Bulgaria may seem somewhat off the beaten path in the European Union, yet it has produced several notable web hosting companies. Our top pick, ScalaHosting, has grown significantly on the international stage. Other providers like AltusHost, Hostinger, and local company ICN continue to perform well both within the country and abroad.
ScalaHosting
ScalaHosting Review (2024)
ScalaHosting is a top contender for a wide range of web hosting needs. With a commendable HostScore above 80%, it excels in providing reliable and cost-effective hosting solutions. Whether you’re a beginner, a small business, or an eCommerce venture, ScalaHosting has something to offer. Notable features include the intuitive SPanel and the security-focused SShield, making it a solid choice for anyone seeking robust and innovative hosting services.
Despite a rise in renewal rates, ScalaHosting remains an attractive option, especially with its “Anytime Unconditional Money-back Guarantee.” This policy underscores their confidence in their services, offering a risk-free opportunity to experience top-tier web hosting.
Data Center Locations:
- North America
- South America
- Oceania
- Europe
- Asia
Recommended for:
- Beginners
- Budget-conscious users
- Small Businesses
- International Websites
- eCommerce
- Enterprises
- Managed WordPress Hosting
HostScore: 81.4%
Hosting Services:
- Shared Hosting
- Cloud Hosting
- Reseller Hosting
Pros:
- Outstanding uptime and speed
- Affordable pricing
- Anytime unconditional money-back guarantee
- Automated backup with 7 restore points
- Generous server resources, even on the lowest shared plan
- NVMe SSD storage for all shared hosting plans
- Innovative technologies like SPanel, SShield, and SWordPress
Cons:
- Price increase during the renewal
Hostinger
Hostinger Review (2024)
Hostinger is renowned for offering budget-friendly shared hosting solutions. It provides excellent performance, an intuitive control panel (hPanel), and multiple server locations worldwide. Hostinger is ideal for beginners, freelancers, and small businesses looking for an affordable yet reliable hosting option. While the prices increase after the initial term, the low entry costs make it easy to get started.
Data Center Locations:
- North America
- South America
- Europe
- Asia
Recommended for:
- Beginners
- Budget-conscious users
- Small Businesses
- International Websites
HostScore: 82.4%
Hosting Services:
- Shared Hosting
- VPS Hosting
- Cloud Hosting
Pros:
- Very cost-effective, with plans starting at $2.99/month
- Nine data centers across four continents
- User-friendly control panel (hPanel)
- Wide range of payment options
- Git environment available on shared hosting
- Additional 10% discount with coupon code “HOSTSCORE”
Cons:
- Price increase during the renewal
- No support for Windows hosting
AltusHost
AltusHost Review (2024)
AltusHost specializes in meeting the digital needs of European businesses, offering impressive hosting speed, reliability, and generous resource allocations. It’s a strong choice for those targeting European audiences, but its performance outside Europe may not be as strong. Additionally, some users have reported issues with customer support, which may be a consideration for those requiring more robust service.
Data Center Locations:
- Europe
Recommended for:
- Beginners
- Small Businesses
- Enterprises
- Adult Websites
HostScore: 64.2%
Hosting Services:
- Shared Hosting
- VPS Hosting
- Dedicated Servers
- Reseller Hosting
Pros:
- Excellent hosting speed and uptime for European markets
- Generous resource allocation
- Many freebies included in shared hosting plans
Cons:
- Limited reach outside Europe
- Some complaints about customer support
- Price increase during the renewal
How to Choose the Right Web Host for Your Bulgarian Website?
When selecting the best web hosting for a Bulgarian website, several key factors should be evaluated to ensure an optimal experience for both website owners and their intended audience. These include:
1. Local Providers vs. International Providers with Local Data Centers
Local Hosting Providers
- Advantages:
- Local Data Centers: Hosting on servers located in Bulgaria can significantly reduce latency for local visitors, enhancing site performance.
- Local Support and Language: Access to customer service in Bulgarian can improve communication for technical support and service inquiries.
- Disadvantages:
- Limited Global Reach: If your audience is international, relying solely on local hosting might not provide the best speeds worldwide. Integrating a Content Delivery Network (CDN) can mitigate this.
International Hosting Providers with Local Data Centers
- Advantages:
- Global Network: International providers with data centers in Bulgaria offer local hosting benefits for Bulgarian visitors and global reach for international audiences.
- Advanced Features: These providers often include enhanced security, automated backups, and scalability options.
- Disadvantages:
- Cost: Additional features and international presence might come at a higher price compared to purely local options.
- Potential Language Barrier: While many international hosts offer multilingual support, the primary language might not be Bulgarian.
2. GDPR Compliance
Europe has strict data privacy regulations, and if you intend to process data from European citizens, your web hosting provider must be GDPR compliant. Be cautious of providers that might try to pass off non-compliant standards as acceptable.
3. Pricing and Currency
While choosing a host that charges in Lev may seem convenient, it’s important to compare prices from both local and international providers. The best deal may not always be the one priced in the local currency.
Wrapping Up
Bulgaria offers a range of excellent web hosting options, both locally and internationally. Whether you need local support, international standards, or simply information in your own language, there are several choices that cater to diverse needs.
About Bulgaria (България)
Bulgaria (Bulgarian: България) is a Balkan nation in southeastern Europe, bordered by the Black Sea to the east. The country shares borders with Greece, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and Turkey. With a population of 7 million in 2019, the capital and largest city is Sofia, home to 1.3 million people. The official language is Bulgarian, written in Cyrillic.
Web Hosting Buyers FAQs
What makes a good web host?
Performance, security, customer support, and cost are the four main factors to consider when choosing a web host. Key considerations include server response speed, reliability, scalability, backup and recovery capabilities, and website migration support.
What are the different web hosting types available?
There are four main types of web hosting: Shared, VPS, Cloud, and Dedicated Hosting. Some hosting companies also offer specialized plans like Managed WordPress, WooCommerce, and Minecraft Hosting.
Which type of web hosting plan is right for me?
If you’re unsure about your website requirements, start with an affordable shared hosting plan. You can always upgrade to a VPS or cloud hosting plan as your site grows.
How do I choose the right web hosting provider?
Consider factors such as performance requirements, server security, scalability, customer support, and budget. For more detailed guidance, please read our choose-a-host guide.
Can I switch web hosting providers later?
Yes, switching web hosting providers is possible if your current provider does not meet your needs or if you find a better deal elsewhere. The process involves purchasing a new hosting plan, transferring your website files and database, and updating your domain’s DNS settings. Most reputable hosts offer migration services to assist with this.
What is a domain name, and do I get one with my web hosting service?
A domain name is the address used to access your website on the internet, such as “www.example.com.” Many hosting providers offer a free domain name for the first year as part of their hosting packages. After the first year, you will need to renew your domain registration annually at the market rate.
What is data transfer and storage space in web hosting?
Storage space refers to the amount of server space available to store your web files, while data transfer refers to the amount of data allowed to be transferred between your hosting account and users.
