Free & impartial money advice

Website Builder & Hosting Advisor

Find the perfect hosting solution for your website. Compare latest pricing from WordPress.com, Wix, Shopify, Webflow, and traditional hosting providers to make the best choice for your business.

💡 Current Pricing Alert (Updated September 2025)

Prices shown are current promotional rates - many providers offer significant discounts for the first year. Annual billing typically saves 20-30% compared to monthly plans. Always check renewal rates when making your decision!

Your Requirements

Free$200+

Compare Providers

Personalized Recommendations

WordPress.com

The official WordPress hosting platform with managed WordPress hosting and built-in security

Website Builder + Hosting

Best Match
Match Score: 70%

💡 Recommended Plan: Business

$20/month$32

$240/year when paid annually

Storage: 50 GB

Bandwidth: Unlimited

Websites: 1

All Available Plans

PlanMonthlyStorageBandwidthE-commerce
Personal$36 GBUnlimited
Premium$713 GBUnlimited
BusinessRecommended$2050 GBUnlimited
Commerce$3650 GBUnlimited

Wix

Drag-and-drop website builder with AI-powered design tools and comprehensive business features

Website Builder + Hosting

Match Score: 70%

💡 Recommended Plan: Light

$17/month

$204/year when paid annually

Storage: 2 GB

Bandwidth: 1 GB

Websites: 1

All Available Plans

PlanMonthlyStorageBandwidthE-commerce
LightRecommended$172 GB1 GB
Core$2950 GB2 GB
Business$39100 GBUnlimited
Business Elite$159UnlimitedUnlimited

Shopify

Leading e-commerce platform with comprehensive online store tools and multi-channel selling

E-commerce Platform + Hosting

Match Score: 40%

💡 Recommended Plan: Basic

$19/month$25

$228/year when paid annually

Storage: Unlimited

Bandwidth: Unlimited

Websites: 1

All Available Plans

PlanMonthlyStorageBandwidthE-commerce
Starter$5N/AN/A
BasicRecommended$19UnlimitedUnlimited
Shopify$65UnlimitedUnlimited
Advanced$320UnlimitedUnlimited

📚 Hosting & Website Builder Guide

🎯 Choosing Your Platform

Website Builders (Beginner-Friendly):

Perfect for non-technical users who want professional results quickly. Includes hosting, templates, and drag-and-drop editing.

  • Wix: Most user-friendly with AI assistance
  • WordPress.com: Best for blogs and content
  • Webflow: Most design flexibility
  • Shopify: Best for e-commerce stores

Traditional Hosting (Advanced Users):

More control and flexibility but requires technical knowledge. Better for custom development and multiple sites.

  • HostGator: Reliable with good support
  • GoDaddy: Popular with business tools
  • Requires separate website builder or development
  • More cost-effective for multiple sites

💡 Smart Buying Tips

💰 Budget Optimization:

  • Start with lower-tier plans and upgrade as you grow
  • Annual billing often saves 20-30% compared to monthly
  • Factor in domain renewal costs (typically £10-15/year)
  • Consider total cost including apps and add-ons
  • Free plans are good for testing but limit professional growth
  • Budget for professional email if not included

📈 Scaling Considerations:

  • Choose platforms that offer easy plan upgrades
  • Consider bandwidth limits for growing traffic
  • Plan for increased storage needs over time
  • Evaluate multi-site capabilities for future expansion
  • Consider migration difficulty when choosing platforms

⚡ Performance Factors:

  • Page loading speed affects SEO and conversions
  • CDN (Content Delivery Network) improves global performance
  • SSD storage is faster than traditional storage
  • Server location affects regional loading speeds
  • Unlimited bandwidth prevents traffic-related costs

🚀 Getting Started Checklist:

Before You Buy:
  • Define your website goals and requirements
  • Check renewal pricing (often higher than intro rates)
  • Verify what's included (domain, email, SSL, etc.)
  • Read reviews and test customer support
After Purchase:
  • Set up automatic backups immediately
  • Configure your domain and email settings
  • Install SSL certificate for security
  • Set up analytics to track your progress

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between hosting and website builders?

Traditional hosting provides server space where you build/upload your website. Website builders include hosting plus easy drag-and-drop tools to create your site without coding.

Why are renewal prices higher than promotional rates?

Most providers offer discounted first-year pricing to attract new customers. Renewal rates are typically 50-200% higher. Always factor renewal costs into your long-term budget.

Do I need technical skills for traditional hosting?

Basic web hosting requires some technical knowledge for setup, security, and maintenance. Website builders handle these automatically but offer less customization.

Which platform is best for e-commerce?

Shopify is the e-commerce specialist with the best features and conversion rates. Wix and WordPress.com also offer good e-commerce tools for smaller stores.

Can I switch hosting providers later?

Yes, but complexity varies. Traditional hosting migrations are easier than switching between website builders. Plan your choice carefully to avoid future migration headaches.

What about free hosting options?

Free plans exist but have limitations like ads, limited storage, and no custom domain. They're good for testing but not suitable for professional or business websites.

Disclaimer

The calculations provided by this tool are estimates based on publicly available information and typical usage patterns. Actual costs may vary depending on your specific usage, pricing changes by service providers, additional features, and other factors. We strive to keep information accurate and up to date, but prices and features may change. Please verify current pricing on the official provider websites. This page may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. For more information, see our affiliate disclosure.