Best WordPress Hosting Canada 2022

Hosting services give you access to server space where you can upload content for your website and the scripts you use for interactive elements on your site. When users visit your website, the server where your content is hosted receives a request and sends the data the user needs to access.

Using a host means you don’t have to purchase your own server and ensure it’s always up and running and delivering the best speed possible. For most websites, self-hosting is cost-prohibitive.

Our Top 3 Recommendations

 

WordPress hosts are a popular option. They offer a type of plan that gives you access to a server environment optimized to deploy the WP content management system. WordPress provides you with click-and-drop tools to build your website, customizable themes, plugins, and more features.

Optimized for WP can mean different things from one host to another, which is why you should compare different packages offered by the best WordPress hosts. Here are a few examples of features you can find in WP hosting plans:

WP hosting plans features

• 1-click installer to deploy WP on your server
• Simple installation process to add WP plugins
• Hardware and software is optimized to deliver the best speed possible with WordPress
• Automated WP updates
• Resources and support are geared toward WP users

Some hosts go further and offer managed WordPress hosting options. These plans tend to cost more, but you will get access to additional features and receive help with deploying the most relevant WP plugins for your site.

Choosing a web host that delivers optimal performance for the best WordPress site experience possible is important. Slow loading time can be frustrating for users and can increase your bounce rate.

If most of your audience is local, we recommend prioritizing web hosting companies with servers in Canada or using a Content Delivery Network.

Top 10 Best WordPress Hosting Companies in Canada

Here are the WordPress hosts we recommend if your audience is primarily in Canada!

Web Hosting Canada

• Pricing: Starting at C$3.89/month
• Disk space: Unlimited
• Support options: Phone, live chat, ticket

WHC offers unparalleled value with a low price tag and performing servers. You can choose from a wide range of plans, including shared plans, cloud-based options, dedicated servers, and servers optimized for WP.

 

We don’t recommend the basic WP plan since you will only get 10 GB of storage and enough bandwidth for 25,000 visitors. The good news is that WHC offers a WordPress Pro solution for only a few cents more that comes with unlimited disk space and bandwidth, representing one of the best buys on the market.

The Pro plan comes with a one-click staging feature you can use to test changes made to your site, and you will get access to email marketing features. WHC also offers domain registration, domain transfers, and WP migration.

Pros

• An affordable hosting provider with unlimited disk space and site traffic
• Optimized for WP
• Free domain name registration and transfer with Pro plan
• Free security certificate
• Daily backups
• Marketing credits
• Money-back guarantee

Cons

• The Entry-level plan isn’t very interesting
• Price increases when you renew

SiteGround

• Pricing: US $3.95 per month
• Disk space: 10 GB
• Support options: Phone, live chat, ticket

SiteGround is one of the few hosts recommended by WordPress.org. It’s a popular option, and you will find affordable packages adapted to your needs.

SiteGround stands out thanks to the proprietary speed and security solutions. This company uses a proprietary caching system to optimize the speed of your site. You will get access to Cloudflare CDN to deliver optimal speed in every region of the world, and SiteGround uses AI and other groundbreaking technology to enhance server security.

The WP plans include a security certificate, backups, automated WP updates, and more.

Pros

• An affordable and reliable option
• Different packages to choose from
• Excellent performance in terms of speed and security
• Automated WP updates
• Free Cloudflare
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• No server location in Canada
• StartUp WP plan limits you to one site

GreenGeeks

• Pricing: Starts at the US $2.95 a month
• Disk space: Unlimited
• Support options: Phone, live chat

This award-winning host will help you reduce your environmental footprint. GreenGeeks replaces 300% of the energy its data centers use in the form of renewable energy credits.

GreenGeeks is an ideal option for a Canadian WordPress site because this web host has a data center in Montreal. You will also benefit from GreenGeek’s PowerCacher system, designed to boost loading times for your site.

WordPress hosting products include automated WP updates, free migration for your WP site, fast loading speed, and access to expert 24/7 support. The packages deliver good value since they include a free domain name for your first year and SSL. Getting started is easy thanks to the 1-click installer feature you can use to deploy WP.

Pros

• Commitment to renewable energy
• Canadian data center
• Includes a free SSL certificate
• Access to an extensive knowledge base
• PowerCacher feature
• Domain name
• Money-back guarantee

Cons

• The most affordable plan guarantees the standard performance
• Other hosts have more locations

Related – Best Web Hosting Canada in 2023

HostUpon

• Pricing: US $2.95 a month
• Disk space: Unlimited disk space
• Support options: Live chat, ticket

HostUpon is one of the most affordable Canadian-based WordPress hosting companies. This WordPress hosting provider has a data center in Toronto, and you will get access to 24/7 support agents who are located in Canada.

The basic WP plan offered by HostUpon comes with unlimited storage space, a firewall feature, a domain, and backups. HostUpon uses servers that are optimized to deliver the best performance possible with WordPress.

Getting started is easy thanks to the auto-installer and the different tools available to migrate your website. We recommend upgrading to the Business plan if you need to host more than one site or want a performance boost.

Pros

• Entirely based in Canada
• Free domain
• Unlimited storage
• Servers optimized for WP

Cons

• Doesn’t include SSL certificates unless you purchase a Premium plan
• Performance is limited for the Starter plan

WP Engine

• Pricing: Starts at the US $25 a month
• Disk space: 10 GB
• Support options: Live chat, ticket

WP Engine is more expensive than other hosts, but this company offers a managed WordPress hosting solution. You get more for your money and should consider this option if you want to grow your online business with the help of a team of WP experts.

WP Engine markets its solutions to small businesses, agencies, and enterprises. This host uses Amazon Web Services and cloud-based servers powered by Google to deliver fast hosting solutions optimized for using WordPress. Its caching system, EverCache, will enhance your site’s performance.

You will benefit from features like real-time threat detection, SSL, CDN, and automated patches and updates. The WP Engine team will also help you customize your environment with tools like Dev, Stage, Git integration, and more.

Pros

• Designed to support business growth
• Access to a team of WP experts
• Free CDN and SSL
• Customization options for your WP environment
• Get more for your money with managed WordPress hosting

Cons

• More expensive than other options
• Only 10 GB storage with the entry-level plan

HostGator

• Pricing: US $2.75 a month
• Disk space: Unlimited disk space
• Support options: Phone, live chat

HostGator is one of the most popular hosting solutions because of its affordable plans. Choosing HostGator to host your site gives you access to features like free website transfer, a domain, a 1-click installer for more than 50 scripts, security certificates, and an extensive knowledge base with articles and videos.

The downside of HostGator is the lack of transparency. This service promises unlimited storage space and bandwidth, but reading the fine print reveals that your access to server resources is measured against what HostGator considers standard use, which isn’t defined anywhere.

HostGator’s main servers are in the US, and this host doesn’t let you choose where your website is hosted. HostGator packages don’t give you access to a CDN.

Pros

• An affordable option for WP hosting
• Plans come with ad credit
• Extensive online resources

Cons

• No data center in Canada
• No CDN
• Have to purchase backup and restore feature as an add-on

InMotion Hosting

• Pricing: US $6.39 a month
• Disk space: Unlimited
• Support options: Phone, live chat, email

InMotion Hosting offers affordable shared hosting products that you can use for up to two websites, but you can also subscribe to an entry-level package with WP-specific features for a few cents more. The WordPress plan allows you to create a single website and gives you access to 50 GB of SSD storage.

You will get access to 1-click installers for WP and other apps with all the InMotion Hosting plans, but picking a WordPress hosting package means that your site is hosted on servers optimized for this CMS.

The perks of the WP hosting products include unlimited email accounts, unlimited email storage, a staging environment to test your site, and a domain. There are four different WP plans to choose from, and you will get access to resources to accommodate more storage and more traffic. You can also unlock features like a dedicated IP address with premium plans.

InMotion Hosting has extensive online resources with articles on various topics. The California and Washington DC servers aren’t ideal for Canadian websites, but you can subscribe to the Jetpack plugin as an add-on, which gives you access to Image CDN.

Pros

• Green data centers
• Domain included
• Servers are optimized for WordPress
• Extensive online resources

Cons

• CDN is available as an add-on
• Some plans have limits on storage

Cloudways

• Pricing: US $10 a month
• Disk storage: 25 GB
• Support options: Phone, live chat, ticket

Cloudways leverages the infrastructure of five different cloud hosting platforms to deliver performing hosting solutions. You can choose which cloud provider you want to use, including Amazon AWS, Google Cloud platform, Vultr, and others.

You can easily deploy WP and other apps on your cloud-based server thanks to 1-click installers. Cloudways also offers free site migration to help you get started.

The basic $10 a month plan comes with 25 GB of storage, 1 TB of bandwidth, and  SSL certificates. You can choose CDN as an add-on, but Cloudway’s cache system that is optimized for WordPress might be sufficient to deliver fast load times for Canadian users.

Cloudways keeps your site safe with a firewall and other security measures like patching. You will also get a staging environment to test changes and backups.

Pros

• Free trial
• Choose from five cloud service providers
• Install as many apps as you want
• CDN
• Own caching plugin optimized for WP sites

Cons

• More expensive than other options
• Learning curve due to different approach to hosting
• No root access to the servers

DreamHost

• Pricing: Starts at the US $2.59 a month
• Disk space: 50 GB
• Support options: Email, phone, live chat

DreamHost uses US-based servers. You will have to select the DreamSpeed CDN as an add-on if you want to boost performance and website speed for your Canadian site.

DreamHost is an interesting option because there are many plans to choose from. You can find affordable shared options and plans with the WordPress environment pre-installed for you.

The user-friendly control panel is an additional reason to consider DreamHost. You will also get access to a security certificate, automated backups, a domain, and email addresses as an add-on or free feature, depending on the plan you choose.

DreamHost is one of the best WordPress hosts for advanced users since you can access features like CGI scripts, Unix shell, log files, and more.

Pros

• WordPress is pre-installed
• Lots of plans to choose from
• Ideal for advanced users
• Save money by choosing a three-year plan

Cons

• No data centers in Canada
• Entry-level WP hosting plan puts a cap on storage

Bluehost

• Pricing: US $2.95 a mot
• Disk space: 50 GB
• Support options: Phone, live chat

Bluehost is worth considering because of the affordable shared hosting options and focus on WordPress. The entry-level plan gives you access to 50 GB of storage and unlimited bandwidth. You will get a security certificate and can create up to five email accounts.

The mix of value and performance makes Bluehost a viable option, but keep in mind that this host doesn’t have any servers in Canada. You will also have to purchase one of the more expensive plans if you want features like a dedicated IP address or backups.

Pros

• Affordable solution
• Responsive 24/7 support
• Free SSL certificate
• Includes email accounts

Cons

• No servers in Canada
• Cloudflare isn’t available on all servers

How to Choose the Best WordPress Hosting in Canada

First-time webmasters tend to focus on prices and storage space when selecting a Canadian web host. These things are valid considerations, but you need to go further and look for features that will help you grow your site or online business in the long term.

WordPress is a popular content management platform that is highly scalable. It’s suitable for creating personal blogs, official websites for small businesses, and websites for larger companies. Investing in a quality WordPress host now is a wise decision since you can rely on it to grow your site.

How Does WordPress Work?

WordPress is a free, open-source content management tool. You can download the CMS package and upload it to any server to install this system and use convenient tools to create your site.

These tools include a convenient drag-and-drop website builder, customizable themes, and plugins that add functionalities to your site. It’s a popular option because it’s easy to use and doesn’t require any advanced coding knowledge. You can use WordPress to build user-friendly, performing websites adapted to a wide range of needs.

How Does WordPress Hosting Work?

You can find hosting options on the official WordPress website. However, WordPress as a host-only offers four different plans.

Because WordPress is a popular CMS and anyone can download and deploy the package for free, you will find that most hosts offer WP plans. These plans offer competitive pricing, an easy installation process for the CMS environment, and add-ons like security features, email storage, and additional plugins and apps.

What Is the Difference Between WordPress Hosting and Shared Hosting?

Shared hosting is a model where multiple users share a server. Sharing storage, bandwidth, and other resources are cost-effective and maximize server use since all the sites hosted on the same server will rarely experience peak usage at the same time.

Shared hosting is a general term that describes affordable packages where users share resources.

You’re free to deploy any environment or app on your portion of the server. You can install WordPress on any shared hosting solution, provided that your server meets a few requirements to run this CMS.

WordPress hosting refers to hosting packages where hardware, OS, and software are optimized to run this environment and deliver the best performance possible for your website. Some hosts use a special caching system to deliver better loading speed with WordPress websites, and others pre-install WordPress when you register with them.

A majority of hosts offer shared hosting plans optimized for WP. If you’re willing to spend more on your hosting provider, you can find packages with dedicated servers.

Low-Budget WordPress Hosting Pros and Cons

Pros

• Easy to get started with hosting
• Plenty of affordable hosting options
• Customization options with plugins
• Unlimited storage and bandwidth available

Cons

• Sharing server resources can reduce performance
• Security might not be a priority
• Might not be able to choose a data center location for hosting
• Some limits on plugins you can install
• Migrating your site to a different WordPress host in the future can be disruptive

Top Features to look for in Canadian WP Hosts

Here are some of the features you should look at when comparing WordPress hosts.

Domain Name Registration

• Launching a new website means that you will have to purchase a domain. Some WordPress hosts offer a domain registration service to help you save money, and it’s more convenient to manage your domain and hosting in one place.

Email

• Some hosting services offer email addresses and storage. One of the advantages of creating email addresses with your WordPress host is getting professional email addresses that use your domain URL. It’s not a must-have feature for personal sites, but having email addresses that match your domain name will lend credibility to your online business.

Bandwidth and Disk Space

• Bandwidth is the maximum data transfer rate servers can achieve when visitors request your content. Look for a plan with unlimited bandwidth to prevent slow loading time. You will need storage space for your database, web pages, media content, and other resources. Disk space probably won’t be a major issue at first, but make sure you choose a host with scalable plans so you can upgrade storage as needed.

Security

• You need a Secure Sockets Layers certificate to create an encrypted connection between users and your server. It’s a must-have feature for sites with online shopping capabilities, and for any contact forms users can fill out to share information with you. A large number of hosts offer SSL options for free. You should also pay attention to the different safety measures a host takes to protect its server. Look for features like malware protection and firewall. Think about investing in a plan that comes with advanced protection features like DDoS protection and real-time threat monitoring.

Speed

• Different factors can impact the loading time of your website. Popular hosts that offer low-budget shared hosting often have too many users on their servers, resulting in lower speed. A poorly designed caching system could also result in disappointing speed tests. The best way to guarantee optimal server speed is to check reviews for different Canadian web hosts and eliminate those that don’t meet expectations regarding speed and performance. Features like a caching system optimized for WordPress sites are another thing to look for.

Server Location

• A data center that is close to visitors will deliver better speed. If possible, choose a host with servers located in Canada. Other North American locations can deliver acceptable speed. If a WordPress host doesn’t have any Canadian-based servers, you can use a Content Delivery Network. CDNs are global networks of servers that host cached versions of your site. A CDN will route visitors’ requests to the nearest server and deliver a cached version of your site to save time.

Uptime Guarantee

• The best web hosting providers guarantee server uptime of 99.9%. The best way to find out if they fulfill this promise is to check reviews from users.

24/7 Support

• We recommend choosing a WordPress host with a Canadian or US-based customer support team so you can get fast answers when you need help. Choosing a WP plan usually means that you will get access to support agents who are knowledgeable about CMS-related issues. Make sure you can contact support via a convenient channel and look for a WordPress host that provides plenty of online resources you can use to troubleshoot basic problems yourself.

Backups

• Some web hosts offer automated backups. This feature saves your environment and data and creates a restore point. It’s a useful feature in case you roll out changes that cause problems or delete data accidentally.

Automated WordPress Updates

• Most WP hosting service companies offer automated updates. This feature ensures that you’re always using the latest version of WordPress without having to install core updates manually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some additional considerations when choosing a Canadian WP host.

Which OS Is Best for WP Hosting?

The operating system installed on your server determines the languages of the scripts you can execute. Linux supports PHP and MySQL, which is why it’s a popular OS for the WP CMS environment.

It’s possible to run WordPress on a Windows server, but you will need to install an additional package to support Apache, PHP, and MySQL. We recommend choosing a web hosting plan that is already optimized for WordPress, so you don’t have to install any additional packages before getting started.

Do I Need a Hosting Plan for My WP Website?

You can create a free WordPress blog and use a free plan with basic features and limited SSD disk space. This solution is suitable for a personal blog, but you should consider investing in a paid plan once you start getting more traffic or find that you need additional plugins.

Can WordPress Host My eCommerce Site?

WordPress has a free hosting plan, and four paid plans available. WordPress is a reliable host that delivers good performance for e-commerce stores, but the limited selection of plans might not match your needs.

Is WordPress Free to Use?

WordPress is a free CMS. You can create a free blog on WordPress.com and access basic site-building features.

You can also download the WordPress package for free and install it on the server of your choice if you’re an advanced user.

What Is the Average Cost of Hosting a WordPress Site?

Most WordPress hosts have promotional offers with a first month that cost around US $3 or CAD $4.

You can expect to pay US $5 to US $10 or CAD $7 to CAD $14 a month for most entry-level plans, while most pro or business hosting plans cost US $15 to US $20 or CAD $20 to CAD$27 a month.

Is WordPress OK for Beginners?

WordPress is highly recommended for beginners. It’s a simple environment where you can build a site with convenient drag and drop tools, create a stunning design with existing themes, and install plugins to add functionalities without any coding required.

There is a bit of a learning curve for the most advanced features, but WordPress is designed so that anyone can create a basic website right away. You should consider managed WordPress hosting companies if you’re worried about your level of expertise.

How Can You Host a WordPress Site?

If you choose a WordPress hosting plan, the CMS environment will either be pre-installed on your server or you will be able to use a 1-click installer for a quick and easy WordPress installation. You can then access features like the WordPress site-building tool or migrate an existing WP website.

If you choose a shared web hosting plan with fewer features, you might have to install WordPress yourself and create your MySQL database to get started.

What Are the Most Interesting Web Hosting Options for WordPress in Canada?

The bottom line is that we recommend WHC.ca. This WP web hosting provider is affordable, performing, and the WordPress Pro package comes with unlimited storage and bandwidth. It’s a Canadian-based company, and your site will be hosted on Canadian servers to enhance site speed.