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In this guide, I show you how I read web hosting test reports in a structured way, evaluate the measurement methods and derive clear decisions for projects of any size. I provide you with concrete criteria, current provider specifics and practical key figures for performance, security and costs.
Key points
So that you can understand the test results, I summarize the key statements in a compact form. I pay attention to clear Metrics, comprehensible test scenarios and transparent pricing. I check how providers deliver performance, security and support on a day-to-day basis. I prioritize real added value instead of marketing promises and look at upgrade paths. So you can make a decision in just a few steps. safe Choice.
- Performance and caching as ranking and UX drivers
- Uptime and backups for reliable projects
- DSGVO and EU locations for compliance
- Support in local language, 24/7
- Costs without hidden fees
How to read web hosting test reports correctly
I start with the MethodologyWhich tools measure load time, TTFB, uptime and how long did the test run? Then I check whether the authors disclose the test environment, caching status and PHP version used. I compare starter, medium and pro tariffs separately so that prices remain fair. I make a clear distinction between one-off peaks and long-term measurements, because only long-term data shows real performance. Quality. For a quick overview, I also use the current hosting comparison and compare core statements.
Important selection criteria in detail
For performance I rely on NVMe-SSDs, HTTP/2 or HTTP/3 and caching at server level such as LiteSpeed. I pay attention to the latest PHP versions, as they noticeably increase security and speed. An uptime of 99.9 % or better ensures predictable projects and daily backups minimize risks. For data protection, I prioritize EU locations, GDPR-compliant processing and free SSL-certificates. When it comes to support, I count on availability in the local language, a response time of less than an hour and clear escalation.
Read resource limits correctly
Limits are often treated too superficially in test reports. I evaluate specific resources per tariff and check how constant they remain under load. Important key figures are CPU seconds, I/O throughput (MB/s), RAM, concurrent processes/entry processes, PHP worker and Inodes. For WordPress/small stores I aim for: I/O > 20-50 MB/s, 1-2 GB RAM, 2-4 PHP workers, at least 300,000 inodes. I also check cron stability (minute granularity without throttling) and limits for outgoing mails per hour. The Practical checkStress test with 20-50 simultaneous visitors and monitoring of CPU/I/O peaks. This allows me to see whether the tariff has any real reserves.
Comparison of the top providers in 2025
Current test results show a clear focus on performance, security and Service. webhoster.de impresses with NVMe SSDs, daily backups and WordPress optimization. Hostinger scores with LiteSpeed and affordable entry-level packages. SiteGround offers powerful automation and protection functions. IONOS offers high flexibility and German-language support, details can be found in IONOS in the test.
| Place | Provider | Special features | Uptime | GDPR-compliant | Support | Entry price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | webhoster.de | NVMe SSD, 24/7 German support, WordPress optimization, daily backups | 99,99 % | Yes | 24/7, German | from 1,99 € |
| 2 | Hostinger | LiteSpeed web server, AI tools, affordable entry-level packages | 99,90 % | Yes | 24/7, English | from 1,99 € |
| 3 | SiteGround | Caching, automation, security features | 99,99 % | Yes | 24/7, English | from 2,99 € |
| 4 | IONOS | High flexibility, comprehensive features | 99,98 % | Yes | 24/7, German | from 1,00 € |
| 5 | webgo | Scalability, 100 % green electricity, German support | 99,50 % | Yes | 24/7, German | from 4,95 € |
DNS and domain management as a quality feature
Good hosting does not end at the web server. I check whether the provider DNSSECAnycast DNS, short TTLs and an API for zone changes. Low TTLs (300-900 s) facilitate zero-downtime moves. Zone backups, templates, IPv6, SRV/TXT support and clean SOA entries are also important. Wildcard SSL, subdomain management and separate log files are important for multidomain setups. Those who use CDN benefit from granular TTLs and CNAME compatibility. Practical check: Measure DNS propagation for a record change and immediately check the DNSSEC-validate the signature.
Why webhoster.de is currently convincing
I rely on Performanceclear tariffs and support in the local language. webhoster.de combines 99.99 % uptime, NVMe technology and daily backups even in entry-level packages. The platform is optimized for WordPress, including caching, auto-updates and staging. The 24/7 support responds noticeably quickly and takes care of the migration. In addition, there is a transparent price structure without hidden surcharges and with flexible Upgrades.
Realistically evaluate e-mail deliverability
Mail is often the blind spot. I look at SPF, DKIM and DMARC defaults, clean PTR records, TLS delivery (MTA-STS/STARTTLS) and limits for outgoing mails. A dedicated or high-reputation outbound IP pool prevents spam traps. Submission ports (587/465), quarantine options and log access for bounce analysis are important. For newsletters, I check hourly limits, rate limiting and clear guidelines. Key performance indicator: delivery rate > 98 % for double opt-in lists and low spam complaint rate (< 0.1 %).
WordPress and WooCommerce hosting: what counts
I test one-click installations for WordPress, Staging and server-side caching. Auto-updates and secure rollbacks save time and save you in the event of errors. WooCommerce benefits from OPCache, HTTP/3 and object caching. A good panel facilitates cronjobs, CDN connection and image compression. I rely on providers that offer migration, deduplication and daily Backups have solved cleanly.
Dev workflow and automation
Clean processes accelerate teams. I rate SSH access with Key-Only-login, Git deploy (hooks), WP-CLI, Composer and Node/NPM support for build pipelines. Cronjobs should be schedulable to the second and not be cut off after a short runtime. Important: separate SFTP logins per project, Staging->Production-Promote with database search/replace and optional approval level. Bonus points are awarded for deploy logs, rollbacks via snapshot and an API that triggers deploys from CI/CD.
Avoid cost traps: How to calculate correctly
I compare entry and renewal prices separately so that the bill real remains. SSL, daily backups, email inboxes and domain should not become expensive add-ons. I pay attention to contract terms and notice periods as well as fees for relocations. Upgrades must be possible without downtime so that campaigns do not stop. In this way, I keep the monthly costs predictable and protect my Budget.
SLA, fair use and transparency
I read the GTC and fair use rules carefully: What does "unlimited" specifically, how are CPU/I/O peaks handled, is there automatic throttling? A good SLA defines measurement points, response and recovery times (RTO/RPO) and credit rules. Status pages with incident history and post-mortems strengthen trust. Data portability (full backups, Plesk/cPanel exports) and a clear exit strategy without blocking periods or additional fees are also important.
Data protection, GDPR and security
I choose EU data centers with certified Locations and clear AV contracts. Automated SSL from the start package, HSTS and up-to-date cipher suites are mandatory. Daily backups with easy recovery reduce downtime. I check isolation between accounts and the provider's patch cycle. Transparent logging and two-factor login strengthen the Compliance.
Check the depth of the safety stack
In addition to SSL, the complete protection path counts: WAF/ModSecurity with up-to-date CRS, malware scanner, webshell detection, rate limits, bot protection, DDoS defense and isolation via CageFS/Namespaces. I pay attention to auto-patching (kernel live patching), signed backups and 2FA in the panel and webmail. Important are least-privilege defaults, SSH jail, separate PHP pools per site and regular vulnerability scans. Practical target: RPO ≤ 24h, RTO ≤ 60 min. for business-critical projects.
Measuring performance: Tools, key figures, thresholds
I rate TTFB, Largest Contentful Paint and server-side Caching in interaction. I test with empty and real themes to expose marketing caches. I measure at several times of the day and over several days. I look at PHP version, HTTP/3 and NVMe because they drive baseline values. A properly configured CDN plus image optimization stabilizes the Loading time.
Monitoring and protocols in everyday life
I do not rely solely on provider information. External monitoring (uptime, TLS, DNS, cron) and logging are mandatory. I check log retention (e.g. 14-30 days), real-time streams, access to mail logs and error alerts. Good panels offer Metrics for CPU, RAM, I/O, PHP worker and cache hit rate. Thresholds: EU-TTFB < 200 ms, LCP < 2.5 s for real users (CrUX/RUM), error rate < 1 %. Alerts on 5xx peaks and timeouts help to detect latently scarce resources before campaigns.
Realistically check support quality
I provide specific Questions for PHP changes, mail logs, backup restore and staging. I measure initial response, depth of solution and politeness in several tickets. I observe whether the support links to instructions and explains real steps. I check German-language availability around the clock. You can get a good impression of the practice from the manitu test report with regard to service and response time.
Migration without failure: step-by-step
I plan moves with a clear checklist: Lower TTL in advance, pull staging copy, database and files incremental synchronize. I freeze write functions shortly before the cutover (e.g. orders), check paths, PHP version and caching. Then change DNS, check logs and rollback via snapshot if necessary. After 24-48 hours, perform the final synchronization and switch off the old environment. This keeps RPO/RTO controllable and SEO signals stable.
Decision-making aid: project types and suitable tariffs
What counts for small blogs SimplicityWordPress installer, SSL, email and backup included. For growing portals, I plan staging, more RAM and prioritized resources. For stores, I need HTTP/3, object caching, cron stability and fast restore paths. Agencies benefit from multi-project management, separate SFTP logins and white label elements. I use this matrix to prioritize features and select the tariff without Detours.
Scaling and upgrade paths
I think the next 12-24 months with: From shared to managed VPS, dedicated resources and optional Redis/Memcached. Important are Seamless upgrades without IP changes, scalable PHP workers and sufficient I/O for image and import jobs. For peaks, I plan burst resources or short-term tariff changes. On the database side, I check query cache/buffer sizes, point-in-time restores and read-replica options. The aim is to grow vertically before a change of architecture becomes necessary.
Sustainability and choice of location
In addition to technology, the eco-balance also counts. I pay attention to certified data centers, Green electricitywaste heat utilization and transparent PUE values. Shorter paths to the user (EU locations, PoPs) reduce latency and energy per request. Efficient caches, image optimization and HTTP/3 save resources and improve the UX - a win for the environment and conversion. Bonus: Providers that publish sustainability reports and make targets measurable.
Briefly summarized: My decision-making framework
I start with clear TargetsI check the measurement methodology of the tests and compare them with my requirements. I then weigh up performance, uptime, security, support and costs by project phase. I read the small print on backups, SSL and renewal prices before I book. I test with a real site, observe for 7-14 days and evaluate logs and page speed figures. Only then do I upgrade tariffs in a targeted manner and maintain the infrastructure in small steps sustainable.
