A plain-English guide to web hosting - what it is, how it works, the main hosting types, what it costs and how it differs from a domain name.
Updated October 16, 2026
Key takeaways
Web hosting is a service that stores your website's files, images and databases on a server - a computer that is always connected to the internet - so anyone can visit your site at any time. You rent space and computing resources on that server from a hosting provider.
When someone types your domain into a browser, their request is routed to your host's server, which sends back the pages that make up your site.
Compare them in depth in shared vs VPS vs cloud hosting.
Top-Rated Providers
Low-cost, beginner-friendly hosting with its own hPanel, included backups and data centers worldwide
Low-cost, beginner-friendly hosting with its own hPanel, included backups and data centers worldwide
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A long-time WordPress favorite with a guided dashboard, free first-year domain and 24/7 phone and chat support
A long-time WordPress favorite with a guided dashboard, free first-year domain and 24/7 phone and chat support
The new name for A2 Hosting - cPanel hosting with LiteSpeed-powered speed tiers, VPS and dedicated servers
The new name for A2 Hosting - cPanel hosting with LiteSpeed-powered speed tiers, VPS and dedicated servers
Most plans include storage, bandwidth, a control panel (such as cPanel or a custom panel like Hostinger's hPanel), a free SSL certificate and one-click app installs. Many add a free domain for year one, business email and backups. Higher tiers add more websites, faster storage and daily backups.
Shared hosting is commonly advertised at roughly $2-$4 a month on long prepaid terms, but renews at regular rates of about $8-$15 a month. Managed WordPress and cloud plans cost more, and VPS plans more again. See our web hosting cost guide and renewal prices explained.
Your domain is your site's address; your hosting is where the site actually lives. You need both. Read domain registration vs web hosting for the details.
Ready to compare? See our web hosting rankings or reviews of Hostinger and Bluehost.
This article is general information. Prices, features and renewal terms vary by provider, plan, term length and region and change often - always confirm current pricing on the provider's site before you buy.
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Shared vs VPS vs Cloud Hosting: Which Do You Need?
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GuidesDomain Registration vs Web Hosting: What's the Difference?
Domains and hosting are two separate products. Here's what each one does, how you pay, and whether to buy them together or separately.
BuyingHow Much Does Web Hosting Cost in 2026?
Typical web hosting prices by hosting type, the difference between intro and renewal pricing, and the hidden costs to watch for.
Ownership facts on this page come from public records and company announcements. Pricing, plan and policy details come from each provider's published information. This content is for information only - always confirm current pricing and renewal terms before buying a plan.