If you’re planning to switch web hosting providers, choosing one that offers free website migration can save you time, money, and technical headaches. Many top hosting companies provide seamless, no-cost migration services to help you move your website without downtime or data loss.
Best web hosting with free migration
Here’s a comprehensive guide to some of the best web hosts offering free migration services
#1. Hostinger is a global web hosting provider known for its affordable, high-performance hosting solutions, including shared hosting, cloud hosting, VPS, and specialized plans for WordPress, WooCommerce, and other platforms. It emphasizes user-friendly tools (like its custom hPanel), 24/7 customer support, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Hostinger also offers free migration services for eligible websites, making it a popular choice for users switching from other providers 26.
Key Migration Features of Hostinger
- Eligibility: Free for websites hosted elsewhere (not on Hostinger) and built on open-source CMS like WordPress or Joomla.
- Excludes custom builders (e.g., Shopify, Squarespace)
- Scope: Transfers website files and databases but excludes email services, cron jobs, or custom SSL configurations. Bulk migrations are not supported
- Process: Users submit a request via hPanel, providing source domain credentials or backup files. Hostinger’s team handles the transfer, typically within 24–48 hours 69.
- For tech-savvy users, Hostinger provides guides to manually upload backups via File Manager or phpMyAdmin. Supports .zip files (up to 256 MB) and requires matching PHP versions for compatibility
- Internal Transfers: Moving sites between Hostinger accounts or plans requires manual steps, such as using plugins (e.g., All-in-One WP Migration) or downloading/uploading files and databases
- Users are advised to delay DNS updates until migration completes to avoid downtime. Hostinger provides temporary subdomains for testing 16.
- Post-migration, domains can be pointed to Hostinger’s servers using SkipDNS for verification.
- Automated Transfers: WordPress sites can be migrated by submitting admin credentials. Multisite migrations require manual
- Post-Migration Checks: Ensures .htaccess files and database connections (e.g., wp-config.php) are intact to prevent 403/404 errors 36.
- Users can monitor migration status (Pending, In Progress, Completed, or Rejected) via hPanel’s Manage Migration Requests section. Rejected requests include notes for troubleshooting 79.
- 24/7 Customer Support: Available for migration issues, with live chat and tutorials for self-help
#2. SiteGround is a premium managed web hosting provider renowned for its high-performance infrastructure, robust security features, and exceptional customer support. Founded in 2004, it hosts over 2 million domains across six global data centers (U.S., Netherlands, UK, Germany, Australia, Singapore) and specializes in WordPress, WooCommerce, and cloud hosting solutions.
Key offerings include:
- Speed & Security: Google Cloud infrastructure, free CDN, daily backups, and AI anti-bot systems.
- User-Friendly Tools: Custom Site Tools panel (replacing cPanel), one-click staging, and auto-updates for CMS platforms
- Support: 24/7 expert assistance via chat, phone, and tickets 67.
SiteGround’s Migration Features
SiteGround simplifies website transfers with automated tools and expert services, ensuring minimal downtime and data integrity.
Core migration features:
- Free WordPress Migrator Plugin
- Automated Transfers: Moves WordPress sites (files, databases, themes, plugins) to SiteGround with a few clicks using a unique migration token.
- No Downtime: Creates a copy of the live site without disrupting the original.
Limitations: Excludes localhost sites, full Multisite networks, and non-WordPress content (e.g., custom applications).
Professional Migration Service
- Expert-Led Transfers: SiteGround’s team handles migrations for non-WordPress sites (e.g., Joomla, custom PHP) or complex cases.
- Process: Users submit access credentials (FTP, control panel) via the Help Desk; transfers take up to 5 business days.
- Cost: Free for WordPress on GrowBig/GoGeek plans; paid for other scenarios.
Email Migrator Tool
- Seamless Email Transfer: Moves email accounts (up to 7GB) from old hosts to SiteGround via IMAP, preserving folders and attachments.
- Steps: Accessible via Site Tools > Email Migrator; requires MX record updates post-migration.
Manual Migration Support
- For advanced users, SiteGround provides guides to manually upload backups via FTP/SFTP or restore databases (e.g., using phpMyAdmin).
Post-Migration Assistance
- Temporary URLs: 48-hour staging links to test migrated sites before DNS updates
- DNS Management: Guides for updating nameservers to ns1.siteground.net and ns2.siteground.net.
- Error Resolution: Dedicated support for fixing common migration issues (e.g., PHP compatibility, broken links)
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#3. A2 Hosting is a high-performance web hosting provider known for its speed-optimized infrastructure, developer-friendly tools, and 24/7 “Guru Crew” support. Founded in 2003, it offers a range of hosting solutions, including shared hosting, VPS, dedicated servers, and managed WordPress plans, with a focus on Turbo Servers (featuring NVMe storage and LiteSpeed caching) for faster load times.
Key features include:
- 99.9% Uptime Guarantee: Backed by redundant data centers in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
- Free Site Migrations: Expert-led transfers for most hosting types.
- cPanel Integration: Familiar interface for server management.
- Developer Tools: Support for Node.js, Python, Ruby, and Git.
A2 Hosting’s Migration Features
- A2 Hosting simplifies migrations with free “white-glove” services for eligible accounts and detailed guides for manual transfers. Below are its core offerings:
Free cPanel Migrations
- Scope: Transfers website files, emails, databases, and cPanel settings (e.g., cron jobs, SSL certificates) for:
- Shared, Reseller, and Managed WordPress hosting.
- Managed VPS/Dedicated servers (partial automation).
- Exclusions: Server-level configurations (e.g., firewall rules, custom PHP/Apache settings) require manual intervention.
Process:
- Submit a migration request via the Hosting Panel with source server credentials.
- A2’s team completes the transfer within 24–48 hours (typically faster for small sites).
- Test the site using a temporary URL before updating DNS.
Manual Migration Support
For non-cPanel hosts (e.g., Plesk, custom setups), A2 provides guides to:
- Upload files via FTP/SFTP to the public_html directory.
- Migrate emails using IMAP or export/import tools.
- Transfer databases via phpMyAdmin or command line.
WordPress-Specific Tools
- Auto-Installation: One-click WordPress setup with pre-optimized plugins (e.g., A2 Optimized for caching/security).
- TurboHub: A dashboard for managing WordPress updates and performance metrics (currently in early stages).
Post-Migration Best Practices
- DNS Management: Update nameservers to A2’s (ns1.a2hosting.com, ns2.a2hosting.com) after testing.
- Downtime Mitigation: Recommend a 7-day overlap between old and new hosting to ensure seamless transitions.
- Email Migration: Use A2’s IMAP tools or manually reconfigure email clients.
Limitations and Fees
- Free for Standard Transfers: Most cPanel-based migrations are free.
- Paid for Complex Cases: Non-cPanel migrations or large-scale transfers may incur fees (disclosed upfront)
#4. InMotion Hosting is a U.S.-based web hosting provider founded in 2001, offering a range of hosting solutions, including shared hosting, VPS, dedicated servers, and managed WordPress plans. Known for its high reliability (99.99% uptime guarantee), 24/7 expert support, and performance-optimized infrastructure (NVMe SSD storage, UltraStack technology), InMotion caters to businesses, developers, and enterprises seeking scalable hosting with robust security features like free SSL, DDoS protection, and automated backups.
InMotion’s Migration Features
InMotion simplifies website transfers with free expert-assisted migrations, automated tools, and comprehensive support for diverse hosting environments.
Below are its key migration offerings:
- Free Professional Migration Services
- Eligibility: Free for cPanel-to-cPanel transfers, WordPress sites, and select plans (e.g., Shared Hosting, Managed WordPress)
- Scope: Transfers files, databases, emails, and configurations. Excludes non-CPanel hosts or custom setups requiring manual intervention.
Process:
- Submit a Website Transfer Request (WTR) via the Account Management Panel (AMP) with source server credentials.
- InMotion’s team handles the transfer within 24–48 hours, minimizing downtime via temporary URLs for testing.
- Post-migration, DNS updates (nameservers to ns1.inmotionhosting.com) complete the process.
Launch Assist for Complex Migrations
- Paid Service: For VPS/dedicated server customers or complex cases (e.g., multisite WordPress, large databases).
Includes:
- 2–4 hours of free migration support with plan purchases; additional hours billed as needed.
- Custom DNS/SSL setups, server-to-server transfers, and email migrations (IMAP/cPanel-based).
WordPress-Specific Tools
- Plugin-Based Migrations: Supports tools like All-in-One WP Migration and Duplicator for manual transfers.
- Automated Transfers: Free for Managed WordPress plans; preserves URL structures and updates wp-config.php automatically.
Email and Database Migrations
- Email: Transfers cPanel-hosted emails; third-party services (e.g., Microsoft 365) require manual setup.
- Databases: MySQL databases are migrated intact, with post-transfer validation for integrity.
SEO and Downtime Mitigation
- SEO Preservation: Maintains URL structures, implements 301 redirects, and updates canonical tags to avoid ranking drops.
- Zero Downtime: Shared IP migrations avoid downtime; dedicated IP/SSL migrations may incur brief interruptions
#5. DreamHost is a leading web hosting provider founded in 1996, offering a range of hosting solutions, including shared hosting, managed WordPress (DreamPress), VPS, and dedicated servers. Known for its 100% uptime guarantee, open-source advocacy, and customer-first approach, DreamHost emphasizes speed (SSD storage, built-in caching), security (free SSL, automated backups), and scalability for businesses and developers. Its user-friendly custom control panel and 24/7 expert support further enhance the hosting experience.
DreamHost’s Migration Features
- DreamHost simplifies website transfers with free automated tools, professional migration services, and comprehensive support for diverse platforms.
Below are its key offerings:
Free Automated WordPress Migration
- Plugin-Based: Uses the DreamHost Automated Migration Plugin (powered by BlogVault) for seamless WordPress transfers. Users install the plugin on their existing site, enter a migration token, and let DreamHost handle the rest.
- No Downtime: Creates a copy of the live site without disruption. Supports subdomains and temporary domains but excludes subdirectory installations (e.g., example.com/blog).
- Multisite Support: Requires “Network Activation” of the plugin but is limited to full-network migrations (not individual subsites).
Professional Migration Services
- WordPress: Free with DreamPress plans (normally $199/site), includes priority support and a 1-business-day turnaround.
- Non-WordPress Sites: Paid service ($99) for platforms like Joomla or custom PHP. Excludes proprietary builders (Wix, Squarespace) and ASP-based sites.
- Process: Submit credentials via the Site Transfer page; DreamHost’s team validates and migrates files, databases, and configurations.
Flexible Domain and Testing Options
- Alternative Domains: Migrate to a new domain (e.g., rebranding) or test via temporary domains (e.g., example.dreamhosters.com) before DNS updates.
- Pre-Migration Scans: Detailed health checks identify blockers (e.g., outdated PHP versions) before automated transfers.
Post-Migration Support
- DNS Management: Guides for updating nameservers to ns1.dreamhost.com or pointing A records for partial migrations.
- SEO Preservation: Maintains URL structures and internal links. HTTPS setup is post-migration for SSL-enabled sites.
- Money-Back Guarantee: Refunds for delays caused by DreamHost or cancellations before migration starts.
Limitations and Requirements
- Exclusions: Localhost sites, WordPress.com content (partial imports only), and hacked sites (must be cleaned pre-migration).
- Email Migration: Not included; users must handle email transfers separately via IMAP or manual configurations
#6. HostGator is a leading budget-friendly web hosting provider founded in 2002, offering shared, VPS, dedicated, and cloud hosting, along with specialized WordPress and reseller plans. Known for its unmetered bandwidth, 99.9% uptime guarantee, and user-friendly cPanel interface, HostGator caters to beginners and small businesses with 24/7 support and a 45-day money-back guarantee.
HostGator’s Migration Features
- HostGator provides free and paid migration services to help users transfer websites seamlessly.
Here’s a breakdown of its offerings:
Free cPanel Migrations
- Eligibility: Free for cPanel-to-cPanel transfers (e.g., from another shared hosting provider).
- Scope: Moves files, databases, emails, and settings automatically.
Process:
- Submit a migration request via HostGator’s support portal with your old host’s cPanel credentials.
- HostGator’s team completes the transfer within 24–48 hours.
- Test the site using a temporary URL before updating DNS.
Paid Professional Migrations ($150/site)
- For Non-cPanel Hosts: Supports transfers from platforms like Plesk, WordPress.com, or custom setups includes: Full website, database, and email migration with SEO preservation (301 redirects, URL structure maintenance).
Manual Migration Options
- FTP/SFTP Transfers: Users can manually upload files via File Manager or FTP clients like FileZilla.
- Database Migration: Export/import via phpMyAdmin or command line (SSH).
- WordPress Plugins: Supports All-in-One WP Migration or Duplicator for self-managed transfers.
Post-Migration Support
- DNS Updates: Switch nameservers to HostGator (ns1.hostgator.com, ns2.hostgator.com) after testing.
- Downtime Mitigation: Recommends low-TTL DNS settings before cutover to minimize disruption.
- Email Migration: IMAP transfers for emails; excludes third-party services (e.g., Google Workspace).
Limitations
- No Free Non-cPanel Migrations: Manual or paid services required for non-cPanel hosts.
- Exclusions: Custom server configurations, localhost sites, or hacked websites (must be cleaned first).
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#7. GreenGeek is an eco-friendly web hosting provider founded in 2008, specializing in sustainable hosting solutions powered by 300% renewable energy. It offers shared hosting, VPS, reseller hosting, and managed WordPress plans, with a focus on speed (SSD storage, LiteSpeed servers), security (free SSL, nightly backups), and scalability. Key features include a user-friendly cPanel interface, 99.9% uptime guarantee, and 24/7 support via live chat, email, and phone.
GreenGeeks’ Migration Features
- GreenGeeks provides free and paid migration services to transfer websites seamlessly, prioritizing minimal downtime and data integrity.
Below are its core offerings: Free cPanel-to-cPanel Migrations
- Scope: Transfers entire cPanel accounts, including files, databases, emails, and settings (e.g., cron jobs, SSL certificates).
Process
- Submit a migration request via the Support Portal, providing source host credentials (cPanel/FTP).
- GreenGeeks’ team handles the transfer within 24–48 hours.
- Test the site using a temporary URL before updating DNS.
Limitations: Excludes non-cPanel hosts or custom configurations (e.g., Plesk, Windows servers).
Paid Manual Migrations
- Cost: $15 per website for non-CPanel transfers (e.g., WordPress.com, static sites).
Inclusions:
- Partial migrations (e.g., single domains, addon domains).
- Email transfers via IMAP (excludes third-party services like Office 365).
WordPress-Specific Tools
- Automated Plugin: Free for WordPress sites; preserves permalinks and database connections.
- Expert Assistance: Managed WordPress plans include priority migration support.
Post-Migration Support
- DNS Management: Guides for updating nameservers to GreenGeeks’ servers (ns1.greengeeks.net).
- SEO Preservation: Maintains URL structures and implements 301 redirects if needed.
- Backups: Nightly backups ensure data recovery post-migration 6.
Exclusions:
- Infected sites (must be cleaned pre-migration).
- Localhost or custom-built applications.
- Email Migration: Manual setup required for non-CPanel email services
#8. Kinsta: offers premium managed WordPress hosting with free expert-led migration services. Their team handles the entire process, ensuring a smooth transition to their high-performance platform. Kinsta is a premium managed WordPress hosting provider renowned for its high-performance infrastructure, robust security measures, and exceptional customer support. A standout feature of Kinsta is its free website migration service, designed to facilitate a seamless transition for users moving their WordPress sites from other hosting providers.
Key Migration Features
- Unlimited Free Migrations: Kinsta offers unlimited free migrations for standard WordPress sites from any hosting provider. This service is available across all Kinsta plans, ensuring that users can move their sites without incurring additional costs.
- Expert Migration Team: All migrations are handled by Kinsta’s in-house team of WordPress experts. They manage the entire process, ensuring a smooth transition with no downtime. Users can monitor the migration status through the MyKinsta dashboard. ([Unlimited Free WordPress Migrations From All Hosts – Kinsta
- Flexible Scheduling: Users have the option to schedule migrations at their convenience. Whether you prefer an immediate transfer or a planned migration at a later date, Kinsta accommodates your schedule.
- Expedited Migration Option: For urgent needs, Kinsta offers an expedited migration service for $49 per site, aiming to complete the process within 8 hours. If this timeframe isn’t met, the fee is refunded.
- Free Malware Cleanup: During the migration, if any malware is detected, Kinsta’s team will clean your site at no additional charge, ensuring a secure environment post-migration.
- Support for Complex Sites: Kinsta’s migration service accommodates complex WordPress setups, including multisite networks, WooCommerce stores, and sites with custom configurations. ([Free and unlimited WordPress migrations
DIY Migration Tools
- For users who prefer to handle the migration themselves, Kinsta provides detailed documentation and supports popular migration plugins like Duplicator and Migrate Guru.
With these features, Kinsta ensures a hassle-free migration experience, allowing users to benefit from its high-performance hosting environment without the typical challenges associated with moving websites.
#9. Liquid Web provides managed hosting solutions, including dedicated servers, cloud hosting, VPS, and specialized platforms like WordPress, WooCommerce, and Magento. It emphasizes 24/7/365 premium support, robust security, and scalable infrastructure tailored for businesses requiring high uptime and performance 247.
Key Migration Features of Liquid Web
Liquid Web’s migration services are designed to minimize downtime, preserve SEO, and handle technical complexities.
Here’s a breakdown of their offerings:
- Fully Supported Migrations: Includes transfers between identical control panels (e.g., cPanel to cPanel) with root-level SSH access. Ideal for straightforward server or domain migrations 3.
- Beyond Scope Support: For partial migrations (e.g., email-only, cross-platform like Plesk to cPanel) or limited access scenarios (e.g., FTP or wp-admin-only WordPress migrations).
- Unsupported Migrations: Excludes incompatible scenarios (e.g., Windows-to-Linux migrations or unsupported software) 3.
- Pre-Migration Planning: Clients define scope (single site vs. entire server), clean up redundant data, and update software (e.g., PHP, CMS) to ensure compatibility 75.
- Data Transfer: Specialists perform an initial sync to copy data, validate functionality, and conduct iterative dirty page tracking for live updates 58.
- Testing & Validation: Clients test the staging environment via host file adjustments to preview the site pre-launch 5.
- DNS Cutover: Liquid Web assists with DNS updates (for existing customers) to minimize downtime, typically 20–50 minutes during propagation 45.
- URL Mapping & 301 Redirects: Ensures link equity and avoids broken links during domain or platform changes 1.
- Content Optimization: Compresses media, updates metadata, and maintains analytics tracking post-migration 15.
- Zero-Downtime Transfers: Uses technologies like VMware’s vMotion to move active VMs between physical servers without interrupting services, ideal for hardware maintenance or load balancing 8.
- Phased Approach: Includes pre-copy memory transfers, dirty page iterations, and a brief quiescence phase for final synchronization 8.
- Managed Migrations: Free for WordPress, WooCommerce, and Magento hosting plans. Specialists handle technical steps, including server configuration and SSL setup 24.
- Collaborative Workflow: Clients provide access credentials (SSH, cPanel) and test post-migration, while Liquid Web resolves issues.
#10. HostArmada is a modern web hosting provider offering a range of services, including shared, VPS, dedicated, and managed WordPress hosting. A standout feature is its free website migration service, designed to facilitate a seamless transition for users moving their websites from other hosting providers.
Key Migration Features
- Sign Up: Choose a HostArmada hosting plan that suits your needs.
- Submit a Migration Request: Log in to your HostArmada account, navigate to the “Support” section, and submit a ticket under the “Website Transfer” category.
- Provide Necessary Details: Fill out the migration form with information such as your previous hosting provider, control panel type and URL, FTP hostname, and login credentials.
- Migration Execution: HostArmada’s expert migration team will handle the entire transfer process, ensuring minimal downtime and preserving your site’s integrity.
Types of Migrations
Below are the types of migration Hostarmada offers;
- Full cPanel Migration: For users migrating from a cPanel-based host, HostArmada can perform a complete transfer, including website files, databases, email accounts, and settings.
- Manual Migration: For non-CPanel hosts, HostArmada offers manual migration services, which may involve copying data via FTP, SSH, or tar archive, and manually configuring website and email accounts.
- Free SSL Certificate Installation: HostArmada provides free SSL certificates for all websites hosted on their platform.
- Free Domain Name: New customers receive a free domain name registration or transfer with their hosting plan.
- Free Daily Backups: HostArmada offers free daily backups on all hosting plans, ensuring data safety.
- 45-Day Money-Back Guarantee: Users can test HostArmada’s services risk-free with a 45-day money-back guarantee.