Which website host is best?
We’ve done the web hosting research for you to help you make an informed decision quickly – don’t overthink this too much because…
- You can easily change hosting companies
- There are no long term ‘contracts’
- If you get stuck their support will assist you
Like most, you probably feel confused and overwhelmed by all the web hosting options available.
Most articles online are too technical or they only list the “top 3” hosting providers.
This leaves you even more uncertain!
So I create the ultimate non-tech consumer-friendly list of hosting companies in SA.
List is based on the following criteria…
- Reviews – most useful way to help you decide
- Must be a real hosting company – not a reseller of hosting
- Data Centers located in South Africa – always preferred if your website is catering to the SA market
- International hosting providers advertising locally but don’t have Data Centers, reviews, or a psychical location in SA
Why no mention of price? 3 Reasons…
- Constantly changing – best to check yourself (links provided)
- Their pricing is fairly competitive
- Never choose hosting based primarily on price – cheapest often comes with constant issues!
What is web hosting? Why do I need it?
- Web hosting allows you to own a website and professional email.
- It’s the space you “rent” to have your website and email online 24/7.
- No hosting = No Professional Website or Emails.
Here’s a more detailed explanation if you want it.
Note: You can also purchase your Domain Name (.co.za) through the hosting company.
What are the different types of web hosting?
There are many types of hosting but the two most commonly used by consumers are Shared Hosting and Dedicated Hosting.
No need to overthink this part. Most small – medium sized business websites use WordPress hosting on a Shared Hosting platform.
So let’s get to it…
highest rated – top 4 in SA
Based on Hellopeter reviews, the first 4 hosting companies on this list are the top rated hosting providers in South Africa.
1. HostAfrica
Not to be confused with AfriHost. HostAfrica is our #1 recommendation to all our website clients simply because
- Their hosting just works – total peace of mind
- #1 Rated on Hellopeter
- Their admin area (called cPanel) is super easy to navigate and use – even for a beginner
- LiteSpeed feature on their platform – ensures better performance of your website
Unsure about how to setup hosting? Use this step by step video…
Video: How to setup hosting on HostAfrica quick & easy.
2. Xneelo
Previously named Hetzner. #2 Rated on Hellopeter. Offers amazing customer support and great hosting.
Personally I don’t enjoy their admin area (called KonsoleH) as much as the other hosting companies (cPanel in most cases).
3. 1-grid Hosting
#3 Rated on Hellopeter. Excellent customer service and great hosting platform.
4. Elitehost
#4 Rated on Hellopeter. Excellent option for hosting.
great web host companies
More high quality web host companies. In no particular order.
5. Domains
6. InterwebSA
7. Ivecloud
8. Host King
9. Register Domain
10. Absolute Hosting
11. SmartWeb Hosting
12. Telasera Technologies
13. SA Webhosts
14. Truehost Africa
15. Insly Host
16. Onerhosting
17. Vander Host
18. VE Host
19. SA Domain Internet
20. Linux Web Hosting
21. Cloud Hosting
22. Ehost Web Services
23. Stallion Hosting
24. Gravi8 IT
25. DataKeepers
26. Web4Africa
27. Web Telecoms
28. Frikkadel
isp Companies
These 8 companies offer a wider range of IT solutions such as fiber.
Do you want to work with a focused hosting-only company or one that offers a range of other services?
29. AfriHost
30. Axxess
31. Mweb
- Hellopeter (MWEB Business)
- Hellopeter (MWEB)
- Trustpilot
- Google reviews
32. Vox Hosting
33. Enetworks
34. Cybersmart
35. Imaginet Internet Services
36. ITNT Hosting
Large Telecom Companies
You definitely know these 3 companies. They are not as well known for web hosting services but they do offer it.
37. Vodacom Business Hosting
Visit Vodacom Dedicated Hosting
- Reviews found are for Vodacom’s entire business.
38. MTN Business Solutions
- Reviews found are for MTN’s entire business
39. Telkom Hosting
- Reviews found are for Telkom’s entire business
web hosting with no reviews
40. ZA WebHosts
- No reviews found
41. Cyber Essentials
- No reviews found
42. Paradigm Solutions
- No reviews found
43. Bluesteam
- No reviews found
Web Hosting Not in SA
These international companies advertise locally and have an SA website but are not based here.
You can gladly get hosting anywhere in the world but it’s best practice (for your benefit) to make sure their Data Center is local. Also, you may prefer chatting to local (SA) support.
44. Godaddy
GoDaddy started out years ago selling Domain Names.
Recently launched their services in South Africa.
- No South African reviews
- No local address
- No local data center
45. Hostgater Africa
Well known internationally advertises in SA.
According to their Africa website they are no longer taking orders.
- No longer taking orders
- No local data center
- No South African reviews
46. A2 Hosting
They have a .co.za website for their hosting.
According to their Data Center Page they don’t have data centers in SA.
- No South African reviews
- No data centers in SA
- No local address
47. MilesWeb
They have a page on their website for “hosting in SA” but no data centers.
- No South African reviews
- No data centers in SA
- No local address
48. Neolo Hosting
- No South African reviews
- No data center in SA
49. Openhost
- Based in New Zealand.
- No data center in SA
- No South African reviews
50. Prohost
- Address based in UK
- No data center in SA
- No South African reviews
51. EliteWeb
- No data center in SA
- No South African reviews
Is that all?
Surprisingly, yes – that’s all the real hosting companies I could find in South Africa.
Most of what you’ll find are resellers – middlemen/women who resell hosting from the top hosting providers (listed above).
Own a Web Hosting Company in SA?
Meet the criteria for this list (see top of post) and let us know so we can add your company.
Still unsure? Based on 7 years doing this business I’d suggest you get hosting from HostAfrica.
My YouTube video shows you exactly how to setup hosting with HostAfrica – quick and easy.
Did this article assist you in some useful way? Let us know in the comments.
If you have questions about hosting, web design, etc. please feel free to comment below and we’ll respond as soon as we can.
0 Comments