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PHP Hosting
Without Shared Servers

Run modern PHP applications on a Docker-based platform. Includes PostgreSQL or MySQL, persistent volumes, and isolated runtime. No cPanel. No shared hosting.

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# docker-compose.yml
services:
  app:
    image: my-php-app
    environment:
      - APP_ENV=production
      - DATABASE_URL=${DATABASE_URL}
  db:
    image: mysql:8
    volumes:
      - db_data:/var/lib/mysql
  • 🇪🇺 Hosted in Germany, GDPR by default
  • 🐳 Run Docker apps (Compose supported)
  • 🗄️ Built-in MySQL, Postgres, Redis & volumes
  • 🔐 HTTPS, metrics, and isolation per project
  • 💳 Per-project cost tracking · from €2.5/month

What “PHP hosting” means today

PHP hosting no longer means uploading files to a shared server via FTP. Modern PHP applications run as isolated services with explicit dependencies, background workers, and dedicated databases.

Frameworks like Laravel or Symfony expect full control over the runtime, environment variables, and filesystem — requirements that shared hosting was never designed to support.

How PHP apps are typically hosted

  • Containers: PHP runs in a Docker container with a fixed PHP version and extensions.
  • Dedicated Database: MySQL or PostgreSQL runs as a separate service.
  • Environment Variables: Secrets and config are injected at runtime.
  • Persistent Storage: Uploads and cache directories live on volumes.

PHP hosting on Hostim.dev

A container-based platform that matches modern PHP architecture.

Docker or Git Deploy

Deploy a Docker image or connect a Git repository. Builds and restarts are handled automatically.

Built-in Databases

Attach MySQL, PostgreSQL, or Redis without external services.

Persistent Volumes

Keep uploads and application data across deployments.

EU Hosting

Hosted in Germany for low latency and GDPR compliance.

Is there free PHP hosting?

Free PHP hosting usually means shared resources, disabled extensions, strict execution limits, and no persistent storage.

Hostim.dev provides a preview tier for testing, but focuses on stable, production-grade PHP hosting with predictable pricing.

PHP web hosting vs app hosting

Shared web hosting targets simple PHP scripts and CMS installs. App hosting is designed for full PHP applications with queues, workers, and controlled environments.

Who it is for

  • Modern PHP applications (Laravel, Symfony, custom apps)
  • Projects needing isolated runtime and databases
  • Teams that want EU-based hosting

Who it is not for

  • Shared hosting or cPanel users
  • One-click WordPress installs
  • Manual VPS administration

How to host a PHP app

The practical workflow on a container-based platform.

  • Create a project: A project is an isolated environment where your PHP app, databases, and storage live together.
  • Add managed services: Create a MySQL or PostgreSQL database and any persistent volumes needed for uploads or generated files.
  • Prepare your container: Build a Docker image with the required PHP version and extensions, or connect a Git repository that contains a Dockerfile. Hostim builds the image if needed.
  • Create the app: Create an app from the image or repo, then attach the database and volumes to it.
  • Configure environment variables: Define database credentials and framework-specific settings (for example application keys or environment mode) in the dashboard.
  • Deploy and update: Hostim starts the container and keeps it running. Updates are done by redeploying or rebuilding the app, either manually or via CI.

Ready to deploy?

Run your PHP application on a modern platform.

Deploy your PHP app

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the free tier include?

You can create free MySQL, PostgreSQL, Redis databases, and persistent volumes. App containers start at €2.5/month. Each user gets one 5-day trial project with everything included – apps, DBs, volumes, metrics.

Can I deploy with just a Compose file?

Yes. Paste your Docker Compose YAML and we'll generate the services automatically. You can also deploy from a Dockerfile or Git repository (repo should have Dockerfile so our system can build the image).

Where is my app hosted?

On bare-metal servers located in Germany. We do not use AWS, GCP, or other large cloud providers – your data stays in the EU.

Do I need to know Kubernetes?

No. Hostim.dev removes Kubernetes complexity. You manage apps, databases, and resources – not clusters or YAML.

Is this for solo devs or teams?

Right now, each account manages projects individually. Multi-user roles and team collaboration are planned – we're actively listening to early users to shape this.