Quick answer
- Web hosting is a service that stores your website’s files on a server connected to the internet, so people can visit your site.
- The main types are shared, cloud, VPS, managed WordPress and dedicated hosting.
- Most new blogs start on shared hosting, which costs a few dollars a month on a long term.
- You also need a domain name, which many hosts include free for the first year.
Every website you visit lives on a server somewhere. Web hosting is how you rent space on one. Here’s everything a beginner needs to know.
How web hosting works
Your site’s files and database sit on a server. When someone types your domain, their browser asks the server for the page, and the server sends it back.
Types of web hosting
See dedicated vs VPS hosting for a closer comparison.
| Type | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Shared | Many sites share one server | New blogs and small sites |
| Cloud | Resources spread across several servers | Growing sites |
| VPS | Your own virtual slice of a server | Developers, busier sites |
| Managed WordPress | Host handles WordPress speed, updates and security | Busy WordPress sites |
| Dedicated | A whole server for you | Large, high-traffic sites |
How much does web hosting cost?
| Host | Example price (checked Nov 7, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Hostinger shared | $1.99/mo on 48 months (sale), renews $10.99/mo |
| Bluehost shared | $3.99/mo on 36 months, renews $9.99/mo |
| Rocket.net managed WordPress | $30/mo, or $25/mo billed annually |
What’s usually included
- Storage and bandwidth.
- Free SSL certificate.
- Email accounts (on many plans).
- Backups.
- A control panel (cPanel or a custom one).
- A free domain for the first year (on many shared plans).
How to choose
Read our 12 factors to check when choosing web hosting, and learn the difference between a domain and hosting.
FAQs
Renting space on a server so your website is available online.
Yes, for self-hosted WordPress.org. WordPress.com includes hosting.
Shared hosting.
Yes. Many hosts offer free migration.
It’s billed monthly or for a term, with the lowest prices on longer terms.
The domain is your address; hosting is where your site lives.
