This article about shared hosting providers was published in September 2021 and updated in April 2025. This post demonstrates how to use Softaculous to manage applications in shared hosting environments, such as cPanel or DirectAdmin.
Originally a review of hosting providers tested since 2019, this post now focuses on practical tools for beginners and small businesses. Watch the video below for a step-by-step guide to installing and managing applications like WordPress.
Summary
English
This updated article provides a video tutorial on using Softaculous to install and manage applications in shared hosting, alongside an overview of provider categories like traditional, cloud, and SaaS hosting. It replaces a 2019-2023 review of providers, with historical data archived for reference.
Hindi
यह अद्यतन लेख साझा होस्टिंग में Softaculous का उपयोग करके एप्लिकेशन इंस्टॉल और प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक वीडियो ट्यूटोरियल प्रदान करता है, साथ ही पारंपरिक, क्लाउड, और SaaS होस्टिंग जैसे प्रदाता श्रेणियों का अवलोकन देता है। यह 2019-2023 के प्रदाता समीक्षा को प्रतिस्थापित करता है, जिसमें ऐतिहासिक डेटा संदर्भ के लिए संग्रहीत है।
Marathi
हा अद्ययावत लेख शेअर्ड होस्टिंगमध्ये Softaculous वापरून अॅप्लिकेशन्स इंस्टॉल आणि व्यवस्थापित करण्यासाठी व्हिडिओ ट्यूटोरियल प्रदान करतो, तसेच पारंपारिक, क्लाउड आणि SaaS होस्टिंगसारख्या प्रदाता श्रेणींचा आढावा देतो. हे 2019-2023 च्या प्रदाता पुनरावलोकनाला बदलते, ज्यात ऐतिहासिक डेटा संदर्भासाठी संग्रहित आहे।
This page also includes a collection of images from shared hosting interfaces for old times’ sake. Watch the video below for a step-by-step guide to installing and managing applications like WordPress.
Note: All images and videos are from 2020-21 vintage
Overview of Shared Hosting Providers
Shared hosting providers offer cost-effective solutions for hosting websites, applications, and digital content by allocating server resources among multiple users. These providers can be categorized into traditional web hosting, specialist image hosting, cloud hosting, and SaaS platforms, each serving distinct needs. Traditional shared hosting providers offer robust cPanel or DirectAdmin environments for managing websites like WordPress.
Specialist image hosting, exemplified by Flickr and Imgur, focuses on storing and sharing visual content with integrated community features. Cloud hosting, offered by Netlify and Vercel, delivers scalable, developer-friendly platforms for modern web applications. SaaS platforms, including WordPress.com and Zoho Sites, combine hosting with user-friendly tools for rapid website creation, catering to non-technical users seeking simplicity.
The following table highlights selected providers across these categories, showcasing their diversity and utility in 2025. These platforms support tools like Softaculous for streamlined application management, as demonstrated in the video tutorial below.
| Category | Providers |
|---|---|
| Traditional Web Hosting | Hostinger, SiteGround |
| Specialist Image Hosting | Flickr, Imgur |
| Cloud Hosting | Netlify, Vercel |
| SaaS Platforms | WordPress.com, Zoho Sites |
Using Softaculous in Shared Hosting
Historical Shared Hosting Images
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| Flatpress CMS Installation on Shared Hosting | Installtron for shared hosting |
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Types of Shared Hosting
Shared hosting involves multiple websites or applications sharing resources on a single server. Here’s a quick overview of different types of providers:
1. Web Hosting (General Purpose)
Offers basic shared server environments for websites.
- Examples: Namecrane
2. Image Hosting
Specializes in storing and delivering images, often with optimization features.
- Examples: Imgur, Cloudinary, ImageKit, Uploadcare, Backblaze B2 (for storage)
3. Podcast Hosting
Designed for hosting and distributing podcast audio files.
- Examples: Libsyn, Buzzsprout, Podbean, Captivate
4. Specialist Shared Hosting
Offers shared hosting optimized for specific applications.
- WordPress Hosting: WP Engine, Kinsta
- eCommerce Hosting: SiteGround, A2 Hosting
- Node.js Hosting: DigitalOcean App Platform
5. SaaS (Software as a Service)
Provides access to fully functional applications hosted by the provider. Differs from traditional shared hosting.
- Website Builders: Wix, Squarespace
- eCommerce Platforms: Shopify, BigCommerce