Choosing a good Python host requires careful vetting and a good understanding of your needs and priorities. In this review, we analyze the best Python hosts.
We sorted through hundreds of hosts to find the best Python hosts with up-to-date Python interpreters, popular frameworks, and no unreasonable use restrictions. We vetted these hosts for speed, security, performance, and value.
Additionally, we used expert and customer reviews to pick the best Python hosts.
What is Python Web Hosting?
Python is an object-oriented programming language devised in the late 1980s. Now on version 3, it’s still popular with programmers. Python is ideal for those who like combining an object-oriented approach with structured programming.
It’s also designed to be easily read and understood by novices thanks to a very simple stylistic form and grammar. The code is intentionally written very clearly and concisely and is easy for inexperienced programmers to review and change. Python leans towards using English words where many languages use punctuation, making any given file less cluttered visually.
How to Choose Python Web Hosting
There are many options if you’re looking for Python hosting, but some care is needed. Make sure you select the right plan and drill into the details of your preferred host’s Python offering before you sign up for a long-term hosting commitment.
When shopping around for Python web hosts, you should keep the following in mind:
Python interpreter: Check the Python interpreter version since a host may be reluctant to update an old interpreter if there’s little demand. The interpreter that your host is using must be suitable for your needs. Some interpreters are outdated, and requests for an upgrade may fall on deaf ears.
SSH and Apache: Ensure you have shell access and that the Apache installation supports CGI and mod_wsgi and anything you need for your web framework.
Python Modules: Check the host’s policy on Python modules. Ascertain which modules are installed and what the policy is regarding new modules. Some Python web hosts are happy to install whatever you need and will do so relatively quickly. Other hosts may have policies around which modules they will allow, and they will refuse to install anything unproven or untested.
Hosting Plan: The best option for Python is a dedicated server. While it’s an expensive option, a dedicated server comes without limitations so that you can take control of your Python install. If you don’t want to go dedicated, you would be best off with a Virtual Private Server (VPS) rather than a shared hosting plan.
Special Python Plans: It’s best to email the host before signing up for a contract. They may have a special plan for Python at a reasonable cost that gives you more freedom and flexibility.
Databases: Check what your options are when it comes to databases — you can expect Python scripts to play well with a MySQL database, generally speaking, but if that’s not an option, you’ll need to do a bit more digging.
Why it’s best: It’s an incredibly reliable hosting provider that has strong customer service, offers great uptime, and good value
Bluehost is a large website host well-known in the industry for its WordPress expertise. It is also popular for its variety of “one-stop-shop” solutions and services and bargain prices. Bluehost currently powers over 2 million sites worldwide, mainly out of its huge data center in Utah. Also, the company offers almost every website hosting service that you might need, such as advanced hosting like VPS, managed WordPress hosting, and a dedicated server. Besides offering a complete range of website hosting services, the company provides SEO services, marketing training, social media marketing, graphic design services, and content creation.
Bluehost also has an advanced and reliable WordPress hosting category called WP Pro. Note that WP Pro is available in 3 tiers. It is an excellent managed WordPress offering that gives your website back end the coveted white-glove treatment and includes amazing social media, SEO, and email marketing tools. And WP Pro’s three plans (Grow, Build, and Scale) all feature unlimited website hosting, domains, monthly data transfers, and great storage. Their Python hosting starting price is $2.95/month, with a 60-day, money-back guarantee.
Pros and cons of Bluehost
Pros
Solid uptime
Generous storage
Includes several security features such as unique IPs, SSL, & SiteLock protection
Cons
Renewal rates might be higher than expected
Bluehost only offer servers in Linux, Windows hosting is not available
What customers are saying about Bluehost
Bluehost is a reputable provider offering shared and VPS hosting. The company is easy to use, affordable, and has great uptime. It is geared toward entrepreneurs and small online startups. Billing might be confusing, but they have solid customer service for any issues.
Why it’s best: It offers unlimited bandwidth and storage
DreamHost is one of the biggest names in the business, notable for its WordPress hosting plans and 97-day money-back guarantee. You’ll get unlimited bandwidth and storage, automated backups, and an easy-to-use control panel.
As for support, DreamHost promises 24/7 availability, although live chat is only available between 5:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. PST. There’s also an online knowledge base where you can find detailed guides and answers to frequently asked questions. If you’re in the market for alternatives to shared hosting, you can also choose cloud hosting, VPS hosting, dedicated hosting, or standalone email hosting.
Pros and cons of DreamHost
Pros
97-day money-back guarantee
Unlimited bandwidth and storage
Friendly customer service
Cons
Limited options for Windows
What customers are saying about DreamHost
A reliable and affordable hosting provider, Dreamhost offers great customer service and a variety of plans. It is easy to use, though there are some complaints that the speed and webmail could be improved.
A2 Hosting plans come with a free SSL certificate, 24/7/365 customer support, and free site migration, and automatic backup options. Their data centers are located in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, and you can choose which one you want to use.
You’ll also get the benefit of a 30-day money-back guarantee, and prorated refunds after that.
Pros and cons of A2 Hosting
Pros
24/7/365 support
International data centers
Cons
Windows options not available
What customers are saying about A2 Hosting
A2 is a reliable, affordable hosting company that has fast speeds. The customer service is generally responsive but could use more updated tutorials and documentation.
The site mentions only PHP4 and PHP5 compatibility, and the “Learn More” link is broken, though, so it’s unclear how up-to-date Liquid Web’s commitment is.
The web host specializes in managed services, and it gives guaranteed support response times around the clock, as well as guaranteeing 100% uptime.
Pros and cons of Liquid Web
Pros
High-performance plans
100% network/power uptime guarantee
Excellent support team
Cons
Plans may require server management knowledge
What customers are saying about Liquid Web
Liquid Web is known as one of the best managed WordPress hosting companies that allows you to easily host many websites. The tech support is open every day of the year, but there are some billing and customer service issues.
Why it’s best: With plans starting at $1.99 a month, it’s hard to find another service that beats its value
Hostinger offers a wide variety of hosting plans, including shared, cloud, email, and VPS hosting. Windows users can choose from four Windows VPS options, all of which come with a 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 customer support.
You’ll get a dedicated IP address, full root user access with SSH control, and Windows Server 2012 layout. Hostinger supports high-level data backup management, an easy-to-use VPS control panel, and applications in .ASP, .NET, VB, and other programming languages. Other useful tools include a domain name checker to help you find a new domain and a drag-and-drop website builder with professionally-created templates.
Pros and cons of Hostinger
Pros
G Suite and email integrations
Low starting price
Free SSL certificate
Cons
Support via live chat only
No shared Windows servers
What customers are saying about Hostinger
Hostinger is one of the best hosting companies for people who are starting out with a website and seeking low prices. The customer service and mail server could use some improvements, though.
Python is a free, open-source programming language that was originally released in 1991 by the Dutch programmer Guido van Rossum. It is a highly dynamic object-oriented programming language and is used for rapid application development.
What is Python used for?
Python is often used for web development, though it has many other purposes too. It was originally designed to help with system administration and can now be used to make applications, analyze data, and more. Python is a general-purpose programming language.
What is the best development framework for Python?
The most popular Python web application frameworks include Django, Flask, Pyramid, and CubicWeb. Other frameworks that are popular amongst Python application developers include Web2py, CherryPy, and TurboGears. There is no best development framework, and choices depend on developers’ preference and purpose.
Why is Python popular?
Python is popular due to it’s user-friendly design and shallow learning curve. Despite the relatively complex tasks one can use Python for, it is easy to learn. Python is not as widely used as PHP, but it’s well-documented, and there are lots of modules available to make coding fast and fun.
Is Python used for web development?
Yes, Python is popular amongst web developers building websites. Initially, it might be more sensible to use something like WordPress or Drupal, and then code your own plugin in PHP. That will give you a significant head-start, compared to coding something from scratch.
Why is Python recommended for beginners?
Python’s syntax contains a lot of English words and is relatively easy to read, even if you don’t know how to code. It is included on Linux and Mac systems, so there’s little complexity involved in getting started. Many Python programmers begin by writing small scripts for their own computers. Python also includes a built-in web-server, so you can run a web app locally as you are developing it.
Is Python available on shared hosting plans?
Python can come with some shared hosting plans, but it isn’t a standard feature by any means. If your sole purpose of buying a hosting account is to learn Python, check the fine print very carefully before you sign up.