Overview
- Jump To Details
A2 Web Hosting
Best for Client Billing and Management - Jump To Details
HostGator Web Hosting
Best for Unlimited Domains and Email - Jump To Details
Hostwinds Web Hosting
Best for Unlimited Data Transfers and Storage - Jump To Details
Liquid Web Hosting
Best for Free DDoS Protection - Jump To Details
AccuWeb Hosting
Best for Operating System Options - Jump To Details
GoDaddy Web Hosting
Best for Excellent Customer Service - Jump To Details
InMotion Web Hosting
Best for Linux Plan Variety - Jump To Details
SiteGround Web Hosting
Best for Unlimited Site Hosting and WordPress Support - Jump To Details
FatCow Web Hosting
Best for Unlimited Storage and Data Transfers - Jump To Details
A Small Orange Web Hosting
Best for Live Customer Service Chat
Operating your own web hosting business is a tremendous undertaking that requires significant resources and effort. You may be able to provide top-notch customer service, but acquiring key infrastructure is a massive hurdle. However, it doesn't have to be, as web hosting services offer a solution for entrepreneurs trying to break into the business: reseller hosting, aka "white-label hosting."
With reseller hosting, you rent server space, software, and bandwidth from a larger, experienced web hosting company at wholesale prices, and then resell the resources for profit to someone looking to build a website.
If you're looking to get into the reseller business, check out these 10 reviewed web hosts that offer the valuable tools needed to get started. Then check out our explainer that tells you everything you need to know about reseller hosting.
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
A2 Web Hosting
Best for Client Billing and ManagementWhy We Picked It
The well-rounded A2 Hosting delivers reseller hosting options with unlimited email and up to 2,700GB of monthly data transfers. 24/7 tech support makes managing your server business vastly more convenient when technical trouble arises.
Who It’s For
Anyone who wants to save money on client billing and invoice management software. A2's reseller packages are bundled with either the Blesta or WebHost Manager Complete Solution (WHMCS) apps, so you needn't spend a dime to stay on top of financial happenings.
Pros
- Robust hosting packages, particularly WordPress
- Excellent customer service
- Terrific uptime
- Good money-back refund plan
Cons
- Lacks Windows server options
- Relatively expensive
Learn MoreA2 Web Hosting ReviewHostGator Web Hosting
Best for Unlimited Domains and EmailWhy We Picked It
HostGator offers well-designed reseller packages that include unlimited emails, unlimited domains, a free SSL certificate, and either the Linux or Windows operating system. Even better, each HostGator tier has these useful features.
Who It’s For
HostGator is a fantastic solution for resellers who want room to grow. The Linux or Windows options give you the needed OS flexibility when creating your online business, and the free SSL certificate is the icing on the cake for security-minded people.
Pros
- Numerous feature-rich hosting plans
- Excellent shared hosting offerings
- Good for novice webmasters
- Useful site-building software and e-commerce tools
- Helpful, 24/7 customer service
- Outstanding uptime
Cons
- Not all plans have a Windows Server option
- Some annual plans cost more than paying month by month
Learn MoreHostGator Web Hosting ReviewHostwinds Web Hosting
Best for Unlimited Data Transfers and StorageWhy We Picked It
Editors’ Choice pick Hostwinds edges out the competition thanks to its stacked reseller options that include unlimited email, storage, and monthly data transfers. It also offers free SSL certificates, website monitoring, and 24/7 support. Basic reselling options lack client management software, but its white-label reseller package (which omits the Hostwinds branding) comes with the WHMCS billing and automation platform.
Who It’s For
If you don't want to bother with data caps, check out Hostwind's versatile, flexible packages. The service could be the perfect fit for clients working with storage-devouring media files, such as high-resolution photo images and videos.
Pros
- Terrific uptime in testing
- Excellent reseller and VPS hosting plans
- Good customer service
- Minecraft server hosting
Cons
- Not every plan has a Windows server option
- Short money-back guarantee window
Learn MoreHostwinds Web Hosting ReviewLiquid Web Hosting
Best for Free DDoS ProtectionWhy We Picked It
Liquid Web is a name you can trust for serious web hosting muscle. This is especially true if you’re looking to get into the web hosting business, but don’t want to deal with server or infrastructure management. Liquid Web is costlier than other competing reselling options, but its services include WHMCS, instant provisioning, and free DDoS protection.
Who It’s For
Resellers who want additional security and peace of mind. Liquid Web's free DDoS protection is a boon for an online business, as it prevents malicious traffic from hammering your website.
Pros
- Robust dedicated, VPS, cloud, and reseller packages
- Prorated VPS plans
- Powerful, high-end server specs
- Terrific customer service
- Excellent uptime in testing
Cons
- Lacks shared hosting plans
- Expensive, with few refund options
Learn MoreLiquid Web Hosting ReviewAccuWeb Hosting
Best for Operating System OptionsWhy We Picked It
Options are always a good thing, and AccuWeb offers many of them with its reseller hosting plans. AccuWeb has Linux-based and Windows-based reselling options, plus robust, white-label Windows VPS reseller options that feature up to 30GB of RAM.
Who It’s For
People who appreciate operating system freedom. Different OSes attract different customers, so it's beneficial to have a web hosting service that offers Linux and Windows.
Pros
- Great budget-friendly shared hosting options
- Excellent dedicated hosting plans
- Offers a choice of Linux or Windows servers
- Helpful customer service
Cons
- Limited email accounts with some plans
Learn MoreAccuWeb Hosting ReviewGoDaddy Web Hosting
Best for Excellent Customer ServiceWhy We Picked It
GoDaddy is a well-known brand for a reason. With it, you get white-label hosting that you can brand yourself, as well as award-winning, 24/7 customer support that includes multilingual options.
Who It’s For
Managing web hosting can be a daunting experience, so it's good to have assistance when a problem occurs. In addition, GoDaddy extends this excellent assistance to your customers, so you can rest easy knowing that your clients are in good hands.
Pros
- Top-notch uptime
- Linux- and Windows-based servers
- Email tightly integrated into Microsoft apps
- Helpful, 24/7 customer support
- Useful website-builder software
Cons
- Lacks cloud hosting
- Doesn't offer much default email
Learn MoreGoDaddy Web Hosting ReviewInMotion Web Hosting
Best for Linux Plan VarietyWhy We Picked It
InMotion’s reseller hosting packages offer a bevy of perks, including unlimited domains, emails, and websites. Even better, the company has numerous shared and VPS reseller hosting tiers. InMotion also lets you buy white-label servers that include a WHMCS billing software license.
Who It’s For
InMotion's robust, Linux-based plans make the company a terrific pick for entrepreneurs with either small or large businesses, as the packaged variety lets you find a reseller hosting tier that best fits your operation.
Pros
- Excellent uptime
- Many hosting types
- All plans offer unlimited email
- Unlimited data transfers with all Shared and WordPress plans
- Lengthy, money-back guarantee
- Easy-to-use website-building software
Cons
- Lacks Windows servers
- Not all plans have month-to-month payment options
Learn MoreInMotion Web Hosting ReviewSiteGround Web Hosting
Best for Unlimited Site Hosting and WordPress SupportWhy We Picked It
Sometimes simpler is better, and SiteGround streamlines its reseller hosting plans to just three feature-packed, Linux-based plans. All reseller packages come with unlimited websites, unlimited emails, and even free SSL certificates. Its higher-tier options give you white-label servers and priority support, and its high-end Cloud tier lets you create custom packages.
Who It’s For
This provider is ideal for resellers in need of streamlined plans with unlimited website hosting. It’s also great for clients who favor WordPress, as SiteGround offers rich WordPress-focused support that includes free installations, automated updates, and staging.
Pros
- Good uptime in testing
- Monthly and annual hosting plans
- Free SSL certificate with all plans
- Many useful free services included
- Lets customers choose server locations
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- Lacks dedicated, VPS, and Windows server options
- Relatively low storage
Learn MoreSiteGround Web Hosting ReviewFatCow Web Hosting
Best for Unlimited Storage and Data TransfersWhy We Picked It
Despite its silly name, the simple FatCow has useful plans that include unlimited monthly data transfers, storage, email, subdomains, and databases. It even lets you apply your own company branding.
Who It’s For
FatCow is a good reseller option if you'll potentially have clients who don't want to be constrained by monthly data transfer and storage allotments.
Pros
- A wide array of hosting types
- Strong uptime
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- No Windows-based servers
Learn MoreFatCow Web Hosting ReviewA Small Orange Web Hosting
Best for Live Customer Service ChatWhy We Picked It
The three reseller plans offered by A Small Orange are ideal for beginners. A Small Orange lacks the features that are available with the more prominent web hosting services, such as unlimited monthly data transfers and unlimited storage. Still, the web host has excellent 24/7 support.
Who It’s For
A Small Orange is a simple reseller that is ideal for prospective resellers who are unfamiliar with the business. Plus, its live chat means you’re just a few keystrokes away from a helping hand should you encounter technical trouble.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- A wide variety of hosting plans
- Strong uptime in testing
Cons
- Lacks Windows-based servers
- No telephone tech support
- High-end specs aren't as good as the competition's offerings
Learn MoreA Small Orange Web Hosting Review
Buying Guide: The Best Reseller Web Hosting Services for 2024
What Is Reseller Hosting?
With reseller (aka "white-label") hosting you rent server space, software, and bandwidth from a larger, experienced web hosting company at wholesale prices, and then resell the resources for profit to someone looking to build a website.
There is a lot of demand for web hosting, whether it is shared hosting, WordPress hosting, dedicated hosting, or virtual private server (VPS) hosting. Web hosting is the backbone for personal blogs, corporate websites, podcasts, vlogs, and nearly anything else you can imagine that exists on the web. Resellers are aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make a few bucks in the web hosting arena, as well as web designers and developers who want to expand their client offerings (and make a few bucks).
Resellers set the pricing structure for their offerings, not the web host that provides the servers and software. In many cases, resellers brand their packages by using a customized control panel. This establishes a level of trust with people who may already be familiar with the reseller's brand. Who wouldn't want to set up shop with your company if you've done well by them in the past? And branding is important if you're looking to get into the reseller hosting game. More on that in a bit.
How Does Reseller Hosting Work?
One of the main reasons people get into reselling web hosting, as opposed to building their own web hosting service from scratch, is the ease of entry. Reseller hosting does not require the extensive technical understanding of infrastructure that hosting from the ground up does.
Resellers are responsible for interacting with their customers but are not responsible for hardware, software, or connectivity problems. Web hosts' data center operators are responsible for that type of troubleshooting. However, resellers may be placed in the tricky position of liaising between the hosting provider and the customer for other kinds of technical support, such as billing and payment issues. In other words, you'll need to demonstrate patience and understanding when dealing with irate customers.
Ideally, you should be able to provide some basic support yourself. For those problems you can't solve, you'll need to contact the web host to find a solution. So, the level and quality of support provided by the service from whom you're renting your servers to resell can be quite important.
In addition, you must market your services to the public in order to attract clients. For example, if you already have an established web development company, then you have an established client base to which you can pitch your new hosting packages. Otherwise, you must hustle to spread awareness about your brand. After all, Person X may be familiar with GoDaddy's web hosting packages, but she may not be familiar with your brand. If you're part of a big company with big marketing dollars to spend, you may not have much to worry about. On the other hand, a one-person operation may have difficulty spreading the word about its new web hosting packages. Still, there are many would-be customers out there who prefer to deal with a smaller, more intimate company. That might be your sweet spot, as a reseller of web hosting.
Reseller Web Hosting Checklist
If you're planning to become a reseller, consider all the steps below.
- Estimate how many customers you can bring to start the business. This will determine the reseller package you'll need.
- Determine the types and sizes of packages you will offer your customers.
What Are the Key Reseller Hosting Features You Need?
With a reseller account, you get a selection of Linux- or Windows-based servers, email, custom cPanel account management apps, File Transfer Protocol, MYSQL database management software, standard and solid-state storage, money-back guarantees, and a variety of hosting types, generally including shared, dedicated, and VPS hosting).
You can also expect WebHost Manager (WHM) apps, reseller-specific software that lets you control your customers' dedicated or VPS server accounts. You are also likely to encounter WebHost Manager Complete Solution (WHMCS) software that lets you manage many customer-related features, including sign-ups, automated billing, and account termination.
Web hosts typically let you charge your clients as much as you like, but they expect their monthly cut. The monthly or yearly fees that web hosts charge you for their resources vary depending on the server specs. We've seen prices as low as $7 per month (that's cheap web hosting!), but the sky's the limit in terms of pricing out high-powered hardware.
How Does Reseller Hosting Differ From Affiliate Programs?
Reseller hosting lets you sell hosting packages, while affiliate programs drop a few dollars in your pocket whenever someone signs up for a web host via one of your affiliate links. The former is an active role, as you must build your client base, pitch them, and deal with customers' tech support issues. The latter is passive in that you can simply paste affiliate link codes into your personal or professional website, YouTube description box, or social media account.
Should You Resell Web Hosting?
Yes, if you want to get into the web hosting business without starting an entire operation from scratch, or if you're a web designer who wants to host your clients' separate control panels without ponying up money for potentially expensive dedicated hosting or VPS hosting. That said, you should know something about how web hosting works. You need to be ready for the inevitable problems that will arise, and you'll sometimes need to act as the messenger between your clients and your web hosting provider.
If you're just getting started in web hosting, make sure to check out our primer, How to Create a Website, as well as How to Register a Domain Name for Your Website. Linux vs. Windows: How to Pick the Best Server OS for Your Website is an excellent start, too.
Mike Williams contributed to this article.