How to select the best WordPress host from the best available… »

Blog hosts are not created equal. Some of the flashier blog hosts can be a bad value, while more pedestrian-looking ones can offer much superior server specs, service, and price. Not all web hosting reviews sites are created equal either. Before and beyond all the sales hype, while searching for a a great WordPress host for a blog, one has to start with the basics. These are the elements WordPress states are required to run WordPress:

* PHP version 4.3 or greater

* MySQL version 4.1.2 or greater

Additionally, they recommend Apache or Nginx as the best possible server for WordPress. Blog hosts should be able to advise Web developers on how WordPress runs on their own peculiar configurations.

WordPress also suggests, for the sake of security, that WordPress use the website developer’s own account username rather than the default username of the server. Many hosts use suPHP or a similar program to accomplish this.

Beyond the basics, the question of best WordPress host is subjective. There are many sites with web hosting reviews with varying opinions. WordPress is very powerful. It can be used in many ways, both as a blog script and as a full CMS. “Best” is based on the particular needs of an individual blog builder.

With that in mind, here are the five best WordPress hosts. These blog hosts will all do very well by WordPress.

Dreamhost

Dreamhost is usually singled out as one of the top three WordPress hosts and not without reason. It’s been in existence for thirteen years. They are known for their WordPress expertise, their impressive Dreamhost control panel, a highly-responsive Debian Linux operating system, and the great number of high-end options available for a small price. They offer unlimited basics including disk storage, transfers, domains, email addresses, and, most importantly where WordPress is concerned, unlimited MySQL databases. Prices start around $4 a month with promotional pricing.

BlueHost

BlueHost is big. It has the advantage of a very cogent, honest pricing policy. It offers the standard virtual unlimited features including unlimited disk storage, transfers, and domains. The real drawback here is that the website builder is limited to 50 MySQL databases. Each WordPress installation requires one database. It should be pointed out that too many installations will undoubtedly drag down the server. The serious builder may want to investigate a dedicated server at some point. BlueHost does offer a higher-priced dedicated option. Their virtual account is still a good place to start.

Laughing Squid

Laughing Squid sounds more like a pub in Manchester than a trendy host, however, this self-described ship of geeks takes their business very seriously. They are small and cannot offer the bulk options of big blog hosts. For instance, their smallest virtual account has only 25 GB of transfers a month and only one MySQL database. The builders who prefer small, personal, and hang-with-the-geeks-type hosting may well find a good fit here.

GreenGeeks

Green Geek host gives their hosting clients unlimited space, transfers, MySQL databases, email accounts, hosted domains, free setup, and free website migration. Their promotional pricing runs around $5 a month. They also offer Fantastico with its one-click installation script library. They are a good, solid host run by people who know their WordPress. They are a Canadian/USA Web hosting company.

HostGator

HostGator is the reptile to beat. Their $5 monthly account includes cPanel and Fantastico, It offers unlimited storage, bandwidth, and MySQL databases. The hatchling account does have a one domain restriction with no add-ons. Their $8 baby plan has all the usual unlimited one expects in a virtual host these days. What truly sets HostGator apart is their rapid-fire quality service. There seems to be a conscious attempt to improve the hosting experience at every level. When the technical end of things became spongy a couple of years ago, they were quick to resolve the situation. Any problem is usually met with immediate attention.

The best two? Hands down, DreamHost and HostGator. They offer Web longevity, great value, great service, superior WordPress knowledge, a top-level system, and all the tech specs any website could ask for. The smart website builder should start with these two great hosts.