Is InMotion Hosting Really Free for Website Owners?
When I first started researching InMotion Hosting, one question immediately stood out to me: Is InMotion Hosting really free for website owners, or is that just clever marketing?
As someone who regularly analyses web hosting providers, I’ve learned that the word “free” is often used very loosely in this industry. Hosting companies frequently highlight free add-ons while quietly overlooking the fact that the core service itself is still paid.
From the outset, InMotion Hosting presents itself as a premium provider with attractive introductory pricing and several “free” features. However, after examining the pricing structure, terms, and real user experiences, a clearer picture emerges.
In short:
- InMotion Hosting is not a free hosting provider
- The hosting plans are paid, even at entry level
- Some “free” features come with conditions and long-term costs
In this article, I’ll explain exactly what you get, what you don’t, and whether InMotion Hosting makes sense for website owners, especially those in the UK.
What is InMotion Hosting?
InMotion Hosting is an established web hosting provider founded in 2001 and based in the United States. It positions itself as a professional, paid hosting solution rather than a free or ultra-budget option, targeting users who need stability and long-term performance.
The company offers a wide range of services, including shared hosting, managed WordPress hosting, VPS hosting, and dedicated servers. These plans are designed for bloggers, small businesses, developers, and growing websites that require dependable infrastructure rather than short-term experimentation.
Technically, InMotion Hosting is recognised for reliable uptime, SSD storage, cPanel access, and 24/7 customer support. For UK users, the platform is accessible and usable, though most servers are US-based, which may slightly affect performance for speed-sensitive sites.
What Makes InMotion Hosting Attractive to Website Owners at First Glance?
At first glance, InMotion Hosting looks like a strong and appealing choice, particularly for new website owners. The company’s website prominently promotes competitive starting prices, a generous money-back guarantee, and multiple “free” features bundled into its hosting plans.
Many users are drawn in by:
- Low introductory pricing on shared hosting plans
- A 90-day money-back guarantee, which is longer than the industry average
- Free SSL certificates, website migration, and domain offers on selected plans
- Claims of high performance and reliable customer support
On the surface, these features suggest excellent value. However, long-term users often report a very different experience once the initial promotional period ends.
One verified Trustpilot reviewer shared this frustration:
Andy – Trustpilot, 1 Star (Verified)
“InMotion’s starting rates are attractive, but prices inflate massively over time. My 2020 bill for one year was $119.88. By October 2023, it jumped to $183.50, and my upcoming October 2024 bill is set to hit $359.76. This feels deceptive and clearly designed to make switching providers difficult. I’m planning my exit as we speak.”
This review highlights a common concern: while InMotion Hosting looks affordable initially, renewal costs can rise dramatically, leaving long-term customers feeling misled. For a deeper breakdown of features, pricing, and real-world performance, read our full InMotion Hosting review.
What Does “Free Hosting” Really Mean, and Where Does InMotion Stand?
To understand whether InMotion Hosting is free, it’s important to define what “free hosting” actually means. In its true form, free hosting allows users to publish a website without paying anything at all. Providers offering genuine free hosting usually fund their services through advertising, limited resources, or restricted features.
InMotion Hosting does not operate this way. There is no free hosting tier, no permanent free plan, and no trial that allows you to host a website without payment. Every hosting package requires upfront payment, even at the most basic level.
The confusion arises because InMotion heavily markets its free add-ons. While these can add value, they don’t change the fact that the hosting service itself is paid. For users actively searching for a free hosting solution, this distinction is crucial.
Why Doesn’t InMotion Hosting Offer a Free Hosting Plan?
There are practical reasons why InMotion Hosting avoids offering a free hosting plan. Free hosting typically attracts short-term users, spam accounts, and resource-heavy activity that can compromise server performance. InMotion’s business model focuses on reliability, security, and customer support, services that cost money to maintain.
By charging for all hosting plans, InMotion can:
- Maintain better server performance
- Offer live customer support
- Reduce abuse and spam activity
- Target serious website owners rather than hobby projects
While this approach makes sense from a business standpoint, it does mean that beginners and users looking to experiment without financial commitment will need to look elsewhere.
Is InMotion’s “Free” Domain, SSL and Migration Actually Free or Hidden in Costs?
This is where many users start to feel let down. InMotion Hosting promotes several features as “free,” but each comes with conditions that aren’t always clear upfront.
The free domain usually applies only to longer billing cycles, and cancelling early often means the domain cost is deducted from any refund. Free SSL certificates are included, but that’s now standard across most hosts. Website migration is also limited, typically covering just one site.
One Trustpilot reviewer described a particularly frustrating experience:
Ali – Trustpilot, 1 Star (Verified)
“I purchased shared hosting with a free .net domain. The payment was taken, but the next day my account was completely deleted. The domain wasn’t registered, the hosting wasn’t active, and support couldn’t explain why. They even claimed no money was deducted, despite my bank confirming the charge. Support was slow and unhelpful throughout.”
Cases like this raise serious concerns about transparency, reliability, and how genuinely “free” these add-ons really are.
Can You Really Trust the 90-Day Money-Back Guarantee?
InMotion Hosting promotes its 90-day money-back guarantee as a risk-free way to try its services, and on the surface, it does sound generous compared to many competitors. However, the reality is more nuanced.
The refund mainly applies to shared and VPS hosting plans, while several extras, such as domain registrations and premium add-ons, are non-refundable. Some users also report delays or added steps when requesting a refund, which can make the process feel less straightforward than expected.
While the guarantee does provide a level of reassurance for new customers, it shouldn’t be viewed as a completely no-strings-attached trial. Reading the terms carefully is essential before relying on it as a safety net.
My Honest Opinion – Is InMotion Hosting Worth It Without a Free Plan?
In my honest opinion, InMotion Hosting is not free, and it shouldn’t be marketed as such. It is a paid hosting provider with some valuable features included in its plans, but these features come with conditions that users must fully understand before committing.
For professional websites, small businesses, and long-term projects, InMotion Hosting can still be a solid option if you’re prepared for higher renewal costs and are comfortable managing your plan carefully. However, for users specifically searching for free hosting, especially beginners or hobbyists, InMotion Hosting is simply not suitable.
If “free” is your priority, there are better alternatives. If reliability matters more than cost, InMotion may still be worth considering.
