Whether running a business website or hosting your blog, Linux web hosting services provide an efficient, secure, and cost-effective platform for managing your online presence.
For those unfamiliar with the operating system, Linux is open-source software that runs on computers of all sizes worldwide. It's free and versatile enough to support almost any application or website.
Linux is the third-most popular desktop operating system, and many of the world’s most successful companies use Linux servers for their web hosting needs.
What is Linux Web Hosting?
Linux web hosting is a hosting service that uses the open-source Linux operating system to host websites. The power of Linux is undeniable, with 52.8% of the 500 most powerful supercomputers worldwide running on Linux OS as of mid-2021 (source).
It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for an affordable, reliable, and secure platform to manage their website. And, it proves especially useful for those who need the flexibility of open-source software or are running popular content management systems. Businesses that require specific applications or databases can also benefit from Linux hosting services as they offer more customization options than other operating systems.
The most popular type of Linux web hosting is shared hosting, where multiple users share the resources of a single server. This offers an affordable option for small businesses and individuals who don’t have the budget or technical skills to manage their own dedicated servers.
VPS (Virtual Private Server) hosting provides more control and flexibility than shared hosting but still at an economical price point. Each user will get a dedicated amount of resources, and it’s ideal for users who need more control over their hosting environment or have high-traffic websites.
For those with larger budgets or more technical needs, dedicated servers are the way to go. Dedicated servers provide maximum performance and control but come with a much higher price tag.
Benefits of Linux Web Hosting
Considering the advantages of Linux web hosting, it's no surprise that many people choose this platform to host their websites.
Here are some of the benefits:
- Security & Reliability – The Linux platform is renowned for its security and reliability, making it an ideal choice for mission-critical websites or those handling sensitive data. With robust firewalls and virus protection, you can rest assured that your website will be secure against malicious attacks.
- Flexibility – You can get a wide range of options when it comes to customizing your server environment. This includes configuring the software to fit your needs, from small business websites to large-scale enterprise applications.
- Cost – Linux is free to use and no licensing costs are associated with it, so you can save money on hosting fees compared to other operating systems. The open-source nature of Linux also allows for a great deal of customization without additional charges.
- Support – Most web hosting companies offer support for Linux, making it easy to get help if you ever experience any technical problems or need assistance setting up your server.
Choosing the Best Linux Hosting
Everyone will ultimately have a different opinion on what makes a good Linux web hosting service, but our research has revealed the following six leading contenders.
1. InMotion Hosting
Website: https://www.inmotionhosting.com
InMotion Hosting's Linux plans have undergone an upgrade, where customers can get up to double the RAM and faster hardware. Their constant improvements mean the service withstands the passage of time, even as newer competitors emerge.
What Makes InMotion's Linux Hosting Great?
InMotion Linux Hosting provides many features, such as free website migration and a hassle-free, lengthy, 90-day money-back guarantee. Take advantage of their security suite, BoldGrid site builder and templates, cPanel migrations, and SSD storage for up to 20x faster site loading speeds.
Learn more in our InMotion Hosting review.
InMotion Hosting Plans & Pricing
The pricing for InMotion Hosting starts at $2.99 per month for shared hosting (more details in table below), $19.99 per month for VPS hosting, and $89.99 per month for dedicated hosting.
| Features | Core | Launch | Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Websites | 2 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Free First Domain | No | Yes | Yes |
| Parked Domain | 1 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Email Address | 10 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| SSD Storage | 100 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Data Transfer | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Better Server Performance | 2x | 6x | 12x |
| E-commerce Ready | No | No | Yes |
| Automated Data Backup | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Signup Price | $2.29/mo | $4.99/mo | $4.99/mo |
InMotion Hosting Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Suitable for beginners
- Easy-to-use website-building software
- Unlimited email with all plans
Cons:
- Some plans are not month-to-month
2. LiquidWeb
Website: https://www.liquidweb.com
LiquidWeb is certainly bold – their tagline states that they are “the most helpful humans in hosting,” and they boast an uptime of 100%! On their front page, they promise “peace of mind hosting with 24/7 Heroic Support,” and they certainly deliver on that.
What Makes LiquidWeb Linux Hosting Great?
LiquidWeb is often referred to as the gold standard for web hosting companies – all of their servers are built with enterprise-grade hardware. Their packages also come with advanced features, such as a choice of the number of daily backups, impressive customer service promises, and tons of flexibility and control.
Learn more in our LiquidWeb review.
LiquidWeb Plans & Pricing
You likely won’t find a more comprehensive list of plans than you will on LiquidWeb. From VPS hosting at $25+ a month and VMware Private Cloud at $510 a month to customized plans, there’s no limit to what you can get for your money.
| Plans | Linux / 2G | Linux / 4GB | Windows / 4GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU Core | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| SSD Storage | 40 GB | 100 GB | 100 GB |
| Bandwidth | 10 TB | 10 TB | 10 TB |
| OS | AlmaLinux or CentOS 7 | AlmaLinux or CentOS 7 | Windows Server 2019 |
| Control Panel | InterWorx, Plesk Web Pro, or cPanel Admin | InterWorx, Plesk Web Pro, or cPanel Admin | Plesk Obsidian |
| Price | $25/mo | $35/mo | $65/mo |
LiquidWeb Pros and Cons
Pros:
- 100% uptime guarantee!
- Expert support from Red Hat Linux Certified technicians
- HIPPA and PCI compliance
Cons:
- More pricey than other services
- Not built for beginners
3. A2 Hosting
Website: https://www.a2hosting.com
Have a need for speed? A2 Hosting is the top cloud hosting provider on this list due to its extensive CPUs and max RAM. They also provide additional security features such as hack scanning and DDOS protection to protect your data from hackers.
Benefits of A2 Hosting
To ensure you have everything you need from the start, A2 Hosting offers an excellent selection of features. These include SSD storage, LiteSpeed caching technology, and Cloudflare CDN support to keep your content loading quickly. They also offer a cPanel control panel for easy website management and various popular scripts.
Learn more in our A2 Hosting review.
A2 Hosting Pricing
If you’re looking for budget prices, A2 might not be the provider for you. Although their shared hosting starts at $2.99/month (more details in table below), VPS hosting starts at $39.99/month, and dedicated hosting at $155.99/month.
| Features / Plans | Startup | Drive | Turbo Boost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Websites | 1 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Storage | 100 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Databases | 5 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Rewind Backups | No | Yes | Yes |
| Turbo Server | No | No | Yes |
| Free Migration | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Free SSL | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price /mo | $2.99/mo | $5.99/mo | $6.99/mo |
A2 Hosting Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unlimited storage space, bandwidth, and email accounts
- Free expert site migration
Cons:
- Steep increase in hosting fees during renewal
4. BlueHost
Website: https://www.bluehost.com
BlueHost is one of the most popular web hosting services in the world. They offer a wide range of Linux-based packages for virtually any website, but they’re most popular for hosting WordPress websites.
BlueHost Linux Hosting
BlueHost is a true all-rounder – they provide excellent value for money and a wide range of features, including unlimited storage, free domain registration, and excellent customer support.
Learn more in our BlueHost review.
BlueHost Plans & Pricing
BlueHost offers a range of packages starting at $4.95 per month for shared hosting (more details in table below), $19.99 per month for VPS hosting, and $79.99 per month for dedicated hosting.
| Features | Basic | Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Websites | 1 | Unlimited |
| Email Accounts | 5 | Unlimited |
| Website Space | 50 GB | Unmetered |
| Bandwidth | Unmetered | Unmetered |
| Free Domain | Yes | Yes |
| SubDomains | 25 | Unlimited |
| Free Migration | No | No |
| Free SSL Certificate | Auto SSL | Auto SSL |
| WordPress Integration | Yes | Yes |
| Git Support | No | No |
| Backup | No | No |
| MySQL Databases | 20 | Unlimited* |
| Signup Price | $2.95/mo | $5.45/mo |
| Renewal Price | $8.99/mo | $11.99/mo |
Bluehost Pros and Cons
Pros:
- One-click WordPress install
- SSL certificate and domain name free for the first year
- Excellent 24/7 customer support
Cons:
- No free site transfer
- Minimum 1-year sign-up contract
5. HostGator
Website: https://www.hostgator.com
If you’re just getting started with website hosting, then HostGator could be the perfect choice for you. Best known for being able to scale to meet the needs of any size website, HostGator offers a wide range of Linux-based hosting packages that come with robust customer support and reliable performance.
What Makes Hostgator Linux Hosting Tick?
HostGator offers an easy-to-use control panel, reliable uptime, and excellent customer service. They also provide free SSL certificates, unlimited storage space, 1-click WordPress installation, and more at competitive prices.
Learn more in our Hostgator review.
Hostgator Plans & Pricing
The best part about Hostgator Linux Hosting is its introductory offers. You can host a single website for just $2.75 per month, unlimited websites for $3.50 per month (more details in table below), and tack on Cloudflare CDN for faster page load times for a total of $5.25 per month. These prices make them one of the most affordable web hosts around, but be sure to check how much you’ll be paying after the intro offer.
| Features | Hatchling | Baby |
|---|---|---|
| Websites | 1 | Unlimited |
| Storage (SSD) | Unmetered | Unmetered |
| Bandwidth | Unmetered | Unmetered |
| Free Migration | Yes | Yes |
| Free Domain Name | Yes | Yes |
| Free PositiveSSL | No | No |
| Price | $2.75/mo | $3.50/mo |
| Website Builder | Yes | Yes |
HostGator Pros and Cons
Pros:
- 99.9% uptime guarantee
- Domain name included with all annual plans
- Email marketing software
Cons:
- No free backups
- Not the quickest serve response time
Key Takeaways
No matter what kind of project you have in mind, whether it’s a blog or an online store, there’s a Linux hosting service that can meet your needs. Consider your budget, what features you’ll need, and how much support you’ll require before settling on a provider – and don’t forget to compare prices.
Since Linux is available across shared, VPS, and dedicated hosting (and more), you can be sure to find a provider that works for you. With providers like A2 and InMotion Hosting offering great introductory offers and excellent customer service, it’s easy to get started with Linux-based web hosting.
