free/cheap but reliable hosting solutions, any recommendations?

[AndyD]

Hello,

I am a noob blogger and running a blog. I post everything about blogging from zero as a newbie. Aside from trying to earn a living from it, the reason why I started the blog is to help those newer bloggers to get started with ease.

I build and host the site by myself, using the combo of a start server plan on Vultr plus the free version of VPSrobots panel, exactly as described in this post: https://vpsrobots.com/documents/how-to-manage-vultr-vps-with-vpsrobots.html.
This hosting solution is probably the cheapest one, but $5/mon is still a good money for me as my current situation is that I am unemployed and my blog is still too new to feed me back. Thus my question is that if there would be a free or cheaper but reliable hosting solution to save me from my current hosting solution?

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

 

[LeadCrow]

A number of webhosts offer a limited version of otherwise unrestricted shared hosting for free, as a way to acquire future clients early. Some hosts' similar offerings are subsided by organisations or governments but mostly meant for local businesses as they may require registrations not open for non-locals.

I dont have a list handy since free hosting services muddy waters with 'site builders' but check Planethost's World Lite offering for an idea what to expect.

 

[AndyD]

Hi, many thanks for the information!

I am not sure if it supports migration of my site, moreover, seems it requires $20 for the domain transfer...

Anyway, I'll take a close look at it and keep it in mind as one of options. Thanks!

 

[Maddox]

The words 'free', 'cheap' and 'reliable' rarely come together in a hosting solution, however there is always an exception to the rule. I will assume from your use of dollars in your original post that you are in the USA (correct me if I'm wrong) so there is one reliable host that offers a 1 year cheap hosting package that should suit your needs and situation. You get 12 months at the discount price and then it will go up thereafter.

Visit 1and1 to view it in full - if you are running WordPress there is a different package geared up for WP at the same starting price.



I've used 1and1 for almost 20 years now and they have been excellent.

 

[doubt]

seems it requires $20 for the domain transfer...

And maybe more if you ever want to leave?
Why do you/they want to transfer the domain?

 

[AndyD]

Why do you/they want to transfer the domain?

Why not. I have paid a two-year bill for the domain in advance, also, it's my favoriate one.

 

[doubt]

Why not. I have paid a two-year bill for the domain in advance, also, it's my favoriate one.

Usually you can use your domain with your new host without transferring it to them.
You do have the name servers from the domain name provider such as GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.

 

[haqzore]

The words 'free', 'cheap' and 'reliable' rarely come together in a hosting solution, however there is always an exception to the rule. I will assume from your use of dollars in your original post that you are in the USA (correct me if I'm wrong) so there is one reliable host that offers a 1 year cheap hosting package that should suit your needs and situation. You get 12 months at the discount price and then it will go up thereafter.

Visit 1and1 to view it in full - if you are running WordPress there is a different package geared up for WP at the same starting price.

View attachment 51454

I've used 1and1 for almost 20 years now and they have been excellent.

1&1 may be good, but $8/month after the 1st year seems pretty steep for a low traffic site.


I recommend Namecheap. I've used their shared for years with both XF and IPS, and currently run 2 forums (XF & IPS) on the same shared plan with zero issues.

Shared at a decent company will work perfectly fine for a blog. You can easily upgrade when/if you need to.

Their prices are cheap, support is 24/7/365 live chat & excellent - no waiting around on ticket replies.

$2.88/mo or $24.98 for the whole year.

https://www.namecheap.com/hosting/shared.aspx

 

[Joeychgo]

Just remember, you get what you pay for.

 

[Maddox]

1&1 may be good, but $8/month after the 1st year seems pretty steep for a low traffic site.

There are two ways around this (have used both):

1] Add a new contract for the same offer just before the existing one runs out and then transfer everything over and cancel the old contract; it can be a pain but if you want to save money it works.

2] Go through the motions of ending your contract and you may get a nice surprise discount to stay (generally 50% off). If it doesn't work then you can cancel the cancellation.

1and1 are very keen to keep their customers.

 

[Jason5]

You can try this, https://byet.host/ I have used their service few times (free). They are really good and worth checking.

 

[haqzore]

There are two ways around this (have used both):

1] Add a new contract for the same offer just before the existing one runs out and then transfer everything over and cancel the old contract; it can be a pain but if you want to save money it works.

2] Go through the motions of ending your contract and you may get a nice surprise discount to stay (generally 50% off). If it doesn't work then you can cancel the cancellation.

1and1 are very keen to keep their customers.

Good tips for most "service" bills (ie: cable TV, etc).

But I prefer a company that doesn't make me jump through hoops. All good though I've read good things about 1and1.

 

[AndyD]

Usually you can use your domain with your new host without transferring it to them.

Yes, but not that host.

Thanks guys, for all your suggestions, really appreciate!

 

[doubt]

Yes, but not that host.

Stay away from it. Cheap can be very expensive.

 

[LeadCrow]

Yes, but not that host.

If you asked support, what did they say?

 

[AndyD]

Stay away from it. Cheap can be very expensive.

Thanks for the heads up. I think it's still good as a free host but may not be a perfect fit for my situation.

If you asked support, what did they say?

Domain transfer is one of items in their store, so I feel there is no need to ask. Thanks for the advice.

 

[LeadCrow]

Domain transfer is one of items in their store, so I feel there is no need to ask. Thanks for the advice.

Paying for domain transfer is not an anomaly, as hosts often include their renewal. You can likely use your existing domain and nameservers without needing to transfer it.

 

[radu81]

For a blog, a free solution could be to use a cms without a database (like Grav or Jekyll) and host your files on github

 

[Topazy]

Hi everyone,
Was found couple thing on quaro site:
"There are many best reliable & cheapest WordPress web hosting provider, having a lot of hosting plans, it depends on your requirements and budget to select the most suitable one.

It really depends on your geographical location, your target market, target location, type of business you are in etc, etc,.

We offer our customers Highly optimized Web Hosting environment backed up by Pure SSD Storage drives that ensures fastest WordPress websites.

I would recommend the Good and cheap Web Hosting Provider are :

• BlueHost :HDD hosting with limited server resources
• DomainRacer : Free SSL,SSD hosting with LiteSpeed 20x faster
• HostGator : HDD hosting with High cost"

------------------------------------
My hobbies, new hats!

 

[Exa-Kent]

If you prefer free or cheap shared hosting solutions, I suggest you need to accept a bit bad performance from those free or cheap shared hosting. Mostly their loading speed is super slow. I suggest you go for more expensive hosting, cause it will give you best performance as well.

My conclusion is, you will get how the quality of hosting that what you pay.