When looking for cheap web hosting, where do you draw the line at “pretty good for the price” and “not even worth what little they are charging?”

It can be tricky finding that line, that compromise between a good, low-rent web host, and someone who’s just plain not giving you much for your money. So where is that line drawn between “affordable web hosting”, and “just plain cheap?” So what is the very least you should demand from a cheap web host?

Unlimited Hosting

It makes sense that they would place limits on you for a free web host, but if you’re paying good money for your hosting, then you should at the very least be getting…

• Unlimited storage space
• Unlimited bandwidth
• Ads on your own terms

If your monthly payments don’t even allow you to put up your own ads, then this host is not really doing you any favors.

Dependability

Some hosts can get away with charging peanuts because they don’t need much money to maintain their standards of quality. In other words, they don’t care if their servers are down for days on end. Find a host that’s actually dependable.

No Hidden Fees

Make sure that you understand any contract you sign (or click “I agree” to, anyways) before you sign them. A lot of web hosts lure you in with a low quoted price only to reveal that you’re going to be spending several times that much for the full package.

You’re really not looking for much in a cheap host. All you really need is a dependable server with unlimited hosting that’s up front about its fees and that lets you set your own terms for advertising. If you narrow your search down to these qualifiers, then you will probably be fine no matter who you choose to host your website for you.