The best PHP version for WordPress is the most recent stable, officially supported version your host and plugins are compatible with. Newer PHP versions run WordPress noticeably faster and receive security updates, while old versions are slower and can be vulnerable. In practice, that means running a current PHP version — and letting your host keep it up to date.
This guide explains why the PHP version matters for WordPress, which version to use, how to check and change it, and how to update safely without breaking your site.
Did you know?
Upgrading to a newer PHP version is one of the easiest free speed boosts for a WordPress site — modern PHP can run WordPress significantly faster than versions from a few years ago.
Why the PHP version matters
PHP is the language WordPress is written in, so the version your server runs directly affects how fast and securely WordPress performs. Each new PHP release has brought meaningful speed improvements, so a current version handles more requests and loads pages faster than an old one.
Security matters just as much. Only recent PHP versions receive official security updates; older versions stop being supported and can harbour unpatched vulnerabilities. Running a current, supported PHP version is therefore both a speed and a security decision.
Which PHP version to use
The simple rule is to run the most recent stable, officially supported PHP version that WordPress and your plugins are compatible with. WordPress itself always recommends a current version, and the newest supported releases give the best speed and security.
Avoid running an outdated, unsupported version even if your site still works on it — you lose speed and, more importantly, security updates. If your host offers several versions, choose the newest one your themes and plugins support.
How to check your PHP version
Checking is easy. In your WordPress dashboard, the Site Health tool (under Tools) reports your current PHP version and warns you if it is outdated. Your hosting control panel also shows and lets you change the PHP version, usually under a ‘PHP configuration’ or similar section.
If either flags an old version, that is a clear, worthwhile thing to fix. A current version is one of the simplest ways to make WordPress faster and safer, and it costs nothing.
How to change the PHP version
Most hosts let you switch PHP versions yourself in the control panel with a dropdown — you select the newer version and apply it. On managed WordPress hosting, the host often keeps PHP current for you automatically, so you may not need to touch it at all.
The change itself takes effect immediately, but you should test your site afterward (see below), since a jump to a much newer version can occasionally reveal an incompatible old plugin or theme.
Pro Tip
Before changing PHP versions on a live site, test the new version on a staging copy if your host offers one. That way you can confirm every plugin and theme works before applying the change to your real site.
Updating PHP safely
A PHP update is usually smooth, but a little care avoids the rare surprise. Follow these steps:
- Back up your site first: so you can roll back if needed.
- Update WordPress, themes, and plugins: current versions are compatible with current PHP.
- Test on staging if possible: confirm everything works before going live.
- Change the version in your control panel: select the newer PHP.
- Check your site: browse key pages and test forms after the change.
- Roll back if something breaks: revert the version and update the culprit plugin.
Let your host handle it where possible
For most people, the easiest path is to let a good host manage the PHP version. Managed WordPress hosts keep PHP current automatically and ensure compatibility, so you get the speed and security benefits with no effort.
If you are on plain hosting, simply check your PHP version occasionally via Site Health and update it when it falls behind. Either way, running a current PHP version is a small, high-value habit that keeps your WordPress site fast and secure for free.
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FAQs
What is the best PHP version for WordPress?
The most recent stable, officially supported PHP version that WordPress and your plugins are compatible with. Newer versions run WordPress faster and receive security updates, while old versions are slower and can be vulnerable, so always run a current, supported version.
Why does the PHP version matter for WordPress?
PHP is the language WordPress runs on, so its version directly affects speed and security. Newer versions handle requests faster and get security updates; outdated ones are slower and can harbour unpatched vulnerabilities. Running a current version improves both speed and safety.
How do I check my WordPress PHP version?
In your WordPress dashboard, use the Site Health tool under Tools, which reports your PHP version and warns if it is outdated. Your hosting control panel also shows the version, usually under a ‘PHP configuration’ section where you can change it too.
How do I update the PHP version for WordPress?
Most hosts let you switch versions in the control panel with a dropdown. Back up first, update WordPress, themes, and plugins, test on staging if possible, then select the newer PHP version and check your site. Managed WordPress hosts often keep PHP current for you automatically.
Will updating PHP break my WordPress site?
Usually not, but a jump to a much newer version can occasionally reveal an incompatible old plugin or theme. Back up first, keep everything updated, and test on a staging copy before applying it live. If something breaks, revert the version and update the culprit.
Does a newer PHP version make WordPress faster?
Yes. Each recent PHP release has brought meaningful speed improvements, so a current version runs WordPress noticeably faster than versions from a few years ago. Upgrading PHP is one of the easiest free speed boosts for a WordPress site.
The bottom line
The best PHP version for WordPress is simply the most recent stable, supported one your host and plugins allow. Newer PHP is faster and more secure; older, unsupported versions are slower and risk unpatched vulnerabilities. Running current PHP is one of the easiest free wins for a WordPress site.
Check your version via Site Health, update it safely with a backup and a quick test, and ideally let a managed WordPress host keep it current for you. Keep PHP current and WordPress updated, and your site stays fast and secure with almost no effort.
When you are ready, you can start with Hostinger and use code PROTIPS for the reader discount. Run the newest supported PHP version — it is a free speed and security boost for WordPress.