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

3. Weebly

Now create your amazing online presence easily with the help of Weebly’s free hosting services. You get free domain registration and hosting with the Weebly branding. Besides this, the provider gives you free SSL certificates for your website. This helps you in elevating the trust level with your clients and earning more profits. The best thing about Weebly is that you get the power of SEO which will allow you to elevate your brand awareness. Further, you get access to the community, chat, and email support on all the issues you face.

Our Expert Rating: 94% Pros Free SSL certificate Easy joining process Free access to Contact Forums Cons No eCommerce support

4. FreeHosting.com

If you are looking for free hosting with cPanel, then FreeHosting.com will cater to your needs in the best way. It offers all the resources to launch your website to grow your business. The free access to the cPanel allows you to complete the operations in less time and focus more on your brand services. You get the best free hosting, unlimited bandwidth, one email, and a MySQL database in the free trial. The trial period has no limit. In case, you need more resources you can easily shift to the paid options to get access to premium features.

Our Expert Rating: 94% Pros Interactive site builder Easy to use app installer with an armory of 400+ apps Unlimited FTP accounts Cons No subdomain No domain registration

5. Wix

Looking for free web hosting services for your next project? Don’t worry. Wix is here to your rescue. You just need to log in with the platform, add your content and you are all set with your blog. Besides this, you get to use premium features in the VIP plan for free for 14 days. If you are not satisfied with the features, you can cancel the VIP plan anytime and use the free resources. There are tons of templates available to choose from for your next project. You can customize all the design elements quickly with the editor.

Our Expert Rating: 92% Pros Free unlimited web hosting Mobile app support Free SSL certificate Cons Broadcast Wix name in the domain in the free plan Few features in free hosting services

6. WordPress

Do you dream of free web hosting to create your fun projects in the form of blogs and websites. WordPress offers free website hosting services to share your ideas and spread your wings in the online world. All you need is to join the platform and you get access to create your website. Besides this, you can choose different themes for your project from the vast library. This way you can lift the stress of designing from your shoulders and focus more on your content. In case your website is earning good profit and you look to increase the resources, then you can shift to a yearly plan and enjoy premium features. You can easily install new plugins to increase your productivity and incorporate the power of SEO

Our Expert Rating: 92% Pros Regular backups and updates Quick and simple interface No hidden cost for hosting services Cons Users have to include WordPress.com in the domain No premium features in the free plan

7. x10 Hosting

x10 hosting’s free plan provides all the basic resources to get your online presence started. You get access to Direct admin, 2 databases, 3 professional email addresses, 3 domains, and 500 MB storage. There are no hidden costs in the free plan and you can always avail its the services without any stress or time limit. However, in case you need more resources, you can easily shift to the paid alternative and get access to unlimited resources for your project.

Our Expert Rating: 90% Pros Self and community support One-click software installation Flexible web hosting Cons Less storage Difficult cancellation process

8. Byet

Get ready to harness the power of free hosting with no ads for your next project with Byet Hosting. From static to dynamic websites, you can launch anything with this excellent hosting provider. You get an FTP account and file manager for ease of usage. Further, you get 5 add-on, parked, and subdomains for free. The best thing about this plan is that you get a free site builder with different templates. With it you quickly design your website and launch it.

Our Expert Rating: 90% Pros Access to Softaculous script installer Instant activation 24/7 support Cons Self-signed SSL certificates only

9. 000Webhost

Powered by Hostinger, 000Webhost offers an amazing free alternative. Their plan remains forever free and comes with Zyro website builder. You can easily create one website with 300 MB disk space. Moreover, you will have 1 FTP account, 1 MySQL Database and 99% uptime guarantee. There are some drawbacks, of course. No free domain and no subdomains, no free SSL certificate as well. However, you can swiftly upgrade to one of Hostinger’s paid plans. They start from $1.99 and come with a lot more perks.

Our Expert Rating: 88% Pros Cloudflare Protected Nameservers 1 FTP Account 1 MySQL Database Cons No live support No free domain

The good and the bad sides of using a free plan

Measuring the pros and cons of free website hosting is crucial. It is good to be prepared with information that can can help you in the long run. So, let’s begin!

Pros of using a free plan

• A free plan often promises a completely free domain and hosting.
• It is the best for beginners who are experimenting with different free trial plans. This lets you have a clear idea of which company to invest in!
• Along with free hosting with cPanel, you can get a free domain, or even free email.
• It also helps people who want to learn practical web development without any hassle.

Cons of using a free plan.

• It always comes with bandwidth and storage restrictions.
• This plan showcases less privacy and security features.
• There may be slow page loads and lots of ads on the site.
• The technical support is either not present or very bad.

How safe is free web hosting?

As discussed in the previous section, the safety of free hosting is always a vexed question. It is because most reliable free web hosting services maintain a basic level of security. Further, it is always questioned if your data requires advanced security features. Thus, it all depends upon the type of data you share and the web hosting provider you use. Some of them showcase forced ads. Others limit you in different ways – no SSL certificate, in example. This means that your overall experience may be hindered.

Moreover, moving your site to a new provider when it becomes popular is a whole new nightmare. Free hosting providers often seek a higher charge when it comes to their paid services. As per their hidden terms and details, they may start owning your content too. Thus, data safety is always a big problem when it comes to your site security.

Simple precautions to ease your safety woes to some extent

• Firstly, make it a point to use free web hosting from safe web hosting providers only. Luckily, we discussed those in the previous sections.
• Secondly, never compromise on any security quotient for free services.
• Thirdly, read all the terms and conditions thoroughly before making a final choice.

The importance of a custom domain

Honestly speaking, a personalized domain name is a must. It gives you the chance to present yourself as reliable and professional. Customers will see you as someone willing to put the extra effort. This will definitely increase their trust and help you establish your brand. A majority of web hosting providers let you register a custom domain with them. Furthermore, this is often offered for free for up to a year as part of a hosting package. Owning a domain, however, cannot remain free forever. At some point you will have to pay to renew it. Moreover, you won’t be able to purchase one indefinitely. Your custom name can be reserved for up to 10 years at a time. Make sure you update your renewal, or you risk losing it.

How to register a domain

1. Choose your registrar – it can be a standalone service, or your web hosting provider.
2. Think of a good name that fits your business well.
3. Choose your suffix – .com, .net, .org – depending on your needs.
4. Check the availability. Tons of personalized names are registered daily. If yours is not available, don’t be discouraged. Just be creative.
5. Choose how long you wish to hold this domain name. As we stated, you can’t keep it indefinitely. You will have to renew your registration regularly.
6. Pay for your reservation. If you got it for free with your host – that’s great! You will have to pay when it’s time for renewal.
7. Now you’re ready to set up your website and business email.

What is a subdomain and how can I use one?

Now that you know how to register a domain let’s talk about an alternative. You are able to create a new domain using the subdomain feature. It refers to the process of using your already available domain and changing the ‘www’ to your intended alternative. Let’s suppose your domain name is: www.example.com, this means the subdomain can be: blog.example.com or support.example.com, etc., as you like. Don’t worry! It will be a completely new webpage with its own unique content. A good domain, and further – subdomain name, is always a plus. It lets you stand out more. Moreover, being recognizable among the competition is important!

How to create and use a subdomain

1. Start by logging into the cPanel of your website hosting.
2. Now go to the Domains section and tap on ‘Subdomains.’
3. Once you find the subdomain option, just tap on it. 
4. Pick the domain name of which you want to create an alternative. Also, type the required subdomain. 
5. When you do this, you can see that the document root gets automatically filled.
6. Tap on the Create option.

Top sites that offer free subdomain with hosting

Boost your next project with InfinityFree hosting and open a new world of opportunities for your brand. With a 99.9% uptime guarantee, the provider offers free unlimited web hosting. You can host any domain and there are no frustrating ads on your site. Furthermore, you get 5 GB disk space, unlimited bandwidth, and 400 MySQL databases. With Softaculous Installer, you can install apps, scripts, and CMS within a few clicks of your mouse.

Our Expert Rating: 100% Pros Free subdomain hosting Free DNS service Free SSL certificates on all the domains Cons Ads on cPanel

AwardSpace offers free website hosting with custom domains with a 99.9% uptime guarantee. The provider offers firewall protection and spam/virus protection for better data security and privacy. With the single-click CSM installer, you can set up WordPress and Joomla in no time. Further, you can host one domain and then add 3 subdomains for free. The platform is completely ad-free and you get round the clock undaunted customer support.

Our Expert Rating: 98% Pros Free website builder Instant account activation Full MySQL database support Cons Limited data centers

With no forced ads, interactive website builder, malware protection, cPanel, and business emails, you get the full package with GoogieHost free web hosting services. The website builder allows you to create the website design in no time even if you are not proficient in any programming language. You get free subdomains to create websites instantly.

Our Expert Rating: 96% Pros Support of Softaculous Auto Installer Ultra-fast web hosting services Free SSL certificates Cons No premium dedicated support

A few final words

In the end, make it a point to check every minute detail about your desired free hosting provider. Moreover, make sure you’re not overlooking the security aspect. It plays a pivotal role in keeping your trust in a particular provider while you use their services. Free web hosting can definitely charm you with its amazing offer. However, you must never ignore the risks that come with it. Always read the fine print and stay protected.

Is it a good idea to choose free web hosting, though? Well, we say – yes! If it is your first website, definitely go for it. There is nothing better than trial and error. You will test all features yourself and find out what suits you best. However, if you have big plans such as earning revenue through ads or affiliate links, you must be very careful with the hidden conditions. Now, start creating your website!

FAQ

There are plenty of FTP hosting providers in the market that offer tons of features. FTP refers to downloading, uploading, and migrating files from your computer to the server or vice versa. Businesses looking to keep their data safe use an FTP server to cater to their needs. You can securely share files over the internet between your clients and manage everything properly. You can opt for hosted FTP services or cloud FTP services according to your needs.

Usually, developers use a web browser or command prompt to access the server. But, nowadays, FTP clients have made it easy to access the server and perform different operations. You get better access to the files and enjoy administrative control.

Here in this list, we have listed the best options that offer the best services at the best prices. You can go through the whole list and compare the features to funnel down the best one for you.

If you’re in a hurry

What is FTP hosting and how does it work?

In a world, where cyber threats and data security are critical, having a reliable FTP host on your side is a boon. You can access your files easily and share them securely which boosts your productivity and brings profits to your business.

In simple words, FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. As the name suggests, this fundamental technology allows you to send and receive files over the internet with full data security. Most web hosting providers offer users FTP accounts to handle files, access their server, and perform different operations accordingly.

There are different ways to establish an FTP connection. You can use a command prompt or web browser to communicate with the FTP server. Now, web developers prefer FTP clients over these methods to access the directories in the server.

Connecting an FTP client

With an FTP client, they get more freedom in accessing and managing the files as compared to the other two ways. Besides, there are several more features that make it a promising way than the other options. You can easily access the FTP server through your account. In case you are getting into any trouble here are the simple steps to follow.

• Login with your hosting provider and go to the FTP account section.
• Now fill in the right credentials to sign in.
• A list will come on your screen which will contain active FTP accounts.
• Now, use any client to connect. Here we have taken FileZilla for example. So, fill in the right credentials and click on Quickconnect. You can also fill in the port number. If you don’t, the default value will be used, which is 21.
• All done. You will get all the information in the status window regarding the files on the FTP server.

Let’s check out our top picks

1. A2 Hosting

Are you looking for a secure FTP hosting provider that offers fast and reliable services? Don’t worry. A2 Hosting is here for you. The provider offers turbo servers for better loading time and high performance. There are several FTP providers in the market, but you can depend on A2 Hosting as the company promises 99.9% uptime. You enjoy full root access with which you can customize all the elements according to your requirements. Besides this, you get full support(live chat, phone, email) on all your queries and issues from the knowledgeable support team of the provider.

Our Expert Rating: 100% Best Features Hassle free money-back guarantee Perpetual security protocols Cheap FTP hosting

2. IONOS

In the crowd of FTP providers, IONOS offers you unlimited storage hosting when it comes to FTP file hosting. With plenty of disk space on your side, you can carry out all the operations without any worry. The provider incorporates technologies like SSH and SSL/TLS to offer you fully-secured services. They support both protocols so that you can enjoy secure file transfer in both Windows and Linux hosting. You can easily add additional accounts and even specify the right of those accounts according to your requirements. Moreover, the provider performs daily backups according to a pre-established schedule. You can also manually back up the data for better recovery anytime.

Our Expert Rating: 98% Best Features 24/7 expert support Mobile app support 1-year free domain

3. DreamHost

DreamHost offers shared hosting plans that offer unlimited bandwidth and storage and SFTP accounts. You get SSH access so that you can hold all the administrative powers and assign different access to different users according to your requirements. Moreover, you can manage all the operations easily with the DreamHost control panel. With DreamHost FTP, you get a 97-day money-back guarantee. So, if you are not satisfied with the services, you can easily get a full refund of your money. On top of this, the provider conducts automated backups so that you can prevent any data loss and recover quickly in case of an accident.

Our Expert Rating: 96% Best Features Free domain for 1 year Free privacy protection Unlimited MySQL databases

4. Hostinger

With the state-of-the-art infrastructure in its arsenal, Hostinger offers reliable and unmated performance when it comes to FTP file hosting. Under the premium shared hosting plan, you get unlimited FTP accounts with SSH access. So, you don’t need to worry about data security while transferring it to the desired location. Get complete control over all the elements so that you can manage everything properly. You can also manage all the operations through the powerful control panel which further reduces your workload. The provider has global data centers, so you get better data availability and the lowest possible latency time.

Our Expert Rating: 96% Best Features 100 email accounts Free domain registration 24/7/365 expert support Visit Hostinger

5. GoDaddy

No matter the size of your business, GoDaddy is the go-to option for everyone. With an easy-to-operate control panel, you can control everything from a single point. This way you can boost your productivity and do more work in less time. In case, you need any resources, scaling up to meet the demand is seamless. With GoDaddy FTP, you enjoy better data availability as they have global data centers. GoDaddy guarantees 99.9% uptime so that you can serve your clients in a better way. In case you are not fully satisfied with the services, you can get a full refund of your money within 30 days.

Our Expert Rating: 94% Best Features Virus, fraud, and spam protection Auto-responder 24/7 support from an industrious team

6. SiteGround

Boost your business with reliable and secure services of SiteGround FTP hosting. With the cheapest plan, you get 10 GB of Web Space and unlimited FTP accounts. The best thing with the provider is that you get unmetered traffic. SiteGround has robust security protocols in place so you don’t need to worry about data security and privacy. Your data is protected with daily backups. So, if any accident occurs, you can recover from that easily and keep going with your services without incurring heavy losses. The provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can get a full refund if you are not satisfied with the services.

Our Expert Rating: 94% Best Features Unlimited databases Free email and SSL

7. Hosted FTP

Amp up your FTP file hosting with Hosted FTP cloud FTP services and gain more profits. No need to manage FTP and SFTP servers. With the power of the cloud in your hands, you can offer ultra-fast services and premium features. The company has worldwide servers with which you can enjoy high speed and fast connections. With Hosted FTP services, you get a 21-day free trial. You can use and test all of them before you pay anything. You just need to sign-up with the platform and enjoy. There is no need to add your credit card to avail the free trial. In case you need more resources, you can upgrade anytime and enjoy premium resources.

Our Expert Rating: 92% Best Features 99.999999999% uptime guarantee No irritating ads 256-bit AES encryption for better privacy

What are FTP clients and do I need one?

In simple words, an FTP client is software that allows you to establish a connection between your device and the FTP server. This way you can access your files on the server and perform the desired connection. As the name suggests, it works with the client-server architecture, where your device is the client or host and the remote FTP server is the central hub for all the files. FTP client allows you to transfer files in both directions. This means you can move files in the dual-direction that is from server to client and vice versa.

You can send requests from the browser, but if you are a web developer then you should get an FTP client to reduce the pressure on your shoulders. With a suitable FTP client, you can perform different operations under a single roof and increase your productivity. Besides this, you don’t need to get into any technical complexities. However, make sure that you choose an FTP client that works with your OS.

The most important features to look for in FTP hosting

Here is a list of some important features that you need to keep in your mind before you opt for any of the available FTP providers.

⦁ Price

The price of the plan plays a critical role while funnelling down the options. With Hosted FTP service, you just need to pay a monthly fee and avoid any upfront cost. Besides, look for options that provide a good pricing structure. This way you will know the price you are paying for the resources and services from the host. Moreover, you should look for clients that offer free trials. This way you can test their features and services before paying them any actual money.

There may be some providers that offer free FTP hosting but go through their terms properly before signing up with them. There may be hidden clauses that will ruin your experience later.

⦁ Security

When picking an FTP host for your business, you need to address all the data security vulnerabilities. Cyberthreats are evolving day by day, so you need to get an FTP host that is all set to save you from everything. You should look into encryption protocols that are incorporated by the FTP host. Multi-factor authentication further adds more security which can protect your data.

⦁ Automation

Automation features in the FTP host will reduce the workload on your shoulders and increase productivity. You can perform different operations in less time and earn more profits. Moreover, you can automate different operations to save your time and invest in other aspects of your business.

⦁ Flexibility

In the capricious corporate world, all businesses are evolving day by day. So, you need to pick a host that will cater to your needs as your business grows. Always remember to pick an option that will stay on your side in the longer run. Your host should fulfill your present needs and have the flexibility to evolve with your varying demands in the future. This way you don’t have to change your host in the future which can be a complex and frustrating process.

⦁ Disaster recovery

Disaster recovery is a crucial aspect when looking for an FTP host. If any data loss occurs due to an accident, then your normal flow of operation will be hindered. However, if your host offers backup support then you can recover quickly and get back online with your services and avoid falling into the bear trap.

HTTP vs FTP – what is the difference?

HTTP stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol whereas FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. In simple words, HTTP is a set of protocols that regulate the transfer of web pages over different computers. On the other side, FTP is the set of protocols that regulate the downloading and uploading of the files from a client to the server.

HTTP is a stateless protocol so it can maintain multiple sessions seamlessly. However, FTP is not a stateless protocol and holds the information of the user. So, maintaining multiple sessions for FTP is a little more difficult than HTTP.

FTP requires user authentication so it is safer than HTTP which does not require any authentication. HTTP is more suited for sending small-sized files whereas with FTP you can send files of any size. FTP is a dual-way communication and HTTP is one way. This way HTTP is faster than FTP.

Are there any free options?

Yes, there are several free FTP providers in the market. You can look for them and opt for any one that suits your needs. However, always remember to go through all the terms and conditions of the host properly. There may be some hidden clauses that can hurt you in the longer run. There may be a lock-in period so if you are not satisfied with the services even then you cannot back out from that option. So, evaluate all the things thoroughly before choosing any free option.

Also, keep in mind that your business will grow and demands will increase. Check whether the free option is capable of fulfilling the needs of your business after 5 or 10 years. Choose an option that fits your budget, has clear terms, and offers good features. FileZilla is one of the best FTP sites that offer free services.

Who should opt for FTP hosting?

FTP hosting is crucial for website developers. They have to upload content on the server where they are hosting their website. The FTP allows them to download and upload files easily without any unnecessary hassle. Industries like agriculture, transcription services, printing, media, marketing, business consulting, and finance use this technology to send large files to their server or store a large amount of sensitive data on a secured server. Above all, they don’t need to invest in expensive hardware to store their data. They can easily spend some handfuls and store their files safely on a remote server. In simple words, anyone who needs to send small or large files over the internet frequently can use the technology and enjoy its perks.

How many FTP accounts should I have?

The number of FTP accounts depends on your hosting partner and your business needs. Always try to go with an FTP host that allows you to make multiple FTP accounts. This way you can have administrative control and make other accounts for your employees and assign different permission to them according to the roles.

For example, if you are a web developer then at the beginning you need 1 account. As your website grows, you need more employees to work on different aspects like designing, content, etc. You can make individual accounts for all your team members and specify different permission for those accounts. This way they can directly access the server to complete their responsibilities and work without getting access to any unauthorized data. You can keep your sensitive data safe and increase your productivity without going through any complex processes.

In conclusion

FTP hosting will help you transfer files in a secured way without any unnecessary hassle. If you are looking to transfer large files or store bulk data safely, then you should opt for an FTP hosting provider. Furthermore, with a provider, you don’t have to spend on expensive hardware to store your data. You can simply look for cheap FTP hosting options and choose anyone that caters to your needs. In the above article, we have listed the top options that offer budget-friendly, secure, and reliable FTP hosting services. Go through them and choose anyone that complements your business. Moreover, go through the guide so that you funnel down the best option for your next project.

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