The world of web host pricing

Posted by kent on July 10th, 2009

With the recent launch of our web hosting reviews, we thought we'd spend a little time talking about costs. Visiting the websites of a dozen web hosting companies is like walking down a carnival thoroughfare: you hear a lot of numbers, a lot of competing deals. One web host will offer hosting for $9.99 per month and another for $3.95 per month. The latter sounds like a better deal, but is it?

You've heard the phrase, "cheaper by the dozen"? With web hosts, it's often "cheaper by the dozens." That is, you often get better pricing when buying a multi-year plan. That's why our first column is labeled "Best Price" and the second column is labeled "Recommended Plan." Some web hosts would like to lock you in at $3.95 for five years. It's a good deal, but it's a lot to pay up front. And five years is an eternity in technology.

Pick the web host that has the best terms for you. Keep in mind that some have a prorated refund policy, but some have a refund policy that's as few as thirty days.

Check out our web hosting service reviews and pricing comparisons for more information on the best plan for you.