Files, database and changing data synced
Stale copies lose transactions.
Evidence-led service guide · reviewed 17 July 2026
Website migration
Moving hosting includes files, databases, mail, Domain Name System records, certificates and changing data.
5 comparison fields4 hidden-cost checks2 standards sources5 provider starting points
Editorial verdict
The short answer
A migration is complete only after transactions, forms, email, scheduled tasks, redirects, certificates and analytics work, with the former environment retained for rollback.
Independent research layer
What credible evidence must establish
Migration is an application-state and ownership outcome, not merely a file copy.
DNS, email, cron, redirects and TLS
Peripheral services often fail.
Old environment retained
Reversibility limits interruption.
Who needs it
Suitable buyers
- ✓ Sites changing provider
- ✓ Businesses consolidating domains and email
- ✓ Stores that cannot lose orders
Comparison schema
What to compare
- 01Number and size of included sites
- 02Database and application support
- 03Email and DNS inclusion
- 04Downtime and final synchronisation
- 05Rollback and validation period
Hidden costs and limits
What the plan card may omit
Free migration excluding email
Confirm the contractual scope, price, measurement method and remedy before assigning value.
Plugin-only migration size limits
Confirm the contractual scope, price, measurement method and remedy before assigning value.
Paid complex-site handling
Confirm the contractual scope, price, measurement method and remedy before assigning value.
Old service cancelled too early
Confirm the contractual scope, price, measurement method and remedy before assigning value.
Provider interview
Questions that require a direct answer
- 01Who performs each migration step?
- 02How is changing data synchronised?
- 03What triggers rollback?
- 04When can the former host be cancelled?
Provider starting points
Where to continue researching
Inclusion means relevance, not recommendation. Open the provider dossier for contract evidence and independent-review context.
Hostinger
Value-focused small sites needing an Asian server option
Watch for: The lowest rate requires 48 months prepaid
Open provider dossier →DreamHost
Content sites wanting transparent renewal and daily backups
Watch for: Introductory and regular rates differ materially
Open provider dossier →Cloudways
Teams needing managed cloud flexibility and server choice
Watch for: Backup storage and excess bandwidth can create usage charges
Open provider dossier →Kinsta
Business-critical managed WordPress and expert operations
Watch for: Bandwidth or visit limits and premium pricing require workload modelling
Open provider dossier →HostGator
Small United States-focused sites wanting cPanel, phone support and a familiar shared-hosting workflow
Watch for: The promotional capture requires 36 months, renewal rises to the official USD 10.99/month three-year rate, and courtesy backups are not guaranteed
Open provider dossier →Related services
Continue through the stack
Domain registrationThe domain is the durable identity of the website, separate from the hosting account that serves it.Business emailMailbox hosting has its own storage, deliverability, retention, migration and renewal considerations.Hosting backupsBackup frequency means little without retention, isolation, restore scope and a tested recovery process.
Frequently asked questions
Evaluating website migration
Should I buy this from the hosting provider?
Bundling can simplify support, but compare renewal, portability, ownership and the effect of cancelling hosting.
How should an included service be valued?
Value only the period and scope actually included, then add independent renewal and operational limits.
Can user reviews establish quality?
Reports can identify questions, but contractual facts and repeatable tests are required before changing a score.