Intro price

Most shared and WordPress hosting is advertised at an intro price. It applies to your first term only, which is often 12, 36 or 48 months, and the lowest intro prices usually need the longest term paid up front.

Example: a plan is advertised at a low monthly figure on a 48-month term. You pay for all 48 months on the day you sign up. When those four years end, the plan renews at the renewal price, which can be several times higher.

Hosts use intro prices to win new customers, and they're often a genuinely good deal for the first term. The catch is that the headline figure is the one you'll pay least often.

What it means for your price: judge a plan on its true 3-year cost, not the intro price. A plan with a slightly dearer first term and a fair renewal price can cost less overall.

How to check yours: look for 'renews at' or 'regular price' near the deal, or in the small print at checkout. Your invoice or control panel shows the date your intro term ends, and Renewal Radar can remind you before it does.