Database driven websites or “dynamic websites” rely on a database to run. MySQL is an extremely popular database, especially for PHP websites and websites that run on a content management system, for example, WordPress or Joomla. Databases make it easier to organize the content of your website.
When you use a database for content you can store large amounts of information, making dynamic websites great for blogs or eCommerce sites, and everything in between. The alternative is a static website, where the data is pasted directly onto the website and the data remains the same. You then have to go into each page to change the content. Databases are also used for systems like business management systems where you have a lot of information to store and you want to be able to retrieve it easily.
Databases also have the added benefit of not only being able to handle and retrieve large quantities of information, but you can also have multiple people working on a database at one time. MySQL is an open-source database management system and as such is free to use. However, you’ll normally use it via a website host – some of which offer MySQL hosting for free.
In this article we’ll explore the top 10 MySQL hosting options, these are hosts that offer MySQL database hosting and relevant tools to go in and manage your database.
Before I get into the best MySQL hosts, let’s first understand why it’s a great idea to use MySQL in the first place.
Why Should I Use MySQL?
MySQL is the most versatile database, as it can run on just about any platform – Microsoft, Linux, MySQL, FreeBSD, macOS, and Solaris. MySQL is also feature-rich. Ideal for working on massive datasets, often used by large websites (as well as small ones) to manage all of their data. Although MySQL is great for large companies, it is easy to use, making it a great choice for a beginner.
When it comes to performance – MySQL is fast, even on shared hosting packages. You can use Apache, PHP, and other programming languages with MySQL, again adding to the flexibility of the database.
What Different Database Hosting Is Available?
Understandably you might want to know what other options are available to you. There are currently six main types of hosting MySQL is one. Then there are five others as follows:
- MSSQL (Microsoft SQL) – Used to store and retrieve data, compatible with Linux and Windows
- MS Access – MS Access used to be a big thing, but it’s not used by professionals anymore. It is a Windows-based database that has a graphical UI, it’s bundled with the Microsoft Office suite.
- Oracle – Used by banks, hence it is super secure. Can run on both Windows and Linux Oracle Corporation actually also own MySQL
- PostgreSQL – Open-source and object-relational database available for Linux and Windows
- MongoDB – Cross-platform database, classified as a NoSQL database, MongoDB uses JSON with schema.
What to Look For in Your MySQL Hosting Provider
MySQL database hosting is offered by most reputable hosting providers. So what should you look for when choosing a MySQL database host?
Firstly, check out how many databases you get with your plan. While most small projects require just one database, larger projects can require a few databases. Some hosts even offer unlimited databases, so that way you know you will have all of the databases you need.
You’ll need a host that supports PHP in addition to MySQL hosting. That aspect is normally a given. You’ll also want to look for cPanel or Plesk to manage your database/s. cPanel is great for spawning and managing databases.
Alright, now we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into the Top 10 MySQL database hosting options of 2019.
1. Hostinger (£0.99 per month)
BEST FOR – Small to medium businesses
The super cheap £0.99 per month plan from Hostinger will get you just one MySQL database. This also doesn’t include a domain name. For just £2.59 you can get their Premium plan with unlimited MySQL databases and a free domain name. All of their shared hosting plans come with one business email account for free. Hostinger is great for customer support, you can contact them any time as they are available 24/7/365. Hostinger has their own custom developed control panel for you to manage your account.
Oto.ne thing that is great about Hostinger is the fact that they d weekly backups for free. That’s great news for security, in case your website gets hacked, you’ll always have a backup to revert to .