These are the exact tools we use, test, and recommend at WPOLC. Every tool on this page has been personally vetted by our team. We only recommend products that we genuinely believe will help you build a better WordPress website. Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means we earn a small commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep WPOLC free for everyone.
Web Hosting
Your hosting is the foundation of your website. It affects your speed, security, and uptime. These are the hosting providers we trust and recommend for WordPress users at every level. Read our full hosting comparison guide for a detailed breakdown.
Hostinger
Best Budget WordPress Hosting
- ✓ Free domain name with annual plan
- ✓ Free SSL certificate
- ✓ LiteSpeed servers for fast loading
- ✓ 1 click WordPress installation
- ✓ Daily backups on all plans
- ✓ 24/7 customer support
- ✓ Starting under $3 per month
Bluehost
Officially Recommended by WordPress.org
- ✓ Free domain name with annual plan
- ✓ Free SSL certificate
- ✓ 1 click WordPress installation
- ✓ 24/7 phone and chat support
- ✓ Oracle Cloud infrastructure
- ✓ 30 day money back guarantee
- ✓ Check latest pricing
Cloudways
Best Managed Cloud WordPress Hosting
- ✓ Managed WordPress cloud hosting
- ✓ Choose from DigitalOcean, AWS, or Google Cloud
- ✓ Free SSL and automated backups
- ✓ 1 click WordPress installation
- ✓ 24/7 expert support
- ✓ Pay as you go pricing
- ✓ 99.99% uptime guarantee
Domain Name Registrars
A domain name is your website address on the internet. These registrars offer the cheapest prices with free privacy protection included. If you buy hosting from Hostinger or Bluehost, you get a free domain included. Read our full domain name guide for tips on choosing the perfect name.
Namesilo
Cheapest Domain Registrar
✓ Lowest domain prices available
✓ Free WHOIS privacy protection
✓ Simple, no nonsense dashboard
Visit Namesilo →Namecheap
Best Overall Domain Registrar
✓ Affordable domain prices
✓ Free privacy protection included
✓ Excellent user friendly dashboard
Visit Namecheap →WordPress Themes
Your theme controls how your website looks. These are the themes we trust for speed, design, and ease of use. Check our complete guide on the best WordPress themes for detailed comparisons of all top options.
Divi by Elegant Themes
Best Visual Page Builder Theme
- ✓ Drag and drop visual builder
- ✓ 2,600+ pre made templates
- ✓ No coding required
- ✓ Unlimited website usage
- ✓ Lifetime access option available
Astra
Best Lightweight Multipurpose Theme
- ✓ 2 million+ active installations
- ✓ Loads in under 0.5 seconds
- ✓ 240+ starter templates
- ✓ Works with all page builders
- ✓ Powerful free version available
GeneratePress
Fastest WordPress Theme
- ✓ Ultra lightweight (under 10kb)
- ✓ Blazing fast loading speed
- ✓ Clean, SEO friendly code
- ✓ Best developer support forum
- ✓ Free version available
Free in WordPress theme directory. Premium plugin available for advanced features.
WordPress Plugins
Plugins add features to your WordPress website without any coding. These are the plugins we personally use and recommend for every WordPress site.
Rank Math SEO
Best Free SEO Plugin
✓ On page SEO optimization
✓ XML sitemap generation
✓ Schema markup support
✓ Google Search Console integration
Get Rank Math Free →WPForms
Best Contact Form Plugin
✓ Drag and drop form builder
✓ Pre built form templates
✓ Spam protection built in
✓ Free Lite version available
Get WPForms Free →MonsterInsights
Best Google Analytics Plugin
✓ Connect Google Analytics easily
✓ See stats inside WordPress dashboard
✓ Track your most popular pages
✓ Free version available
Get MonsterInsights Free →Start Building Your WordPress Website
Not sure where to begin? Follow our step by step guides to go from zero to a live WordPress website: