The right Hostinger alternative depends on why you're leaving: slow support, renewal terms, a site that's outgrown shared hosting, or a wish for a host closer to your visitors. Shared hosts, managed WordPress hosts and cloud hosts all solve different problems. This page lists ten in no particular order, then shows how to switch without breaking your domain or email.
Hosting complaints usually start with one bad week: a slow checkout, an outage during a launch, or a support chat that goes round in circles. The fix isn't always a bigger host. Sometimes it's a smaller one that answers the phone, or a provider with a data centre nearer to your customers.
Below are ten hosts in no particular order, sorted alphabetically, from independent companies to well-known brands. Each description comes from the host's own website, re-checked today. If your site runs on WordPress, my notes on WordPress design and development for beginners are worth a read before you pick a new plan.
I'd also look hard at support hours and how they're offered. A host that answers by phone at the time your customers shop is worth more than one with a long feature list you'll never open.
Web hosts at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the host's own site describes a free plan, Trial only means a time-limited trial, and No means neither is stated. Most hosts offer a refund window rather than a free plan.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| ChemiCloud | Shared and WordPress hosting | Small sites wanting fast support | No |
| DreamHost | Shared, VPS and WordPress hosting | Bloggers and small businesses | Trial only |
| FastComet | Managed cloud hosting | Growing sites on cloud plans | No |
| GreenGeeks | Eco-friendly web hosting | Sites with an environmental angle | No |
| Hostwinds | Shared, VPS and dedicated hosting | Owners who may scale to VPS | No |
| InMotion Hosting | Business hosting and VPS | US businesses wanting phone support | No |
| Krystal | UK web hosting | UK businesses wanting a local host | No |
| Namecheap | Domains and shared hosting | Keeping domain and hosting together | No |
| ScalaHosting | Managed and unmanaged cloud | VPS without the server admin | No |
| TMDHosting | Managed web hosting | Managed hosting with setup help | No |
Ten hosts to consider instead of Hostinger
ChemiCloud
Best for: Small business owners who want shared or WordPress hosting with a choice of data centre locations and responsive support.
DreamHost
Best for: Bloggers and small firms who want a long-running independent host with WordPress plans and a website builder.
FastComet
Best for: Site owners who want managed cloud hosting with bundled security and backup services included.
GreenGeeks
Best for: Businesses that want hosting with an environmental focus, plus WordPress, ecommerce and VPS options.
Hostwinds
Best for: Technical owners who want to start on shared hosting and move to VPS or dedicated servers with the same provider.
InMotion Hosting
Best for: US businesses that want business hosting, VPS and dedicated servers with phone and chat support.
Krystal
Best for: UK businesses that want an independent British host with cPanel, WordPress and cloud plans.
Namecheap
Best for: Owners who want their domain and simple shared hosting managed in one account.
ScalaHosting
Best for: Small businesses that want cloud VPS hosting with management handled for them.
TMDHosting
Best for: Site owners who want fully managed hosting and help moving an existing site across.
The domain transfer rule that catches people out
Here's the part people miss when they switch. ICANN's FAQ for registrants says a registrar may deny a transfer if the domain is within 60 days of its initial registration, and a 60-day lock can also apply after a change of registrant. You also can't move a domain to another registrar within 60 days of your last transfer.
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So if your domain is registered with your current host, move the hosting first and leave the domain with its current registrar. Point the DNS at the new host, check everything works, and move the domain later if you still want to.
What to compare before you move hosts
- Renewal terms: read what the plan becomes after the first term, not just the opening offer.
- Data centre location: pick one near most of your visitors.
- Backups: check how often they run and how easy a restore is.
- Email: confirm whether mailboxes are included or need a separate service.
- Migration help: some hosts move your site for you, others leave it to you.
Moving a site to a new host, step by step
- Take a full backup of files, database and email.
- Set up the new hosting account and copy the site across.
- Test the site on a temporary address before you switch.
- Lower the DNS time to live a day ahead, then update the records.
- Keep the old account running for a week in case you need it.
Mistakes people make when changing hosts
- Cancelling the old plan first. Keep it live until the new site is tested.
- Forgetting email. Mailboxes don't always move with the website.
- Ignoring PHP versions. An older site can break on a newer server setup.
- Skipping a speed check. Test the new host before and after the switch.
If you're weighing a builder against a self-hosted site, my comparison of WordPress and Squarespace explains what you give up and gain with each.
Do you make web hosting? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on leaving Hostinger
Don't move hosts in a panic. Write down the one problem you're trying to fix, whether that's support, speed or renewal terms, and judge every option against that single point.
And keep your domain, hosting and email as separate as you can. When they're tangled together in one account, every move becomes a bigger job than it needs to be.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good alternative to Hostinger?
It depends on the problem you want to fix. Independent hosts suit people who want hands-on support, while managed WordPress and cloud hosts suit growing sites.
Can I move my website without moving my domain?
Yes. You can keep the domain with its current registrar and just point its DNS records at the new host.
Why can't I transfer my domain yet?
ICANN's rules let registrars deny transfers within 60 days of registration or a previous transfer, and a 60-day lock can follow a change of registrant.
Will switching hosts hurt my SEO?
Not if the URLs stay the same and the site stays online during the move. Test before you switch DNS.
Do I lose my email when I change hosts?
You can if your mailboxes live on the old host. Move or recreate them before you cancel anything.
How long does a host move take?
A small site can move in an afternoon, though DNS changes can take a while to reach everyone.
Should I choose a host near my customers?
Yes, where you can. A data centre closer to most visitors usually means faster page loads for them.
Are introductory hosting deals worth it?
They can be, but check what the plan renews at and what support is included before you sign up.
