So, you're ready to build a website. Whether it's for your new business, a personal blog, or an online portfolio, one of the first and most crucial decisions you'll make is choosing a web host. Get it right, and your site runs smoothly, securely, and quickly. Get it wrong, and you're in for a world of downtime, slow speeds, and support headaches.
The good news? You don't need to break the bank to get fantastic, reliable hosting in the UK. A budget of under £40 per year opens up a world of powerful options, especially if you're willing to commit to a longer-term plan.
This guide will walk you through the best UK web hosting under £40, why they're great, and a simple step-by-step process to get you online.
Why Your Website's Location Matters: The UK Hosting Advantage
You might see incredibly cheap hosting from international companies. So, why choose a host with UK-based servers?
- Faster Loading Times for UK Visitors: The physical distance between your server and your user affects speed. A UK server means data has less distance to travel, resulting in a snappier experience for your local audience. This is also a minor Google ranking factor.
- Improved SEO (Search Engine Optimisation): Search engines like Google favour websites that load quickly for their users. A UK host gives you a natural advantage in local search results.
- Data Compliance: Hosting data within the UK can simplify compliance with UK data protection regulations like the UK GDPR.
What to Look for in a Budget Web Host (Under £40)
When shopping in this price range, focus on the essentials that deliver the most value:
- Uptime Guarantee: Look for a promise of 99.9% uptime or higher. This means your website will be accessible almost all the time.
- Speed & Performance: SSD (Solid State Drive) storage is a must—it's exponentially faster than old hard drives.
- Customer Support: 24/7 support via live chat or phone is invaluable, especially when you're starting out.
- Key Features: A free SSL certificate (for security), a one-click WordPress installer, and adequate email accounts are standard but always check.
- Renewal Price: Be aware! The low price is almost always an introductory offer. The renewal price will be higher, so factor that into your long-term budget.
The Best Web Hosting in the UK for Under £40
Based on performance, support, value, and features, here are our top picks.
1. IONOS by 1&1
Best for: Absolute beginners and small businesses wanting the best first-year deal.
Pricing: £1.00/month for the first 12 months, then renews at £6.00/month.
Link: Visit IONOS UK
Why we love it:
IONOS offers arguably the most aggressive and valuable introductory deal on the market. For just £12 for the first year, you get a stunning package: a free domain, professional email, an SSL certificate, and a website builder. Their infrastructure is robust and reliable, making it a no-brainer for anyone launching their first site on a tight initial budget.
2. Hostinger
Best for: Tech-savvy users looking for the best performance on a budget.
Pricing: £1.99/month on a 48-month plan (€1.99/month, billed in Euros). Renews at £3.99/month.
Link: Visit Hostinger UK
Why we love it:
Hostinger is a global powerhouse known for blending low cost with high performance. Their custom control panel is modern and easy to use. They include a free SSL, weekly backups, and a website builder on most plans. The catch? The best price requires a 4-year commitment. If you're confident you'll need hosting for that long, the value is unbeatable.
3. ScalaHosting
Best for: Those seeking a powerful cPanel alternative with great security.
Pricing: £2.15/month on a 36-month plan ($2.95/month, billed in USD). Renews at £6.54/month.
Link: Visit ScalaHosting UK
Why we love it:
ScalaHosting stands out with its own intuitive SPanel control panel (saving on cPanel licensing fees) and its innovative SShield security, which proactively blocks 99.98% of web attacks. They offer free site migration and have excellent 24/7 support. Their pricing is transparent and competitive, making them a strong contender.
4. TSOhost (Now part of GoDaddy)
Best for: UK-based customer support and a straightforward, trusted service.
Pricing: £2.99/month on a 12-month plan for the "Start Up" plan. Renews at £5.99/month.
Link: Visit TSOhost
Why we love it:
TSOhost has been a beloved UK host for years, now backed by the infrastructure of GoDaddy. They offer fantastic UK-based customer support, free daily backups, and a free SSL certificate. Their plans are clear, and the 12-month commitment is shorter than many competitors, offering good flexibility.
Comparison Table: Best UK Hosting Under £40/Year
| Feature | IONOS | Hostinger | ScalaHosting | TSOhost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intro Price/Year | ~£12 | ~£95 (for 4 yrs) | ~£93 (for 3 yrs) | ~£36 |
| Renewal Price/Month | £6.00 | £3.99 | £6.54 | £5.99 |
| Free Domain | Yes | No | Yes (on longer plans) | No |
| Free SSL | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Email Accounts | 1 | 1 | Unlimited | 5 |
| Control Panel | Custom | Custom (hPanel) | SPanel | cPanel |
| UK Data Centres | Yes | Yes (London) | Yes (London) | Yes |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| Best For | First-year value | Long-term performance | Security & support | UK Support & simplicity |
Note: Prices are approximate and can change. Always check the provider's website for the latest offers.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Hosted
Follow these simple steps to get your website online.
Step 1: Choose Your Hosting Plan
Based on the comparison above, select the host that best fits your needs. For a brand-new site, IONOS is incredible for year one. If you're planning long-term, Hostinger or ScalaHosting offer better value.
Step 2: Register a Domain Name
Your domain is your website's address (e.g., yourname.co.uk). Most hosts (like IONOS) offer one free for the first year. If yours doesn't, you can register one separately with a registrar like Namecheap.
Tip: Choose a .co.uk or .uk domain for a local feel, or a .com for a global audience.
Step 3: Sign Up and Make Payment
Click the "Get Started" or "Add to Cart" button on your chosen host's website. You'll be guided through the sign-up process:
- Choose your plan length (longer = cheaper per month).
- Register your free domain or connect an existing one.
- Enter your payment details to complete the purchase.
Step 4: Install WordPress (or Another Platform)
Once your account is set up, log in to your hosting control panel (cPanel, SPanel, etc.). Look for the "WordPress" or "Softaculous" installer. Click it, follow the simple on-screen instructions (it takes <5 minutes), and WordPress will be installed on your domain.
Step 5: Build Your Website!
Now the fun begins! Log in to your new WordPress site (usually at yoursite.com/wp-admin). You can:
- Choose a theme: Go to Appearance > Themes to find a free design.
- Install plugins: Go to Plugins > Add New to find tools for contact forms, SEO, etc.
- Create pages: Go to Pages > Add New to start writing your content.
Final Verdict
You can get truly excellent web hosting in the UK without spending a fortune.
- Choose IONOS if you want the absolute lowest possible cost for your first year and a free domain.
- Choose Hostinger if you are comfortable with a long-term commitment for the best blend of price and performance.
- Choose ScalaHosting if advanced security and a modern control panel are your priorities.
- Choose TSOhost for reliable, straightforward hosting with excellent UK-based support.
Ready to launch? Click on any of the links above to grab these fantastic deals and start building your online presence today!
Disclaimer: The pricing mentioned in this article was accurate at the time of writing and is based on introductory offers for long-term plans. Always check the provider's official website for the most current pricing and terms. Some links in this post may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is web hosting under £40/year actually any good?
Absolutely. While this is considered budget hosting, the competition among providers is fierce. This means companies offer impressive features like SSD storage, free SSL certificates, and a free domain name to attract new customers. The performance is more than sufficient for small to medium-sized websites, blogs, and online portfolios. The low price is usually an introductory offer, so just be prepared for the higher renewal price after your initial term ends.
2. Why is the renewal price higher than the initial sign-up price?
The low initial price is a promotional discount designed to attract new customers. Hosting providers operate on a similar model to mobile or broadband companies. They offer a great deal for the first term with the expectation that you'll be happy with the service and willing to pay the standard, non-discounted rate when it's time to renew. Always check the renewal price before purchasing to avoid any surprises later.
3. Can I host a WordPress website on these plans?
Yes, definitively. All the hosting providers recommended in this guide offer specialised plans that are optimised for WordPress. They include one-click installers (like Softaculous) that allow you to install WordPress instantly from your hosting control panel without any technical knowledge. These plans provide the necessary software environment (PHP, MySQL) to run WordPress smoothly and securely.
4. What is the difference between shared hosting and other types?
The plans listed in this guide are for Shared Hosting. This is where your website resides on a server alongside other websites. It's the most affordable option because you share resources (like CPU and RAM) with your "server neighbours". It's the perfect, cost-effective starting point for most websites.
- Other types include: VPS (Virtual Private Server - more power and control), and Dedicated Hosting (an entire physical server for your site alone). These are for much larger, high-traffic sites and are significantly more expensive.
5. What if I need help setting up my hosting?
This is a key strength of the recommended hosts. They all offer 24/7 customer support via live chat and/or phone. If you get stuck during signup, while installing WordPress, or configuring your email, you can contact their support teams at any time for assistance. IONOS and TSOhost are particularly noted for their UK-based support, which can benefit direct local contact.