You’re ready to launch your PHP website, but you don’t want to spend a dime.
Good news — you can host a PHP website for free! In this post, I’ll walk you through simple, no-cost options to get your site live, break down any tricky terms, and help you decide if free hosting fits your needs.
PHP—short for Hypertext Preprocessor—is a popular coding language for building dynamic websites. Think of it as the engine that powers interactive features like login forms or shopping carts.
Hosting, on the other hand, is like renting space online where your website lives so people can visit it.
Free hosting platforms let you use their servers without paying. Servers are powerful computers that store and run your site. But free doesn’t always mean perfect—there are trade-offs I’ll explain as we go.
Top Free Hosting Options for Your PHP Website
You’ve got several platforms to choose from, each with its own perks.
Here’s a rundown of the best free hosting services that support PHP, explained simply.
a) FreeHosting.com
FreeHosting.com offers 10 GB of storage, giving you ample room for your website files.
You also get unmetered bandwidth, meaning there’s no limit on the amount of data your visitors can use.
It supports PHP 7 and provides one MySQL database, making it a solid choice for small projects. With cPanel included, managing your site is straightforward.
However, you’re limited to one email account and database. Plus, you don’t get a free subdomain — you’ll need to bring your own.
Paid hosting features start at $7.99 a month.
b) InfinityFree: More Room to Grow
InfinityFree stands out with 5GB storage (Verified) and unlimited bandwidth.
That means you can upload tons of files and handle more visitors without hitting a limit. It supports PHP and MySQL, and you can host multiple sites.
You get free subdomains—like yoursite.infinityfreeapp.com. It’s a step up if you want flexibility without the cost.
Key Features
- Free hosting forever – No expiration dates or hidden fees.
- 5GB storage – Enough for one small PHP project
- Ad-free websites – Unlike many free hosts such as blogger and WordPress.com, InfinityFree does not display ads on user sites.
c) AwardSpace
AwardSpace.com lets you host up to four websites, including one main domain and three subdomains.
It supports PHP 5 and 7, MySQL 5.7, and allows 5 GB of monthly traffic, and comes with CMS installer and a web based file manager.
There are no forced ads, and the uptime is 99.9%. However, storage and bandwidth may not be enough for larger sites. The site itself is however full with unpleasant ads.
d) Heroku
Heroku is a bit different — it’s a platform where your PHP app runs on “dynos,” which are like mini engines.
The free tier gives you limited hours (it sleeps after 30 minutes of no use), but it’s great for testing or learning.
If you’re into coding and want to play with PHP in a modern setup, give it a shot.
Note: Heroku free has been disabled since 2022, but they have plans starting from as low as $5, albeit with very limiting features.
e) GoogieHost: Speed and security
GoogieHost provides 1 GB of SSD storage and 100 GB of bandwidth, ensuring speed and moderate traffic handling.
It supports PHP 5.6 to 8.0, MySQL 8.0, and includes a free SSL certificate. There are no forced ads, making it a clean hosting option.
However, the 1 GB storage fills up fast if you upload large files.
f) ProFreeHost
ProFreeHost offers 5 GB of storage and unlimited bandwidth, making it a good choice for growing sites.
It supports PHP up to 8.2, MySQL 5.7, and includes over 300 one-click installers for easy setup.
However, customer support is limited, which can be frustrating if you need help.
g) Byte Internet
Byet Host offers free hosting with 5 GB of storage and unlimited bandwidth.
It supports PHP (up to version 7.4) and MySQL, giving you the basics for a dynamic site.
You get a free subdomain (e.g., *yoursite.byethost.com*), FTP access, and a control panel called VistaPanel to manage everything.
Like all free hosting services in this list, Byte Host offers shared hosting, so speeds might dip during busy times, and some users report occasional downtime or ads (though Byet claims no forced ads).
Compared to options like FreeHosting.com or InfinityFree, it’s solid but not standout — good for small projects or testing, less so for big or professional sites.
Breaking Down the Limits of Free Hosting
Free hosting sounds awesome, but there’s a catch. Let’s unpack the trade-offs so you know what to expect.
- Storage and Bandwidth Caps: Most free plans limit how much you can store or how many visitors you can handle. For example, 300 MB might fit a simple site, but add big images or videos, and you’re out of space fast.
- Performance: Free servers are shared with tons of other users. That can slow your site down, especially during busy times.
- No Custom Domains: Many free hosts give you subdomains (like yoursite.theirname.com), not a custom one (like yoursite.com). You’ll usually pay to use your own domain.
- Ads: Some platforms might slap ads on your site to make money. It’s their way of keeping things free for you.
Think of free hosting like borrowing a friend’s spare room. It works for a while, but it’s not your own space, and you share the Wi-Fi!
Should You Host Your Website for Free?
Now, let’s talk about whether free hosting is right for you. It depends on what you’re building and where you’re headed.
When Free Hosting Works
- Testing or Learning: If you’re new to PHP or just experimenting, free hosting lets you play without risking cash.
- Small Personal Projects: A blog, a hobby site, or a portfolio? Free plans handle these just fine.
- No Budget: If you’re strapped for cash, free gets you started until you can upgrade.
When to Skip Free Hosting
- Business Sites: Customers expect speed and reliability. Free hosting might lag or crash, hurting your reputation.
- Growth Plans: If your site takes off, free limits—like bandwidth or storage—will hold you back.
- Branding: Subdomains look less professional than yourname.com. Clients notice that stuff.
Try Truehost for Affordable Hosting
If free isn’t cutting it, I recommend checking out Truehost.
We offer affordable web hosting with PHP support, custom domains, and fast servers. You get more control, better performance, and room to grow—without breaking the bank.
With Truehost, your site stays online, loads quick, and looks pro. Why settle for free limits when you can level up for cheap?
How to Get Started with Free Hosting
Ready to launch your PHP website? Here’s a quick guide to make it happen.
- Pick a Platform: Choose one from the list above—say, 000webhost or InfinityFree—based on your needs.
- Sign Up: Create an account. It’s usually just an email and password deal.
- Upload Your Files: Use their file manager or an FTP tool (a way to transfer files) to add your PHP code.
- Test It Out: Visit your subdomain and see your site live. Tweak as needed.
You don’t need to be a tech wizard. Most platforms have guides or support to help you along.
Final Thoughts: Free or Paid, You Decide
Hosting a PHP website for free is totally doable. Platforms like Awardspace, InfinityFree, and AwardSpace give you the tools to start without spending a cent.
But if you want speed, reliability, and a custom domain, paid hosting—like Truehost—might be your next step.
What’s your plan? Stick with free for now, or go pro from the jump? Either way, you’ve got options to make your PHP site shine!