8 Best Static Website Hosting Platforms for Business and Personal Use

Static websites have seen a resurgence in popularity thanks to their speed, security and scalability advantages over traditional dynamic sites. With static site generators like Jekyll, static-served functions like AWS Lambda and CDN-based hosting options, there are plenty of great ways for developers, businesses and individuals to host and publish static sites.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best platforms available for hosting static websites.

An Introduction to Static Site Hosting

Before diving into the platforms, let’s quickly recap what exactly static sites are and why hosting for them may be different from traditional hosting.

What is a static website?

A static website consists of files such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, images and other assets that are pre-built and then served to users as-is without additional server-side processing. They can still have dynamic elements added with client-side JavaScript.

Benefits of static sites

Compared to traditional dynamic sites built using content management platforms like WordPress, static sites offer a number of advantages such as:

  • Speed – No server processing or database calls means ultra-fast load times
  • Security – With no database to exploit and reduced surface area, they avoid common vulnerabilities
  • Scalability – Static assets are easily cached and distributed from a CDN
  • Portability – The site is contained in files making it easy to relocate if needed
  • Cheap and simple hosting – No need for advanced hosting infrastructure

Popular use cases

Typical users of static site hosting include:

  • Developers wanting an easy and fast way to host side projects or prototypes
  • Businesses hosting marketing sites, landing pages, documentation, etc.
  • Personal bloggers, artists, photographers wanting an inexpensive and low-maintenance option
  • Companies maximizing security for public-facing apps and services

Now that we understand the appeal of static site hosting, let’s explore some of the leading service providers…

1. Netlify – Feature-packed with killer performance

Netlify has emerged as a hugely popular one-stop platform for modern Jamstack sites and app backends. Its CDN-powered static hosting solution comes packed with useful features for both hobbyists and professionals.

Some key benefits:

  • Git-based workflow
  • Rapid previews from pull requests
  • Support for popular SSGs like Next.js, Hugo, Gatsby
  • Integrations with Netlify CMS, Forms, Functions, Identity and more
  • Unlimited sites and collaborators on free tier
  • Instant cache invalidation, atomic deployments
  • Global CDN with HTTP/2, IPv6, and HTTPS encryption
  • Custom redirects, rewrites, headers
  • Powerful access control, analytics and monitoring

Pricing starts at free for limited resources and builds per month, to $45+ a month for add-ons and increased limits. Their enterprise plan provides additional scale, support and compliance options for larger businesses.

For those needing to host static sites that also integrate nicely with other Jamstack functionality and services, Netlify is tough to beat.

2. Cloudflare Pages – Speed and ease from the CDN leader

Known for its security-focused CDN, Cloudflare also provides static hosting via Cloudflare Pages. Integrated directly with their edge network spanning 200+ cities, it’s one of the fastest and most reliable hosting options available.

Key features:

  • Optimized to cache and distribute sites from Cloudflare’s global network
  • Integrates with popular static site generators like Hugo, Jekyll, React
  • Collaborative workflow and review support
  • Unlimited sites, pages, and bandwidth on free plan
  • Flexible build configuration based on common frameworks/SSGs
  • Programmable via API and CLI tools
  • Can be used with workers for adding serverless functions

Pricing begins at the generous free tier and scales up from there, making it great for personal use to mid-sized business sites. Larger enterprises may want to consider a customized enterprise plan.

For those wanting sheer speed – direct from Cloudflare’s network – Pages makes an ideal hosting choice.

3. Firebase – Feature-rich hosting from Google

Part of Google Cloud, Firebase provides static and dynamic hosting aimed primarily at web and mobile app development.

Benefits include:

  • Generous free tier with upgrade options
  • Built to scale easily to enterprise-level
  • Integrates storage, databases, analytics, etc.
  • Flexible deployments from CLI, GitHub, CI/CD
  • Custom domain support and free managed SSL
  • HTTP/2 enabled CDN for fast performance
  • Range of security protections
  • Real-time monitoring and logs
  • Extensive API capabilities

Pricing begins with a very developer-friendly free tier including 1GB storage, 10GB bandwidth, and custom domains. From there it scales from $25/month up to enterprise-level capabilities.

For those wanting an integrated set of services beyond basic static hosting, Firebase does a great job combining hosting, serverless functions, databases, and analytics into a single Google Cloud-powered platform.

4. AWS S3 + CloudFront – DIY infrastructure and maximum scale

Amazon Web Services offers robust, enterprise-grade infrastructure for highly scalable static (and dynamic) hosting leveraging its S3 and CloudFront services.

With S3 and CloudFront you can build:

  • Simple static S3 buckets hosted globally
  • S3 static hosting configured for custom domains
  • CloudFront CDN caching and distributing S3 origins globally
  • Additional AWS services like Lambda@Edge functions
  • Scales on-demand from tiny hobby sites to the largest enterprise needs
  • Industry leading resilience and compliance options

Pricing is based consumption starting from free-tier options for limited use cases up to massive scales. The DIY nature makes it more complex but also more customizable to specific infrastructure needs.

For advanced developers wanting to leverage AWS global infrastructure and maximum control over architecture, S3+CloudFront hits the mark.

5. Vercel – Streamlined Jamstack deployment

Focused 100% on supporting the modern Jamstack with simplified workflows and zero-config deployment, Vercel has quickly become a go-to platform for hosting JS/TS apps and websites.

Standout features include:

  • Specialized for Next.js but supports other SSGs/frameworks
  • Integrates hosting, serverless functions, analytics
  • Optimized global CDN and intelligent caching
  • Instant rollbacks, previews and collaboration
  • Flexible Git-based deployment options
  • Generous free tier, open source plan
  • Add-ons available e.g. for CMS
  • Ideal for getting Jamstack projects online quickly

Pricing starts at free for community/OSS projects and for features needed by individuals and smaller teams. From $20/month upwards for increased limits. Custom enterprise pricing available.

For JAMstack developing wanting specialized hosting, turnkey services tailored exactly to modern frameworks like Next, Vercel is purpose-built for it.

6. Kinsta – WordPress experts expand into static hosting

Known for their specialty managed hosting tuned for WordPress performance, Kinsta recently launched a static hosting service in beta.

Key attributes:

  • Leverages their Google Cloud infrastructure
  • CDN powered by Cloudflare edge
  • Git-based deployment from popular providers
  • 100 free sites with custom domains
  • Free SSL, build minutes, bandwidth each month
  • Portal and API for management
  • Integrates nicely for headless WordPress/CMS

Pricing consists of the free tier for individuals and non-commercial use. Plus paid tiers starting at $30/month offering more resources for dynamic builds, bandwidth, storage etc.

For those already using Kinsta for WordPress hosting, their static hosting adds a nice integrated option. For others, it offers a compelling alternative in the space.

7. Render – Hassle-free static hosting and server-side rendering

One of the easiest platforms for deploying static sites from Git, Render also features integrated Lambda functions for basic server-side rendering needs.

Benefits of Render include:

  • Truly zero-config deployment
  • Integrates storage, databases, and functions
  • Automatic HTTP/2, SSL, brotli compression
  • Globally distributed CDN
  • Unlimited collaborators and teams
  • Generous free tier w/ 100GB bandwidth
  • OSS plan available

Pricing consists of a free tier for testing and development use. Shared Render plans with more resources start at $7/month. Custom enterprise options offered for large-scale needs.

For lean teams wanting maximum ease of use complemented by basic server-side capabilities, Render strikes a nice balance.

Bonus: GitHub Pages – Free hosting direct from your repository

While limited to 1GB storage and lacking advanced configuration, GitHub Pages offers an incredibly simple way for developers to host static (and Jekyll) sites directly from a repo.

Highlights:

  • Free static hosting tied to your GitHub account
  • Easy publishing from main or /docs folder
  • Custom domains support
  • Leverages GitHub‘s global CDN
  • CI/CD workflows for automating deployments

Best for smaller personal and open source project use, GitHub Pages provides an unbeatable free hosting option for GitHub-centric teams.

Key Considerations When Choosing Your Solution

With a wide range of solutions now available for hosting static sites, it’s important to weigh your key requirements before deciding on an option. Here are some things to consider:

Budget – From completely free tiers to enterprise-level, there are options at every price point.

Performance Needs – CDN distribution, caching behavior and locations all impact site speed.

Security & Compliance – Review protections, certifications & capabilities.

Scale Requirements – Storage, bandwidth, complexity needs determining factors.

Ease of Use – Workflow and integration preferences play a role.

Advanced Features – Functions, CMS/DB integration may influence choice

Doing an objective assessment of your needs in these areas will help narrow options.

Wrapping Up

Static sites represent an appealing option for developers, businesses and individuals wanting greater speed, security and simplicity from their digital presence.

The range of managed hosting platforms makes getting started easier than ever. With built-in support for modern static site generators, CDN leveraging and auto-deployment workflows, almost anyone can benefit from the Jamstack revolution.

We hope this overview has provided useful insight into the breadth of reputable hosting providers available now to meet various needs and budgets.

What platform are you using currently to host your static site? Or which one looks most appealing for your next project? We‘d be interested in hearing your perspectives in the comments below!

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