Shared hosting runs classic websites: WordPress, PHP sites and plain HTML, managed through a control panel, usually with email included. App hosting runs applications built with frameworks like Next.js, Node.js or Nuxt: it builds your code from Git and keeps a server process running. If you are unsure which you need, the short answer is: what is your site built with? This guide explains the difference and gives you a quick test.
What is shared web hosting?
On shared hosting, many websites live on one server, each in its own account with its own disk space, databases and settings. The server runs a web server and PHP for everyone. You manage your site through a control panel such as Plesk or cPanel.
Shared hosting is built for:
- WordPress and other PHP applications (Joomla, Drupal, custom PHP)
- Static HTML sites uploaded by FTP or a file manager
- Email on your own domain, often in the same account
- One-click installs of popular apps
How you deploy: upload files, install from the control panel, or update inside WordPress. Your site runs on demand: PHP executes when a request arrives, then stops.
What is app hosting?
App hosting (sometimes called platform-as-a-service) is built around code in a Git repository. The platform clones your repo, runs your install and build commands, then starts your app as a long-running process and keeps it running.
App hosting is built for:
- Next.js, Nuxt and other server-rendered JavaScript frameworks
- Node.js and Express APIs
- Apps with background work: scheduled tasks, webhooks, queues
- Teams who review code, use branches and want repeatable deploys
How you deploy: git push. A webhook tells the platform about your commit, and it builds and deploys the new version automatically.
Side-by-side comparison
| Shared web hosting | App hosting | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical sites | WordPress, PHP, HTML | Next.js, Node.js, Express, Nuxt, static builds |
| How you deploy | Upload files, control panel, WordPress updates | Push to Git; build runs automatically |
| Runtime | PHP runs per request | Your app runs as a persistent process |
| Resources | Shared server, account limits | Dedicated RAM per app |
| Databases | MySQL via the control panel | Managed databases |
| Usually included | Usually separate | |
| Skills needed | Low: point and click | Developer workflow: Git, build commands |
| Best for | Brochure sites, blogs, small shops | Custom web apps, APIs, SaaS |
Can shared hosting run Node.js?
Some control panels include a Node.js feature that can run a simple Node app. It can work for small projects, but it is usually not designed for a Git-based build pipeline or frameworks that need a build step with plenty of memory. If your project is a Next.js or Node.js app you plan to keep developing, app hosting will be less friction. See our guide to Node.js hosting in South Africa for what to look for.
Can app hosting run WordPress?
Not typically. App hosting platforms for Node.js expect a JavaScript build and start command, not a PHP runtime. WordPress belongs on web hosting built for PHP and MySQL. Our WordPress hosting guide covers what matters there.
A quick test to decide
Answer these questions:
- Is your site WordPress or PHP? Choose shared web hosting.
- Is it a folder of HTML files with no build step? Shared web hosting is simplest.
- Does your project have a
package.jsonwith abuildandstartscript? Choose app hosting. - Do you deploy by pushing to GitHub or GitLab? Choose app hosting.
- Do you need mailboxes on your domain? Add email hosting, whichever you choose.
- Do you need both? That is common: a WordPress marketing site on web hosting and a Node.js app on app hosting, sharing one domain (for example
wwwandapp).
If your developer built the site, ask them what it is built with. That one answer usually settles it.
Costs compared
Shared hosting is usually the cheaper option for a single small site, because server resources are shared between many customers. App hosting costs more because each app gets its own memory and a build pipeline, but you get repeatable deploys and room for real application workloads.
At NewHost, app hosting plans are priced in rand excluding VAT:
| Plan | Price | Apps | RAM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | R99/month | 1 | 512 MB |
| Developer | R249/month | 3 | 1 GB each |
| Business | R599/month | 10 | 2 GB each |
| Agency | R1,499/month | 30 | 4 GB |
Every plan includes MySQL databases, free SSL and automatic backups. Web and email hosting run on Plesk and are listed on the web hosting page. For a broader view of costs, read how much web hosting costs in South Africa.
Signs you have outgrown shared hosting
- Your developer asks for Node.js, a build step or SSH access you do not have.
- Deploys involve uploading files manually and hoping nothing breaks.
- You need scheduled jobs more often than the panel allows, or background processes.
- Your app needs more memory than a shared account provides.
Frequently asked questions
Is shared hosting bad?
No. For WordPress, PHP and small static sites it is the right tool: simple, affordable and usually bundled with email. It only becomes a problem when you try to run applications it was not designed for.
Does app hosting include email?
Usually not. App hosting focuses on running code. Add business email hosting on the same domain for mailboxes.
Can I move from shared hosting to app hosting later?
Yes. If you rebuild your site with a framework like Next.js, you can move it to app hosting and point your domain at it. Your email can stay where it is, because email uses separate DNS records.
Which is faster?
It depends on the site. A well-cached WordPress site on good shared hosting can be very fast. A server-rendered app runs faster on app hosting because it has dedicated memory and stays running between requests.
Pick the right home
Building with Next.js or Node.js? See NewHost pricing for app hosting plans. Running WordPress or a classic site? Start with web hosting.