Best Django Hosting: Where to Run Your Next Django Project?

What is Django?

Django is a Python web framework that facilitates quick development and straightforward design, offering essential tools for creating robust, scalable, and secure web applications. Django follows the “don’t repeat yourself” principle to minimize redundant code and adheres to “convention over configuration” to streamline project setups.

Although Django is widely appreciated and used by developers in both the United States and Russia, it’s compatible with most operating systems. However, not every web host supports Django development

We’ll leave the ‘why’ out of the equation for now and focus on the best places you can find Django hosting services.

1. ScalaHosting

Website: https://www.scalahosting.com/

ScalaHosting may not offer specially designed Django plans but their mark of excellence comes in the form of SPanel. With much of the hosting world held under the thrall of cPanel, pricing is sort of monopolized. Many who have rejected cPanel have found a happy home at ScalaHosting.

Quick Deployment on Cloud Server with SPanel

SPanel changes the game in a major way and offers users a highly usable option. It is also completely cPanel compatible so you can easily migrate to ScalaHosting from whatever host you’re on. They also offer free migration services, so that’s an issue you can conveniently wash off your hands.

SPanel is available on ScalaHosting’s Managed Cloud VPS plans. Despite that fully managed environment, it still manages to clock in at a relatively low cost of entry. You get access not only to SPanel but an entirely configurable environment. 

This means support for virtually everything from Python to specialized services like Live Malware scanning via SShield technology – and generous resources to run everything.

Read our in-depth Scala Hosting review.

* Updates: ScalaHosting has now partnered up with Amazon AWS. You can launch and manage your Django project quickly with AWS infrastructure on Scala’s Managed AWS VPS platform.

ScalaHosting Pricing

Monthly Cost: From $29.95/mo

2. Cloudways

Website: https://www.cloudways.com/

Cloudways is widely recognized for its managed cloud hosting services that cater to a variety of applications, including Django.

The company offers a platform where you can choose from three top cloud providers – AWS, Google Cloud, and DigitalOcean. This flexibility allows you to select the provider that best suits your project’s needs and budget.

Powerful Managed Cloud Hosting & Great Live Chat Support

One of the key features of Cloudways is its user-friendly platform, which simplifies the process of deploying and managing applications. It provides a range of features such as automated backups, 24/7 support, team collaboration, Cloudflare-powered CDN, and an intuitive control panel that makes it easy to manage your applications and servers.

In terms of Django hosting, Cloudways allows you to deploy Django applications on any of the provided cloud infrastructures. You can leverage the power of cloud servers while also benefiting from the convenience of a managed hosting solution. While Cloudways does not support a pre-configured environment for Django application, you can always get help from their live chat support to get things done.

Learn more about Cloudways Hosting in Jerry’s review.

Cloudways Pricing

Monthly Cost: From $14/mo

3. PythonAnywhere

Website: https://www.pythonanywhere.com/

Although this isn’t a host that crops up in normal searches, if you’re looking for Django hosting it’s likely the first name you’ll come across. This host is entirely geared towards Python and runs off Amazon Web Services (AWS).

Dedicated Python Environment & Good Support

Plans cater to all levels of Python users from the absolute beginners to app gurus. At the lowest end of the scale, there is even a free account you can sign up for just to check out the environment.

Using PythonAnywhere to launch your project is simple and those familiar with local environments will be happy to hear it isn’t much different. There are a massive number of pre-built modules ready for import and use.

If you’re looking towards Django, there is also a one-click installer. All you have to do is let it know what you want your app named and where the files are to go. The rest is automated, so there’s no fiddling about with configurations for Apache or anything else.

PythonAnywhere Pricing

Monthly Cost: From $5/mo (free plan available)

4. A2 Hosting

Website: https://www.a2hosting.com/

For those unfamiliar, A2 Hosting is a brand that’s long been famed for its developer-friendly hosting plans. Their shared hosting plans come with many features you’ll be hard-pressed to find elsewhere.

Cheap Django Hosting Plans

For Django however, it’s better to look towards their VPS plans. It is handy that all you’ll need here for Django is unmanaged VPS. Those plans are very competitively priced at A2 Hosting and start from as little as $5/mo.

Despite it being a generic host like ScalaHosting, A2 Hosting plans still make it easy for those who want a Django environment. All you have to do is set up the virtual environment and run the pip installer. After that it’s simply a matter of configuring Django the way you like it. You can even configure the Django admin interface if you like.

Pip also lets you install any other Python packages that you may need, so it’s sort of an all-in-one deal. For devs, the command line installation using these tools shouldn’t be a problem.

Learn more about A2 Hosting in Jerry’s review.

A2Hosting Pricing

Price: from $2.99/mo

5. Digital Ocean

Website: https://www.digitalocean.com/

Digital Ocean’s tagline that reads “The Developer Cloud” should tell you all you need to know about the possibilities of Django hosting here. What you might not realize is that prices at Digital Ocean are highly competitive.

Best for Advanced Django Developers

Aside from the relatively low cost of entry, Cloud technology means that your billing will be highly precise and you only pay for what you need to use – nothing else. The biggest obstacle to Django hosting on Digital Ocean is that it might not be suitable for everyone.

Unlike a host such as PythonAnywhere, Digital Ocean needs you to set up the environment that you need to use. Further, since it’s so highly configurable, you need to not only know what you need but also how to fit all the moving pieces together.

This means that some time and effort will be spent on managing your environment instead of purely building your apps here. On one hand that makes it much more cost effective for deployment. On the other, it can be a challenge for beginners.

Seriously, if you don’t know what you’re doing, Digital Ocean can be a major challenge. If you do, the sky’s the limit – and I mean that quite literally.

Digital Ocean Pricing

Monthly Cost: From $4/mo

6. DjangoEurope

Website: https://djangoeurope.com/

This Swiss-based host is another that is obviously Django-centric, with servers in Germany, Finland, Switzerland, and the US. Giving them even more credibility is the fact that both founders have technical backgrounds, one of whom is himself a Django dev.

Dedicated Django Hosting Environment

Djangoeurope offers the best of both worlds in Django hosting – a custom environment where you don’t have to worry about most configuration yet is extremely developer friendly. They offer one-click Django deployment without any fuss.

Your account will run on Debian 9 and comes with NGINX and Lighttpd web server pre-installed. Anything else can either be installed on your own, or you can get them to do it for you if you prefer. This service is openly offered on their site and not a ‘hidden secret’ subject to the whims of support staff.

Aside from Django, you can also use your account much like any other hosting solution. If for some reason you decide to simply run a static site – that option is available to you as well. Plans are priced in euros so you might lose a little on conversion if you’re elsewhere.

Personally, I think that the biggest advantage PythonAnywhere has is that it is offered by those who actually know what Django and Python users need. This results in a very streamlined offering that isn’t likely to go wrong.

DjangoEurope Pricing

Monthly Cost: From €5/mo

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What to Look for in a Django Host?

The choice of a Django host can be complex, with different levels of specialization to consider.

On one hand, specialized environments like PythonAnywhere are limited in choice but come pre-configured for specific needs. PythonAnywhere, for example, is designed for educators, providing accounts that are ready-to-use for teaching purposes.

On the other hand, more generic hosting options such as ScalaHosting and Cloudways also support Django. These may require more complex setups but can be configured to suit your needs with the right hosting provider.

Ultimately, the decision on which Django host to choose largely depends on your specific requirements.

A Quick Glance

Factor to Consider	Why It’s Important	What to Look For
Server Compatibility	Ensures your web application can run without issues.	Supports Python and your chosen database.
Performance	Keeps your website running smoothly and quickly.	Adequate memory, CPU, and storage options.
Scalability	Allows your website to grow without switching services.	Easy options to increase resources as needed.
Security Features	Protects your website from threats and data breaches.	Firewalls, SSL certificates, regular updates.
Deployment Tools	Simplifies the process of updating and managing your site.	Tools like Git for version control, easy admin interfaces.
Technical Support	Help available when you have issues or questions.	24/7 access to support, good documentation.
Data Backup	Prevents data loss in case of a problem.	Automated and frequent backups, easy recovery.
Uptime Guarantees	Keeps your site available to visitors at all times.	High reliability, look for 99.9% uptime or better.
Cost Effectiveness	Ensures you get good value for the money you spend.	Clear pricing, possibly a free trial or money-back guarantee.

The hosts I’ve mentioned vary in their offerings,, but each makes a strong case for those interested in Django and Python. Personally, if you’re looking for a basic sandbox I think a more generic environment is the way to go.

Everything You Need to Know about Django

Choosing Django often stems from its use of Python, a popular programming language known for quickly building scalable websites. These features are highly desirable for many companies.

Many developers are already familiar with Python, and Django is one of its most popular frameworks. Like Python, Django is fast, reliable, and can handle large-scale projects effectively.

This makes Django a perfect choice for those looking to develop a powerful website.

Pros and Cons of Django

Like any other choice of framework, Django has its fair share of advantages and disadvantages. While many are of the opinion it’s the greatest thing since slides bread, not everyone seems to think so.

When to Use Django for Your Development?

Understanding the pros and cons of Django, it’s important to choose projects where it performs best.

Consider using Django for high-volume websites that require structured code, robust security, and effective data management. These features help build efficient websites capable of scaling smoothly over time.

Consider developing using Django if:

• You want to build a web app
• Fast deployment is needed
• You’re looking for top-notch security
• Machine learning is desired
• ORM support is needed

Final Thoughts: Less Search, More Code

Django has been increasing in popularity and it’s not hard to see why. Python is one of the few high-level languages around that works well on multiple platforms. The nature of Django and Python also promotes good coding habits given its ‘reuse of code’ propensity.

Hosting heavily affects the speed and uptime performance of websites – and in this case, even web applications. Going with any of these listed hosts should help you ease those concerns since at the very heart, they are solid performers. Why waste time looking for a good web host when you should be focused on your coding?

Frequently Asked Questions on Django