[By purpose] Thorough comparison of how to choose a rental server and recommended 18 selections

Currently, a wide variety of rental server services have been released, and you can now choose according to your purpose, application, and budget. Each server has different functions and features, such as a server that can be used for free and a server with solid service and security. In order to choose the best rental server for your company or shop, it is a good idea to know the points to be compared and the main features. In this article, we will introduce checkpoints when choosing a rental server, how to choose by purpose, and recommended rental servers. We introduce a wide range of servers, from those suitable for personal blogs and small shops to rental servers equipped with extensive functions that can be used in various business situations, so please refer to them.

Table of contents

9 points to compare when choosing a rental server

First, I will explain the points you want to check when choosing a rental server.

Point 1. Achievements and reviews

The number of installation results proves the degree of ease of use and popularity. In addition, since it has been upgraded to reflect the voices of many users as it has a lot of introduction results, it has been improved to the latest functions that are easier to use. Word of mouth can also refer to the real voice of the user, so you can check not only the merits of each server but also the demerits.

Point 2. price

To use a rental server, initial costs and monthly usage fees are charged. Be sure to check these prices and calculate the cost-effectiveness. Even if you can use it for free, if it does not have the necessary security functions, it is not recommended for business use. Also, even if the initial cost is free, if the monthly fee is high, the total cost can be large. Many services offer a free trial period, so it would be a good idea to try out several types.

Point 3. display speed

The display speed of a rental server is important for users to comfortably use public websites and e-commerce sites. If the display speed is slow, it may cause users to leave and affect sales. Also, if the speed is evaluated as slow, the display ranking of Google search results will be lowered. Especially when using it on EC sites, it may be more cost-effective to focus on display speed even if the rental cost is slightly higher. In addition to speed, stability is also an important index, such as the difficulty of server errors and failures, and the difficulty of stopping, so check it.

Point 4. storage

The size of the storage, which is the disk capacity of the rental server, is also an important checkpoint. The required capacity varies depending on the number of users and purpose of use. In general, around 50GB is required for email usage by about 50 people, and at least around 80GB is required for operating an EC site. If you plan to use it for full-scale business, it is safe to have 100GB or more.

Point 5. Possible number of WordPress installations

Rental servers are compatible with WordPress, which makes it easy to create blogs and sites, and there are many rental servers dedicated to WordPress. When using multiple blogs and site accounts created with WordPress, the number of WordPress installations on the rental server side is also an important point. If you use multiple accounts, check the number of WordPress installations that can be installed along with the required capacity.

Point 6. support system

If there is a shortage of resources, such as no staff who are familiar with rental servers in the company, it is safe to have a good support system. Many services are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and can be contacted at any time by phone, email, chat, etc., so be sure to check in advance.

Having a backup or not is also an important selection point. Even if you accidentally delete important information or files, you can use it with peace of mind if it has a function that automatically backs up. The backup function may be a paid option, so be sure to check it.

Point 8. Presence or absence of a free domain

Although there are many rental servers that charge domain registration fees and usage fees, there are also services that provide their own domains for free. Some servers offer a limited number of free services, so be sure to check them out.

Point 9. Charges for SSL conversion

If you are going to use a rental server for your e-commerce site or business, make sure to choose a service that has perfect security measures. Above all, the SSL function that encrypts various information such as personal information is important, so be sure to enable it. There are rental servers that can use SSL for free, but the terms of use differ depending on the service. Although it has the necessary functions, if it is too expensive, the cost-effectiveness will be poor, so make sure to choose a service that will give you the maximum effect within your budget.

[By purpose] How to choose a rental server

Next, I will explain in detail how to choose a rental server for each purpose.

For personal blogs and store websites

If you want to keep costs as low as possible for your personal blog or website, a free or cheap rental server would be suitable. Some free servers have advertisements, and some services do not allow you to use your own domain or WordPress. In addition, some cheap rental servers have many defects and failures such as slow display speed and low stability. However, among the same free rental servers, there are also high-performance and multi-functional servers that can use ad-free or WordPress, and even cheap services. Please choose according to the purpose of use and necessary functions.

For profit-oriented sites, balance price and performance

If the purpose of the site is to attract customers and increase revenue, such as an EC site or a commercial site, choose a high-speed and highly stable server that is easy for visitors to use and prevents them from leaving. For EC sites that handle personal information, SSL is also required. It is reassuring that the support and backup functions in case of emergency are substantial. The more functions you need, the more expensive it will be, but there are servers that are multi-functional and high-performance at reasonable prices. Let’s make a decision while looking at the balance between the required performance and price.

Choose your own HP or owned media based on performance

If you want to use it in a full-scale business scene, such as your own website or owned media, choose a rental server with high performance and security. Please select from the services that meet your company’s desired functions, capacity, and access resistance. In order to improve usability, speed and stability are also important, and it is essential to be able to use your own domain. In terms of security, it is safer not only to use SSL, but also to use a firewall, WAF, IDS/IPS, etc. In addition to a 24/7 support system, there are also rental servers that provide free agency services for various settings. Even if the usage fee, option fee, and renewal fee are high, if it is for business use, prepare for these functions at a minimum.

3 recommended rental servers that can be used for free

From here, we will introduce recommended rental servers. First, I will introduce three services that can be used for free.

x free

X-free is a free rental server of “X-server” provided by X-server. Depending on the purpose of use, there are 3 plans: “HTML server function” that does not display advertisements, “PHP/MySQL server function” that can create dynamic sites, and “WordPress function” that has a dedicated high-speed system. You can choose, all available for free. Although the capacity is small, multiple original domains can be used, making it suitable for blog operations with multiple accounts.

StarServer Free

StarServer Free is a free version of “Star Server” operated by Net Owl. Star Server has a reputation for its cheapness and speed, and in the free version, you can choose from three plans: design-focused “ad-free plan”, “capacity increase plan”, and “PHP5 / PHP7 compatible plan” for video sites. . In addition to one multidomain, you can use up to 50 subdomains.

XREA

XREA is a cheap rental server with a free version provided by GMO Digilock. Although it is a free version, you can use WordPress, and you can use up to 100 email accounts with multi-domain support. SSL conversion is also free, and you can use such a fulfilling function completely free.

5 recommended rental servers for personal blogs and shop websites

Next, we will introduce a rental server that is suitable for website operations such as personal blogs, small retail stores, and restaurants.

Name.com rental server

The Onamae.com server operated by GMO Internet is a rental server characterized by low cost and speed, claiming No.1*1 for the lowest annual usage fee and No.1*2 for server processing speed. Since it is a rental server of “Onamae.com”, a major domain acquisition company, the specified domain is free forever during the contract period. WordPress is also easy to use, and you can receive free phone support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so it is suitable for personal blogs and site operations for shops.

*1 According to research by GMO Internet, March 2021. Compare major rental server companies and 200-300GB plans for each company

*2 Average value measured 5 times in December 2020 by Apache Bench

Lollipop!

Lollipop operated by GMO Pepabo ! is a cheap rental server that boasts over 2 million sites that have been used. Although it is a low-priced server that can be used for 110 yen per month, it has all the functions. It provides sufficient capacity for personal blogs and store sites, and has a reputation for stability and security. In addition, the support system such as telephone, email, and real-time chat is also substantial. There is also a 10-day free trial period.

Extreme rental server

The Extreme Server provided by Hyperbox is a cheap rental server that can be used from 104 yen per month. You can use multiple domains and WordPress, so it is suitable for managing blogs and sites with multiple accounts. SSL is also free, an automatic backup function is installed, and security is ensured by email virus checks and spam filters. The following three plans are available depending on the capacity. Choose a contract period from 1 month, 6 months, 12 months, 24 months and 36 months. Here are the price plans for 1 month usage.

Quicca Plus

Quicca Plus provided by Mflo is a rental server specialized for WordPress usage. WordPress can be easily installed and has an automatic setting function, so even beginners can easily build a site using WordPress. High speed and stability are also evaluated, and you can get up to 30 mail accounts. It supports free SSL and original domain, so it is a server suitable for individuals and small business owners. There is also a 10-day free trial period.

Sakura rental server

Sakura’s rental server provided by Sakura Internet is a long-established rental server with over 20 years of experience. As we operate Japan’s largest data center in-house, we are characterized by high speed and high security functions. For personal use, there are plans ranging from a cheap plan of 131 yen per month to a plan with a large capacity of 200GB that can also use WordPress, so you can choose according to the usage fee and purpose. In addition, there are plans for business use, and all plans are free and SSL compatible. All but the managed plan also have a two-week free trial period.

5 Recommended Rental Servers for Profitable Sites

Next, we will introduce recommended rental servers when operating a site for profit such as EC site management.

x server

The X-server provided by X-server is a rental server with the No. 1*1 market share in Japan, which boasts peace of mind and a proven track record. It is a full-fledged rental server that has a reputation for the highest server speed in Japan and an operation rate of 99.99% or more. The 11th domain can be used from 1 yen, and you can create unlimited subdomains and email accounts. SSL can also be used for free, so it is suitable for e-commerce site management. There is also a 10-day free trial period.

*1 As of November 2020, according to dataprovider.com

There are three price plans with different capacities. Choose a contract period from 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, 24 months, and 36 months, respectively. We offer a 3-month contract plan.

little server

The Little Server provided by Little Network in Kochi Prefecture is a rental server that pursues high performance at a low price but with many functions. All plans use SSD + http/2 to achieve high speed, original SSL is free, and you can use your own domain unlimitedly. WordPress can also be used, so it is suitable for EC site management companies that are conscious of cost performance. There is a 20 day free trial period.

Colorful Box

ColorfulBox provided by Colorful Labo is a rental server that pursues comfort and stability with ultra-high-speed functions. It uses LiteSpeed ​​for speed, and features such as HTTP/3 and LiteSpeed ​​Cache. In addition, even beginners can easily build a site with “WordPress Rapid Setup” that allows you to quickly create your own domain / SSL compatible site. With “automatic backup by region”, you can set the data storage destination and backup destination in different regions to hedge risks such as disasters, and the security aspect is enhanced by installing Imunify360 and WAF / IPS / IDS. Therefore, it can be used safely even for business use. There are 8 plans for individuals and 8 for corporations, depending on the capacity. Choose a contract period from 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, 24 months, and 36 months. Initial cost is free for contracts of 3 months or more. 2,200 yen for less than 3 months. Here is a price plan for a one-month contract. There is also a 30-day free trial period.

wpX Speed

wpX Speed ​​provided by X-Server is an ultra-high-speed cloud-type rental server optimized exclusively for WordPress on X-Server. Adopting the latest high-speed technology, the biggest features are ultra-high speed, high stability, and high load tolerance that can withstand a large amount of access. Since it is highly functional and can be used with WordPress, it can be used for a wide range of purposes, from personal use to business use. Initial setup fee is free.

mixhost

The biggest feature of “ mixhost ” operated by Aspocket is that you can easily start WordPress on your own domain with the WordPress quick start function. In addition, the free SSL uses the certificate of COMODO, which has the world’s top share, so security is also safe. It also has an automatic backup function and has a good reputation for its ease of use. There are 5 individual and corporate plans with different capacities. Choose a contract period from 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, 24 months, and 36 months, respectively. Initial setup fee is free for both. Here is a plan for a 3-month contract.

5 recommended rental servers for your own website and owned media

Finally, we will introduce a rental server that is suitable for full-scale business use, such as operating your own website and owned media.

x server business

X Server Business is the business version of “X Server” provided by X Server. It boasts industry-leading speed, stability, and access resistance, and realizes reduction of withdrawals due to display delays, prevention of downtime due to server load, and search engine countermeasures. The disk capacity is sufficient from 300GB, free original domain, full security function, 365 days support within 24 hours, free agency service for various settings, etc. Rental that can be used safely and comfortably even in the business scene. Server. There are three price plans with different capacities. Choose a contract period from 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, 24 months, and 36 months, respectively. Here is a plan for a 3-month contract. The initial cost for both is 16,500 yen.

Cono Ha WING G

ConoHa WING provided by GMO Internet is the fastest rental server in Japan. By using the simple setup function, you can easily open and migrate WordPress sites, and it is also characterized by the ability to automate domain settings and SSL. It also has an automatic backup function for the past 14 days and is compatible with smartphone apps, so you can always grasp the operating status of the server. Initial cost is free for both.

*1 *Surveyed by GMO Internet, March 2020

WebARENA SuiteX

WebARENA SuiteX provided by NTT PC Communications is characterized by its high-precision security functions. Equipped with Symantec’s firewall, IPS, website tampering detection, and virus check system as standard equipment, this rental server offers complete security measures, including data backup, as well as stability and high speed.

smile server

The Smile Server provided by NTT Smart Connect has a reputation for its high stability backed by 18 years of experience. Realizing an average operating rate of 99.998%, and using the NTT Group’s robust data center, regular data backups are implemented in case of emergency, so it can be used safely even for business use. Initial cost is free for both. A minimum of 6 months is required. The SSL set plan includes domain name substitution application fee, designated business registrar change, domain name maintenance management fee, and SSL server certificate fee.

CPICPI , a corporate rental server operated by the KDDI Group , is a service that emphasizes connection stability and is strong in mass access with large capacity and high-speed lines. It is fully equipped with functions and services that are ideal for business use, such as an SLA (Quality Assurance Program) that guarantees 100% uptime, a backup service as standard equipment, and a telephone and email support system. It boasts a track record of many introductions, including major companies, government offices, and foreign companies, and is a service suitable for full-fledged website creation. There are three price plans, but please inquire for details.

Rental server comparison points change depending on the purpose

There are various types of rental servers, from free ones, to cheap services that allow you to easily build a site, to servers that are expensive but multifunctional and have perfect security. The points you should check when choosing a server are price, speed, capacity, security functions, support system, etc., but the points to be emphasized will change depending on the purpose, usage, number of people, etc. If you are considering using a rental server, clarify the reason for your company’s introduction and compare while referring to this article.