Do you need to pay for a web host?

Answer 1

Technically, no you do not need to pay for a web host. If you want to host a website without paying for a host you might search for free website hosting. But generally, that is not a professional method to host a website as you will likely have limited bandwidth and space and as well your website will most likely show advertisements you have no control over. Also too, if you are wanting to look professional having a free space might not look professional to a visitor.

You can also host a website from your own computer by setting it up as a server. Although you wouldn't have to pay for a host to do this having your own server has its own set of problems and would likely be more expensive than paying the small amount most web hosts charge for basic hosting. For one, there are security issues. There is also the question of bandwidth. Once again, if you have any intention of being even moderately successful, paying a couple of dollars a month for a professional web host will pay for itself in the long run. Paying a web host generally has tremendous value for the money as many of the security issues are handled for you, there is usually plenty of bandwidth and CPU speed and more available as you grow and become more successful and most web hosts provide many other services, programs and features with their hosting plans than you'd ever be able to do easily or inexpensively yourself.