Hosting comparison pages love to talk about “unlimited” everything. In practice, the things that hurt you later are rarely on the pricing page. Here is the checklist we use when we evaluate a host for a WordPress site.
Performance
1. Is caching handled for you? Server-level page caching (and object caching for WooCommerce or membership sites) makes a bigger difference than most plugins. Ask whether it’s included and how it treats logged-in users and carts.
2. Is a CDN included? A content delivery network serves images and files from locations close to your visitors. Many good hosts include one; others charge extra.
3. Which PHP versions are supported, and can you switch? Current PHP versions are faster and more secure. You should be able to change the version yourself, ideally after testing on staging.
4. Where are the data centres? Choose a location close to most of your visitors – and, if you’re in the EU, consider where data is stored for GDPR purposes.
Safety net
5. Are backups automatic, daily and easy to restore? Check how long backups are kept, whether they’re stored off-server, and whether you can restore a single site in one click without opening a ticket.
6. Is there a staging site? Testing plugin and theme updates on a copy of your site is the single best way to avoid “the update broke everything” moments.
7. What security is included? Look for a web application firewall, malware scanning, free SSL certificates, and a clear policy on what happens if your site gets hacked.
Limits and pricing
8. What are the real limits? “Unlimited” plans still have limits – CPU, memory, visits, storage or inodes. Find out what’s measured and what happens when you go over: a polite email, an automatic upgrade, or throttling.
9. What’s the renewal price? Introductory discounts are common. Compare the price you’ll pay in year two and three, not just the first invoice.
10. What’s included vs. sold as add-ons? Email hosting, extra sites, CDN, security add-ons and premium support can quickly double the bill.
People and process
11. How does migration work? Some hosts move your site for free; others give you a plugin and a guide. Either is fine if you know in advance – see our step-by-step migration guide.
12. Who answers support, and how? Chat, tickets or phone? 24/7 or office hours? Most importantly: do the support staff understand WordPress, or only the server? Try asking a pre-sales question – the answer tells you a lot.
Match the host to the site
Not every site needs the same level of hosting. A small brochure site can run well on a solid budget host. A WooCommerce store, an online course or an agency’s client portfolio usually benefits from managed WordPress hosting, where caching, staging and backups are handled for you. If you’re unsure which group you’re in, read Is managed WordPress hosting worth it?
Tip: copy these 12 questions into a document and fill it in for each host you’re considering. Gaps in the answers are often the best warning sign.