Cloudways
Best Overall.
- Pricing: $11
EasyWP
Best Cheapest Option.
- Pricing: $6.88
LightningBase
Best for Performance
- Pricing: $9.95
*all prices quoted above are per month and in US dollars
Choosing the right WordPress hosting for your business among so many options can be tough. Not everyone needs super-fast hosting with lots of fancy features. If you’re more focused on sharing your message without breaking the bank, there’s a budget-friendly solution worth checking out. In this guide, we’ll showcase the best shared WordPress hosting providers. Our goal is to give you all the info you need to pick the right hosting for your website easily.
Ready? Let’s go.
Table of contents
Importance of Choosing the Right Shared Hosting for Optimal Divi Website Performance
When it comes to hosting your Divi-powered website, the choice of a suitable shared hosting service holds tremendous significance. Here’s why selecting the right shared hosting provider is crucial for the optimal performance of your Divi website:
1. Speed and Loading Time:
Shared hosting directly impacts how quickly your Divi website loads for visitors. A reliable hosting provider ensures that your website loads swiftly, offering a seamless user experience. Fast loading times not only improve user satisfaction but also contribute positively to search engine rankings, boosting your website’s visibility.
2. Stability and Uptime:
A robust shared hosting service guarantees a stable environment for your Divi website. It ensures minimal downtime, ensuring that your website remains accessible to visitors consistently. Uninterrupted uptime is vital for maintaining a reliable online presence and preventing potential revenue loss due to website unavailability.
3. Security Measures:
Choosing a reputable shared hosting provider means having access to enhanced security measures. A secure hosting environment helps safeguard your Divi website against potential cyber threats, ensuring the protection of sensitive data and maintaining visitor trust.
4. Support and Scalability:
The right shared hosting service offers reliable customer support and scalability options. Should you encounter issues or anticipate growth for your website, having responsive support and the ability to scale resources seamlessly becomes crucial.
5. Compatibility and Ease of Use:
Opting for a shared hosting provider that understands and supports Divi ensures smooth compatibility. An intuitive and user-friendly interface simplifies the setup process, making it easier for beginners to navigate and manage their Divi website within the hosting environment.
In essence, the choice of shared hosting significantly influences the overall performance, security, and scalability of your Divi-powered website. By selecting a reliable hosting provider tailored to meet Divi’s specific requirements, you set the stage for a successful online presence, ensuring a positive user experience and optimal performance for your visitors.
6 Best Shared Hosting Providers for Divi Websites
- Cloudways
Cloudways, although technically cloud hosting, offers an affordable entry-level plan suitable for inclusion in shared hosting comparisons. Their basic plan provides access to robust cloud infrastructure at an affordable price point.
Features of the Cheaper Plan:
- Cloud Infrastructure: Cloudways grants access to renowned cloud providers (like DigitalOcean or AWS) with user-friendly management.
- Pay-As-You-Go Model: Pricing based on actual usage, allowing users to scale resources and pay for what they use, making it cost-effective.
- Managed Services: Simplified management, security, and optimized performance without the complexities of traditional cloud hosting.
Who is Cloudways’ Cheaper Plan Suited for?
This hosting plan from Cloudways is particularly well-suited for:
- Small to Medium Businesses: Perfect for businesses seeking reliable cloud hosting without a high initial investment or technical complexity.
- Developers and Agencies: Ideal for professionals needing scalable and managed cloud infrastructure for client projects.
- Resource-Conscious Users: Suited for users seeking cloud benefits without the high costs typically associated with traditional cloud hosting.
Note: While not technically shared hosting, Cloudways’ affordable pricing and managed cloud infrastructure make it an attractive option for inclusion in discussions comparing shared hosting providers.
Cloudways’ entry-level plan provides access to powerful cloud infrastructure, making it a suitable choice for small to medium businesses, developers, and resource-conscious users seeking the benefits of cloud hosting at an affordable cost.
Pricing: $11
- EasyWP by Namecheap
EasyWP by Namecheap offers simplified managed WordPress hosting, emphasising user-friendly features at an affordable price point. Their Starter plan provides essential WordPress hosting features for individuals and small businesses seeking an easy-to-use and cost-effective solution.
Features of the Cheaper Plan:
- Managed WordPress: EasyWP provides a managed WordPress hosting environment, simplifying website setup and management for users without technical expertise.
- One-Click WordPress Install: The plan includes a one-click WordPress installation process, making it easy to set up a WordPress website quickly.
- Scalability Options: EasyWP offers scalability options, allowing users to upgrade resources as their websites grow.
Who is EasyWP’s Cheaper Plan Suited for?
This hosting plan from EasyWP by Namecheap is particularly well-suited for:
- Beginners and Novices: Perfect for individuals new to website hosting and WordPress, offering a user-friendly environment for quick and hassle-free setup.
- Small Projects and Personal Websites: Ideal for small projects, personal blogs, or portfolios that require a straightforward and affordable hosting solution.
- Cost-Conscious Users: Suited for users on a budget seeking managed WordPress hosting without compromising on ease of use and essential features.
EasyWP’s Starter plan provides an easy-to-use managed WordPress hosting solution tailored for beginners, small projects, and cost-conscious users aiming for simplicity and affordability without sacrificing essential WordPress features.
Pricing: $6.88 (but can be as low as $2.91 if paying annually)
- LightningBase
LightningBase offers premium managed WordPress hosting with a range of features suitable for various website needs. Their basic plan provides a solid foundation for individuals or small businesses seeking high-performance hosting with a commitment to speed and security.
Features of the Cheaper Plan:
- Managed WordPress Hosting: LightningBase’s managed WordPress hosting ensures optimised performance and security, even at their entry-level plan.
- Free SSL Certificate: The plan includes a free SSL certificate, ensuring secure data encryption for enhanced website security.
- Specialised Caching: LightningBase utilises specialised caching mechanisms to enhance website loading speeds, optimising user experience.
Who is LightningBase’s Cheaper Plan Suited for?
This hosting plan from LightningBase is particularly well-suited for:
- WordPress Enthusiasts: Perfect for individuals and businesses heavily reliant on WordPress, offering a managed hosting solution tailored specifically for WordPress websites.
- Growing Businesses: Ideal for growing businesses or websites requiring reliable and high-performance hosting solutions without compromising on security.
- Performance-Conscious Users: Suited for users who prioritise website speed, performance, and security and are willing to invest in a higher-quality hosting service.
LightningBase’s basic plan offers a premium hosting experience focused on managed WordPress hosting and optimised performance. It’s best suited for WordPress-centric users, growing businesses, and those seeking top-notch performance and security for their websites.
Pricing: $9.95
- Dreamhost
DreamHost, known for its transparent pricing and reliable hosting, offers shared hosting plans that cater to various website needs. Their Shared Starter plan provides essential features at an affordable price, making it an accessible option for individuals and small businesses.
Features of the Cheaper Plan:
- Free SSL Certificate: The Shared Starter plan includes a free SSL certificate, ensuring secure data encryption for visitor trust.
- SSD Storage and Automated Backups: DreamHost offers SSD storage and automated backups, enhancing website performance and data protection.
- Unlimited Bandwidth: The plan includes unlimited bandwidth, allowing for decent traffic without additional costs.
Who is DreamHost’s Cheaper Plan Suited for?
This hosting plan from DreamHost is particularly well-suited for:
- Individuals and Beginners: Perfect for individuals new to website hosting, offering a straightforward hosting solution with essential features.
- Small Blogs or Personal Websites: Ideal for small blogs, portfolios, or personal websites requiring reliable hosting without high resource demands.
- Cost-Conscious Users: Suited for users seeking a budget-friendly hosting option without compromising on quality and essential features.
DreamHost’s Shared Starter plan provides transparent and reliable hosting, making it an excellent choice for individuals, small blogs, and cost-conscious users seeking essential hosting features at an affordable price point.
Pricing: $7.99 (but can usually get $4.95 per month on first purchase)
- Bluehost
If you had asked me a year ago, I would never have recommended Bluehost. Their servers were slow and their support not much better. I am not sure what has changed at their offices but this year their servers have improved immensely. So much so that I am now including them on this list again. Their Basic plan provides essential features at an affordable price, making it an accessible option for those starting their online journey.
Features of the Cheaper Plan:
- Free SSL Certificate: The Basic plan includes a free SSL certificate, ensuring secure data transmission and boosting website security.
- WordPress Recommended Hosting: Bluehost is officially recommended by WordPress for hosting, offering seamless WordPress integration and one-click WordPress installation.
- Scalability and Beginner-Friendly Interface: The plan includes scalability options and a user-friendly interface, making it easy for beginners to manage their websites.
Who is Bluehost’s Cheaper Plan Suited for?
This hosting plan from Bluehost is particularly well-suited for:
- Beginners and New Website Owners: Perfect for individuals new to website hosting, offering a user-friendly interface and WordPress integration for easy setup.
- Small Business Websites: Ideal for small businesses seeking reliable hosting with essential features at an affordable price.
- WordPress Users: Suited for users heavily reliant on WordPress, as Bluehost offers seamless integration and optimization for WordPress-powered websites.
Bluehost’s Basic plan provides a reliable and user-friendly hosting environment, making it an excellent choice for beginners, small business owners, and WordPress users seeking quality hosting without a high initial investment.
Pricing: $19.99 (but can usually get $2.95 per month on first purchase)
- A2 Hosting
A2 Hosting offers budget-friendly shared hosting plans that prioritise speed and performance. Their entry-level plan provides essential features at an affordable price, catering to individuals and small businesses looking for reliable hosting without a hefty investment.
Features of the Cheaper Plan:
- Turbo Servers: A2 Hosting’s Turbo Servers offer faster loading times and improved performance compared to standard hosting environments.
- Free SSL Certificate: The plan includes a free SSL certificate, ensuring secure data transmission and boosting visitor trust.
- Multiple Data Center Locations: A2 Hosting’s servers in various locations allow users to choose server locations for better performance and global reach.
Who is A2 Hosting’s Cheaper Plan Suited for?
This hosting plan from A2 Hosting is particularly well-suited for:
- Small Businesses and Startups: Perfect for small businesses and startups seeking reliable hosting solutions without breaking the bank.
- Website Owners Prioritising Speed: Ideal for users who prioritise website speed and performance, leveraging Turbo Servers for faster loading times.
- Cost-Conscious Users: Suited for individuals and businesses seeking a balance between affordability and essential features without compromising on quality.
A2 Hosting’s entry-level plan offers an affordable yet feature-rich hosting solution, particularly suitable for small businesses, startups, and users prioritising website speed and performance without a high initial investment.
Pricing: $11.99 (but can usually get $1.99 per month on first purchase)
Understanding Shared Hosting
Shared hosting is a web hosting service where multiple websites share resources on a single server. In this setup, websites share server space, computing power, memory, and other resources, making it a cost-effective solution compared to dedicated hosting.
How it Works: When a user subscribes to a shared hosting plan, their website resides alongside several other websites on the same server. Each website has its own allocated space and resources, but they all draw from the server’s shared pool. The hosting provider manages server maintenance, security, and technical issues, relieving users of those responsibilities.
Advantages and Limitations of Shared Hosting for Divi Websites
Advantages:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Shared hosting is budget-friendly, making it an attractive option for beginners, small businesses, or websites with moderate traffic.
- Ease of Use: It’s beginner-friendly, requiring minimal technical knowledge for setup and maintenance.
- Resource Sharing: Users benefit from shared server resources, including storage space, bandwidth, and server maintenance costs.
- Managed Services: Hosting providers handle server management, updates, and security, reducing the technical burden on website owners.
Limitations:
- Resource Limitations: Shared resources can lead to performance issues if one website consumes a disproportionate amount of resources, affecting others on the same server.
- Security Risks: Since multiple websites share the same server, security vulnerabilities in one website can potentially affect others.
- Scalability Challenges: Limited scalability compared to dedicated hosting; traffic spikes or resource-intensive activities may impact website performance.
For Divi Websites: Shared hosting is suitable for Divi websites, especially for beginners or small businesses looking for a cost-effective solution. However, Divi sites requiring high traffic volume or extensive resource usage might face limitations in a shared hosting environment due to resource sharing and performance constraints.
Understanding shared hosting helps Divi website owners make informed decisions about their hosting needs, weighing the benefits and limitations to ensure the chosen hosting environment aligns with their website’s requirements and growth plans.
Essential Features, Performance, Security, and Pricing
Free SSL: Importance and Security Benefits for Divi Sites
An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate encrypts data transmitted between a user’s browser and the website, ensuring secure connections. For Divi sites, having a free SSL is crucial for securing sensitive information, improving trust, and boosting search engine rankings.
With SSL encryption, Divi websites safeguard user data, prevent data theft, and build credibility by displaying a secure padlock icon in browsers.
Email Hosting: Availability and Relevance for Site Communication
Email hosting services offered by hosting providers enable users to create and manage domain-specific email accounts (e.g., [email protected]).
For Divi sites, having email hosting enhances professionalism and site communication. It allows businesses to communicate with clients or visitors using domain-associated email addresses, reinforcing brand identity and credibility.
CDN (Content Delivery Network): Impact on Website Speed and User Experience
A CDN distributes website content across multiple servers worldwide, reducing server load and improving loading times by serving content from the nearest server to the user.
Implementing a CDN for Divi websites enhances speed, reduces latency, and improves the user experience, especially for global audiences accessing the site from various locations.
Monthly User Capacity: Evaluation of Shared Hosting Plans for Divi Sites
Shared hosting plans specify the monthly user capacity or concurrent visitors the plan can sustain. It’s crucial to choose a plan that accommodates your anticipated traffic without affecting website performance.
Assessing the user capacity helps ensure the hosting plan can handle the expected traffic and maintain optimal performance for Divi-based websites.
Storage Space Allocation: Comparison of Storage Offered by Different Hosting Providers
Hosting providers offer varying storage space limits for files, databases, emails, etc. Understanding storage allocation ensures adequate space for website content and resources.
Choosing a plan with sufficient storage space accommodates Divi’s multimedia-rich content, themes, plugins, and databases without hitting storage limits.For smaller sites, storage of 5GB is ample however if you grow into a large website with hundreds of images, you may want to consider getting a plan with a larger storage capacity.
Security Measures: Assessment of Security Protocols Provided by Hosting Services
Hosting services implement security protocols, firewalls, malware protection, and regular security updates to protect websites from cyber threats.
Opting for a hosting service with robust security measures ensures protection against vulnerabilities and malware attacks that could compromise Divi sites. Ensure that the host makes use of web application firewalls to keep the bots and hackers out.
Backup Solutions: Availability and Reliability for Divi Website Data Protection
Hosting providers offer backup solutions to regularly store website data, enabling restoration in case of data loss or site issues.
Reliable backup systems provide an extra layer of protection, allowing Divi site owners to restore data in case of accidental deletions or technical failures. Try to ensure that you get daily backups and that they store anywhere between 14 days and 30 days with easy access to restore should you need.
Customer Support Quality: Evaluation of Support Channels and Responsiveness
Assessing customer support via live chat, ticketing, phone, or email helps gauge responsiveness and support quality for timely issue resolution.
Access to responsive support ensures quick assistance for Divi-related queries, technical issues, or troubleshooting. This is, for me, the most important when selecting a shared web hosting provider. Most servers are quite similar but you only know the true value of paying for good support when your website goes down and you can’t get hold of their engineers to get it running again. Siteground is well known for their support being quick to reply.
User-Friendly Interface: Ease of Setup and Navigation for Divi Users
A user-friendly interface simplifies hosting setup, navigation, and management, especially beneficial for beginners using Divi.
An intuitive interface streamlines hosting setup and management, facilitating seamless integration with Divi for easier website handling.
Comparison of Shared Hosting Plans Across Various Price Ranges
Hosting providers offer various pricing tiers with different features, resources, and costs.
Comparing pricing tiers helps find a balance between affordability and necessary features for Divi website hosting.
Understanding these essential features, performance metrics, security measures, and pricing factors assists Divi website owners in selecting suitable shared hosting plans tailored to their specific requirements and budget.
Our Pick of Shared Hosting Providers
Selecting the appropriate shared hosting for Divi websites significantly impacts performance, security, and user experience. Key factors such as free SSL, email hosting, CDN availability, storage space, security measures, backups, customer support, user-friendly interfaces, and pricing play pivotal roles in ensuring a seamless hosting experience for Divi websites.
Cloudways
Best Overall.
- Pricing: $11
EasyWP
Best Cheapest Option.
- Pricing: $6.88
LightningBase
Best for Performance
- Pricing: $9.95
Final Recommendations and Tips for Making an Informed Choice
- Assess Your Needs: Evaluate your website’s requirements in terms of traffic, storage, and performance to align them with the hosting provider’s features.
- Consider Security: Prioritise hosting providers that offer robust security features and regular backups to safeguard your Divi site.
- Customer Support: Opt for hosting providers with responsive customer support to address Divi-related queries promptly.
- Trial Periods or Money-Back Guarantees: Look for hosting providers offering trial periods or money-back guarantees to test their services before committing long-term.
Based on the features and offerings analysed, Cloudways stands out for its comprehensive features, security, and support. EasyWp by Namecheap presents an affordable option with essential features, while Lightningbase focuses on performance optimization for Divi websites. Consider these recommendations alongside your specific needs to make an informed choice for hosting your Divi site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is shared web hosting?
Shared web hosting is a type of hosting where multiple websites share resources on a single server. It’s a cost-effective option as the server costs are divided among multiple users.
Is shared hosting suitable for beginners?
Yes, shared hosting is beginner-friendly as it’s easy to set up and manage. It’s a great starting point for individuals new to hosting websites.
What are the advantages of shared hosting?
Shared hosting is cost-effective, easy to use, and managed by the hosting provider. It requires minimal technical knowledge and is suitable for small to medium-sized websites.
Are there limitations to shared hosting?
Shared hosting can face performance issues if one website consumes excessive resources, affecting others on the same server. Limited customization and security risks due to shared resources are also potential limitations.
How does shared hosting differ from other types of hosting?
Shared hosting shares resources among multiple websites on one server. In contrast, VPS (Virtual Private Server) and dedicated hosting offer dedicated resources for individual websites.
Is shared hosting secure?
While hosting providers implement security measures, shared hosting carries inherent security risks due to resource sharing. It’s essential to implement additional security measures, like regular updates and strong passwords, to enhance security.
Can I upgrade from shared hosting as my website grows?
Yes, most hosting providers offer upgrade options. As your website traffic and resource needs increase, you can consider upgrading to VPS or dedicated hosting for better performance and scalability.
What factors should I consider when choosing a shared hosting provider?
Important factors include uptime, speed, customer support quality, security measures, backup options, ease of use, scalability, and pricing.
Do shared hosting plans come with a free domain name?
Some shared hosting providers offer a free domain name for the initial term or as part of their hosting packages. However, it’s essential to confirm this before purchasing a plan.
What happens if my website outgrows shared hosting?
If your website experiences high traffic or resource demands beyond what shared hosting can accommodate, consider upgrading to a more robust hosting option like VPS or dedicated hosting for better performance and scalability.
Wish you all the best on your selection and subsequent web hosting journey!