Best Web Hosting with Free Migration (2026): 11 Providers Compared
Migration fees quietly drain budgets. Most hosts charge $50-150 per site transfer, with complex migrations running $300+. Multiply that across a portfolio of client sites or multiple personal projects, and the "free" hosting promo you found suddenly costs more than premium alternatives. Yet several providers offer genuinely free migrations, some unlimited, without the fine print traps.
Quick answer: For unlimited free migrations, ScalaHosting and Hostinger stand out by transferring as many sites as you need at no extra cost. SiteGround's plugin-based approach works well for WordPress users who prefer self-service. Business sites with complex databases should consider Liquid Web's expert-handled migrations. Below, we compare 12 providers with verified migration policies and honest pricing.
Jump to: SiteGround | ScalaHosting | HostPapa | A2 Hosting | Hostinger | InMotion Hosting | Liquid Web | 20i | 10Web | HostGator | ScalaHosting | Kinsta | How to Choose | FAQ
Last reviewed: February 2026. Migration policies and prices verified.
We've noted the exact number of free migrations each provider offers, whether they handle it for you or expect self-service, and the hidden conditions that often apply. Renewal pricing is included because saving $100 on migration means nothing if you pay $200 more per year on hosting.
How We Selected These Providers
Selection prioritized genuine free migration offerings, not marketing claims that collapse under scrutiny. We verified migration policies directly with provider websites and support documentation, noting exact limits, timeframes, and exclusions. Hosts needed minimum 4.0/5 ratings from aggregated user reviews, transparent pricing (including renewals), and actual migration support, not just a plugin download link. Mix includes budget shared hosts, managed WordPress platforms, and enterprise options for different migration complexity levels.
| Hosting Provider | Reviews | Overall Rating | Free Site Migration From |
|---|---|---|---|
1  SiteGround
|
29.1k+ |
|
$3.41 / mo. NOW -81% |
2  ScalaHosting
|
2.2k+ |
|
$2.95 / mo. -78% |
3  HostPapa
|
2.6k+ |
|
$2.95 / mo. -77% OFF |
4  A2 Hosting
|
3.4k+ |
|
$1.95 / mo. NOW -76% |
5  Hostinger
|
63.2k+ |
|
$1.95 / mo. 80% Off |
6  InMotion Hosting
|
2.8k+ |
|
$1.99 / mo. -75% |
7  Liquid Web Inc.
|
2.8k+ |
|
$5.25 / mo. up to -55% |
8  20i
|
1.9k+ |
|
No data / mo. |
9  10Web.io
|
2.3k+ |
|
No data / mo. 50% Off Now |
10  Hostgator
|
15.9k+ |
|
$3.75 / mo. -73% NOW |
11  Kinsta
|
1k+ |
|
No data / mo. |
1. SiteGround
29.1k+
4.8
Positive
Positive
| Storage | Bandwidth | Panel | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 GB | Unlimited | cPanel | $3.41 / mo. | View Plan |
| 20 GB | Unlimited | cPanel | $5.69 / mo. | View Plan |
| 40 GB | Unlimited | cPanel | $9.11 / mo. | View Plan |
SiteGround: Best for WordPress Self-Service Migration
Starting at $2.99/mo | Unlimited WP Migrations (plugin) | 30-day Guarantee
SiteGround takes a hybrid approach to migrations. Their WordPress Migrator plugin handles unlimited free transfers for WordPress sites. Install it on your existing host, enter your SiteGround credentials, and the plugin moves everything automatically. No ticket required, no waiting in queue. For non-WordPress sites or those who prefer hands-off transfers, one free professional migration is included where their team handles the technical work.
The self-service plugin works well when it works. It transfers files, databases, themes, plugins, and configurations without manual intervention. Complex setups with custom server configurations, non-standard database structures, or oversized sites may hit limitations. In those cases, that single professional migration becomes valuable. The support team handles these manually with zero downtime promised.
What you're paying for alongside migration: Google Cloud infrastructure across multiple data centers, their proprietary SuperCacher for performance optimization, and support that actually troubleshoots rather than following scripts. Entry-level storage is tight at 10GB, but the GrowBig plan at $4.99/mo expands to 20GB with unlimited websites. The renewal shock hits hard though. That $2.99/mo becomes $17.99/mo after year one, among the steepest jumps in shared hosting.
Pros
- Unlimited WordPress migrations via their free plugin
- One professional migration included for complex sites
- Google Cloud infrastructure with daily backups
- SuperCacher and staging environments on all plans
Cons
- Renewal jumps to $17.99/mo (6x promotional rate)
- Entry plan limited to 10GB storage
- Plugin struggles with very large or complex sites
Pricing: StartUp at $2.99/mo (12-month), renews at $17.99/mo. 1 website, 10GB storage. GrowBig at $4.99/mo, renews at $29.99/mo, unlimited websites, 20GB. GoGeek at $7.99/mo, renews at $44.99/mo, 40GB with priority support.
Best for: WordPress users comfortable with plugin-based migration who value premium support.
Skip if: You have multiple non-WordPress sites or need budget-friendly long-term pricing.
SiteGround's migration approach suits WordPress users who don't mind some DIY. The plugin handles most transfers smoothly, and that single professional migration covers edge cases. Just calculate your total cost including renewal before committing.
2. ScalaHosting
2.2k+
4.9
Positive
Positive
| Storage | Bandwidth | Panel | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 GB | Unlimited | cPanel | $2.95 / mo. | View Plan |
| 50 GB | Unlimited | cPanel | $5.95 / mo. | View Plan |
| 100 GB | Unlimited | cPanel | $9.95 / mo. | View Plan |
ScalaHosting: Best Unlimited Migration with Managed VPS Path
Starting at $2.95/mo | Unlimited Free Migrations | Anytime Money-Back
ScalaHosting removes migration caps entirely. Transfer unlimited websites at no cost, regardless of plan level. Files, databases, email accounts, everything moves free. For users consolidating multiple sites from various hosts or agencies onboarding client portfolios, this unrestricted policy eliminates per-site migration math entirely.
Their proprietary SPanel replaces cPanel without the licensing fees that have inflated hosting costs industry-wide. The interface handles everything cPanel does with a cleaner execution. SShield, their AI-powered security system, claims to block 99.998% of attacks automatically. For migrations specifically, having security scanning during and after transfer provides additional peace of mind that nothing malicious hitchhikes into your new environment.
ScalaHosting's real strength emerges when sites outgrow shared hosting. Their managed VPS plans start at $29.95/mo with full management, automatic updates, and proactive monitoring. The migration path from shared to VPS stays within the same ecosystem, with the same support team and control panel. Against Hostinger's unlimited migrations, ScalaHosting costs slightly more at shared level but provides clearer VPS upgrade paths. The anytime money-back guarantee with prorated refunds matches A2 Hosting's flexibility.
Pros
- Unlimited migrations for any number of sites
- SPanel included free (no cPanel licensing fees)
- Smooth upgrade path to managed VPS
- Anytime money-back guarantee
Cons
- Renewal at $9.95/mo (3x promotional rate)
- Shared hosting less compelling than VPS value
- European data centers (Bulgaria, Germany) may not suit US-focused sites
Pricing: Mini shared at $2.95/mo (36-month), renews at $9.95/mo. 1 website, 50GB storage. Start at $4.95/mo, unlimited websites, 100GB. Managed VPS from $29.95/mo with dedicated resources.
Best for: Users planning eventual VPS upgrade who want unlimited migrations now.
Skip if: You need US data center presence or prefer cPanel specifically.
ScalaHosting combines unlimited migration generosity with a clear growth trajectory. Start on shared, migrate everything free, then upgrade to managed VPS without switching providers. The cohesive ecosystem simplifies long-term hosting strategy.
3. HostPapa
2.6k+
4.8
Positive
Positive
| Storage | Bandwidth | Panel | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 GB | Unlimited | cPanel | $2.95 / mo. | View Plan |
| 100 GB | Unlimited | cPanel | $5.95 / mo. | View Plan |
| 100 GB | Unlimited | cPanel | $6.95 / mo. | View Plan |
HostPapa: Best for Small Business Migrations
Starting at $3.95/mo | Free Migration Included | 30-day Guarantee
HostPapa positions itself as the small business hosting option, and their migration service reflects that focus. Free website migration is included on all shared hosting plans, with their team handling the entire process. You provide credentials, they do the work. No plugin installation, no technical requirements on your end.
The migration capacity ties to your plan's website limit. Business plans supporting 2+ sites can migrate multiple properties. The process typically completes within 24-48 hours, faster than industry average. Support operates via phone, chat, and ticket, with actual humans based in North America and Europe rather than outsourced script readers. This matters when migration issues arise at inconvenient hours.
Infrastructure runs solid if unexceptional. Server locations cover North America and Europe adequately. The cPanel-based setup feels familiar to anyone who's hosted elsewhere. Green hosting credentials (100% renewable energy) appeal to environmentally conscious businesses. Compared to Hostinger in this list, HostPapa costs more at entry but provides better support accessibility. Against SiteGround, you get human-handled migrations instead of plugin-based transfers, though at less premium infrastructure.
Pros
- Full-service migration handled by support team
- Phone support available (increasingly rare)
- 100% renewable energy powered hosting
- cPanel familiar to most users migrating from elsewhere
Cons
- Renewal at $9.99/mo (2.5x promotional rate)
- Performance benchmarks lag behind LiteSpeed hosts
- Storage limits modest on entry plans
Pricing: Starter at $3.95/mo (36-month), renews at $9.99/mo. 2 websites, 100GB storage. Business at $3.95/mo promo, renews at $14.99/mo, unlimited websites. Business Pro at $12.95/mo promo, renews at $23.99/mo, enhanced performance.
Best for: Small businesses wanting hands-off migration with accessible phone support.
Skip if: You prioritize raw performance or manage many high-traffic sites.
HostPapa works for business owners who want someone else handling the technical migration details. The support accessibility compensates for mid-tier performance. Solid choice when migration simplicity matters more than cutting-edge speed.
4. A2 Hosting
3.4k+
4.5
Positive
Positive
| Storage | Bandwidth | Panel | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 GB | Unlimited | cPanel | $1.95 / mo. | View Plan |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | cPanel | $3.95 / mo. | View Plan |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | cPanel | $4.95 / mo. | View Plan |
Hosting.com (Old A2): Best Migration Terms for VPS Users
Starting at $2.99/mo | 1-25 Free Migrations | Anytime Money-Back
A2 Hosting's migration policy scales with your plan level. Shared hosting gets 1 free migration. Step up to VPS or dedicated servers, and that jumps to 25 free transfers with no database size restrictions under 30GB. For agencies or developers managing multiple client sites, that VPS migration allowance eliminates what would otherwise be $1,250+ in transfer fees elsewhere.
Their Turbo plans deserve attention for migration scenarios. Running on LiteSpeed servers with NVMe storage, Turbo Boost and Turbo Max deliver measurably faster loading. When you're migrating a site that was sluggish on a previous host, landing on Turbo infrastructure often produces immediate speed improvements without any optimization work. Independent benchmarks consistently rank A2's Turbo tier among the fastest shared hosting available.
The renewal math requires attention. Entry at $2.99/mo (3-year term) jumps to $10.99/mo on renewal. Turbo Boost starts at $5.99/mo but renews at $20.99/mo. A2 at least publishes these rates clearly at checkout, unlike hosts that bury renewal pricing. Their anytime money-back guarantee stands out as genuinely unusual. Not 30 days, not 90 days. Cancel anytime for a prorated refund. This removes the typical commitment anxiety around hosting switches.
Pros
- 25 free migrations on VPS/Dedicated plans
- Turbo servers consistently benchmark among fastest shared hosting
- Anytime money-back guarantee with prorated refunds
- Renewal prices clearly disclosed at checkout
Cons
- Only 1 free migration on shared plans
- Turbo renewal at $20.99/mo is steep
- Data must not exceed 30GB for free migration
Pricing: Startup at $2.99/mo (36-month), renews at $10.99/mo. 1 website, 100GB storage. Drive at $5.99/mo, renews at $12.99/mo, unlimited websites. Turbo Boost at $5.99/mo, renews at $20.99/mo, LiteSpeed with enhanced performance.
Best for: Agencies needing multiple migrations who can take advantage of VPS tier allowances.
Skip if: You need unlimited shared hosting migrations or dislike renewal price jumps.
A2 Hosting's value proposition centers on their Turbo performance and generous VPS migration terms. The shared hosting migration limit is stingy, but stepping up to VPS unlocks 25 free transfers. Factor that savings against the plan cost difference.
5. Hostinger
63.2k+
4.6
Positive
Positive
| Storage | Bandwidth | Panel | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 GB | Unlimited | cPanel | $1.95 / mo. | View Plan |
| 200 GB | Unlimited | cPanel | $2.95 / mo. | View Plan |
| 200 GB | Unlimited | cPanel | $3.49 / mo. | View Plan |
Hostinger: Best Unlimited Migration Value
Starting at $1.99/mo | Unlimited CMS Migrations | 30-day Guarantee
Hostinger removed migration limits entirely for open-source CMS platforms. WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, PrestaShop, any major open-source system transfers free, unlimited quantity. Their automated migration system handles most transfers, with manual expert assistance available when automation hits snags. Processing typically runs 48-96 hours depending on queue depth and site complexity.
The catch lies in platform eligibility. Proprietary website builders like Wix, Squarespace, and Weebly don't qualify for free migration. Those platforms lock content in formats that require manual recreation rather than simple transfer. If you're escaping a proprietary builder, budget for rebuilding rather than migrating. But for the WordPress-to-WordPress moves that constitute most hosting switches, Hostinger's unlimited policy beats nearly everyone.
Their custom hPanel replaces cPanel with something cleaner, though the learning curve exists if you're cPanel-trained. LiteSpeed servers and built-in caching deliver competitive performance. The AI website builder included on all plans handles basic site creation adequately. What hurts is the pricing structure: $1.99/mo requires 48-month commitment upfront. Monthly billing runs $11.99. And renewal hits $10.99/mo, nearly 5x the promotional rate. Compared to A2 Hosting, you get unlimited migrations but less flexibility on refunds.
Pros
- Unlimited migrations for open-source CMS platforms
- Competitive entry pricing at $1.99/mo
- LiteSpeed servers with built-in caching
- Custom hPanel cleaner than traditional cPanel
Cons
- Renewal at $10.99/mo (5x promotional rate)
- 48-month term required for lowest price
- Proprietary builders (Wix, Squarespace) don't qualify
Pricing: Premium at $1.99/mo (48-month), renews at $10.99/mo. 100 websites, 100GB NVMe, free domain. Business at $2.99/mo adds daily backups. Cloud Startup at $6.99/mo provides dedicated resources.
Best for: Users migrating multiple WordPress or Joomla sites seeking lowest cost per migration.
Skip if: You're moving from Wix/Squarespace or want month-to-month flexibility.
Hostinger's unlimited migration policy makes financial sense when you're consolidating multiple sites from different hosts. The 48-month commitment stings, but amortize migration savings across that period and the math often works out.
6. InMotion Hosting
2.8k+
4.0
Positive
Neutral
| Storage | Bandwidth | Panel | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 GB | Unlimited | cPanel | $1.99 / mo. | View Plan |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | cPanel | $3.79 / mo. | View Plan |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | cPanel | $9.79 / mo. | View Plan |
InMotion Hosting: Best Extended Guarantee
Starting at $3.19/mo | Up to 3 Free Migrations | 90-day Guarantee
InMotion Hosting pairs free migrations with the longest money-back window in mainstream hosting: 90 days. That's triple the industry standard. Combined with free migrations, you get genuine runway to test whether the new host actually performs better than what you left. If it doesn't, you're not locked into a bad decision.
Migration allowance varies by plan. Core and Launch plans include 2 free site transfers. Power plans bump that to 3. VPS and dedicated customers get additional migration assistance through their Launch Assist program. The migration team has completed over 170,000 successful transfers according to their published stats, handling the process with zero-downtime claims for most sites.
Performance runs competent without being exceptional. NVMe storage on higher tiers delivers faster read/write than traditional SSDs. Data centers operate in Los Angeles and Ashburn (Virginia), covering US audiences well but lacking European or Asian presence. For sites targeting American visitors primarily, this works fine. International audiences may notice latency. Renewal pricing jumps exist but aren't published as transparently as some competitors. The support team, US-based, handles migration questions competently.
Pros
- 90-day money-back guarantee (longest mainstream)
- 170,000+ successful migrations completed
- US-based support team
- NVMe storage on Launch and Power plans
Cons
- Only 2-3 free migrations depending on plan
- No European or Asian data centers
- Renewal pricing less transparent than competitors
Pricing: Core at $3.19/mo (36-month), 1 website, 100GB SSD. Launch at $4.99/mo, 2 websites, 100GB NVMe. Power at $4.99/mo, 10 websites, 200GB NVMe. All plans include free SSL and unlimited bandwidth.
Best for: US-focused sites wanting extended testing period before commitment.
Skip if: You need many migrations or target international audiences.
InMotion's value lies in that 90-day guarantee more than migration volume. The extended window lets you thoroughly test performance post-migration before locking in. For sites where the hosting switch is high-stakes, that safety net matters.
7. Liquid Web Inc.
2.8k+
4.5
Positive
Positive
| Storage | Bandwidth | Panel | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 GB | 2 TB | cPanel | $5.25 / mo. | View Plan |
| 25 GB | 2 TB | cPanel | $10.75 / mo. | View Plan |
| 40 GB | 3 TB | cPanel | $21.75 / mo. | View Plan |
Liquid Web: Best for Complex Business Migrations
Starting at $5/mo (via Nexcess) | Unlimited Expert Migrations | 30-day Guarantee
Liquid Web operates in the premium managed hosting tier where migrations aren't self-service checkboxes. Their team handles transfers directly, examining database structures, caching configurations, and custom setups before touching anything. This matters for WooCommerce stores processing orders, membership sites with active subscriptions, or any business where migration downtime costs real money.
The migration scope is unlimited at no extra cost on managed WordPress, WooCommerce, and Magento plans. No caps, no site count limits, no hidden fees appearing after signup. Their engineers understand platform-specific concerns like order synchronization during WooCommerce transfers or session handling on high-traffic stores. Most migrations complete within 1 hour with minimal to zero downtime.
Pricing reflects the managed nature. Entry via their Nexcess brand starts at $5/mo for single-site WordPress hosting. Step up to $48/mo for 3 sites with 25GB storage. Premium Liquid Web-branded VPS and dedicated options run significantly higher. This isn't budget hosting. It's hosting for businesses where migration errors cost more than hosting savings. Compared to Kinsta in this list, Liquid Web offers similar expert-handled migrations at lower price points for equivalent resources.
Pros
- Unlimited expert-handled migrations at no extra cost
- WooCommerce and Magento migration specialists
- Zero-downtime migration methodology
- 24/7/365 fully managed support
Cons
- Premium pricing beyond budget hosting range
- Overkill for simple personal blogs
- Self-service migration not available
Pricing: Nexcess Spark at $5/mo, 1 site, 15GB storage. Spark+ at $10/mo, 3 sites, 25GB. Maker at $35/mo, 5 sites, 40GB. Liquid Web VPS from $29/mo with dedicated resources.
Best for: E-commerce stores and business sites requiring expert-handled migrations.
Skip if: You're migrating simple sites where self-service works fine.
Liquid Web justifies premium pricing through genuine expertise. When your site processes transactions during migration or handles complex database relationships, having specialists manage the transfer prevents costly errors. Not everyone needs this level of service, but those who do will appreciate it.
8. 20i
1.9k+
4.9
Positive
Positive
20i: Best Unlimited Migration for UK Users
Starting at £10/mo ($12.50) | Unlimited Forever | 30-day Guarantee
20i's Migration Centre eliminates limits entirely. Migrate any number of sites, any time, always free. Whether you use their automated tools or request support assistance, no charges apply. The system supports migrations from cPanel, Plesk, DirectAdmin, Heart Internet, Fasthosts, and standalone WordPress installations. For agencies managing client portfolios across various hosts, this unrestricted approach simplifies consolidation significantly.
The automated Migration Centre handles most transfers within minutes. Point it at your old host's credentials, select what to move (files, databases, emails), and watch the progress. Larger transfers take longer but proceed without intervention. Your site remains live on the previous host until you manually point DNS to 20i, ensuring zero-downtime transitions. This self-controlled cutover beats hosts that flip the switch for you at unpredictable moments.
20i operates entirely UK-focused with data centers in the Midlands. No US or Asian presence. International audiences will notice latency compared to geographically distributed alternatives. However, UK and European visitors get excellent speeds. Pricing follows their transparent model: £10/mo for Startup doesn't become £25/mo after year one. The advertised rate continues. Against Hostinger's promotional-then-renewal structure, 20i costs more initially but less over time.
Pros
- Unlimited free migrations via automated Migration Centre
- Transparent pricing (no renewal surprises)
- Zero-downtime migration with user-controlled DNS cutover
- UK-based support team
Cons
- UK data centers only (no US/Asia)
- Higher entry price than promotional hosts
- Interface feels agency-oriented, may overwhelm beginners
Pricing: Startup at £10/mo ($12.50), 1 site, 10GB storage. Plan 1 at £20/mo, 100GB bandwidth. Plan 2 at £40/mo, 3 sites, 20GB storage. WordPress hosting from £5.99/mo ($7.50).
Best for: UK agencies and businesses needing unlimited migrations with predictable costs.
Skip if: You target American or Asian audiences needing local server presence.
20i wins on migration generosity and pricing honesty. The unlimited policy genuinely means unlimited. UK-focused operations limit geographic appeal, but for British audiences, the combination of unrestricted transfers and stable pricing makes a compelling case.
9. 10Web.io
2.3k+
4.7
Positive
Positive
10Web: Best Automated WordPress Migration
Starting at $10/mo | Automated 1-Click Migration | 7-day Free Trial
10Web built their platform around AI-powered WordPress optimization, and migration reflects that automation focus. Their 1-click migration creates an optimized copy of your site automatically, landing on their infrastructure with a 90+ PageSpeed score out of the box. The system handles files, databases, plugins, and configurations without manual steps.
The optimization angle differentiates 10Web from simple transfer services. They don't just move your site; they improve it during transit. Image compression, code minification, and caching configuration happen automatically as part of migration. Sites that scored 60 on PageSpeed before often hit 90+ after arrival. For site owners who've struggled with performance optimization, this solves two problems simultaneously.
Hosting plans include the AI Website Builder alongside migration tools. The free trial runs 7 days, enough time to migrate and evaluate performance before payment. One free custom domain (up to $30 value) is included with annual plans. Pricing starts at $10/mo for single sites, scaling to $60/mo for agency accounts managing multiple client properties. Compared to standard managed WordPress hosts, 10Web's AI optimization layer provides unique value, though the platform locks you into their ecosystem.
Pros
- Automated migration with 90+ PageSpeed optimization
- AI-powered performance improvements during transfer
- Free custom domain on annual plans
- 7-day free trial before payment required
Cons
- WordPress only (no other CMS support)
- Proprietary platform (harder to leave)
- Higher starting price than budget shared hosts
Pricing: Personal at $10/mo (annual), 1 site. Growth at $15/mo, 1 site with enhanced resources. Starter at $23/mo, 3 sites. E-commerce plans from $11/mo with store features.
Best for: WordPress users wanting automated migration with built-in performance optimization.
Skip if: You run non-WordPress sites or prefer platform-agnostic hosting.
10Web's migration doubles as optimization. If you're moving a sluggish WordPress site and want immediate speed improvements without manual configuration, their automated approach delivers. The proprietary nature means committing to their ecosystem, but the performance gains often justify that trade-off.
10. Hostgator
15.9k+
4.2
Positive
Positive
| Storage | Bandwidth | Panel | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 GB | Unlimited | cPanel | $3.75 / mo. | View Plan |
| 20 GB | Unlimited | cPanel | $4.50 / mo. | View Plan |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | cPanel | $4.76 / mo. | View Plan |
HostGator: Best Migration Window for New Signups
Starting at $2.29/mo | Free Within 30 Days | 30-day Guarantee
HostGator's migration policy operates on a deadline: free transfers within 30 days of signup on VPS and Dedicated plans with 12-month terms. Miss that window, and migration becomes a paid service at $149.99 per site. This creates urgency around planning but also works in your favor: when you know you're switching, commit during the promotional period and queue migrations immediately.
WordPress hosting plans include free migration without the 30-day restriction, making the limitation primarily relevant for VPS and dedicated customers. The migration team handles transfers professionally, and user reports suggest competent execution. Their knowledge base documentation covers migration preparation thoroughly, which helps streamline the process if you've organized your credentials and site details beforehand.
HostGator's reputation has fluctuated over the years under EIG/Newfold ownership. Current performance runs adequate for most sites, though not exceptional. Pricing follows the standard promotional-then-renewal model. Entry at $2.29/mo (36-month) becomes $10.99/mo on renewal for Hatchling. Monthly billing runs $17.59. The 30-day guarantee matches industry standard. Against InMotion's 90-day window, HostGator provides less testing runway.
Pros
- Free migration on VPS/Dedicated within signup window
- WordPress migration without time restrictions
- Established brand with extensive knowledge base
- Competitive promotional pricing
Cons
- 30-day migration window on VPS/Dedicated
- $149.99 fee if you miss the window
- Renewal at $10.99/mo (4x promotional rate)
Pricing: Hatchling at $2.29/mo (36-month), renews at $10.99/mo. 1 website, unmetered storage. Baby at $3.09/mo, renews at $16.49/mo, unlimited websites. Business at $4.99/mo, renews at $21.99/mo, with free dedicated IP.
Best for: Users ready to migrate immediately upon signup who want established brand reliability.
Skip if: You need flexibility on migration timing or prefer newer, faster hosts.
HostGator's migration policy rewards decisive action. Know you're switching? Sign up, request migration within that 30-day window, and pay nothing extra. The deadline pressure isn't ideal, but for prepared users, it works.
11. Kinsta
1k+
4.8
Positive
Positive
Kinsta: Best Premium WordPress Migration
Starting at $35/mo | Unlimited Expert Migrations | 30-day Guarantee
Kinsta occupies the premium end of managed WordPress hosting, and their migration service matches that positioning. Unlimited free migrations handled by their expert team, from any host, including complex moves from WP Engine, Flywheel, GoDaddy, and others. The only limit is your plan's site count. Have 10 WordPress installations allowed? You can migrate 10 sites free.
What distinguishes Kinsta's migration is the post-transfer support. Their team doesn't just move files and call it done. They verify functionality, check for broken elements, test critical paths like forms and checkout flows, and handle DNS cutover timing. For mission-critical sites where migration errors cause visible problems, this white-glove approach prevents embarrassing issues reaching visitors.
All hosting runs on Google Cloud Platform with 37+ data center options globally. Performance benchmarks consistently place Kinsta among the fastest WordPress hosts. The MyKinsta dashboard provides staging environments, server-level caching, free APM tools, and granular analytics. Pricing starts at $35/mo for single sites, scaling to $500+/mo for large-scale deployments. Against Liquid Web, Kinsta offers comparable quality with deeper WordPress-specific tooling. The first month is free on single-site plans, providing genuine testing runway.
Pros
- Unlimited expert-handled migrations up to plan site limit
- Google Cloud Platform with 37+ data centers
- Post-migration verification and testing included
- First month free on annual single-site plans
Cons
- Premium pricing starting at $35/mo
- WordPress only (no other CMS support)
- Overkill for simple low-traffic sites
Pricing: Single sites from $35/mo (annual: $350/year, 2 months free). Multi-site from $70/mo. Agency from $340/mo. All include free SSL, CDN, migrations, and staging.
Best for: Business WordPress sites requiring premium migration handling and top-tier performance.
Skip if: Budget constraints make $35/mo starting price prohibitive.
Kinsta charges premium prices for premium service. Their migration handling, infrastructure quality, and support expertise justify the cost for sites where hosting problems have business consequences. Not everyone needs this level, but those who do will appreciate what they're paying for.
How to Choose the Right Migration Host
Migration policies vary widely. Here's what to evaluate:
- Count your sites realistically - If you're moving 1-2 sites, limited free migrations work fine. Moving 10+ sites? Unlimited policies from Hostinger, ScalaHosting, or 20i save substantial fees.
- Assess your technical comfort - Plugin-based migrations (SiteGround) require some hands-on work. Fully managed migrations (Liquid Web, Kinsta) cost more but handle everything. Match the service level to your skills and available time.
- Calculate total cost over time - That $2/mo host with limited migrations may cost more over 2 years than a $10/mo host with unlimited transfers. Add migration fees to hosting renewal rates for accurate comparison.
- Consider complexity - Simple WordPress blogs migrate easily anywhere. WooCommerce stores with active orders, membership sites with subscriber data, or custom applications benefit from expert-handled services.
- Check timing restrictions - HostGator's 30-day window requires quick action. Other hosts allow migration anytime. Know your timeline before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "free migration" actually include?
Free migration typically covers website files, databases, and sometimes email accounts. The transfer team or automated tool moves content from your old host to the new one. What's often excluded: DNS management, domain transfer (separate from hosting), custom server configurations, and proprietary platform content (like Wix or Squarespace sites). Always confirm what's included before assuming everything transfers.
How long do free migrations take?
Timeframes range from minutes (automated tools like 20i's Migration Centre) to several days (queue-based managed services). Hostinger quotes 48-96 hours. Liquid Web and Nexcess typically respond within 24 hours and complete within a day. Simple sites transfer faster than complex ones. E-commerce stores with large databases take longer than basic blogs.
Can I migrate my site myself instead?
Yes, most platforms support manual migration or plugin-assisted transfers regardless of host policy. Duplicator, All-in-One WP Migration, and similar plugins handle WordPress moves. The "free migration" services just save you the work. For simple sites, DIY works fine. For complex setups or limited technical skills, let the host's team handle it.
What happens if migration goes wrong?
Reputable hosts keep your old site untouched until you verify the new one works. The transfer creates a copy rather than moving the original. If problems arise, you still have the working version on your previous host. This is why DNS cutover happens last, after verification. Never cancel your old hosting until you've confirmed everything functions on the new one.
Final Verdict
For most users, Hostinger delivers the best migration value through unlimited free transfers at competitive pricing. The 48-month commitment stings, but amortizing those savings across multiple site migrations justifies it. ScalaHosting matches the unlimited policy with better VPS upgrade paths for growing sites.
WordPress users comfortable with self-service should consider SiteGround's plugin approach, which handles unlimited transfers without waiting in queues. 20i offers similar freedom with transparent UK-focused pricing.
Business sites requiring expert handling should look at Liquid Web, Nexcess, or Kinsta. The premium pricing buys specialist migration handling that prevents costly errors on complex sites.
Budget-conscious users with single sites can work with A2 Hosting's anytime money-back guarantee or InMotion's 90-day testing window to validate their choice before commitment.
If you're exploring related options, check our shared hosting comparison for broader selection criteria, or our VPS hosting guide if you've outgrown shared plans.