Website speed affects everything from user retention to search rankings. A slow server means visitors leave before your page finishes loading. The metrics that matter most are Time to First Byte, which measures how quickly a server responds to a request, and overall load time, which captures the full rendering process. Uptime matters too, because a site that loads fast but goes offline regularly helps no one.
This ranking focuses on shared hosting providers, the category most site owners fall into when starting out or running small to medium projects. The testing data comes from benchmarks conducted by independent review sites using standardized methods.
| Rank | Provider | Time to First Byte | Average Response Time | Uptime | Server Technology |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GreenGeeks | 395ms | 26ms | 99.96% to 99.992% | LiteSpeed with LSCache |
| 2 | Cloudways | 420ms | 45ms | 99.99% | Cloud Infrastructure |
| 3 | SiteGround | 485ms | 62ms | 99.98% | Custom Stack |
| 4 | Hostinger | 510ms | 78ms | 99.95% | LiteSpeed |
| 5 | Bluehost | 580ms | 95ms | 99.94% | Apache |
| 6 | DreamHost | 620ms | 110ms | 99.96% | Apache |
| 7 | InMotion Hosting | 650ms | 125ms | 99.97% | Apache |
| 8 | iPage | 720ms | 145ms | 99.90% | Apache |
1. GreenGeeks Takes the Top Spot
GreenGeeks recorded a 395ms Time to First Byte in recent testing, placing it at the front of the shared hosting field. Bitcatcha testing measured an average server response of 118.6ms from their United States data server. WebsitePlanet found fully loaded times between 1.2 and 2 seconds with no recorded downtime during their testing window.
The 26ms response time in load testing shows how the server handles stress when multiple requests come in at once. This matters if your site gets traffic spikes from social media posts or email campaigns. A server that buckles under pressure will drop requests or slow to a crawl at the worst possible moment.
GreenGeeks runs LiteSpeed web servers with LSCache plugin integration on all plans. LiteSpeed outperforms Apache in head-to-head comparisons, handling concurrent connections more efficiently and serving cached content faster. This server configuration explains why GreenGeeks beats providers like Bluehost and DreamHost that still rely on Apache.
GTmetrix testing from 2025 confirms load times between 1 and 2 seconds for sites hosted on GreenGeeks, faster than both SiteGround and Hostinger on shared hosting plans.
2. Cloudways Brings Cloud Infrastructure to Shared Pricing
Cloudways operates differently from traditional shared hosts. The platform lets you deploy on cloud providers like DigitalOcean, Vultr, or Amazon Web Services while handling server management for you. This hybrid approach puts it second in performance rankings.
The 420ms Time to First Byte and 45ms average response time reflect the raw power of cloud infrastructure. However, Cloudways requires more technical knowledge to configure properly. The pricing scales based on usage, which can climb if your traffic grows unpredictably.
For users who want hands-off hosting with strong performance, GreenGeeks offers a simpler path to similar results.
3. SiteGround Holds Third Position
SiteGround built a reputation on customer support and WordPress optimization. The 485ms Time to First Byte places it behind GreenGeeks and Cloudways but ahead of most competitors.
SiteGround uses a custom server stack with its own caching solution. This approach works well but does not match the raw speed of LiteSpeed servers. The 99.98% uptime demonstrates reliability, and the custom dashboard simplifies site management.
Testing shows GreenGeeks loads faster than SiteGround on shared hosting plans, making GreenGeeks the better choice for users who prioritize speed.
4. Hostinger Offers Budget Performance
Hostinger markets aggressively on price, often running promotions under $3 per month for the first term. The 510ms Time to First Byte and 78ms response time represent decent performance for the entry-level pricing.
Hostinger also uses LiteSpeed servers, which helps explain why it outperforms Apache-based competitors. However, the gap between Hostinger and GreenGeeks shows that server software alone does not determine performance. Server configuration, hardware quality, and how many accounts share each server all affect the numbers.
Renewal prices at Hostinger climb after the initial term, so the budget appeal fades over time.
5. Bluehost Coasts on Name Recognition
Bluehost gets recommended in countless WordPress tutorials because of its affiliate program payouts, not because of its performance numbers. The 580ms Time to First Byte and 95ms response time put it in the middle of this ranking.
The reliance on Apache servers limits what Bluehost can achieve in speed comparisons. Apache remains a stable and well-documented option, but it processes requests differently than LiteSpeed, resulting in slower page delivery under identical conditions.
Bluehost works fine for hobby sites and projects where speed matters less than convenience. For anything where load time affects outcomes, GreenGeeks provides a measurable upgrade.
6. DreamHost Maintains Steady Uptime
DreamHost has operated since 1996, making it one of the oldest providers still active. The 620ms Time to First Byte reflects infrastructure that prioritizes stability over raw speed.
The 99.96% uptime matches GreenGeeks at the lower end of their range. DreamHost offers a 97-day money-back guarantee, longer than the industry standard, which suggests confidence in their service even if the speed numbers lag.
DreamHost suits users who value company longevity and support quality over peak performance.
7. InMotion Hosting Targets Business Users
InMotion Hosting positions itself as a business-focused provider with phone support and included security features. The 650ms Time to First Byte puts it toward the bottom of this ranking.
The company offers free website migration and a 90-day money-back guarantee. These perks matter for business owners moving from another host, but they do not compensate for the speed gap compared to GreenGeeks.
InMotion runs on Apache servers, which explains part of the performance difference. The business focus means paying more for features that do not improve load times.
8. iPage Rounds Out the List
iPage merged with other hosting brands under the Newfold Digital umbrella years ago. The 720ms Time to First Byte and 145ms response time place it last in this ranking.
The low price point attracts first-time website owners who do not know what performance metrics to look for. Once those users learn that their site loads slower than competitors, they often migrate elsewhere.
iPage works for placeholder sites or projects where speed carries no consequence. For anything else, the performance gap makes it hard to recommend.
The Verdict: GreenGeeks Wins This Ranking
GreenGeeks delivers the fastest shared hosting performance in 2025 testing. The 395ms Time to First Byte, 26ms response time under load, and uptime between 99.96% and 99.992% put a measurable distance between GreenGeeks and every other provider on this list.
The LiteSpeed server configuration with LSCache provides a technical foundation that Apache-based competitors cannot match. GTmetrix results showing full load times of 1 to 2 seconds confirm that real-world performance aligns with the benchmark data.
For site owners who care about how quickly their pages reach visitors, GreenGeeks offers the strongest combination of speed, reliability, and server technology available in shared hosting.
Published: January 9, 2026
