Comparing Hostinger and Hetzner is like shopping for furniture and choosing between IKEA and a warehouse full of lumber. Both can work, but you’ll need to know how to set up and run a woodworking shop to get a table from timber.
These two hosts are wildly different. Hostinger’s focus on WordPress makes it an easy choice for beginners, but Hetzner’s dedicated and cloud plans present compelling possibilities for tech-savvy users who want more control over their servers.
If you’re on the fence, you’re probably trying to get the best speed, support, and peace of mind at the best price. We’ve laid out the key distinctions between these two hosts, highlighting the most important details for making an informed decision
The tl:dr on Hostinger vs Hetzner
If you’re comparing Hostinger vs. Hetzner, it’s clear why both hosts are so popular, but which is best for you?
Hostinger (Overall grade: 8.7) is best if you:
- Want an easy, beginner-friendly setup
- Are using WordPress or WooCommerce and want to set and forget it
- Value 24/7 live chat support
- Want free extras like SSL, domains, email, and backups
Hetzner (Overall grade: 7.9) is best if you:
- Know how to manage a server and want full control
- Are comfortable installing your own tools, backups, and firewall
- Don’t need hand-holding and prefer lower base costs for performance hardware
- Would rather pay less upfront and configure what you need manually
Different strokes for different folks
Hostinger and Hetzner both provide various types of web hosting, but under the hood, they are quite different. Hostinger’s managed hosting takes care of much of the technical side of things and gives you a custom dashboard to manage your WordPress sites. Hetzner, while still offering managed WordPress hosting, has a definite focus on raw power with VPS and dedicated server hosting.
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| Shared hosting | ||
| Cloud hosting | ||
| WordPress hosting | ||
| Ecommerce hosting | ||
| VPS hosting | ||
| Dedicated hosting |
You want your hosting to fit like a glove for your specific use case, with everything you need to get things running smoothly and without paying for anything you don’t need. So, first things first. How do you use your web hosting?
The beginner building their first WordPress site
If you’re a beginner or just run a few WordPress sites, you want something that works without having to open 87 tabs every time you have a question. Googling random things that are bound to pop up, like “What is DNS propagation?”, will slow you down.
Choose Hostinger. It gives you one-click WordPress installs, free SSL, backups, and a clean dashboard that makes things easy.
Skip Hetzner unless the idea of trying out server distros and manually setting up an NGINX server tickles your fancy. Maybe you’re a Linux blogger. In that case, you’ll have a golden opportunity to create content about setting up a LAMP stack.
The WooCommerce store owner with spikes in traffic
WooCommerce and other ecommerce sites need reliable speed, uptime, and security without server meltdowns. Especially during sales events or high-traffic periods like Black Friday.
Choose Hostinger if you’re looking for ecommerce-focused hosting with caching, auto-scaling (on cloud plans), and 24/7 support when something breaks.
Choose Hetzner only if you’re comfortable configuring Redis, object caching, and CDN without breaking checkout. The host’s cloud plans would provide a solid foundation for scaling and performance.
The developer managing client projects
Agencies or developers managing client projects need full server control, staging environments, and flexibility for tools and workflow. If that sounds like you:
Choose Hetzner. Hands down. You get raw VPS power, SSH, custom configs, and root access. If you’re comfortable with CLI and deploying sites through Git, it’s a playground.
Choose Hostinger if your clients need user-friendly dashboards and you don’t want to babysit.
10Web Website Builder API gives you a flexible solution for building, hosting, and managing client sites.
The budget-conscious blogger on a VPS adventure
If you are technically inclined (or willing to learn), one way to maximize your hosting budget is to provision and manage your own server. Maybe you’re not actually a sysadmin, and you just play one on the weekends.
Hetzner is cheaper, no question. But expect to spend time configuring things. If that sounds intriguing, this type of hosting could be for you.
Hostinger feels pricier over time (thanks to renewals), but it handles everything out of the box. That could make it worthwhile if time is your actual budget.
Comparing Hostinger vs Hetzner in 2025
It’s not always straightforward to compare web hosts. With different hosting types and platform features, you may need to do a little research just to find comparable plans.
That’s why we’ve highlighted the features and services that matter the most when it comes to choosing a dependable, reliable web hosting provider. The experience in these key areas can help you determine the best choice for your needs.
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Overall grade:8.7 |
Overall grade:7.9 |
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|---|---|---|
| Uptime and Availability | 9.2 | 9.0 |
| Hosting Performance | 9.0 | 8.3 |
| Hosting Security | 8.4 | 8.8 |
| Price | 8.8 | 7.9 |
| Hosting Features | 8.3 | 7.5 |
| Ease Of Setup | 9.0 | 8.0 |
| Customer Support | 8.3 | 6.3 |
Performance and uptime
9.2
9.0
Impressive benchmarks are just that—impressive. But what you really need is a site that loads fast and doesn’t crash when someone finally clicks your blog post or makes a purchase.
Here’s how Hostinger vs Hetzner stacks up in the real world.
Hostinger: Optmized server-in-a-box
Hostinger is optimized for speed straight out of the box. It uses:
- LiteSpeed Web Server (faster than Apache or NGINX for WordPress)
- Built-in caching via LSCWP plugin (no setup needed)
- Global CDN and HTTP/3 for fast loading across continents
- Cloudflare nameservers for added DNS performance and DDoS protection
That means your site will likely load in under 2 seconds with no tweaks. Great for SEO. Great for shoppers. Hostinger’s uptime has consistently hovered around 99.97% in most tests, so you probably won’t notice downtime unless you’re constantly refreshing your site.
Hetzner: Servers and specs for those with the talent to use them
Hetzner gives you serious server specs: dedicated vCPU, NVMe SSD, and low-latency data centers. But the catch is you have to set it up yourself. There’s:
- No built-in caching or CDN
- No performance plugin integration
- No optimization unless you do it
Potentially, you could achieve better performance at a lower price if you know how to provision and maintain a server. Otherwise, your WordPress site will run slower than on Hostinger until you configure it correctly.
Uptime is solid (around 99.9%), and data centers in Germany, Finland, and the US help if your audience is nearby.
Comparing performance features between Hostinger vs Hetzner
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Overall grade:8.7 |
Overall grade:7.9 |
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|---|---|---|
| Optimized for WordPress | Yes – automatic | No – manual setup required |
| Built-in CDN | Yes – Cloudflare | No – must add one yourself |
| Caching | Yes – LSCWP pre-installed | No – install & configure manually |
| Uptime Guarantee | 99.9% (avg 99.97% in testing) | 99.9% (depends on server choice) |
| Works fast without tweaking | Yes – For WordPress | No – Pick your server stack and configure |
Which host has the features that really move the needle?
8.3
7.5
Fast servers don’t matter if you can’t figure out how to launch your site. Here’s what it’s actually like to use each host day-to-day: setting up WordPress, migrating a site, and just trying to do everyday stuff without opening five tabs of Stack Overflow.
Key features side-by-side
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Overall grade:8.7 |
Overall grade:7.9 |
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|---|---|---|
| Website builder | Drag-and-drop builder included | None – use WordPress or HTML |
| Free domain | 1 year included (on some plans) | Buy separately |
| SSL certificate | Free & auto-installed | Available, but manual setup |
| Email hosting | Available as an add-on | Requires config, no wizard |
| Daily backups | Yes (varies by plan) | 14-day history, not always automatic |
| WordPress staging | 1-click staging area | You build it yourself |
| Git / SSH access | Included for devs | Full access (but setup required) |
| File manager | Easy interface | Available via console or FTP |
| One-click installs | WordPress and WooCommerce | Install everything manually |
| Control panel | hPanel | KonsoleH |
| Uptime monitoring | Built-in | External tool needed |
| Security tools | Firewall, malware scanner, 2FA | You configure it or use third-party |
| Staging environment | For WordPress | Manual if needed |
Hostinger vs Hetzner: The everyday experience for most users
- Hostinger gives you a full “website-in-a-box” setup: free domain, SSL, backups, email, staging, and easy WordPress installs, all without ever touching code.
- Hetzner is like assembling your own hosting experience à la carte. It comes at a great price, with high-performance parts, but every feature needs to be manually added, configured, and maintained.
Security and backups are very different at Hostinger vs Hetzner
8.4
8.8
Security isn’t just about “being safe.” It’s peace of mind. It’s knowing that when something breaks, gets hacked, or needs restoring, you won’t lose your site or any sleep over the drama.
Hostinger: Security you don’t have to think about
Hostinger includes everything most site owners need to feel covered:
- Free SSL on all plans (auto-installed)
- Daily or weekly backups depending on plan
- Web application firewall (WAF) and DDoS protection
- Automatic software patching
- Two-factor authentication
- Role-based access controls
And when something goes wrong, you have 24/7 live chat support to help. You don’t have to know what “fail2ban” or “iptables” is. Hostinger handles the technical details behind the scenes.
Hetzner: Secure if you know what you’re doing
Hetzner gives you powerful raw infrastructure, but very little is pre-configured. Potentially, you can achieve bulletproof security, but you’ll need to:
- Install your own SSL certificates (Let’s Encrypt or others)
- Configure your firewall (UFW, iptables, etc.)
- Set up automated backups (manually or via paid tool)
- Handle malware scanning yourself
- Patch your OS and software stack manually
In short, Hetzner gives you the toolbox. It’s up to you to decide which tools to fill it with. That’s fine if you’re a security expert. For others, it tends to be risky.
Real-world security feature comparison
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Overall grade:8.7 |
Overall grade:7.9 |
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|---|---|---|
| SSL Certificate | Auto-installed | Manual setup required |
| DDoS Protection | Built-in | Basic, needs configuring |
| Firewall | Included (WAF) | You install + manage manually |
| Malware Scanning | Yes (automated) | You need a 3rd-party solution |
| Backups | Daily or weekly | 14-day history (not auto-enabled) |
| Patching / Updates | Automatic | Manual |
| GDPR/ISO Compliance | GDPR, no ISO | GDPR + ISO 27001 (some DCs) |
| Live Help When Hacked | Yes | No, ticket-based support |
Bottom line:
- Hostinger is secure by default, which is essential for non-technical users.
- Hetzner is secure if you configure it right, which could be a requirement depending on your needs.
Support through Hostinger vs Hetzner
8.3
6.3
If your site ever goes down, you don’t want to send an email off into the void. You want someone who can fix it. Preferably right away.
Hostinger: Live chat and a huge help center
Hostinger gets it. Most of us aren’t server admins. We just want our sites to work. That’s why you get 24/7 live chat support, plus:
- Multilingual agents with fast response times
- Huge help center + tutorials + Hostinger Academy
- In-dashboard help links
Even if something weird breaks, you’re usually chatting with someone in minutes. During traffic spikes, chat wait times can increase. But support is responsive, and they walk you through solutions for all sorts of issues with WordPress or hosting.
Hetzner: Email support plus guides and docs
Hetzner support is perfectly fine for people who are comfortable with their roll-your-own solutions. But potential users should be okay with:
- No live chat
- No onboarding guidance
- No help with WordPress, email plugins, or CMS issues
- Email-based support only, mostly focused on server-level issues
To their credit, ticket responses are timely, and the documentation is solid, particularly if you already have some experience with running a server. But if your site is throwing a 500 error because of a WordPress plugin conflict, you’re kind of on your own. You’ll have to fix it or hire someone who can.
Support experience side-by-side
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Overall grade:8.7 |
Overall grade:7.9 |
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|---|---|---|
| Live Chat | 24/7 | None |
| Email/Ticket Support | Yes | Yes (primary method) |
| Phone Support | No | Yes |
| Knowledge Base | Documentation and guides | Documentation and guides |
| Website Help | Yes | Not covered |
| Setup Help | Step-by-step onboarding | Not included in dedicated and VPS plans |
| Server-level Support | Limited | Strong (but only at that level) |
Which provides the level of support you need?
When building a site for your business, blog, or store, it’s nice to have someone available to answer questions and troubleshoot website problems. That being said, if you are a seasoned server administrator and website manager, you may end up paying more for a level of support you don’t really need.
- Hostinger – 24/7 live chat offers support for any issue with your WordPress sites, not just server problems.
- Hetzner – Email-based requests are limited to server issues, but support is generally responsive and helpful within their scope, and you’ve got their guides and documentation to lend a hand.
Pricing and cost over time
8.8
7.9
Hostinger and Hetzner both look inexpensive at first glance. But, the actual periodic costs typically don’t appear until after the introductory pricing period ends. So, some better questions to ask would be:
- What’s the price after year one?
- What’s included, and what do you need to buy or set up separately?
- How much time (aka hidden cost) will you spend managing your hosting?
Sticker price vs real cost breakdown
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Overall grade:8.7 |
Overall grade:7.9 |
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|---|---|---|
| Entry Price | $2.99/month (WP), $4.99/month (VPS) | €2.89/month (~$3.10) for VPS |
| Renewal Price | $10.99/month (WP), $9.99/month (VPS) | No hike – flat monthly pricing |
| Free Domain | Included (1 year on many plans) | Paid extra |
| Free SSL | Included on WP plans | Available, but you install it |
| Email Hosting | Available as an add-on | You configure it manually |
| Backups | Daily (plan-dependent) | 14-day history (not always enabled) |
| Website Builder | Yes (WP) | None |
| Migration | Free tool (WP) | Manual or pay someone |
| Live Chat Support | 24/7 | Email and phone (during business hours) |
The hidden costs most people miss
With Hostinger, you’ll pay more for renewals after the initial sign-up period, but that’s the trade-off for saving dozens of hours on setup, troubleshooting, and feature hunting. Everything works out of the box.
With Hetzner, the monthly rate looks great, and that doesn’t change at renewal. Just keep in mind you’ll need to spend time:
- Figuring out SSL
- Manually handling backups, security, DNS, etc.
- Probably Googling how to fix problems
- Paying extra for a managed plan or tools like Plesk, Imunify, or BackupSheep
Even if you are a professional, the extra costs and responsibilities can add up quickly.
Which one saves you time and money?
If you’re launching a side project, love tinkering, or have specialized requirements, Hetzner might be the ideal platform for you. But if you’re pressed for time or just want something that works, a complete platform like Hostinger will save you more headaches than you’ll ever save on hosting costs.
Which hosting provider fits you best?
Choosing between Hostinger vs Hetzner isn’t really about features. The real question is about how much control you want versus how much responsibility you’re willing to take on.
- Pick Hostinger if you want peace of mind, built-in features, and beginner-friendly WordPress hosting that just works. You’ll pay more over time, but you have someone else to figure out errors and website problems.
- Pick Hetzner if you know your way around a server (or want to learn), need raw server power, and don’t mind rolling up your sleeves to configure everything manually. It’s fast and can be a budget-friendly option.
Want a smart alternative? If you’re thinking:
“I want speed like Hetzner, but setup and support like Hostinger…”
Try 10Web’s all-in-one AI-powered platform to generate websites and host them on the most reliable cloud hosting for effortless performance.
You’ll get:
- Google Cloud infrastructure (as fast as Hetzner)
- 1-click WordPress setup and migrations (as easy as Hostinger)
- Daily backups, SSL, automated caching, global CDN, and 24/7 live chat support
- No technical setup. No babysitting your server.
It’s built for WordPress users who don’t want to become server admins but still want a high-performance site that scales. Your hosting should serve your needs and your site. Finding the balance between cost and features takes time, but it pays off in the long run with a fast, secure, and headache-free website.
FAQ
Is Hetzner a good option for WordPress hosting?
Only if you’re comfortable managing servers. Hetzner’s dedicated and VPS plans are powerful, fast, and cheap, but you’ll need to install WordPress, set up caching, and manage security yourself. Beginners will likely find it frustrating without managed hosting or live support.
Should I use Hostinger or Hetzner for a WooCommerce store?
Go with Hostinger unless you know server optimization inside out. It’s faster to launch, optimized for WooCommerce out of the box, and offers live chat when something breaks. Hetzner can work, but only if you’re ready to manage performance, security, and backups manually.
How hard is it to migrate from Hostinger to Hetzner?
It’s doable but not really beginner-friendly. Hostinger has automated tools to help with migrations. You’ll need to do it the old-school way with Hetzner: manual file transfers, database setup, DNS config, and SSL installation. Or use a plugin like Duplicator. If you’re set on doing it this way but not familiar with server configs, hiring someone to help with the initial setup might be a good option.
Which host is easier for beginners: Hostinger or Hetzner?
Hostinger by a mile. You get a simple dashboard, 1-click installs, auto SSL, and daily backups. Hetzner expects you to do everything from scratch on most lower-priced plans, which is great for developers, but beginners should expect a learning curve.
What's an alternative to simplified hosting like Hostinger that doesn't require the technical expertise of a host like Hetzner?
Try 10Web. It’s built for WordPress users and professionals who want speed like Hetzner but don’t want to manage servers. You’ll get Google Cloud performance, backups, caching, staging, and real support, all handled for you.
The making of this blog
We followed a clear, step-by-step process to write and research this article.
