Is shared hosting really good?
Let’s face it: there’s no real mystery surrounding shared hosting. The clue is in the name, and this method of web hosting has long been the most economical option because the total server maintenance costs were split among many customers.
Simply put, choosing shared hosting means that your website shares a physical server with one or more other websites.
Such services typically offer basic web statistics support, email and webmail services, automatic script installations, updated PHP and MySQL, and basic after-sales technical support included with a monthly subscription.
While you may be struggling with all the web hosting options available and figuring out which one is right for you, this article will help you gain a better understanding of what exactly shared hosting is, whether it is any good, and when it is best to use it.
TechRadar Pro asked provider Hostinger to fill us in on all things shared hosting so you can make a more informed decision about your hosting service choices.
What is shared hosting?
Shared hosting plans host multiple websites on the same server, all sharing server resources with each other. Therefore, each user on the server has their own limited amount of resources that they can use.
Due to its limitations, shared hosting is the most affordable and therefore the most popular type of hosting – perfect for small and medium-sized websites or businesses, as well as personal blogs and small online stores.
With shared hosting you also don’t have to worry about server management, because that is taken care of by your hosting provider.
How much does shared hosting cost?
Shared hosting is the cheapest option for web hosting and usually costs between $1.99 and $19.99 per month. Prices depend on the provider, contract duration and included features.
Is shared hosting good?
Even though shared hosting is the cheapest option when it comes to hosting plans, that doesn’t make it a bad choice.
Because of its simplicity and affordability, purchasing a shared hosting plan is a great way for beginners to start a website.
Of course there are disadvantages. For example, if one website on the server experiences a huge traffic spike, all websites hosted on the same server will be affected, potentially slowing down your website.
What is the difference between shared hosting and dedicated hosting?
Shared hosting allows one server to host multiple websites, with each server allocated a certain amount of resources.
On the other hand, when it comes to dedicated hosting, an entire server is owned by one customer or company.
While you get the most freedom with dedicated hosting, it is still the most expensive hosting option available and requires extensive technical knowledge to operate.
What is the difference between shared hosting and virtual private server hosting?
When comparing shared hosting and virtual private server (VPS) hosting, the main differences are resource allocation and control.
Shared hosting means that multiple websites share one server and its resources.
On the other hand, VPS hosting divides a physical server into multiple virtual servers, providing a more isolated environment. VPS hosting also gives you more control over server settings, allowing you to install custom software or optimize performance as needed.
When should you not use shared hosting?
If you expect a lot of daily traffic or have a larger business, the amount of server resources that shared hosting plans provide may not be enough for you.
If that’s the case, it’s a better idea to opt for a VPS or cloud hosting – two excellent solutions that won’t break the bank.
Do users need shared hosting?
Shared hosting is the most popular (and most affordable) choice among novice users.
Due to its affordable prices, shared hosting is the most affordable deal for beginners who are just starting their online journey. If you’re starting a small business, decide to start a blog or want to go online with your portfolio/personal site – shared web hosting is the perfect solution.
Is there any other type of hosting that is better than shared hosting?
Each hosting solution has its pros and cons depending on the user and their needs. For example, WordPress hosting is specifically intended for users who are planning or already own a WordPress website.
Sure, it’s a little more expensive, but it has more special features and is optimized for the best possible performance.
On the other hand, Cloud Hosting is best for websites that experience volatile increases and decreases in traffic. Because the user’s site is stored on multiple servers, a scalable, reliable and flexible form of hosting is possible.
VPS hosting is an ideal option for users who are looking for great value and special features, but aren’t ready to invest in dedicated hosting. With flexible customizability, VPS hosting provides users with their own dedicated bandwidth and storage, SSH and root access to their environment, enabling incredible performance.
How much storage space is required for beginners looking for web hosting services?
Every beginner has different needs, whether he wants to create a small blog or an online store or set up multiple sites for his business.
The storage requirement can range from 10 GB to 100 GB. We encourage new users to review their monthly website visits and choose a hosting plan based on traffic.
What about an SSL certificate?
The only case where users don’t have to worry about the importance of SSL is if their website is for private use. However, if the website expects visitors, it is critical to protect server-client communications.
When handling sensitive visitor data, especially in the European Union, SSL helps protect against attacks from malicious hackers. If the user runs an online store and collects customer IDs, passwords and payments, the data transfer process must be ensured. No customer will give their credit card information to an unsecured site.
By using advanced encryption, SSL not only protects sensitive data, but also ensures authentication and an even better ranking on Google. A website with an SSL certificate enabled will have a URL that starts with https:// instead of http://since s stands for safe.
