Online store hosting: 10 hosting providers in comparison

 

You want to go live with your online store soon and are faced with the decision of which hosting provider to choose? Then this article can definitely help you! In addition to a large host comparison, in which we examine ten different store hosters and compare them on the basis of some features, we will also show you what types of hosting there are. This way, you will learn everything about the different server variants that can be available to you for your online store hosting. Do you need additional support with the online store creation or do you have further questions about the topic of online stores? Then feel free to contact us.

Reading time 13 min

 

Table of Contents:

1. First of all, we explain to you what hosting actually is
2. In the following part we will show you what different types of hosting there are:
   1. Dedicated servers
   2. Advantages and disadvantages
      1. Virtual servers
      2. Advantages and disadvantages
   3. Cloud servers
   4. Advantages and disadvantages
      1. Root Server vs. Managed Server
      2. Advantages and disadvantages (Root Server)
      3. Advantages and Disadvantages (Managed Server)
3. Online Shop Hosters Comparison
   1. Profihost
   2. Timme Hosting
   3. Host Europe
   4. ALL.INCL.COM
   5. dogado
   6. Alfahosting
   7. raidboxes
   8. profi1.com
   9. webgo
   10. estugo.net
4. Our conclusion
5. FAQ

What is hosting anyway?

Web hosting is the service that puts, for example, your own website on the Internet. It is a service that provides storage space for publishing websites. Often this is also called web space. It allows visitors to find and view your website. Hosting companies provide storage space on their servers, as well as tools and software to assist in creating a website. If you want to have not only a website, but even an online store, then store hosting is the right choice for you.

Store hosting is a type of web hosting service that enables merchants to create and manage their own online stores. This type of hosting service is usually more expensive than traditional web hosting services, but it provides merchants with high flexibility and control over their online stores.

 

Online store hosting: the different types

If you want to host your own online store, then you have the choice between different hosting types such as dedicated hosting, virtual server hosting and cloud hosting. No matter what web application it is: All of them rely on a server to take care of tasks such as making the data available on the network and retrievable at any time. We would like to explain the differences between the hosting variants in more detail in the next section.

 

Dedicated server

With the dedicated server or "Dedicated Server", the customer of the hosting provider gets his own "device", which is responsible for providing the customer's data. All the resources of the hardware components are only available to the one tenant. If you decide to use a dedicated server, you are assured of many advantages.

 

Advantages and disadvantages

Dedicated server advantages	Dedicated server disadvantages
Suitability for complex projects such as SaaS, large online stores and other projects with large scale Configurable according to your own preferences (such as the choice of operating system) High security Use of all the server's resources Suitable for high traffic	Upgrading to better server performance or more resources is only possible to a limited extent. After all, it is a standalone hardware device that is difficult to upgrade. Often a real move to a new server is necessary. Mostly more expensive than other hosting options

 

Virtual server

With a virtual server, the performance of a hardware device is shared with several tenants. Again, only limited performance is available, as it is also a real physical device that can be used by several customers of the hosting provider. Nevertheless, capsules create independence. This means that the host server is divided into several vServers (i.e. virtual servers) and each vServer is allocated a predetermined capacity of resources. Virtual servers are managed by the hosting provider itself.

 

Advantages and disadvantages

Virtual server advantages	Virtual server disadvantages
Own RAM, disk space and CPU despite shared hardware Inexpensive model due to sharing Own IP address Often still choice of operating system possible (negative is that the choice can be limited) Administration and control via a simple management program Fast availability	Is only suitable for smaller projects No particularly high load possible Dependence on the "host system" for updates and the like Security: In the event of a server attack, several tenants are affected at the same time

 

Cloud server

The cloud server is actually also a virtual server. The difference lies in the hardware. Because it does not have hardware that is used by several customers like a "normal" virtual server, but a so-called server cluster. Among other things, the server cluster consists of many physical hard disks. Thus, a cloud server has some advantages over the normal virtual server, which we have summarized for you in the next section.

 

Advantages and disadvantages

Cloud server advantages

Cloud server disadvantages

High reliability is possible, because errors can be absorbed and compensated by other hard disks or server cluster components, if this has been booked additionally. Therefore, the hosting model also has high availability Suitable for larger projects Also for projects that are seasonally sometimes more and sometimes less busy, since with the cloud server model it can be seen how much and how often power is needed. This allows scalability and ensures that costs are only calculated from the resources actually used.

Security the same as with the virtual server Not so easy to customize Dependence on the settings of the hosting provider

 

Root server vs. managed server

An essential aspect that you should definitely consider when choosing your hosting provider is whether it is a root server or a managed server. A root server allows you to make all configurations yourself. You have control and must assign access rights yourself. You can also set all other settings concerning updates, services, security, etc. Root servers are offered as part of dedicated servers.

In contrast to the root server is the managed server. Because here you don't have to make the settings and manage your server yourself. This task is taken over by the hosting provider for you. Nevertheless, in many cases you have the possibility to manage and configure your server.

 

Advantages and disadvantages of the root server

Root server advantages	Root server disadvantages
Completely customizable, so that it perfectly fits your web application Usually the cheaper option	Suitable only for professionals There is a risk of making wrong decisions and settings that compromise security

 

 

Advantages and disadvantages of the managed server

Managed server advantages	Managed Server Disadvantages
Suitable for beginners The hoster takes care of complex settings for you You still have the freedom to a lesser extent to customize settings for you individually	More expensive than the root server, since a large part of the work is taken over by the hoster. A disadvantage is of course that the managed server is not as configurable as the root server.

 

Our online store hoster comparison

Now that you have learned about the different hosting types, we would like to introduce you to different providers for your online store hosting. So that the individual providers remain comparable, we have picked out some criteria, which we have taken under the microscope with the hosters. If a certain point is particularly important to you, you can see at a glance whether the hoster fulfills this point or how it fulfills it. But before we look at all the providers, we would like to briefly explain the criteria to you.

 

 

• Hosting type: Here you will find the classification into the above-mentioned hosting types (Cloud, Virtual or Dedicated).
• Root server or managed server: Here you'll find the info whether it's a managed (suitable for beginners) or root server (more suitable for professionals).
• Tariffs: Are there different tariffs and how much does the Shophoster take for providing webspace etc.?
• Setup fee: Is there a setup fee? And if so, how much is it and what is it for?
• Upgrade possible: Can you change from your previously selected model and tariff to a larger tariff?
• Store system compatibility: With which store systems is the hosting provider compatible? This question is of course very important if you have already decided on a store system. (You might want to link to our store system article here)
• Minimum contract period: Some providers require a minimum contract period.
• Support: For questions and problems is an appropriate support by the provider important. Depending on the provider, live chat, telephone or e-mail support is available.
• Server location: The server location is very relevant from a legal perspective and for security reasons. Only servers located in Germany adhere to German regulations. EU servers usually have a similar standard - with all other locations there can be decisive differences in legislation.
• Including SSL certificate: With SSL certificates, data between PC and server is sent securely "over the Internet".
• Traffic limit: Especially larger stores need sufficient capacity for many accesses. Therefore it is important to know to what extent the traffic is limited.

 

In addition, we will highlight the respective advantages and disadvantages of the hosting provider for a quick overview.

 

Profihost

Profihost is a German-based hosting provider that has been offering its various e-commerce hosting services since 1998.

 

Profihost Advantages	Profihost Disadvantages
High level of data protection Green electricity from hydropower ISO 27001 certified data center	Many additional options, which make it confusing and more difficult for beginners Relatively expensive hosting provider if many options are chosen

• Hosting type: Cloud Server
• Root Server or Managed Server: Managed server, but Profihost FlexServer also available as a root server
• Tariffs: Various tariff packages for hardware and managed services
• Setup fee: No
• Upgrade possible: Flexible scalability
• Store system compatibility: For different store systems
• Minimum contract term: Usually one year
• Support: Telephone support, mail support, personal consultation
• Server location: In Germany
• Inclusive SSL certificate: Additionally bookable
• Traffic limit: Maximum inclusive traffic depending on tariff

 

Timme Hosting

The hosting provider Timme Hosting GmbH und Co KG is based in Lüneburg, Germany. The company's servers are also located in Germany. It is particularly noteworthy that Timme Hosting only uses green energy for their servers and offers them in managed hosting.

 

Timme Hosting Advantages	Timme Hosting Disadvantages
Flexibly scalable Servers located in Germany Traffic included for all traffic Green energy Many bookable services	Cloud storage scalable in one direction only, so you don't have the option to scale down again

• Hosting type: Cloud Server
• Root server or managed server: Managed Server
• Tariffs: Various rates, store hosting from 29 euros, web hosting from 19 euros.
• Setup fee: Yes
• Upgrade possible: Yes
• Store system compatibility: With Shopware for example
• Minimum contract period: None
• Support: Phone and e-mail support
• Server location: In Germany
• Inclusive SSL certificate: Can be booked from 19 Euro per year
• Traffic limit: No

 

Host Europe

The company HostEurope exists since 1997 and offers very good store system hosting. We have already mentioned HostEurope in our guide to choosing the right store system (link: https://www.exwe.de/de/news/e-commerce/shopsysteme-guide-wie-waehle-ich-das-richtige-shopsystem-aus/#Host-Europe), because HostEurope even offers its own store system. So if you are looking for a hoster for your online store, HostEurope can even offer you the store system directly.

 

Host Europe Advantages	Host Europe disadvantages
30-day trial period Security features are very important Simple setup No traffic limit Not only upgrade, but also downgrade is possible Additionally: There is the possibility for free e-mail hosting	Setup fee of 14,99 Euro Non-binding test phase

• Hosting type: Virtual and Dedicated Server
• Root Server or Managed Server: Root Server, but optionally Managed WordPress
• Tariffs: Various tariff packages such as Basic, Medium, Premium and Supreme.
• Setup fee: 14,99 Euro one time fee
• Upgrade possible: Yes as well as downgrade
• Store system compatibility: with own store system
• Minimum contract period: 1 month
• Support: support hotline and email support
• Server location: In Germany
• SSL certificate included: Yes
• Traffic limit: No

 

ALL-INKL

All-INKL is a web hosting company from Germany, but it offers equally good rates for online store owners. The company's servers are also located in Germany, which guarantees you data security. Since 2000, the company has been offering solutions that include almost everything: hence the name "ALL-INKL".

 

ALL-INKL Advantages	ALL-INKL disadvantages
Three months free of charge Automatic backup of every website every day Many domains are integrated in one package	- The basic package is not good for most purposes

• Hosting type: Dedicated Server
• Root Server or Managed Server: Managed
• Tariffs: Various hosting packages (premium, business)
• Setup fee: None
• Upgrade possible: Yes
• Store system compatibility: Compatible with Magento, Prestashop and WooCommerce
• Minimum contract period: None
• Support: Telephone hotline 24/7
• Server Location: In Germany
• SSL certificate included: Yes
• Traffic limit: Traffic is not limited

 

dogado

The hosting provider dogado, based in Dortmund, Germany, has been around since 2001. The offer is primarily aimed at small and medium-sized businesses. A plus point of dogado is that the company runs its servers with green electricity. If you want to be as sustainable as possible with your web project, dogado is a good contact.

 

dogado advantages	dogado disadvantages
No hidden costs Very well combinable with Shopware for online shops Different tariffs, so is suitable model selectable for every occasion 24/7 support Updates are done automatically	No external domains No test phase

• Hosting type: vServer, Dedicated Server
• Root Server or Managed Server: Managed Server
• Rates: Various hosting packages starting at 3.99 euros per month for web hosting, starting at 4.99 euros per month for WordPress hosting
• Setup fee: No
• Upgrade possible: Yes, anytime
• Store system compatibility: Shopware, Magento hosting, JTL hosting
• Minimum contract period: One month or twelve months
• Support: live chat and phone
• Server location: In Germany
• SSL certificate included: Yes, but not free of charge in the smallest web hosting plan
• Traffic limit: For tariffs with traffic flat, total traffic volume is included

 

Alfahosting

Alfahosting GmbH has been around since 1999, and with its various tariffs it has the right offer for any size of online shop. The hosting offers can also be used well with WordPress and Joomla.

 

Alfahosting Advantages	Alfahosting disadvantages
If necessary, the tariff can be changed Suitable for all online stores, big or small No fee for setup Customer friendly Good price-performance ratio	Documentation is not quite clean SSL certificate is not included

• Hosting type: dedicated server or virtual server
• Root server or managed server: Root for dedicated servers
• Tariffs: Various hosting packages (M-XL)
• Setup fee: None
• Upgrade possible: Yes
• Store system compatibility: Compatible with PrestaShop, Modified Shop, xtCommerce, OXID eShop, osCommerce
• Minimum contract period: None
• Support: 24/7 support via telephone hotline
• Server location: In Germany
• SSL certificate included: No
• Traffic limit: unlimited, traffic flat included

 

raidboxes

The company raidboxes is an agency from Münster, Germany, specialized in WordPress hosting. With the plugin WooCommerce so also online store hosting is possible. Since 2013, the company exists, which takes over work around updates, performance and security with Managed WordPress tariffs.

 

raidboxes advantages	raidboxes disadvantages
Many different tariffs Free trial for four days Backups of WordPress always at night Updates are done automatically	There is only one WooCommerce hosting Traffic is limited

• Hosting type: Cloud server
• Root server or managed server: Managed WordPress hosting and WooCommerce hosting
• Tariffs: Various Pro and Business plans
• Setup fee: None
• Upgrade possible: Yes
• Store system compatibility: With WooCommerce
• Minimum contract period: One month
• Support: Live chat or mail from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.
• Server Location: In Germany
• SSL certificate included: Yes
• Traffic limit: Yes, limited in different tariffs (High Traffic Hosting in Business for 300.000 visitors per month)

 

profi1.de

profi1.de exists as it is now only since 2008, but the hosting provider had its beginnings already in 2001. profi1.de's web hosting offer is very extensive and is also suitable for online stores of various sizes.

 

profi1.de advantages	profi1.de disadvantages
For online stores of any size Upgrades are possible Customer service is very good profi1.de servers are fast Business customers are kept separate from private customers	Little storage space is available profi1.de has only one data center

• Hosting type: Dedicated server or vServer
• Root server or managed server: Root and managed server
• Tariffs: Various tariffs are available (from tariff S to tariff XL)
• Setup fee: None
• Upgrade possible: You can upgrade the tariff
• Store system compatibility: Compatible with PrestaShop, Gambio, OXID eShop, Shopware, Modified Shops, t:Commerce and Magento
• Minimum contract period: Three months
• Support: Telephone hotline Mon-Fri from 09 -18 hrs.
• Server location: In Germany
• Inclusive SSL certificate: Optional or inclusive depending on tariff
• Traffic limit: Unlimited

 

webgo

webgo is a Hamburg-based company that offers various hosting plans for online stores of all sizes. The company has its reliable servers in Germany and offers you fast assistance through customer support 365 days a year if there are technical changes.

 

webgo advantages	webgo disadvantages
Suitable for online stores of all sizes The speed of the servers is high and they are located in Germany The first six months free of charge The choice between root and managed servers as well as virtual and dedicated servers and SSD web hosting for your online shop	Contract periods are predefined (minimum 12 months) Setup fee

• Hosting type: Either vServer or dedicated server
• Root server or managed server: Root and managed server
• Tariffs: Different tariffs (professional, business, power)
• Setup fee: One-time 14,95 Euro
• Upgrade possible: Tariff changes are possible
• Store system compatibility: With Magento / Adobe Commerce or osCommerce
• Minimum contract period: 12 months
• Support: 365 days support
• Server location: In Germany
• SSL certificate included: Yes
• Traffic limit: unlimited

 

estugo.net

estugo.net is a provider from Greifswald, Germany, that offers different store hosting tariffs since 2004. The different store hosting tariffs are especially suitable for small to medium sized online stores. The traffic limit is not limited in the tariffs.

 

estugo.net advantages	estugo.net disadvantages
No traffic limit for your store hosting German servers Free data backup There is directly a homepage builder Personal contact person	Not suitable for large online stores Setup fee

• Hosting type: vServer / virtual dedicated server
• Root server or managed server: Managed or Root
• Tariffs: Various tariffs (Shophost Starter, Shophost Basic, Shophost Pro).
• Setup fee: 14,95 Euro one-time fee
• Upgrade possible: Yes
• Store system compatibility: With PrestaShop, JTL Shop, OXID eShop, Open Cart, Modified Shop, Virtuemart and Shopware
• Minimum contract period: One month
• Support: Direct contact person
• Server Location: In Germany
• SSL certificate included: Yes
• Traffic limit: All traffic is included with store hosting

 

Our conclusion

Overall, there are many online store hosting providers on the market that offer a variety of different rates. You will definitely find what you are looking for if you want to host your store. Of course, it is important that you think about which store system you want to use for e-commerce beforehand. This way you can see directly which hosters are suitable for you and which are not. Many of our customers use Shopware to set up their online store from start to finish. For this, Timme Hosting offers a good deal, which is why we are very happy to call the store hoster our partner as well. If you are about to start your online business and need help with store creation and hosting or have a question in general, you can always contact the experts at EXWE!