In the worst case, Python may not even work with some hosts due to a lack of CGI or mod_wsgi support. This is usually an issue with budget shared hosting plans, but it still pays to read the fine print with VPS and cloud servers, especially if they’re managed.
We’ve tested as many Python-friendly hosts as we could to see which of them provided the most flexible and comfortable environment in which to work. I then cut this list down to the top six. Read on to find the right host for your development needs!
What We Look For in the Best Python Hosting
Many popular web hosting services didn’t make the cut, but those that did provide the following:
- SSH root access: You need full root access to install necessary development frameworks (Django, for instance), connect to the server and check Python versions, switch to a newer version, and configure any modules your project requires.
- A powerful server control panel: Most hosts charge extra for a control panel, but some of them include one even with the basic package. This means you can set up the Python environment with a few clicks.
- Python support: Configuring VPS or dedicated servers comes with its share of problems. The best Python web hosts have a comprehensive knowledge base and a professional support team that can help with debugging.
- Value: Many web hosting services offer low prices to attract customers, but they often compromise CPU, RAM, storage, and bandwidth in the process. The hosting solutions on my list provide all the resources you need to run a Python web app without overcharging for a bunch of extras you won’t really use.
With Kamatera, you can build a cloud VPS from the ground up, setting the exact vCPU cores and RAM you need for your Python app. This platform is more customizable than most other VPS hosts, and prices are relatively low.
As the VPS is unmanaged, you’ll have a blank slate with full root access to build whatever you wish. This is perfect for Python developers who wish to bring over a custom OS or control panel, or make some configuration changes that wouldn’t be possible elsewhere.
In addition, our performance tests showed Kamatera offers some of the fastest loading speeds on this list, along with great uptime.
The only downside to Kamatera is the fact that you’d need to maintain the server yourself, which can be time-consuming. Managed service is available, but it’s more expensive than many other hosts.
Features
- 30-day free trial – Kamatera offers a risk-free 30-day trial. You can create a cloud VPS up to $100 in value, along with access to most functionality without limitations.
- Global data centers – With 13 data centers spread across every major continent, Kamatera lets you serve your audience with fast and low-latency performance, wherever it may be.
- 5TB monthly bandwidth – Most cloud server configurations come with 5TB of monthly bandwidth at no extra charge. This should serve most developers well. Exceeding this limit will incur a small overage fee.
- Fast and easy scaling – If your Python app ever requires more resources, you can easily add RAM, CPU, and storage in just a few clicks. The change will take effect in seconds – you won’t be left waiting around with a struggling app.
See the performance test results for yourself in our Kamatera review.
Scala Hosting is one of the cheapest managed VPS providers on the market, with prices starting as low as $20.00 per month. If you’ve always been tempted by the convenience of managed service, but the prices have been putting you off, Scala Hosting could be worth taking a look at.
A free domain name is included with some hosting plans from Scala Hosting
The managed service is extensive, covering initial server setup, optimization, security, and maintenance. That said, you will have to sacrifice root access.
Scala Hosting also offers a proprietary control panel called SPanel, which conveniently comes with full Python support. It offers SSH access and the Softaculous app installer, which allows you to easily install your choice of Python framework in a few clicks. Of course, cPanel can do all of the above – but SPanel is arguably more user-friendly.
Features
- Unmanaged servers available – If you’d prefer to have full root access, Scala Hosting also offers unmanaged servers. However, very basic VPSs aren’t available – the entry-level option includes 4 vCPU cores and 8GB RAM for a high asking price.
- Optional cPanel – While Scala Hosting’s SPanel is a pretty good alternative, you can use the tried-and-tested cPanel instead. The licence will incur a small additional fee.
- SShield security – If you do go with SPanel, you’ll benefit from the integrated SShied security solution. This uses AI technology to detect malicious activity, and blocks all common forms of web attack.
- Daily backups and snapshots – Scala Hosting’s managed VPSs include remote daily backups. In addition, Scala Hosting will take a daily snapshot of your VPS, with the last two snapshots always kept available for restoration.
To learn more, check our Scala Hosting review.
If you’re on a tight budget, 1&1 IONOS offers some of the lowest prices for unmanaged VPS plans – even lower than Kamatera in some cases. Despite this, our tests showed that performance is good – of course, it isn’t the fastest option out there, but it’s still competitive.
Prices start at just $2.00 per month for the VPS S. However, this only comes with 512MB RAM and 1 vCPU. It could definitely work for a lightweight project or prototype, but for serious work I’d recommend the VPS M. This doubles your RAM and vCPU over the VPS S for only a couple of dollars per month.
A free domain name is included with some hosting plans from 1&1 IONOS
1&1 IONOS’ low prices make it a great starting-off point if you’re new to Python development. There’s no managed service, but you’ll gain valuable experience working with an unmanaged VPS.
Features
- Budget shared hosting – 1&1 IONOS offers shared hosting plans with full Python support for even lower prices. The cheapest includes unlimited storage for as many websites as you want, but prices rise significantly upon renewal.
- API available – If you want to control your hosting programmatically, you can do so with 1&1 IONOS’ API. You can manage your VPS, invoices, activity log, and more.
- Dedicated personal adviser – All 1&1 IONOS customers are assigned a dedicated consultant. All your support queries will go through this single point of contact (if they’re available). Your adviser will then be able to develop an intimate understanding of your needs and offer better targeted support.
- Unlimited traffic – Every 1&1 IONOS plan allows for unlimited traffic. You’ll never have to worry about paying overage fees.
Want to know more? Read our 1&1 IONOS review.
SiteGround provides a variety of Python-compatible hosting plans. While you do have SSH and SFTP access on its shared hosting plans, they only support Python versions 2.4 and 2.7, which can be limiting for developers managing different technologies. For cloud VMs (virtual machines), you can use Softaculous to install whichever Python version you need.
If shared hosting isn’t enough for you, SiteGround offers fully customizable cloud setups that can be configured to fit your project’s exact demands. If shared hosting isn’t enough for you, SiteGround offers fully-customizable cloud setups that can be configured to fit your project’s exact demands. However, these are high-end servers for large, well-budgeted projects – the cheapest cloud configuration contains 4 vCPU cores and 8GB RAM for $100.00 per month
A free domain name is included with some hosting plans from SiteGround
If your business relies on Python architecture to manage your web services, you should definitely go for one of SiteGround’s cloud plans. The reliability, server customization, high performance, and instant scalability of its cloud VMs can’t be matched by the limited shared plans.
Features
- Fully managed – SiteGround’s cloud service is expensive because full server management is included in the price. An experienced DevOps team will handle the maintenance and configuration of your server, so you can focus on app development.
- Advanced priority support – All cloud customers with SiteGround get priority support. You’ll get fast response times 24/7, and you’ll only be put in touch with SiteGround’s most experienced support agents.
- 14-day money-back guarantee – Thankfully, SiteGround offers a 14-day money-back guarantee with cloud hosting. As long as you cancel within the first 14 days, you’ll receive a full refund.
For more information, read our in-depth SiteGround review.
Liquid Web is a premium web hosting service with a premium cost to match. Its focus is on VPS, cloud, and dedicated solutions. No shared hosting here.
Liquid Web’s entry-level VPS plan prices are highly competitive for what the plans offer. It’s the only host on this list that includes a premium control panel subscription on all plans, not just trial or single-user licenses. The basic subscriptions include CentOS machines and a choice of cPanel, Plesk, or InterWorx as your control panel.
Liquid Web’s knowledge base has lots of in-depth articles on how to install Python on its machines, and guides to running various packages and frameworks, such as Pip, PyPi, or Flask.
Although Liquid Web mentions that Python is beyond the scope of its support, the team will actually try to help you with debugging. In fact, its Python support offers more than any other host on this list, as the others will rarely go beyond OS reinstallations.
Features
- 100% uptime guarantee – Liquid Web promises an impressive 100% uptime. If this guarantee isn’t met, you may be eligible for compensation via service credits.
- A guaranteed rapid support response – Regardless of the time you contact support, Liquid Web guarantees you will receive an initial response within 59 seconds of a live-chat query or phone call. Again, if this isn’t met, you can get credits as compensation.
- 24/7 proactive monitoring – As part of the managed service, Liquid Web monitors your VPS around the clock. If issues are detected, Liquid Web will automatically take measures to fix it and bring you back online as soon as possible.
For more information, read our Liquid Web review.
If you’re looking for a green alternative, try HostPapa. It is committed to using fully-renewable energy across all of its hosting services – if this is important to you, or helps strengthen the brand associated with your Python app, it’s certainly worth considering.
A free domain name is included with some hosting plans from HostPapa
While HostPapa does offer shared hosting, Python isn’t supported on those plans. Instead, I’d go with the VPS plans – these offer plenty of power at a reasonable price.
You can choose between multiple management levels – there’s self-managed, managed, and fully-managed. If you’d like light management but you need root access, I’d recommend the middle-ground managed plan for the best of both worlds. The only downside to HostPapa is that we found it to offer slightly weaker performance than many other hosts on this list.
Features
- Multiple dedicated IPs – Regardless of the VPS plan you choose, you’ll get two dedicated IPs for free. All IPs are checked to be clean and free of any blacklists.
- RAID SSD – HostPapa configures their SSD drives in a RAID setup to enhance redundancy. This ensures that your app data is mirrored across multiple drives, providing an extra layer of protection. In the event that one drive fails, your data remains secure on another drive.
- Fast server setup – Upon purchase, your VPS will be ready for use in under a minute.
Check out our HostPapa review for more details.
Which Python Host Is Right for Me?
While some of these hosting providers will suit beginners to Python development, others are much more advanced. Nevertheless, you can rest assured that all of them will allow you to develop your app without hitting any unforeseen roadblocks.
If you’re still unsure which one to choose, here are my recommendations.
For the most customizable VPSs, I’d go with Kamatera. You can get unmanaged cloud VPS for low prices, which can be custom-built and configured to meet your unique needs. Kamatera also offers the best performance on the list.
On the other hand, if you’d rather not spend time tinkering with a server, I’d choose Scala Hosting. It offers some of the most affordable managed VPS plans without compromising on features or performance.
For the best price on an unmanaged VPS, try 1&1 IONOS. You can get a great deal on a beginner-friendly, entry-level virtual server. You’ll also get basic support from a dedicated personal consultant to help you get started.
For a quick comparison of all these providers, have a look at the table below.
FAQ
Which server configuration is best for Python?
Servers running a Linux operating system, specifically the Fedora, CentOS, or Ubuntu distributions, are the recommended setup for Python applications. This is not to say that Windows servers can’t run Python applications, but it would be much more expensive due to licenses. In terms of web server technologies, either Apache 2.0 or NGINX are my recommendations.
Which is the best VPS host?
It depends on your needs. If you’re looking for customizability and great performance, I’d recommend Kamatera. On the other hand, if you’d rather just focus on app development and not worry about maintaining a server, a managed solution from Scala Hosting would be a better option.
Does Kamatera support Python?
Yes. Kamatera’s VPS platform allows for full root access, so you can install any OS, control panel, and framework you want. As such, Kamatera isn’t a beginner-friendly option. If you’re looking for a simpler, more straightforward web hosting solution, I highly recommend checking out our complete guide to hosting a website in 2023.
What is Django Python?
Django is one of the best open-source web application frameworks, written entirely in Python, that will help you develop your website quickly and securely. Django comes with predefined authentication support, management and admin panels, and more. Many of the hosts on our list of the top web hosting services for 2023 support Django.
https://www.websiteplanet.com/blog/best-python-hosting-services/
