If you’re new to WordPress, hosting can feel like the most confusing part of getting a site online. This guide covers what WordPress hosting actually is, the server requirements your host needs to meet, the main types of hosting available, and what to check before you sign up.
What is WordPress hosting?
WordPress is free, open-source software — but it still needs to run on a server somewhere. “Hosting” is that server space: a computer (or cluster of computers) that stores your site’s files and database, and serves your pages to visitors 24/7. Some hosts are general-purpose (you install WordPress yourself), while others are “managed WordPress hosts” that pre-configure everything and handle updates, backups, and caching for you.
Minimum server requirements
Before choosing a host, make sure it meets WordPress’s official requirements. As of 2026, WordPress.org recommends:
- PHP 8.3 or greater — the programming language WordPress is built on.
- MariaDB 10.11+ or MySQL 8.0+ — the database that stores your posts, pages, and settings.
- HTTPS support — an SSL/TLS certificate so your site loads securely (most hosts include a free one via Let’s Encrypt).
- Apache or Nginx as the web server — WordPress calls these “the most robust and featureful,” though technically any server that supports PHP and a compatible database will work.
WordPress can still limp along on PHP 7.4+ and MySQL 5.5.5+, but those versions have reached end-of-life and no longer receive security patches — avoid any host that offers them by default.
Other things your host should provide
- Enough disk space for your files, images, and database — a few GB is plenty to start.
- Adequate PHP memory limit (WordPress recommends at least 64 MB, though 256 MB is a safer default with plugins installed).
- One-click WordPress install or pre-installed WordPress, so you’re not configuring the database by hand.
- Regular backups, ideally automatic and off-site.
Types of WordPress hosting
- Shared hosting — your site lives on a server alongside many others. Cheapest option and fine for beginners or low-traffic sites, but performance can suffer if a “neighbor” site gets a traffic spike.
- Managed WordPress hosting — the host handles updates, backups, caching, and security specifically for WordPress. Costs more, but removes most of the technical maintenance.
- VPS (Virtual Private Server) — you get a dedicated slice of a server’s resources. More control and consistent performance, but usually requires more technical know-how.
- Dedicated hosting — an entire physical server to yourself. Overkill for beginners, but built for large, high-traffic sites.
Most beginners start with shared or managed WordPress hosting, then move to a VPS as traffic and complexity grow.
A quick checklist before you sign up
- Does it meet the PHP/MySQL requirements above?
- Is a free SSL certificate included?
- Are backups automatic, and can you restore them yourself?
- What’s the uptime guarantee, and is there a status page or history?
- Is support available when you actually need it (live chat, ticket response times)?
- Can you upgrade your plan easily as your site grows?
You don’t need the fanciest plan to get started — just one that meets WordPress’s baseline requirements and won’t leave you stuck if something breaks. Get those fundamentals right, and everything else (themes, plugins, design) becomes much easier to figure out.