8 Best Cheap Web Hosting Services Reviewed and Tested

Ever felt like you’ve struck gold finding a web host offering unbelievably low prices, only to discover later that the renewal fees skyrocket like a surprise plot twist? (I’m looking at you, SiteGround.)

It’s as if web hosting companies are the magicians of the internet world – distracting you with one hand while the other sneaks extra charges onto your bill. Hidden fees, inflated renewal costs, and confusing pricing tiers can make selecting the right host difficult.

But fear not! You’ve landed in the perfect spot to demystify this process. In this guide, I’ll shine a light on the true costs behind those tempting low prices, uncover the hidden fees, and steer you toward the best cheap web hosting options without any unpleasant surprises.

Let’s dive in!

In a hurry? Here’s our shortlist of hosts and their prices (you can sort the table by clicking on the header row):

1. Namecheap

If the name doesn’t already suggest what this company is about then let me be the one to assure you – yes, Namecheap is one of the cheapest web hosting options of them all. While the entry plan is already very affordable at $1.58 / mo. on a two-year contract, it’s actually the long-term costs that are in a class of their own.

Hosting with Namecheap over a five-year period will cost you only $200, and $470 over ten years. These are the lowest prices of all the hosts on this list.

Even at this low price, Namecheap doesn’t skimp on the essentials. With their basic plan, you can host one website and get 20 GB of SSD storage. The bandwidth is also not limited. While it’s worth noting that Namecheap’s starter plan doesn’t include a free domain, the overall savings on hosting more than make up for this. You’ll also benefit from solid uptime and respectable page load speeds, ensuring your site runs smoothly without breaking the bank.

With a user satisfaction score of 8.03 in our survey, Namecheap has proven itself as a reliable choice for affordable hosting. Plus, it also works very well with WordPress.

Long-term pricing breakdown

Uptime last three months 𝒾We track the performance metrics of each of our test setups continuously. This includes their load times from multiple locations around the globe, and uptime percentage over the years. See the live status page of Namecheap linked below.

Performance this month

2. Hostinger

Hostinger stands out as one of the most affordable web hosting options, especially for those of us who need to host multiple websites on a budget. With an entry-level plan at $2.69 per month, the total cost for the first year is just $32.28, making it one of the best deals around.

More about the entire portfolio of Hostinger products and their prices here.

If you’re planning to stick with the same host for the long term, the five-year cost is $273, which is very reasonable considering the features you get.

What I really like about Hostinger is how much they pack into their basic plan. You can host up to 100 websites and get 100 GB of SSD storage, which is more than enough for most personal projects or small business websites.

Plus, they include a free domain for the first year, SSL certificates, and one-click WordPress installation. It’s perfect for someone who wants everything set up quickly without having to worry about hidden extras. Hostinger’s performance is strong enough to handle sites with up to 25,000 monthly visitors.

With a user satisfaction score of 8.11 in our survey, it’s clear that many customers feel Hostinger strikes the right balance between price and performance.

Read our in-depth Hostinger review to learn more.

Long-term pricing breakdown

Uptime last three months 𝒾We track the performance metrics of each of our test setups continuously. This includes their load times from multiple locations around the globe, and uptime percentage over the years. See the live status page of Hostinger linked below.

Performance this month

3. DreamHost

DreamHost is a strong option for anyone looking for reliable hosting with solid long-term value, particularly if you’re running a WordPress site. Their introductory pricing is $2.59 per month if you sign up for three years, which totals $93.24 over that period. For a shorter commitment, you’ll pay $35.40 for the first year, while five years will cost you around $285. If you’re in it for the long haul, you’re looking at $620.40 for ten years of hosting.

I appreciate that DreamHost includes unlimited traffic and bandwidth with their basic offering, plus 50 GB of SSD storage for one website. It’s a good fit for those of us running small to mid-sized WordPress sites that don’t need a ton of resources. Speaking of WordPress, that one-click WordPress setup can be really convenient, too. Their customer support is available 24/7 via online tickets, though live chat is only available during business hours, which can be limiting depending on your schedule.

In our user survey, DreamHost scored a 7.58, reflecting that it’s a solid, reliable choice with good performance. If you’re looking for affordable, steady hosting with strong WordPress integration, DreamHost is worth considering.

Long-term pricing breakdown

Uptime last three months 𝒾We track the performance metrics of each of our test setups continuously. This includes their load times from multiple locations around the globe, and uptime percentage over the years. See the live status page of DreamHost linked below.

Performance this month

4. IONOS

IONOS is hands-down one of the most affordable web hosting options, especially if you’re focused on keeping your first-year costs as low as possible. At just $1.00 per month for the first year, the total cost comes to only $12, which unbeatable.

It’s a great option if you’re looking for a no-frills, budget-friendly way to get your website online without a significant upfront investment. They even throw in a free domain and one email address for the first year, which adds more value to an already cheap deal.

When it comes to long-term hosting, IONOS stays competitive but the pricing changes after the first year. For example, the total cost for three years comes out to $156, and if you’re thinking long-term, five years costs $300, with ten years priced at $660. While the price jumps after the first year, it’s still one of the cheaper options over time, especially if you downgrade to a lower-tier plan after your initial term.

IONOS scored a 7.30 in our user survey, reflecting solid reliability, though it may not pack the same performance punch as some other providers.

Long-term pricing breakdown

Uptime last three months 𝒾We track the performance metrics of each of our test setups continuously. This includes their load times from multiple locations around the globe, and uptime percentage over the years. See the live status page of IONOS linked below.

Performance this month

5. InMotion Hosting

InMotion Hosting is a solid option if you’re looking for affordable hosting with enough flexibility to manage more than one website. At $2.29 per month on a three-year entry plan, you’re looking at $82.44 in total for three years of hosting, which is a great deal if you need to stretch your budget. The first-year cost is also reasonable at $35.88. Over the long haul, five years will cost $322.20, and a ten-year commitment comes out to $921.60. It’s not the cheapest for the long term, but the added flexibility makes it worth considering.

What I like about InMotion is that even their entry-level plan lets you host two websites, which is perfect if, like me, you have more than one project going on. They also offer unlimited bandwidth and 100 GB of SSD storage, which is more than enough for smaller sites. Plus, they throw in a free domain for the first year, so you don’t need to worry about that additional cost right away. Their customer support is 24/7, which is a huge help, and I’ve found their live chat and phone support to be responsive when I needed it.

InMotion scored a solid 8.00 in our user survey, reflecting its balance of affordability, performance, and support. If you’re managing multiple websites and want a reliable option that won’t break the bank, InMotion is a great pick for both short and long-term hosting.

Long-term pricing breakdown

Uptime last three months 𝒾We track the performance metrics of each of our test setups continuously. This includes their load times from multiple locations around the globe, and uptime percentage over the years. See the live status page of InMotion linked below.

Performance this month

6. Bluehost

Bluehost is my go-to option for anyone looking to get their website online at a rock-bottom price, especially if you’re focused on the first year.

At just $1.99 per month on a one-year entry plan, the total comes out to $23.88, making it one of the cheapest short-term hosting deals around. What I found useful when starting out is that Bluehost includes a free domain for the first year and one-click WordPress installation. Their user-friendly site builder tools also make it easy to get a professional-looking website up and running with minimal hassle.

However, it’s worth noting that the pricing jumps to $11.99 per month after the first year, which can feel like a big leap. Over three years, you’ll pay $178.20, and the total cost for five years goes up to $417.96. If you’re thinking long-term, this is something to keep in mind. Despite the price increase, Bluehost’s basic plan lets you host up to 10 websites, so if you’re managing multiple projects, it still offers some flexibility.

Bluehost earned a 7.10 in our user survey, reflecting its reliability but also showing room for improvement in terms of long-term affordability. In my experience, it’s a great option for getting started, especially if you just need a cheap, no-frills solution for the first year.

Read our in-depth Bluehost review to learn more.

Long-term pricing breakdown

Uptime last three months 𝒾We track the performance metrics of each of our test setups continuously. This includes their load times from multiple locations around the globe, and uptime percentage over the years. See the live status page of Bluehost linked below.

Performance this month

7. A2 Hosting

A2 Hosting is a solid option for those of us who want fast, reliable hosting without overspending, especially if you’re planning to stick with a provider for a while. Starting at just $1.95 per month on a three-year plan, the total cost comes out to $70.20 for the full three years, which is the best three-year deal on this list.

Even if you’re only looking for a shorter commitment, the one-year plan costs $59.40, which is still competitive. Long-term, though, the five-year cost jumps to $381.96, and ten years will run you $1,161.36, so A2 Hosting may be more attractive in the short to medium term.

While A2 Hosting doesn’t include a free domain on its entry-level plan, I appreciate the fact that they offer unlimited SSD storage and unmetered bandwidth right from the start. This gives you the flexibility to scale up your website without worrying about hitting limits. In my experience, A2 is also known for its speed, which is a big plus if you’re managing a site with growing traffic.

A2 Hosting earned a solid 7.76 in our user survey, showing that customers are generally happy with the value and performance they’re getting.

Long-term pricing breakdown

Uptime last three months 𝒾We track the performance metrics of each of our test setups continuously. This includes their load times from multiple locations around the globe, and uptime percentage over the years. See the live status page of A2 Hosting linked below.

Performance this month

8. GoDaddy

GoDaddy is one of the most recognizable names in web hosting, and I’ll admit, it’s hard to ignore their massive presence in the space. However, their reputation doesn’t always match their popularity. With an entry-level price of $6.14 per month on a one-year plan, you’re looking at a total of $73.68 for that year. The three-year cost is $221.04, which isn’t bad, but it’s a bit higher compared to other hosts on this list. If you’re thinking long-term, five years will run you $365.27, and ten years comes out to $730.54, making GoDaddy somewhat more affordable over the long haul.

In my experience, GoDaddy can be a decent option if you avoid the upsells and extra fees they tend to push. You get the basics – decent performance, adequate uptime – but it’s important to note that GoDaddy scored a 6.51 in our user survey, reflecting mixed experiences from users. I’ve found that if you need a no-fuss, big-name provider for basic hosting, GoDaddy can get the job done, but it’s not always the best value for your money.

GoDaddy’s widespread popularity is undeniable, and many people feel comfortable choosing them because of their name recognition. But if you’re like me and care about balancing price and performance, you might want to look more closely at the numbers before committing, especially with so many other affordable alternatives out there.

Long-term pricing breakdown

Uptime last three months 𝒾We track the performance metrics of each of our test setups continuously. This includes their load times from multiple locations around the globe, and uptime percentage over the years. See the live status page of GoDaddy linked below.

Performance this month

My top hosting recommendations

After reviewing a wide range of affordable hosting providers, two clear leaders emerge here:

Namecheap – best cheap host for long-term hosting

If you’re looking for a hosting solution that stays affordable over the long haul, Namecheap is the top choice. Their long-term pricing is unbeatable, with the five-year plan costing around $199 and a ten-year commitment at just under $468. Namecheap’s solid performance, coupled with excellent uptime, makes it a reliable option for anyone who wants to lock in low rates and avoid future price hikes.

Namecheap also scored an impressive 8.03 in our user survey, showing that users appreciate its balance of cost and performance.

Bluehost – best for short-term hosting

For those who need a cheap, no-fuss hosting option for the first year, Bluehost is the standout choice. At just $1.99 per month for the first year, you’ll only pay $23.88 for 12 months of hosting. This is ideal if you’re launching a new website and want to keep upfront costs as low as possible. Bluehost includes valuable features like a free domain for that first year, too, one-click WordPress installations, and a really great user panel.

However, Bluehost’s pricing jumps significantly after the first year, so it’s not the best option if you’re planning to stay with them long-term.

Do you have any questions about which cheap hosting plan is best for you? Let us know in the comments!

FAQs about cheap web hosting