The Best WordPress Web Hosting Services for 2025
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You can't go wrong with WordPress as the foundation for your website. The content management system (CMS) anchored itself into the bedrock of the internet, powering more than 40% of the web since its introduction nearly 20 years ago. WordPress' open-source nature has fostered an incredible library of themes and plug-ins that expand your site's functionality. Many web hosts offer WordPress-specific services, typically in an optimized environment. But which should you choose? Let us offer a helping hand. PCMag has rigorously reviewed web hosting services since 2013, so you can trust our independent reviews. Start with our top picks, such as GoDaddy and WP Engine, followed by everything you need to consider when choosing a WordPress web hosting service. Note that we speak of the WordPress.org CMS, not the relatively limited WordPress.com . The latter CMS has more in common with website builders than traditional website hosting .
Is Managed WordPress Hosting Worth It?
While researching the WordPress hosting tier that best fits your site's vision, you'll likely see an option to select either managed or unmanaged (aka self-hosted) WordPress hosting. That choice is important, as the two options offer radically different server maintenance experiences.
With managed WordPress hosting, your site lives on a server tuned to work with WordPress. You'll enjoy WordPress-specific security, automatic site backups, malware scanning and removal, and other benefits without lifting a finger. Your web host's server team will do the work for you. The downside? Managed WordPress hosting typically limits some of the plug-ins you can install to ensure your site operates in tip-top fashion.
With unmanaged WordPress hosting, your site lives on a server that typically features just the Linux or Windows operating system. This hosting type requires you (or an IT person) to set up everything yourself, including the features you get with managed WordPress hosting. You'd go this route if, say, there's specific, custom software that needs installation. Alternatively, you may just like getting your hands dirty. You'll typically save a few bucks going the self-hosted route, too, because you're not paying a web host a server maintenance fee.
How Expensive Is WordPress Hosting?
WordPress hosting prices vary widely. Entry-level plans cost roughly the same as shared web hosting , but higher-tier plans scale upward to around $60 per month. The upside? Your WordPress installation should run more smoothly, and setup should be easier in a WordPress environment than in a traditional hosting environment.
Before signing up for a WordPress web hosting service, you should look for these attractive and possibly essential features. Ideally, you'll want to invest in a WordPress host with unlimited monthly data transfers, email, storage, and 24/7 support. Many WordPress web hosts place caps on those features, particularly on the managed side. WP Engine , for example, limits sites to 400,000 visitors and a relatively paltry 30GB of storage. If you expect lots of site growth, you'll want a host to properly accommodate your website's future expansion.
Additionally, you'll want a service that offers Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) if you plan to sell products. Ever see a green padlock in your browser's address bar while you're on your bank's website? That's the symbol that tells visitors that SSL is in place. It's a symbol of trustworthiness.
An SSL connection encrypts the data that travels between your site and users' web browsers, thus safeguarding the transmission of purchasing information. All the WordPress hosting services in this roundup offer SSL certificates, but the prices vary from company to company. Some companies include a free SSL certificate when you sign up for a hosting plan, while others charge nearly $100. Naturally, your web hosting needs will differ from the next person's, but keep these features in mind if you want a silky-smooth WordPress experience.
Do You Need WordPress-Specific Hosting?
If you plan to create a WordPress-powered site, there's no reason not to invest in WordPress-specific hosting. It's packed with benefits. That said, a WordPress environment won't let you set up a non-WordPress site—that's something else to keep in mind, especially if you have a site in mind that will rely on specific frameworks, for example. In those instances, you'll want to build your site on shared hosting, VPS hosting , or dedicated hosting services. And, if you want to start your own web hosting company, reseller hosting is the way to go.
In addition, you must consider how long you'll need WordPress web hosting. If it's a short-term project—say, less than a month or two—you'll typically receive a refund should you cancel your hosting within 60 days. Some companies offer 30-day money-back guarantees, while others offer 90-day money-back guarantees. Once again, it's beneficial to do your homework.
We've reviewed many WordPress hosting services for individuals and small businesses and included our favorites in this guide. The chart below includes traditional web hosts that offer WordPress hosting and standalone WordPress services. It also gives you a quick overview of the major features you'll find with each service.
Just getting started with web hosting? Make sure to check out our primers, How to Create a Website , How to Register a Domain Name for Your Website , How to Get a Free Domain for Your Website , and Linux vs. Windows: How to Pick the Best Server OS for Your Website .
Mike Williams and Jeffrey L. Wilson contributed to this article.
