Quick answer
Web hosting is renting space on a computer that is always online, so your website's files can be served to visitors 24/7. You pay a hosting company monthly or upfront; for most sites it costs about $2–$8 a month in 2026.
How it works
When someone types your domain, their browser asks the domain system where your site lives, then requests the pages from your host's server. The host keeps that server online, secure and connected.
Types of hosting
| Type | Best for | Monthly cost (Hostinger) | Skills needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared (Premium / Unlimited) | Blogs, business sites, first store | $1.99–$2.79 intro | None |
| Cloud (Cloud Startup) | Busy stores, agencies, traffic spikes | $7.99 intro | None — managed for you |
| VPS (KVM 1–8) | Apps, Node/Python, bots, custom stacks | $6.49–$25.99 intro | Linux basics |
| Dedicated (other providers) | Very large platforms | Hundreds of $ | Sysadmin |
How to choose
- Pick the type (shared vs cloud vs VPS).
- Pick a data center near your visitors (list).
- Compare the renewal price, not just the intro price (why).
Frequently asked questions
Is a domain the same as hosting?
No. The domain is the address; hosting is where the site lives. You usually need both.
Do I need hosting for a website builder?
Builders like Hostinger's AI builder include hosting in the plan.
Keep reading
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