Writer: Jordan Sprogis
Editor: Lillian Castro
Reviewer: Christina Lewis
Almost everyone knows the iconic 1975 film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” Even if you happen to be among the few who haven’t seen it, chances are you’ve heard of it. But it may come as a surprise that the famous comedy troupe also influenced the most popular programming language (PL) known to date: Python.
Python was created by Guido van Rossum in 1991, and he was a big Monty fan. So much so, in fact, that he named the language after the skit series “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” and incorporated some of its elements. Python, like sketch comedy, is easy to understand and doesn’t take itself too seriously. It has readable syntax and playful Easter eggs hidden within the language.
Python has since gained fame for revolutionizing programming languages, similar to how the comedy troupe transformed television. The availability of free and affordable servers only further enhances the language’s appeal, which is why I’ve compiled a list of the best free Python hosting. Let’s dive in and explore what’s in-store.
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Best Free Python Hosts
When it comes to free hosting, you should be prepared to sacrifice things like performance, uptime, and disk space in exchange for cost. It’s just not feasible for free hosts to compete with paid hosting plans that have a budget for shiny hardware and endless resources.
That being said, I’ve hand-picked a few providers that do a pretty bang-up job for no-cost hosting services. These hosts will give you just enough disk space, bandwidth, and features to get a lightweight Python application up and running:
1. PythonAnywhere
PythonAnywhere is precisely what its name suggests: a platform that allows you to run Python code anywhere on your web browser. It is an integrated development environment (IDE) and web hosting platform specifically designed for Python applications.
Pros
- Basic plan is always free
- Good for getting started
- Screen-sharing with other accounts
- Free SSL support
Cons
- Low CPU/bandwidth
- No IPython/Jupyter Notebook support
- Restricted outbound internet access from your apps
It offers a fully configured space where you can easily write, edit, and run Python code on the cloud server. With its diverse range of plans, PythonAnywhere caters to beginners and experts. It even includes a beta section for educators who teach coding to their students!
PythonAnywhere’s Basic plan is entirely free — but if you need more power, you can choose from customizable plans that range from $5 to $500 per month.
Get started with PythonAnywhere for free >>
2. Google App Engine
Google App Engine is a managed platform-as-a-service (PaaS) offered by Google Cloud Platform (GCP). It enables developers to build and deploy web applications using Python, Java, Go, and PHP — all without the need to manage servers and internal infrastructure.
One of the notable advantages of Google App Engine is its user-friendly nature: Users simply need to upload their code and configuration files, and the platform takes care of the rest.
Pros
- Free tier is cost-effective for lightweight Python apps
- Easy deployment
- Integrates seamlessly with other Google Cloud services
Cons
- Not made to support heavy apps
- Limited resources, such as bandwidth and CPU
- No custom runtimes
The platform also offers auto-scaling capabilities, seamless integration with other Google Cloud services, and the assurance of built-in security features from the internet’s biggest name.
When it comes to price, Google App Engine provides a free tier within the Standard environment — to get started, you’ll need a Google Cloud account.
However, you’ll have some pretty strict limitations when it comes to computing power and outgoing network requests.
Check out Google App Engine >>
3. HelioHost
It’s not often that I come across a free, nonprofit web hosting company — but that’s exactly what HelioHost is. It’s run by a small team of people who are helpful and transparent about what the company offers, which includes a free plan with unlimited bandwidth and 10k CPU per day.
You can sign up for the Johnny plan for free or choose one of the provider’s paid plans: Tommy, Morty, or VPS. The website also accepts one-time and monthly donations if you’re feeling generous.
Pros
- It’s free
- HelioHost is a nonprofit
- There’s an active online support forum
Cons
- They do not back up any of your data
- Limited to one account per person
- Only 98.87% uptime
- No formal customer support
HelioHost supports all major scripting languages, including Python, Node.js, ASP.NET, PHP, Java, Ruby on Rails, Django, and Perl. It’s also compatible with MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQLite.
You get access to the Plesk control panel when you sign up, which makes it easy to manage your account.
HelioHost obviously isn’t as robust as a paid hosting plan because of its strict resource limitations, but it’s not bad for an entirely free service.
Best Free Trials
If the free hosts I covered above aren’t right for you, it may be wise to check out these free trials instead. If I were you, I’d fork out the few bucks a month it costs to get a server without such strict limitations.
Plus, I made sure these hosts have oodles of developer-friendly features, too. Check them out:
4. Kamatera.com
Monthly Starting Price $0.00
- 30-day free trial on all cloud products
- User-friendly custom management portal
- Instant scalability and server adjustments
- Choose from roughly 60 operating systems
- All-SSD cloud VPS infrastructure
- Get started on Kamatera now.
Laura Bernheim
| Money Back Guarantee | Disk Space | Domain Name | Setup Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-day FREE trial | 20 GB SSD – 4 TB SSD | New or Transfer | 3 minutes |
30-Day Free Trial | Credit Card Required
is one of my go-to recommendations for devs on a budget because of its incredible 30-day free trial for cloud and VPS hosting.
Once your trial period ends, plan pricing is determined based on your server configuration and usage. Plans start as low as /month.
What sets Kamatera apart is its ability to quickly create and deploy servers within 60 seconds, which is a massive bonus if you’re trying to get a project off the ground quickly. While Kamatera is a budget-friendly cloud and VPS hosting option, it’s also flexible, secure, and scalable, with a 99.95% uptime guarantee and unlimited customization options.
However, it may not be the best option for first-time site owners. Depending on your preferences, it may require server management and configuration, so it’s often geared toward experienced developers.
Fret not, though: Kamatera also offers managed solutions so that you can get their expert team’s assistance!
5. Cloudways.com
Monthly Starting Price $0.00
- Choose your cloud provider, application, and server location
- Easily scale server size, bandwidth, and storage
- Launch WordPress or Magento with a single click
- FREE CDN, managed backups, and staging areas
- Get 25% OFF first 3 months with promo code HOSTINGADVICE
- Get started on Cloudways now.
Alexandra Anderson
| Money Back Guarantee | Disk Space | Domain Name | Setup Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-day FREE trial | 25 GB SSD – 4 TB SSD | New or Transfer | 8 minutes |
3-Day Free Trial | No Credit Card Required
If you’re looking for something scalable, performant, and developer-friendly, take a good look at . The web host lets you start free for three days with no credit card required.
When you sign up, you choose from one of five major cloud providers, including DigitalOcean, Vultr, Linode, GCP, and AWS. You can customize your plan further by choosing how much RAM, bandwidth, CPUs, and disk space you need.
Each plan comes with free site migration and SSL certificates. Plus, Cloudways recently added a built-in firewall for enhanced security. As far as ease of use goes, developers should have no problem getting the hang of its interface.
My only quip is that because it offers managed plans, you don’t get full root access like you would with a bare metal VPS. You also need to register your domain name separately, since Cloudways doesn’t handle that.
Best Value Hosts
You know the saying “Nothing in life is free”? Well, it’s unfortunately true — at least for the most part. Free Python hosting servers don’t come as often as I’d like them to, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find inexpensive options that will cost you just a couple of dollars a month.
Here are some of my favorite cheap hosts that offer great value.
6. SiteGround.com
Monthly Starting Price $2.99
- FREE website transfer service to get started
- 99.9% uptime guarantee and unlimited traffic
- User-friendly WordPress installation
- 24/7 support featuring custom systems
- 4 caching options plus staging and Git
- Get started on SiteGround now.
Alexandra Anderson
| Money Back Guarantee | Disk Space | Domain Name | Setup Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 days | 10 GB SSD – 40 GB SSD | FREE (1 Year) | 6 minutes |
For the price of a cup of coffee from your favorite diner, offers shared hosting, easy WordPress hosting installation, a 99.9% uptime guarantee, and a free website transfer.
SiteGround supports some of the latest Python versions, 3.8 and 3.11.2 — and if you want to know the available modules, you can execute a simple command.
SiteGround is ideal for long-term Python projects because it can err on the pricey side if you don’t opt for the multiyear plans, which also provide more resources than beginner plans.
7. InMotionHosting.com
Monthly Starting Price $2.24
- FREE BoldGrid site builder and templates
- FREE website, domain, and cPanel migrations
- SSD storage makes your site load up to 20x faster
- Security suite includes SSL and hack protection
- Unlimited bandwidth and email accounts
- Get started on InMotion now.
PJ Fancher
| Money Back Guarantee | Disk Space | Domain Name | Setup Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90 days | 100 GB SSD – Unlimited SSD | FREE (1 year) | 5 minutes |
InMotion Hosting is another top pick due to its impressive speed and Python compatibility. You can choose from shared, VPS, or dedicated hosting on a cloud server — and with each plan comes unlimited disk space, a 90-day money-back guarantee, state-of-the-art technology from Dell, Brocade, and Cisco, and a range of security and performance options.
InMotion works seamlessly with WordPress and guarantees speeds up to 12x faster. Even if you don’t use a WordPress hosting plan, you can still benefit from its NVMe SSDs, which are up to 10x faster than traditional SSDs.
This server is an excellent choice for small-to-medium websites and developers or programmers who require reliable testing and staging environments.
8. HostGator.com
Monthly Starting Price $2.29
- Host up to unlimited websites on a single plan
- FREE SSL certificate included on all plans
- Unlimited bandwidth & email addresses
- 1-click WordPress installs & FREE blog tools
- Get 77% OFF by buying 36 months upfront
- Get started on HostGator now.
Ryan Frankel
| Money Back Guarantee | Disk Space | Domain Name | Setup Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 days | 10 GB SSD – 40 GB SSD | FREE (1 year) | 4 minutes |
Starting at $2.29, HostGator offers great value for your money. With every plan, you receive Python compatibility, an easy-to-use cPanel control panel, unlimited disk space, email, bandwidth, and flexible term lengths ranging from one month to 36 months.
This reliable and affordable Python hosting server option boasts high performance (99.99% uptime!), excellent security features, and round-the-clock support.
You also get access to developer-friendly features for Python, including SSH access and Flask and Django hosting compatibility.
9. Hosting.com
Monthly Starting Price $1.99
- Free Cloudflare CDN and SSD speed boost
- Optimized caching and 1-click installs
- Unlimited email, domains, and databases
- Advanced security and free HackScan
- 24/7 support via phone, chat & tickets
- Get started on hosting.com now.
Alexandra Anderson
| Money Back Guarantee | Disk Space | Domain Name | Setup Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 days | 10 GB SSD – Unlimited SSD | New or Transfer | 4 minutes |
primarily focuses on hosting PHP (another programming language) but successfully supports Python.
Hosting.com is well-liked by the Python community because it supports multiple versions, it’s dev-friendly and scalable, and it has shared, dedicated, and VPS hosting options with a cloud server. Hosting.com also uses speed enhancers (hosting.com Optimized and Turbo), which offer a free SSD speed boost.
With four server location options and a range of features, you can rest assured that you’re receiving the best speed options at an incredibly affordable price. And since hosting.com works with Flask and Django hosting, this option is ideal for those who prefer to work with these frameworks.
What Is Python?
Python is a programming language that is highly praised for its ease of use, which is why it is often the preferred choice for software developers, especially those who are just starting.
Python can be used for almost anything, but is most popular for data analysis, game development, web development and web application creation, and scripting.
Think of Python as a toolbox that assists developers in solving problems using a computer.
Python has two key components: functions and libraries. Functions are used for smaller tasks, while libraries offer a more extensive collection of tools (such as Numpy) for tackling more complex problems.
Since computers don’t understand human languages, programming languages are a shared communication medium. They offer a structured method through which humans can convey instructions to computers.
But it’s crucial to follow the syntax and rules defined by the specific PL: For example, if you want to print something from Python, you would input print(“Hello World!”), but for Java, you would input System.out.println(“Hello, World!”).
Who Is Python For?
Like many other PLs, Python can create websites, analyze data, train AI via machine learning, and develop games or applications — but it’s most commonly used among software developers to build, manage, and test a web app, web server, or software.
Let’s take the simplest PL as an example: HTML (Hypertext Markup Language). HTML is used to create the structure of web pages — think headers, tables, embedded images and videos, and page elements like tags and attributes.
Python can work cohesively with HTML in a more “behind-the-scenes” fashion. So, if you run an eCommerce store, HTML will determine your website’s structure and content. Python will perform algorithms for calculating prices, managing inventory, tracking orders, and retrieving product details.
Nonprogrammers have also adopted Python because of its robust data analysis and visualization capabilities. Accountants, scientists, educators, and researchers may use Python for everyday tasks, like task automation.
Why Do People Use Python Instead of a Web Builder?
Web builders are great for those looking to build their websites without all the nitty-gritty details. Many web builders have drag-and-drop features, meaning anyone can use them without software development experience.
That said, web builders are the more straightforward, hands-off option; Python has much more flexibility, customization, scalability, and integration capabilities, which may call for technical expertise.
Can You Host a Website With Python?
No, you can’t host a website using Python. Python is not a web hosting service, but you can install it onto your web hosting service — as long as it supports Python!
Check out our list of hosting services that support Python >>
How Much Does a Python Server Cost?
Python servers range in price from just a few dollars a month to over $100. The exact cost of a Python hosting plan depends entirely on a few factors:
- The hosting method (shared vs. dedicated, managed vs. unmanaged)
- Your hosting provider (storage, bandwidth, web server specifications)
- Resource requirements
- Scalability
Some Python hosting servers are cheaper than others, which is appealing, but always double-check the features and requirements before you commit.
What Features Should I Look For When Choosing a Free Python Server?
You need to consider a few features before choosing a Python host. Here’s the checklist I went through to curate my list of the best free Python hosting servers:
- Price
- Python compatibility
- Storage and bandwidth
- Scalability
- Uptime and reliability
- Customer support and community activity
- User interface friendliness
- Security features
- Reviews
Free servers may have limitations compared to paid hosting options — so always consider the must-haves you need and trade-offs you’re willing to make when choosing a Python server.
What Kind of Technical Experience Do I Need for Python Hosting?
It’s helpful to have some knowledge of the language, server configuration, or deployment process when it comes to deploying your own Python app or website.
Some hosting servers, such as Apache or Nginx, may require setting up your own web servers. You may also need to know how to package your Python application on the host’s server. And, if you want a hosting plan compatible with the Flask or Django hosting frameworks, you’ll need to know how to set up routes and interact with your server’s databases.
But don’t let this scare you: While technical expertise in Python is valuable, it doesn’t have to make or break your journey! Many hosting servers are user-friendly and offer step-by-step instructions, tutorials, and community forums to help you easily set up your Python framework and application.
Slither Into the World of Free Python Hosting
With the right Python host, you can launch your Python application or easily test scripts without breaking the bank. Whether creating an application or playing around with web development, my list of the best free Python hosting servers will undoubtedly point you in the right direction.
But before you get started, don’t forget what the official Python guide says: “Making references to Monty Python skits in documentation is not only allowed, it is encouraged!”
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