Recommended tools

The VPN, hosting and domain services we trust

What we point clients to when they ask what to use on their own, with who each one suits best.

Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission when you sign up through these links, at no extra cost to you. How we choose.

Best VPN services

A VPN encrypts all traffic between your device and the VPN server, including DNS lookups. Use one on public Wi-Fi, when travelling, or whenever you don’t trust the network you’re on.

Surfshark

VPN

One subscription covers an unlimited number of devices.

  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • WireGuard and OpenVPN
  • Built-in ad and tracker blocking

Best for: Families and households with many devices

Visit Surfshark

Proton VPN

VPN

Swiss-based VPN from the makers of Proton Mail, with open-source apps.

  • Open-source, audited apps
  • Free plan available
  • Secure Core routes through privacy-friendly countries

Best for: Privacy-focused users, and anyone who wants to try a free plan first

Visit Proton VPN

Best web hosting

Where your website lives. Shared hosting is enough for most small sites; move to managed cloud or your own server when traffic or customisation needs grow.

Cloudways

Web hosting

Managed cloud servers on DigitalOcean, AWS, Google Cloud and others.

  • Pick your cloud provider and region
  • Managed updates, backups and caching
  • Pay-as-you-go billing

Best for: Growing stores and agencies that outgrew shared hosting

Visit Cloudways

DigitalOcean

Web hosting

Developer cloud: virtual servers, managed databases and Kubernetes.

  • Droplets (VPS) in data centres worldwide
  • Managed MySQL, PostgreSQL and Redis
  • Clear, predictable monthly pricing

Best for: Developers who want full control of their own server

Visit DigitalOcean

Best domain registrars

Where you register and renew your domain name. Look for free WHOIS privacy and an easy DNS editor.

Namecheap

Domains

Domain registrar with free WHOIS privacy on eligible domains.

  • Free WHOIS privacy (Withheld for Privacy)
  • Hundreds of extensions
  • Free DNS management

Best for: Registering and managing domains yourself

Visit Namecheap

How to choose

VPN

Pick a provider with an independently audited no-logs policy and apps for every device you use. If you only want encrypted DNS, you may not need a VPN at all — see our DNS-over-TLS guide.

Hosting

Start with shared hosting for a brochure site or blog. Choose managed cloud hosting when you need more speed, staging sites or room to grow, and a raw cloud server only if you (or we) will manage it.

Domains

Register the .com if you can, keep WHOIS privacy on, and turn on auto-renew so you never lose the name. Not sure? Check availability or ask us to handle it.

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