Many hosting ads lead with a monthly price that applies only to the first term. Once that term ends, the renewal price applies. For many shared plans, the renewal price is two to four times the intro price.
How to work out the real cost
Take the renewal price, multiply it by the months you plan to stay, and add any extra fees for domains, backups or SSL. Compare that total across providers, not the intro price.
What to check on the pricing page
- The price shown after the first term
- Whether the term is prepaid, and for how long
- Which features cost extra at renewal
- Whether the money-back guarantee covers renewals
Our provider reviews list intro and renewal prices where we could confirm them. Where a price could not be confirmed, we say so.