Web Hosting these days are dirt cheap, you can buy hosting plans ranging from $1 to $5. Some of the web hosts even offer unlimited domain hosting for very minimal fee.

But should you choose free hosting? For those who are on a tight budget or those who are still new and experimenting what works on their website then free hosting is a very good option.

Why choose free hosting over free websites services? You have more control as you own your own domain name. Most of these free hosting companies offer ads free hosting. So what's the catch you might ask?

Most of these companies offer almost the same features as standard hosting like php and mysql, cpanel, fantastico, email, etc.

But some features might be restricted or not offered in full. Limited bandwidth and disk space, no backups, limited support or no uptime guarantee. So you should check and compare first which which free hosting company offer the best plan that best suit your needs.

In the end, all these companies would want you to switch to their premium hosting plans. Once you are already comfortable and satisfied with their service, chances are you would buy their paid service once the need arises.

My take on this is if you have a hobby or personal website that is just starting and not yet generating any revenue then it's OK to use free hosting. But if your business or website is already earning a substantial income then it is high time you go for paid hosting.

Below is a list of free hosting companies:

000webhost - Free hosting with 99% uptime guarantee, features PHP and MySQL, FTP, etc. Offers ads free hosting. A very popular free hosting provider.

110MB Hosting - Another popular free hosting provider. No ads on your website. PHP, SSI, Shockwave and Flash, etc.

x10 Hosting - Offers ads free hosting with daily backup.

FreeHostia - Large disk space and monthly bandwidth. No ads hosting.

DirectNic - One of the larger domain registration companies. Offers free hosting but supported by ads.