An In-Depth Review On The Best Website Hosts For Joomla

Have you heard of Joomla? Whether you plan to start a website, add another, or switch platforms, this is the article for you. Joomla is a popular tool that is operated on millions of websites, next to WordPress. Many users have found it beneficial to their purpose.  It has ease of use and flexibility, for starters. Plus, it has other advantages that make web creators prefer it over other CMS platforms.

But to optimize the use of Joomla, it is important to pair it with the right website hosting service. While it will fit just about any host, there is, we will focus on the following.  And we think these are the best ones.

SiteGround
Bluehost
A2 Hosting
InMotion Hosting

But before we dig deep, let’s find out more about Joomla.
What is Joomla?
Joomla is a Content Management System tool or CMS, allowing you to build websites and their applications. This modular program was released more than 16 years ago. It came about as a project fork of Mambo, a free CMS software.  Like its main inspiration, Joomla is open-source. It means anyone can work with it, making its source code available to everyone. In short, it’s not a proprietary platform. It can serve different purposes depending on the user.

The beauty of Joomla is the presence of several integrated technologies. It has thousands of templates and extensions that have made it one of the biggest platforms for various websites. Such empower developers and site managers to go beyond basic functionalities. With Joomla, you can still have a unique quality to your site. You don’t need sophisticated training or programming expertise during its setup and customization.
How Joomla works
Since Joomla is not limited to its initial package, you can expand or customize its components. In simpler terms, consider your website as a car, while the Joomla tool is its engine. Without it, your website cannot operate at all. The template would be equivalent to the car’s body. It will give the site its structure.  You can compare extensions such as modules and plugins to a gearbox and rearview mirrors of a car. All of these are vital in making sure users fully optimize the website.  

There are two facets to Joomla: admin and visitor. Its components should meet the demands of these two end-users. With every part of a Joomla website, there is a corresponding template. For example, there is an interface that the administrator can work on while site visitors, on the other hand, are presented with frontend templates. On the backend, administrators can create content, customize the layout, among others.  It is something that is not accessible by the visitors. They will only get to see the public content as displayed on the website. However, they can also contribute info by providing comments or answering online forms. These depend on the extensions or additional functionalities that your website has.

Joomla and website hosting
Choosing a web host is an integral part of the website creation process. A website hosting provider provides services and technologies necessary for your site to be published on the internet. Servers are used for this purpose. They deliver the web pages to the browser of the site visitor. The web host also makes sure that your site is operational 24/7.  It relieves the website owner of hassles, especially if troubleshooting is needed.  As such, its compatibility is important to Joomla as your CMS platform. The good news is, there is no shortage of web hosts that support Joomla. But of course, you need to get the best one to come out with a successful website by asking for the following questions:

●    How stable are the network connections of the server?
●    Can the web host accommodate server upgrades?
●    How fast is the page loading that the web host is offering?
●    What hardware is being used, and do they meet the requirements of your website?                
●    Which programming languages does the web host recognize?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
●    Does the web host allow space for future additional domains?
●    What type of storage does the web host use? Is it Solid State Drive (SSD) or HDD (Hard Disk Drive?
●    How much bandwidth is available with the web host?
●    Are our dedicated email addresses available?
●    What are the storage space, CPU, RAM, and OS settings?
●    Can it accommodate a single-click installation?
●    What type of panel is used to manage databases, language, and domain names - cPanel or an in-house admin panel?
●    Is there a site backup?
●    Does the web host have 24/7 tech support?
●    What type of data encryption does your site require - an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security)?
●    What is the cost for registration and renewal?
●    Does the web host have a refund policy?


Types of web hosting for Joomla websites:
Shared web host
As the name suggests, the web hosting provider allocates space on their shared server for a fee.  Thus, it is an economical option ideal for startup businesses with tight funding. There are different hosting plans to suit the needs of the user. For Joomla, you should consider more CPU power, fewer shared users, and RAM allocation. Anyhow, you can benefit from unrestricted storage and bandwidth to unlimited domain names that have low traffic. It also has those single-click installations, pre-configured web servers, and domain management using cPanel.

Pros:
●    affordable
●    convenient
Cons:
●    limited resources
●    lack of full control
Ideal for:
●    new websites
●    personal blogs
●    low traffic sites
●    forums


Managed web host
In a managed web hosting service, a dedicated server is leased out to the user. The provider will manage this server and all the ensuing controls and maintenance. It is also optimized given the technical support provided so that site owners can also address typical debugging issues more efficiently. This type of web hosting for Joomla often comes with programming utilities and developer tools. These include professional web server configuration, advanced caching, which suit high-performance needs.

Pros:
●    customization
●    reduced operational cost
●    server monitoring
Cons:
●    lack of ownership
●    subject to control and censorship
Ideal for:
●    small businesses
●    individuals/ companies with limited IT knowledge


Cloud web host
Cloud hosting with Joomla is where multiple servers are utilized instead of a shared or dedicated single server.   It maximizes uptime and balances the load. A cloud server is pre-configured using a program that prevents slashdotting on websites during spikes in traffic. There are cloud servers that are elastic that scale automatically based on traffic. The load balancing feature allows for improved management of multiple user requests.

Pros:
●    no hardware necessary
●    minimum cost
Cons:
●    limited features
●    may still require another server
●    bandwidth issues
Ideal for:
●    entities/companies of all sizes
●    websites that have outgrown shared hosting services


VPS web host
Virtual Private Server or VPS is considered a step up from shared web hosting. The user can access a virtual machine which a copy of the operating system. It still is a shared server but with specific account resources.  With the Joomla website, users can choose a version of Windows or Linux, RAM, and hard disk memory and customize database versions. It allows more flexibility compared to shared web host services. The web pages of a Joomla website have better load speeds due to the increased allocation of system resources.

Pros:
●    allows full control
●    enhanced security
●    task and maintenance scheduling
Cons:
●    more expensive
Ideal for:
●    large companies and businesses
●    advanced users


Dedicated server
This type of server hosting for websites created with Joomla is ideal for customized program configurations such as video streaming and mobile apps. It is designed to support simultaneous web usage in e-commerce websites, blogs, and social networks. As such, it provides enhanced web security and isolation of user data. It is important, particularly for e-commerce sites and business applications.

Pros:
●    ease of use
●    flexibility
●    high performance
Cons:
●    high price
Ideal for:
●    large companies
●    websites with heavy traffic


System requirements
We have mentioned that most web hosting providers support the Joomla CMS. However, confirmation on this should be given by your target web hosting. It will ensure that the installed program on the server is maintained using the desired settings.   One aspect that you should look at is security updates. It will help curb attacks on your database using script bots. The minimum Joomla version is 3.0x. The following are the recommended system specs:

minimum Apache version - 2.0x
minimum MySQL version - 5.1x
minimum PHP version - 5.3.10x
minimum Apache version - 1.0x

Auto-installation of Joomla
The Joomla CMS has a single-click version update.  It is capable of automatic installation using Mojo Marketplace, Fantastico, or Softaculous.  On the other hand, extensions and templates require manual installation.  It can be accomplished using the admin panel of Joomla. This practice ensures that they don't get lost during the version upgrade.  

 

The best web hosts for Joomla sites

SiteGround
Many argue that SiteGround is the best Joomla host. SiteGround is one of the more preferred Joomla hosting for several reasons. They have a global presence with the help of six data centers located in the UK, Chicago, Singapore, Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands. It hosts nearly 3 million domains to date.

SiteGround scores high points in many features such as security, high performance, uptime, and technical support.

Let’s begin with the setup that took only a few minutes to accomplish. You have to make sure to select the options carefully. You can avail of their premium support free for three months. The rest of the options will jack up your plan price. You will then receive your account login details through email. Aside from that, a SiteGround representative will contact you to make sure all is good with your signup.

When it comes to installing Joomla, it is a hassle-free activity. You can use any of the automatic installations such as Softaculous. Another option will be to use Akeeba backup restore. Since SiteGround works with cPanel, you will have no trouble with Joomla extensions.

There is no change required on file permission when you start to run Joomla on Siteground. As such, it is a time saver. The webpages can load very fast, even with text-heavy content and multiple compressed images. This speed throughout the website is maintained 24/7. The uptime is consistent, having almost no downtime except when testing plugins. There is no lag in the interface on the admin side, and it can be operated on smoothly.

Pros:
Good for small businesses
Backups and restores are free
Dependable technical support
Ideal for new and advanced users alike
Less shared accounts, more resources
Scalable to meet demands
Single-click installs
Available staging tool
30-day moneyback guarantee

Cons:
Higher renewal cost
Limited resources

Hosting options: shared, cloud, WordPress, Reseller

Verdict:
SiteGround is an excellent complement to Joomla and therefore highly recommended to clients. The install was a breeze for as long as you can work with MySQL databases and the cPanel. The cost is competitive and worth it, given their unwavering technical support.  

BlueHost
BlueHost is another popular web hosting services provider which began in 1996. It proved to be the right time when there was a boom in website creation. Today, they host more than 2 million websites and continues to grow with their innovations and services.

This web host is notable for its shared hosting plan. For one, it is cheap. With a starter package of fewer than 4 dollars per month, it’s ideal for small and budding enterprises. There are different plans available based on client needs.

BlueHost provides three other hosting types, namely: VSP, WordPress Optimized, and Dedicated.  The company boasts of its fiber optic connectivity and in-house team of web experts.  Moreover, BlueHost servers are powered by Linux Kernel OS.

Their control panel was fool-proof and organized; hence, it was easy to use. BlueHost has SimpleScripts, which you can work with when installing Joomla.

Pros:
Affordable starter plan
High-performance servers
30-day moneyback guarantee
Supports open-source software
Expandable hosting plans
Strong uptime at 99.98%
Fast load speeds of 520 milliseconds
Easy to use

Cons:
Additional charge for migration service
longer lock-in period
lack of monthly subscription for shared server plan
Longer technical support response time

Hosting options: shared, VPS, WordPress, reseller, dedicated

BlueHost comparison to SiteGround
SiteGround uses cPanel while BlueHost has its custom panel. Both systems are highly intuitive and easy to use. But BlueHost is peppered with sales pitches, unlike SiteGround. When it comes to storage, BlueHost offers more in their basic plan than a higher plan in SiteGround. Meanwhile, BlueHost gives a free domain name in any of their plans. But they have limited the space and number of email accounts in their basic plan. In the case of SiteGround, they have unlimited email accounts but with limited storage. As far as speed is concerned, SiteGround is much faster than BlueHost and has better uptime. However, in terms of security and scalability, both web hosts are pretty much on equal footing.

Verdict:
BlueHost is worth considering for growing Joomla sites and first-time users. It supports multiple programming languages, making it developer-friendly.  

A2 Hosting
A2 Hosting is another provider which is very suitable for Joomla websites. The company was launched in 2001 and has managed to keep up with the latest technologies to improve its hosting services. They started to use turbo servers and 2014, which helped improve load speeds.

One of the notable features of A2 Hosting is its 99.9% uptime rate. In other words, there is about zero downtime.  It is very important for businesses who want their websites to have as little disruption as possible. It is worth mentioning that A2 Hosting has data centers on three continents. Two are in the USA, one in Singapore and one in Amsterdam. This global presence is also a factor for the Joomla website’s fast speed and high performance.

A2 Hosting uses cPanel, which all webmasters are familiar with. Its ease of use will suit even new users. Automatic installations through Softaculous will facilitate the addition of Joomla scripts and other CMS scripts as well. For eCommerce websites, Magenta and PrestaShop tools are supported, which are utilized for online shopping carts.

Pros:
Optimized shared hosting plans
fast loading speed at 284 milliseconds
four server locations
scalable for cloud, dedicated, and VPS hosting
Strong uptime at 99.98%
Free SSL and site migrations based on plan
Unlimited bandwidth
30-day money-back guarantee

Cons:
some of the hosting plans are a little more expensive
extra charge for a domain name
higher renewal cost with a short deadline

Hosting options: shared, VPS, reseller, dedicated

A2 Hosting comparison to SiteGround
Both A2 Hosting and SiteGround are formidable names in the field of web hosting for Joomla. While SiteGround has more data centers, both have representations across continents. A2 Hosting, though, has more focus in the US, with one data center in Michigan, the other in Chicago. The uptimes for these two hosts are the same, which have a near-zero downtime. SiteGround’s renewal cost is a bit richer but has slightly better customer support compared to A2 Hosting.
A2 Hosting comparison to BlueHost
Right off the bat, A2 Hosting performs better than BlueHost.  It holds when you will consider the competitive plan pricing, flexibility, and high performance. It must be noted that there are marked similarities between the two hosting providers. However, it’s in the littlest details that they differ. For example, the turbo server used by A2 Hosting makes for a much faster page-loading speed. It also has in-house optimization and allows you to be flexible in server locations.

Verdict:
A2 Hosting is a versatile option that any user can handle, whether experienced web administrators or rookies. The fast page loading speed is impressive, which is consistent throughout your subscription.

InMotion Hosting
InMotion Hosting has features that make it stand out, affirming its inclusion as one of the best Joomla web hosting companies. Their servers are reliable, fast, and highly optimized for growing Joomla sites. The company was established in 2001 and has garnered high ratings from BBB and CNet. It hosts over 300,000 domains and counting.

Once you’ve chosen a plan and signed up in Account Management Panel or AMP, you are ready to install your Joomla. You can use Akeeba Backup, which makes the transfer of your database and assets a hassle-free experience.  InMotion Hosting uses a cPanel for this process and your file management. For Joomla, you will also use single-click installation scripts to place software downloads. Overall, migration is not too complicated.

Their level of support is key to InMotion Hosting’s success. The documentation is available such that there are already resolutions to typical issues. You can also get a hold of live support immediately. They are well-versed and capable of delivering answers to questions in a jiff.

Pros:
Easy installation
Free domain names and SSL
Strong uptime at 99.9%
Bigger space
Upgrade plans
Customized configurations
Unlimited bandwidth
Excellent technical support
No throttling with unlimited CPUs
Daily backups
90-day money-back guarantee

Cons:
Higher pricing after signup
Limited RAM
Data centers are located within the USA only

Hosting options: shared, VPS, cloud, WordPress, dedicated

Comparison to SiteGround
InMotion Hosting and SiteGround offer excellent and stable performance with their high uptime rates of almost 100%. But for SiteGround, this decreases slightly for their server locations in Japan and Singapore. Their plans and pricing are competitive with one another. It’s noticeable, though, that SiteGround places its focus on technologies and targeting its hosting plans towards specific markets.

Comparison to BlueHost
InMotion Hosting scores highly in a speed test at under 400 milliseconds using US server locations compared to BlueHost. When it comes to uptimes, they’re pretty much the same, but InMotion Hosting fares slightly better in terms of consistency. They also have better selling points, with plans that are less expensive compared to BlueHost. Lastly, they are well above BlueHost, even for customer support that has a faster response time.

Comparison to A2 Hosting
Generally, you can’t go wrong with either InMotion Hosting or A2 Hosting. When we talk about plan pricing long-term, InMotion is slightly cheaper if you factor in the renewal cost. InMotion also wins with its consistently almost-perfect uptime. However, A2 Hosting has an edge in security. While both have free SSL in their packages, A2 Hosting gives the entire security package and regular backups as free services.

Verdict:
InMotion Hosting provides good hosting services, emphasizing speed, reliability, flexibility, and excellent support. A Joomla website stands to benefit by being fully optimized, secured, and allowance for customized solutions. It will run smoothly without any worries about security, backup, and downtime.