What WordPress actually needs
WordPress runs on almost any host with PHP and a MySQL or MariaDB database, but “runs” is not the same as “runs well”. With WordPress 7.0 (May 2026) the absolute minimum is PHP 7.4; for new installations the WordPress hosting team recommends PHP 8.4 or 8.5, MySQL 8.4 or MariaDB 10.11 or later, and HTTPS across the whole site.
PHP 7.4, 8.0 and 8.1 are end-of-life: WordPress still supports them for backward compatibility, but PHP no longer ships security fixes for them. A good host lets you choose the PHP version in the control panel and upgrade it yourself, once you have checked that your theme and plugins are compatible.
Other practical requirements: a PHP memory_limit of at least 256 MB for sites with page builders or WooCommerce, URL rewriting (pretty permalinks), common PHP extensions such as imagick or gd, intl and zip, and access to cron for scheduled tasks.
Features worth checking
Every plan page promises speed and security. These are the points that actually make a difference and that you can verify before you buy:
- NVMe storage. WordPress performs lots of small file and database reads; NVMe drives cut response times compared with older SATA SSDs, especially in the admin area and with WooCommerce.
- Real resources, not just gigabytes. Disk space matters less than CPU, RAM and the number of concurrent PHP processes. When a site exceeds these limits you see slowdowns or 503/508 errors during traffic peaks.
- Free, automatic SSL. Certificates should be issued and renewed on their own (usually via Let’s Encrypt) for every domain and subdomain. More in our SSL and HTTPS guide.
- Automatic backups with restore. Check frequency (daily or weekly), how many days are kept, and whether you can restore a single file or the database without opening a ticket. Host backups don’t replace an off-site copy: see our backup strategy article.
- Account isolation. On a shared server, a compromised site must not be able to read other customers’ files. Containerised environments or system-level account separation reduce that risk.
- Email on your domain. Included mailboxes, spam filtering, and the ability to set SPF, DKIM and DMARC: without these records your site’s emails (orders, password resets) often land in spam. See SPF, DKIM and DMARC.
- Support that knows WordPress. Ask a technical question before you buy: response time and quality tell you a lot.
How much space and how many resources
Most WordPress sites use less space than people expect: core takes up less than 100 MB, the rest is images, plugins and the database. This table is a rough guide; real numbers depend on how many images you upload and how many plugins you run.
| Type of site | Typical space | What matters most |
|---|---|---|
| Blog or brochure site | 1–5 GB | Page cache, optimised images |
| Business site with several languages or landing pages | 3–10 GB | Recent PHP, frequent backups |
| Small WooCommerce shop | 5–20 GB | CPU and PHP processes, fast database |
| Several sites or client staging | 20 GB and up | Number of domains, isolation, email |
If you host several projects, also check how many domains and mailboxes the plan includes: that is often the first limit you hit, before disk space.
Shared hosting, managed or VPS?
For a new or mid-sized WordPress site, shared hosting is almost always the right starting point: it’s inexpensive, server updates and security are handled by the provider, and you don’t need to administer Linux.
A VPS makes sense when the site consistently exceeds CPU and process limits, when you need special services (dedicated Redis, background workers, specific software versions), or when you manage many client sites. In exchange, you — or someone you pay — handle updates, firewall and monitoring. We compare the two in shared hosting or VPS.
The right price: look at the renewal
Many hosts display the first-term price in large type, discounted by 70–80%, and the renewal price in small print. To compare offers, work out the cost over two or three years, not just the first month.
Also check: whether VAT is included, the domain renewal price, any fees for restoring backups or for migration, and the minimum contract term. On Hostverse plans, for example, the first payment is 50% off and renewals are at list price, shown clearly next to the discount; all prices exclude VAT.
Checklist before you order
- PHP 8.3 or later selectable in the control panel
- MySQL 8 or MariaDB 10.11+
- NVMe storage and stated CPU, RAM and process limits
- Free SSL with automatic renewal
- Automatic backups, retention period and self-service restore
- Email on your domain with SPF, DKIM and DMARC support
- Enough domains and mailboxes for your projects
- Renewal price and VAT made clear before payment
- Reachable support and migration of your existing site
Moving an existing site? Plan it with our WordPress migration checklist; once you’re live, the tips on speed and security help you start on the right foot.
Frequently asked questions
Which PHP version should I use for WordPress?
For new installations WordPress recommends PHP 8.4 or 8.5. Before upgrading an existing site, check that your theme and plugins are compatible, ideally on a staging copy.
Is shared hosting enough for a WordPress blog?
Yes. A blog or brochure site runs well on shared hosting with NVMe storage, current PHP and a page cache. Moving to a VPS is only needed when the site consistently exceeds the plan’s resources.
Is “unlimited” space really unlimited?
Usually not: fair-use policies and limits on CPU, RAM, processes or file count still apply. It’s better to choose a plan that states its resources clearly.