6 Best PHP/MySQL Hosting Services in 2024 (One Offers 15 PHP Versions!)

When I first started building websites that relied on PHP and MySQL (most of websites around the year 2000), I didn’t think too much about the hosting. As long as the server supported the right technologies, I figured I was good to go! It was only later when I started educating myself on why you should pay attention to the fine print and learned that not all hosts are created equal – especially when it comes to PHP/MySQL.

One important lesson I learned along the way is that you need to ensure your host supports the latest PHP versions. For example, PHP 8.0 (even though it sounds recent) it’s actually no longer supported – not even receiving security updates, which means using it could leave your site unoptimized at best and vulnerable at worst.

A2 Hosting is a great option if you need flexibility with your PHP/MySQL hosting. One of its standout features is the ability to easily switch between a wide range of PHP versions – from as old as 4.4 to as new as 8.3. This means you can customize your hosting environment to suit both legacy projects and the latest applications. You can even set different PHP versions for specific directories, giving you fine-tuned control over your site.

Plus, A2 Hosting comes with phpMyAdmin and phpPgAdmin pre-installed, and you can set up 5 databases on the entry-level plan. Performance-wise, A2 Hosting holds its own with reliable uptime and decent speeds, which our users rated 7.76 in our survey.

Starting at $1.95 per month (though it renews at $12.99), A2 Hosting offers good value for those who want lots of control over their PHP setup. You also get 10 GB of storage and unmetered bandwidth, but be aware that there’s no free domain included with the basic plan.

Namecheap, lately one of my favorites due to their hyper-attractive pricing, offers a compelling option for PHP/MySQL hosting as well. It combines affordability with a solid feature set.

Starting at $2.91 per month (renewing at $4.07), it provides easy access to phpMyAdmin, plus you can set up even 50 MySQL databases. They also offer an extensive range of PHP versions, from 5.6 all the way up to 8.3 (ten versions in total), ensuring compatibility with both legacy and modern applications.

In terms of performance, Namecheap holds its own, boasting reliable uptime and competitive load times, particularly in the US. This is reflected in its strong user satisfaction rating of 8.03 from our survey.

For those looking for an affordable yet reliable hosting provider, Namecheap is a great fit. It combines a budget-friendly price with a wide range of PHP versions and solid MySQL support.

SiteGround is the top-rated host in our survey, earning an impressive 8.33 user satisfaction score. It’s a standout choice for PHP/MySQL hosting, especially if you prioritize up-to-date technology and reliable performance. One of the standout features is its Managed PHP service, which automatically updates your PHP version to the latest stable release once it’s deemed safe.

This ensures that your site benefits from the latest security patches and performance improvements without you having to manually manage it. Additionally, PHP 8.2 is the default on all SiteGround servers currently, but you also have access to a wide range of versions – from 7.3 all the way up to 8.4 – so you can easily switch to an older or newer version if needed.

Another thing that sets SiteGround apart is its commitment to performance. Their servers are optimized for speed, and with solid uptime, you won’t have to worry about your site going down unexpectedly. For MySQL management, SiteGround provides easy access through phpMyAdmin if you need it, making it simple to handle your databases. If you’re running multiple projects, you’ll appreciate that SiteGround allows you to set up multiple MySQL databases, providing the flexibility you need as your site grows.

Pricing starts at $2.99 per month for the first term, but be aware that renewals jump to $17.99, so it’s something to plan for long term. If you want hosting with cutting-edge PHP support and reliable MySQL performance, SiteGround is a solid pick.

Bluehost is a solid choice for PHP/MySQL, especially if you’re looking for affordability combined with ease of use. Starting at $1.99 per month (renewing at $7.99), Bluehost gives you everything you need to manage your databases effectively.

Through the native cPanel interface, you can easily access and manage your MySQL databases with built-in tools. On the entry-level plan, you can set up to 20 MySQL databases, which provides flexibility if you’re managing multiple projects. For those using PostgreSQL, Bluehost supports up to 20 databases on that front as well. Plus, you have access to PHP versions 8.1, 8.2, and 8.3, ensuring your site is running on modern, secure and updated code.

When it comes to performance, Bluehost provides solid uptime and reliable loading speeds, especially if your audience is located in the U.S. or Europe. Their basic plan includes 10 GB of storage and supports up to 10 sites.

In our user survey, Bluehost scored a 7.1 out of 10, reflecting a respectable level of user satisfaction. While it might not have the advanced features of higher-tier hosts, it’s a dependable and affordable option for those starting out.

Hostinger stands out for PHP/MySQL hosting by offering a rich set of features at a budget-friendly price. Starting at $2.69 per month (renewing at $7.99), it provides easy access to phpMyAdmin for seamless database management. Also, with support for PHP versions 7.3, 7.4, 8.1, and 8.2, it ensures compatibility with modern PHP applications while keeping your web software up-to-date.

One notable feature is the ability to create up to 300 MySQL databases, which is significantly more than most competitors offer at this price range. Additionally, Hostinger allows remote database connections, enabling you to connect to your MySQL server from your own computer or a different server.

On the performance side, Hostinger has proven itself with reliable uptime and fast speeds, backed by an 8.11 rating in our user survey. For more database-intensive applications, Hostinger supports up to 50 MySQL user connections at once, which is kind of a lot. This makes it a great fit for projects that need both flexibility and power.

InMotion Hosting is a robust option for PHP/MySQL hosting, especially if you’re looking for performance-optimized features at an affordable price.

Starting at $2.79 per month (renewing at $11.49), InMotion offers advanced PHP handling capabilities, such as elevated Opcache limits, extensive PHP-FPM worker pools, and adaptable PHP process thresholds, ensuring efficient resource management for your site.

With support for PHP versions from 5.6 to 8.2, InMotion provides compatibility for both legacy and modern PHP applications. On the database side, you can manage up to 40 MySQL and PostgreSQL databases, giving you the flexibility to handle a variety of projects.

In terms of performance, InMotion excels thanks to its optimized server environment, which includes two PHP-FPM workers per pool and a max request limit of 32 per worker. This makes InMotion particularly suitable for more demanding PHP projects that require stable, high-performance hosting.

InMotion Hosting earned a user rating of 8.00 in our survey, reflecting its strong performance and reliability. With 100 GB of storage and the ability to host two websites on the basic plan, it’s a solid choice for users who need a balance of advanced PHP features and scalability.