What is web hosting, and what do you pay for?
Updated on .
Web hosting is a service that stores a website's files on a server and delivers them to visitors over the internet. You rent the server space from a hosting company for a fixed period.
How does web hosting work?
- You buy a hosting plan. The hosting company gives you space on a server that stays online all day.
- You put your website on that server, for example by installing WordPress.
- You connect a domain name to the hosting plan.
- A visitor types the domain name. The server sends the website to the visitor's browser.
What are the types of web hosting?
The four common types are web hosting, cloud hosting, VPS hosting and agency hosting. They differ in how much of a server you get and who manages it. The price column is the lowest price we tested on 12 October 2026.
| Type | What you get | Suits | Lowest tested price per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web hosting | Many websites share one server and its resources. | A first website, a blog, a small business site | $2.39 (Hostinger Premium, 48 months) |
| Cloud hosting | A website gets more processor power and memory than on a shared plan. | A busy site or an online store | $6.39 (Hostinger Cloud Startup, 48 months) |
| VPS hosting | You rent a fixed share of a server and manage the software yourself. | Developers and custom software | $5.19 (Hostinger KVM 1, 24 months) |
| Agency hosting | One account holds many client websites. | Agencies and freelancers with many clients | $23.20 (Hostinger Agency Startup, 24 months) |
The guide on shared vs VPS hosting compares the two most common types in detail.
How much does web hosting cost?
Web hosting cost from $2.39 to $27.20 a month in our tests on 12 October 2026. The price depends on the hosting type and on the period you pay for. The Hostinger coupon code page lists the tested price of each plan.
What is the difference between web hosting and a domain name?
Web hosting is the space where the website is stored. A domain name is the address people type to reach it. You need both. They are separate products, and each has its own renewal price.
What do I need to start a website?
- A web hosting plan.
- A domain name.
- Website software, such as WordPress, or a website builder.