To start, we worked through hosts that support Node.js. We sorted hosting plans and selected those that offered a wide range of developer tools and technical support. Also, we prioritized hosts that made it easy to deploy, manage, and scale your Node.js apps, integrating with Git and Heroku. Scaling down this list, we vetted it against customer reviews.
What Is Node.js?
Node.js is an event-driven JavaScript runtime environment built on Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine designed for speed and flexibility. It brings JavaScript to the back-end, allowing the rise of what are called “full-stack JavaScript applications.”
While there are plenty of upsides to using Node.js, it can be challenging to find a web hosting provider that supports full-stack JavaScript applications, especially if you are on a budget.
Regardless, there are certainly options, both traditional and cloud-based, even if you are more limited than if you had chosen, say PHP, instead.
Node.js was invented to provide a different way of handling client-server input/output (I/O). It is an event-driven JavaScript runtime environment and development framework built on Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine. The inventor of Node.js discovered that its I/O handling capabilities (or lack of them), and some of its other characteristics, made it ideal for writing an environment capable of asynchronous, event-driven I/O.
Node.js can be used to build server-side web applications, and its architecture allows for massive scalability.
How to Choose a Node.js Host
Consider these factors when selecting a Node.js host:
Which programming languages the host supports
Whether the hosting platform is user-friendly enough for you to use
Whether the host offers Node.js-compatible hosting plans that match your budget and needs
Whether Node.js is truly a better option compared to PHP or other alternatives
Whether your host has a strong reputation and reliable uptime
Node.js versions supported
Commitment to Node.js and availability of APIs/ developer-oriented tools
Why it’s best: Global data centers, free site migrations, excellent customer service
The Kamatera network spans the globe, including the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. It offers various invaluable services, from cloud to VPS and application hosting. While large corporations will make up the bulk of their clientele, the company also provides several excellent services ideally suited to medium and small organizations.
The smallest Kamatera server package offers 1024MB of RAM, 1vCPU processing power, 20GB SSD storage, and 5TB of transfer bandwidth. The Hong Kong data center is the only exception, with 1TB of transfer bandwidth offered instead of 5TB. All of Kamatera's features, including unlimited scalability and a wide variety of preconfigured server images, are included with even the most basic plan.
Those in need of high-end solutions will be pleased with Kamatera's many dedicated hosting choices and capabilities, but the platform has its flaws when it comes to domain names, SSls, and more.
Kamatera may be the best web host for start-ups, application developers, international enterprises, and SaaS providers.
Pros and cons of Kamaterra
Pros
Cheap hosting options
Global data centers
Free site migrations
Top-notch customer service
Cons
No shared hosting plans
No SSL certificates
No domain names
No free backups
What customers are saying about Kamatera
Users are happy with all of Kamatera’s hosting options but do find it inconvenient that they don’t offer SSL certificates or domain names.
In addition to being an all-around solid host, A2 is one of the few providers offering support for Node.js, even on shared hosting plans. The company emphasizes the developer experience, so it should support whatever you need for your application. If not, you can file a feature request to inform the team about the issue.
A2 Hosting provides Windows and Linux-based web hosting. With plans starting as low as $1.99 per month, you get to build your company’s website without having to worry much about operating costs. Websites hosted by A2 Hosting load moderately fast according to HRANK at 949 milliseconds. Its servers are reliable with a 99.9% uptime.
Those who choose A2 Hosting for their hosting needs also get to enjoy some free tools and features that help to build their website. These include:
Developers have tried to make it more usable, and are actively investing in getting feedback
Free website migrations
Access to A2 site accelerator
Cons
Turbo servers are only available for higher-tier plans
What customers are saying
Customers speak highly of the pricing plans and customer support. One reviewer says, “A2 Hosting is a cost-effective deal for both companies and Small-Medium Businesses,” while another says, “I am very pleased and impressed with the level of support from A2 Hosting — that’s in addition to its excellent documentation.”
Why it’s best: 24/7 customer service with a live chat support system for quick access
SiteGround is another great all-around web hosting provider, but support for Node.js is only offered on its dedicated server. This limitation means that SiteGround is not different from any other provider that offers dedicated servers. But we still had to give a nod to SiteGround because its web hosting offerings are competitive and are backed by quality customer service.
SiteGround also excels at customer service and tech support. To help with any issues that develop with your site, the company is available 24/7. The reps are very knowledgeable about its systems and resolve most issues promptly.
SiteGround’s hosting services come with various bonuses, like a free SSL certificate, email accounts, and CDN. Its plans also offer free website migrations for customers with websites hosted by a different provider.
Other noteworthy features that come with SiteGround hosting include:
Integrations with popular apps like Weebly, WordPress, and Drupal
Reseller and collaboration tools
Unmetered solid-state drive (SSD) storage and bandwidth
24/7 customer service with Live Chat support system for quick access
Pros and cons of SiteGround
Pros
Blazing fast servers
Fast and secure tech stacks
Staging environments provided
Cons
Limited storage space on starter plans
Requires a three-year contract for the lowest rates
What customers are saying
SiteGround doesn’t offer much storage compared to other shared web hosting providers. However, it receives nearly universal praise for its customer service, with clients reporting near-instantaneous responses. That quick pace adds a significant element of peace of mind for users who need some extra help setting up the platform or working through any unexpected issues.
Why it’s best: High-performance plans, 100% uptime guarantee, excellent support team
Liquid Web offers high-end, advanced web hosting solutions that support Node.js. Like SiteGround, Liquid Web offers solid options that are backed by top-notch customer service. Note that most of the company’s options (both traditional and cloud-based) are managed.
So if you are less technically inclined or you want to outsource some (or all) of the management related to your web hosting while still purchasing a VPS plan or dedicated server, Liquid Web might be the best option for you.
The site mentions only PHP4 and PHP5 compatibility and the “Learn More” link is broken, though, so it’s not clear how up-to-date Liquid Web’s commitment is. This web host specializes in managed services, and it gives guaranteed support response times around the clock, as well as guaranteeing 100% uptime.
Windows hosting plans are still in the works, so if you’re trying to get started right away, then A2 Hosting may not be an option. But with its impressive uptime, 24/7 customer support, and generous refund policy, it may be worth the wait. In the meantime, you can explore its other hosting options, including dedicated servers and VPS hosting.
Pros and cons of LiquidWeb
Pros
High-performance plans
100% network/power uptime guarantee
Excellent support team
Cons
Windows options coming soon
What customers are saying
Business customers describe Liquid Web as a hidden gem that supports web developers, resellers, and other related professionals. The provider has a reputable brand name, reliable service, an above-average management interface, and highly competent support staff. Users comment approvingly on the many features and how it’s always evolving and improving.
Node.js is a JavaScript runtime environment that is designed to build real-time web applications that are scalable. It’s built on Chrome’s high-performance V8 JavaScript engine and shares design traits with Python’s Twisted and Ruby’s Event Machine. Node.js is noted for its ability to handle multiple concurrent connections.
Who uses Node.js?
Node.js is used by many developers and businesses. Top firms using Node.js include Netflix, LinkedIn, Uber, Trello, Walmart, and NASA. Node.js is a flexible tool that can be used in a variety of applications, which is partially why it is so popular.
Is Node.js better than PHP?
While both PHP and Node.js are used in server-side web development, they are designed to solve specific problems. Node.js handles a high number of concurrent client-server interactions. As such it would be a logical contender for certain web applications that must support a significant volume of real-time interactions.
PHP is the typical choice of those developing in WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla or any content management system (CMS) that uses relational databases. Node.js is used in projects utilizing a MEAN stack: MongoDB, Express.js, Angular.js, and Node.js. Also note that of the two technologies, PHP, a server-side scripting language, is easier to learn than Node.js, a JavaScript runtime environment.
Your choice of web technology should be informed by the problem you are trying to solve. Make the decision in the wider context of your project and any alternative technologies.
Can I use Node.js with shared hosting?
In some circumstances, using Node.js with shared hosting may be possible. That said, VPS hosting is usually a better choice.
Here’s why: to use Node.js, you’ll need shell access to the server (SSH) and the ability to set up Node.js to listen for requests received over port 80. A private (not shared) environment is usually required to run Node.js.
Unless your hosting provider explicitly supports Node.js in a shared environment, you’ll likely need a VPS, dedicated server, or private cloud server. While Node.js can run on any operating system, most Node.js installations run on Linux.
Does cPanel support Node.js?
Yes, cPanel recently released support for Node.js, so you can use cPanel in environments you plan to host apps written using Node.js. CPanel’s Node.js Selector makes it easy to set up Node.js apps. Simply log in to your cPanel account and click on the “Setup Node.js App” icon. Then click “Create application” and follow the prompts.
Can I build a content management system with Node.js?
Yes, you can. However, there may be better options available for the task. The real power of Node.js is its ability to handle loads of inputs and outputs in a non-blocking fashion. A content-management application usually manages cacheable web pages, and non-blocking I/O isn’t important to accomplish that task.
What are the alternative options for Node.js hosting?
In addition to the more popular web hosting options, we suggest you consider players like Heroku, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Digital Ocean when purchasing a Node.js hosting package.
There is also Nodejitsu, the leading pure-play Node.js hosting provider. Most of these options are cloud-based providers. Opting for one of these, you will get all the benefits typically associated with cloud-based hosting: easy scalability, redundancy, and support for failover.
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