Best WordPress Hosting for Developers in 2025 Guide 

Key highlights 

• Understand why developer-specific WordPress hosting is critical for performance, control and workflow efficiency  
• Explore must-have features like SSH, Git integration, WP-CLI and staging environments for better development control  
• Learn how Bluehost supports advanced development with multisite management and scalable infrastructure  
• Uncover the key differences between shared, managed, VPS and cloud hosting for WordPress development  
• Know what to look for in a hosting plan that aligns with your developer tools, team structure and client needs  

Building modern WordPress sites requires more than just a place to host your files. It demands power, flexibility and full developer control. According to W3techs, over 43.3% of all websites now run on WordPress. This means developers need hosting solutions that can scale, secure and support complex WordPress builds.  

If you’ve hit limits with shared plans, clunky dashboards or no SSH access, you’re not alone. These roadblocks slow you down and create risk. Many WordPress hosting providers promise developer-friendly features but restrict critical tools like Git integration, staging, and root-level customization. These limits slow your workflow and hurt your development process.  

This guide shows you how to choose the right WordPress hosting for developers. Look for options that support WP-CLI, automated backups, multiple sites and scalable resources, so you can code faster, test smoothly and launch with confidence.  

Why do developers need specialized WordPress hosting?  

Developers require specialized WordPress hosting because standard plans often lack critical tools needed for advanced workflows. Features such as SSH, Git, WP-CLI and staging environments are essential for efficient development and deployment.  

Basic WordPress hosting may be sufficient for casual users, but it lacks the technical access and flexibility that developers require. If you’re managing multiple environments, testing updates or building client projects, control matters.  

Standard plans rarely offer root access, custom PHP configurations or terminal-level tools. This means you’re stuck with slow dashboards, limited scripts and no visibility into logs or performance metrics.  

With WordPress hosting for developers, you get faster workflows, fewer bottlenecks and more control. You can push changes with Git, work from the command line using WP-CLI and safely test features in a staging environment.  

Choosing developer-ready hosting means spending less time working around restrictions and more time building high-performance, secure and scalable WordPress websites. 

Also read: What is WordPress & What is it Used For? 

What features should developers look for in WordPress hosting? 

Developers should look for hosting that supports speed, control and scalability, with tools such as SSH, Git, WP-CLI, staging environments and custom configurations. 

For serious workflows, these tools form the foundation. Whether you’re freelancing, managing client portfolios or building enterprise sites, you need hosting that works the way developers work. 

At Bluehost, our hosting solutions are designed specifically for developers who need power, flexibility and control at every step of the project. We offer all these features within our WordPress plans: 

• Full server control and root/SSH access 
• Staging environments and Git integration 
• PHP version control and WP-CLI 
• MySQL/PostgreSQL access and custom database control 
• Customizable NGINX or Apache configurations 
• Advanced caching 
• Built-in security tools and firewall control 

Here’s what to expect from a hosting provider that’s truly developer-ready and exactly how we deliver at Bluehost. 

1. Full server control and root/SSH access  

Access to the server environment is essential for custom workflows. With SSH access, you can securely connect to your hosting account, execute shell commands, automate tasks and manage files directly from your terminal. This is especially helpful for running custom scripts, managing version control and deploying updates without relying on the WordPress dashboard.  

2. Staging environments and Git integration  

You should never test updates on a live site. Our one-click staging feature allows you to create a safe copy of your site to test new themes, plugins or code changes. We also support Git integration, allowing you to manage version control directly on our platform, thereby streamlining your development and deployment workflow.  

3. PHP version control and WP-CLI  

Different projects often require different PHP environments. With our MultiPHP Manager, you can switch between supported versions to meet compatibility needs. We also offer full WP-CLI support, allowing you to control WordPress installations via the command line from managing plugins to resetting passwords, all without logging into the dashboard.  

4. MySQL/PostgreSQL access and custom database control  

Developers working with complex data structures need robust database access. Bluehost supports MySQL by default and offers PostgreSQL as an alternative. You can manage both through cPanel or connect remotely using tools like phpMyAdmin or pgAdmin. This flexibility supports projects that go beyond the standard WordPress database setup.  

5. Customizable NGINX or Apache configurations  

Server-level configuration is a must for customizing performance. Bluehost allows you to define custom Apache handlers, enabling you to control how the server processes specific file types. This is especially valuable for advanced caching rules, MIME type handling and security settings tailored to your app’s needs.  

6. Advanced caching (object caching, Redis, etc.)  

Speed and performance are vital for both development and user experience. Our hosting infrastructure supports object caching and Redis, which helps reduce database load and speeds up dynamic WordPress pages. Faster sites enhance your testing process and deliver a better-performing final product to clients.  

7. Built-in security tools and firewall control  

Every development environment needs strong baseline protection. Bluehost includes a free SSL certificate, proactive malware scans, a web application firewall and automated daily backups. You can roll back changes or recover data with a single click, protecting your work and your client’s sites.  

These features aren’t optional for serious developers; they’re essential. At Bluehost, we provide a hosting environment that supports your tools, enhances your productivity and protects your projects every step of the way. Let’s explore some of the best WordPress hosting providers for developers.

Which are the best WordPress hosting providers for developers in 2025?  

The best hosting for developers in 2025 provides full access, flexible control, scalable resources and support for development workflows, including Git, WP-CLI and staging environments.  

While most web hosting providers offer basic features, few meet the technical demands of developers building for real clients, teams or apps.   

Feature/provider	Bluehost	Kinsta	SiteGround	Cloudways	WP Engine
WordPress hosting type	Managed + VPS	Managed	Shared + Managed	VPS/Cloud	Managed
SSH & Git access	✅ Included	✅ Included	✅ Included	✅ Included	✅ Included
WP-CLI support	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Staging environments	✅ 1-Click	✅ 1-Click	✅ 1-Click	✅ Manual setup	✅ Included
Free domain name	✅ 1 Year	❌ No	✅ 1 Year*	❌ No	❌ No
Free SSL certificate	✅ Included	✅ Included	✅ Included	✅ Included	✅ Included
Automatic backups	✅ Daily	✅ Daily	✅ Daily	❌ Manual setup	✅ Daily
Custom domain support	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Multiple PHP versions	✅ Selectable	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Customizable	✅ Yes
Apache/NGINX customization	✅ Apache	❌ No	❌ Limited	✅ Full	❌ Limited
Database options (MySQL/PostgreSQL)	✅ Both	✅ MySQL	✅ MySQL	✅ Both	✅ MySQL
WordPress multisite support	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Hosting for multiple sites	✅ Unlimited	✅ Limited	✅ Limited	✅ Unlimited	✅ Limited
Best for	All developer types	High-traffic teams	Freelancers	Advanced devs	Agencies
Customer support	✅ 24/7 WordPress-trained	✅ 24/7	✅ 24/7	✅ Live chat	✅ 24/7
Affordability	✅ High value	❌ Expensive	✅ Affordable	✅ Flexible	❌ Premium cost

Here’s a detailed look at five leading platforms and how we at Bluehost deliver a complete, developer-ready experience.  

1. Bluehost  

At Bluehost, our goal is to provide everything developers need in one place. Trusted by over 5 million WordPress users and officially recommended by WordPress, our hosting plans are designed to deliver performance, flexibility and control. With every WordPress hosting plan, you get SSH access, WP-CLI, staging environments, free domain, a free SSL certificate, automatic backups and multisite support.  

Also, you can choose your preferred PHP version, manage unlimited websites and optimize your site using developer-friendly tools built right into the Bluehost dashboard.  

Pros  

• Built-in Git, SSH and WP-CLI support  
• One-click staging for safe updates and plugin testing  
• Support for PostgreSQL, MySQL and custom Apache handlers  
• Web application firewall, malware scanning and daily automated backups  
• Free SSL, free domain name and exceptional customer support  
• Tools for WordPress installation, cloning and plugin setup in just a few clicks  

Cons  

• Some advanced dev features are available only on Pro or VPS plans.  
• Add-on services, such as SiteLock and CodeGuard, may require upgrades.  

Best for: Developers who want flexible, scalable and secure WordPress hosting for developers with integrated support.  

2. Kinsta  

Kinsta is built on Google Cloud infrastructure and offers premium speed, developer access and a streamlined dashboard. It supports Git, WP-CLI, daily backups and staging. While it performs well, it doesn’t offer domain or email hosting and may not suit budget-conscious developers looking for cheap WordPress hosting.  

Pros  

• Excellent performance and load times  
• SSH, Git and WordPress-specific features for devs  
• Built-in staging and backup system  

Cons  

• No free domain or email support  
• Higher pricing is not ideal for freelancers  
• Limited flexibility on custom domain routing and server access  

Best for: Performance-obsessed teams and enterprise WordPress hosting.  

Also read: Kinsta vs Bluehost: Choosing the Best Hosting  

3. SiteGround  

SiteGround offers fast, secure and developer-friendly shared hosting with features such as staging, Git and daily backups. It’s a good option for freelancers or small teams, though advanced projects may outgrow it.  

Pros  

• Git and staging tools are included in all plans  
• Free SSL and strong uptime  
• Easy WordPress installation and plugin management  

Cons  

• No free domain name renewal after the first year  
• Limited access to advanced configurations and caching layers  

Best for: Solo developers seeking reliable tools and affordable WordPress web hosting solutions.  

Also read: SiteGround vs. Bluehost: The Major Differences  

4. Cloudways  

Cloudways offers flexible VPS hosting built on providers like DigitalOcean and AWS. You choose the stack, add caching options like Redis and manually control performance settings. Great for advanced developers, but not beginner-friendly.  

Pros  

• Full server control and SSH access  
• Stack customization and high scalability  
• Supports multiple sites and third-party tools  

Cons  

• No built-in domain or email hosting  
• Requires manual setup of automatic backups, firewalls and staging  
• Lacks beginner onboarding and native WordPress-specific features  

Best for: Power users with sysadmin skills who want full control over their web hosting account.  

Also read: Cloudways vs Bluehost: Which Is Better?  

5. WP Engine  

WP Engine offers high-end managed WordPress hosting for agencies and in-house teams. It includes staging, Git and WP-CLI, but restricts some advanced settings and limits storage on entry-level plans. Get advance features with higher-tier plans.  

Pros  

• Dev-focused tools and secure architecture  
• Automatic updates, backups and malware detection  
• Optimized for WordPress performance  

Cons  

• Higher cost for limited site counts  
• Restricted access to core server configs  
• Limited storage on lower tiers  

Best for: Agencies managing client sites with strict performance and compliance requirements.  

Also read: WP Engine vs Bluehost (2025 Comparison): Which WordPress Host Is Right for You?  

The right hosting provider depends on your project needs, scale and workflow. If you’re looking for an affordable WordPress hosting provider that supports essential development tools, we’ve got you covered.  

We at Bluehost make it easy to scale with support for WordPress multisite, custom domains and CLI-based workflows. You also get fast setup, strong performance and everything you need to launch and grow like a professional developer.  

What types of WordPress hosting are best for developers?  

The best WordPress hosting for developers depends on your workflow, level of control and the kind of WordPress project you’re building. There’s no one-size-fits-all hosting solution. Some developers need fast testing environments. Others need root access, staging or support for an online store.   

Hosting type	Key features	Use case	Ideal for
Shared hosting	Most affordable web hosting option, limited performance, no SSH or Git access	Test environments, personal projects and the learning curve	Beginners testing a WordPress site or blog
WordPress hosting	Includes automatic updates, malware scanning, free SSL, staging, backups, WordPress pre-installed	Low-maintenance setup for client sites with performance and control	Freelancers and small teams building WordPress websites
VPS hosting	Isolated resources, full root access, CLI support, WordPress multisite, web application firewall	Custom builds, high-traffic sites and installing WordPress with full control	Developers managing complex, high-performance WordPress projects
Cloud hosting	Scalable infrastructure, content delivery network integration, Redis, advanced caching	Large projects, agency workflow and apps needing guaranteed uptime	Dev agencies handling multiple sites and online stores need flexibility
Dedicated hosting	NVMe storage, unmetered bandwidth, 3 IPs, RAID protection	High-performance workloads, mission-critical projects, eCommerce scaling	Developers needing full control, maximum speed and enterprise-level security

Below is a breakdown of the most common WordPress hosting plans, including which fits best for development use cases.  

1. Shared hosting  

Shared hosting is the most affordable option, but it shares resources among many users. This limits performance, customization and flexibility. It usually doesn’t include tools like SSH access, Git or WP-CLI, which are essential for serious WordPress developers.  

Use it for: Experimenting, learning or hosting a test site or personal blog.  

Not ideal for: High-traffic sites, advanced workflows or multiple client projects.  

Also read: Shared Hosting vs WordPress Hosting: Which is Right For You? 

2. WordPress hosting  

WordPress hosting includes helpful features such as automatic updates, malware scanning, free SSL certificates and WordPress pre-installed. Many managed WordPress hosting plans, including ours, offer just a few clicks’ access to staging, backups and plugin management.  

At Bluehost, we provide all of this plus Git integration, WP-CLI, custom domain options and staging, all optimized for developers.  

Use it for: Freelancers and small teams that need developer tools and exceptional customer support without having to manage everything manually. Ideal for building fast, scalable WordPress sites with strong performance and scalability.  

3. VPS hosting  

VPS hosting provides isolated resources and full root access, granting you more control and power than shared or managed plans. You can configure custom hosting solutions, optimize the hosting account for speed and install your preferred stack.  

We offer WordPress VPS hosting plans that support multiple sites, include web application firewall protection and feature advanced caching tools for optimal site performance.  

Best for: Developers working on custom apps, WordPress multisite installs or scaling fast-growing projects.  

Supports: CLI-based workflows, installing WordPress manually and managing complex traffic loads.  

4. Cloud hosting  

Cloud hosting offers high flexibility and uptime. It’s ideal for handling heavy traffic, launching an online store or running continuous deployment pipelines. It supports WordPress-specific features, modern caching stacks and integration with content delivery networks.  

Use it for: Scaling WordPress hosting for developers who need flexibility, speed and redundancy.  

Great for: Projects that require frequent updates, automated syncing or large-scale team collaboration.  

Also read: Cloud Hosting vs Shared Hosting: Everything You Need to Know 

5. Dedicated hosting  

Dedicated hosting is the highest-performance option for developers managing mission-critical WordPress sites. With enterprise-grade hardware, you get root access, resource boosts and enhanced data protection. For advanced projects, you can even run headless WordPress hosting for developers with full flexibility 

Key specs: 

• NVMe storage 
• Unmetered bandwidth 
• RAID storage for data protection 
• Free site migration tool 

Use it for: Mission-critical WordPress sites, enterprise eCommerce and custom high-traffic projects.  

What you get: Fast provisioning, anytime resource boosts, enhanced security and ready-to-help experts. 

Which plan works best?

Choosing the right WordPress hosting depends on your workflow, control needs and project scale, here’s a quick breakdown of the best options for developers. 

Hosting type	Ideal for
WordPress hosting	Freelancers, small agencies, client sites
VPS hosting	Developers needing control, advanced workflows
Cloud hosting	Agencies with multiple sites or online stores
Dedicated hosting	Enterprise projects, eCommerce at scale

No matter which plan you choose, Bluehost provides developer-ready hosting, including options for headless WordPress hosting for developers, with a free domain, staging, dedicated support and the tools to manage every aspect of your WordPress projects. 

How does Bluehost help streamline developers’ workflow?  

If you’re building and managing a WordPress site, your host should support your tools, performance goals and day-to-day workflow.

At Bluehost, our managed WordPress hosting is designed to help developers move faster, scale smoothly and manage everything with ease. Whether you’re running multiple sites, we provide you with the resources, control and reliability you need.  

1. Build and scale WordPress websites  

Our platform supports up to 50 websites under one plan, making it ideal for developers managing multiple clients or projects. You also get SSD storage, which offers fast performance ideal for advanced WordPress builds or even running an online store. This setup is optimized to handle up to 200,000 monthly visits, ensuring your website runs smoothly under high traffic.  

2. Get fast setup with dev-friendly features  

Launch your WordPress site in minutes using our AI-powered setup tools – no manual configuration needed. Once live, our managed hosting setup includes automatic updates, plugin management, WordPress-specific features and custom configuration access, all built for real-world WordPress users.  

We also include:  

• A free domain for the first year  
• Free site migration from other WordPress hosting providers  
• Free CDN via Cloudflare with Argo Routing  
• Daily backups and malware scanning  
• Free SSL certificate from Let’s Encrypt  
• A web application firewall and DDoS protection  
• Domain privacy protection for your projects  

3. Get developer support, anytime  

You’re never stuck. Our 24/7 phone and chat support is trained specifically in WordPress hosting and development issues. Whether you’re setting up WP-CLI, configuring custom files or need to restore a backup, we’re here to help.  

4. Affordable without compromise  

While many platforms offer limited features or require custom configuration, we at Bluehost provide enterprise-grade tools in a single platform, making us a top choice for cheap WordPress hosting without sacrificing quality.  

Whether you’re launching a new project, managing client sites or scaling a growing development agency, our hosting helps you do it all quickly, securely and with full control.  

What are the best use cases for WordPress hosting for developers?  

Different developer roles need different WordPress hosting solutions, whether you’re managing one site, multiple clients or a production pipeline.  

At Bluehost, we understand that not all developers work the same way. That’s why our WordPress hosting for developers supports a wide range of real-world workflows. Here’s how our platform adapts to three key use cases.  

1. Freelancers  

As a freelance developer, you need a reliable web hosting provider that can scale up to your growing workload. You often manage multiple WordPress websites, each with different performance needs. With our platform, you can:  

• Host up to 50 websites under one plan.  
• Manage custom domains and install plugins in just a few clicks.  
• Create a staging site to safely test changes.  
• Access SSH and Git for direct file and version control.  
• Offer clients exceptional customer support and performance.  

Freelancers also benefit from our free domain, free SSL certificate and built-in automatic updates, saving you hours of maintenance each month.  

Also read: How To Become a Freelance Web Developer in 2024: A Success Guide  

2. Agencies   

Agencies need hosting that’s fast, secure and collaborative. Our agency hosting supports:  

• Unlimited websites (with VPS or cloud plans)  
• Dev workflows with WP-CLI, SSH and Git  
• Team collaboration with staging, backups and malware detection  
• Secure scaling with a web application firewall and DDoS protection  

You can also automate deployments, manage WordPress multisite setups and support larger traffic loads with ease. For high-demand agencies, our WordPress VPS and cloud-ready infrastructure offer maximum flexibility.  

Also read: Top WordPress Hosting for Agencies in 2025 

3. In-house dev teams   

Internal teams managing business-critical WordPress sites need performance, uptime and security without compromise. We support:  

• Daily backups with CodeGuard for fast recovery  
• Advanced caching, free CDN and staging environments  
• Database access for both MySQL and PostgreSQL  
• Root-level access on VPS for deeper configuration  
• Full control over hosting plans, hosting account settings and firewall rules  

Whether you’re deploying an online store, running continuous updates or optimizing site performance, we give you the tools and structure to do it right.  

No matter your role, our hosting supports developers at every level, helping you launch faster, manage more effectively and deliver smarter results.  

Final thoughts  

Choosing the right WordPress hosting for developers isn’t just about storage or pricing; it’s about control, speed and developer-ready features that match your workflow.  

Whether you’re building a single WordPress site or managing multiple websites for clients or teams, the tools you need shouldn’t be optional. SSH access, Git integration, WP-CLI, one-click staging, automated backups and advanced security should be part of your hosting environment from the start.  

At Bluehost, we built our platform specifically to support developers, from solo freelancers to full-scale agencies and in-house teams. With built-in scalability, A command-line-ready setup and expert support, you’ll have everything you need to build faster, test confidently and deliver better results  

So, why wait? Build, test and deploy like a pro with Bluehost WordPress Hosting for developers.  

FAQ’s