How to choose website hosting

Independent starter guide. No affiliate links or live offers are currently active.

1. Identify your website type

A basic static site can often use free static hosting. A WordPress site needs hosting that supports WordPress, databases, updates and backups.

2. Compare total cost

Check introductory and renewal rates, domain costs, email hosting, backups and migration fees. A low first-year price may not be the lowest long-term cost.

3. Assess support and reliability

Consider support channels, data centre location, backup restoration, security updates and resource limits. Premium managed WordPress hosting and budget shared hosting serve different needs.

4. Make your shortlist

Compare Hostinger and Kinsta only after deciding whether you need inexpensive shared hosting or managed WordPress infrastructure.

Always verify current plan inclusions, renewal prices, refund conditions and Australian tax treatment on the provider own website.