away. Not so fast! First, you have to decide on a web hosting service. With the market constantly growing, it’s easy to quickly lose your overview. There are clear differences in price and performance.
- 99.9% uptime and super-fast loading
- Advanced security features
- Domain and email included
A comparison of six of the best hosting services
In 2018, IONOS won the Hosting & Service Provider Award in the web-hosting category. We will also introduce you to five other web-hosting services and see how they fare against the award winner (information correct as of November 2024).
| IONOS | 123 Reg | Bluehost | Heart Internet | Names.co.uk | SiteGround | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost (per month) | £6–£24 | £2.99–£7.49 | £2.29-£9.99 | (£3.39-£11.89 | £1-£5 | £1.99-£5.99 |
| Setup fee | £10 | - | - | - | - | - |
| Web space | 100 GB - unlimited | 25-100 GB | 50–500 GB | 10–50 GB | 25-150 GB | 10-40 GB |
| No. of domains included | 1 | 1–unlimited | 1 | 1-50 | 1-50 | 1-unlimited |
| SSL | From Enthusiast package onwards | |||||
| PHP | 8.3 | 7.3 | 8.1 | 8.1 | 8.3+ | 8.3 |
| WordPress | ||||||
| Site generator |
IONOS
With nearly 20 years of experience, IONOS is one of the pioneers of the German web hosting industry.
Features
Many developments have taken place in recent years. The transmission protocol HTTP/2 has now become a standard for IONOS web servers, for example. This ensures fast data transfer. Through a Content Delivery Network (CDN), your static content is delivered from one of the 31 globally distributed data centres closest to the location of the respective website visitor. The web space supports PHP 8.3 and up to 768 MB of memory for PHP scripts.
IONOS even offers several convenient solutions for beginners. With IONOS MyWebsite, you can quickly and easily create your own website. The Managed WordPress package comes with a pre-installed content management system, and for online sellers, IONOS also provides web shop software. Domains can also be booked individually, with most packages already including a domain for 12 months.
Security
IONOS provides security on different levels: A Wildcard SSL Certificate guarantees an encrypted transmission of your visitors’ sensitive data. DDoS Protection, on the other hand, protects your website. If cyber criminals attempt to paralyse your website with a targeted attack, IONOS detects the attack and initiates countermeasures at an early stage. Finally, geo-redundancy ensures physical security since all data is mirrored in a second data centre that is completely separated from the first. If one site fails, your website remains online. Both data centres meet the highest security standards.
Costs
IONOS offers you four different packages, each delivering varying levels of performance. With a standard package for approximately £6 per month, you get 100 GB of web space and can host one website. In the highest package, priced at around £24 per month plus a one-time setup fee of £10, you benefit from unlimited web space and an unlimited number of websites.
IONOS has the right package both for beginners as well as for professional web designers. Decades of experience are reflected in the level of performance and security.
123 Reg
123 Reg provides several web hosting packages, each tailored to different requirements. While their offerings are solid, other providers may offer more features at comparable or lower price points.
Features
123 Reg’s hosting packages include essential features such as at least one free domain, web space ranging from 25GB to 100GB, unmetered bandwidth, and between 1 to 5 email addresses depending on the package. All packages also come with a free SSL certificate for the first year and varying numbers of subdomains. For WordPress users, 123 Reg offers Managed WordPress Hosting packages starting at £1.99 per month, which include a free domain, SSL certificate, email address, and regular backups, making it a well-rounded option for website owners.
Security
123 Reg includes a free SSL certificate for the first year with each hosting package. WHOIS domain privacy protection is available for an additional fee. Regarding data privacy, 123 Reg’s policy states that they provide tools for customers to control their account information and offer guidance on its use. Customers can view and update their account information, contact preferences, and download or delete personal data stored in their account.
Costs
123 Reg offers flexible web hosting packages to suit different needs. The Economy package starts at £2.99/month and supports 1 website with 25GB storage, unmetered bandwidth, 1 free domain, and SSL for the first year. The Deluxe package (£3.99/month) supports up to 10 websites with 50GB storage and unlimited SSL. The Ultimate package (£5.99/month) supports 25 websites with 75GB storage, while the Maximum package (£7.49/month) supports 50 websites with 100GB storage. All packages include daily backups, DDoS protection, and email addresses.
123 Reg is a popular UK-based web hosting provider, with a solid set of packages and lots of features. Pricing is good and includes the basics you’ll need to get started. The privacy policy, however, is a little confusing and WHOIS protection costs extra.
Bluehost
Bluehost, established in 2003 and headquartered in Provo, Utah, is a leading web hosting provider powering over 2 million websites worldwide. It offers a variety of hosting services, including shared hosting, VPS hosting, dedicated hosting, and WordPress hosting. Shared hosting is an affordable option suitable for basic website needs, while dedicated hosting provides full control over server resources, making it ideal for large businesses with extensive requirements.
Features
Bluehost offers diverse hosting options, including shared, VPS, dedicated, and WordPress hosting. Packages include a free domain for the first year, free SSL certificates, and an intuitive cPanel for easy management. Features like one-click WordPress installation, resource protection, 24/7 support, scalability, and e-commerce integration make Bluehost a reliable and versatile hosting solution. Shared hosting is the best choice if you’re looking for something basic and not too expensive. Dedicated hosting is the most expensive option and is more suited to large businesses that require full control of their resources.
Security
Bluehost offers robust security features to protect your website, including free SSL certificates with all packages to encrypt data, daily malware scanning and automatic removal through SiteLock, and automatic backups with CodeGuard for easy restoration. The platform includes DDoS protection to defend against malicious traffic surges, two-factor authentication (2FA) for enhanced account security, and Secure Shell (SSH) access for secure management. These comprehensive measures ensure a safe and reliable hosting environment for all users.
Costs
Bluehost’s shared hosting packages cater to various needs, from beginners to high-traffic websites. The Basic package (£2.29) supports up to 10 websites with 10 GB NVMe storage, a free domain for the first year, free SSL certificates, and unmetered bandwidth. The Choice Plus package (£3.99) enhances this by supporting up to 50 websites with 50 GB NVMe storage, plus domain privacy and daily backups. The Online Store package (£7.49), tailored for e-commerce, also supports up to 50 websites with 50 GB storage and includes store analytics and e-commerce plugins valued at around £350. For advanced users, the Pro package (£9.99) supports up to 100 websites with 100 GB storage, offering a free dedicated IP and enhanced performance. All packages include free CDN integration, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and 24/7 customer support, with discounts available for longer-term commitments.
Bluehost offers a user-friendly interface and an intuitive control panel, ensuring a hassle-free experience. As an officially recommended hosting provider by WordPress—a distinction held by few—it caters to beginners, advanced users, and web professionals alike. It’s an excellent, affordable, and straightforward choice for new websites and small to medium-sized businesses.
Heart Internet
Heart Internet offers a range of web hosting packages designed to cater to various user needs, from individuals to businesses. Their packages include features such as generous storage, free SSL certificates (on annual purchases), and customisable add-ons, making them a versatile option for website hosting.
Features
All packages feature SSD storage ranging from 50GB to 500GB, unlimited bandwidth, and free SSL certificates with annual purchases. The Lite package supports one website, while the Elite package accommodates up to ten websites. Email options range from 10 mailboxes with 5GB each in the Lite package to 200 mailboxes with 10GB each in the Elite package. A free domain is included with annual subscriptions, and customers can further customise their packages with optional add-ons.
Security
Heart Internet offers a free SSL certificate with annual hosting packages, ensuring basic security for hosted websites. Additional security features, such as advanced SSL certificates and security packages, are available as paid add-ons, allowing customers to tailor protection based on their specific needs. The 99.9% uptime guarantee ensures reliability, with credits provided for downtime—one day of hosting for every 30 minutes of service disruption, up to 30 days.
Costs
Heart Internet has four hosting packages: Lite (£3.39/month), Plus (£5.94/month), Advanced (£8.49/month), and Elite (£11.89/month), all excluding VAT. While setup fees are no longer charged, advanced features like upgraded SSL certificates or security add-ons come at an extra cost. Customers should review these additional expenses to ensure the package fits within their budget.
Heart Internet offers reliable and customisable hosting packages with flexible pricing tiers. While the range of add-ons is great for tailoring packages, customers should be aware of additional costs that may add up. With its UK-based 24/7 support, free SSL certificates on annual packages, and competitive uptime guarantee, Heart Internet is a solid choice for users seeking adaptable hosting solutions.
Names.co.uk
Names.co.uk offers a range of UK-based hosting packages suitable for various needs, including shared hosting and dedicated WordPress hosting. Their packages feature essential tools and options for individuals and businesses looking to establish an online presence.
Features
Names.co.uk hosting packages include unlimited bandwidth, free domains with annual subscriptions, hourly backups, and scalable storage starting at 25GB. Features like free SSL certificates (on select packages), eco-friendly hosting, and advanced security tools (DDoS protection, firewalls, malware scanners) enhance reliability. Performance upgrades with additional CPUs and RAM are available, and UK-based support is offered 7 days a week.
Security
All hosting packages come with daily backups and 24/7 network monitoring, ensuring reliable security measures for hosted websites. SSL certificates are included for free with Enthusiast, Pro, and Pro XL hosting packages when purchased monthly or annually. For other packages, SSL certificates must be purchased separately. Names.co.uk also provides tools for monitoring and maintaining website safety.
Costs
Names.co.uk offers hosting packages for various needs, starting with the Beginner package (£1 first month, then £8/month) for 1 website, 25GB of space, daily backups, and a free domain. The Enthusiast package (£2 first month, then £11/month) supports 5 websites with 50GB space and a free SSL certificate. The Pro package (£2 first month, then £15/month) allows 25 websites, and the Pro-XL package (£5 first month, then £28/month) supports 50 websites with 150GB space. All packages include unlimited bandwidth, green hosting, security shields, and backups.
Names.co.uk offers balanced hosting packages with essential features like daily backups, unlimited bandwidth, and a 99.99% uptime guarantee. While SSL certificates are only included with certain packages, the service provides solid options for securing websites. Support is accessible seven days a week, though phone support may involve additional costs. Overall, Names.co.uk is a reliable option for those seeking flexible and secure hosting solutions, though users should be aware of potential extra expenses.
SiteGround
SiteGround is a reputable international hosting provider offering a variety of hosting services, including shared, reseller, enterprise, and dedicated hosting. It is particularly known for its robust security features and customer-focused uptime policy, making it a popular choice for website hosting.
Features
SiteGround offers features catering to diverse hosting needs, including hosting for one or multiple websites with ample web space and traffic capacity. Key features include free SSL certificates, daily backups, and a robust web application firewall. Premium add-ons, such as malware scanning tools, are available for enhanced functionality. Optimised servers and caching ensure fast performance. Support is accessible via phone, ticketing, live chat, and a comprehensive knowledge base, making SiteGround a versatile choice for various website hosting needs.
Security
SiteGround excels in security, with all packages offering free SSL certificates, daily backups, and a web application firewall. Customers can further enhance their site’s protection by opting for a paid malware scanning tool. WHOIS domain privacy protection is available but comes at an additional cost of approximately £1 per month.
Costs
SiteGround offers shared, reseller, enterprise, and dedicated hosting packages. Shared hosting includes StartUp (£1.99), GrowBig (£3.99), and GoGeek (£5.99), all with free SSL, daily backups, and firewalls. Reseller hosting supports developers managing multiple sites, enterprise hosting provides tailored solutions, and dedicated hosting offers top performance for high-traffic websites. Packages ensure scalability and flexibility.
SiteGround stands out as a secure and reliable hosting provider with robust features, a generous uptime guarantee, and excellent customer support. While certain services like WHOIS protection are not included in the monthly cost, the overall offering provides excellent value for those seeking high-quality hosting.
What should you pay attention to when comparing web hosting services?
If you compare hosting providers with each other, the first thing you probably look at is the price. It is very important to take a close look at the price structure (for the companies presented in this web host comparison as well as for others). Although the monthly costs look too good to be true, you usually only get them this cheap if you pay the complete annual fee at once. Pay attention also to sales that the web hosting companies put on and how long these last. Some also often offer free trials.
You should also consider the security of your website. SSL Certificates, now based on TLS technology, are standard on the web. Browsers like Google Chrome label websites without encryption and certificates as unsafe. Many web hosting providers have at least one free SSL certificate included in their packages. You can usually purchase additional certificates if you need to. Always take a look at other services when it comes to security. Services such as DDoS protection and geo-redundancy are particularly important for companies in e-business because if your website goes down, this can lead to losses in sales.
The amount of storage space required depends entirely on the project you want to put online. For example, if it’s simply a ‘business card’ that you want to use to introduce yourself or your company, you don’t need a lot of storage space. Also blogs that don’t use large amounts of media files can be stored on small partitions. However, as soon as you plan larger projects with large files and large databases, you should ensure you have sufficient storage space in advance.
Finally, it’s worth considering how much the web hosting service assists you in your work. For beginners, straightforward solutions for building websites are often the most practical choice. Modular website builders or managed WordPress hosting can be particularly beneficial. The level of support provided is crucial for both beginners and professionals such as how easily can you get in touch with a support representative if an issue arises? And what is the most efficient way to reach them? Moreover, many providers offer tools to enhance your website’s online visibility by automatically optimising it for search engines.
In order to find the best web hosting service for you, you first need to understand the needs of your project. So when comparing web hosting services, look at which provider has the right portfolio for you.
- Personalised email address
- Access from anywhere
- Highest security standards