Top Shared Hosting with SSH Access for WordPress Websites
When it comes to launching a new WordPress website, the majority of people, roughly 38% 1, opt for shared hosting. It’s cost-effective for beginners, but, as your site expands, you may realise these basic plans don’t always provide enough flexibility. A point will come where you’ll need the freedom to tweak server settings or manage substantial database exports. Yet, a jump to a costly VPS or dedicated server may not be right for you.
SSH access offers an excellent solution, acting as a bridge between basic shared hosting and advanced server options. Unfortunately, many shared hosting providers don’t permit SSH due to their security policies – or so they claim.
Luckily, a handful of shared hosting companies do support SSH. To save you research time, I’ve picked out the top five options, including key details to help you choose.
We’ll start with a quick comparison summary, then I’ll explain what SSH means in a shared hosting context, and finally break down the best providers one by one.
WordPress hosting with SSH: At-a-glance overview
| Host | On the cheapest available shared hosting plan. | cPanel | WP-CLI | Composer | Node.js |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Namecheap | $1.48 ($4.07) | ||||
| Hostinger | $2.69 ($7.99) | Hostinger’s shared hosting plans come with their own custom control panel called hPanel. They have separate cPanel plans if you really want cPanel. The pricing is similar, though not always the same as the default hPanel plans. | |||
| InMotion | $2.24 ($10.99) | ||||
| Hosting.com (formerly A2 Hosting) | $1.99 ($12.99) | Node.js is not available on the entry-level plan, but access is enabled on all higher shared hosting plans. | |||
| GreenGeeks | $2.95 ($12.95) | Node.js is only available on the third-tier Premium plan. |
Quick summary
- Namecheap: Ideal for those seeking long-term affordability and great value for money.
- Hostinger: Brilliant if you want plenty of data centre options and a hands-on, do-it-yourself approach.
- InMotion / Hosting.com: Best for responsive customer support, plus SSH comes enabled straight away.
- GreenGeeks: Packed with features, runs on eco-friendly power, and supports reforestation with each new account.
Understanding SSH limitations on shared hosting
Having SSH access on shared hosting is similar to being granted VIP entry—you get special permissions that ordinary users don’t, but you’re not in total control.
When a shared hosting provider says they include SSH, this is what you can actually expect:
No root access: Unlike a VPS or dedicated server, SSH on shared hosting only gives you access at the user level, not as root. You’re confined to your personal account directory; installing server-wide applications or altering system-level settings is not allowed. While this is standard for most, it’s important for beginners to know.
Limited commands: Hosts may block certain commands they consider unsafe. If you find a command doesn’t work, it’s best to contact support to clarify what’s permitted.
Enforced resource caps: Just because you can use the terminal doesn’t mean you’re free from your plan’s CPU and memory allocations.
Why so many safety measures? Because a single shared server can host hundreds or thousands of sites. Full access for every user would risk both security and stability.
Still, SSH access on shared hosting offers greater flexibility and power compared to standard web-based panels. Know your constraints and you’ll work smarter and safer!
My top 5 picks (and what I love about them)
Now, let’s dive into my recommendations for the best SSH hosting providers for WordPress users. This shortlist is based on hands-on usage and detailed research.
1. Namecheap
Out of all, Namecheap is my top suggestion—and for good reason. I’ve been using their mid-level shared hosting for over a year for several WordPress projects, so I know their setup inside out. Activating SSH is simple via cPanel:
You even get a built-in Terminal inside cPanel, so you can open a shell from your browser without needing any external tools.
Namecheap provides three levels of shared hosting. All support WordPress and allow you to enable SSH through cPanel. You can pick monthly, yearly, or 2-year deals, with the largest savings if you choose two years upfront. Below are their best-value, 2-year prices:
- Stellar: £1.48 per month, renewing at £3.83 monthly. Covers up to 3 websites, includes 20 GB SSD, 30 mailboxes, and built-in AI features.
- Stellar Plus: £2.28 per month, renews at £5.45. Unlimited sites and mailboxes, unmetered SSD, auto backups, AI tools.
- Stellar Business: £4.48 per month, then £9.37. Unlimited sites, 50 GB SSD, unlimited mailboxes, backups, cloud storage, AI tools.
- Every plan comes with a 30-day money-back policy.
Additional features
- Select from four global server locations: US, UK, Singapore, or Europe.
- Free SSL certificate for your first year.
- No bandwidth caps.
- 50 GB/month free CDN traffic included.
- Complimentary website transfer service.
- Affordable domain names with free privacy protection.
- Free domain for your first year (.fun, .host, .online, .site, .press, .store, .space, .tech, .pw, .website, .agency, .center, .digital, .live, .studio, .cloud, .shop.).
- Advanced and basic DNS zone management.
| Dev Tool | Has | Does Not Have |
|---|---|---|
| Cron Jobs | Cron jobs can only run every 5 minutes or longer, and you’re limited to 5 active cron tasks at once. 2 | |
| WP-CLI | ||
| Git Access | 3 | |
| Composer | 4 | |
| Command-line MySQL Access | 5 | |
| PHP Version Selection | 6 | |
| Python Support | 7 | |
| Node.js Support | 8 |
| Live Chat | Phone | Ticket | Knowledge Base | Support Forum | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24/7 |
If you don’t mind not having phone support, Namecheap’s live chat team truly stands out. Based on many personal experiences, they are quick to reply—often in less than one minute—polite, helpful, and usually manage to fix your queries efficiently.
Here at Themeisle, our team regularly purchases entry-level shared hosting packages from more than 20 different providers. We keep track of speed by testing from several global regions each month and check reliability by logging uptime. Below are the latest speed results for Namecheap’s shared hosting:
| East Coast USA: 0.76s | West Coast USA: 0.98s |
| Central USA: 1.07s | London, UK: 1.46s |
| Paris, France: 1.58s | Mumbai, India: 1.92s |
2. Hostinger
Hostinger comes second on the list, primarily for its reliability and overall user experience, which many users including myself have enjoyed over several years. Although cPanel hosting is available but it’s offered as a separate set of plans. in their standard shared hosting, you do get their custom control panel, hPanel, which brings an impressive set of functions—including SSH access.
SSH access can be opened using the in-browser Terminal or through software such as PuTTy. Hostinger also offers straightforward, beginner-friendly tutorials that will guide you every step of the way—ideal for those who need some technical reassurance.
How to Troubleshoot Hostinger SSH Issues
- First, make sure SSH is enabled in your hPanel dashboard. If you can’t see SSH options, your plan may not include this feature.
- Check that your SSH client details (hostname, username, port) are correct—these are found in the hPanel.
- If you’re stuck at “connection refused,” ensure your local firewall or antivirus isn’t blocking outbound connections on port 22.
- For persistent problems, visit the Hostinger Knowledge Base or raise a support ticket for prompt technical assistance.
For more detailed advice, search “How to Fix SSH Connection Issues on Hostinger” on our blog for step-by-step guides.
Hostinger provides two shared hosting plans that are simple to navigate and set up. Installing WordPress only takes a few clicks, and their version of the WordPress dashboard is modern and user-centric. You can choose flexible billing—monthly, yearly, every two years, or up to four years—the four-year deal giving the biggest savings. The prices below reflect the four-year commitment for the best value.
-
- Premium: £2.69 per month initially; after renewal, it costs £7.99 per month. Useful for up to 25 websites and can handle up to 25,000 visitors per month. Package includes 25 GB SSD storage, 25 email accounts (free for the first year), weekly backups, and AI-powered features.
Business: £3.59 per month initially, renewing at £8.99 per month. Features include support for up to 50 websites and a generous allowance of 100,000 monthly visitors. Comes with 50 GB NVMe storage, 50 mailboxes (free for the first year), daily automated backups, and built-in AI tools.
- A 30-day money back guarantee applies to all available plans.
Additional features
- Pick your preferred data centre location at sign-up – options encompass the United States (North Carolina, Massachusetts), United Kingdom, Lithuania, Brazil, France, Germany, and Singapore.
- Benefit from unlimited free SSL certificates courtesy of Let’s Encrypt.
- No bandwidth limits to restrict your growth.
- Complimentary CDN provided exclusively with the Business plan.
- Enjoy a free domain for the first year (applies to .xyz, .com, .online, .link, .shop, .live, .digital, .tech, .space, .website, .email, .fun, .click, .site, .uno, .in, .host, .store, .press, .me, .help.).
- Comes with a handy DNS zone editor.
| Dev Tool | Has | Does Not Have |
|---|---|---|
| Cron Jobs | 9 | |
| WP-CLI | ||
| Git Access | 10 | |
| Composer | 11 | |
| Command-line MySQL Access | 12 | |
| PHP Version Selection | 13 | |
| Python Support | 14 | |
| Node.js Support | 15 |
| Live Chat | Phone | Ticket | Knowledge Base | Support Forum | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24/7 |
Hostinger’s primary frontline assistance comes via their AI chatbot. While expectations for such bots often run low, their version is surprisingly responsive and effective. During testing, it outperformed most alternatives. Should the bot hit a limit or misunderstanding, you’re quickly connected to a human agent for further help.
How to get help if Hostinger’s AI chatbot gets stuck:
If you find their AI support isn’t resolving your query, look for the chat option to request a human. You may also check their knowledge base for DIY solutions or submit a support ticket if available in your admin area.
| East Coast USA: 1.22s | West Coast USA: 1.88s |
| Central USA: 1.68s | London, UK: 0.44s |
| Paris, France: 0.53s | Mumbai, India: 1.81s |
How to troubleshoot slow website speeds with Hostinger:
If your site is running sluggishly, consider optimising images and minimising plugins. Check your resource usage within the Hostinger dashboard. Upgrading to the Business plan for free CDN services may also improve global performance. For persistent issues, use their support channels for personalised advice.
3. InMotion Hosting
Ranked third is InMotion Hosting, well known for its specialist SSH hosting page and a range of exclusive hosting advantages. They stand out by offering a 90-day money back guarantee—three times longer than standard industry assurances.
Most hosting providers include SSH access as a standard feature these days.
What sets InMotion apart is that SSH access is already activated for you—no need to submit requests or tweak settings before you get started. This saves you valuable time and makes the process smooth, especially if you’re new to using SSH. InMotion also provides a library of step-by-step tutorials specifically about SSH. If you encounter any issues or need guidance on troubleshooting common SSH problems, you’ll find easy-to-follow help on their site. For example, if you run into the “Connection Refused” error when trying to access your server via SSH, their help centre offers straightforward instructions on how to resolve it.
InMotion’s hosting packages with SSH are actually part of their shared hosting offerings, but the dedicated SSH page highlights exactly what’s available for developers and site administrators. You’re able to choose monthly, yearly, or multi-year payment options. Three-year plans offer the best value, with four distinct plans to consider. Here’s a snapshot of the first three:
- Core: Currently £2.24 per month, renewed at £10.99 per month. Suitable for up to 2 websites, includes 100 GB SSD storage and 10 email inboxes (1 GB per mailbox).
- Launch: Currently £3.59 per month, renewed at £13.99 per month. Supports as many as 25 websites, offers unlimited NVMe storage, and unlimited email accounts (5 GB per mailbox).
- Power: Currently £3.59 per month, renewed at £17.99 per month. Allows unlimited websites, unlimited NVMe storage, and unlimited email addresses (10 GB per mailbox).
- All packages come with a 90-day money back guarantee.
More Reasons to Choose InMotion
- Freedom to select from three data centre locations: US West, US East/Central, or EU Central.
- Completely free SSL certificates on all plans.
- No bandwidth limits imposed.
- Automated daily site backups.
- Free domain name registration for the first year.
| Dev Tool | Has | Does Not Have |
|---|---|---|
| Cron Jobs | 16 | |
| WP-CLI | ||
| Git Access | ||
| Composer | 17 | |
| Command-line MySQL Access | InMotion lets you manage MySQL databases from the command line via SSH. To use this, connect with an SSH client (such as PuTTY), and you’ll have terminal access to the MySQL CLI to run your database queries and maintenance commands. 18 | |
| PHP Version Selection | ||
| Python Support | ||
| Node.js Support |
| Live Chat | Phone | Ticket | Knowledge Base | Support Forum | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24/7 |
InMotion are known for delivering excellent customer service. Users can reach out for assistance through live chat day or night, with additional support options for those on higher-tier plans. Their knowledge base is filled with solutions for commonly encountered issues. For example, if you’re struggling with SSH login errors or need to set up a new SSH key, you can reference detailed ‘How to’ articles in their support centre.
| East Coast USA: 0.26s | West Coast USA: 0.62s |
| Central USA: 0.44s | London, UK: 0.73s |
| Paris, France: 0.73s | Mumbai, India: 2.16s |
4. Hosting.com
Much like InMotion, Hosting.com offers a dedicated SSH hosting package. The best part? SSH access is enabled automatically as soon as you register—no additional requests or switches are needed.
Hosting.com provides a comprehensive library of SSH guides to help you get started, and a suite of other developer tools to let you manage your WordPress website more effectively. What’s more, they stand out as one of the rare providers offering SSH access to both MySQL and MariaDB databases on their shared plans.
The SSH hosting plans at A2 Hosting are essentially their popular shared hosting and Turbo shared packages, but presented with a focus on SSH functionality. You can select monthly, annual, or multi-year pricing options. Opting for a year brings the lowest monthly fee, but signing up for three years is the most economical overall. Here are the details for the initial two tiers on the three-year contract:
- Ignite: £1.99 per month with renewal at £9.99 per month. Supports one website with 10 GB SSD, unlimited email accounts, and includes cPanel.
- Accel: £1.99 per month, renewing at £12.99 monthly. Allows unlimited websites, includes unlimited SSD storage, unlimited email accounts, and cPanel access.
- Enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee with every plan.
Additional features
- Pick from four server locations: Michigan, Arizona (USA), Amsterdam, or Singapore.
- Free SSL certificates included for security.
- Website staging environment provided.
- Complimentary website migration service.
| Dev Tool | Has | Does Not Have |
|---|---|---|
| Cron Jobs | 19 | |
| WP-CLI | ||
| Git Access | 20 | |
| Composer | 21 | |
| Command-line MySQL Access | Hosting.com gives you SSH command-line access to both MySQL and MariaDB on shared hosting, allowing direct management through standard terminal commands. | |
| PHP Version Selection | ||
| Python Support | ||
| Node.js Support | Node.js is enabled on all higher shared plans except the entry-level option. |
How to Enable SSH Access on Hosting.com
- Once you purchase your hosting plan, SSH will be activated by default—there’s nothing more you need to do.
- To connect, use your favourite SSH client (like PuTTY or Terminal), enter your server’s IP, and log in with your supplied credentials.
- If you’re having connection issues, check your cPanel to ensure the SSH credentials are correct, or reach out to support for assistance.
How to Troubleshoot Permission Denied Errors in SSH
- Double-check your username and password—mistyped details are a common issue.
- Ensure your IP is whitelisted if the server restricts SSH access to specific IP addresses.
- If using SSH keys, make sure they’re added to your account via cPanel under the SSH Access section.
| Live Chat | Phone | Ticket | Knowledge Base | Support Forum | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24/7 | 24/7 | 24/7 | 24/7 |
When it comes to support, Hosting.com matches InMotion with a range of contact channels. While a support forum isn’t available, phone support is included at every tier. Their customer assistance is available at all hours, so wherever you are or whenever you need help, you’ll be able to speak with an agent for guidance or troubleshooting.
| East Coast USA: 1.01s | West Coast USA: 1.45s |
| Central USA: 1.22s | London, UK: 1.79s |
| Paris, France: 2.17s | Mumbai, India: 3.50s |
5. GreenGeeks
GreenGeeks doesn’t enable SSH access by default for its shared hosting customers, but it’s easy to switch on by following GreenGeeks’ clear step-by-step help guide. To enable SSH access, simply visit your GreenGeeks dashboard, access cPanel, and look for the SSH section – their tutorial makes it straightforward, even for beginners.
GreenGeeks plans come loaded with useful options, and for anyone passionate about sustainability, their commitment to green energy makes their hosting an appealing choice.
How to Enable SSH on GreenGeeks
- Login to your GreenGeeks dashboard
- Navigate to cPanel
- Find and click on the SSH/Shell Access section
- Follow the on-screen instructions to activate SSH
If you ever run into trouble connecting via SSH, double-check your SSH key setup or reference their troubleshooting blog for common fixes.
GreenGeeks allows flexible billing—select from monthly, yearly, biennial, or triennial payment periods. However, their best value is the annual plan, since the longer ones use regular (non-promotional) pricing from the start. Every shared hosting package includes WordPress installation and the ability to activate SSH access. Here’s an overview of the main options:
- Lite: Starting at $2.95/month (renews at $12.95). Ideal for a single website, includes 25 GB storage, unlimited bandwidth, and up to 50 mailboxes.
- Pro: Starts at $4.95/month (renews at $17.95). Supports unlimited websites, 50 GB storage, unmetered bandwidth, and unlimited email accounts.
- All plans boast a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Additional Features
- Choose a data centre in the USA, Canada, Europe, or Singapore.
- SSL certificates at no extra cost, courtesy of Let’s Encrypt.
- Automatic daily backups for peace of mind.
- Integrated CDN at zero cost.
- One free domain for your first year.
- Website migration is included free of charge.
- WP-CLI for convenient WordPress management.
- Access to Git repositories.
- Drush for users of Drupal.
- Support for Perl and Python applications.
| Dev Tool | Has | Does Not Have | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cron Jobs | |||||||||||||||||||
| WP-CLI | 22 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Git Access | 23 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Composer | |||||||||||||||||||
| Command-line MySQL Access | GreenGeeks supports command-line MySQL access via SSH on their shared hosting plans. | ||||||||||||||||||
| PHP Version Selection | 24 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Python Support | |||||||||||||||||||
| Node.js Support | Node.js is only available
GreenGeeks offers extensive support with a variety of options to suit different needs. While live chat is available round the clock, telephone support has a sizeable window – from 9AM to midnight (EST). Although not all support types are 24/7, the coverage remains generous, even for those outside the EST time zone. How to Contact GreenGeeks Support
If you ever find yourself stuck – for instance, if SSH access doesn’t work, or you need to restore a backup – the knowledge base and support forum offer straightforward guides you can follow in minutes. Simply search for “How to enable SSH access in GreenGeeks shared hosting” or “How to troubleshoot WordPress errors on GreenGeeks.”
GreenGeeks provides impressive site loading speeds worldwide, so your visitors can enjoy a fast experience whether they’re in the USA, Europe or Asia. If you’re facing slow loading, check your website’s plugins, optimise your images, or contact support for a performance review. Searching “How to speed up my website on GreenGeeks” in their help centre will bring up detailed, practical guides to improve your site performance. |
Final quick recommendations
If you’re reading this, chances are your current web hosting doesn’t provide SSH access on a shared hosting plan, and you’re not looking to upgrade to a pricier VPS. You want more control without breaking the bank.
The good news is, you aren’t limited – several reputable shared hosting providers now give users SSH access as standard. This unlocks advanced tools so you can manage your site efficiently, even on budget-friendly plans.
Here’s a roundup of five excellent providers, each with its own strengths, so you can pick the one that suits your needs best:
- Namecheap: Outstanding value for long-term savings without compromising on features.
- Hostinger: Great for DIY users, offering a broad network of data centre locations for optimal site speed.
- InMotion / Hosting.com: Ideal for those who want excellent customer support and out-of-the-box SSH access.
- GreenGeeks: Fantastic all-rounder, featuring a comprehensive toolkit, a commitment to 300% green energy matching, and even planting a tree with every new hosting account.
Curious about managing websites via cthe ommand line? Have a look at our beginner’s guide to using WP-CLI for step-by-step instructions on common tasks.
How to Troubleshoot SSH Access Issues
Struggling to connect via SSH? Follow these steps:
- Ensure SSH is enabled in your hosting control panel.
- Double-check your credentials – username and password (or private key) must be correct.
- Confirm your firewall isn’t blocking the connection on port 22 (or the port your host uses).
- Still stuck? Search your host’s knowledge base for “SSH access not working on shared hosting” for tailored troubleshooting.
Do you use SSH on your shared hosting account? Let us know what worked or didn’t in the comments below!
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