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Last Updated: Nov 2024

Top Hosting Companies with Domains 2024

Search our expert reviews to compare the leading domain hosting companies. Learn more about their special offers & get your site up and running, today.

Our Top Web Hosting Pick

Why do I need domain registration?

Before buying a domain, learn all there is to know. Simply put, a domain name is an identification label to show that you have ownership or control of an internet resource. A computer will recognize a website address based on behind the scenes binary IP addresses through domain name servers (DNS). However, in order for them to be easily recognizable and memorable to the public, the numerically addressed internet resource is given a name. What is easier to remember, http://74.125.224.72/ or http://Google.com? Exactly.

A website's name is the address of said site, and it should be memorable. With millions of websites on the internet, domain registrars will ensure that no names are duplicated, and act as intermediaries between users and the DNS. Remember, when buying a name, you might be referred to as the owner, but rather than ownership, it's leasing it for a term, and have bought the exclusive rights over that domain for a period of time. Most companies or registrars will allow customers to renew the name automatically at the end of this term, ensuring it does not appear back on the open market.

Is domain hosting the same as a domain registrar?

Not exactly. A domain registrar is a company which helps anyone buy a domain name. However, most companies offer this service, so you can choose both at the same time. Not only will the company more than likely be able to teach its customers how to buy a name, it may also help them register it. They often include excellent offers such as cheap domain names or even a free one.

Do hosts offer cheap domain transfer?

If you are looking to transfer an already established name, most companies will arrange to have the it transferred for you. Look for a platform that does this without causing downtime.

Other features you will want to research before choosing include:

  • Subdomains - This is part of the main domain. For example, your name could be myawesomewebsite.co.uk, and the online store may be found at the subdomain store.myawesomewebsite123.co.uk.
  • Parked - When a host offers this, it means that you can choose others to register under the main website, which will automatically reroute to the parent site. Think of it as a website alias.
  • Add-ons - This is a separate website, which can be controlled from the same control panel and account. 
  • Email addresses - A great professional extra touch is having personalized email addresses. This means customers can contact you directly through the website, for example mail@myawesomewebsite123.co.uk.

Our Top 3 Picks

  • 1
    IONOS

    1&1 IONOS offers a wide variety of hosting options ranging from shared and WordPress-optimized hosting to dedicated servers and VPNs.

    Pros
    • Wide variety of hosting packages
    • Fast SSD storage
    • 99.9% uptime
    Cons
    • Higher prices after 1st year
    • Email limit on lower tiers
  • 2
    GoDaddy

    You’ll no doubt be familiar with GoDaddy, the somewhat snarky, slightly scandalous, and seriously silly hosting service that combines humor and website hosting in a professional and reliable way. Between that and perks like affordable pricing, 99.9% uptime, and a free SSL certificate with most plans, GoDaddy is a great deal.

    Pros
    • One-click install for Drupal, WordPress, Joomla
    • Global data centers
    • Loads of hosting plans to choose
    Cons
    • Content isn’t transferred over themes
    • Pricing disclosure is not transparent
  • 3
    Fasthosts

    Fasthosts is a UK-based web hosting company with a wide range of plans that can suit the smallest business to the largest enterprise. You can choose from inexpensive shared hosting to large-scale cloud-hosted installations, with an above-average set of features and support for its price.

    If your customers are predominantly based in the UK, it’s worth checking out Fasthosts so you can offer them a fast-loading website. Avoid Fasthosts’ cheapest plans, though, as their performance is slower and they have significant limitations.

    Pros
    • 99.99% uptime guarantee
    • Excellent introductory rates
    • Free email
    Cons
    • Useful Ecommerce features reserved for high-tier plans
    • Prices jump 50-500% after the introductory period
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