Shared hosting is what most website owners use when first launching a WordPress site, but it can feel limiting once you need server-level control. SSH access on shared hosting offers a middle ground: you get command-line access without full root control. Many shared plans advertise SSH but restrict it; others enable it and provide useful dev tools. Below are five solid shared hosts that offer SSH access and useful developer features.
Quick overview
– Namecheap — Intro: $1.58/mo (renews $3.83–$5.45+). cPanel, Composer, Node.js. WP-CLI not available on some tiers.
– Hostinger — Intro: $2.49/mo (renews $7.99+). hPanel (not cPanel), WP-CLI, Composer. Node.js not on shared plans.
– InMotion — Intro: $2.29/mo (renews $10.99+). cPanel, WP-CLI, Composer, Node.js enabled. SSH often enabled by default.
– Hosting.com (formerly A2) — Intro: $1.99/mo (renews $9.99–$12.99+). cPanel, WP-CLI, Composer. Node.js support varies.
– GreenGeeks — Intro: $2.95/mo (renews $12.95+). cPanel, WP-CLI, Git, Drush, Python. Composer and Node.js support limited/varies.
What SSH on shared hosting actually gives you
– No root access: you get user-level SSH to your account directory only — you can’t change system configs or install system packages.
– Restricted commands: hosts may disable risky commands; check support if you need a specific tool.
– Resource limits: shared hosting still enforces CPU, memory, and I/O limits.
Why use SSH on shared hosting?
SSH unlocks tasks that web panels can’t: command-line MySQL, Git operations, Composer installs, running WP-CLI, automating tasks with cron/CLI, and faster migrations/large exports. It’s handy for developers and power users who want more control without moving to a VPS.
My top 5 picks (concise details)
1) Namecheap
Overview: Strong long-term value and straightforward SSH via cPanel. Offers an in-dashboard Terminal for convenience.
Plans: Stellar ($1.58/mo two-year promo; renews ~$3.83), Stellar Plus ($2.28/mo promo; renews ~$5.45), Stellar Business ($4.48/mo promo; renews ~$9.37). 30-day money-back guarantee.
Dev tools: Cron jobs, Composer, Git, command-line MySQL, PHP version selection, Python support, Node.js on many plans. WP-CLI may not be available on all tiers.
Support: 24/7 live chat, email, tickets, knowledge base. No phone support; chat is responsive and helpful.
Performance: Good global speeds in ThemeIsle’s tests (sub-second in many US locations).
2) Hostinger
Overview: Uses hPanel instead of cPanel, provides SSH and multiple connection options (terminal or clients like PuTTY). Good tutorials and DIY tooling.
Plans: Premium ($2.49/mo promo; renews $7.99), Business ($3.29/mo promo; renews $8.99). 30-day money-back guarantee.
Dev tools: Cron jobs, WP-CLI, Git, Composer, command-line MySQL, PHP version selection. Node.js not available on shared plans; Python not supported on shared.
Support: 24/7 live chat (first line via a capable AI chatbot with human escalation), knowledge base, email.
Performance: Mixed but strong in Europe; decent in US.
3) InMotion Hosting
Overview: SSH access enabled by default; excellent documentation and a standout 90-day money-back guarantee.
Plans: Core ($2.29/mo promo; renews $10.99), Launch/Power tiers (higher resource limits and mailboxes). 90-day money-back.
Dev tools: Cron jobs, WP-CLI, Git, Composer, command-line MySQL, PHP version selection, Python, Node.js. Very developer-friendly environment.
Support: Comprehensive — 24/7 live chat, email, tickets, knowledge base, support forum; phone support on higher tiers.
Performance: Excellent load times across many regions in independent tests.
4) Hosting.com (formerly A2 Hosting)
Overview: SSH enabled by default; focused SSH documentation and support for MySQL/MariaDB. Offers Turbo options for better performance.
Plans: Ignite ($1.99/mo promo; renews ~$9.99) and Accel ($1.99/mo promo; renews ~$12.99) on promo terms; 30-day money-back guarantee.
Dev tools: Cron jobs, WP-CLI, Git, Composer, command-line MySQL, PHP version selection, Python support. Node.js support varies by configuration.
Support: 24/7 live chat, phone, email, ticketing; broad support availability.
Performance: Solid, with fast US response times in tests.
5) GreenGeeks
Overview: Eco-friendly host (300% green energy match, tree planting). SSH disabled by default on shared plans but can be enabled via cPanel with clear instructions.
Plans: Lite ($2.95/mo promo; renews $12.95), Pro ($4.95/mo promo; renews $17.95). 30-day money-back guarantee. Best promotional option often on the one-year plan.
Dev tools: Cron jobs, WP-CLI, Git, Drush, Python, command-line MySQL, PHP version selection. Composer and Node.js support is limited or varies by server.
Support: 24/7 live chat, phone (not 24/7; available ~9:00–00:00 EST), email, tickets, knowledge base.
Performance: Very good, especially for European locations; consistent sub-second times in many tests.
Final quick recommendations
– Namecheap: Best long-term value and easy cPanel SSH; great for general users who want reliable value.
– Hostinger: Best DIY option with many data center choices and accessible tutorials.
– InMotion / Hosting.com: Best if you want SSH enabled by default and the broadest support channels.
– GreenGeeks: Best if you want eco-friendly hosting with strong dev tools and WP-CLI.
A few final tips
– Confirm exactly which CLI tools you need (WP-CLI, Composer, Node.js, Python) before purchasing — availability can vary by plan and data center.
– If SSH is disabled by default, check how easy the host makes enabling it (ticket, toggle in control panel, or support request).
– Remember shared hosting resource limits; heavy builds, long Composer installs, or large exports may be better suited to VPS.
If you’re switching because your current shared plan lacks SSH, any of these five hosts should serve you well depending on priorities: price, dev tooling, support, or eco-friendliness.
