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Value Server Review [2025 Latest]: Start WordPress at a Bargain Price

Published: 2025.04.18 Updated: 2025.04.18
Value Server hero image

Value Server is a hosting service operated by GMO Digirock, Inc., known for its low pricing, especially its Marutto plan.

Value Server is recommended for people who want to use the cheapest server possible because:

  1. Among the cheapest in the industry
  2. SSD storage is used on the server
  3. 15 generations of backups provide peace of mind

That is why. You will likely be satisfied. You can try it free for 10 days.

A competing server is Star Rental Server. It is even stronger than Value Server in that it also offers a free plan. Please consider it as well.

Note: Star Rental Server Review [Released December 19, 2024]: Pros and Cons of a High-Value Server You Can Use from Free Plans

Server typeShared server
Display speed (TTFB)Not measured
Recommended plan and contract termEco 12 months
Trial / money-back guaranteeNone
Monthly fee (12-month contract)220 yen
Initial setup feeFree
Free domainNone
SupportEmail and chat (weekdays 10:00-17:00)
UptimeNot disclosed
Storage200GB
Number of databases1
Security measuresNone
SSLFree shared SSL, custom SSL
Backup / restore15 generations of backups free, restoration free
Number of email accounts3
Email security measuresPOP/POP3S, SMTP/SMTPS, IMAP/IMAPS, spam filter, virus filter, custom filters
Server / website migration serviceNone
WordPress preinstallationNone
CDNNone
Hikaru Ono
Hikaru Ono

Value Server is operated by GMO Digirock, Inc., a major name in the industry, so even though it is among the cheapest options, there is no need to worry about quality. I personally had no problems while using it.

That said, because it is inexpensive, there are limits on features and capacity, so make sure to review them carefully.

Value Server Compared with Other Servers

  • OverallRating★★★☆☆
      • Server speed ★★★☆☆
      • Pricing ★★★★★
      • Stability ★★★☆☆
      • Ease of getting started with WordPress* ★★★☆☆
      • Operations such as domain management and SSL setup* ★★★☆☆
      • Server speed ★★★☆☆
      • Pricing ★★★★★
      • Stability ★★★☆☆
      • Ease of getting started with WordPress* ★★★☆☆
      • Operations such as domain management and SSL setup* ★★★☆☆

* Based on my actual experience using it.

How to Choose from 21 Recommended WordPress Hosting Services for Individuals
How to Choose from 21 Recommended WordPress Hosting Services for Individuals
  • November 4, 2025 market-research data, by speed sorted
  • Monthly fees are 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

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.

10-day free trial

User Reviews of Value Server and Five Key Features

The Marutto Plan Lets You Build a WordPress Site for 3,060 Yen per Year

Value Server's Marutto plan lets you have a WordPress website for 3,060 yen per year. It is extremely inexpensive.

Let's compare it with major domestic servers under the following conditions.

  • Initial setup fee
  • 12-month server contract
  • Cost of one year of domain fees
  • Cheapest plan that can use WordPress
Hosting companyCost for one year
Value Server2,310 yen
ConoHa WING11,292 yen
Xserver10,560 yen
Lolipop!5,940 yen
Sakura Rental Server6,600 yen

Of course, compared with the servers above, its features and specifications are less impressive. Even so, it should still be a strong option for people who want to build a website as cheaply as possible.

SSD Is Included in Every Plan

Value Server includes SSD storage in every plan even though it is inexpensive. With ultra-low-cost servers, it is common to see slow website loading because they rely on cheap hard drives.

Website display speed also affects SEO, so server choice is not something you can treat lightly. With SSDs in place, however, you can feel more at ease.

Note: What Is SEO? The Right Steps and Methods for Search Engine Optimization

Every Plan Includes 15 Generations of Automatic Backups

Value Server is inexpensive, yet it still provides 15 generations of automatic backups on every plan.

If there is no backup feature, you cannot restore your site even if data disappears because of an attack or a mistake. With Value Server, the server backs up your data automatically every day, which gives peace of mind.

These 15 generations of backups are impressive. Even major servers like Lolipop! do not offer this on their low-cost plans. Core Server, which is also operated by GMO Digirock, Inc., does not include backup features on its low-cost plan either.

Seen in that light, Value Server is remarkably service-minded for a low-cost provider because it offers such strong 15-generation backups.

The Drawbacks of Value Server and How to Handle Them, Honestly Stated

Even though it has advantages, Value Server also has drawbacks. Make sure you understand them fully before you use it.

There Are No Advanced Security Measures Such as a WAF

Value Server does not provide advanced security measures such as a WAF. It does offer a certain level of protection, including support for custom SSL, but it is still somewhat concerning that it is not especially strong against the latest attack methods.

If you want to use a WAF, install security-oriented WordPress plugins.

Note: How to Choose Five WordPress Plugins That Strengthen Security

Uptime Is Not Disclosed

Unfortunately, Value Server does not disclose its uptime. That means it is impossible to know the server's stability in numerical terms. If reliability is a priority, such as for a corporate website, that uncertainty may make you hesitate.

Note: A Beginner's Guide to Understanding Hosting Uptime and SLAs

If a server becomes unstable because of trouble, your website may fail to appear or become extremely slow to load. In some cases, a 503 error may occur. That is stressful for people visiting your site.

Note: What Is a 503 Error? How to Avoid Web Congestion and Respond in an Emergency

Because you cannot know the uptime, use Value Server only after understanding the risk that it may be unstable.

The Marutto and Eco Plans Let You Create Only One WordPress Site

Value Server's Marutto and Eco plans let you create only one WordPress site.

  • I want to create an event site in addition to my main website
  • I want to create a second blog

If you need a second WordPress site for those reasons, you will have to prepare another server separately.

Compare Value Server with Two Similar Servers

Let's compare Value Server with two competing servers that are similar in terms of low price. Even if they look similar, there are differences, so take the time to compare them carefully.

Core Server

Core Server is run by the same company. It offers high specifications while still being low priced. You can choose the best fit from seven finely divided plans. There is a price-focused V1 lineup and a performance-focused V2 lineup.

Overall, Core Server beats Value Server in features and specifications, so if price is not your top priority, Core Server is the better choice.

Core Server Review [2025 Latest]: Thorough Guide to Pricing, Speed, Pros, and Cons
Core Server Review [2025 Latest]: Thorough Guide to Pricing, Speed, Pros, and Cons

Star Server

Star Rental Server is also inexpensive. At the same time, it resembles Value Server in its commitment to speed, including the use of SSD storage. It is somewhat more expensive than Value Server, but its greater transfer capacity is a strong point because it can keep up even if your website traffic grows.

Star Server does not include automatic backups. That is one area where Value Server comes out ahead.

Star Server Review [2024 Latest]: Amazingly Low-Cost and Thoroughly Tested
Star Server Review [2024 Latest]: Amazingly Low-Cost and Thoroughly Tested

Start a WordPress Website on Value Server in 6 Steps

Let's start a website with Value Server!
  1. STEP.1
    Access the official Value Server website

    On the top page, click “Try for Free.”

  2. STEP.2
    Apply for the Server and Get a Domain

    Choose a plan. Your server account name (the initial domain) can be anything. You will not use this initial domain as the domain for your website. You can use it, but I do not recommend it.

    At this point, you cannot yet select simultaneous WordPress installation, but after choosing your domain, you will be able to check it. Be sure to use it. It makes starting a WordPress website much easier.

    Under the option to also apply for the domain you will use on this server, choose “Get a domain for free.” Then enter any string you like. From the available top-level domains such as .com and .net, click the one you want.

    You can choose root domains such as “.com” and “.co.jp.” Acquisition and renewal fees vary depending on the root domain. If you are unsure which one to choose, I recommend “.co.jp” for companies whenever possible. For individuals, “.com” and “.net” are good choices. Many people are familiar with these domains, so they are less likely to seem suspicious and easier for users to access.

    Note: What Is a Domain? Its Role as an Address on the Internet and How to Get One

    Once you have selected the domain, check “Install WordPress at the same time.”

    Click “Proceed.”

  3. STEP.3
    Enter User Information

    The user information screen will appear. Click “User Registration,” enter information such as your usage type and name, confirm the details, and click “Register and proceed.”

    Complete the required SMS verification, then click “Confirm application.”

    Answer the questionnaire or skip it, then click “Go to the control panel.”

  4. STEP.4
    Install WordPress

    In the management information of the control panel, the “Value Server (1)” you applied for earlier is displayed. Click it and proceed to the “New Control Panel.”

    Then select “App Installation” from “Tools” and click “WordPress Blog.”

    Click “+ Install this application” and choose a domain. The domain you applied for earlier will appear in the pull-down menu, so select it.

    You can leave the version settings as they are.

    Use the following settings for WordPress.

    • Admin username: Anything is fine.
    • Admin password: Make it as complex as possible. You can change it easily later.
    • Administrator email: An email address you use regularly. For companies, I recommend the business email of the person who manages the website.
    • Website title: Anything is fine. You can change it easily later.
    • Website tagline: This is the subtitle. Anything is fine. You can change it easily later.

    The admin username and admin password are used when logging in to WordPress. Be sure to write them down.

    You can leave the “Advanced” settings as they are.

    Once you have entered everything, click “+ Install.” After the installation finishes, click the URL on the screen that ends with “wp-admin/”. That is the URL of your WordPress admin screen.

  5. STEP.5
    Initial WordPress Setup

    On the WordPress login screen that appears, enter the username and password you set during installation, then click “Log In.”

    If you see a warning saying “This site can’t be reached,” the DNS settings have not propagated yet. There is nothing to do but wait, so try logging in again every few hours.

    Note: What Are DNS and Name Servers?

    After logging in to WordPress, set your permalinks. In the WordPress admin screen, go to “Settings” and then “Permalinks.” Choose “Post name,” then click “Save Changes.”

    With “Post name,” you can enter any string you like in the URL when publishing an article. I recommend using a short string that helps readers imagine the content of the article. If it is too long, some people may worry that the site looks suspicious.

  6. STEP.6
    Install Plugins

    Return to the WordPress admin screen, go to “Plugins” and then “Add New,” and install the plugins you need.

    Once you find the plugin you want through search, click “Install Now” and then “Activate.” After that, follow the instructions for each plugin.

    Be sure to install security and backup plugins.

    Once you have installed the plugins as well, your WordPress website is fully ready to go!

Summary

Value Server” is a low-cost rental server operated by GMO Digirock, Inc. While its pricing remains affordable even for individuals, it offers strong features such as free shared SSL and free 15-generation backups.

10-day free trial

Value Server is a low-cost server. Even though its uptime is not disclosed and its security features are on the weaker side, the 15-generation automatic backup feature means you can usually recover in the end. If price matters most to you, give it a try.

Complete Comparison of 32 WordPress Hosting Services: Recommendations for Individuals, Companies, and Overseas Use

When you think, “I want to start WordPress,” and search for “recommended WordPress hosting,” you find all kinds of articles, from options for individuals and for companies or small businesses to overseas servers and inexpensive servers. Honestly speaking,

  • Which site should I look at?
  • I want to choose a server in a simple, easy-to-understand way!
  • Please show me how to start WordPress right away.

Have you ever felt that way? That is why this article carefully selects the best choices from 32 hosting services for individuals, companies, domestic use, and overseas use and introduces them. The explanation comes from the SEO lead at an app development company that uses hosting services every day.

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