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  • 18 best musician websites in 2026

    Bring your inspiration to life with a Wix website →   Looking to build your own musician website that actually works for you? Whether you’re a solo artist, DJ or band, today’s tools make it easy to  create a music website , even if you’re figuring out how to make a website from scratch . Using a  website builder  or an AI website builder like Wix, you can launch a fully branded site with professional website design that helps you promote your music , grow your audience and even sell merch or tickets. In this post, we’re showcasing some of the best musician websites built with Wix. You’ll see how artists use features like online stores , sleek website templates  and booking tools to build sites that sound as good as they look. Let’s look at real-world examples to inspire your next move. Need inspiration for your website? With Wix, building a standout site is easier than ever. Choose from hundreds of customizable templates and use Wix’s easy drag-and-drop website builder  tools to make your vision come to life. Turn your ideas into reality and see just how simple it is to create a unique, professional website.  TL;DR: what makes a great musician website? Before we get to the examples, here’s a quick breakdown of the elements the best websites  for musicians typically include: Feature Why it matters Bold homepage Make a strong first impression with visuals that reflect your music identity. Music player Let visitors stream your latest tracks directly from your site. Compelling bio Tell your story and connect with fans and industry pros. EPK section Share press-ready photos, bios and music for promoters and journalists. Sell tickets and merch Monetize your site by offering direct purchases of shows or products. Booking forms Make it easy for people to request gigs using tools like the Wix Bookings feature. SEO tools Help new fans discover your music through search engines. Start a blog Share updates, behind-the-scenes content or music tips to build audience loyalty. Whether you're looking to start a blog , want to learn how to make an eCommerce website  or simply give fans a place to explore your work, these features can make all the difference. Why do musicians need a website? Before we dive into the examples, it’s worth exploring what a great musician website can help you d o. Whether you're figuring out how to promote your music online, brainstorming music business ideas  or planning how to start a music business , the right setup gives you the tools to grow your fanbase and brand. Many artists use their websites to showcase their music, manage gigs or even build an EPK  for press and booking agents. Using tools like a logo maker , business card maker  or band name ideas  generator, you can shape your visual identity—while features like free website hosting , built-in SEO features  and flexible website templates (including specialized  music website templates ) help you launch quickly.  Plus, if you’re exploring how to build a brand, you’ll want to know how to make a music logo  and choose from inspiring band logos  that reflect your full creative range. All of this becomes easier with the best website builders for musicians —especially when you’re just starting out or experimenting with how to start a blog  or how to start a music blog .  Whether you’re learning  what is web hosting , comparing tools like a domain name search  or a domain name generator  or working out how to design a logo , your site is the place to bring it all together. "If you have a brand, make sure your website aligns with it. This includes matching your brand colors, properly positioning your logo and making sure your business name is clear and easy to understand. People should immediately recognize your brand and know where they’ve landed when visiting your site." - Dafna Rabin, Wix Templates design team lead Here’s what a website can do for your music career Benefit What it enables Direct music streaming Fans can play your tracks instantly without leaving your site. Online merch and ticket sales Sell products and concert access directly to your audience. Email collection and fan engagement Grow a newsletter or mailing list for launches and announcements. EPK and media section Provide press and promoters with bios, photos and sample tracks. Branded visual identity Reinforce your look and vibe with cohesive colors, fonts and visuals. Booking and scheduling Use built-in forms or with Wix Bookings feature to schedule gigs and events. Blog and storytelling Share your creative process, tour updates or advice to fans and fellow musicians. SEO and discoverability Improve how you rank on search engines to attract new listeners organically. Key components of the best musician websites The best musician websites aren’t just pretty—they’re built with purpose. Here are the must-haves that help you look professional, connect with fans and grow your music career online: Homepage : Your first impression. Make it visual, bold and brand-aligned. EPK : A go-to for industry pros. Include your bio, music, photos and press quotes. Bio and story : Share who you are, your influences and what drives your sound. Domain name : Your artist name as a URL—easy to remember, even easier to Google. Logo : Use a logo maker to create a visual identity for your brand. Media gallery : Showcase high-quality photos, music videos and press clippings. Music players : Embed Spotify, SoundCloud or use the Wix Music App  so fans can listen right from your site. Online store : Sell your music, merch or even limited edition prints and digital downloads. Bookings page : Use Wix Bookings to get hired for gigs, lessons or private events. Blog : Tell your story, share tips or document your journey. It builds connection—and boosts SEO. 18 musician websites built with Wix Whether you’re an indie singer-songwriter, beat producer or full band, a website helps your music reach farther. Here are some of the best Wix-made musician websites that prove how powerful a personal platform can be. Pearland Band Club SOS Band The Only Majed Levitate Music Squeeks on Tour The Loose Strings Band The Dead Revival Band The Dirty River Jazz Band Source The 5:55 Mass Affect Party Band The Band Feel Robertsdale High School Band Sheryl & The Pretenders King Bee & The Stingers Liliac Band The City We Party Sons of Chicago 01.  Pearland Band Club Pearland Band Club ’s website is educational and engaging, making Pearland Band’s site a top-tier resource for schools. From clear website navigation to parent portals and event details, it’s an excellent case study for anyone wondering how to make a website for a school project . As far as  best school websites  go, this one leads with functionality and community connection—proving how student organizations can benefit from thoughtful, mobile-friendly design. "Site hierarchy and the information you provide your visitors are more than just about how your site looks. This will also directly impact how many visitors ultimately buy your products. You’ll want to be clear about your offerings through your content, visuals and buttons right from the get-go to ensure visitors recognize your value right away." - Amanda Weiner, CRO manager at Wix 02. SOS Band Sleek and timeless, the SOS Band ’s website keeps it minimal and integrates  music website templates  for visual rhythm with while celebrating the group’s legacy. For seasoned acts with a rich history, this layout offers a way to honor the past while staying current online. Whether you’re announcing a reunion tour or archiving discography, it’s a polished foundation for long-term branding. 03. The Only Majed The Only Majed  A global  DJ website  that balances fun and function—ideal for DJs or producers learning how to create a DJ business plan  that’s backed by a strong digital presence. The bio, press kit and events calendar all work together to convey brand clarity and professionalism, setting a strong foundation for future growth. 04. Levitate Music Levitate Music ’s music site is perfect for anyone building a  professional portfolio with a clear focus on design. With .net domain , sections for music, video and  dynamic content , it’s a strong guide for musicians wondering  how to create an online portfolio  that feels comprehensive without cluttered. The design is organized with smart portfolio layouts , ideal for showcasing range and versatility in a clean, branded environment. Learn more about how make a music portfolio that features your sound and style today. 05. Squeeks on Tour With an eye-catching homepage and straightforward menu, Squeeks on Tour ’s quirky charm makes it easy to navigate. It’s also a good model for indie musicians looking to mix storytelling with function. While it doesn’t rely heavily on eCommerce or media embedding, it shows how a lighthearted tone can still deliver a strong user experience. 06. The Loose Strings Band The Loose Strings Band  goes all in on harmonies—and it shows as part of the  best web design . From bios to events and media, their site mirrors their acoustic energy with warm visuals and personal touches. It’s an inspiring site for folk or acoustic musicians wanting to keep things cozy, while still professional and accessible. Learn more: What is web design? 07. The Dead Revival Band The Dead Revival Band ’s site taps into fan culture and digital engagement. With a content hub that includes blog posts, it’s an ideal reference for musicians exploring  blog SEO  and looking for the  best blog templates  for fan storytelling, behind-the-scenes updates or tour diaries. Their bold branding and visual consistency make it a solid example of creative site structure. "Your content is a reflection of your brand. Do you know what your brand is? If not, back up and start there." - Kiera Carter, editorial director of the Wix Studio Blog 08. The Dirty River Jazz Band The Dirty River Jazz Band  captures the spirit of traditional jazz with an old-school flair. Their site pays homage to vintage design elements while remaining user-friendly and responsive. It’s a prime example of how a band can honor their genre’s roots while using modern tools to promote shows, sell merch and build a following. 09. Source The Source ’s music website blends modern web design with immersive music content. Their homepage feels like an album cover brought to life—clean, edgy and engaging. This is a go-to example for independent artists aiming to create a sensory experience online. The layout supports streaming, visuals and fan connection without overwhelming the visitor. 10. The 5:55 With retro-inspired visuals and bold typography, The 5:55 's site captures a vintage vibe while offering modern functionality. They integrate videos, tour info and photo galleries seamlessly—ideal for acts looking to transport fans into their unique creative world while keeping the UX  sleek and responsive. Explore more: How to make a responsive website  Responsive website examples What is UX? Best UX portfolios UX design examples 11. Mass Affect Party Band Mass Affect Party Band  is the life of the party, and their site reflects that energy. For DJs exploring how to create a DJ website , this is a great starting point. From setlists to promo media, it’s structured to impress booking agents and potential fans. The site also offers inspiration for DJ name ideas  and shows off branding with a clean visual identity—ideal for anyone learning how to make a DJ logo  that feels custom and current. 12. The Band Feel The Band Feel ’s modern website design  and video-first layout make it ideal for artists leaning into streaming and online content. The integration of social media and embedded video content highlights smart YouTube marketing  practices. For musicians looking to connect their music site with their video presence, this site serves as an ideal bridge between personal brand and platform growth. 13. Robertsdale High School Band Robertsdale High School Band  website is content-rich and performance-oriented and a great example of clean web design with consistent branding. The homepage  highlights upcoming events and the gallery showcases student achievements. It’s a practical resource for parents, students and staff alike. While simple, it demonstrates how a school music program can use its website as a communications hub and community-building tool. 14. Sheryl & The Pretenders Sheryl & The Pretenders  site nails  vintage website  vibes with a modern web experience. From the homepage hero to their gallery and upcoming events, every page tells a story. The structure is clean and easy to navigate, ideal for any artist looking to make a lasting impression with custom visuals and compelling copy. While it doesn’t rely on heavy eCommerce or blog content, it’s a great example of a personality-driven artist site that builds credibility and intrigue. 15. King Bee & The Stingers King Bee & The Stingers ’s merch shop is a standout, showing how eCommerce merchandising  can reflect a band's branding and tone. They offer more than just music—you’ll find apparel, drinkware and accessories that complement their funky, soulful style. This is an example of how artists can go beyond selling tracks and build a lifestyle brand, all powered by a visually unified and functional Wix storefront. 16. Liliac Band Liliac Band ’s site is a strong case study in fan-driven commerce. With an on-brand shop section and energetic visuals, it’s a masterclass in eCommerce website design  for bands. The store doesn’t just look great—it’s also strategically structured to convert, making it a prime example of how to drive traffic to your online store  through thoughtful layout, merch bundles and bold CTAs. Whether you’re selling vinyl, tees, or tickets, this site shows how to do it right. 17. The City We Party The City We Party ’s site knows how to build hype. Their homepage is packed with energy and social proof, offering excellent examples of testimonials  that validate the artist’s live experience. The “Bio” section is personal and polished—perfect for musicians searching for guidance on how to write a bio  that feels authentic but professional. With bold colors and engaging CTAs , the site drives home the value of storytelling and social proof. 18. Sons of Chicago  Sons of Chicago  ​​combines smooth site navigation with high-energy video content, making it a strong example for artists learning how to make a video website . The site includes performance footage, highlight reels and a clear layout—great inspiration for how to make a video portfolio  that captures your band's presence on stage.  Plus, they use the Wix Bookings feature  to streamline gig requests and private event bookings directly through the site, showing how artists can auto mate their calendars without needing third-party tools. Check out Wix music templates: Musician website template Band website template Music school website template Record label website template Event venue website template Music blog website template Music festival website template New album landing page website template Music studio website template Club website template Event musicians website template DJ website template Producer website template Choir website template Music podcast website template How to make a musician website in 5 easy steps Th ere are many types of websites  musicians can build—whether you’re promoting a solo career, launching a band page or starting a music blog. But no matter the style, every site starts with the basics: understanding what is a domain name , how to choose one and how to connect it to your site.  Once you’ve picked your  domain name  and figured out  how to host a website , you’ll want to think about your  web page  layout, site navigation  and performance—especially how to make a website mobile-friendly . The good news? The  best website builders help streamline all of this. Here’s how to make a musician website in five easy steps: Want to turn your passion into a business? Learn  how to make money from a website  with customer merch,  affiliate marketing or private gigs. Best Wix features for musician websites Wix feature Why it works Music website templates Pre-designed layouts for DJs, bands, solo artists and more. AI website builder Gets your music website online in minutes with custom suggestions. Wix Bookings feature Makes scheduling gigs or lessons seamless. SEO features Boosts discoverability so fans find you online. Built-in eCommerce Your website makes it easy to sell anything on your website. Blog and EPK tools Great for SEO and press outreach. Learn more: What is .net domain Musician websites FAQ What is the best website for musicians? Wix is one of the best website builders for musicians, offering all-in-one tools like website templates, audio players, booking features and integrated stores. Compare other website builders: Wix vs. GoDaddy Wix vs. Wix Studio Wix vs. Squarespace Wix vs. Shopify Website builder vs. web developer Traditional website builder vs. AI website builder What are the most popular music websites? Beyond artist sites, platforms like Spotify, SoundCloud, Bandcamp and YouTube dominate—but your own site is where your brand shines. Learn more: Blogging vs. YouTube Best website builders for SEO  Best website builders for videographers Best AI website builders Best one page website builders Located in Canada? Check out the best website builders in Canada What are the necessary components of a musician website? Every music website should have a homepage, bio, music player, photo gallery, EPK, contact form, online store and blog. Can I sell tickets and merch on my website? Yes, and Wix gives you tools to sell digital and physical products, manage inventory and offer discounts. How to design a musician website? Use a music website template that fits your vibe, upload media, write compelling copy and add interactive tools like booking or blogs. Is it worth having a website as a musician? Absolutely—having a website as a musician is 100% worth it. Here’s why: You own it : Unlike social media platforms, your website is yours. No algorithms, no limits. It’s your hub : Centralize everything—music, merch, bio, tour dates, booking info and more. It looks professional : A custom domain and sleek design show the industry (and fans) that you’re serious. It helps you grow : With tools like SEO, email marketing and an online store, you can expand your reach and income. In short, a website gives you creative control, credibility and a powerful way to connect with your audience. Whether you're just starting out or already touring, it's one of the smartest moves you can make.

  • Do you need a domain for a website? Pros, cons and costs explained

    The perfect domain is just a click away:  claim your domain   → You do not strictly need to buy a domain name  to publish a website, because many website builders provide a free version of a URL to get you started. When you are ready to put your ideas online and make a website , the technical side of things can feel a bit overwhelming. You have likely heard terms like "IP address," "DNS," and "hosting" thrown around. But the most common question we hear is whether you actually need to open your wallet and buy a unique custom domain name just to get a site live. The answer is a little nuanced. While you can technically exist online without paying for a custom name (like yourbrand.com), sticking with a free address (like username.wixsite.com/site) sends a very different message to your visitors. It really comes down to what you are building and who you are building it for. This guide breaks down exactly when you can get away with a free address, when you should definitely upgrade and how to make that switch without a headache. TL;DR: do you need a domain for a website? If you are in a rush, this table breaks down the core differences between using a free URL provided by a platform and buying your own custom domain. Feature Free subdomain (e.g., user.wixsite.com/site) Custom domain (e.g., yoursite.com) Cost Free forever Yearly fee (usually $10-$20/year) Professionalism Low (best for personal projects) High (standard for businesses) Memorable No (long and complex) Yes (short and catchy) SEO potential Limited High (Google prefers custom domains) Ownership You rent space on the platform's domain You own the address completely Email address Generic (e.g., gmail.com ) Branded (e.g., info@yoursite.com) Secure your perfect domain in just a few clicks with Wix. Get everything you need in one place: business email, reliable hosting, SSL protection and full privacy. With 24/7 support and no hidden fees, getting your site live is simple and worry-free. The difference between a website and a domain A website is the collection of pages, images and text that you create, while a domain is the specific address people type into their browser to find it. Think of it like a house and a street address. Your website is the house: it holds all your furniture, your style and your content. The domain name is the address on the mailbox. You can build a beautiful house, but if the address is impossible to find or hard to remember, fewer people are going to stop by. Technically, every website has an IP address (a string of numbers like 192.158.1.38), but humans are terrible at remembering long random numbers. That is why we use domain names. They act as a user-friendly mask over those numbers. Discover more: How to buy a domain name What are custom domains? When you can skip the custom domain You can skip buying a custom domain if you are just testing an idea, building a school project or creating a site for personal use. If you aren't trying to sell a product or build a global brand right now, a free URL is perfectly fine. When you build a website on a platform like Wix, you are automatically assigned a web address. A Wix URL allows instant publishing without you needing to enter credit card details or configure complex settings. Here are a few scenarios where a free domain makes sense: Personal portfolios:  If you are sending a link directly to a hiring manager, they care more about your work than your URL. Event invitations:  For a one-time birthday party or family reunion, a free link to your  event website  works just fine. Beta testing:  If you are just seeing if anyone is interested in your new blog idea, start free and upgrade later. Class projects:  Students rarely need to purchase digital assets for homework. In these cases, Wix provides free web hosting  alongside that free URL, so your site is live and secure without any extra cost. Learn more about domain name and website hosting . Why you probably want a custom domain anyway You likely want a custom domain because it makes your brand look credible, protects your brand name and helps people find you on Google. While "need" is a strong word, "should have" is definitely applicable here. If you are running a business or trying to establish yourself as an expert, a custom domain is one of the cheapest investments you can make for your credibility. Builds immediate trust Imagine you are looking for a lawyer. Would you trust lawyer-steve.wixsite.com/legal-help  or stevelegal.com ? The custom domain signals that you are established and professional. Wix offers personalized addresses to help you make this jump from hobbyist to professional. Helps with SEO Search engines like Google look at your domain name to understand what your site is about. A clean, keyword-rich domain name (like chicagopizza.com ) gives you a slight edge. Plus, as you build authority on that domain, that value stays with you forever. Makes word-of-mouth easier Try telling someone your website address in a loud coffee shop: Option A:  "It's my name, then dot wixsite, then slash, then 'consulting'." Option B:  "It's SarahConsulting.com ." Option B wins every time. Learn more: what to do if domain name is taken . How to get a domain name for your website Whether you buy a new domain or connect an existing one, the goal is the same: creating a smooth, reliable connection between your domain name and your website.  Getting a domain name is usually much easier than people expect. In most cases, you have two simple options: either buy a new domain directly through your website platform or connect an existing domain you already own from another registrar. You don’t need coding skills or technical knowledge, as the setup process is mostly guided and can be completed in just a few steps. For most people, purchasing and managing everything in one place is the easiest route. However, connecting an existing domain works just as well if you already have one you love. Buying a new domain Connecting an existing domain 01. Buying a new domain This is the simplest and most beginner-friendly path. You can purchase a domain directly through Wix inside your dashboard during or after the website setup process. Wix offers a domain name search tool and domain name generator to help make selecting a domain name as simple as possible. The main advantage is convenience: your website, domain, billing and renewals are all managed in one account. That means fewer logins, fewer renewal reminders to track and less risk of your site going offline because of missed payments or expired settings. Buying through your website builder also helps streamline setup because the domain connects automatically and you don’t need to configure technical settings manually. Once purchased, your domain is ready to use immediately with your site. 02. Connecting an existing domain If you already bought a domain from a domain provider, you don’t need to abandon it. You can connect that domain to your new website by updating a few connection settings. There are two main ways to do this: Option 1: Name servers (recommended) This option allows Wix to host your DNS (Domain Name System). In practical terms, that means you manage your domain connection settings directly from your Wix dashboard. Why this is usually best: Easier to manage everything in one place More stable connection in the long term Simpler troubleshooting if something goes wrong Faster setup for most users For most website owners, this is the smoothest and most reliable option. Learn more about domain transfer . Option 2: Pointing Pointing keeps your DNS settings with your original registrar while directing website traffic to Wix. When this makes sense: You have existing email hosting you want to keep unchanged You use advanced DNS configurations with your current provider You prefer managing DNS externally While pointing works well in certain situations, it can be slightly more complex to manage since your website and domain settings live in separate accounts. The cost of upgrading Buying a domain usually costs money, but connecting it to your site often requires a premium plan on most website builders. It is important to distinguish between the cost of the name  and the cost of the connection . Domain price This is paid to the registrar (like a rental fee for the name). It’s usually $10-$20 a year. Learn more: how to choose a domain registrar . Hosting/Connection price Wix Premium plans include custom domains as a feature. On the free plan, you must use the free URL. To connect your own yoursite.com, you upgrade your site plan. Many annual plans actually come with a voucher for one year of a free domain, so Wix simplifies domain management   by bundling the costs for the first year. Learn more: how much does a domain name cost? Do you need a domain for a website: making the right call You need a domain if you want your website to function as a true business asset, but you can still start without one if you’re simply exploring or testing an idea. Don’t let the decision slow you down. The web is flexible, and you can begin with a free site today, build your content and grow your presence over time. When you’re ready to take the next step, Wix simplifies domain registration for your business, making it easy to move from a trial stage to a professional online presence without complicated setup. As your site grows, security becomes just as important as branding. That’s why Wix ensures secure domain registration with SSL certification, helping protect visitor data and reinforcing trust with both users and search engines. And when you decide it’s time to go all in, speed matters. Wix offers quick domain registration, so you can secure your name fast and keep moving forward without unnecessary delays. If you’re ready to look professional, grab that domain. If you’re still experimenting, enjoy the free version. The most important step is simply hitting “Publish.” You may also be interested in: how much does an SSL certificate cost? Do you need a domain for a website FAQ Can I change my domain name later? Yes, you can change your domain name later. If you start with a free URL, you can switch to a custom domain at any time. If you already have a custom domain, you can purchase a new one and connect it to the same site, though you should be careful about losing traffic from the old name. Learn more: How to buy expired domains What is a parked domain? Dropped domains Does a domain name include email? No, a domain name does not automatically include email hosting. However, once you own a domain (like myshop.com), you can purchase a personalized mailbox (like info@myshop.com) through Google Workspace or similar providers and connect it to your domain. Learn more: does Wix provide email hosting? What is a top-level domain(TLD)? A TLD is the extension at the end of your domain name, such as .com, .org, or .net.  Wix provides a list of TLDs   to choose from, so if the .com  version of your name is taken, you might be able to find it with .net  or .studio . Is domain privacy protection worth it? Yes, domain privacy protection  is usually worth the small extra cost. When you register a domain, your contact info is added to a public directory called WHOIS. Privacy protection hides your personal details from spammers and telemarketers. Wix protects private information when you select this add-on during purchase. Learn more about domain security  with Wix.

  • The 6 best online storage solutions

    Between pictures, videos, PowerPoint presentations and plain old docs, you need a place to store all that important information. For most individuals and for businesses large and small, a computer rarely offers enough storage. Luckily, there are lots of free web hosting solutions available, where you can keep your files safe and accessible online. Having trouble knowing where to turn? Here are some hints about what to look for when choosing a storage solution and a review of some of the top online storage options. Why you need online storage Storing your data on the web frees up valuable space on your phone, computer and hard drive. You can store enormous amounts of documents, images, videos, music and more, without worrying about running out of megabytes. A good storage solution offers other benefits, too. When your information is stored on web infrastructure, you can easily share it with coworkers or clients. An employee in London can work on a document simultaneously together with a colleague in Chicago. Plus, online storage offers the reassurance that your information is backed up and won’t get lost if something happens to your computer or phone. Accessibility is also a huge bonus of online storage. Headed on a business trip? Use cloud hosting for your data, so you can access it from any computer, phone or tablet with an Internet connection. Learn more: How to host a website Web hosting costs What is cloud hosting? What to look for in a storage solution There is no one-size-fits-all solution for online storage. Your needs will vary based on factors such as how much data you want to store and how many people will need to access it. When examining the options, consider the cost, the amount of space you receive, how many people you can share it with, how easily the information is synced and how securely your data is stored. Cost Amount of space you receive Number of people who can share Syncing/Sharing Security The Best 6 Online Storage Solutions Dropbox If you already worked out how to make a website on Wix, Dropbox is a great solution for you because Dropbox and Wix work hand in hand. Using the app Get Files to Dropbox , you can change up a photo on your Wix website with any image stored in your Dropbox. (You can even make the change straight from your phone!) Plus, Dropbox offers 2GB of storage for free, the ability to earn free storage if you share the app with a friend, and an affordable premium version for users who need additional space. Dropbox is easy to use and offers an effective way to share large files with colleagues and clients. You can share specific folders and send data to anyone, even if they don’t have Dropbox. Plus, you can seamlessly sync all your files straight to your computer. Dropbox is a good solution for small businesses with several employees who need to access the same documents. Microsoft OneDrive OneDrive offers a somewhat stingy 5GB of free storage, but it’s a great solution if you’re used to working with MS products and only you need to access your files. Or, if you already have MS 365 - you can enjoy unlimited storage for free! Some limitations are that you can’t correct spelling on OneDrive in Excel or PowerPoint and file size is limited to 2 GB. They are also less secure than some of their competitors. Google Drive If you run your own business, Google Drive may well be the only online storage you need, particularly if you have a Wix website. They offer a generous 15GB of storage for free and for a modest fee you can purchase additional space. Through Drive, you can store and organize documents, spreadsheets, images and more and then access them from anywhere in the world. Plus, using the Google Docs app , you can quickly and seamlessly display any doc straight on your website and customize it to match your site. On Google Drive, you can share files with anyone who has Gmail. One great benefit is that several people can simultaneously edit a document and see the changes in real-time. Unlike with Microsoft OneDrive, you don’t need to download or purchase anything in order to use Google Drive. The one downside is that there is a size limit for documents that can be converted to Drive. Mega Being based in New Zealand automatically makes you cool, but that’s not the only reason we love this online storage solution. Mega offers users an impressive 50GB of free storage (with more available at reasonable rates) and makes file or folder sharing super-simple, even with people who don’t have a Mega account. Mega is best known for ensuring your information is accessible from anywhere in the world while still keeping your data super-secure with end-to-end encryption. That means only authorized users (and not anyone at Mega) can see the information stored. Box Box has an easy-to-use interface that can integrate with pretty much any computer or device. It allows for file syncing and sharing,  but unfortunately, you cannot password protect shared files. They offer 10GB of free storage and 100GB additional space for just $10/month, however, the free plan limits file size to a max of 250MB. We recommend Box for small businesses who are able to pay a modest fee for the service. Those users can then take full advantage of Box’s features, while individuals will find that free services from other providers more than meet their needs. Amazon Cloud Drive Hey photographers! If you’re looking for a place to store unlimited images, Amazon Cloud might be the right option for you. If you want a storage place to sync files, automatically back up your info or shared docs with your employees, you will have to look for another solution. Cloud Drive comes along as a freebie with Amazon Prime membership, and even it’s super affordable, but if your business has more than one or two employees, it probably won’t work as a one-stop-shop for your cloud needs.

  • What is web hosting? A definitive guide

    Get  free website hosting  from Wix today → Website hosting is what makes your website accessible on the internet. It’s the service that stores your site’s files and delivers them to visitors when they type in your web address. Without reliable hosting, even the best-designed website can load slowly, go offline or become vulnerable to security issues. This guide explains what web hosting is, how it works and the main types of hosting available. You’ll also learn how to choose a dependable hosting provider that supports your site as it grows. Build a website with Wix. Wix hosting keeps your website running smoothly and securely from day one. With reliable performance, strong security and built-in tools for SEO, analytics and marketing, your site is ready to grow without limits. Plus 24/7 support means help is always just a click away. TL;DR: Website hosting Web hosting is where your website’s files are kept so people can visit it online. It keeps your site fast, safe and always available and is different from your website’s address. Hosting comes in various types: some are cheap and shared, others give more control, grow with your site or handle the tech for you. When choosing one, look at speed, security, reliability, support and extra features. Wix offers free cloud hosting with tools and easy upgrades to keep your site fast and secure. Learn more: How to open a website What is web hosting? Web hosting is the service that stores your website's files and makes them available on the internet. When someone types your website's domain name into their browser, they're actually reaching out to a specific server —your website's digital "storage unit." This server holds all your website's elements, from text and images to code and videos. It has a unique digital address called an IP address , which users can access by typing your domain name into their web browser . How does web hosting work? Every website starts with files that need a home. When you use a web hosting service, your website’s files are stored on a server, a computer that’s always on and ready to share your content.  When someone types your website address into their browser or clicks a link to your site, their device sends a request to your server. The server then finds the right files and delivers them back so your website appears on their screen. In simple terms, hosting is like renting space on a reliable, always-on server for your website. It makes sure your content is accessible to anyone, anywhere, at any time, without you having to manage the technical details yourself. Why is website hosting important? Hosting is a cornerstone of your website's performance and accessibility. Think about it: when people visit your site, they expect quick loading times, high-quality images and a secure environment. Your hosting provider plays a key role in meeting these expectations. A reliable host ensures your website is available to visitors around the clock, so you don't miss out on potential customers, ad revenue or other opportunities. Quality hosting providers also offer advanced security features to help protect your site from cyber threats. They often include backup services so you won't lose all your hard work in case something goes awry. And let's not forget that website speed isn't just about user experience; it also affects your search engine ranking. Google and other search engines favor faster, reliable sites and a good hosting service can help you achieve those faster load times. Web hosting versus domain name Web hosting and domain names are two distinct but interconnected elements that make your website accessible to users. Web hosting focuses on storing your website's files on a server and delivering them over the internet. On the other hand, a domain name serves as your website's online address. It's the name people type into their browsers to find your site, and it signals your server to present your website's content to visitors. Both elements are crucial for establishing an online presence. While you can acquire them separately, many opt for SaaS solutions like Wix, which offers free cloud hosting along with the option to create a custom domain name, simplifying the entire process. Learn more: Web host vs domain registrar The main types of web hosting Choosing the right type of web hosting for your website is a bit like picking the perfect home for your family—it depends on your specific needs and future plans. Factors like your website's size, anticipated traffic and scalability requirements will all play a role. In this section, we'll explore some of the most popular types of hosting and help you determine which might be the best fit for your website. Hosting type What it does Who it’s for and why Shared hosting Your website shares a single server and its resources—storage, bandwidth and processing power—with other sites. Performance can be affected if other sites use too many resources. Small websites, personal blogs or beginners who need an affordable easy-to-set-up option without worrying about technical management. VPS hosting You get a dedicated portion of a physical server with guaranteed resources. You have more control over server settings and can install custom software. Growing websites or small businesses that need better speed, stability and customization than shared hosting allows. Cloud hosting Your site is hosted across a network of servers (“the cloud”) so resources can scale automatically and traffic spikes are handled without downtime. Websites with fluctuating traffic, eCommerce stores or international audiences, because it’s highly reliable, fast and scalable. Dedicated hosting Your website has a full server to itself. You control every aspect of the server from security settings to software, ensuring maximum performance. Large websites, high-traffic eCommerce stores or businesses needing full control and high security. Ideal for sites that can’t risk slowdowns or outages. Reseller hosting You buy server space in bulk and rent portions to other users while hosting your own site. You manage your clients’ sites but don’t handle physical servers. Entrepreneurs or agencies looking to start a hosting business, monetize unused server space or offer hosting as a service to clients. Managed hosting The hosting provider takes care of setup, updates, security, backups and troubleshooting. You focus on running your website rather than technical maintenance. Business owners or anyone without technical expertise who wants a hands-off worry-free hosting experience with strong support and maintenance. Shared hosting Shared hosting is like living in an apartment building where you share resources like water and electricity with your neighbors. In the digital world, this means your website is stored on the same server as multiple other websites. You all share the server's resources, such as storage space, bandwidth and processing power. It's an economical choice, especially for small websites or those just starting out, since the web hosting costs are spread among all the users. However, the catch is that if one website on the server experiences a surge in traffic or has some other issue, it could affect the performance of all the other websites hosted on that server. Think of it like one apartment throwing a loud party; it could be disruptive for the whole building. For an eCommerce site that’s prone to holiday traffic surges, shared hosting is not the best option for this reason. That's why shared hosting is often best for smaller websites with less traffic, where high performance and speed are less critical. VPS hosting VPS hosting, or virtual private server hosting, is like living in a condo complex. You still share a building with other residents, but you own your own space and share fewer resources compared to apartment living, as in shared hosting. In the digital realm, this means you get a designated portion of a physical server, giving you more control and better performance. With VPS hosting, you have your own set of resources like storage, bandwidth and processing power, separate from other users on the same server. This provides a boost in speed and reliability. It's particularly well-suited for websites that have outgrown shared hosting but aren't quite big enough to need their own dedicated server. One of the biggest advantages is the ability to scale resources as needed. If your website starts getting more traffic, you can easily allocate more resources to handle the load. However, VPS hosting is generally more expensive than shared hosting and requires some degree of server management. It's a good option for businesses or websites that need more power, customization and flexibility. Cloud hosting Similar to cloud storage and cloud communications , cloud hosting is like having a house that can magically expand or shrink based on how many people are staying with you. In the tech world, this translates to hosting your website on a network of virtual servers (“the cloud”) rather than on a single physical server. This gives you the ability to easily scale your resources up or down as your website needs change. The major advantage of cloud hosting is its flexibility. Because your site is hosted on multiple servers, if one server fails, another can quickly take over, minimizing any disruptions. When considering the difference between cloud hosting and shared hosting , this is the biggest. As your website grows, cloud hosting can effortlessly adapt to handle increasing traffic without sacrificing performance. Cloud hosting is the best option for sites with significant international traffic. Virtual servers and CDNs (content display networks) can be placed in multiple geographical locations. This means that when a user enters a domain name for a specific website, cloud hosting delivers the site from a virtual server in the same region as that user. This is one of many hosting choices you can make to avoid building a slow-loading website. Learn more: What is cloud hosting? In the past, one of the main issues with cloud hosting has been its cost. This has changed, however, and now many website creators—including Wix—include free cloud hosting with every site created. Wix's multi-cloud hosting makes it one of the best web hosting services, even amongst other cloud hosting providers, because it offers a layer of redundancy; if one cloud service encounters issues, another can take over, ensuring that your website remains up and running with minimal disruption. For example, when a significant AWS outage in December 2021 disrupted millions of websites (including banks, airlines and streaming services), not a single Wix site went down . This approach enhances the overall uptime and performance of your site, which is crucial for maintaining your site's reliability and user satisfaction. Dedicated hosting Dedicated hosting is like having an exclusive piece of digital real estate: one website is hosted on a single, dedicated server. This is often the preferred choice for large websites attracting thousands of users per day. It offers an experience akin to owning your own on-site server and usually includes full management services. The primary advantage of dedicated hosting lies in its total control. You have the freedom to configure the server any way you want, from its operating system to security protocols. This control allows you to optimize for your website's specific needs, offering a performance level that's hard to match. It's particularly effective for handling large volumes of traffic without breaking a sweat. However, such luxury comes at a price—both literally and metaphorically. Dedicated hosting is typically the most expensive option on the hosting menu. It also demands a significant investment in management and maintenance, often requiring specialized technical expertise. Plus, should anything go awry with your specific server, your website will bear the brunt until the issue is resolved. This is a limitation that other hosting types like cloud hosting elegantly sidestep, thanks to their network of multiple servers that offer greater flexibility and redundancy. Reseller hosting Reseller hosting stands out as a unique blend of entrepreneurship and website hosting. Imagine you're leasing a large office building. Instead of using all the space yourself, you sublet individual offices to other businesses. That's reseller hosting in a nutshell. You purchase a significant amount of server space from a hosting provider, use a portion for your own website and then rent out the remaining space to other site owners. The primary motivation is often revenue generation, but it can also be a savvy way to make the most of server space that would otherwise go unused. While this may sound like an attractive way to offset hosting costs or even turn a profit, reseller hosting has many of the same challenges as shared hosting. Just like tenants in an apartment complex share amenities like a gym or laundry room, websites on a reseller hosting plan share crucial server resources. This means storage and bandwidth are divided among multiple sites on the same server. Consequently, if one of your subtenants experiences a sudden surge in traffic, it could impact the performance and reliability of your own website as well as those of your other tenants. So, just as you would screen potential tenants for a rental property, it's wise to be selective about who you allow to share your server space. Managed hosting Managed hosting is more of an add-on service than a standalone type of hosting. Picture it as a concierge service for your website. Whether you choose cloud, dedicated or VPS hosting, managed hosting takes care of the nitty-gritty details for you. This includes tasks like setting up the server, configuring software, troubleshooting issues and generally ensuring that everything runs smoothly. Managed hosting is great for providing a comprehensive service, including data backup and full server and software management. For website owners, this often means peace of mind in terms of your site’s security and performance. Many web hosting providers, Wix included, will incorporate this as part of their service, regardless of the type of hosting (cloud, dedicated or VPS) customers opt for. Learn more: how does web hosting work? How to choose a web hosting service When you're on the hunt for a web hosting provider, avoid simply picking the first one you come across. You have to play detective, investigating the features that each service offers. From security measures to performance capabilities, different hosting providers offer a variety of features that can either make your life easier or leave you with a bitter aftertaste. In this section, we'll explain how to choose a hosting provider, so you can make an informed choice that suits your needs. 01. Find out if its servers are reliable Server reliability is a must-have for the smooth operation of your business and the performance of your website. When your site experiences downtime, it doesn't just frustrate visitors; it can also harm your search engine rankings and possibly incur penalties. This could derail transactions, disrupt sales and thwart other crucial interactions with your audience. To get a sense of current issues that could affect you, it's wise to search Google News for recent instances of outages or security breaches. This can offer insight into how different hosting providers respond to and manage such events. Choosing a web hosting provider with a strong track record of uptime is vital for ensuring your site is always connected and acceptable. Wix, for instance, boasts a 99.99% uptime. A reliable host should further offer globally distributed servers and CDNs to ensure your website performs well, no matter where your audience is located. But don't stop at just uptime percentages; your hosting provider should also actively monitor traffic and server functionality. The goal is to anticipate and address any issues before they can cause problems. 02. Assess its security features With risks like data breaches and cyberattacks on the rise, skimping on security features when choosing a web hosting provider is a gamble that you can't afford to take. Here are the cybersecurity basics you should look for when assessing web hosting providers: TLS certificates: Transport layer security (TLS) certificates—which replaced SSL certificates as the go-to protocol—encrypt the data exchanged between your site and its visitors. In simpler terms, it makes sure prying eyes can't easily snatch sensitive information like passwords or credit cards. When a hosting provider offers TLS, it changes your website's address from HTTP to HTTPS. That little ‘S’ informs visitors that your site is secure. Beyond reassuring your site's visitors, HTTPS is also favored by search engines, giving your site a potential boost in rankings. Firewalls and malware scanning: While a firewall keeps hackers and malicious software out, malware scanning takes care of any viruses, spyware or ransomware that may have slipped through the cracks. Backups: Even if your hosting provider offers all the security features, it's basically impossible to make your site 100% secure. Choosing a hosting provider that offers regular, automated backups ensures that you’ll be able to restore your site if it does suffer a security breach. DDoS protection: Distributed denial of service ( DDoS ) attacks aim to overwhelm your website with traffic to make it unavailable. A good hosting provider should offer robust DDoS protection to ensure your site remains accessible even under such attacks. Beyond these essential features, Wix hosting takes website security to the next level with 24/7 monitoring to spot issues before they become major problems. It also allows you to enable features like two-factor authentication and phishing protection. To further fortify its security landscape, Wix even runs a bug bounty program , inviting skilled ethical hackers to identify and report any potential vulnerabilities. “With our bug bounty program, which includes tens of researchers who are constantly looking for ways to hack our environment, every new and existing feature is being given the necessary attention to ensure it’s secure,” explained Ifat Kooperli, Wix’s lead of vulnerability management, to HackerOne . “When we see the same vulnerability repeatedly, we examine the root cause and find out how it can be mitigated across the platform.” Learn more: how much does an SSL certificate cost? 03. Consider speed When you're considering a web hosting provider, don't let speed fall by the wayside. Avoiding site speed mistakes (like overlooking caching and not implementing lazy loading ) is crucial for keeping visitors engaged. And let's not forget, speed also plays a key role in your website’s search engine ranking. Heavy hitters like Google factor in page load time when they're deciding which sites to display in those prized top search results. A zippy website could be your ticket to the big leagues. So, how can you tell if a hosting provider is up to speed? Peek at their server hardware specs; the more modern the hardware, the faster your website is likely to load. And don't skip over the mention of CDNs. A CDN stores snapshots of your website at various global locations, which makes your site load faster for people, regardless of where they are in the world. With three data centers and over 200 CDN nodes across the U.S. and Europe, Wix ensures that your audience can access your content in a flash, regardless of where they’re located. Real-time monitoring of performance data ensures constant improvements, while automatic media adjustments on their servers promise fast downloads and optimal visual experience on any device. Plus, Wix’s single, unified tech stack means you instantly benefit from any updates or optimizations they roll out. Learn more about how Wix’s performance can help your business. 04. Determine if it allows for easy scalability When you suddenly find yourself in the internet spotlight, the last thing you want is for your site to slow to a crawl or, even worse, crash entirely. Those are peak moments when every visitor counts, and being prepared for rapid growth helps you make the most of these golden opportunities. That's why, when you're on the hunt for a web hosting provider, scalability should be high on your list of must-haves. Opt for a hosting provider that offers a spectrum of plans, each with different resource allocations. This ensures that when your website starts hitting it big—whether in terms of visitor numbers or the sheer amount of content—you can effortlessly transition to a more robust plan. A provider that prioritizes easy scalability is essentially investing in your future success. They're not just handing you a one-size-fits-all package but offering a roadmap for growth. Even if you aren’t aiming to attract millions to your site, underestimating the importance of scalability could come back to haunt you down the line. Over time, you might decide to add more features, images or videos. If your plan doesn’t accommodate the extra weight, your hosting provider could slow down your site, charge you overage fees or even take your website offline until you upgrade or remove some of that extra data. Wix’s website hosting services cater to businesses ranging from solo ventures to large enterprises, making it versatile enough to handle whatever your site needs. The platform automatically adjusts your website's resources to manage traffic spikes or dips. While the 500MB of storage space that comes with the free plan is more than sufficient for basic blogs or portfolio sites, you can get anywhere from 2GB to unlimited storage space depending on the Premium plan you sign up for. 06. Review pricing plans Web hosting costs vary between providers and according to the type of hosting you choose. With many web hosting providers, the more you pay, the more features you unlock. This is something to consider when choosing a type of hosting and provider since the cheapest option isn’t always the best. For example, some shared web hosting plans start from as little as $1.39 per month, although this low price will typically involve a multi-year commitment plan. Low monthly payments often mean you don’t have access to certain services—such as data backup—which may require an extra charge. The more exclusive the type of hosting, the more expensive it gets. Dedicated hosting plans can cost up to several hundred dollars a month, but free web hosting is now an integral part of many website creation tools and is also a good option. Learn more about how to host a website for free. 07. Test customer support Unless you’re a technical wizard, you’re going to want to choose a hosting provider that handles the heavy lifting for you. That said, you still want to ensure that you’ll have access to expert technical support and customer care if questions or issues do arise. Look for a provider that has its customer care team readily available 24/7 and accessible over multiple methods of communication. Wix’s customer care team is available 24/7 via live chat, email and phone. If you sign up for a business account, you even have a specialized support team. This means you not only get help whenever you need it but that help is tailored to the specific needs and challenges you might face as a business owner. 08. Look for extra features Besides the essentials we've already discussed, some hosting providers sweeten the deal with additional features. Here are a few examples of features to look out for: Custom email accounts: Imagine if Wix’s support team reached out to you from a Gmail address. You would correctly assume that you were receiving spam. A business email address that carries your domain name not only elevates your professional image but also makes it simpler for people to remember how to get in touch with you. Ecommerce capabilities: If you're running or planning to run an online store, then you can't ignore eCommerce web hosting and features. The basics include an SSL certificate for secure transactions and multiple payment gateways. Having a built-in shopping cart feature is a big plus too. The more seamless the online shopping experience you can provide, the better for your business. Analytics: In the digital age, data is your best friend. Your hosting provider should offer analytical tools that track visitor behavior, site performance and other metrics. This valuable data can help you understand your audience better, fine-tune your site's content and ultimately improve your website's overall performance. Migration support: If you're making a move from another hosting provider, the last thing you need is a complicated, messy transition. Make sure your new hosting provider offers migration support to ensure a smooth, error-free shift. This can save you hours of time and plenty of headaches. As a website builder with all these features as well as a full suite of business solutions, Wix certainly fits the bill. Sign up for Wix  today. What is web hosting FAQ How do I host a website? Now that we’ve explained exactly what web hosting is and the main types available, here is how to host a website : Research the types of hosting available—including all of the potential hosted services available Choose the right type of hosting for your site Select your hosting platform or provider Decide on and connect your domain name Does Wix host websites? Yes, Wix hosts websites. It provides cloud-based web hosting services as part of its website-building platform, enabling users to create and host their websites directly through Wix. How much does it cost to host a website? The cost to host a website varies widely, depending on the hosting provider, type of hosting plan and additional features. Basic shared hosting can start as low as a few dollars per month while more advanced options like dedicated hosting can cost hundreds of dollars per month. Wix provides free hosting services to all of its users. Can I host a website myself? Yes, you can host a website yourself, but it requires technical knowledge and resources. You'll need a server (which can be a dedicated machine or a computer), a stable and fast internet connection and knowledge about server management, website maintenance and security protocols. However, for ease and reliability, many opt for professional hosting services. Why do I need web hosting? Web hosting is essential for storing your website’s files and making sure it’s accessible online 24/7. It provides bandwidth for data transfer, offers security features and includes technical support - if you opt for a managed service. Hosting services optimize site performance, offer scalability and can include professional email accounts with your domain. Can I get free web hosting? It depends on your hosting provider. But, build a website with Wix and secure, reliable hosting is free with every site.

  • 5 best website hosting providers in 2026

    Get  free website hosting  from Wix today → The best website hosting providers give your site the speed, security and reliability it needs to run smoothly. And with a platform like Wix, you get free web hosting  when you create your website using the  website builder  or AI website builder . Finding the right website hosting provider can feel overwhelming, with so many options available for different budgets and needs. This guide will walk you through what to look for in a hosting provider, highlight some of the best website hosting providers and share tips on how to build a website from scratch . Wix hosting keeps your website running smoothly and securely from day one. With reliable performance, strong security and built-in tools for SEO, analytics and marketing, your site is ready to grow without limits. Plus 24/7 support means help is always just a click away. TL;DR: best website hosting providers This guide will walk you through what to look for in the best website hosting providers, from uptime and loading speed to security, support and pricing. It explains how different hosting features impact performance, reliability and scalability as your site grows. You’ll also learn how to choose a hosting solution that fits your goals, technical comfort level and budget so you can launch and manage your website with confidence. The table below provides a quick website hosting comparison for the providers we’ll cover in the next section. Provider Free plan Starting price (per month) Key features Wix Yes Free plan available; paid plans starting at $17/month. Free hosting, free global CDN, built-in HTTPS, free SSL certificate , eCommerce hosting SiteGround No $2.99/month Free SSL, daily backups, site builder, 24/7 monitoring Hostinger No $12.99/month CDN with some plans, LiteSpeed Cache, 24/7 live chat support DreamHost No $2.89/month SSD storage, automated backups InMotion Hosting No $4.99/month NVMe SSD storage available, DDoS protection, 24/7 live support Editor's note: The information presented in this article is true as of January 14th, 2026, unless mentioned otherwise. Learn more: Does Wix host websites? Best website hosting providers Wix SiteGround Hostinger DreamHost InMotion Hosting 01. Wix Wix easily earns o ur top spot as one of the best website hosting providers. When you create a website with Wix, you get scalable multi-cloud web hosting with an uptime of 99.99% and global CDN infrastructure. That means your site stays live even during traffic spikes and your web content gets delivered fast to visitors accessing your website from anywhere.  On the security side, Wix offers built-in protections like HTTPS, automatic SSL, anti-DDoS measures, caching and round-the-clock monitoring. If you experience any challenges, a dedicated on-call incident response team is ready to jump in and help. On top of free website hosting, Wix also offers: Site History for automatic backups Drag-and-drop website builder Integrated Wix analytics eCommerce hosting  capabilities Website templates  tailored for different niches Pricing:  Free plan available. Paid plans start at $17/month. Learn more: How to host a website for free 02. SiteGround SiteGround is a reliable web hosting provider that helps you build a strong online presence. It offers different hosting options, such as WordPress, eCommerce, cloud and reseller hosting, as well as professional templates.  The web host has an uptime of 99.99%, which allows your website to remain accessible. Built-in caching, SSD storage and a free CDN also keep load times fast. Security is a top priority for SiteGround. It provides free SSL certificates, daily backups, DDoS protection and 24/7 monitoring to protect against cyber threats. Pricing:  No free plan. Paid plans start at $2.99/month. 03. Hostinger Hostinger is an affordable website hosting provider whose options include web, WordPress, cloud and eCommerce plans. The web host offers a 99.9 % uptime guarantee, a site builder, pre-built templates and LiteSpeed Cache for quick load times. Higher-tier plans also get free CDN and NVMe storage. Security features include free SSL certificates, standard DDoS protection and daily and weekly backups to protect your data. You also get access to 24/7 expert support through live chat and email. Pricing:  No free plan. Paid plans start at $12.99/month. 04. DreamHost DreamHost is a reliable web hosting service that offers various hosting options, including managed WordPress, VPS, shared and online store plans.  The provider offers an uptime guarantee of 100%, with SSD storage and optimized servers for quick load times. On the security front, you get free SSL certificates, constant monitoring and automated backups. You can quickly put your site together with the AI website builder and templates. Plus, the customer support team is available 24/7 through live chat and email.   Pricing:  No free plan. Paid plans start at $2.89/month. 05. InMotion Hosting InMotion Hosting offers 99.99% uptime and multiple data centers. You can pick from various web hosting plans, such as VPS hosting, shared hosting and dedicated servers.  Security features include free SSL, automatic backups and protection against hacking, malware and DDoS. Customer support is also available 24/7 through live chat. Some plans also feature advanced caching for quick load times, NVMe SSD storage and phone support. No matter which plans you choose, you get access to the BoldGrid website builder and customizable templates. Pricing:  No free plan. Paid plans start at $4.99/month. Editor's note: The information presented in this article is true as of January 14th, 2026, unless mentioned otherwise. What to look for in a hosting provider Some of the key features to look for in a web hosting provider include: Uptime :  a hosting provider's uptime percentage reflects how often your website is accessible to users. The closer it is to 100%, the better. That way, you won't lose potential customers or sales because of preventable downtime. Loading speed:  a slow-loading site can frustrate visitors and increase bounce rates, which can hurt your search engine optimization (SEO) performance. A good hosting service will offer features like optimized servers,  lazy loading  and a content delivery network (CDN) to keep your site quick and responsive. Learn more:  What is CDN ? Helpful customer service:  when something goes wrong, you want a support team that will help you solve the issue quickly. The best hosting providers offer 24/7 support through chat, email or phone. Website security :  look for hosting plans that include  SSL  certificates, regular backups and malware scanning to protect your data and keep your website safe from cyber-attacks.  Check out our article on the  best SSL certificate providers to buy from . Pricing:  the cheapest plans may lack critical elements like robust security or responsive support, which migh t compromise your website. Look for plans that balance affordability with quality. Flexible pricing tiers can help you start small and upgrade as your site grows. Types of hosting solutions SaaS  solutions like Wix offer many types of hosting. Some of the most common are: Shared hosting Shared hosting is the most common and most affordable web hosting option. In this setup, your website shares server space and resources, like storage, bandwidth and processing power, with other websites. T his makes it perfect for personal blogs and small websites. Learn more:   What is web hosting ? How to host a website VPS hosting Virtual private server (VPS) hosting divides a server into multiple virtual servers. That way, you get dedicated resources while still sharing the physical server with other websites. VPS hosting is ideal for growing businesses that need more performance and scalability  than what shared hosting can offer but aren’t ready for a dedicated server. Dedicated hosting With a dedicated hosting plan, you get an entire physical server exclusively for your website. As a result, it's ideal for large-scale websites or applications that handle high traffic or require top-tier security and customization. While it’s the most expensive option, the benefits in terms of website performance  and site reliability  can be well worth the investment. Cloud hosting Cloud hosting  services work the same way as other web hosting options that house your site on a physical server. The only difference is that your website is hosted on a virtual server. Learn more:   What is cloud hosting? Cloud hosting vs shared hosting Best cloud storage Managed hosting Managed hosting  simply m eans the hosting provider handles server maintenance, updates, security and backups, so you can focus on running your website. "What often gets forgotten when talking about choosing a website builder is the capabilities of the infrastructure that’s promised to you—the reliability of the hosting, the level of security in place to protect your visitors’ data and, of course, your site's speed. Even if infrastructure is not the first thought that comes to mind when creating a website, if it’s not robust enough, it can cause major headaches for website owners when trying to scale a website later on." - Esin D. Habif, product marketing lead (outbound) at Wix How to choose the best website hosting provider for your needs Follow these steps to choose the best website hosting provider for your business or personal site: Identify the type of website  you want to host:  a simple blog might thrive on shared hosting, but an online store may require VPS or dedicated hosting for better performance and security. Determine your budget:   web hosting costs  can vary widely. Look for an affordable plan that offers solid uptime, responsive customer support and essential tools. Check for scalability options:  as your website grows, so will its demands. Look for hosting providers that can help you upgrade your storage and bandwidth—or even switch to a more robust hosting type. Assess if your website needs additional features:  for example, if your website handles sensitive data or requires secure remote access, a virtual private network ( VPN ) might be worth considering. Learn more: does Wix provide email hosting? How to launch your website Here’s a brief website launch checklist  you can use to get your site up and running in no time: 01. Find the perfect domain name Your domain name  is your website’s online address. It should match your brand and be easy to remember. You can use a domain name generator  to get creative suggestions and perform a domain name search  to make sure the name you like is available. After that, pick a web hosting service. Learn more:   What is a domain name ? Domain hosting vs web hosting IP address 02. Create a mobile-friendly website According to a 2024 study by DataReportal, 93.7% of people  age 16 and older use smartphones to browse the internet. So, choose a responsive design that automatically adjusts your web pages  to different screen sizes. Also, make sure your site is accessible to everyone. That means clear menus, alt text for images and proper color contrast to improve the user experience. Learn more: How to make a website mobile-friendly How to make a website accessible 03. Monitor your website performance Once your website is live, the work isn’t over. Monitor its performance regularly with tools like GTmetrix or Pingdom to identify and resolve issues before they impact visitors.  Best website hosting providers FAQ What is the best company to host your website? Wix is a top choice for hosting websites, offering reliable hosting and intuitive website building tools in one package. Hosting is included automatically when you create your site, so there’s no need for third-party services or extra costs. What are uptime guarantees and why do they matter? Uptime guarantees indicate the percentage of time a web hosting provider promises your website will be accessible online. Higher uptime, ideally 99.9% or more, means fewer interruptions, keeping your site available to visitors, protecting revenue and maintaining trust in your business.

  • How to host a website for free

    Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix →  Being able to to host a website for free is a perfect way to test a new idea, build a website of any kind or start a small business project without financial risk. This guide will show you exactly how to find a reliable home for your website without spending anything. With a website builder like Wix, you get secure, reliable cloud hosting included automatically. This means you can focus on building your brand and connecting with your audience, while the hosting and security is taken care of for you. TL;DR: How to host a website for free For anyone learning how to build a website , free web hosting removes the barrier to entry. It allows you to publish content instantly without dealing with complex server configurations or monthly fees. To get started, you just need to choose a website builder like Wix that bundles hosting with its site builder. This approach saves you from having to connect a domain name to a separate server manually as well. Learn more: What is web hosting? What is cloud hosting? Step Action 01. Choose an all-in-one platform Pick a builder that includes free hosting by default. 02. Sign up and pick a template Create your account and choose a design foundation. 03. Customize your site Add your own text, images, and pages. 04. Connect a domain Use the platform's free subdomain to get online instantly. 05. Publish your site with the hosting taken care of Push your site live to the web with a single click. How to host a website for free in 5 steps When it comes to understanding how to host a website for free you don't need to know anything about servers, bandwidth or FTP clients. Follow these easy steps to get your site live on the web for free. Choose an all in one website builder Sign up and choose a website template Customize your site Connect a free domain Publish a site, with the hosting taken care of 01. Choose an all in one website builder The easiest way to host a site for free is to use a website builder. Unlike traditional hosting companies that just give you server space, a robust website builder like Wix gives you the design tools and the hosting in one place. When you create a site on Wix, it’s hosted on their secure, global servers automatically. This hosting for free with your website builder is great because it handles all the maintenance for you. You don't have to worry about security patches, server updates or downtime. You just sign up and your website infrastructure is ready to go. This is a huge advantage over self-hosted solutions where you are responsible for keeping the server running smoothly. 02. Sign up and choose a website template Once you've chosen your website builder, create a free account. Most will ask you a few questions about what kind of site you want to build. Based on your answers, they'll suggest website templates that match your needs. Browse through the options and pick one that fits your style. Whether you need a blog, a online portfolio or a simple landing page, starting with a template gives you a professional structure. Don't worry if it's not perfect right away—you can change almost everything later. The important thing is to get a solid foundation. You can also use an AI website builder which means just telling it, via a chat interface, what type of website you want to build, how it should look and why — and the builder will create it for you, often in minutes. 03. Customize your site Now comes the fun part, use your website builder's drag and drop editor to make the site your own. Swap out the stock photos for your own images, rewrite the text to tell your story and adjust the colors to match your brand. Because your hosting is integrated, every change you make is saved to the cloud instantly. You don't need to upload files to a server. You can work on your site from any computer with an internet connection. As you build, keep your user in mind and make sure your navigation is clear and your pages load quickly by not overloading them with massive video files. 04. Connect a free domain To visit your site, people need a web address to enter or search for. When you host a website for free, you typically get a free subdomain. This usually looks like username.wixsite.com/siteaddress . It’s a fully functional web address that works just like any other URL. Using a free subdomain is perfect for personal projects or starting out because it requires zero setup and costs nothing. The perfect domain is just a click away: claim your domain → If you later decide you want a custom domain (like mycoolsite.com ), you can usually upgrade to a premium plan to connect one. However, with Wix as a domain registrar, you pay for your customized domain, your website is still hosted for free. 05. Publish your site with the hosting taken care of Once you're happy with how your site looks, look for the Publish button in your editor. Clicking this pushes your website from the editor to the live server. Within seconds, your site is live and accessible and you've hosted a website for free. From here, you can share your link on social media, add it to your bio and start driving traffic to it. Learn more: Best hosting platforms How to host a website for free FAQ Is free hosting safe? Yes, if you choose a reputable platform. Major website builders, like Wix, invest heavily in security to protect the millions of sites they host. They provide SSL certificates (that little lock icon in the browser bar) automatically, which encrypts data and keeps your visitors safe. What are the limitations of free hosting? Free hosting usually comes with some limits compared to paid plans. You will typically have a storage limit (how much content you can upload) and a bandwidth limit (how many visitors you can handle at once). You also usually have to use a subdomain rather than a custom domain name and the platform may display a small banner or logo on your site. For most new sites, these limits are perfectly manageable.

  • What is Wix hosting?

    Get  free website hosting  from Wix today → Wix hosting is a built-in service that provides everything your website needs to run smoothly, from secure storage to fast loading speeds, without requiring you to manage any technical details. It's part of Wix’s website builder, meaning your website hosting  is seamlessly included when you create a site with Wix. This makes creating, publishing and maintaining a website easy and convenient for creators at any level. Create a website  with Wix. Wix hosting keeps your website running smoothly and securely from day one. With reliable performance, strong security and built-in tools for SEO, analytics and marketing, your site is ready to grow without limits. Plus 24/7 support means help is always just a click away. TL;DR: What is Wix hosting? Wix hosting is built into the Wix website builder, so you never have to worry about finding or managing a separate host for your site. It’s all taken care of—think fast speeds, reliable security and hassle-free updates. Here’s a quick look at what you get: Feature What it means for you Built-in hosting Get your site online instantly—no extra steps required Fast loading Enjoy speedy sites that keep visitors engaged Site reliability Enjoy 99.99% uptime for a dependable online presence Secure storage Your data is protected around the clock Automatic updates Wix stays on top of maintenance, so you don’t have to Scalable resources Ready for growth, big or small New to websites? See our guide on what is web hosting , and explore the differences between cloud hosting vs shared hosting . How Wix hosting works Wix offers hosting seamlessly integrated into its website builder. Every Wix plan includes free managed cloud hosting , so you don’t need third-party services or web server  configurations. Simply design your site, click “Publish,” and it’s live.  Wix combines  hosting a website , web design  and maintenance in one platform. Your website’s data is stored securely on a global server network, ensuring site reliability  and website accessibility  worldwide.  Wix optimizes hosting for fast loading speeds and handles updates automatically. Routine tasks like server management and performance optimization are taken care of, so you can focus on your work.  No technical expertise is needed to use Wix. It’s designed for all skill levels and integrates with third-party tools, helping you expand your website easily. Wix hosting also scales with your business, growing effortlessly alongside you. Learn more: Does Wix host websites? How to host a website for free How to choose web hosting Benefits of Wix hosting 01. Easy to use Wix hosting is designed with simplicity in mind. With everything built into the website builder, Wix seamlessly integrates hosting services, so you can focus on building and sharing your site. Hosting is included in all Wix plans, so you never need to manage an external provider. Wix simplifies website management by combining hosting, design and ongoing maintenance in one place. This way, you can build, edit and grow your site without extra steps. 02. Built-in security   Website security  is a top priority, and Wix provides measures to keep your site safe. From free SSL  certificates that encrypt visitor data to protection against cyber threats, Wix offers secure storage to protect your website’s data and ensure reliability. Your site and visitors are in safe hands. Read more: Website security tips . 03. Reliable performance   Thanks to its global server network, Wix ensures fast loading page speeds  and 99.99% uptime . This ensures a smooth experience for both you and your audience, even during high-traffic periods. Wix hosting also includes automatic updates, so your website benefits from the latest features and  website security  improvements without any extra effort. Learn more about how to avoid site speed mistakes  and prevent slow loading websites  to ensure website performance .  04. Scalable for growth   Whether you’re starting a blog  or growing an online store , Wix hosting scales with your business. As your site gains more visitors or requires advanced features, Wix automatically accommodates this growth, so you never have to worry about technical adjustments. Wix supports eCommerce websites  with plans tailored for secure payment processing and inventory management. 05. Storage and bandwidth   Wix hosting includes online storage  space to save your site’s content and bandwidth to accommodate visitor traffic. Wix provides secure and reliable hosting infrastructure, and with each Wix plan, these resources are adjusted to suit your site’s size and goals. Plus, Wix integrates with third-party tools, allowing you to expand your site’s functionality as your needs grow. Plans and pricing Wix provides hosted services  already built into every free or paid subscription, so all your site needs are handled in one spot. Hosting is included in all Wix plans, meaning your web hosting cost  is covered without the need to juggle different providers or worry about additional fees. Wix simplifies website management, so you can focus on what matters. Who is Wix hosting for? Wix hosting works for anyone who wants a straightforward way to bring their ideas online. Here are a few examples of who can benefit most: Bloggers: Wix hosting provides a secure platform, supports writers of all levels, and makes creating an online blog  to share stories, recipes, or guides easy . Small business owners:  Wix hosting manages technical details, allows focus on customers and supports boutiques or service-based businesses.  Creators and freelancers:  Wix hosting showcases online portfolios , highlights personal brands and simplifies website management.  eCommerce store owners:  Wix hosting offers tools for online selling, integrates checkout options and provides an all-in-one solution.  Beginners:  Wix hosting simplifies website creation, provides strong support and ensures a stress-free experience. What is Wix hosting FAQ Is Wix hosting free? Yes, Wix hosting is included in their free plan. However, upgrading to a paid website building plan offers more features like a custom domain, increased storage and removal of Wix ads. Can I use my own domain with Wix hosting? Absolutely. Wix allows you to connect your own domain  or purchase one directly through their platform. Is Wix hosting secure? Yes, Wix hosting includes SSL certificates and security measures to protect your website and visitors. Can I switch plans if my needs change? Definitely. Wix offers flexible website building plans, so you can upgrade or adjust as your website grows or requires more resources. Does Wix hosting support online stores? Yes, Wix hosting is fully compatible with online stores. Their business and eCommerce plans include everything you need to run and scale a shop. What is the difference between domain hosting and website hosting? Domain hosting refers to purchasing and managing your website’s address (e.g., www.example.com ), while website hosting provides the storage and services needed to display your website online. Both are essential for a fully functional site. Learn the difference between domain hosting vs website hosting .

  • Does Wix host websites? Yes, and here's how

    Get  free website hosting  from Wix today → Yes, Wix does host websites. Wix provides integrated, free web hosting with every website. Unlike standalone web hosting services that require you to create a website and finding hosting separately, Wix combines website creation and web hosting. When you start building a website with Wix, hosting is automatically included. Learn how to build a website from scratch .  Wix hosting keeps your website running smoothly and securely from day one. With reliable performance, strong security and built-in tools for SEO, analytics and marketing, your site is ready to grow without limits. Plus 24/7 support means help is always just a click away. Does Wix host websites? Yes, and here's the website infrastructure behind it Wix's web hosting is built on a robust, enterprise-grade foundation designed for reliability and performance. The platform uses a multi- cloud hosting approach, leveraging the combined power of: Google Cloud Platform Amazon Web Services (AWS) Fastly's edge computing services This distributed architecture means your website remains accessible even if one service experiences issues. Wix hosting also deploys content through a global Content Delivery Network (CDN) with over 200 nodes across multiple continents, significantly reducing load times for visitors regardless of their geographic location. Learn more: What is web hosting? What is cloud hosting? Does Wix host websites? Yes, and here's some of the main benefits of it Speed and reliability Wix's hosting provides 99.99% uptime . It does this by implementing web optimization techniques such as: Image lazy loading (loading images only when they scroll into view) Automatic mobile optimization, learn more about how to make a mobile-friendly website JavaScript and CSS minification Browser caching mechanisms These optimizations mean your site will load quickly across devices, a crucial factor for better user experience. John Mueller from Google says, "If your website can go down for a day or two from time to time, your hosting is terrible. Even mediocre hosting doesn't (or shouldn't) do that. (Also, downtime from hosters makes me appreciate well-run platforms from Wix & co. even more)." Learn more: What is Wix? What is a Wix website? Scalability Wix's hosting and website infrastructure automatically scales to accommodate traffic fluctuations, making it suitable for: Personal blogs experiencing steady traffic, as well as business blogs with large traffic numbers Business websites with growing visitor numbers as a business scales Ecommerce web design and stores during promotional events or seasonal peaks where traffic can increase suddenly Learn more: How to host a website Website security Security is a cornerstone of Wix's hosting service. All Wix websites receive: Free HTTPS and automatic SSL certificate installation DDoS protection against malicious attacks 24/7 security monitoring from a dedicated team PCI DSS Level 1 compliance for e-commerce stores Regular security patches and updates that are applied automatically These provide your website with enterprise-grade website security without needing any technical input from you. According to Allan Kinic, cybersecurity expert and founder of Prevention-internet.fr "A good web hosting should offer: A free SSL certificate, automated and outsourced backups, 24/7 server monitoring, responsive technical support and an infrastructure that's resilient to traffic spikes and attacks. This is the foundation on which everything rests. Never neglect this choice." Is my Wix website secure? Yes, and we explain how. Storage and bandwidth Wix offers varying levels of storage and bandwidth depending on your subscription plan: Free plan : 500MB storage with bandwidth limitations Basic paid plans : 2GB to 5GB storage with bandwidth caps Business and e-commerce plans: 20GB to 100GB storage with unlimited bandwidth Enterprise plans: Unlimited storage Storage limitations primarily affect image and video uploads, while bandwidth restrictions determine how many visitors can access your site and what content they can download. Explore these eCommerce website examples . Simplified hosting management By combining making a website with integrated web hosting, Wix hosting means: No separate hosting control panel to learn Unified billing through a single subscription Centralized dashboard for all website operations Automatic backups with site history functionality 24/7 customer care accessible directly from your dashboard Consolidated support covering both website and hosting issues No finger-pointing between separate hosting and platform providers Regular system-wide upgrades benefiting all hosted sites Cost Wix hosting is included in all Wix plans, whether free or paid. While potentially more expensive than basic shared hosting, Wix's hosting also comes with: Website builder functionality, including access to 2000+ website templates Web hosting Advanced website security Ecommerce capabilities (with a paid plan) Marketing tools (integrated in Wix's website builder) Customer support Wix hosts websites, but is it right for your website? Wix hosting is ideally suited for: Business websites who need something professional without the technical complexity Ecommerce stores that need reliable, secure hosting with integrated payment processing Creative professionals creating the best portfolio websites with rich media content. Build your site quickly with ready-made web templates or get a polished, custom look with a website designer .

  • Cloud hosting vs. shared hosting: which is actually better?

    Get  free website hosting  from Wix today → The two most popular hosting types are cloud hosting and shared hosting. But what’s the difference between the two, and which one is right for you when making your website? If you’re exploring options like free website hosting , understanding how these hosting types work can help you make the right call. Shared hosting places multiple websites on a single server, which keeps costs low but can lead to slower performance when traffic spikes. Cloud hosting runs your site across a network of servers, giving you better speed, reliability and the ability to scale as your site grows. That’s why the type of hosting you choose is so important when you create a website . Learn more: How to open a website Wix hosting keeps your website running smoothly and securely from day one. With reliable performance, strong security and built-in tools for SEO, analytics and marketing, your site is ready to grow without limits. Plus 24/7 support means help is always just a click away. TL;DR: cloud hosting vs. shared hosting This guide walks you through how cloud hosting compares to shared hosting and when each option makes sense as your site grows. Shared hosting is a cost-effective setup where multiple websites share one server, making it a practical choice for personal sites or low-traffic projects. Cloud hosting runs your site across multiple servers, delivering faster performance, stronger security and higher reliability as demand increases. Hosting type Pros Cons Shared hosting Affordable and easy to get started with, beginner-friendly, hosting maintenance is managed Performance can slow during traffic spikes, limited scalability, higher security risk due to shared resources Cloud hosting Scales easily as traffic grows, strong uptime and reliability, better security, handles traffic spikes smoothly Typically costs more than shared hosting, may feel more complex to manage Learn more: Does Wix host websites?  and How to make a Wix website What is web hosting? Web hosting refers to the storage and delivery of all the things that make your website unique, including your text, images and videos. Just like every house needs a foundation, every website needs to live on a server. When you click on a link or type in a URL, your web browser sends a request to that server, which then retrieves the website and sends it to your device. There are about 200 million active websites worldwide , and each one of them relies on some type of hosted services . So, it’s no surprise that the global market size for web hosting is expected to grow to a whopping $395.84 billion by 2030 . Within that market are several options, including cloud hosting and shared hosting. Learn more: does Wix provide email hosting? What is cloud hosting? Cloud hosting leverages all of the on-demand benefits of cloud computing. In this model, your website’s resources are hosted on a network of multiple virtual servers that run from the cloud. If one server goes down, the other servers pick up the slack without missing a beat. This reduces the chance of website failure and allows users to access your website from anywhere in the world. Because it’s a dependable model of web hosting, cloud hosting is the fastest-growing approach, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 18% per year . What’s more, many top providers have raised the game by entering into multi-cloud hosting agreements, allowing them to host websites across multiple large cloud networks. Wix, for example, provides multi-cloud hosting through a combination of Amazon Web Services , Google Cloud and its own servers. What is shared hosting? With shared hosting, your website’s resources are hosted on a single physical server. It’s called “shared” because multiple websites borrow bandwidth, CPU, RAM and storage from that same server. The primary reason people choose shared hosting is because it’s often cheaper than cloud hosting. However, it’s also less reliable and may create performance issues. 7 ways to compare cloud hosting vs. shared hosting What’s the difference between cloud hosting and shared hosting? The best way to compare the two is to examine their pros and cons across each of these categories: Scalability Resources Performance Security Customization and flexibility Reliability and uptime Cost 01. Scalability Let’s say you launch a travel website. You know that you’ll experience web traffic surges during holiday seasons. So, you want to be sure that your server can handle the extra load. Shared hosting is limited in its ability to meet these types of high traffic demands. Because multiple websites share bandwidth on the same physical server, there’s only so much to go around. When it runs low—or runs out—it can result in a slow-loading website or even cause a website crash. By contrast, cloud hosting pools the resources of multiple servers, which means you can scale up to meet high traffic demands or scale down as traffic decreases. This also gives you the ability to easily grow your online business. If you’re an eCommerce merchant, for example, and one of your products goes viral, your website can manage the boost in traffic so you can drive more sales and maximize your profits. 02. Resources Both cloud hosting and shared hosting are designed to keep your website up and running. But the way they handle resources like CPU, RAM, storage and bandwidth can make a big difference—especially as your site grows or sees more traffic. With shared hosting, your website runs on the same physical server as many others. You’re sharing essential resources like CPU power, RAM, storage and bandwidth. The downside? If another site on the server gets a traffic spike or uses too many resources, your site can slow down—or even go offline. Also, shared hosting often comes with lower limits on storage and bandwidth, which can hold your site back as it scales. Cloud hosting works differently. Instead of relying on a single server, it pulls resources from a network of servers. This setup gives your website access to more CPU, RAM and bandwidth as needed. So when traffic surges, your site keeps running smoothly. You also get more room to grow, with scalable storage and better uptime. And with most cloud hosting providers, including Wix, you benefit from built-in support and advanced tools that make it easier to manage your site. 03. Performance According to recent research, 53% of website visits are abandoned when a mobile site takes three seconds or longer to load. That’s why it’s so important to ensure optimum website performance , especially if your online presence is your business. With shared hosting, your compute power and bandwidth are limited by how many other websites are using your physical server at the same time. If other sites are consuming too many of those resources, your site’s load time will lag. However, cloud hosting is designed specifically to help accelerate website load page times. Because your site’s resources can live on multiple servers in different geographies, cloud hosting lets a user connect with a server located in the same region as they are. This creates faster speed and a better user experience. If you have a website now and want to know how to measure its current performance, use this bandwidth calculator to find the answer. 04. Security Website security is one of the most crucial factors when comparing cloud hosting vs. shared hosting. While no hosting company can promise total protection for your website, any vendor you choose should offer you a robust set of cybersecurity tools. Things like firewalls, login security and SSL certificates are table stakes for any hosting provider, cloud or shared. Ask vendors about their protection against Distributed Denial of Service ( DDoS ) attacks. If you plan to accept payments on your site, choose Payment Card Industry (PCI)-compliant vendors to keep your customers’ credit card and financial information secure. If you choose shared hosting, know that any security vulnerabilities are also shared. So, if one website on your server gets attacked, it can lead to attacks against every site that uses the same server, including yours. And once a bad actor has access to that server, they’ll have it for as long as it takes for your hosting company to find the root cause of the breach. That’s why it’s so important to ask the right questions about cybersecurity before choosing a web hosting provider. By contrast, when you choose cloud hosting from a provider like Wix, you benefit from enterprise-grade security, including around-the-clock monitoring and rapid response. Wix also meets all PCI Data Security standards. 05. Customization and flexibility When you learning how to make a website for the first time, you may be okay with the package your hosting vendor offers. But as you grow your business and expand your technical skills, you may choose to customize your experience to your unique needs. Consider all of the best web hosting options before committing. With shared hosting, this can be difficult. You’ll likely have a control panel where you can choose different settings. But if you want to make larger changes, such as switching to a different content management system or adding storage capacity, you will be limited to the tools your vendor allows you to use. Cloud hosting offers far more flexibility and customization. You can easily change control panel options, upgrade your RAM or even swap out operating systems. This will enhance your ability to create a one-of-a-kind website that wows your audience. 06. Reliability and uptime Both cloud hosting and shared hosting claim to offer exceptional levels of uptime. But is that the reality? Shared hosting providers may struggle to deliver on this promise for one simple reason: if the physical server that hosts your website goes down, your site will fail, and your users will receive that dreaded 404 error. In addition, if other websites on the same server experience high traffic and/or utilize excessive resources, it can impact the performance of your site. This is rarely a concern with cloud hosting. Because your website is supported by multiple servers, there is no single point of failure. That means your site will stay live even if one or two servers fail simultaneously. For these reasons, cloud hosting providers like Wix can guarantee 99.99% uptime, the highest available. And for this reason, cloud hosting is a more reliable option. 07. Cost One of the biggest benefits of shared hosting is its relatively inexpensive web hosting costs . Most shared hosting providers offer monthly plans. One estimate shows that entry-level tiers start around $2.51 per month, with mid-tier options averaging $4.62 per month. With cloud hosting, you only pay for the resources you use. And while it has traditionally been considered more expensive than shared hosting, cloud hosting is starting to become more affordable. Wix, for example, offers free cloud hosting for every website you create, including 500MB of free cloud storage. If you go beyond the storage requirements, you can upgrade to a premium plan and add as much as 50GB of cloud storage depending on your needs. Feature Shared hosting Cloud hosting Scalability Limited—scaling requires moving to a new plan or host. Highly scalable—resources adjust automatically based on demand. Resources Shares CPU, RAM, storage and bandwidth with other websites on the same server. Draws on CPU, RAM, storage and bandwidth from a network of servers. Performance Can slow down if other sites on the server use too many resources. Consistent performance, even during traffic spikes. Security Basic security features, but risks increase if another site on the server is compromised. Enhanced security with isolated resources, advanced protocols and redundancy. Customization and flexibility Limited — server settings and software options are restricted by the host. Greater control over server configurations, software stacks and resources. Reliability and uptime Dependent on a single server — if it goes down, so does your site. High uptime and redundancy — if one server fails, another takes over instantly. Cost Typically lower upfront costs, good for smaller budgets. Generally higher cost, but reflects better reliability and flexibility. Suitable for Personal sites, portfolios or early-stage projects with low traffic. Business websites, online stores or sites with growing or unpredictable traffic. How do you know whether you need shared hosting vs. cloud hosting? Now that you know how much your website’s overall success depends upon choosing the right hosting provider, it’s time to analyze which one will work best for you. Below are four steps to help you make the right choice. Analyze your website’s needs Consider how much traffic you expect your website to generate, both at startup and into the future. If you’re building an online business in an area of interest that experiences natural surges in traffic, such as eCommerce or travel, then cloud hosting may be best for you. The same is true if you expect to grow your website’s audience over the long haul. Also, if you want your website to reach an international audience, cloud hosting is a smart choice. If you’re planning a personal website (such as a blog) and expect only limited traffic, shared hosting might be a wise option. Consider your budget Set the amount you want to spend on hosting, and then search for the best hosting solution that fits your budget. While shared hosting is traditionally less expensive, you may find that cloud hosting is more economical over the long haul. Look for the best provider Don’t simply pick the first hosting provider who you find online. Do your research. Check software comparison sites and read the user comments. Watch for any reviews that mention problems you’d want to avoid, such as downtime or other performance issues. Take a demo Most hosting services will let you try before you buy, which is the best way to know if a provider’s services will work for you. With Wix, you can sign up and create a website for free. You only need to pay if you choose to upgrade to a premium plan. If you walk through these four steps and still have questions about website hosting, this four-step guide will show you how to host a website . The bottom line You can build a beautiful website in just a few hours, but you’ll also want to make sure that the site you build will last for the long haul. Choosing the right website hosting provider will give you the reliability, scalability and flexibility you’ll need so launch your website and grow it with confidence.

  • What is cloud hosting? The definitive guide

    Get  free website hosting  from Wix today → Cloud hosting is a type of web hosting where your website isn’t stored on a single server but across a network of connected servers, called the “cloud.” This setup makes your site more reliable, secure and able to handle traffic spikes without going down. While no system can guarantee 100% uptime, cloud hosting, especially multi-cloud setups, keeps your website running even if one server fails. In today’s interconnected world, businesses of all sizes depend on this kind of infrastructure to maintain performance and protect their online presence. Wix hosting keeps your website running smoothly and securely from day one. With reliable performance, strong security and built-in tools for SEO, analytics and marketing, your site is ready to grow without limits. Plus 24/7 support means help is always just a click away. TL;DR: what is cloud hosting? In this guide, we explore cloud hosting , a way to store your website across a network of connected servers instead of a single server. Multi-cloud hosting goes further by using multiple servers and networks, so your site stays online even if one server fails. For anyone learning how to develop a website , choosing a multi-cloud hosting solution ensures reliability without sacrificing performance. Providers like Wix offer fully-managed multi-cloud hosting, giving you peace of mind, 24/7 uptime and faster load times for your visitors. Advantage Why it matters Scalability Your website can grow or shrink instantly to handle traffic spikes. Cloud hosting adds servers automatically so your site keeps running smoothly. Reliability With multiple servers working together, cloud hosting keeps your site online almost all the time. If one server goes down, another takes over without interruptions. Performance Servers located around the world deliver content faster to visitors, giving them a smoother, more engaging experience. Cost You only pay for what you use. Cloud hosting adapts to your traffic, so costs stay in control, unlike flat monthly fees. Security Cloud hosting protects your site and data with firewalls, SSL and access controls, keeping your website safe from attacks. Understanding your web hosting needs When it comes to choosing the best web hosting option for you, you'll need to distinguish between the different types available. Each hosting type has features and benefits which may or may not fit your needs. In the past, many first-time website creators opted for shared hosting, or when several sites are hosted on one server. This hosting option is cheap and works well for small sites, including personal websites, without large traffic numbers. Then, once the site and business start to grow, many medium-sized businesses consider a different option, like VPS hosting, or a private, dedicated space and resources on a shared server. This option is less sensitive to traffic surges on the server, but it's often more expensive than shared hosting. VPS hosting doesn't work for enterprises or busy eCommerce sites, though, and it's still not as reliable as having your own dedicated web server . Cloud hosting, on the other hand, has evolved to meet website demand of all sizes. This type of hosting or hosted service can manage sudden traffic surges, deliver 99.9% uptime (the most reliable hosting can get), has no single point of failure and scales with your website. And with some website creators—Wix included—it costs nothing. For a more in-depth look at cloud hosting vs. shared hosting , check out our guide. What is cloud hosting? Web hosting is the housing of your site on a physical server, plus the delivery of that site to a user's browser. Cloud hosting works the same way, except your site is hosted on a network of virtual servers, rather than a physical one. It's part of a wider concept of cloud computing. Even if you don’t know cloud computing by name, it’s likely you integrate its content storage and delivery capabilities into your everyday life, from browsing on our smartphones and storing work files, to accessing our favorite apps. Examples of public cloud based services and hosting providers include Microsoft Azure, IBM’s Blue Cloud, and Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud or EC2. You can learn how to host a site on any one of these public cloud platforms, although the reliability and web hosting costs can vary widely. Cloud hosting has an edge over non-cloud web hosting. It’s usually considered to be more flexible. Storage and bandwidth for a site can be added, either in response to short term needs (an eCommerce website expecting sudden and increased traffic surges during Black Friday, for example) or in response to the long-term growth of a business. How does cloud hosting work? Cloud hosting stores your website across multiple virtual servers instead of a single physical machine. When someone visits your site, the network automatically directs traffic to the server with the most available resources, ensuring your website stays online even if one server experiences a problem. Here’s how it works under the hood: Virtualization:  A software layer called a hypervisor divides physical servers into multiple virtual machines (VMs). Resource pooling:  These virtual servers draw from an underlying pool of CPU, RAM and storage across the network, allowing your site to scale as traffic increases. Redundancy:  Because your site isn’t tied to a single piece of hardware, if one physical server fails, another in the network automatically picks up the load to prevent downtime. Load balancing:  Traffic is distributed across multiple servers to maintain fast performance. Centralized management:  You can monitor and update your site without worrying about individual servers. Learn more: What is web hosting ? What is multi-cloud hosting? Multi-cloud hosting improves upon cloud hosting to give enterprise-grade performance and reliability to everyone—no matter location or business size. With multi-cloud hosting, your hosting provider connects public cloud services, like Google Cloud and Amazon Web Services (AWS) , with private and in-house servers to host a website. Plus, the provider will work to pre-empt outages and balance traffic loads between networks and servers. The main reason for using multi-cloud hosting? Reliability. You can have the peace of mind that your site is always running without having to do anything on your end. Let’s use Wix’s multi-cloud hosting as an example here, a solution which uses Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud and Wix’s in-house servers: Imagine the unthinkable happens and AWS is temporarily offline. All websites hosted on AWS would drop offline, too. But when using a multi-cloud service like Wix, another network like Google Cloud can step into the breach. In the unlikely (but not impossible) scenario that both AWS and Google Cloud are down, Wix's in-house servers would take on hosting duties for your website, so you carry on with your business. Key features of multi-cloud hosting Multiple servers: public, private and internal Multiple globally-located content delivery networks (CDN) 24/7 management and maintenance from the service provider Unlimited bandwidth including online storage that scales with the users needs Up to 99.9% uptime Automated services via remote management Free or on an ‘as used’ basis Advantages of multi-cloud hosting In 2018, Amazon lost an estimated US $100 million  after just an hour of downtime during its Prime Day Sales. In August 2020, server outages stirred Google , not only affecting the company itself, but decreasing productivity for the many businesses dependent on its ubiquitous tools. And in May 2021, another global outage temporarily brought down 10% of the internet— impacting eCommerce giants like Amazon and eBay. In the years since, cloud hosting has evolved to address potentially damaging problems such as these. We live in an interconnected world where businesses of all sizes rely on a global web infrastructure  that delivers reliability and advanced website security , as well as business continuity. And while 100% uptime is never guaranteed, multi-cloud hosting delivers something very close. If you’re starting to create your website, you'll want to consider the benefits of multi-cloud hosting. Here the advantages of multi-cloud hosting for websites of all sizes: 01. Reliability plus scalability Cloud hosting is reliable. While 100% uptime can never be a given, cloud hosting providers like Wix can deliver 99.99% uptime, giving you confidence in your business’s continuity. Cloud hosting also includes automatic site backup. Even in a highly unlikely network outage, your site will automatically restore. Reliable web hosting not only keeps your site continually online, but it also helps maintain your brand reputation through traffic upsurges and server outages. This also delivers scalability. Multi-cloud hosting relies on a network of internal, public and private clouds to manage and deliver data to websites. As your site's traffic and sales grow and your business needs change, multi-cloud hosting adapts to handle sudden traffic surges through load balancing. 'If your website can go down for a day or two from time to time, your hosting is terrible. Even mediocre hosting doesn't (or shouldn't) do that. (Also, downtime from hosters makes me appreciate well-run platforms like @Wix & co. even more)' ~ John Mueller, Google 02. Hands-off management Multi-cloud hosting is a complicated solution that requires expert management. Connecting the multiple public and private clouds is incredibly expensive, too. Thankfully, using a multi-cloud hosting service gives you all the benefits of this technology without having to invest your own time or money. In the event of an online outage, or disaster, most multi-cloud hosting providers ensure automatic website backup and recovery. This limits the downtime your site experiences, and will get your business back online faster. Tip: Hosting with Wix is a fully-managed hosting and multi-cloud service that demands nothing from you. At Wix, the aptly-named War Room works 24/7 to pre-empt potential server and network outages. This also includes additional support from Google and AWS cloud services. 03. Improved website performance Users and search engines alike demand that your site works fast. A positive user experience depends content delivered in seconds—whether that is watching a video or buying a product. Cloud hosting uses geo-clustering, or servers placed as geographically close to the user as possible through a network of CDNs. The result? Higher page load speed and improved customer engagement. Types of cloud hosting There are several common types of cloud hosting to fit different needs: Public cloud:  Your website shares resources with other users on a cloud managed by a third party. This is cost-effective and easy to set up for most businesses. Private cloud:  Your website uses a cloud environment dedicated only to your organization, offering higher security and control over data and performance. Hybrid cloud:  Combines public and private clouds, letting you keep sensitive data private while using the public cloud for scaling and less critical tasks. Managed cloud:  The provider handles all technical maintenance, including security updates, patches and backups, so you can focus on growing your business instead of managing servers. Multi-cloud:  Your website uses multiple cloud providers at once, spreading resources across networks like AWS, Google Cloud and private servers. This setup boosts reliability, performance and uptime, making it ideal for businesses that need enterprise-grade hosting. What is cloud hosting FAQ What is cloud hosting vs web hosting? Cloud hosting and web hosting differ in infrastructure. Web hosting relies on a single server to host websites, sharing resources among users. In contrast, cloud hosting uses a network of interconnected virtual and physical servers, providing scalability and flexibility. Cloud hosting allows resources to be distributed dynamically, offering better reliability and performance. What are some well known cloud hosting examples? Well-known cloud hosting providers include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and IBM Cloud. These platforms offer a range of services, including computing power, storage and databases, enabling users to deploy and scale applications globally. Each provider has its own strengths and businesses often choose based on specific needs, preferences, and integration capabilities.

  • How to choose web hosting without the stress

    Turn your ideas into a website →   |  Claim your domain →  Learning how to choose web hosting is all about finding a service that makes your site fast, secure and ready for visitors. This guide will help you understand your options so you can make a choice with confidence. TL;DR: How to choose web hosting For any website owner, the right web hosting is the engine that powers your website . It affects your site's speed, website security and how many visitors it can handle at once. A good host gives you peace of mind and lets your site grow. When choosing how to host a website , you need to consider factors like uptime guarantees, security features customer support and whether the hosting can scale with your business. These elements ensure your site runs smoothly and is protected from threats. Step Action 01. Understand the different types of hosting Learn the pros and cons of shared, VPS, dedicated and cloud hosting . 02. Assess your website's needs Determine your expected traffic, storage requirements and technical comfort level. 03. Prioritize speed and uptime Choose a host with a proven track record of reliability and fast performance. 04. Check for essential security features Look for SSL certificates, firewalls, and regular backups. 05. Consider scalability for future growth Pick a solution that allows you to upgrade your plan as your traffic increases. 06. Evaluate customer support options Ensure the host offers help when you need it via chat, phone, or email. How to choose the right web hosting in 6 steps Understanding how to host a website is a process of matching your needs with the right service. By breaking it down into these steps, you can confidently select a web host, like Wix, that will support your site now and as it grows. Understand the different types of web hosting Assess your website's needs Prioritize speed and uptime Check for essential security features Consider scalability for future growth Evaluate the customer support options 01. Understand the different types of web hosting When it comes to understanding what is web hosting, its important to remember that it isn't a one-size-fits-all. The most common option is shared hosting, where your site shares server space with many others. It’s affordable and great for beginners but a traffic spike on another site could slow yours down. Unless your web host uses, like Wix, multi-cloud hosting , which is a form of shared hosting spread over multiple locations and CDNs (Content Delivery Networks) , meaning it can handle spikes in traffic without affecting the uptime of your site. Its one of the best options when it comes to a reliable, fast and secure website . You can learn more about what is Wix hosting with our complete guide. A step up is VPS (Virtual Private Server) hosting, which gives you a dedicated slice of a server. You still share hardware but your resources are partitioned off. This offers more control and better performance than shared hosting. Dedicated hosting gives you an entire server to yourself, offering maximum power and control but it comes at a high price and requires technical knowledge. Explore the differences between cloud and shared hosting in more detail. 02. Assess your website's needs Before you choose, take a moment to think about your site. Are you starting a personal blog that might get a few hundred visitors a month? Or are you launching an eCommerce store with plans for thousands of customers? The amount of traffic you expect will directly influence the type of hosting you need. You should also consider your storage needs. A photography portfolio with high-resolution images will require more space than a simple text-based blog. Finally, be honest about your own comfort with technology. If you don't want to manage server updates, an all-in-one website builder like Wix, with included web hosting is a much better fit than a complex dedicated server. Learn more: does Wix host websites? You've got a great idea and you deserve a hosting solution that can keep up. With a professional website builder like Wix, hosting is already part of the package. You get a reliable and secure foundation for your site without having to worry about the technical details, so you can get back to building your brand. 03. Prioritize speed and uptime Two of the most important factors in hosting are speed and reliability. A slow-loading website will frustrate visitors.. Look for hosts that use modern technology like solid-state drives (SSDs) and content delivery networks (CDNs) to deliver your site's content quickly to users around the world. Uptime is the percentage of time your website is online and accessible. You want a host that guarantees at least 99.9% uptime. While no host can promise 100%, anything less than 99.9% means your site could be down for several hours over the course of a year, leading to lost traffic and sales. 04. Check for essential security features Website security is not something you can afford to overlook when choosing your web hosting. A good web host should provide a suite of security features to protect your site and your visitors. The most basic of these is a free SSL certificate , which encrypts the connection between your site and its visitors. Getting an SSL certificate is essential for building trust and is a requirement for any site that collects information. Other features to look for include firewalls to block malicious traffic, malware scanning to detect and remove threats and regular automatic backups. In a worst-case scenario, having a recent backup of your site can save you from having to rebuild everything from scratch. When you build a website with Wix, all of these are included as part of its robust website infrastructure. Learn more: how much does an SSL certificate cost? 05. Consider scalability for future growth Your goal is for your website to grow and as your traffic increases, your hosting needs will change. A great hosting provider makes it easy to scale your resources without any major disruptions. You want a service that allows you to seamlessly upgrade your plan as you need more storage, bandwidth or processing power. Website builders and web hosts like Wix are built for this. You can start with a simple plan and effortlessly upgrade as your business expands. This flexibility means you only pay for what you need right now, with the confidence that your host can support your success in the future. 06. Evaluate customer support options When something goes wrong with your website, you want to know that help is available. Before committing to a host, check out their customer support options. Do they offer 24/7 support? Can you reach them through live chat, email, or phone? Read reviews and see what other customers say about their support experience. A responsive and knowledgeable support team can be a lifesaver when you're facing a technical issue. You want a partner who is there to help you get back online quickly. Learn more: Does Wix provide email hosting? How does web hosting work? How to choose web hosting FAQ What's the difference between a domain name and web hosting? Think of it like this. Your domain name is your street address (e.g., www.mywebsite.com ), which tells people where to find you. Your web hosting is the actual plot of land and the house itself, where all your files, images and content are stored. You need both to have a functioning website. How much should I expect to pay for web hosting? Hosting costs can range from free to hundreds of dollars per month. Shared hosting is the most affordable, often costing just a few dollars a month. VPS hosting typically starts around $20-$30 per month, while dedicated servers can easily cost over $100. All-in-one website builders, like Wix, often include reliable hosting in their free and premium plans, which provides great value. Can I change my web host later? Yes, you can migrate your website from one host to another. However, the process can be technical and time-consuming, involving transferring files and databases. This is why it’s so important to choose the right host from the beginning to avoid the hassle of a future migration.

  • How much does Wix Harmony cost in 2026?

    Build your website, your way with Wix Harmony → How much d oes  Wix Harmony  cost? The answer is simple: the Wix Harmony Editor doesn’t have its own separate price tag because it’s included in every Wix plan, including the free forever plan. So whether you’re starting out with the  free website builder and learning how to make a website  for the first time, or building up an existing brand online, you get full access to Harmony’s hybrid editing tools. That means you can start creating right away. Just pick the  Wix plan  that matches your goals. With Wix Harmony, you get AI-assisted design and precise manual control without hidden fees or extra editor costs. Try the free AI website builder  that lets you design, customize and launch your website effortlessly. Wix Harmony brings AI and manual creation together in a single, smart platform. You can generate full pages, layouts and content with natural language, then fine-tune every detail with precise drag-and-drop control. It’s faster, more flexible website creation, without sacrificing quality or creative freedom. TL;DR: how much does Wix Harmony cost The Wix Harmony Editor is part of the standard Wix platform (including the free forever plan), so there’s no separate price tag; you pay the same as Wix’s usual plans. That means you can use Wix Harmony’s function‑packed tools without extra editor fees. Quick look at pricing (billed annually): Free : Build and host a basic website. Light ($17/month) : Basic site essentials. Core ($29/month):  Ideal for small businesses, basic eCommerce features and professional sites. Business ($39/month):  Standard eCommerce website  and growth tools. Business Elite ($159/month):  Advanced business capabilities and priority tools.  What plans include: The Wix Harmony hybrid editor, which is infused with  Wix AI  creation tools. Reliable and free website hosting , a custom domain name (free for one year with paid plans) and website security  features. Marketing, eCommerce and business solutions available with  Wix premium plans . “Wix Harmony lets you take your ideas and turn them into a real website without all the hassle and stress. You can experiment, edit and have fun while still building something professional. It’s honestly the easiest way to get your site online.” - Yarin Singolda, Wix Harmony product marketing manager  Learn more about Wix Harmony: What is Wix Harmony? Why use Wix Harmony? What is Wix Harmony, and who is it for? Wix Harmony is Wix’s hybrid website editor that blends AI with precise drag-and-drop controls.  Wix Harmony is designed to let you create the website you want, the way you want, whether you’re creating a personal project, a portfolio website  or a full business website . With Wix Harmony, you get the best of both worlds: AI guidance with Aria:  Wix Harmony’s multi-skilled AI agent, Aria, helps you generate pages, sections, text, images and even custom components quickly. She can handle complex tasks all at once and offer expert suggestions as it regards your website or your business. Hands-on control:  Customize every detail, from website layouts  and fonts to interactions and visuals, with intuitive drag-and-drop tools. Built-in business tools:  Add eCommerce, scheduling, blogs and other essential features to your website, no add-ons required. Reliability and security:  Launch sites on fully managed, multi-cloud hosting with enterprise-grade security and accessibility. Wix Harmony was created for individuals, entrepreneurs and small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) who want to create professional-grade websites without needing to be developers or designers.  “Aria makes vibe coding a website feel effortless. You can give her an idea, and she’ll turn it into sections, pages or custom components, all while you stay in control to tweak and personalize everything. It’s like having a co-creator who gets your vision instantly.” - Yarin Singolda, Wix Harmony product marketing manager  Insights from Wix leadership: Why we built Wix Harmony Building together with AI Wix Harmony and website evolution How much does Wix Harmony cost? A full breakdown Curious about how much Wix Harmony costs? Wix Harmony is included in all existing Wix plans, including the free plan, so you get its hybrid editor features as part of the website plan you choose. Instead of asking, “How much does Wix Harmony cost?,” it’s better to ask yourself, “Which Wix plan supports the site features I need?” That’s what this guide helps you break down. Jump to the section you want: Free plan: getting started at no cost Premium plans and what they include Comparing Wix plans Extra perks with Wix Harmony  Choosing the right Wix Harmony plan 01. Free plan: getting started at no cost The Wix Harmony Editor doesn’t require an immediate investment. The free plan lets you explore the editor, test its AI-powered features and see how a drag-and-drop website builder  customization works. What you get on the free plan: Wix subdomain (yourname.wixsite.com). 500 MB storage and 500 MB bandwidth. Access to the Wix Harmony editor. Free website templates  and  web design  tools. Basic Wix branding on your site. The free plan is perfect if you’re navigating making a website for the first time or testing out Wix Harmony before upgrading. You can build a fully functional site, experiment with Aria (a dedicated AI agent) and get a feel for the hybrid editor . 02. Premium plans and what they include Wix Harmony is included in all of Wix’s paid premium plans, so once you upgrade, you get the full editor, plus enhanced tools, extra cloud storage  and business features.  Below is a snapshot of the most popular plans when billed annually:  Light ($17/month): Great for personal sites or small projects. Includes a free domain for one year, 2 GB storage and a basic marketing suite. Core ($29/month): Designed for small businesses and professionals. Adds 50 GB storage, basic eCommerce website  features, online scheduling  and more collaborators. Business ($39/month): Ideal for growing brands. Expands to 100 GB storage, standard marketing tools and full commerce support. Business Elite ($159/month): Best for advanced business needs. Offers unlimited storage, advanced marketing and developer capabilities. Explore options from the vibe coding website builder  up through full business plans and see what fits your goals → 03. Comparing Wix plans Since Wix Harmony is built into every Wix plan, the real question is which plan fits your project and budget, not whether Harmony itself costs more.  Here’s a quick comparison of popular annual‑billing plans to help you decide:  Plan Price (annual) Ideal for Key benefits Free $0/mo Beginners & testing Basic site & Wix Harmony access Light $17/mo Personal sites Custom domain, basic tools Core $29/mo Small businesses Basic commerce features, larger storage Business $39/mo Growing businesses Advanced commerce features, marketing Business Elite $159/mo Large or complex sites Unlimited storage & features This breakdown shows how your cost scales with the features you need, from simple personal sites to advanced business operations, all powered by the same underlying Wix Harmony Editor.  Learn more about costs for: How much does a portfolio website cost? How much does a website cost? How much does a business website cost? How much does a business email cost? How much does a domain name cost? How much does it cost to host a website? 04. Extra perks with Wix Harmony Beyond plan pricing, there are additional perks you get with Wix Harmony, which is included in your subscription: AI‑powered creation tools : Get an AI agent (Aria) who can generate website pages, sections and content based on your instructions, plus help you perform essential tasks. Hybr id workflow : Flow between AI and manual  drag‑and‑drop  tools to create in a way that feels natural to you. Business‑ready solutions : Ecommerce, blogs, scheduling, SEO features  and website analytics  come baked in with the higher tiers. Enterprise‑grade infrastructure : Secure hosting and  Wix website performance  keep your site running smoothly. Since you don’t pay extra for Harmony itself, these perks come at no additional cost beyond your chosen plan, making Wix a strong choice for anyone who wants both power and flexibility in one platform. 05. Choosing the right Wix Harmony plan Since Wix Harmony uses the standard Wix pricing model, your choice of plan depends on the features you need. Ask yourself: How much storage and bandwidth will I need? Do I want to sell products or services online? How many collaborators will I need on my site? Are advanced marketing and automation tools important for my business? How to decide which plan is right for you Choosing a Wix plan really comes down to your goals for using Wix Harmony: I just want to try building a website Start with the free plan. It gives you access to the platform, the editor and AI tools with Wix branding and basic site features. It’s perfect for learning how to make a website and testing Wix Harmony without commitment. I want my own custom domain If you want a professional website without Wix ads, the Light plan is ideal. It includes a free domain for a year and removes Wix ads, giving your site a cleaner, more branded look. This is perfect for personal sites, portfolios or any project where you want your own URL. Start your search today with Wix’s domain name search or get creative ideas using the  domain name generator  → I need growth tools and payments The Core or Business plans are usually the best value for businesses that need eCommerce, bookings or scheduling tools. They give you room to grow while giving you full access to the Wix Harmony Editor. I’m running an advanced store or team site If you need priority support, unlimited storage or expansive marketing tools, Business Elite is probably for you. This plan is meant for large or scaling teams that have advanced online operations. Does Wix Harmony cost more with AI tools? No, Wix Harmony doesn’t come with any additional fees beyond the cost of a standard Wix plan.  Unlike some website platforms that charge extra for AI-powered features, Wix Harmony is fully integrated into every Wix plan, including the free plan.  This means you can take advantage of AI-guided website creation, content generation and design suggestions right away without worrying about add-ons or hidden costs. With Wix Harmony, you can: Generate complete pages and sections in minutes using AI, or customize anything by hand. Create on-brand copy for your site without needing a separate writing tool. Customize layouts, images and interactive elements while keeping full control. Tap a multi-skilled AI agent, Aria, to handle repetitive or complex tasks. Start building for free with Wix Harmony  and experience what a vibe coding website builder can do for you→ Editor’s note: Pricing listed in this guide is accurate as of January 21, 2026, for US pricing and may change over time. Prices are shown as annual plans, month-to-month billing options are also available. How much does Wix Harmony cost? FAQ How much does Wix Harmony cost? Wix Harmony doesn’t have a separate price tag, rather, it’s included in all Wix plans. From Wix’s free to premium tiers, you only pay for the Wix plan you choose. Wix Harmony’s hybrid editor is available across those plans without an additional editor fee.  Can I use Wix Harmony for free? Yes, the free Wix plan lets you access Wix Harmony and explore its AI and drag‑and‑drop tools without paying extra, though your site will have Wix branding and limited features. Upgrading to a paid tier removes ads and unlocks more storage and business tools.  What are the main differences between Wix pricing plans that include Wix Harmony? Plans range from free to premium tiers, including Light, Core, Business and Business Elite plans, with increasing storage, marketing strategies  and eCommerce capabilities as you go up. All plans include Wix Harmony, but higher tiers offer more business features, collaborators and advanced tools. Do I need to upgrade my plan to use advanced features with Wix Harmony? You can build and customize with Wix Harmony on the free plan, but upgrading to a paid plan gives you a custom domain, more storage and business‑ready tools like eCommerce and scheduling. Premium plans also include priority support, advanced marketing and more collaborators as your site grows.

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