21 Recommended WordPress Hosting Services for Individuals: Comparison and How to Choose
As you start a website or blog with WordPress, this article comprehensively explains the knowledge and concrete options you need in order to choose the right hosting service. From the basic mechanics of hosting to how to choose a server that matches your goals and skill level, let us deepen your understanding step by step.
- Comparison Table of 21 Recommended WordPress Hosting Services for Individuals
- [2025 Latest] Thorough Comparison of 21 Recommended WordPress Hosting Services
- 4 Premium Servers Focused on High Performance and Speed
- Hostinger: the True King of Cost Performance
- 6 Balanced Servers Focused on Cost Performance
- Lolipop!: How This Long-Established Beginner-Friendly Server Has Evolved
- Star Rental Server: Netowl's High-Value Server
- ColorfulBox: Strong Appeal in Region-Separated Automatic Backups
- Rakko Server: A New Service from the Company Famous for SEO Tools
- Sakura Rental Server: The Reliability of a Long-Established Brand
- CORESERVER: A High-Performance Server Backed by GMO's Technical Strength
- 5 Specialized Servers Focused on Niche Strengths
- wpX Speed: An Ultra-Fast Server Dedicated to WordPress
- ABLENET Rental Server: Surprisingly Low Pricing with Long-Term Contracts
- Heteml: A Feature-Rich Server for Creators
- Onamae.com Rental Server: Better Value When Paired with Your Domain
- MuuMuu Server: The Hosting Service from the Company Known for Domain Registration
- 5 Low-Cost Entry-Level Servers
- Little Server: An Ultra-Budget Server Starting at 150 Yen per Month
- Value Server: The Real Capability of GMO's Low-Cost Brand
- Shin Free Server: An Innovative Service That Lets You Use WordPress for Free
- XREA: A Long-Established Server You Can Start with on the Free Plan
- KAGOYA JAPAN: Faster WordPress with KUSANAGI
- Basic Hosting Knowledge Every WordPress Beginner Should Know
- How to Choose WordPress Hosting Without Regrets: 7 Check Points
- How to Judge the Server Specs That Determine Display Speed
- Why the One-Click WordPress Installation Feature Matters
- Security Points to Compare: SSL Certificates and Protection Features
- Check the Level of Automation in Backup Features
- Support Quality: The Value of 24/7 Support
- Pricing Plans: How to Look Wisely at Setup Fees and Monthly Fees
- Scalability and Flexibility in Plan Changes with Future Growth in Mind
- How to Choose Recommended Hosting by Purpose and Use Case
- Guide to Migrating and Switching WordPress Hosting
- Frequently Asked Questions and Troubleshooting
- Summary: How to Choose the Best WordPress Hosting Service for You
Comparison Table of 21 Recommended WordPress Hosting Services for Individuals
- Based on market research as of November 4, 2025, sorted by speed
- Monthly price is the first-year cost of the cheapest plan that can run WordPress
- Speed is the Time to First Byte measured on demo sites under the same conditions
| Hosting service (plan) | Speed | Monthly fee | WordPress preinstalled | Uptime | Support (hours) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average and recommended | 167ms | 711 yen | Yes | 99.99% or higher | 24/365 or more |
【Hostinger】
 (Premium) | 31ms | 439 yen | Yes | 99.9% | Chat (24/365) |
wpX Speed
 (W1) | 40ms | 1,320 yen | No | Not disclosed | Phone / email (10:00-18:00) |
LOLIPOP
 (Light) | 80ms | 495 yen | Yes | 99.99% | Email / chat (weekdays 10:00-18:00) |
スターレンタルサーバー
 (Free) | 90ms | 418 yen | No | Not disclosed | No |
| Rakko Server(RK1) | 120ms | 440 yen | Yes | Not disclosed | Email (weekdays 10:00-19:00) |
エックスサーバー
 (Standard) | 130ms | 550 yen | Yes | 99.99% | Phone / email / chat (weekdays 10:00-18:00) |
mixhost
 (Light) | 150ms | 594 yen | Yes | 99.99% | Email (weekdays 10:00-18:00) |
ConoHa WING
 (Basic) | 160ms | 941 yen | Yes | 99.99% | Phone / email / chat (weekdays 10:00-18:00) |
ColorfulBox
 (BOX1) | 190ms | 383 yen | Yes | Not disclosed | Phone (accepted 24/7), chat, LINE, email (weekdays 09:30-12:00, 13:00-17:30) |
シンレンタルサーバー
 (Basic) | 200ms | 880 yen | Yes | Not disclosed | Phone / email (10:00-18:00) |
リトルサーバー
 (Mini) | 200ms | 165 yen | No | Not disclosed | Email (hours not disclosed) |
CORESERVER
 (MINI) | 210ms | 264 yen | Yes | Not disclosed | Email / chat (10:00-12:00, 13:00-17:00) |
さくらのレンタルサーバ
 (Standard) | 440ms | 550 yen | No | 99.99% | Chat / email / phone / callback reservation (10:00-18:00) |
| Shin Free Server | - | Free | No | Not disclosed | No |
XREA
 (Free) | - | Free | No | Not disclosed | No |
Value Server
 (Eco) | - | 220 yen | No | Not disclosed | Email / chat (weekdays 10:00-17:00) |
| KAGOYA JAPAN (Grade 1) | - | 440 yen | Yes | 99.999% | Phone / email (weekdays 10:00-17:00) |
onamae.com Rental Server
 | - | 2,398 yen | No | 99.99% | Phone / email / chat (weekdays 10:00-18:00) |
ABLENET RentalServer
 (Light) | - | 830 yen | No | 99.99% | Email (hours not disclosed) |
ムームーサーバー
 | - | 1,430 yen | No | 99.99% | Email / chat (9:30-13:00, 14:00-17:30) |
heteml
 | - | 2,035 yen | No | 99.99% | Phone / email (weekdays 10:00-18:00) |
[2025 Latest] Thorough Comparison of 21 Recommended WordPress Hosting Services
From here, I will introduce specific hosting services by dividing them into four categories: high performance and speed, cost performance, specialized strengths, and budget entry-level options.
4 Premium Servers Focused on High Performance and Speed
These are servers for people who make site speed and stability their top priority.
Xserver: No. 1 Domestic Market Share with Strong Stability and Speed
This is a proven and highly reliable hosting service used by more websites in Japan than any other. It features fast server specs, stable uptime, and a strong support system, and it is trusted by everyone from individuals to corporations.
In terms of performance, quality, and reliability, everything is high level. And yet エックスサーバー is still reasonably priced. If I had to compare it to a car, it feels like a Toyota Camry.
Hostinger: the True King of Cost Performance
When you need the final answer to a speed problem, that answer is Kinsta.
【Hostinger】
is a major hosting provider that started in Lithuania and now serves more than 29 million users across 178 countries worldwide.Its biggest strength is that it combines some of the lowest prices in the industry with an ultra-fast TTFB of 31 ms.
Hostinger's shared hosting plans start at about 200 yen per month for Single Web Hosting. The higher Premium Web Hosting plan, which costs about 500 yen per month, includes unlimited websites, 100 GB of SSD storage, and unlimited bandwidth. Every plan includes a free SSL certificate, weekly automated backups, and 24/7 customer support.
Hostinger uses its custom-built hPanel control panel, which is intuitive and easy to operate. By using data centers in the Asia-Pacific region, it can also deliver good performance from Japan. It also offers a strong automatic WordPress installation flow, letting you launch a site in just a few minutes.
Hostinger is an excellent fit for individual bloggers and small businesses that care most about cost. On the other hand, if you need advanced customization or enterprise-grade support, it makes sense to consider a higher-end service.
What impressed me most was how easy hPanel was to use despite being feature-rich. Because the management interface is available in Japanese, you can use it without worrying about English.
ConoHa WING: Overwhelming Page Speed Powered by Modern Technology
[No. 7] XServer: the proven performance behind Japan's largest market share
It is well known for fast display speed, including its use of the LiteSpeed web server. Its easy-to-use control panel, no setup fee, and the WING Pack, which gives you up to two domains free forever, also make it highly cost-effective.
If you use the AI writing tool ConoHa Pencil and the AI image generator AI Canvas, even people with no blogging experience can produce high-quality articles.
This site is also run on ConoHa WING.
mixhost: Cloud Flexibility and Strong Cost Performance
30-day free trial
Because it uses cloud technology, it can be operated stably without being heavily affected by other users. It was one of the first in Japan to adopt the LiteSpeed web server, and it is also well known for strong display speed. With a 30-day money-back guarantee, it is easy to try.
Shin Rental Server: How Strong Xserver's New Brand Really Is
シンレンタルサーバー
is ShinCloud Co., Ltd.'s high-speed rental server. Its affordable pricing makes it appealing even for individual users. On top of that, it runs regular campaigns, so the best time to sign up is while a campaign is active.
| Server type | Shared hosting |
| Response speed (TTFB) | 200ms |
| Recommended plan and term | Basic, 12 months |
| Trial / free period | 10-day free trial |
| Monthly price (12-month contract) | 880 yen |
| Initial setup fee | Free |
| Free domain | One free forever |
| Support | Phone and email (weekdays 10:00-18:00) |
| Uptime | Not disclosed |
| Storage | 700GB |
| Number of databases | Unlimited |
| Security measures | SECOM security diagnostics, WAF, ads.txt, login attempt limits, restrictions on access from overseas IP addresses, bulk comment and trackback limits, restrictions on comments and trackbacks from overseas IP addresses, antivirus, spam filter |
| SSL | Free dedicated SSL, optional dedicated SSL |
| Backup / restore | 14 days of automatic backups for free, free restore |
| Number of email accounts | Unlimited |
| Email security | POP over SSL, SMTP over SSL, IMAP over SSL, DKIM, DMARC |
| Server / website migration service | None |
| WordPress preinstalled | Yes |
| CDN | None |
Based on the system that powers エックスサーバー
, it actively adopts the latest technology. It is an up-and-coming hosting service that delivers high performance while staying cheaper than エックスサーバー
, which is why it has attracted users who care about cost performance.
6 Balanced Servers Focused on Cost Performance
These servers offer a good balance of speed, features, and price, and can handle a wide range of needs.
Lolipop!: How This Long-Established Beginner-Friendly Server Has Evolved
"wpX Speed" is a cloud-based hosting service from ShinCloud. Its pay-as-you-go system starts at 2.2 yen per hour, so it is easy to begin with. Features such as reserved resources and automatic scale-up keep performance comfortable in a very cloud-like way.
14-day free trial
LOLIPOP
is a long-established server with many years of operating experience. In recent years, performance has improved dramatically through plans like High Speed, and it provides enough specs at an affordable price. Its clear control panel and manuals also make it easy for first-time server users to handle.
The first WordPress blog I ever built was on LOLIPOP . I chose it for the cost because I thought it would be a waste to rent an expensive server and then fail to keep blogging.
Pricing starts at 1,320 yen per month on a 12-month contract, and free SSL plus automatic backups are included by default.
Star Rental Server: Netowl's High-Value Server
[No. 4] Lolipop!: a fast host with outstanding value
It is provided by a company related to エックスサーバー
and シンレンタルサーバー
, and it delivers stable quality at a low price. With free SSL, SSD storage, and other essential features, it is a server with excellent cost performance.
ColorfulBox: Strong Appeal in Region-Separated Automatic Backups
“ColorfulBox” is a hosting service with excellent region-specific automatic backups, making it easy to use with confidence. It has eight plans, so you can use the right level of performance without wasting money. It is also one of the few hosts that provides support 24 hours a day.
| Server type | Shared hosting |
| Biggest strength | A wide range of plans |
| Speed (TTFB) | 190ms |
| Recommended plan and term | BOX1 / 12 months |
| Trial / money-back guarantee | 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Monthly fee (12-month term) | 638 yen |
| Setup fee | Free |
| Free domain | None |
| Support | Business hours: weekdays 09:30-12:00, 13:00-17:30 Phone (24-hour reception), callback (BOX7 and above), chat, LINE, and email |
| Uptime | Not disclosed |
| Storage | 200GB |
| Databases | Unlimited |
| Security | WAF, IPS, IDS, virus scanning, SiteLock (paid) |
| SSL | Free SSL, dedicated SSL, shared SSL |
| Backup / restore | 14 days of region-based automatic backups included; restores are free |
| Email accounts | Unlimited |
| Email security | Email encryption, POP/POP3S / SMTP/SMTPS, IMAP/IMAPS, virus checks, spam filters, and custom filters |
| WordPress preinstalled | Yes |
| Server / website migration service | Free |
| CDN | 440 yen and up |
This server is strong in disaster preparedness, thanks to data centers in Tokyo and Osaka that automatically back up your data separately by region for the past 14 days. It uses cPanel, the global standard control panel, and allows flexible plan changes.
Rakko Server: A New Service from the Company Famous for SEO Tools
On the technical side, integration with the LiteSpeed Cache plugin can greatly improve WordPress display speed. By using PHP in module mode, it can also process requests roughly ten times faster than the older CGI-based approach.
Pricing starts at 550 yen per month on a 36-month contract, making it highly approachable for personal blogs and small business sites.
It is a hosting service provided by Rakko Inc., a company famous for its SEO tools. It uses fast LiteSpeed servers, and with its Easy Blog Start feature, you can go from getting a domain to setting up WordPress in a short time.
Rakko Inc. is a major player in the site trading industry. If you use Rakko Server, buying and selling websites is also easy.
I have actually sold a blog myself. With legal support included, I was able to complete the transaction smoothly and with peace of mind.
Sakura Rental Server: The Reliability of a Long-Established Brand
"リトルサーバー" is a budget hosting service. Excluding free hosts, it is one of the cheapest options for individuals, and it still uses NVMe SSD storage to pursue better speed.
With a long track record dating back to 1996, this is a highly reliable server. It is used by a wide range of customers, from individuals to large corporations, and it is a good fit for sites that prioritize stability or plan to run for the long term.
Sakura Internet is the only domestic company selected for the Japanese government cloud.
CORESERVER: A High-Performance Server Backed by GMO's Technical Strength
[No. 10] ColorfulBox: speed improved through regional optimization
This server is run by the GMO Group, a major IT company, and offers high-performance plans backed by strong technical expertise. Its VPS lineup is also substantial, making it suitable for a wide range of uses.
5 Specialized Servers Focused on Niche Strengths
These are servers with features specialized for particular uses or goals.
wpX Speed: An Ultra-Fast Server Dedicated to WordPress
| Server type | Shared server |
| Display speed (TTFB) | 40ms |
| Recommended plan and billing term | W1, 12 months |
| Trial / money-back guarantee | 14 days |
| Monthly fee (12-month plan) | 2.2 yen per hour*, up to 1,320 yen* |
| Initial setup fee | Free |
| Free domain | None |
| Support | Phone and email (weekdays 10:00-18:00) |
| Uptime | Not disclosed |
| Server storage | 200GB* |
| Number of databases | Unlimited |
| Security measures | WAF, access restrictions from overseas IP addresses, login attempt limits, mass comment and trackback restrictions, restrictions on comments and trackbacks from overseas IP addresses |
| SSL | Free custom SSL, custom SSL |
| Backup / restore | 7 days of automatic backups free of charge, restore free of charge |
| Number of email accounts | Unlimited |
| Email security features | SMTP-AUTH, IMAP |
| Server / website migration service | None |
| WordPress pre-installation | None |
| CDN | None |
It is a server run by Xserver Inc. and specialized for speeding up WordPress. Its cache features and other optimizations are tuned for WordPress, so even without deep technical knowledge, you can build a fast site environment.
This is an extremely fast server. In our measurements, its display speed ranked No. 2, tied with XServerビジネス 
. No. 1 was Kinsta . At a monthly price in the 1,000-yen range, this speed is outstanding.
[No. 3] wpX Speed: remarkable performance built specifically for WordPress
ABLENET Rental Server: Surprisingly Low Pricing with Long-Term Contracts
「 ABLENET RentalServer
」 is, a company operated by K&K Corporation, a shared rental server. It has continuously offered unlimited transfer volume and is a pioneer in domestic unlimited transfer volume servers. 25 years of operation history provides peace of mind.
| Server Type | Shared Server |
| Display Speed (TTFB) | Not Measured |
| Recommended Plan and Contract Period | Lite Annual |
| Trial Period & Money-Back Guarantee | 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
| Monthly Fee (12-Month Contract) | 880 Yen |
| Initial Setup Fee | Free |
| Free Domain | 1 Domain Free Forever |
| Support | Operating Hours: Not Public |
| Uptime | 99.99% |
| Server Capacity | 300GB |
| Number of Databases | Unlimited |
| Security Measures | WAF |
| SSL | Free Dedicated SSL, Optional Dedicated SSL |
| Backup/Restore | 14-Day Automatic Backup Free, Restore Free |
| Number of Email Accounts | Unlimited |
| Email Security Measures | Spam Filter, Antivirus, Sending Domain Authentication |
| Server/Website Migration Assistance | None |
| WordPress Pre-installation | None |
| CDN | None |
This service has long provided VPS (virtual private servers) and has a solid track record. Its discounts on long-term contracts are especially generous, making it very attractive if you want a stable environment at low cost over a long period.
Heteml: A Feature-Rich Server for Creators
Heteml is GMO Pepabo's ultra-fast hosting service. The price is a little high for individual users, but it spreads web, mail, and backup servers apart so that sudden surges in access do not create a single point of failure.
| Server type | Shared hosting / Managed server |
| Speed (TTFB) | Not measured |
| Recommended plan and term | 12-month contract |
| Free trial / money-back guarantee | None |
| Monthly price (12-month plan) | 2,035 yen |
| Initial setup fee | Free |
| Free domain | None |
| Support | Phone / Email / Chat (weekdays 10:00–18:00) |
| Uptime | 99.99% actual performance |
| Storage | 600GB |
| Number of databases | Unlimited |
| Security features | WAF / Overseas Attack Guard / Device security |
| SSL | Free SSL / GlobalSign Quick Certification SSL / GlobalSign Organization Validation / GlobalSign EV |
| Backup / restore | 14-day automatic backups / Restoration 5,000 yen |
| Number of email accounts | Unlimited |
| Email security features | Spam filter / Virus scanning |
| Server / website migration service | WordPress migration service 33,000 yen / No migration tool |
| WordPress Easy Install | Yes |
| CDN | None |
It offers large disk space and rich features, and is popular with creators and agencies running multiple sites. Another of its strengths is its easy-to-use control panel.
Onamae.com Rental Server: Better Value When Paired with Your Domain
「 onamae.com Rental Server
” has been used by both individuals and businesses. It is Japan’s largest domain registration service, and being able to manage your domain and server together is a major advantage. It makes email, website, and domain management easier across the board.
| Server type | Shared server |
| Display speed (TTFB) | Not measured |
| Recommended plan and contract term | 12 months |
| Trial / money-back guarantee | None |
| Monthly fee (12-month contract) | 2,398 yen |
| Initial setup fee | Free |
| Free domain | 1 free forever |
| Support | Phone, email, and chat (weekdays 10:00-18:00) |
| Uptime | 99.99% guaranteed |
| Server storage | 1TB |
| Number of databases | Unlimited |
| Security measures | WAF / access restrictions / ads.txt / SiteLock |
| SSL | Free SSL / AlphaSSL |
| Backup / restore | 14-day automatic backups / Free restoration |
| Number of email accounts | Unlimited |
| Email security measures | Spam filter and virus scanning / SMTP over SSL, POP over SSL / IMAP / restriction on outbound mail from overseas / blacklist and whitelist |
| Server / website migration service | No migration service Migration tool available |
| Easy WordPress installation | Yes |
| CDN | None |
This is a hosting service offered by Onamae.com, one of Japan's largest domain registration services. By managing your domain and server together, you can get discounts and simplify administration.
MuuMuu Server: The Hosting Service from the Company Known for Domain Registration
| Type of server | Shared hosting |
| Speed (TTFB) | Not measured |
| Recommended plan and contract term | 12-month contract |
| Trial / money-back guarantee | None |
| Monthly fee (12-month contract) | 1,430 yen |
| Setup fee | Free |
| Free domain | 1 free forever |
| Support | Email, chat (9:30-13:00, 14:00-17:30) |
| Uptime | 99.99% |
| Storage | 600GB |
| Number of databases | Unlimited |
| Security measures | Virus scanning |
| SSL | Free SSL, dedicated SSL |
| Backup / restoration | 7 generations of backups included, restoration fee not stated |
| Number of email accounts | Not stated |
| Email security measures | Not stated |
| Server / website migration service | Not stated |
| WordPress preinstalled | None |
| CDN | None |
It is run by GMO Pepabo, the same company behind MuuMuu Domain. It integrates smoothly with domains obtained through MuuMuu Domain, and the overall design is easy for beginners to use.
5 Low-Cost Entry-Level Servers
These servers are for people who want to start a site at low cost first.
Little Server: An Ultra-Budget Server Starting at 150 Yen per Month
Up to 53% off server fees through August 5, 2025, two domains free forever, and the first month free
It is offered from extremely low-priced plans, making it suitable for small sites or test environments. Although the price is low, it still covers the basics, such as using SSD storage.
Pricing starts at 1,089 yen per month on a 12-month contract, and WordPress migration support plus automatic backups are included by default.
Value Server: The Real Capability of GMO's Low-Cost Brand
“Value Server
” is a low-cost rental server operated by GMO Digirock, Inc. Even though it is affordably priced for individuals, it offers strong features such as free shared SSL and free 15-generation backups.
| Server type | Shared server |
| Display speed (TTFB) | Not measured |
| Recommended plan and contract term | Eco 12 months |
| Trial / money-back guarantee | None |
| Monthly fee (12-month contract) | 220 yen |
| Initial setup fee | Free |
| Free domain | None |
| Support | Email and chat (weekdays 10:00-17:00) |
| Uptime | Not disclosed |
| Storage | 200GB |
| Number of databases | 1 |
| Security measures | None |
| SSL | Free shared SSL, custom SSL |
| Backup / restore | 15 generations of backups free, restoration free |
| Number of email accounts | 3 |
| Email security measures | POP/POP3S, SMTP/SMTPS, IMAP/IMAPS, spam filter, virus filter, custom filters |
| Server / website migration service | None |
| WordPress preinstallation | None |
| CDN | None |
This low-cost server is run by GMO Digirock and integrates smoothly with Value Domain. It is positioned above XREA, and is a practical choice if you want a more stable environment at a low price.
Shin Free Server: An Innovative Service That Lets You Use WordPress for Free
“Shin Free Server” is a free rental server from ShinCloud Co., Ltd. Even though it is free, it does not display the operator’s ads. It is not on the level of paid servers in terms of features or support, but it remains comfortable to use.
| Server type | Shared server |
| Display speed (TTFB) | Not measured |
| Recommended plan and contract term | — |
| Trial / money-back guarantee | — |
| Monthly fee (12-month contract) | Free |
| Initial setup fee | Free |
| Free domain | None |
| Support | None |
| Uptime | Not disclosed |
| Storage | 10GB |
| Number of databases | 5 |
| Security measures | WAF |
| SSL | Free custom SSL |
| Backup / restore | 14-day automatic backups free, restoration free |
| Number of email accounts | None |
| Email security measures | None |
| WordPress preinstallation | None |
| Server / website migration service | None |
| CDN | None |
It is a free hosting service that lets you use WordPress without displaying ads. Capacity and features are limited, but it is extremely valuable for testing or learning before you start seriously. That said, there are cautions such as the lack of support and the need to renew every three months.
XREA: A Long-Established Server You Can Start with on the Free Plan
| Server type | Shared server |
| Display speed (TTFB) | Not measured |
| Recommended plan and contract term | Free |
| Trial / money-back guarantee | None |
| Monthly fee (12-month contract) | Free |
| Initial setup fee | Free |
| Free domain | None |
| Support | Email and chat (10:00-17:00) |
| Uptime | Not disclosed |
| Storage | 10GB |
| Number of databases | 5 |
| Security measures | None |
| SSL | Free SSL, shared SSL |
| Backup / restore | 15 generations of backups free, restores free |
| Number of email accounts | 100 |
| Email security measures | POP over SSL, IMAP over SSL, SMTP over SSL, virus scanning |
| Server / website migration service | None |
| WordPress preinstallation | None |
| CDN | None |
This is a long-established service that has offered free hosting for years. Even on the free plan, you can use PHP and databases and install WordPress. Paid plans are also very inexpensive, making it easy to step up later.
KAGOYA JAPAN: Faster WordPress with KUSANAGI
KAGOYA JAPAN offers rental servers from KAGOYA JAPAN Co., Ltd., with a track record of over 20 years. It can be used at an affordable price. With a 99.999% uptime, it is exceptionally stable and reassuring.
| Server Type | Shared Server / Cloud Server / WordPress Dedicated Server / VPS |
| Load Time (TTFB) | Unmeasured |
| Recommended Plans and Contract Periods | WordPress Dedicated Server Grade 1 12 Months |
| Trial & Money-Back Guarantee | None |
| Monthly Fee (12-Month Contract) | 440 yen |
| Initial Administrative Fee | Free |
| Free Domain | None |
| Support | Weekdays 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
| Uptime | 99.999% guarantee |
| Server Capacity | 20GB |
| Number of Databases | 1 |
| Security Measures | Dashboard Access Restriction / Dashboard Login Attempt Restriction / XML-RPC API Access Restriction / REST API Access Restriction / Large Comment / Trackback Restriction / Foreign IP Address Comment / Trackback Restriction |
| SSL | Free SSL |
| Backup and Restore | One-generation backup included / Restore free of charge |
| Number of Email Account Creation | None |
| Email Security Measures | None |
| Server/Website Migration Service | Migration service: 11,000 yen No Migration Tool |
| WordPress Pre-installed | Yes |
| CDN | Paid |
This is a WordPress-focused server plan provided by KAGOYA JAPAN, a long-established hosting company. Its biggest strength is its robust security features: it comes standard with WAF, access restrictions from overseas IP addresses, and intrusion detection. It uses the fast LiteSpeed web server, and together with an all-SSD configuration, it delivers comfortable display speed.
Basic Hosting Knowledge Every WordPress Beginner Should Know
To publish a WordPress site, you need a hosting service that stores your site data and makes it available on the internet. First, let us build the basic knowledge that serves as the foundation.
What Makes a Hosting Service Suitable for WordPress? Five Important Characteristics
To run WordPress comfortably, it is best if the server satisfies certain requirements. The following five characteristics, in particular, directly affect site performance and ease of operation.
- Fast processing performance: CPU, memory, SSDs, and other hardware specs matter. Servers with strong hardware and modern web server software such as LiteSpeed can display pages quickly and give visitors a comfortable browsing experience.
- Stable uptime record: If the server goes down, your site becomes inaccessible. Choose a server known for stable operation, such as one that publicly states 99.9% uptime or higher.
- One-click WordPress installation: This is a feature that lets you install WordPress from the server control panel in just a few clicks. Because it automatically handles tasks such as database setup, it can save a great deal of time.
- Solid security: It is important to check whether the server includes a WAF (Web Application Firewall) to protect your site from attacks and a free dedicated SSL certificate to encrypt communications as standard features.
- Reliable support: Unexpected problems are part of running a site. If support is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by email, phone, or chat, you can feel much safer when something goes wrong.
★ Beginner-Friendly Guide to Hosting Uptime and SLAs
Shared Hosting vs. VPS vs. Dedicated Server: The Best Option for You
Hosting services can mainly be divided into three types based on how resources are allocated. Understand the features of each and choose the one that matches the scale and purpose of your site.
- Shared hosting: This type shares one physical server among multiple users. It is like living in an apartment building and is the most common and least expensive option. It suits personal blogs and small sites, but it can be affected by other users.
- VPS (Virtual Private Server): Also called a virtual dedicated server. It creates a virtual private environment on one physical server and gives you administrator privileges (root access). It offers more freedom than shared hosting and is less affected by other users. It is like a detached house: it requires some knowledge, but it balances cost and performance well.
- Dedicated server: This type gives you exclusive use of one physical server. It offers the highest performance and customization, but it is also the most expensive. It is used for large corporate sites and services that receive heavy traffic.
★ What is hosting? The server you need to publish a website
Why Choosing Only by Monthly Fee Leads to Mistakes
Price is an important factor when choosing a server, but it is risky to judge only by a low monthly fee.
It is important to compare the total cost, including setup fees and renewal fees from the second year onward. In addition, low-priced plans may have smaller storage, restricted features, or limited support. If your site becomes slow or lacks necessary functions, it can eventually lead to lost opportunities, so judging the balance between price and performance is the key to success.
A server is the foundation of a blog or website. Just as a house with a weak foundation is risky no matter how good it looks, I recommend choosing the highest-quality server you can manage.
How to Choose WordPress Hosting Without Regrets: 7 Check Points
Here, I explain seven concrete check points to help you find the hosting service that fits you among the many options available.
How to Judge the Server Specs That Determine Display Speed
Site speed directly affects reader satisfaction and search-engine evaluations (SEO). Check the following spec items.
- CPU and memory: These correspond to a person's brain and workspace. The more CPU cores and the more memory a server has, the more traffic and complex processing it can handle quickly.
- Disk (storage): This is where data is stored. SSDs are now the standard because they are faster than older HDDs, and servers that use even faster NVMe SSDs can read and write data extremely quickly.
- Web server software: Apache and Nginx are common, but in recent years more servers have adopted LiteSpeed for even faster performance.
- Transfer volume: This is the amount of data consumed when your site is viewed. If the transfer limit is low, the site may stop displaying when traffic spikes.
Note: What Are Traffic and Transfer Volume? Managing and Optimizing Web Traffic
Why the One-Click WordPress Installation Feature Matters
Installing WordPress manually requires specialist steps such as downloading files from the official site, uploading them with FTP software, creating a database, and linking it.
If a one-click WordPress installation feature is available, you can complete all of those complex steps from the server control panel in just a few clicks. It is extremely important not only for saving time but also for preventing setup mistakes.
Security Points to Compare: SSL Certificates and Protection Features
For safe site operation, always review the security features.
- Free dedicated SSL: This is now an essential requirement for running a site. It encrypts communication between the browser and the server and turns “http://” into “https://”. Many servers make it easy to set up a free SSL certificate called Let's Encrypt.
- WAF (Web Application Firewall): This protects your site from malicious access, including attacks that target WordPress vulnerabilities. Check whether it is included as a standard feature.
- Security diagnostics and vulnerability scans: It is even more reassuring if there is a feature that regularly checks the security condition of your site.
Note: What Are SSL and TLS? The Mechanism and Benefits of Protecting Information Through Encryption
Check the Level of Automation in Backup Features
Backup functions are a lifeline in case of data loss. Many hosting services provide automatic backups, but the details differ.
- Backup frequency and number of generations: Check whether backups are taken automatically every day and whether multiple generations of data, such as the past 14 days, are stored.
- Ease of restoration: It is important that you can restore from backup data easily through the control panel. Some services charge extra for restoration, so pay attention to that.
If your hosting does not include backups, or if you want a second layer of backup, use a WordPress plugin.
Support Quality: The Value of 24/7 Support
When a problem occurs on your site, how quickly it can be resolved depends on the support system.
- Support hours: Servers with “24/365” support provide peace of mind because you can contact them even late at night or on holidays.
- Contact methods: Check whether multiple contact methods are available, such as email, phone, and chat. Phone or chat support is especially useful when you need an answer quickly.
- Quality of the manuals: Well-organized online manuals that compile common questions and setup procedures are also important for improving your ability to solve problems on your own.
Pricing Plans: How to Look Wisely at Setup Fees and Monthly Fees
When comparing pricing plans, consider the following points, not just the headline monthly fee.
- Setup fee: This is a one-time cost charged when you sign up. It is often waived during campaigns, so timing also matters.
- Contract term and discounts: Many plans offer much lower monthly rates when you sign a long-term contract such as 12, 24, or 36 months.
- Renewal fees: Even if you sign up cheaply during a campaign, the price may return to the regular rate when you renew. If you plan to run the site long term, always check renewal fees as well.
Scalability and Flexibility in Plan Changes with Future Growth in Mind
As your site grows, server specs may become insufficient. When that happens, it is important that you can smoothly change to a higher-tier plan. It is often impossible to move down to a lower plan, so if you check in advance how easy upgrades are, the differences in specs, and the price gap between plans, you can respond flexibly as your site expands in the future.
How to Choose Recommended Hosting by Purpose and Use Case
The best server differs depending on the purpose of your site.
3 Hosting Services Recommended for Beginners and WordPress Newcomers
- エックスサーバー
: Its huge amount of information and reliable support make it easy to find solutions when you get stuck.
- LOLIPOP
: Because you can start from a low-cost plan and the manuals are extensive, it is ideal for people who want to level up while learning how hosting works.
- ConoHa WING
: Its easy-to-understand control panel and the WordPress Easy Setup feature, which automates everything from domain registration to WordPress configuration, are especially attractive.
Best Choices for Personal Blogs and Affiliate Sites
- 【Hostinger】
: Despite its low price, it delivers overwhelming speed, making it easy for individuals to get started without falling behind competing sites.
- エックスサーバー
: Its stability, speed, and reliable support make it an ideal foundation for a site built to generate revenue.
- ConoHa WING
: Its fast display speed works in your favor for SEO and helps prevent visitors from leaving. It is also highly cost-effective.
- mixhost
: It can handle a wide range of niches, its display speed is fast, and it is especially well regarded among affiliate marketers.
High-Performance Servers for People Running Multiple Sites
- wpX Speed
: It supports unlimited multi-domain usage and offers plenty of databases. Because it includes reserved resources and automatic scale-up, it is less affected by other sites and can be run stably.
- シンレンタルサーバー
: Because it delivers high performance while keeping costs down, it offers excellent value when running multiple sites.
- ColorfulBox
: Because plan changes are flexible and the backup system is robust, you can manage multiple important sites with confidence.
Best-Value Servers Under 500 Yen per Month for Budget-Focused Users
- LOLIPOP
(Light plan): Its monthly fee is very low, yet it still includes the basic functions needed to start with WordPress.
- スターレンタルサーバー
(Light plan): It offers a stable server environment and the features you need despite the low price.
- リトルサーバー
(Mini plan): It is the option to choose when you want to minimize cost above all else, and it is sufficient for running a small site.
Free servers have extremely low specs, so I do not recommend them if your goal is monetization or traffic acquisition.
Guide to Migrating and Switching WordPress Hosting
It is not uncommon to consider migrating to a different server to improve site speed or reduce costs. Here I explain the steps and the points to watch.
5 Things You Must Check Before Migrating Servers
- Confirm your current site data: Always take backups of your full WordPress files and database.
- Confirm the new server specifications: Check whether the new server supports the versions of PHP and MySQL used by your current site.
- Check how your domain is managed: If your domain registrar and hosting company are different, you will need to change the name server (DNS) settings.
- Reconfigure the SSL certificate: When you migrate servers, the SSL certificate must also be set up again. Check whether it can be activated on the new server in advance.
- Email addresses: If you use email addresses on the same domain as the server, remember that email data migration and reconfiguration may also be necessary.
Steps and Precautions for a Safe Server Migration
The general migration procedure is as follows. Using plugins can simplify the work.
- Take a backup on the old server: Use a plugin such as All-in-One WP Migration to export the site data, including files and the database.
- Sign up for the new server and configure the domain: Contract the new server and add the domain for the site you are migrating.
- Install WordPress on the new server: In many cases, you install an empty copy of WordPress first.
- Edit the hosts file on the new server and test it: Set things up so that only your own PC accesses the new server, then confirm that the site displays correctly. This is an important test before DNS is switched over.
- Import the data to the new server: Use a plugin such as All-in-One WP Migration to import the data you exported from the old server into the new one.
- Change the name servers (DNS): In the control panel of your domain management company, rewrite the name server information so it points to the new server. This causes public traffic to start going to the new server.
- Cancel the old server: After the name server change has propagated across the internet and you have confirmed for about a week that the site displays stably, cancel the old server.
Hosting Services That Offer Migration Assistance
Server migration requires specialized knowledge, and if it fails, your site may stop displaying. If you are not confident, it is wise to use migration services offered by specialists or hosting companies.
- ConoHa WING
: It offers a WordPress migration service.
- mixhost
: It has a paid service that handles WordPress migration for you.
- Rakko Server: It offers a support feature called Easy WordPress Migration.
- Many other hosting companies and web production firmsalso offer paid migration services.
Frequently Asked Questions and Troubleshooting
These are common problems that arise during site operations and how to deal with them.
What to Do When WordPress Feels Heavy or Slow
- Insufficient server specs: The server may not be able to keep up with the amount of traffic. Consider moving to a higher plan.
- Image optimization: Large images are a major cause of slow display speed. Use a compression plugin or similar tools to make your images lighter.
- Plugin conflicts or too many plugins: Disable or remove unnecessary plugins, and check one by one whether a specific plugin is causing the problem.
- Use of caching: If you install a cache plugin or enable the cache feature provided by the server, such as LiteSpeed Cache, page display can become faster.
What to Do When Your Server Goes Down
Server outages can be caused by many things, including traffic surges, hardware failures, and cyberattacks.
- Check the situation: First, confirm the hosting provider's incident information on its official website or social media accounts.
- Contact support: If the problem appears to be on the server side, contact support to confirm the situation and ask about the expected recovery time.
- Identify the cause: If the cause is a traffic surge to your own site, you should consider upgrading the server plan or taking load-reduction measures after recovery.
- Restore from backup: If data has been damaged, you will need to restore it from backup data.
When and How to Change Pricing Plans
The main time to change plans is when site traffic increases and the site starts to feel slow. On most hosting services, you can easily upgrade to a higher plan from the control panel. However, once you move to a higher plan, you often cannot move back down, so make the decision carefully while estimating how your site will grow.
Summary: How to Choose the Best WordPress Hosting Service for You
The best hosting service depends on the purpose of your website, your budget, and your technical skill level.
- For people who want to get started first: “ConoHa WING
” and “LOLIPOP
” are good fits because their control panels are easy to understand and their upfront costs are easier to keep down.
- For people who seriously want to earn from blogging or affiliate marketing: “エックスサーバー
” and “wpX Speed
” provide a powerful foundation because they are fast, stable, and backed by dependable support.
- For people who want performance while still prioritizing cost: “mixhost
” and “ColorfulBox
” are strong options because they actively adopt new technology and offer excellent cost performance.
Using the check points introduced in this article to compare several servers, and then taking advantage of free trial periods to confirm the actual user experience, is the surest way to choose a server without regrets. I hope this article helps your website succeed.
If you still cannot decide after reading this far, choose エックスサーバー . You will not go wrong.