TL;DR
Users typically opt for Linux hosting due to its reliability, affordability, and with the flexibility it offers in supporting various scripting languages and open-source technologies. While there are plenty of competitive players offering Linux hosting, ScalaHosting has beaten all of them to emerge the best overall Linux hosting solution based on our rating system.
Note: While our HostingGuruReviews ratings provide a general overview of host performance, there are other factors you should consider for your specific needs. Our top hosting picks address this by offering tailored suggestions for different requirements, as demonstrated in this article.
ScalaHosting
Founded in 2007 by Hristo Rusev and Vladislav Georgiev, ScalaHosting has its headquarters in the Dallas, Texas. The company provides various hosting services like shared hosting, VPS hosting, cloud hosting, and email hosting. Renowned for its innovation, ScalaHosting sets itself apart with proprietary creations like sPanel and SShield, both designed in-house, providing users with intuitive server management and enhanced security.
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ScalaHosting Pros
- Outstanding hosting uptime and speed performance
- Affordable pricing
- Anytime unconditional Money-back Guarantee
- Automated backup with 7 restore points
- Generous offer in server resources – Even the lowest shared plan gets unmetered bandwidth and unlimited emails
- NVMe SSD storage for all shared hosting plans
- Innovative technology – SPanel, SShield, SWordPress
ScalaHosting Cons
- Price increase during the renewal
LiquidWeb
Founded in 1997 by Matthew Hill, Liquid Web has carved out a significant presence in the hosting and managed cloud services market. Located in Lansing, Michigan, Liquid Web has been recognized for its high-quality customer service and powerful hosting solutions tailored to businesses and professionals.
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LiquidWeb Pros
- Powerful enterprise hosting solutions with great scalability
- 100% network uptime, backed by detailed Service Level Agreement (SLA)
- Excellent customer support – 59-Second support response guarantee
- Self-operated data centres – Higher degree of security and data integrity compared to providers renting space from third-parties
- PCI-Compliant and HIPAA-Compliant hosting servers available
LiquidWeb Cons
- No standard shared hosting plans
- No Asia-based data center
Digital Ocean
Established in 2011, DigitalOcean was founded by Ben Uretsky, Moisey Uretsky, Mitch Wainer, Jeff Carr, and Alec Hartman. Originating from their prior venture, ServerStack, DigitalOcean was crafted to simplify cloud computing for software developers. With a mission to empower developers in building, deploying, and scaling cloud applications effortlessly, DigitalOcean has grown substantially, offering accessible, high-performance, and cost-effective cloud solutions tailored to the needs of software developers and small-scale startups.
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Digital Ocean Pros
- Outstanding server uptime and speed performance
- Competitive and flexible pricing model
- Choice of 15 distributed data centers
- Highly configurable virtual machines
- Built-in alert system for resource thresholds or critical issues
Digital Ocean Cons
- Charges apply for automated backups
- Unencrypted backups
- Only suitable for advanced users
- Less user-friendly for team operations
InMotion Hosting
InMotion Hosting, established in 2001 by Sunil Saxena and Todd Robinson in Los Angeles, California, has grown to become a well-regarded name in the web hosting industry. The company’s foundation by industry veterans is reflective of its deep commitment to offering reliable and user-friendly hosting solutions.
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InMotion Hosting Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Lowest shared hosting plan supports Python, Node.JS, Ruby and GIT version control
- Choice of data center locations in the United States and Europe
- Free AutoSSL
- Built-in hack, DDoS, and malware protection
- 90-day money back guarantee
- Free website migration services
InMotion Hosting Cons
- Lower shared hosting plans lack speed optimization
- Price increase during the renewal
GreenGeeks
Trey Gardner, a veteran of the web hosting industry since 1999, founded GreenGeeks in 2008 in Santa Monica, California, with a pioneering vision for environmentally sustainable web hosting. Alongside Trey Gardner, COO Kaumil Patel, with his extensive experience in hosting operations, plays a critical role in the company’s success.
GreenGeeks distinguishes itself by its commitment to the environment, utilizing wind power credits to offset triple the energy consumed by its clients’ websites. This innovative approach not only defines GreenGeeks as a leader in eco-friendly hosting but also reflects its dedication to making a positive environmental impact.
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GreenGeeks Pros
- Returns 3x power consumed with renewable energy credits
- Affordable pricing
- Free daily backup for all shared hosting plans
- All plans support Perl, Python and Git
- Free website migration assistance
- Root access, control panel and cPanel/WHM included in reseller hosting plans
GreenGeeks Cons
- Price increase during the renewal
- Slightly lacklustre customer service
- Non refundable setup fees
Verpex
Founded in late 2018, Verpex emerges from a seasoned team whose prior ventures were acquired by GoDaddy. This privately funded cPanel-based cloud hosting service prioritizes security and performance. Boasting over 250,000 hosted websites across 181 countries by 2024, Verpex emphasizes swift hosting, expert support, and enduring client partnerships at competitive rates.
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Verpex Pros
- Budget-friendly shared and VPS hosting plans
- 45-day money back guarantee
- Daily backup included in all shared hosting plans
- Unlimited free site migrations
- Choice of 12 distributed data centers across five continents
Verpex Cons
- Price increase during the renewal
What is Linux Hosting?
Linux Hosting is a web hosting solution that operates on servers running the Linux operating system, an open-source platform renowned for its security and flexibility. Linux hosting supports a wide range of web technologies, such as PHP, MySQL, and Apache, making it ideal for hosting websites built with these technologies. Typically, Linux hosting plans come with popular control panels like cPanel or Plesk – which simplify the management of hosting resources, domains, and websites.
The open-source model not only ensures that Linux Hosting is cheap but also allows for extensive customization, offering users a reliable, secure, and highly adaptable hosting option. Combine this factor with strong community support and compatibility with popular web applications, Linux Hosting remains a top choice among users seeking a powerful and affordable web hosting solution.
Linux vs Windows Hosting
Linux hosting excels with open-source technologies, such as PHP, Perl, Python, and MySQL; while Windows hosting is essential for ASP.NET, MSSQL applications, and Access database.
| Aspect | Linux Hosting | Windows Hosting |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System Compatibility | Best for PHP, Perl, Python, MySQL | Required for ASP.NET, MSSQL, Access |
| Performance and Reliability | High efficiency and stability, especially under heavy loads | Good, with improvements in stability but may be less efficient in resource management |
| Security | Frequent, community-driven updates for security; perceived as more secure | Comprehensive security features, but a more common target for attacks |
| Ease of Use | cPanel management; might have a learning curve for those new to Linux | Plesk or other Windows-based tools; familiar to Windows users |
| Cost-Effectiveness | Generally more cost-effective due to no OS licensing fees | Higher costs due to licensing fees for Windows Server and other Microsoft software |
| Flexibility and Customization | High, with the ability to modify and customize the open-source software | Less, due to proprietary nature |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Linux Hosting
When considering the best Linux hosting option, you should assess your specific needs, such as the type of website they’re planning to host, expected traffic, budget, and other technical requirements.
Below are eight key factors to consider.
- Performance and Reliability: High uptime rates and fast server response times are critical. The best Linux hosting providers invest in high-quality hardware and software optimizations to ensure that websites are always available and load quickly for users.
- Security: Linux is known for its robust security features. The best Linux hosting services further enhance this with regular updates and active security measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and malware scanning to protect websites from threats.
- Support for Technologies: Linux servers are favored for their excellent support for a wide range of programming languages (such as PHP, Python, and Ruby) and databases (such as MySQL and PostgreSQL).
- Scalability: As websites grow, so do their hosting needs. The best hosting providers offer easy scalability options, allowing customers to upgrade their server resources (RAM, CPU, bandwidth, etc.) without significant downtime or migration hassles.
- Pricing and Value: While cost is a significant factor, the best Linux hosting providers offer competitive pricing without compromising on the quality of their services. This includes transparent pricing models, cost-effective plans with generous resources, and no hidden fees.
- User-Friendly Management Tools: Even though Linux can be complex, the best providers offer user-friendly control panels (such as cPanel or Plesk) that make it easy for users to manage their hosting environment.
- Customer Support: Excellent customer support is essential, especially for users who may not have technical expertise. Top Linux hosting services provide 24/7 support via multiple channels (phone, chat, email) and have knowledgeable staff to assist with any issues.
- Sustainability: An increasing number of hosting shoppers are also considering the environmental impact of their hosting choices. Providers that use renewable energy sources or participate in carbon offsetting programs are often preferred.
