When it comes to cheap Windows VPS hosting, the struggle to find the right provider can be overwhelming. Linux VPS hosting prices are quite low, the Windows options never dip that low on the price scale. There are, however, providers that offer reliable, secure, and cheap Windows VPS hosting services. They can help you shift your business from the shared server with ease.

VPS hosting is more beneficial than the shared ones. You get more control over the aspects and fulfil the growing demands of your online business. Moreover, it is a more budget-friendly option than the dedicated hosting. You don’t have to pay hefty amounts for installing expensive infrastructure and managing it. Besides all this, a Windows VPS server comes in handy for ASP and C programmers. They’re able to have more computing power without the added stress of managing a dedicated server.

Here in this article, we have compiled some of the top providers. They offer cheap Windows VPS hosting services with several additional perks. If you are in a hurry, then you can make a quick analysis through the below-mentioned comparison table.

Comparison Table

Why choose Windows VPS hosting?

VPS hosting provides better control than shared and is less expensive than the dedicated one. It offers a secure environment for all users. Every user has a private space or room on the VPS server which is not shared by any other users. No resources are shared among users which elevates the data security and privacy levels. Your website is protected from misuse, and you enjoy better control over all the elements.

With the Windows VPS server hosting, you get better support with technologies like .NET and MySQL. Even if you are a newbie in the programming world, you can easily use this user-friendly server to complete your tasks. Besides all this, with a Windows VPS server, you can install additional software to increase your productivity with ease.

Our choice of the 10 best cheap Windows VPS hosting providers

1. AccuWeb

AccuWeb offers low cost Windows VPS hosting services with superb features. They have a superlative infrastructure in place so that you can run your application or website without any trouble. You enjoy ultra-fast performance and speeds on your server. They offer high scalability with their resources, so whenever you find a shortage of something, you can quickly scale things according to your needs. The provider offers a server firewall, antivirus, and regular patching for better data security and privacy. Further, the provider conducts regular weekly backups to ease the restoration process. You get full administrative control. In case you are not satisfied with the services, you can get a full refund of your money within 7 days.

Our Expert Rating: 100% Best Features Cheap windows VPS remote desktop 24/7 live support Choice of OS and hosting server location

2. IONOS

Are you looking for a cheap Windows VPS with unlimited bandwidth? Don’t worry. IONOS is here to the rescue. The provider offers unlimited traffic in their plans so that your growth is not restricted. They give a 99.99% uptime guarantee so that your website stays online all the time and you face fewer outages. Besides this, IONOS gives you a choice while selecting your server location, so that you can serve your target audience in a better way. Another valuable advantage of this provider is that if you are not satisfied with the services, you can get a hassle-free refund within 30 days.

Our Expert Rating: 98% Best Features Highly scalable services Fully virtualized private servers 24/7 expert support

3. Cloudzy

With a choice of over 15+ locations to host your server, Cloudzy offers cheap virtual server hosting for Windows. With the latest SSD drives in place, you get superlative performance and speed while hosting your website or application. Cloudzy promises 99.95% uptime so that you can serve your customers in a better way. So, you get minimum latency time and high-speed connections behind your website, which is critical in today’s capricious online market. With Cloudzy, you enjoy full control over the server with RDP and VNC support. In case you want to change the provider for any reason, you can get a refund of your money within 7 days without any risk.

Our Expert Rating: 96% Best Features Undaunted support from an industrious team Solid back hold of high-spec infrastructure Budget-friendly prices

4. Interserver

Running an application on a Windows VPS has never been easier. With reliable and affordable Windows VPS hosting, Interserver allows you to shine your next project in the online market. You get a choice of OS while hosting your application or website. Moreover, you can access your remote Windows anywhere, anytime. Here, you get an interactive Plesk control panel, so that you can manage different projects under a single roof. You can control all the aspects from its dashboard and increase the productivity of your work. Besides all this, you just need to pay for the resources you need. The provider is quite flexible with the cost and usage of resources.

Our Expert Rating: 96% Best Features 24/7/365 quick support Excellent security Full administrative access Visit Interserver

5. Hostwinds

Want to host your next project with the power of dedicated resources and low cost? Don’t worry. Hostwinds Windows VPS hosting has got you covered. You get a 99.9999% uptime guarantee with the provider so that you can offer a better user experience to your customer base. Moreover, you get the choice to select the location to host your server and enjoy minimal latency time. Hostwinds has SSD drives in place to offer high performance and strict security protocols to offer the best data security and privacy. In case you need support on any element, the provider has an expert team in place to help you with your query.

Our Expert Rating: 94% Best Features Nightly backups Redundant network with instant scalability Excellent server monitoring

6. iHost VPS

When you are working with MS products, then Window VPS is the best option to opt for. No matter the scale of your company, with the iHost affordable Windows VPS server, you will not face any compatibility issues. You will get your favorite MS tools in your hands and several other integrations to elevate your productivity level. The best thing here is that you can be fully flexible with resources. You can scale up or down according to your business’s needs. In case you want to shift your site from a different host, iHost will help you through the whole process.

Our Expert Rating: 94% Best Features DDoS Protection Interactive VPS control panel Excellent firewall and data encryption

7. Contabo

With Contabo’s cheap Windows virtual server hosting, you get better availability, as they have 8 server locations over 5 continents. You get reduced latency time with which you can serve in a better way to your customers. You get a fully Windows-optimized environment to work so you will not face any compatibility or performance issues. You get a choice while selecting your Windows server. The latest one has all the features but you can select one that caters to your needs properly and fits your budget.

Our Expert Rating: 92% Best Features Affordable solution with remote desktop Windows Server 2022 availability Highly secure

8. GoDaddy

GoDaddy Windows VPS hosting offers you the next level of performance with the latest SSDs and unlimited traffic. You can easily create unlimited hosting accounts and manage them with the Plesk with ease. You get full root access with GoDaddy’s self managed Windows VPS. You get the ability to set automated backups for easy restoration in case of an accident. Besides this, you can get one snapshot on demand for easy and quick recovery. You can monitor different aspects of the server and set alerts to stay updated on the status. Enjoy seamless VPS with easy migration and high scalable services of GoDaddy.

Our Expert Rating: 92% Best Features Free SSL certificates Global data centers for better data availability Phone support available

9. Kamatera

Get ready to harness the power of ultra-blazing SSDs and Enterprise-class cloud infrastructure for your next project with Kamatera Windows VPS server hosting. You get the ability to add firewalls, create private networks, and add load balancers according to your need. You can scale up or down in an instant without any unnecessary hassle. Kamatera offers a redundant network with no single point of failure and promises 99.95% uptime. So, you can serve your customers with a premium user experience. The provider has 13 data centers spread across 4 continents so that you get better data availability and performance.

Our Expert Rating: 90% Best Features 30-day free trial Round the clock premium human support Premium Dedicated resources

10. Liquid Web

Looking to avoid cumbersome technicalities and looking for a powerful Windows VPS host for your next project. Join hands with Liquid Web Windows VPS hosting services and give a boost to your project with excellent infrastructure and resources. Besides this, you get full root access with which you can control everything according to your needs. In case you are in need of more resources, you can scale up quickly and meet the demands without any unnecessary hassle. Liquid Web has solid firewalls in place to protect your website from malicious cyber-attacks. Moreover, it also offers DDoS protection to keep your data safe.

Our Expert Rating: 90% Best Features Unlimited websites for hosting 100% power and network uptime guarantee Dedicated IP address

Should you choose managed or unmanaged VPS

Managed Windows VPS

This type of hosting is a perfect option for all those non-tech junkies who want to grow their business without worrying about the technical aspects of VPS hosting. You get ample time to work on other aspects of your business. Though it is expensive, the VPS hosting providers make sure that all changes are correctly incorporated with timely OS updates. This means there is no need for any IT expertise from your end. However, the only drawback is that the hosting provider will have more control over your resources.

Unmanaged Windows VPS

Unmanaged VPS hosting is excellent for all those who want more control. If you are quite tech-savvy or have your own team of IT professionals – give it a try. It offers affordable Windows VPS as well helping you in saving costs for other things. However, this type is considered less secure. The team may not update everything on time leaving your online business to different vulnerabilities and potential risks. 

The importance of free SSD

Free SSD is very critical when using cheap windows VPS. Since it offers a high performance, the data transfer speed gets much faster as well. With more throughput, the time taken for searching the data location reduces significantly. Therefore, all the website pages load faster which ultimately leads to a higher page ranking on search engines.

Thus, SSD VPS hosting providers use flash memory for data storage which leads to an increment in its read-write speed. This also promises a higher server performance. Moreover, by drawing less power, the battery life gets extended.

Not just this, everyone relies on SSDs for the best durability and efficiency at all times. Thus, it helps in building a customer’s trust in the cheap windows VPS hosting provider. 

Windows VPS vs Linux VPS – which one is better?

Being an open-source VPS, Linux VPS is freely available. It stands out with comparatively higher flexibility with a myriad of control panels as well. The best part is that Linux VPS easily tackles numerous types of viruses and malware without any hassle. This makes Linux a quite famous option for different developers and businesses.

Windows VPS, on the other hand, needs a license for using the operating system. It is an easy-to-use interface for those already familiar with Windows tools. Further, it is especially beneficial for beginners in using VPS. Moreover, with the help of remote desktop access, you can gain access to the VPS server from any location. However, you need to install different software for combating various types of attacks as well as script kiddies. In case your business requires Microsoft software for most of its operations, using a Windows VPS will work magically.

Don’t forget about the control panel

A control panel is a user-friendly tool that helps in imparting all the necessary information to customers in a jiffy. This has a helpful interface to interact with all the VPS resources swiftly. Regardless of the type of web hosting you use, you must have access to a great control panel. There are a plethora of control panels in the market. Some of the popular ones are mentioned below:

cPanel

It is a Linux-compatible control panel that helps in managing all the server-related information such as DNS settings, email accounts, and FTP options in the best way. Thus, you can easily use it if you have Red Hat Enterprise Linux, CloudLinux, CentOS, or Amazon Linux.

Plesk

This control panel is available for Linux as well as Windows VPS. Most Windows hosting plans offer Plesk as their control panel. You’re not, however, limited to this option only.

DirectAdmin

Interserver offers this with its VPS plans. This alternative can be used on all Linux-based devices without any hassle.

Webuzo

It is a well-known control panel for multiple users that helps in working perfectly with dedicated and cloud servers.

Ready to start

By now, you must be aware of all the cheapest options in the case of Windows VPS. A virtual private server is a great upgrade to shared hosting. It, however, spares you the hassle and the bigger investment of a dedicated one. You won’t have to share your resources, get better security and more perks. It’s a perfect intermediary for your growing business.

We have discussed the most important aspects of choosing your cheap Windows VPS plan. Before you make a final decision, though, really evaluate your needs. Choosing the best one depends on your budget, on your technical knowledge and even on your plan for future growth. Looking through all the different features may become quite overwhelming. Do not get discouraged, though. We are sure that you will find excellent services with up-to-date pricing details mentioned in our guide.

FAQ

Whether you are a newbie developer looking to create a personal blog or a veteran looking to start a new critical project, a free database hosting service will allow you to scale up and fill true colors in your dream. With the free hosting option, you can easily experiment with different options. You are able to select the one that best caters to your needs. However, be careful if you’re offered everything for free. Providers that do this often have some hidden motive like vendor lock-in period, poor data security, etc. So, the best option is to avoid them and look for reliable service. Here in this article, we have listed the best free database hosting providers that offer secure and reliable services. But before that, let us expand our knowledge base on database hosting.

Back to basics – What is database hosting?

Database hosting service refers to a provider that offers proper infrastructure and hardware to the client to run a database of their choice. Besides this, they need to provide a secured environment to access it, the

ability to scale up or down, and provide managed services according to the needs of the user.

With database hosting users enjoy better availability with no downtime. Additionally, they get the choice of database and enjoy full control without any unnecessary stress of technical issues. Besides this, it removes the need to install heavy infrastructure to set up a proper database. As a result, there is no cost to maintain the expensive hardware. In the below-mentioned list, we have organized the top free MySQL hosting, free PostgreSQL hosting, and free SQL hosting service providers. Now you can select the best one for your upcoming project.

10 best free database hosting providers

1. DigitalOcean

With DigitalOcean, you get free NoSQL database hosting, free PostgreSQL, and free MySQL database hosting for 60 days. The company handles all the technical maintenance and complexities so that you can focus on your project. In case the demands of your app or project elevate, you can quickly scale up to support your growth. Also, the company performs automatic data backup every day in case you need to restore anything. However, you can restore only up to 7 prior days. Furthermore, they offer end-to-end security so you don’t need to worry about data security and privacy.

Our Expert Rating: 100% Best Features Automated failover support Free 100$ credit limit for 60 days Lightning-fast speed and performance with fully managed databases

2. Kamatera

With Kamatera, you can get access to its premium services for a whole month. Yes, that is right, you get 30 days to test the features of this outstanding platform. They offer free cloud database hosting and you will enjoy one server with 100$ credits for any configuration you choose. Besides this, you will get 1000GB cloud block storage and 1000GB outgoing internet traffic. Moreover, you can easily upgrade or downgrade your server up to a 100$ credit limit in the free trial period. There are no hidden costs or fees to use these services. You just need to sign-up with the platform and enjoy these resources for your project.

Our Expert Rating: 98% Best Features Full Access to Kamatera’s exclusive Cloud Management platform 24/7 support available Technical advisory support for best cloud configuration

3. Infinity Free

Infinity Free is another prominent name when it comes to free online database hosting. You get 5GB of data disk space in the free plan with unlimited bandwidth. Further, you enjoy 400 MySQL databases with free subdomains and full .htaccess support. No ads will be displayed on your website and the service provider guarantees a 99.9% uptime. So, you can deliver an excellent experience to your users. There are also no hidden costs in the plan. So if you are a beginner and looking to create a solid online presence for your business, then Infinity Free is one of the best options to opt for.

Our Expert Rating: 96% Best Features Unlimited hosting Easy software setup Free SSL on all your domains

4. MongoDB

With MongoDB hosting, you get a wide array of regions to choose to store your data. This reduces the latency time immensely so that your users enjoy a premium experience. Atlas (MongoDB’s DBaaS) offers superlative optimization tools with which it automates the critical operation to offer excellent performance. As your app grows, you can get on-demand schema advice to pave the way to the top. You will enjoy advanced security protocols. Therefore, your data is protected even if network encryption is bypassed by some third party.

Our Expert Rating: 96% Best Features Continuous backup support Multi-Region Fault tolerance Premium syncing available for better data availability and access

5. GoogieHost

With the free plan of the GoogieHost service provider, you get access to 100MB SSD storage. Furthermore – 2 MySQL databases to securely save your data and manage it properly. All users get a Direct Admin panel to easily perform all the operations without any unnecessary hassle. Besides this, you get to enjoy 100 GB Bandwidth and 2 Business emails so that you can offer professional services to your clients. With Cloudflare protection in place, there’s need to worry about the security and privacy aspect of your data. The company even guarantees 99% uptime for better data availability.

Our Expert Rating: 94% Best Features Two free online file managers are available No forced ads on your website Free CMS installers

6. FreeHosting.com

If you are looking for a web host with PHP and MySQL support, then FreeHosting.com is an excellent option to go for. The platform offers free web hosting with a database. Users get 10 GB storage with unmetered bandwidth for one website. You also receive one email account to offer your professional services. Besides all this, they offer cPanel support to handle all the operations seamlessly and increase productivity. On top of this, you can easily create an online presence with the interactive site builder, even if you are a greenhorn with no coding and technical knowledge. This way you can easily broadcast your services and grow your business with new opportunities.

Our Expert Rating: 96% Best Features Single click app installer with 400+ app support Unlimited FTP accounts Apache/PHP 7 support

7. AwardSpace

With AwardSpace you get 1000MB disk space and 5 GB bandwidth in the free plan. Once you sign-up with the platform, your account is activated instantly so that you can start planning your project and broadcast your services without any delay. The company gives you access to different PHP versions and MYSQL 5.7 to handle the database for your sites. There will be no-ads or annoying messages on your website. The provider promises 99.9% uptime for their network so that you can be available to your users all the time.

Our Expert Rating: 96% Best Features User-friendly web-based file manager 24/7/365 support available One-click CMS installer

8. ScaleGrid

When it comes to the best free MySQL hosting, ScaleGrid is one of the excellent service providers in the market. Here you get multi-cloud support and full SSH access so that you can install custom software according to your needs. Besides this, you can even install different plugins to increase your productivity level. The best thing about this service provider is that there is no vendor lock-in period so you have full freedom while using its services. You can test all these features for free for the first 30 days and then make an informed decision. Moreover, you can even bring your own cloud plans and enjoy dedicated hosting plans on different data centers.

Our Expert Rating: 94% Best Features One-click restore option Custom alert support Free 24/7 support is available

9. Cloudways

With no lock-in period and the freedom to host unlimited applications, Cloudways offer marvelous plans when it comes to free database hosting.  Migration services are provided, where the company handles all the technical processes and you can sit back and relax. You get the option to switch between MySQL and MariaDB according to your needs. Moreover, you get access to several PHP versions. The company has 60+ data centers, so you can choose the best region to avail outstanding data availability with minimal latency time. Cloudways has dedicated firewalls in place to protect your data and further performs round-the-clock monitoring to keep a check on all aspects.

Our Expert Rating: 94% Best Features Automated backups Auto Healing support to avoid website crashing 24/7/365 undaunted support

10. A2 Hosting

With different database options to choose from, A2 hosting offers ultra-fast speed and performance with its premium servers. You get RAID-10 SSD storage which further elevates the speed. You also get full root access and can customize different aspects according to your needs. The servers can handle up to 9 times more traffic than the ordinary ones and offer 3 times more read/write speed. Further, A2 hosting guarantees 99.9% uptime so can totally rely on their servers for your next project. The company offers a 30-day hassle-free money-back period, so if you are not satisfied with the services, you can easily get a full refund.

Our Expert Rating: 92% Best Features Modern security protocols for better data security Free MySQL database hosting with remote access Budget-friendly prices

Where do I begin?

This is a common query when you are thinking of buying database hosting. Understanding SQL will aid in clearing your headspace to make an informed decision. SQL refers to the programming languages that help in effective data management of RDBMS (Relational database management system).

SQL is further divided into 2 main categories:

MySQL

It is a well-known open-source RDBMS that you can use for free. As it is a hassle-free option, you will find it in almost all hosting plans. There are numerous other types of DBMS as well. Some of its famous examples include PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, and MariaDB. Due to its convenience and ease of use, it is a user-friendly option. It is also known for its wide availability and swiftly understandable interface.

NoSQL

It is a shorthand for “not only SQL”. Even top technology giants like Facebook, Amazon, and Google use this type of database. Since they have large chunks of data to handle, this DBMS allows easy scalability as well as enhances the data performance. Additionally, using this, organizations tend to scale across different servers and hosts horizontally. Some of the popular NoSQLs include Cassandra, CouchDB, and MongoDB. Recently, it has been gaining more and more popularity.

How to choose the perfect database hosting?

Following are the top aspects that you should keep in mind while choosing the right database hosting.

⦁ Cost

Cost may not seem to be an issue when your data is less. However, as soon as your website traffic starts skyrocketing, you will need paid database hosting providers.

⦁ Level of control

Businesses looking for complete control over every minute detail of the database should opt for the on-premise option as hosted databases offer full root access. However, when it comes to applying strict restrictions on handling sensitive data, the self-hosted option is best to opt for.

⦁ DBaaS

Some companies only host databases for other companies, but when you are looking for a hosted database, then you can opt for DBaaS to remove the stress of database management from your shoulders. Therefore, you can progressively work on your project and pave its way to the top.

Advantages and disadvantages of using a free hosting plan

Free hosting plans may fascinate you at first. But be mindful of the pros and cons before you jump to the final conclusions.

Pros of free hosting

• Since you get the database free of cost, it is considered to be a highly affordable plan.
• Most users find these plans easily scalable and adaptable to use.
• They do not require strong technical expertise in database management.
• All the resources are utilized properly.
• Setting up physical databases requires no investment.

Cons of free hosting

• There are no configuration controls which may result in limited access.
• Sometimes, database migration is quite difficult to apprehend and perform.
• Once you upgrade your plan, the costs become too high.
• Such plans lack strong security which may lead to data leaks.

A few words on security

When it comes to database server security, you need to look into physical, network, and system security. This process is known as hardening. There are several measures that you can take to elevate security and avoid losing data to cyber-attacks.

Ensure physical database security

If you have sensitive data on your database, then avoid using the shared web server. No doubt, the option is quite cheaper, but there is a high risk associated with it when it comes to data handling.

Lockdown privileges and accounts

The best way to keep your data safe from hackers is to configure every account with a strong password. In case, you don’t need these accounts, then lock them and delete them so that third-party users can’t misuse them.

Regular patching

Keep monitoring your database regularly and apply optimum patches to avoid any security flaws. Hackers always keep a keen eye on these flaws to exploit your sensitive data, so regular patching will help you keep them at a bay.

Properly encrypt all files and backups

With encryption protocols in place, nobody can access your data without the proper key. Keep your keys safe, away from public access sites, and never share them with unauthorized users.

Our favorite affordable database hosting providers

When looking for a web host with PHP and MySQL support, you need to focus on choosing a provider that comes in your range. Thankfully, there are several database hosting providers online that impart excellent database hosting at a reasonable cost.

We have shortlisted the top three among them namely, Hostinger, InterServer, and Siteground. All these three database hosting providers have the best free MySQL database hosting that you can count on! They may not provide free SQL database hosting but their cheap paid plans will win your heart instantly.

1. Hostinger

	Starting Price $2.99 per month Visit Hostinger
Hostinger database host offers cheap web hosting at 2.99$ per month with a 1-year subscription. In it you get 100 GB SSD storage, unmetered traffic, 15 MySQL user connection, and many more features.

2. Interserver

	Starting Price $2.50 per month Visit Interserver
With unlimited MySQL DB, PHP 5.5,5.6, and 24/7 support, Interserver offers a cheap hosting plan starting at 2.50$ per month. You get unlimited SSD storage, and email accounts with a 30-day money-back period. Besides this, you enjoy full root access to customize different aspects according to your needs.

3. SiteGround

	Starting Price $3.99 per month
Giving support for both MySQL and PostgreSQL databases, SiteGroud offers premium hosting services at 3.99$ per month. You can create unlimited databases and host one website with 10 GB web space. Moreover, you get unmetered data transfer with unlimited sub and parked domain. In case you are not satisfied with the services, the company offers a 30-day money-back period.

Let’s summarize

Summing up, we have covered all the vital points that promise outstanding performance and effortless scalability in a jiffy. Go through all of the points and get acquainted with the right option that offers higher flexibility as per the growing customer requirements.

Now that you are fully aware of all the top free database hosting providers, it is time to analyze all the options shared above and make a wise choice in the end. Depending on your website’s personalized requirements, you will have to shortlist all the ones that can prove to be useful and have cheaper upgrade plans. This is to ensure that you can upgrade without worrying about paying a hefty upgrade charge.

FAQ

Have you outgrown the perks of shared hosting and looking for a suitable free VPS hosting? Don’t worry. We have got you covered. As there are tons of options available in the market, exploring some free options is not a bad idea to get a hold on the technology. You can easily change or upscale with any free VPS server provider. No matter the decision, you will not face any troubling issues in both cases.

However, while selecting free VPS hosting, you should avoid falling into the bear trap of potential scammers. If any company provides you free everything – be careful! There is a high possibility that either the company is fake, or you will be scammed in the future if you choose to opt for it.

Here in this article, we have gathered top options that come with free trials or a hassle-free money-back period, so that you can get familiar with their services. But before diving into the list, let us expand our knowledge base on VPS hosting and what to look for while choosing a free virtual private server plan.

What is VPS hosting?

VPS hosting is the intermediary option between shared and dedicated hosting. At some point your website’s needs increase from shared hosting. Then you can get most of the benefits of dedicated hosting at budget-friendly prices with VPS hosting.

In this hosting, you get private access to the OS, storage, bandwidth, and other resources. However, you do not own the entire physical hardware. The host or the provider will give you access to a private room on a server that is shared by different users virtually. In that private room, you have full administrative control over all the elements. It is similar to creating different partitions on your PC to run a different OS without actually buying a different PC. You will enjoy a secure container for your website and don’t need to share your resources with other users.

You enjoy higher flexibility, privacy, and control without spending tons of money to own a dedicated server. It is a good bargain where you get more control to handle the traffic on your website with ease and reduce the upfront investment costs.

There are several free VPS available in the market. This can overwhelm the whole process of funneling down the best option for your website. So, let us dive into the pointers to deem while selecting a free VPS hosting for your website.

Our top picks of free VPS hosting service providers in 2022

1. Kamatera

Boost your website with the power of the latest generation processors which offer 300% more power output. Besides this, with Kamatera free VPS hosting, you will enjoy zero latency with SSD storage and swift networking speed. You get full control over the scalability of the resources. With a single click of your mouse, you can add more resources without any unnecessary hassle. You can create a server in no time and even clone it in a matter of seconds with the interactive management console. The company guarantees 99.95% uptime with not even a single point of failure.

Our Expert Rating: 100% Best Features 30-days VPS server free trial Endless scale up and down choice Round the clock human support services

2. Hostinger

Harness the power of SSDs and the latest Xeon processors with Hostinger VPS hosting. An impressive uptime guarantee of 99.99% lets you offer a smooth experience to your visitors. With the Hostinger platform, you rise above the location limitation for data access. Their Network File System (NFS) gives you access to all your files and you can even expand your server space. You enjoy full root access where you have full control over the environment to customize different elements according to your choice. The company incorporates several data centers across the globe. Therefore, you get a wide array of alternatives to select the preferred option according to your target audience and enjoy premium hosting performance and speeds.

Our Expert Rating: 98% Best Features 30-day money-back period with easy cancellation Automated backups and live snapshots support High scalability Visit Hostinger

3. AccuWeb

Want to boost your project with free VPS hosting? Join hands with AccuWeb free VPS hosting that offers premium features for free for a 1-month trial period. You get to enjoy Windows 2012 server with weekly backup support. After all the requirements are completed, your VPS will be set up within 24 to 48 hours. Enjoy full root and remote desktop access in this free VPS trial period. You can even easily scale up to premium VPS services and enjoy a 7-day money-back period. So, if you are not satisfied with the services, cancelation is possible anytime with ease.

Our Expert Rating: 98% Best Features Quick and easy setup process Interactive Web-based management panel Free trial includes 1GBps Port speed, 500GB Bandwidth, and 35 GB storage

4. DigitalOcean

Looking for a cost-effective, dependable, and comprehensive VPS? Don’t worry. DigitalOcean free VPS has got you covered. Here you get a 60-day free trial period to enjoy the exclusive features of Droplets. Droplets (DigitalOcean VM) offers 99.99% uptime with simple security and management tools so that you can increase your productivity. You can quickly create and manage the Droplets. Besides this, you can scale the resources account to your requirements without facing any downtime. With Droplets, you get solid security protocols like two-factor authentication and several more to keep your data protected. Moreover, you can even deploy free cloud firewalls and perfect your staging and production phase. You can monitor all the aspects with ease and get prompt alerts in case of any error with your infrastructure.

Our Expert Rating: 96% Best Features 60-day free cloud VPS with 100$ credits Automatic backups once per week Intuitive load balancers for better uptime

5. Cloudways

With flexible and transparent pricing, Cloudways offers a free trial to get familiar with its VPS hosting services. You don’t even need to put your credit card number to avail this VPS trial. You can boost your site with free cloud VPS and scale up as the demands elevate with time. Automated backups, dedicated firewalls, and regular security patching are some of the few premium perks that you will enjoy with this hosting platform. You get high speeds and better reliability with this modern SSD hosting. Their exclusive CDN further reduces the latency time immensely. With 55+ data center support, you get optimum performance across the world.

Our Expert Rating: 96% Best Features Auto healing support 24/7/365 real-time monitoring Free SSL certificates

6. IONOS

Security, isolation, and autonomy are the three solid cornerstones on which IONOS VPS services shine. You get to enjoy full virtualization with full root access. With this, you get the liberty to customize the environment according to the needs of your website. There are tight security protocols to protect your sensitive data and maintain your privacy. The company guarantees 99.99% uptime so that you can offer undaunted services to your clients. If the demands of your website increase, you can scale up whenever you want. In case you are not satisfied with the services you can cancel anytime anywhere in a matter of a few minutes.

Our Expert Rating: 94% Best Features 30-day money-back guarantee Unlimited traffic Free Linux VPS and free Windows VPS choice

7. A2 Hosting

Whether you are looking for managed or unmanaged VPS services, A2 Hosting is here to cater to your needs. The hosting provider gives a 99.99% uptime guarantee. Further, you get different options of OS to choose. On top of this, you enjoy full root access so that you can customize things according to your business needs. The SSD support increases the performance and speed so that you can take your business to the top.

Our Expert Rating: 94% Best Features 30-day money-back guarantee Round the clock network monitoring 1-click setup for different software

8. Namecheap

With a wide variety of OS to choose from and supreme security protocols, Namecheap offers premium VPS hosting services. You get a whole month to test the features and then scale up if you are happy with everything. Moreover, you can get full refund within 30-days, in case you are not satisfied with the services with an easy cancellation process. Namecheap sweetens the pot with its incredibly fast SSD servers and 24/7 support team. You get to enjoy full root access and even get a cPanel if you need it.

Our Expert Rating: 92% Best Features No contract requirement 24/7 live chat and support Automatic internal backup support

9. FastComet

FastComet is another secured, reliable option when it comes to avail of VPS hosting services. The platform has a premium security mechanism in place to maintain your privacy and keep your data safe from online threats. Besides this, you will get optimized performance with the LiteSpeed technology and SSL support. You get 24/7/365 support in all aspects with regular monitoring. On top of this, you get proper guidance from an expert team in case you face any trouble. It’s even expand your knowledge base with their tutorials and step-by-step guides.

Our Expert Rating: 92% Best Features 360-degree control over the server Free CSF and Web firewall 7-day money-back period

10. Hostwinds

With the promise of 99.9999% uptime, Hostwinds offers a plethora of data centers to choose from and offers maximum performance at each one of them. With SSD servers in place, you will enjoy higher speeds and reduced latency time. The support team proactively monitors the network to cover all the aspects, so that you don’t face any downtime with your website. The host provides both managed and unmanaged services for Linux and Windows OS. You can even scale up in an instant in case the demands increase.

Our Expert Rating: 90% Best Features Nightly backups and snapshot support 72-hour refund policy Load balancer support

Pointers to deem before choosing a free VPS hosting

Given below are some critical points that will help you save your money and ease in scrutinizing the options.

⦁ Free trial length/ Money-back guarantee

A long trial length will help you get familiar with the features of the hosting. You will get adequate time to evaluate the elements properly. Some best free VPS do not provide free trials but offer a full money-back guarantee period. Here, you will get a full refund of your investment if the services do not fulfil your needs.

If you want to know more about VPS Free Trials – check out this article.

⦁ Hassle-free cancellation

Some companies entice you with long free trials but come with irritating cancellation policies. So, avoid these options and look for the ones where you can cancel the account with ease.

⦁ Better support

If you are a beginner, then sorting the VPS account can be a little troublesome. So, opt for those free VPS hosts that offer broad support at all times.

⦁ High flexibility

When it comes to VPS hosting, there are several custom options to enjoy. So, always look for an option where you can use several features without hard limiters in the free trial.

⦁ Swift server setup

Wasting your precious free-trial period on setting up the server is a no-brainer. Opt for a VPS free trial with a quick server setup so that you can complete the process with ease and get familiar with the features.

Advantages and disadvantages of choosing a free plan

Pros of Free VPS hosting

• Higher everything than shared hosting
  With free VPS hosting, you get better data security, privacy, and reliability with the hosting services. You get full control over the resources and manage higher traffic than shared hosting with ease.
• Zero-risk choices
  Using free plans, you can easily explore different choices without any risk of losing a lot of money. You can easily get familiarized with the features and funnel down the right option according to your needs.
• Quick scalability
  Scaling up or down according to the demands of your website or app is swift and easy. You can explore different options and then get the perfect ratio of the elements in your container.

Cons of Free VPS hosting

• Possible scams
  There might be some companies that entice you with a free trial but then cause issues with cancellation policy or lock-in period. Some companies require credit card details and may charge you for the services besides broadcasting free services.
• Lack of support
  With free plans, you may have to set up and solve technical issues on your own. So, if you are a newbie in the area of VPS hosting, then you may miss interactive tools of shared hosting.

A few honorable mentions

Here are some of the brands that offer premium VPS services at affordable prices.

	Starting Price $6 per month Visit Interserver
Get the perfect blend of storage and power with Interserver cheap VPS hosting services, starting from 6$ per month for Linux OS. The economical plan is best suited for beginners to enjoy premium support and top-notch features without any hassle.

	Starting Price $5.99 per month
With full root access, higher scalability, and performance, GoDaddy offers cheap VPS hosting services that start from 5.99$ per month for a 3-year term plan. You will love the ease of service and user-friendly facilities that they proffer.

	Starting Price $10 per month
Enjoy unlimited traffic, websites, and SSL certificates at 10$ per month with DreamHost VPS hosting. You get a custom control panel with full root access with expandable RAM and storage support. The best part is that you can rely on their customer service at all times in case of need.

Types of hosting – a comparison

It might become confusing trying to choose the perfect option for you. We’ve covered the essence of VPS hosting so let’s take a quick look into shared, dedicated and cloud hosting:

⦁ Shared hosting

It’s budget-friendly and it’s best suited for freelancers, newbie bloggers, and developers. In this type of hosting multiple different customers’ websites are hosted on the same server sharing all of the resources. Therefore, although cheap, shared hosting has a lot of limitations.

⦁ Dedicated hosting

It is an upgrade to VPS hosting but you should know it’s not for everyone. You receive a dedicated physical server and use all of its resources on your own. In order to maintain it properly, though, you will need technical knowledge. It is best suited for big high-traffic sites, online gaming servers, etc. Great security, performance and scalability are definitely a plus.

⦁ Cloud hosting

It has been gaining recognition as a great option for high-traffic websites. However you won’t go wrong with it if you are still a newbie. Your website will be hosted in multiple interconnecting servers, located in different geographical locations, rather than just one physical server. This guarantees high uptime and balanced traffic.

Let’s compare some of their features:

Final Verdict

These were the top ten choices that either give a free trial to use their service or offer a money-back period for a limited time frame in which you can explore their features. VPS hosting provides better performance and speeds than shared hosting in managing a medium-tier business. You get higher data privacy and security with VPS hosting as you get full access to the container. You don’t have to share your resources with anyone. Moreover, you get the choice to scale up or down in an instant according to your needs. So, explore all the options and select the one that caters to your needs.

FAQ

File hosting service is a boon for corporates and businesses, especially those who have majority of the workforce working remotely. No matter the geographical distance, they can carry out work collaboration with ease. They can host their files securely and share them with all employees and clients in no time.

Good file hosting removes the need to invest in extra hardware to store important data and files. Anyone can access their data with a smart device and a stable internet connection. There are tons of companies providing file hosting services in the market. Here in this article, we have shortlisted the top 10 brands that offer the best services to host your files. However, before diving into the list let us wrap our minds around the concept itself.

The essence of file hosting

File hosting service or cloud file hosting allows users to share files easily. They can upload, download and share images, data files, and videos with other users without going through any complex process. Users can store files and access them anytime, anywhere with a stable internet connection.

There is a server where users can store their data and share it among others. Today, companies are using the perks of the top file hosting services to facilitate remote working and carrying out smooth operations. There are three types of file hosting, namely, free, paid, and premium. In the below-mentioned list, we have listed the top websites that offer the best services. Go through it and you’re on to making your selection wisely.

Our Top 10 file hosting services to rely on

1. BOX

Efficiency, simplicity, and security are the three sharp arrows in the quiver of this platform. Being one of the best file hosting services, Box allows its users to collaborate with their team seamlessly. Everybody comes on the same page and works efficiently without any frustration. Besides this, there are strict protocols in place for data security and privacy. The company regularly maintains its security controls to stay updated with the evolving online threats and offer reliable services. Moreover, with Box, you get the ability to automate the general routines with which you can increase your productivity and reduce the stress on your shoulders. With the free plan, you get 10 GB of cloud storage and as your needs increase, you can upgrade the plan that starts with 10$ for 100 GB of storage.

Free Storage 10 GB Upgrade Starting Price $10/month 100 GB Our Expert Rating: 100% Best Features Quick integration of 1500+ 3rd party apps Advanced security protocols Premium management tools support

2. IDrive

Another popular cloud file hosting service is IDrive. You can easily store files from different devices and access them anywhere, anytime. The data and files are stored with a 256-bit encryption key which is not saved on any servers. In case you modify any part of the file, the platform detects it automatically and creates a backup for the file. You can also fetch your files on your mobile from the synced devices in no time through its interactive app which runs smoothly on both iOS and Android devices. The platform offers all status reports regularly so that you are aware of everything and strives to maintain the utmost transparency. You get 5GB storage for free with IDrive. In case your requirements increase, you can upscale to other plans.

Free Storage 5 GB Upgrade Starting Price $3.71/year 100 GB Our Expert Rating: 98% Best Features Snapshot and versioning support Computer cloning support Full control over data deletion

3. Dropbox

Harness the power to access your data anywhere, anytime, and store it securely with the Dropbox file hosting service. You can keep your files up to date and access them anywhere from any device with a stable internet connection. You can send any file, no matter the size to anyone even if they don’t have a Dropbox account. Besides this, you get real-time updates on the changes that are made to the files. With Dropbox hosting, you get full control to organize the files with shared folders and groups. With this, you can apply for different permissions and change the options that suit your needs.

Free Storage 2 GB Upgrade Starting Price $13/month 2 TB Our Expert Rating: 98% Best Features Live chat and email support File locking option Digital watermarking available

4. Google Drive

When it comes to availing of the best cheap file hosting services, Google Drive file hosting services is one of the prominent names in the market. You can securely save your files and share them with others with full access control. You can quickly change the permission to avoid misuse of your data and keep them secured. The drive smoothly integrates with Google workspace, so your team can easily collaborate and create powerful projects and content with ease. Besides all this, the Google file hosting works efficiently with Microsoft files, so you don’t have to change the format and can simply edit them with the Drive platform.

Free Storage 15 GB Upgrade Starting Price $6/month 30 GB Our Expert Rating: 96% Best Features 15 GB free storage for a single user Inbuilt spam and malware detection Interactive and user-friendly interface

5. Apple iCloud Drive

With 5GB of free cloud storage, iCloud Drive is another solid competitor in the list of best file hosting services. No matter the type of file you want to save, iCloud will keep your data safe and secured. With this permanent file hosting, you can access all your files anywhere with ease. Once you have connected all your devices to your iCloud account, you will be able to share all your files across every device quickly. In case you want to change your device, you can carry all your previous device data without any unnecessary hassle. Say hi to the new beginning keeping all your old memories safe. The platform has advanced security protocols in place to keep everything safe.

Free Storage 5 GB Upgrade Starting Price $0.99/month  50 GB Our Expert Rating: 96% Best Features Live update support Solid backup and restore option Advanced organization support is available

6. OneDrive

Another giant in the file-hosting sector is OneDrive hosting. With Microsoft file hosting services, you get 5GB of free storage where you can upload, download and share files easily. Once you have uploaded your files on OneDrive, you can access them anywhere from any device. Even if you lost your device, you can retrieve the data from OneDrive in no time. When it comes to data sharing, you can simply send the link to share the files. No need to attach any large files to emails or thumb drives. Keeping all this aside, you get the strong back hold of Microsoft office where your team can collaborate easily and work smoothly.

Free Storage 5 GB Upgrade Starting Price $5.99/month 1 TB Our Expert Rating: 94% Best Features OneDrive Personal Vault for secured data storage Expiring links support 30-day file restore period

7. MediaFire

With MediaFire file hosting service, you get to avail up to 50GB of free space with a limit of 4GB per upload. With this unlimited file hosting service, you don’t even need to worry about bandwidth or download limits. You can share your file in a jiffy by simply sending the ink across various platforms. No matter the device, the platform runs smoothly with everyone and allows you to organize, download, view, and edit your files with ease. In case you want to download tons of files together, you can conveniently get everything in one ZIP file. Moreover, you can share data and files directly from any website to your MediaFire storage.

Free Storage 10 GB Upgrade Starting Price $3.75/month 1 TB Our Expert Rating: 94% Best Features One-time links Multiple uploads and large file hosting support Premium file manager support

8. MEGA

Get 20GB of free cloud storage with the MEGA file hosting service. Besides being reliable storage, you can easily share your data and files with others with controlled access. All the communications on this platform are end-to-end encrypted and you have full control over the keys. You can download the MEGA app on your mobile device(Android and iOS) and control all the files on the go. The app automatically creates a backup of your data and files, so that you don’t lose your data even if you lose your device. The company owns and operates its solid infrastructure, so you don’t need to worry about data security and availability.

Free Storage 20 GB Upgrade Starting Price $5/month 400 GB Our Expert Rating: 92% Best Features Browser extension available Secure video conferencing Outstanding File versioning

9. 4Shared

With the 4shared platform, you get 15 GB of storage that you can upscale to 100 GB easily with the premium plan starting at 77.95$ for a year. You can upload and download anything with this platform. Besides using it on any browser, you can download the app from Google Play Store, Apple Store, Window Phone Store, and HUAWEI AppGallery. With 4Shared, you get direct download links with no-ad interruptions. In case your upload is interrupted due to an error, you can resume it without losing the prior uploaded content. You can easily backup and restore your important files from different devices and even upload multiple files at once.

Free Storage 15 GB Upgrade Starting Price $9.95/month 100 GB Our Expert Rating: 92% Best Features 24/7 technical support Multi-level file system support Password protection available

10. pCloud

pCloud offers unlimited file hosting so you don’t need to worry about the size of the file you need to upload. The platform offers an interactive interface to use which is the perfect blend of power and simplicity. In simple words, you get the power of the latest tools and technologies and ease of using them. You get 10GB of free storage when you sign-up with the platform which you can upscale if your needs elevate. You can access the platform from your mobile, laptop, and web. All your files with pCloud are totally safe as the company strives to offer superlative data security and privacy.

Free Storage 10 GB Upgrade Starting Price $4.99/month 500 GB Our Expert Rating: 90% Best Features Customizable download links 30- day file versioning Inbuilt audio and video player access

How to choose the best file hosting service for your needs?

There are 5 points to consider while selecting the right file hosting service that caters to your needs well!

File Types Support

It acknowledges the common types of files that will be shared on the platform. This is the most important aspect since most of the other points rely on it.

Bandwidth

It refers to the amount of data (in MBs) that gets transferred at a particular time. Select the one that meets your file hosting requirements aptly. Since video files use more bandwidth, you need to measure your requirements beforehand for the best service.

Storage Space

Many file hosting sites offer more space. However, it is up to you to pick the one after recognizing your specific need. Note: In case, your storage need is limited to only documents, you can easily scrutinize and opt for the best document hosting platform.

File Security

Since all the files will be transferred online, security from hackers is crucial. Select the platform that has a good reputation and ensures full security via password protection and private SSL certificates.

Uptime Guarantee

Always go for the one provider that lets you access the files 24/7 without any hassle.

File hosting vs File sharing

For many, file hosting and sharing may mean the same thing. However, there is a tremendous difference between both terms. File hosting refers to the service which you can use to upload, download and maintain your files on a different server. Meanwhile, file sharing enables you to create a particular link through which others can download that file easily.

To explain with an example, Google Drive is the most commonly used cloud file hosting provider since you keep sharing the links to your personal documents, spreadsheets, and other files via this platform. WeTransfer is the most commonly used file-sharing platform that allows hassle-free link sharing of your files.

Can I host files for free?

Yes, anyone can use the free file hosting services to host files without spending a single penny. The main drawback you will witness is the restricted storage space. So, let’s say you have a hosting requirement that will take less storage. In that case, you can probably go for any of the popular hosting services such as Dropbox and Google Drive. Their free storage options might be perfectly sufficient. However, their flexible plans allow you to easily upgrade should the need arise.

Having said that, before you opt for a free service, make sure you do a thorough research. Avoid platforms which do not require an account in order to use their services. They might contain viruses or other malicious content. There is also no guarantee that they have adequate security protocols installed – be careful!

How to start your own file hosting service?

Getting started

Follow the given steps to learn how to kickstart your own file hosting service in just a few clicks!

1. Set up: Start by setting up an environment where you will take care of all the backend activities.
2. User Registering segment: Create the frontend page where you can allow users to become authorized users of your site.
3. User Login segment: All the registered users will now go through the user login page that will allow them to gain access to the main site content.
4. File Uploading and Viewing segment: Here the users can easily upload and view the files that they need.

Important notes before you begin

Make sure to provide your customers with the most important features that we’ve already discussed. Sufficient storage, great uptime and security are definitely a must. Try to stand out with an easy to use interface and appealing upgrade plans. You can even consider additional perks such as a discount for a yearly subscription. Or maybe extra storage for loyal customers. This will help you be more noticeable among the competition.

Is file hosting secure?

Although the majority of people usually encrypt their files on the internet as per law, many of the file hosting services use an extra layer of added protection in the form of SSL or precisely TLS encryption. So, you need not worry about any middlemen attacks during uploading or downloading, etc.

However, many top giants still get attacked and breaches occur somehow, and thus, your data is always at risk of revealing. For now, the main thing to look at includes 2-factor authentication, a strong password feature as well as excellent malware protection. In this way, all your files will stay protected at all times.

Remember that the online world is dark and so, your data safety lies in your own hands. If you are using a free file hosting, you may not find the best security features here. But most paid plans come with amazing security options. Therefore, make it a point to never upload any sensitive information that can cause you harm. If you keep following these easy solutions, you will surely keep yourself guarded against hackers.

Now you’re ready to make a good choice

By now, you must have become aware of all the top file hosting services that are equipped with the best features. However, now it is your turn to pick the right one as per your needs. Our simple advice would be to never ignore the security aspect at any cost. Be it free or paid file hosting services, always prefer the one that ensures user privacy, file security, and data protection at all times. In this way, you can safeguard your valuable files from getting into the wrong hands.

Before you make the final purchase when opting for premium file hosting plans, make sure that you elucidate your exact file hosting requirements. Only then, move ahead through the paid plans so that you can make an apt choice.

FAQ

Free email hosting sounds like a dream, right? Well, the good news is it can become a reality. The bad news, however – there is always a catch. Ever since the beginning of online communication email is one of the most popular options. And for professional communication – it is definitely a must. According to statistics there are approximately 4.2 billion email users (Statista, 2022) and this number is only expected to grow. A good professional email with your custom domain can open a lot of doors to you and ease the communication with your customers. Is this possible on a budget, though? Let’s find out together.

Can email hosting really be free?

Generally speaking – yes, it can. But there is always a “but” – as we said, there is always a catch with free services. If they promise you a full scale of features 100% free, you can be sure that something will be lacking – either reliability, or security. In fact, you may even be blacklisted and end up in your recipients’ spam folder.

You also have to really pay attention to the security features offered in a free service, as you are trusting it with sensitive information. Encryption, malware protection, 2-factor-authentication are just a few of the important things to look for. Furthermore, it is sometimes difficult to use your own domain with the free email hosts and we know how important that is for a business. The email hosts we compiled in our list are worth to look into as they strive to be safe and reliable.

Let’s check out our picks

1. Zoho Mail

Zoho Mail is one of the leaders in free email hosting. Their clean, ad-free environment is perfect for newbies and experienced business owners alike. You can start with their Forever Free Plan and add up to 5 users with 5GB storage each, attach one custom domain, have access to a spam filter and antivirus protection. There are some downsides such as web-only access and limited features but it is really suitable for small businesses and startups. Furthermore, upgrade is hassle-free and affordable. Paid plans start from $1 and let you use the full scale of amazing features – multiple domains, aliases, IMAP/POP access, mobile app, and many more. Moreover, you can purchase your domain through Zoho if you haven’t done that yet. When you feel ready to commit to a paid plan you can test it with their 15-day free trial.

Our Expert Rating: 100% Best Features 24/7 support (email, chat and call) High emphasis on security – email encryption, malware protection, GDPR and HIPAA compliant Easy migration and multiple integration options

2. Tutanota

With their focus on privacy, German-based company Tutanota promises and delivers great service in an ad free environment. In spite of its limitations, their free plan is not a bad option if you’re just getting started. It is for one user only and you receive 1GB of storage, desktop client and calendar, alongside top security features. Built-in encryption protects your data at all times. One of the big downsides is limited search and also the inability to use a custom domain. However, upgrade is cheap and easy – you can scale up or down anytime. Paid plans start from $1.20 and allow acces to the full array of features. You can add your own domain, increase storage, add aliases and multiple calendars, and more. Moreover, you can be sure that your email will always be secure and protected.

Our Expert Rating: 94% Best Features End-to-end encryption Desktop client and mobile apps Runs on green electricity

3. Mail.com

Mail.com is part of the European giant United Internet and is a great free option for beginners. If you are just starting your business and are not ready to shell out for a custom domain name, you are able to choose between 200 different names on their catalogue ranging from @lawyer.com to @toothfairy.com (no joke – check for yourself). This won’t be ideal if you’re already an established brand but a great alternative for newbies. This free service is really packed with features – you get acces to a mobile app, calendar, 2 GB of cloud storage. Moreover, they have great security practices – 2-factor authentication, integrated virus protection and spam filters. You can upgrade to Premium for $9.99 for 3 months – increase your storage, get access to POP3/IMAP options and more.

Our Expert Rating: 92% Best Features Online office – online editor with free templates 65 GB storage Strict data protection

4. GMX Mail

Also part of United Internet, GMX Mail is a completely free service. They offer some great perks – ample storage, up to 10 email aliases, mail check, custom filters, online office. Additionally, your email is secured with 2-factor authentication, integrated antivirus and spam filters, and PHP encryption. The biggest drawback is that you are stuck with the GMX domain – you’re not able to add your own. This may be suitable for beginners but not recommended for already established brands. GMX do not offer a premium plan but with all they provide already there is no need for one.

Our Expert Rating: 90% Best Features 65 GB per user GMX Cloud with 2 GB storage Mobile app for IOS and Android

5. ProtonMail

ProtonMail ranks amongst the safest email hosting platforms at the moment. If you are running a small business or a startup on a tight budget their free plan is a good choice for you. Although limited it offers enough to get started. You get 500 MB storage, end-to-end encryption and a short email domain option. There are, of course, some drawbacks- sending limit of 50 messages an hour or 150 messages per day, limited support and no custom domain. You can always scale up or down, however. Starting from $3.52, the paid tiers provide you with increased storage, more folders, adding a personalised domain, and many more.

Our Expert Rating: 94% Best Features End-to-end encryption 2-factor-authentication Self-destructing emails

6. ImprovMX

This entry in our list is a bit different than the others. If you are not ready or don’t want to spend a lot of money for Google Workspace, then ImprovMX comes to the rescue. They let you create free email aliases using your personalised domain name and forward your communication to an email of your choice. A bit of a downside is that it requires some technical wrangling but their online guides make this process easier. Free tier comes with some limitations – 10 MB attachment limit, only email support, and normal delivery speed. It is, however, perfect for beginners or to get a taste of the service. Paid options start from $9 a month and grant you with priority support and delivery, 50 MB attachment limit, 99.99% uptime guarantee.

Our Expert Rating: 96% Best Features Add 1 domain with up to 25 aliases Fast delivery speed GDPR compliant

Pros and Cons of choosing a free email hosting plan

It all sounds great but let’s take a look into the good and bad sides of free email hosting:

Pros

• Saving money – the most important one, of course. When you are on a tight budget, every penny counts. Therefore, subscribing to a free email service let’s you splurge on the more urgent aspects of starting your business.
• It is a good trial – you are able to get a taste of the services offered and decide if they really suit you. You will easily decide what features best fit your needs and make a more informed decision if you want to upgrade or switch your provider.
• No commitment – you are not bound by a contract and nothing can stop you from cancelling your account or changing your host.

Cons

• Constant advertising – most free services come with a lot of ads and banners which flood the interface. Although, ads are the main reason this service can be offered for free, it can get annoying really fast.
• Insufficient security – the hosts in our list have good security practices, but this is not always the case. A majority of free providers do not implement good security measures. This can result in constant threat of data breaches. Someone may even hijack your account. This can be a huge inconvenience and even devastating for a small business.
• A lot of limitations – free plans often come with limited storage, daily sending limits, attachment limits and more. Your needs may quickly outgrow what is offered.
• No branding – having a good professional email with your own domain name is extremely important. In most free email hosting services you can’t add a custom domain. This may hinder your representation in front of your current and potential customers.

Is free email hosting safe?

We talk a lot about security, but honestly – it really is that important. During your daily communication, whether with your colleagues, or with your clients, you exchange a lot of sensitive information. You definitely would not want it to get in the wrong hands, right? Furthermore, email is one of the easiest ways for a hacker to access our company. Providers such as Tutanota and ProtonMail focus mainly on privacy and security even on their free plans. Free email hosting can be safe if you know what to look for. Do not compromise with your data’s safety.

Encryption

SSL/TSL protocols are a standard in online communication. The protocol acts as an authentication between the sender and receiver of the message. It provides secure connection and ensures the information is encrypted and can’t be tampered with. End-to-end encryption is even more secure. It basically means that your email is encrypted on its entire way from your mailbox to your recipients mailbox. Nobody can read it besides you – not your internet provider, not your hosting provider, not even the government.

2-factor-authentication

It helps you ensure no one can access your email even if they find out your password. Adding your phone number, in example, gives you the peace of mind only you can approve logins to your account. However, you should always make sure you use a strong password and change it regularly.

Virus protection

Built-in antivirus is a great perk. It can scan all emails and attachments for viruses or any malware whilst keeping your privacy. Of course you shouldn’t blindly trust it. Be careful and don’t open suspicious emails and attachments.

Spam filters

Another layer of protection for you. Spam filters are designed to scan incoming mail and recognize unwanted, suspicious or malicious content. There are occasions, though, in which a trusted sender is recognised as spam. A good way to avoid that is to add them to your address book or if your host offers that option – whitelist them.

GDPR and HIPAA compliance

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), active since 2018 in the EU, applies to all personal data which may lead to the identification of a person. Meanwhile, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is active since 1996 in the US. It deals with the protection of sensitive health information. HIPAA has a much narrower scope than GDPR but both are equally important. We recommend to look for a provider that complies with both acts.

Can I create a custom email domain for free

Using a personalised domain for your email or website is a sign of professionalism and creates a good impression with your clients. There are countless options to register your domain name but doing that for free is, sadly, not really possible. Plenty of registrars are available to choose from. It can cost you between $2 and $20 per year to reserve your custom name. Majority of email hosting providers will even offer you free domain for up to a year as a part of your plan. However, as you are paying for the plan itself and later for the domain renewal it is technically not free at all. Considering how important it is to be recognisable in order to establish your business, domain registration is not something to spare from.

A few brands that won’t break the bank

We’ve discussed the options for free email hosting already. But honestly speaking, we always recommend you opt for a paid plan. There are so many affordable alternatives that can fit in your budget. Let’s look at some great choices to consider:

	Starting Price $0.91 per month
One of the most affordable email hosting providers on the market. Add your custom domain, get 5 GB of storage, have access to ample antivirus and spam protection and even 2-factor-authentication. The best part is that any plan comes with 2 months of free trial. You can easily find the best one for you.

	Starting Price $0.99 per month Visit Hostinger
You can either bundle your web hosting with your email or choose a standalone email hosting service. 10 GB storage, antivirus and spam protection, mobile app, calendar and contacts are among the perks they offer. Migration is also swift and easy. If you are not satisfied Hostinger offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

	Starting Price $3.66 per month
With Godaddy you can easily register your domain and get access to professional email service. Some of the perks include 10 GB storage, shared online calendars, email aliases. You can even purchase additional security and email backup for maximum safety.

Choosing the right provider

With so many different brands on the marker choosing the right host for you may not be an easy task. In order to make the most informed decision you have to evaluate your personal needs and look for the provider that best meets them. If, in example, you open a law firm, you are expected to manage a lot of personal information for your clients. In that case, it is best to look for an email hosting service with really advanced security features. Below are a few steps to take while deciding.

1. Consider your current status and plan for future growth

Are you a freelancer, just venturing into your business or do you already have an established brand? Do you own a domain or are yet to purchase one? Make sure you are prepared for different situations.

2. Define your budget

Is it more important to you to save up or you are indeed willing to spend a few dollars for a paid plan? Knowing the limits will be really helpful.

3. Compare security features

Security protocols, encryption, malware protection – all important to have.

4. Reliability

Check the uptime, delivery time, customer support availability and overall rating of the different providers.

5. Scalability

Consider how easy it is to scale up or down. Check out the perks different providers include and what can you get with upgrading.

“You’ve got mail”

By now, you should be familiar with the best options for your free email hosting. In spite of the constant growth in social media and instant messaging, email remains as one of the most preferred options, especially in business communication. With a good email service you can keep constant communication with your friends and family, but also your colleagues and customers. It can help you organise and plan your day, grow your business and even send marketing campaigns. Sounds great, right? We’ve discussed all of the most important aspects of choosing the right host and how to remain safe. Now, it’s up to you to begin your journey. If, of course, you feel ready to invest in a paid option, you can always read our take on best cheap email hosting providers.

FAQ

When you are taking your business into the online world, there are many factors in play. However, budget is one of the crucial aspects that you need to deem carefully. You have to invest in several things while creating your place in the online world. In all those things, the online presence of your business holds the highest priority. To give a kickstart to your online expedition, getting a free hosting provider with reliable services is an excellent bargain. There are tons of companies out there offering free services. But, remember, everything that shines is not always gold. Here, in this article, we have listed the top free web hosting services with outstanding features. Now you can select the best option according to your needs.

Exclusive Comparison table

Who should consider free web hosting services?

Well, free web hosting is never bad for anyone. However, it is best suited for beginners who are entering the online world. The free hosting plans are quite beneficial for the greenhorns. They can definitely save you money which you can concentrate on other aspects to grow your business. Further, with free options, you get the freedom to experiment with different providers. You can also easily funnel down the one that caters to your needs properly. Besides all this, there is no risk of losing any money with the free plan. This is critical for any business looking to create a solid user base in the online world.

Moreover, with free website hosting you’re free to upscale anytime. The demands of the business will elevate at some point. So, without any further delay, let us dive into the list.

9 best free web hosting sites that we trust

1. Google Cloud

When it comes to the best free hosting, Google shines among the top options in the market. You can host static and dynamic websites in a matter of no time. Even with no coding knowledge or experience, you can easily create an interactive website and boost your brand’s name. Get access to free Linux hosting, MySQL, PHP, and Apache HTTP servers to host blogs and applications. You also get resources worth 300$ credit in your account in the free trial of 90 days. After the completion of these 90 days, you have to upgrade your account according to your requirements. Credit card number needs to be added, however, to avail the free trial.

Our Expert Rating: 100% Pros Ample days to test the resources of the program Sufficient amount of resources in the free trial Hassle-free sign-in process Cons No dedicated support Credit card compulsory to avail free trial

2. Kamatera

Well, with 13 data centers spread across 4 continents, you get several options to choose your data center. This ensures you get better data availability and low latency time. Kamatera offers free Linux hosting and Windows hosting for the first 30 days. So you can get familiar with all the features properly. In case you want to scale up, you can get the resources in a jiffy without any unnecessary hassle. The platform promises 99.95% uptime so that you can deliver an excellent experience to your visitors. In case you need any help or guidance, Kamatera has round the clock premium support.

Our Expert Rating: 98% Pros Premium human 24/7 support Interactive management tools 30-day free trial Cons No shared hosting is available Prices rise up exponentially with managed services