The problem with any “best of” website hosting lists is that most don’t compare apples with apples, and if they did, the apples would be basically all the same, and so would the oranges.
The truth is that many hosting providers are nearly identical. In fact, more than 60 well-known cPanel-based hosting companies are owned by the same parent company – Endurance International Group (EIG). And because most traditional hosting uses the same cPanel interface, the real differences often come down to server resources and the quality of customer support.
1. Paramark
paramark.com.au/website-hosting
Best done-for-you WordPress hosting
Done-for-you WordPress hosting means we do everything for you related to hosting and maintaining your WordPress website.
Many people mistakenly assume that just buying a hosting plan from GoDaddy will mean your website hosting is sorted. As we’ll explain further down, traditional and managed hosting just takes care of the server. You still need to do backups, updates, and fix security issues unless you’ve got someone (like us) to do it for you.
These issues often amount to a recurring headache and a significant security risk if not handled properly.
At Paramark, we take care of the technical side of running your website so you can focus on your business. We still use a 3rd party hosting provider (Kinsta), which you could engage on your own, however, we layer that with direct phone support, complete security, backup and plugin monitoring, so there’s nothing at all for you to do.
Our services include setting up and configuring your hosting, installing WordPress, applying essential security measures, keeping your site up to date, and managing backups. Performance monitoring and troubleshooting are also handled for you, ensuring your site remains online, secure, and running smoothly without requiring you to manage the technical details.
With Paramark, you also have direct access to responsive, local customer service whenever you need help or advice.
2. Squarespace OR Shopify
Best all-in-one website platform
All-in-one website platforms combine hosting, website building tools, security, and technical maintenance into a single subscription. Instead of finding separate providers for hosting, design, and management, you get everything under one roof. This is why they deserve a place in a discussion about website hosting, because hosting is built into the service, removing the need to manage it yourself.
All-in-one website platforms mean you generally don’t need to worry about security, backups or software updates. However, the downside is that you’re locked into the platform. For example, you couldn’t just move your website to us, we’d have to rebuild your website in WordPress.
Squarespace
https://www.squarespace.com/pricing
Squarespace is a popular all-in-one platform for small business websites. If you’re not running an e-commerce website, it’s the best all-in-one platform from our perspective. You can still add products and transactions to your website, but it’s not built for e-commerce the way Shopify is.
Squarespace offers reliable uptime, built-in security measures, and automatic updates, ensuring your site runs smoothly without requiring extra effort.
Alternatives such as Wix and Webflow offer similar features, but Squarespace wins for its balance of design flexibility, ease of use, and predictable performance. With hosting, design, and management all handled in one place, it is a solid option for businesses that require a simple and dependable online presence.
Shopify
https://www.shopify.com/au/pricing
Shopify is the go-to all-in-one e-commerce platform. While its design options and custom functionality are not as flexible as WordPress or other all-in-one platforms, its strength lies in unbeatable inventory and order management. It is built for selling, with secure hosting, integrated payment processing, and tools that make it easy to manage products, track stock, and fulfil orders efficiently.
For small businesses focused on online sales, Shopify removes the complexity of running an e-commerce site and provides a reliable hosting environment optimised for performance and security.
If you’re thinking about creating an e-commerce website, don’t bother with WordPress or any of the other platforms; just go straight for Shopify.
3. Kinsta
Best WordPress hosting platform
WordPress hosting platforms are built specifically to run WordPress efficiently and securely.
Unlike traditional cPanel hosting, managed WordPress hosting eliminates the need for system administration—i.e., monitoring server resources, setting up server software (such as WordPress), and resolving database issues. This means you can just focus on getting WordPress right (which has its own set of things to manage).
Kinsta is my top pick for the best WordPress hosting platform due to its outstanding reliability and exceptional support. Any minor differences in speed between Kinsta and competitors are negligible in real-world use, so what really matters is stability and help when you need it fast. Kinsta’s instant chat support connects you directly to extremely knowledgeable tech support, which is waaaay better than waiting around for support tickets to be answered. Their platform consistently delivers high uptime and proactive monitoring.
There are other competitors we’ve considered, such as SiteGround, Cloudways and WP Engine. They’ve all got great server reliability, but Kinsta has at least as good, if not better reliability than the others. What sets Kinsta apart is the support provided – and when you’re running a website for a small to medium business, that’s what is most important in my opinion.
4. Fastcomet
https://www.fastcomet.com/pricing
Best traditional hosting provider
Traditional hosting is what most people think of when they think about “website hosting.” With this type of service, you’re given access to a cPanel account where you can log in to your server, install software such as WordPress, and handle system settings yourself.
While this flexibility is appealing, it does mean you are responsible for a lot of the behind-the-scenes management. Things can and do go wrong: MySQL can crash, databases can become corrupted, and server resources can get overloaded. When that happens, you need to be comfortable troubleshooting or working with your provider’s support team to resolve issues.
Most traditional hosting providers offer three options:
- Shared Hosting – The most affordable option, where multiple users share the same server resources.
- Virtual Private Server (VPS) – A more powerful and private slice of a server with dedicated resources.
- Dedicated Server – A whole server dedicated solely to your websites or applications.
FastComet is my choice for the best traditional hosting provider because it combines competitive server specifications with solid performance, transparent pricing, and support. Their plans come with generous resources at a competitive price, and their uptime record is pretty good.
Generally, when things go wrong, it’s because something on your website has caused an issue resulting in server failure, or you’ve run out of resources. My question is – is this something you really want to have to deal with? With the types of hosting I mentioned previously, many of these types of problems don’t occur by design, so you’re not having to manage something else as well as run a business. When it comes to traditional hosting, there are hundreds of alternatives. Most of them are basically the same, and the only differences are server specs and support. Fastcomet has pretty good server spec for the money, and the support is pretty generous, but still ticket-based. You could also consider Hostinger or VentraIP for an Australian option.
5. Digital Ocean
https://www.digitalocean.com/pricing/calculator
Best Unmanaged Cloud Hosting
Unmanaged cloud hosting is like renting an empty apartment. You get the keys and four bare walls, but what you do with the space is entirely up to you. You need to bring in the furniture, appliances, and paint. If something breaks, including the plumbing, it is your responsibility to repair or replace it.
Which is how DigitalOcean Droplets work. You are given a blank server with no software or configuration in place. It is up to you to install cPanel, Plesk or some other form of server management software, then set up WordPress (or any other applications), and manage security, updates, and backups.
The upside is freedom and price. DigitalOcean is very affordable, and because you control everything, you can design the server to suit almost any type of website or application. The downside is that you are entirely on your own; there is no support, so you need the skills (or someone on your team) to keep it running smoothly.
This type of hosting is best for developers, technically confident business owners, or teams that want complete control over their hosting environment.
Website hosting options compared
Choosing the right hosting depends on your business needs, the level of technical skills you or your team can bring to managing a website, and your long-term goals for growth and stability. Below are the key considerations to help you decide which hosting option will serve you the best:
| Category | Our Pick | Benefits | Cost | Expertise required | Limitations |
| Done-for-you WordPress Hosting | Paramark (us) | Fully managed setup, updates, security, backups, and support. | Priced above other hosting options for fully managed convenience. | None – hosting and maintenance are fully managed. | Limited to WordPress websites. |
| All-in-One Website Platform | Squarespace or Shopify | Hosting, site builder, and integrated tools. | Predictable monthly fees, more than shared hosting but less than premium managed options. | Minimal – basic skills to use templates and drag-and-drop tools. | Proprietary platform; restricted design freedom and scalability. |
| WordPress Hosting Platform | Kinsta | Managed WordPress environment, support, and updates | Priced above traditional shared hosting but below full-service managed options. | Moderate – requires knowledge of WordPress setup, plugins, and content management. | Only suitable for WordPress websites. |
| Traditional Hosting Provider | FastComet | cPanel access and the ability to install any software | Low to Moderate – cheapest entry-level plans, but costs rise with VPS or dedicated options. | High – server and hosting management skills needed, including software installation and troubleshooting. | Time-intensive to manage; inconsistent support quality; higher risk of misconfigurations impacting site stability. |
| Unmanaged Cloud Hosting | Digital Ocean | Bare server, no software included | Low – inexpensive for basic usage, but costs scale with traffic and resources. | Advanced – strong technical expertise in server configuration, security, and maintenance. | No built-in support or management tools; mistakes in setup or security can cause serious downtime and data loss. |
Why choosing on price alone can be a mistake
It is tempting to select the cheapest hosting or website platform available, but cost should never be the only factor in your decision. Low-cost plans often come with hidden trade-offs, which can result in slow websites, unexpected downtime, or costly issues when something goes wrong.
Your website is the face of your business. It is often the first impression a customer will have, and if it is slow, unreliable, or insecure, it can damage your reputation and cost you sales. The ongoing cost of maintaining a website is as important as the initial price. Choosing the cheapest option upfront may save you a few dollars, but the long-term risks can far outweigh the savings.
A reliable platform not only reduces risk but also supports better marketing performance and scalability as your business grows. With the correct setup, WordPress offers the flexibility, SEO advantages, and growth potential that can deliver far more value to your business than a bargain-basement hosting plan ever will.
Is your website hosting as reliable as your business?
Your business website is one of your most valuable business assets. The foundation of that asset is strong hosting, backed by reliable security and regular backups. Without these in place, your website risks downtime, data loss, or security breaches that can damage both your reputation and your bottom line. Investing in quality hosting ensures your site remains stable, protected, and ready to support your business as it grows.
To transform your website into a lead generation machine, you also need thoughtful design, clear navigation, and a user experience that reflects your brand. Add in engaging content, up-to-date information, strong SEO, and well-placed calls to action, and your website becomes more than a digital business card; it becomes a tool that builds trust, attracts the right audience, and converts visitors into customers.As a trusted website design and maintenance company, Paramark has been helping Australian businesses for over 5 years. If you want a website that works as hard as you do, contact me today to discuss your business needs and goals.
