Written By
Daren LowUpdated On
April 08, 2024
The best affordable Linux hosting services balance cost-effectiveness with dependable performance and essential features. This article shortists the best providers of Linux web hosting who offer plans that cost under $5 per month. We also detail each host’s advantages and limitations to help you make an informed decision.
Affordable Linux hosting is perfect for small businesses or individuals who are on a budget and need a Linux-based hosting solution. This article talks about what makes Linux hosting affordable, its core strengths, and how much it costs. Hostinger comes out on top as our favorite choice for low-cost Linux web host.
Top 10 Cheap Linux Hosting
1. Hostinger
https://www.hostinger.com/
Hostinger stands out for its budget-friendly and comprehensive Linux hosting services. Their plans start as low as $1.99 per month. Hostinger have 3 Linux hosting plans:
- Linux shared hosting at $1.99/month
- Linux VPS hosting at $5.99/month
- Linux cloud hosting at $8.99/month
Hostinger supports 5 operating systems:
- AlmaLinux
- CentOS
- Debian
- Rocky Linux
- Ubuntu
Check our Hostinger review for more details.
What are the pros and cons of Hostinger’s cheap Linux hosting?
There are 4 pros of Hostinger’s cheap Linux hosting:
Pros
- Offers both managed and unmanaged hosting
- Free domain included
- Unlimited free SSL
- 9 data centers worldwide
There are 2 cons of Hostinger’s cheap Linux hosting:
Cons
- Weekly backups only (not daily)
- Long commitment for biggest discounts
2. TMDHosting
https://www.tmdhosting.com/
TMDHosting offers affordable Linux hosting starting from $2.99 per month. Their plans support cPanel and Softaculous for easy website management. All plans include managed services such as server management and maintenance.
They offer 3 Linux hosting plans:
- Linux shared hosting starting at $2.99/month
- Linux VPS hosting from $24.99/month
- Linux dedicated server hosting from $79.99/month
All TMDHosting’s Linux plans run on the AlmaLinux operating system. Read our review of TMDHosting for more details.
What are the pros and cons of TMDHosting’s cheap Linux hosting?
There are 5 pros of TMDHosting’s cheap Linux hosting:
Pros
- All plans are managed
- Provides cPanel and Softaculous
- 6 global data centers
- Free SSL
- Free domain name
There is 1 con of TMDHosting cheap Linux hosting:
Con
- Backups are not included in the lowest-priced plan
3. GreenGeeks
https://www.greengeeks.com/
GreenGeeks provides environmentally-friendly hosting solutions and energy-efficient infrastructure. Their Linux hosting begins at an affordable $2.95 per month.
They offer 2 Linux hosting plans:
- Linux shared hosting at $2.95/month
- Linux VPS hosting at $39.95/month
GreenGeeks’ Linux servers run on AlmaLinux. Check our GreenGeeks review for more details.
What are the pros and cons of GreenGeeks’ cheap Linux hosting?
There are 5 pros of GreenGeeks’ cheap Linux hosting:
Pros
- SSD storage available
- Daily backups
- Free domain included
- Free SSL included
- 4 data centers worldwide
There are 2 cons of GreenGeeks’ cheap Linux hosting:
Cons
- Only AlmaLinux OS available
- Only offers managed hosting
4. A2 Hosting
https://www.a2hosting.com/
A2 Hosting is praised for its high-performance hosting solutions that offer generous features. Their Linux hosting services start at just $2.99 per month.
They have 3 Linux hosting plans:
- Linux shared hosting at $2.99/month
- Linux VPS hosting at $5.99/month
- Linux dedicated hosting at $89.99/month
A2 Hosting supports 4 operating systems:
- AlmaLinux
- CentOS
- Debian
- Ubuntu
Check our A2 Hosting review for more details.
What are the pros and cons of A2 Hosting’s cheap Linux hosting?
There are 4 pros of A2 Hosting’s cheap Linux hosting:
Pros
- SSD and NVMe storage available
- Offers both managed and unmanaged hosting
- Free SSL included
- 4 data centers worldwide
There are 2 cons of A2 Hosting’s cheap Linux hosting:
Cons
- No backup included
- No free domain included
5. DreamHost
https://www.dreamhost.com/
DreamHost is renowned for its excellent uptime, user-friendly features and WordPress expertise. Their Linux hosting services begin at $2.59 per month.
DreamHost has 4 Linux hosting plans:
- Linux shared hosting at $2.59/month
- Linux VPS hosting at $10/month
- Linux dedicated hosting at $149/month
- Linux cloud hosting at $12/month
DreamHost runs on the Ubuntu operating system. Check our DreamHost review for more details.
What are the pros and cons of DreamHost’s cheap Linux hosting?
There are 6 pros of DreamHost’s cheap Linux hosting:
Pros
- Daily backups
- Offers both managed and unmanaged hosting
- Free domain included
- Free SSL included
- 100% uptime guarantee
- 97-day money back guarantee
There are 2 cons of DreamHost’s cheap Linux hosting:
Cons
- Only Ubuntu OS available
- Only 2 data centers (US based)
6. Bluehost
https://www.bluehost.com/
Bluehost is favored for its comprehensive website building tools and reliable server performance. Pricing for Bluehost’s Linux hosting starts at $2.75 per month.
They have 3 Linux hosting plans:
- Linux shared hosting at $2.75/month
- Linux VPS hosting at $29.99/month
- Linux dedicated hosting at $89.98/month
Bluehost’s Linux hosting platforms run on the CentOS operating system. Check our Bluehost review for more details.
What are the pros and cons of Bluehost’s cheap Linux hosting?
There are 4 pros of Bluehost’s cheap Linux hosting:
Pros
- SSD storage available
- Offers cPanel
- Free domain included
- Free SSL included
There are 5 cons of Bluehost’s cheap Linux hosting:
Cons
- Only CentOS OS available
- No backup included
- Only offers managed hosting
- Only 1 data center (US based)
- No uptime guarantee
7. HostPapa
https://www.hostpapa.com/
HostPapa is recognized for its green initiatives and excellent customer support via the ‘PapaSquad’. Their Linux hosting plans start at just $2.95 per month.
HostPapa has 2 Linux hosting plans:
- Linux shared hosting at $2.95/month
- Linux VPS hosting at $19.99/month
HostPapa supports 3 operating systems:
- CentOS
- Debian
- Ubuntu
Check our HostPapa review for more details.
What are the pros and cons of HostPapa’s cheap Linux hosting?
There are 5 pros of HostPapa’s cheap Linux hosting:
Pros
- SSD storage available
- Offers both managed and unmanaged hosting
- Free domain included
- Free SSL included
- 3 data centers worldwide
There are 2 cons of HostPapa’s cheap Linux hosting:
Cons
- Need to pay for backups
- Long commitment for biggest discounts
8. IONOS
https://www.ionos.com/
IONOS combines affordability with a wide range of features. This appeals to both individual site owners and businesses. Their Linux hosting services start at a competitive price of $2 per month.
They offer 4 Linux hosting plans:
- Linux shared hosting at $5/month
- Linux VPS hosting at $2/month
- Linux dedicated hosting at $70/month
- Linux cloud hosting at $4/month
IONOS supports 5 operating systems:
- AlmaLinux
- CentOS
- Debian
- Rocky Linux
- Ubuntu
What are the pros and cons of IONOS’ cheap Linux hosting?
There are 4 pros of IONOS’ cheap Linux hosting:
Pros
- SSD and NVMe storage available
- Daily backups
- Free domain included
- Free wildcard SSL
There are 2 cons of IONOS’ cheap Linux hosting:
Cons
- Only offers managed hosting
- Only HDD storage for Linux shared plans
9. Cloudways
https://www.cloudways.com/
Cloudways offers user-friendly and flexible managed cloud hosting ideal for businesses and developers. Their Linux cloud hosting begins at $11 per month. Cloudways exclusively uses the Debian operating system for its Linux hosting. Check our Cloudways review for more details.
What are the pros and cons of Cloudways’ cheap Linux hosting?
There are 4 pros of Cloudways’ cheap Linux hosting:
Pros
- Automated backups
- Free SSL included
- 65 data centers worldwide
- 3-day free trial (no credit card required)
There are 6 cons of Cloudways’ cheap Linux hosting:
Cons
- No Linux shared hosting plan
- No Linux VPS hosting plan
- No Linux dedicated hosting plan
- Only Debian OS available
- Only offers managed hosting
- No free domain included
10. HostGator
https://www.hostgator.com/
HostGator is known for its user-friendly and scalable hosting solutions. Their Linux hosting plans start at $3.75 per month.
They offer 3 Linux hosting plans:
- Linux shared hosting at $3.75/month
- Linux VPS hosting at $23.95/month
- Linux dedicated hosting at $89.98/month
HostGator’s Linux hosting is based on the CentOS operating system. Check our HostGator review for more details.
What are the pros and cons of HostGator’s cheap Linux hosting?
There are 3 pros of HostGator’s cheap Linux hosting:
Pros
- Daily backups
- Offers managed and semi-managed hosting
- Free SSL included
There are 4 cons of HostGator’s cheap Linux hosting:
Cons
- Only CentOS OS available
- No free domain included
- Only 2 data centers (US based)
- No uptime guarantee
11. GoDaddy Hosting
https://www.godaddy.com/
GoDaddy is a leading domain registrar that also excels in offering comprehensive hosting solutions. Their Linux hosting options start at $5.99 per month.
They have 3 Linux hosting plans:
- Linux shared hosting at $5.99/month
- Linux VPS hosting at $9.99/month
- Linux dedicated hosting at $149.99/month
GoDaddy Hosting supports 2 operating systems:
- CentOS
- Ubuntu
What are the pros and cons of GoDaddy’s cheap Linux hosting?
There are 4 pros of GoDaddy’s cheap Linux hosting:
Pros
- Daily backups
- Offers both managed and unmanaged hosting
- Free domain included
- Free SSL included
There are 2 cons of GoDaddy’s cheap Linux hosting:
Cons
- Unreliable support
- Long commitment for biggest discounts
What Is Cheap Linux Hosting?
Cheap Linux hosting refers to Linux-based web hosting that costs $5 per month or less. This low price range includes shared, VPS, dedicated, and cloud hosting types. Cheap Linux hosting still caters for a wide range of customers by offering a choice of multiple Linux distributions (Ubuntu, CentOS, Debian). This allows customers with different performance needs or levels of expertise with the Linux ecosystem to benefit from the cost savings of cheap Linux hosting.
How are cheap Linux hosting plans so affordable?
Cheap Linux hosting plans are so affordable mainly because of the nature of the Linux OS, which is open-source and free. Such plans come with limited features and caps on server resources to further reduce costs. Cheap Linux plans are also usually unmanaged plans. This means that the host provides limited technical support or server maintenance services. This is in contrast to managed plans wherein the host absorbs these tasks for a higher fee. Many providers also offer substantial introductory discounts of up to 80% for new signups. Read our cheap web hosting guide to learn more.
Are there hidden costs with cheap Linux hosting plans?
No, there are no hidden costs with reputable cheap Linux hosting plans. Hidden costs are additional fees associated with your hosting plan that are not clearly communicated upfront but are charged later. Trustworthy cheap Linux hosting providers ensure transparency by clearly stating the renewal prices of their hosting plans. They also provide the option to select add-ons like control panels, security features, or additional technical support during checkout. This allows customers to understand and control their total costs.
What Are the Limitations of Cheap Linux Hosting?
There are 3 limitations of cheap Linux hosting:
- Limited server resources Limited storage, bandwidth, vCPU/CPU cores, CPU clock speed, and RAM will eventually be outgrown. This causes bottlenecks in website performance until you scale up your plan.
- Limited features Access to wildcard SSL, advanced firewall, dedicated IP, requires additional fees or an upgrade to more expensive plans. eCommerce features such as shopping carts and payment gateways also require extra fees.
- Additional cost for tech support Cheap Linux hosting providers only offer basic support. Advanced or technical support will incur additional charges. This is particularly the case for unmanaged forms of Linux hosting where the host’s involvement in server management is minimal.
Does Cheap Linux Hosting Include Linux OS for Free?
Yes, cheap Linux hosting does include Linux OS for free. The Linux OS is an open-source operating system that is freely available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute. Its open-source nature means there are no licensing fees. This makes it a cost-effective option for hosting providers to offer.
Do Cheap Linux Hosting Include cPanel for Free?
Yes, cheap Linux hosting includes cPanel for free. Bluehost, HostPapa, GreenGeeks, A2 Hosting, HostGator, and GoDaddy hosting offer a complimentary cPanel license in their packages.
What Is Cheap Linux Shared Hosting?
Cheap Linux shared hosting is a service where multiple websites share a single Linux-based server. It costs under $5 a month. This kind of hosting is a convenient, low-cost way to get the server space and basic features you need to start a website.
What Is Cheap Linux VPS Hosting?
Cheap Linux VPS hosting is a service where you can get a Linux-based virtual private server for under $10 per month. This hosting provides dedicated resources and more control compared to shared hosting. Cheap Linux VPS hosting is suitable for websites that have outgrown shared hosting but still need to keep costs low. Check our cheap Linux VPS shortlist for our brand recommendations.
Which Is the Best Affordable Linux Hosting?
The best affordable Linux hosting provides stable performance, essential features, and excellent value for money.
Here are our top 10 brands that meet this criteria.
| Specifications | Hostinger | TMDHosting | GreenGeeks | A2 Hosting | DreamHost | Bluehost | HostPapa | IONOS | Cloudways | HostGator | GoDaddy Hosting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cheapest Linux shared /mo | $1.99 | $2.99 | $2.95 | $2.99 | $2.59 | $2.75 | $2.95 | $5.00 | Unavailable | $3.75 | $5.99 |
Cheapest Linux VPS /mo | $5.99 | $24.99 | $39.95 | $5.99 | $10.00 | $29.99 | $19.99 | $2.00 | Unavailable | $23.95 | $9.99 |
Cheapest Linux dedicated server /mo | Unavailable | $79.99 | Unavailable | $89.99 | $149.00 | $89.98 | Unavailable | $70.00 | Unavailable | $89.98 | $149.99 |
Cheapest Linux cloud /mo | $8.99 | Unavailable | Unavailable | Unavailable | $12.00 | Unavailable | Unavailable | $4.00 | $11.00 | Unavailable | Unavailable |
SSD available | SSD and NVMe | SSD | SSD | SSD and NVMe | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD and NVMe | SSD | SSD | SSD and NVMe |
Backup | Weekly | No | Daily | No | Daily | No | Paid | Daily | Automated | Daily | Daily |
Linux distro option | AlmaLinux, CentOS, Debian, Rocky Linux, Ubuntu | AlmaLinux | AlmaLinux | AlmaLinux, CentOS, Debian, Ubuntu | Ubuntu | CentOS | CentOS, Debian, Ubuntu | AlmaLinux, CentOS, Debian, Rocky Linux, Ubuntu | Debian | CentOS | CentOS, Ubuntu |
Control panel | hPanel | cPanel | cPanel | cPanel | Custom panel | cPanel | cPanel | Cloud Panel, Plesk | Custom panel | cPanel | cPanel, Plesk |
Uptime guarantee | 99.9% | 99.9% | 99.9% | 99.9% | 100% | No% | 99.9% | 99.9% | Upto 99.99% | No% | 99.9% |
Money-back guarantee | 30-day | 30-day | 30-day | 30-day | 97-day | 30-day | 30-day | 30-day | No | 30-day | 30-day |
See all features |
Hostinger is our #1 recommendation for affordable Linux hosting based on these factors.