Hosting pages are full of big numbers. These questions cut through them and are based on the official WordPress requirements and on how service-level terms really work.

This guide is based on the public sources listed at the end. We have not tested the products or services mentioned.

This is a short reference page. The full guide is Web Hosting and Domains: The Complete Guide.

1. Does it meet the software requirements?

WordPress.org lists what it recommends from a host: a current PHP version, MariaDB or MySQL, HTTPS support, and Apache or Nginx. Older versions may still run but are end-of-life and can expose a site to security risk. The numbers change with each release, so check the requirements page. WordPress suggests asking whether the host supports these versions and HTTPS, and what it does to secure your account.

2. What will it cost at renewal?

Check the renewal price and date, not only the first-term price, plus the refund window. This is general advice: read the seller's terms.

3. What does "unlimited" mean?

Read the terms for fair-use limits on bandwidth or storage.

4. What are the backup and exit arrangements?

See website backups and the 3-2-1 rule. Ask how to export a full copy of your site.

5. How is uptime measured and what do you get if it fails?

See uptime guarantees explained.

Bonus checks

  • Where is the data center?
  • When is support available?
  • Is the domain registered in your own name? See domain vs hosting.

Last checked: 15 October 2026. Sources: WordPress.org, requirements.