6 Best WordPress Hosting In Europe 2023

Are you trying to find the best WordPress hosting in Europe? Is choosing an EU-specific hosting really necessary?

WordPress hosting refers to a specialized web hosting environment optimized for the performance and security needs of WP, a popular content management system.

Reliable WordPress hosting is a MUST, ensuring fast loading times (hey, EU-located servers), top-notch security and a seamless experience for website visitors. It directly impacts the website’s credibility, UX and – yes, really! – search engine rankings.

For businesses and individuals in Europe, choosing a Europe-specific WordPress host can be advantageous due to data residency requirements, reduced latency for EU visitors and adherence to the region’s regulatory standards.

In short, providing an optimized digital experience for local audiences with a European WP host is much easier to achieve.

This post covers:

Understanding WordPress Hosting Requirements

Speed and Performance

One of the key components of a great EU-focused WP hosting provider is speed and performance. Hey, we all want a fast-loading website, even Google!

Speed is vital for swift content delivery, impacting user experience, bounce rates and SEO rankings, all essential for businesses striving for attention in a competitive digital European landscape.

Performance ensures that amidst the diverse digital demands of European audiences, the website remains agile and efficient, especially considering the variety of plugins, themes and core updates it might utilize.

Note: Speed and performance are especially crucial for mobile users.

It’s mandatory for European businesses to select hosting environments optimized for local server resources, have European data centers to reduce latency and offer advanced caching mechanisms.

This ensures rapid content delivery and robust performance, meeting the high expectations of EU web users.

Security Measures

Understanding the security requirements for WP hosting in the European market is crucial; otherwise, you may run into various inconveniences.

The EU market has various strict data protection regulations, such as the GDPR, which demands that websites uphold the highest standards of user data security.

This makes it vital to select hosting services that offer robust security features like regular malware scanning, SSL certificates, firewall configurations and proactive defense mechanisms against threats. On top of that, data redundancy and backup protocols aligned with European standards are essential.

Therefore, a solid EU hosting provider isn’t only WP-optimized but also strictly complies with regional data security and privacy norms.

Technical Support

European businesses operating in a region known for its consumer protection standards and high expectations require hosting providers that offer timely, efficient, and knowledgeable technical support tailored to WordPress issues.

This includes multi-language support to cater to Europe’s diverse linguistic landscape, familiarity with regional digital challenges, and 24/7 availability to address concerns across varying time zones.

For businesses in Europe, it’s not just about having a hosted website; it’s about ensuring that when challenges arise, a well-informed and responsive team is at hand to mitigate issues and guarantee seamless website operations all the time.

Scalability

As a European business grows and evolves, its websites must be capable of adapting to increased traffic, dynamic content demands and varying user interactions without hindrance.

Scalability in hosting ensures that a website can handle surges in traffic, especially during regional peak times or events (like Cyber Monday sales), without compromising on speed or performance.

Thus, it’s crucial to choose hosting solutions offering flexible plans, easy resource upgrades and infrastructure fitted to the diverse and expansive European digital audience.

In other words, it must ensure the website’s performance remains uncompromised as the business scales.

Compliance with European Data Laws

The European market is governed by regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) that dictate user data handling, storage and processing.

As such, WordPress hosting for European businesses must prioritize robust security features and ensure adherence to these regional data protection mandates.

This includes transparent data processing, providing data control by using European-based data centers, and offering tools to facilitate user consent management.

For businesses operating within the European Union, selecting a hosting provider that’s acutely aware of and compliant with these laws is not just preferable – it’s obligatory.

Remember, it’s not about getting by; it’s about fitting in perfectly in this welcoming yet particular European digital party!

Top WordPress Hosting Providers in Europe

Overview of Leading Providers

Say hello to Europe’s hosting rockstars: Hostinger, WP Engine, SiteGround, IONOS, SimpleNet and OVH!

Whether you’re cheering for Hostinger’s wallet-friendly plans, giving a standing ovation to WP Engine’s WordPress magic, or dancing to the reliable beats of IONOS and OVH, there’s a star for everyone.

Don’t forget SiteGround with its ever-helpful crew and SimpleNet, making web hosting look, well, simple and fun!

Local vs. Global Providers

When deciding between local and global web hosting providers, consider the unique advantages each brings.

Local web hosting providers offer benefits rooted in familiarity. They ensure faster load times for local audiences, provide culturally attuned customer support and understand regional digital rules.

On the other hand, global providers typically boast extensive infrastructure. They ensure consistent performance worldwide, a broader suite of tools and features due to their expansive clientele and around-the-clock support from diverse locations.

Your choice hinges on whether you value intimate regional knowledge and proximity or international giants’ robust capabilities and widespread reach.

If your business operates exclusively locally, we recommend a local web host. But if you run an international business, a global host with its strategic CDN will do the trick. Don’t forget to check our best CDN services for WordPress.

Managed vs. Shared Hosting

When looking for an EU WordPress web hosting, you’ll encounter two popular options: managed and shared hosting, each offering unique perks.

Managed hosting is like having a dedicated tech team at your beck and call. They handle all technical tasks – from updates and security to performance optimizations, ensuring your website runs smoothly and efficiently (even at a scale).

On the other hand, shared hosting is the budget-friendly champ. It allows multiple websites to share the resources of a single server, making it a cost-effective choice for newcomers or small websites with lesser traffic.

So, whether you’re looking for hands-off maintenance with top-tier performance or an affordable start to your online journey, there’s a solution tailored for you.

In-Depth Reviews of Best WordPress Hosting Providers in Europe

1. Hostinger (hostinger.com)

Hostinger is setting the gold standard for WordPress hosting, offering a suite of features tailored to elevate your site’s performance.

Their managed WP hosting screams speed with LiteSpeed web servers and LSCWP Cache plugin. It has a group of optimization tools like code minification, data center rerouting and CDN, promising to rev up your website’s speed score by a whopping 40%.

Importantly for European users, server locations span across the continent, including France, the Netherlands, Lithuania and the UK.

Launching and managing a WordPress website is effortless, with one-click setups, theme recommendations, and AI tools that craft SEO-friendly content and even select high-quality images for you.

Security is top-tier with automatic malware scanning, advanced firewalls and DDoS mitigation. Hostinger’s world-class support is ready 24/7, boasting an impressive response time if you ever hit a roadblock.

Hostinger offers a seamless migration experience for those making a switch, with the promise of transitioning your site in under 24 hours.

The cherry on top? A plethora of inclusive tools such as free SSL certificates, professional email addresses, access management features and the peace of mind that comes with a 99.9% uptime guarantee.

Features:

• European servers are located in four countries: France, the Netherlands, Lithuania and the United Kingdom.
• Depending on the plan, you can host anywhere from 100 to 300 websites.
• The entry-level plan equips you with a whopping 100 GB SSD storage. The other two get you 200 GB NVMe storage.
• Every hosting plan gets you a free domain for the first year.
• Customer support works 24/7 via live chat.

Pricing:

• Premium ($2.99/mo): 100 websites, 100 GB SSD storage, weekly backups
• Business ($3.99/mo): 100 websites, 200 GB NVMe storage, daily backups
• Cloud Startup ($9.99/mo): 300 websites, 200 GB NVMe storage, daily backups

Get Hostinger

2. WP Engine (wpengine.co.uk)

WP Engine is reshaping the European WordPress hosting landscape, delivering unparalleled speed and steady security.

Their custom EverCache technology, in tandem with multiple European data centers, ensures that your site performs at peak levels, no matter the geographical origins of your traffic.

Beyond raw performance, WP Engine positions itself as a dependable guardian of your WordPress site.

Automated updates for plugins, themes, and core WordPress components are standard, complemented by an auto roll-back feature for added peace of mind.

Moreover, advanced security measures like DDoS protection and a WordPress-tailored managed WAF preemptively ward off potential threats.

WP Engine also has multiple pricing plans and solutions for WooCommerce and headless WordPress. But it also has special packages for small businesses, agencies, developers and enterprises.

A stellar support team is available round the clock through phone and chat, but you can also access various practical WP-specific guides.

For more, check out our in-depth WP Engine review.

Features:

• Google Cloud, Amazon Web and Microsoft Azure servers equip users with multiple EU locations.
• Depending on the plan, you get either chat or live chat and phone 24/7 support.
• Everyone gets a free WordPress migration plugin for smooth transitions.
• Automatic updates (core, themes and plugin) keep you rolling fresh always. (SSL renews automatically, too.)
• Ten premium WordPress themes and Genesis blocks ensure swift and straightforward site creation.

Pricing:

• Startup ($20/mo): One website, 25,000 visits, 10 GB storage, 50 GB bandwidth
• Professional ($40/mo): Three websites, 75,000 visits, 15 GB storage, 125 GB bandwidth
• Growth ($77/mo): Ten websites, 100,000 visits, 20 GB storage, 200 GB bandwidth
• Scale ($194/mo): Thirty websites, 400,000 visits, 50 GB storage, 500 GB bandwidth
• Premium ($600/mo): Custom

Get WP Engine

3. SiteGround (www.siteground.com)

SiteGround stands out as a leading figure in the European WordPress hosting landscape, with 2,800,000+ domains trusting its ultrafast and secure services.

Hosting infrastructure is firmly rooted in Europe, boasting servers in Spain, France, Germany, Poland, London and the Netherlands. This ensures that content is served swiftly to European visitors, optimizing both user experience and SEO performance.

Additionally, SiteGround takes pride in its exceptional customer support, renowned for being among the highest-rated online.

Diving deeper into its offerings, SiteGround promises a hassle-free experience for WordPress users.

New websites can enjoy a swift launch with automatic WordPress installations, enriched by a curated selection of popular plugins via their unique WordPress Starter tool.

Migration to SiteGround is seamless, supported by their free migration tools or a professional website transfer service for those wanting a touch of expertise.

The intuitive client interface makes site management a breeze, while webmasters are treated to many tools, including free SSL certificates, daily backups and advanced dev tools like WP-CLI, Git integration, and more.

Last but not least, collaboration is effortless, allowing developers to work on sites collaboratively and easily transfer sites to clients once ready.

You can learn more about it by reading our SiteGround review.

Features:

• European server located in Spain, France, Germany, Poland, London and the Netherlands.
• Fast and reliable 24/7 support that’s skilled and friendly.
• Automatic WordPress installation for a speedier start with plenty of handy tools to use.
• Easy-to-use client interfaces for effortless website management.
• Daily backups with a whopping thirty copies of your website that you can restore anytime.

Pricing:

• StartUp ($2.99/mo): One website, 10 GB space, 10,000 visits, unmetered traffic
• GrowBig ($4.99/mo): Unlimited websites, 20 GB space, 100,000 visits, unmetered traffic
• GoGeek ($7.99/mo): Unlimited websites, 40 GB space, 400,000 visits, unmetered traffic

Get SiteGround

4. IONOS (www.ionos.co.uk)

IONOS boasts features that make it an enviable choice for businesses and individual users alike.

The hosting experience is revamped with a commitment to speed, as evidenced by their promise of delivering up to three times faster loading than previous offerings.

The 100% SSD storage and their isolated hosting environment are integral to this boost in speed, ensuring optimal performance and heightened security. Plus, a caching plugin further ensures faster reload times, especially for returning visitors.

Additionally, the company prides itself on having server locations in key European regions like Germany, France, the UK and Spain, solidifying its standing as a go-to for European-based WordPress websites.

For professionals looking for more control over their WordPress sites, IONOS presents a suite of powerful tools. From SSH, SFTP and WP-CLI access, which simplifies site administration to customizable updates that allow users to choose which aspects of their WordPress site get updated automatically.

Security is paramount for IONOS; they guarantee an impressive 99.98% uptime and employ advanced security measures like daily Jetpack backups, a DDoS shield and automatic malware scans. What’s cool are the notifications on potential threats you receive.

To top it all off, every WordPress package has features like auto-updates, a free domain, SSL certification, round-the-clock support and a money-back guarantee, ensuring peace of mind for every user.

Features:

• Data centers in Germany, France, the UK and Spain to find the closest to your audience much easier.
• Free domain and SSL so you can start working on your secure website right away.
• All IONOS WordPress packages include site scans for malware protection, threats and other vulnerabilities.
• IONOS users get up to ten email accounts with 2 GB of storage each.
• Isolated hosting ensures your WordPress site gets optimal performance with extra security.

Pricing:

• Start ($2/mo): One website, 25 GB SSD storage, 9 GB RAM, 1 vCPU
• Grow ($1mo): One website, 50 GB SSD storage, 15 GB RAM, 1 vCPU
• Boost (5/mo): One website, 75 GB SSD storage, 20 GB RAM, 1 vCPU

Get IONOS

5. Simplenet (simplenet.io)

Simplenet is a European-based, dedicated WordPress hosting team with roots going back to 2007, having concentrated on WordPress-specific services since 2012.

It’s an excellent solution for magazines, blogs and news websites, equipped to manage unpredictable traffic surges whilst maintaining sterling performance.

What immediately drew our attention is Simplenet’s minimalist approach to WP hosting, using no cPanel, email and other bloated features. They want to ensure your WP sites display fast, guaranteeing a top-notch user experience.

What sets Simplenet apart is its meticulous customization for each WordPress site.

By allocating dedicated resources and implementing features such as a high-performance stack, server-level full page cache, Redis object cache and Cloudflare edge cache, your website will operate at its peak performance.

Furthermore, Simplenet takes security very seriously, applying multiple layers of protection, including disabling PHP execution in certain folders and automated blocking of malicious requests.

Customers are also promised effortless site migration at no extra cost, a responsive expert WordPress support, and easy access to site management tools.

Features:

• The servers are located in Frankfurt, Germany and Helsinki, Finland.
• Free migration with no hidden fees and work on your end. Simplenet takes care of the migration for you.
• Daily backups and daily server snapshot backups will keep you calm. (Restores are free.)
• Quick, friendly and project-centric support is always at your service. (Too bad they don’t offer live chat support.)
• Great performance, thanks to SSD servers and server-level cache.

Pricing:

• Basic ($20.76/mo): One website, 15 GB SSD, 2 GB RAM, 1 TB traffic
• Creator ($31.69/mo): One website, 30 GB SSD, 4 GB RAM, 2 TB traffic
• Publisher ($53.54/mo): One website, 60 GB SSD, 8 GB RAM, 4 TB traffic
• Newspaper ($108.17/mo): One website, 120 GB SSD, 16 GB RAM, 5 TB traffic

Get Simplenet

6. OVH (www.ovh.co.uk)

With a strong European focus and an unwavering commitment to protecting customer data, OVHcloud has positioned itself at the forefront of the data revolution, underpinned by innovation and user sovereignty.

The company champions end-to-end production, delivering efficient, cost-effective solutions for WP users.

OVHcloud offers servers strategically located in France, Germany, Poland and the UK.

OVHcloud’s web hosting plans are meticulously crafted to complement WordPress websites, offering users a hassle-free experience devoid of the technicalities of installations and updates.

As an added advantage, every web hosting plan comes with a complimentary domain name for the first year.

To bolster its commitment to providing top-tier services, OVHcloud offers unlimited monthly traffic, assuring that performance is never compromised.

OVHcloud also takes pride in its proprietary anti-DDoS solution, ensuring uninterrupted access to your hosting plan even during potential attacks.

Additional features include both private and shared SQL options, comprehensive backup and restoration tools, and the capacity for multi-domain management, allowing users to host multiple websites under one hosting plan.

Features:

• Free domain name and SSL for the first year (domain name renews at a fee).
• Servers are located in France, Germany, Poland and the UK.
• Plenty of resources to start with, from 100 GB and up to 500 GB of disk space.
• OVHcloud is compatible with multi-site services, so you can host multiple sites under one hosting plan.
• Regardless of the hosting package you opt for, you get a generous “unlimited” monthly traffic support.

Pricing:

• Personal Hosting ($4.39/mo): One free domain, 100 GB disk space, ten emails
• Web Hosting ($7.69/mo): One free domain, 250 GB disk space, 100 emails
• Performance Hosting ($13.19/mo): One free domain, 500 GB disk space, 1,000 emails

Get OVH

Comparing the Top WordPress Hosting Solutions

Performance Comparison

1. Hostinger uses LiteSpeed web servers, LSCWP Cache plugin, code minification, automatic image optimization, data center rerouting and Object Cache to ensure excellent performance. We can also mention IPv6 and HTTP/3, which contribute to low latency and speedy data transfer.
2. WP Engine rocks a world-class infrastructure with a strong focus on speed, using EverCache and offering handy application performance monitoring.
3. SiteGround is based on the robust Google Cloud Platform and is equipped with NGINX-based dynamic cache, Memcached service, SiteGround Optimizer plugin and custom PHP implementation.
4. IONOS uses all SSD storage for speed with an improved foundation three times faster than the previous version.
5. Simplenet consists of a high-performance Nginx stack with server-level caching, image optimization and Cloudflare integration.
6. OVH delivers excellent performance through the power of CPU and RAM resources and CDN.

Security Comparison

1. Hostinger: Enhanced DDoS protection, web application firewalls, malware scanner, free SSL and Cloudflare protected servers.
2. WP Engine: Security patching, plugin risk scans, advanced DDoS, managed WAF and pre-launch technical health assessment.
3. SiteGround: Custom firewall rules for patching vulnerabilities and comprehensive SiteGround Security plugin.
4. IONOS: Daily backups, DDoS shield and malware protection.
5. Simplenet: Isolates each site on an individual virtual machine while applying the latest technologies to block bods, bad requests, spam, malicious password resets, and more.
6. OVH: Backups and restores, anti-DDoS protection, SSL certificate and ModSecurity.

Support Comparison

1. Hostinger: 24/7 support via live chat or email.
2. WP Engine: 24/7 support via chat or phone.
3. SiteGround: 24/7 support via chat or ticket.
4. IONOS: 24/7 support via live chat, phone or email.
5. Simplenet: 24/7 support via chat or ticket.
6. OVH: 24/7 support via phone and control panel.

Pricing Comparison

1. Hostinger: $2.99/month for the Premium plan with 100 GB storage.
2. WP Engine: $20/month for the Startup plan with 10 GB storage.
3. SiteGround: $2.99/month for the StartUp plan with 10 GB storage.
4. IONOS: $2/month for the Start plan with 25 GB storage.
5. Simplenet: $20.76/month for the Basic plan with 15 GB storage.
6. OVH: $4.39/month for the Personal Hosting plan with 100 GB storage.

Essential Considerations for Selecting a WordPress Host

Individual Needs and Business Goals

When choosing a WordPress host, diving deep into individual needs and business goals is crucial.

Every website has unique demands: a personal blog differs vastly from a bustling eCommerce platform.

Factor in anticipated traffic, desired functionalities, growth projections and specific business objectives.

Do you envision spikes in user visits during seasonal promotions? Or perhaps you aim for steady, content-focused audience growth?

Mapping these needs and goals will guide you to a hosting solution that’s not just a fit for today but also scalable for tomorrow.

Technical Considerations

Technical considerations often take center stage when zeroing in on the perfect WordPress host.

It’s essential to gauge server uptime, ensuring consistent website availability.

Dive into aspects like the type of server infrastructure, storage options (SSD vs. HDD), and whether they offer the latest PHP versions for optimal WordPress performance.

Consider scalability features for future growth and inquire about backup protocols to safeguard your data.

Lastly, for a seamless WordPress experience, ensure the host is equipped with easy one-click installations and robust security measures.

Only when the technical foundation is solid can a website truly thrive.

Geographical Considerations

When scouting for an ideal WP host, geographical considerations are often underestimated yet pivotal.

The physical location of the host’s data centers can dramatically affect your website’s speed and performance for specific user bases.

For instance, a Europe-based audience will benefit from a European server, ensuring minimal latency and faster load times. Additionally, regional data laws and regulations, like Europe’s GDPR, may influence hosting decisions based on compliance needs.

Thus, selecting a host with strategically located servers attuned to your primary audience and regulatory landscape becomes essential for a seamless online experience.

Legal and Compliance Factors

Choosing the right WordPress host within the EU involves more than just technical prowess; legal and compliance factors hold significant weight.

The EU has stringent data protection regulations, most notably the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

It’s vital to select a host aware of these regulations and proactively ensure compliance. This includes transparent data processing, proper user consent mechanisms and guaranteed data residency within European borders.

By aligning with a host that prioritizes these legal standards, businesses can ensure their website’s operations remain above board and resilient to regulatory challenges.

Conclusion

When it comes to top European WordPress hosting providers, each offers distinct advantages:

• Hostinger appeals with its affordability and user-friendly interface.
• WP Engine stands out for its dedicated WordPress optimization and robust security.
• SiteGround balances performance with cost-effectiveness while providing stellar customer service.
• IONOS delivers consistent uptime with dedicated WordPress resources.
• Simplenet emphasizes a minimalist yet high-speed hosting environment.
• OVH champions European data protection combined with versatile hosting solutions.

The best hosting solution seamlessly merges reliability, high-speed performance, top-tier security measures, and excellent customer support, all while respecting European data standards.

Your choice among them should align with your website’s specific needs, technical expertise, and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best hosting plan for a small business in Europe?

The “best” hosting plan for a small business in Europe can vary based on the specific needs of the business, budget, anticipated traffic, and the type of website you intend to run. If you are just starting out, a shared hosting solution might be your best bet because of its affordability. But if you expect to scale, then go with managed hosting.

How do GDPR regulations affect WordPress hosting in Europe?

The GDPR has ushered in strict data protection standards for WordPress hosting in Europe. Hosting providers must now offer tools ensuring user data transparency, consent management, and swift breach reporting. Choosing a GDPR-compliant host in Europe is not just recommended but legally mandatory.

Can I change my hosting provider later?

Yes, switching hosting providers is entirely feasible, often done to meet changing needs or seek better services. Just ensure you have backups and understand the migration process to ensure a smooth transition.

What is the difference between managed and unmanaged hosting?

Managed hosting provides customers with comprehensive support, handling technical aspects like server maintenance, updates and security. In contrast, unmanaged hosting offers basic server functionality but leaves most administrative and maintenance tasks to the user. The choice between the two typically hinges on your technical expertise and the level of control or support you desire.

How to deal with potential migration challenges?

Facing hosting migration challenges requires a blend of preparation and strategic action.

Begin by ensuring a comprehensive backup of your website and databases, safeguarding against data loss. Familiarize yourself with your new hosting environment, noting any compatibility issues with existing plugins or applications.

Prioritize DNS changes to minimize downtime, but be prepared for some propagation delays. Engage in thorough testing post-migration, checking for broken links or functionalities.

If possible, utilize the migration services many hosting providers offer, as their expertise can streamline the process and preempt common hurdles.

Ultimately, a well-informed, systematic approach can mitigate most migration challenges.

Why should I host my website in Europe?

Due to reduced latency, hosting your website in Europe can provide faster load times and better performance for a European audience. Additionally, European-based servers often ensure compliance with the region’s stringent data protection regulations, like GDPR. Lastly, hosting in Europe can offer localized support and optimized infrastructure.

Do I need coding knowledge to setup a WordPress website?

No, WordPress is designed for user-friendliness, allowing many to set up and customize their websites using intuitive interfaces, pre-made themes and plugins. While coding knowledge can offer added flexibility and customization, it’s not required for most WP users.

Check out our complete guide on how to make a WordPress website.

Do I get a domain name included with my hosting?

Often, hosting providers offer a free domain name as part of their initial signup promotion for the first year. However, after this period, an annual renewal fee typically applies. It’s always essential to check each hosting provider’s specific offerings and terms to determine what’s included.

How much a WordPress hosting in Europe costs? 

Depending on the plan and hosting provider you choose, hosting a WordPress website in Europe starts at $2/month (IONOS). A slightly more expensive solutions are Hostinger ($2.99/month) and OVH ($4.39/month).