For many years I purchased the cheapest hosting I could find. I eventually found Bluehost and recommended it to all my clients for their web hosting needs. In fact, I also hosted all my own websites on Bluehost. I was happy, or at least I thought I was.
Then one day, I realized I wasn’t actually happy, I was furious. With long wait times for support, frequent slowdowns, websites going offline and worse, several accounts being severely hacked, I made a tough decision to divorce Bluehost for good and to make it my mission to find the best hosting providers to recommend to my clients.
So what hosting do I recommend now?
Choosing the right web hosting provider is crucial for the success of your website. With so many options available, it can be challenging to decide which one to choose.
Below, I will compare seven popular web hosting providers: Kinsta, WP Engine, Cloudways, SiteGround, A2 Hosting, Bluehost, and GoDaddy.
I will look at their features, pricing, performance, and customer support to help you make an informed decision.
Let’s get into it…
All seven hosting providers offer a range of features, including shared hosting, VPS hosting, dedicated hosting, and WordPress hosting. However, there are some differences in the features they offer.
Kinsta and WP Engine specialize in managed WordPress hosting, which means they offer features specifically designed for WordPress websites. They provide automatic updates, backups, and security, as well as a range of developer tools, including SSH access, Git integration, and WP-CLI.
SiteGround offers a range of hosting options, including shared hosting, cloud hosting, and enterprise solutions. They provide access to leading website-building software, including WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, and Magento, though I primarily work with WordPress. SiteGround also offers features such as free email, SSL, CDN, and backups, as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee.
A2 Hosting provides developer-friendly features and tools, making it a good fit for new developers seeking fast speeds and affordable prices. They offer multiple e-commerce tools for building online stores, including popular platforms like WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, and Magento.
Bluehost offers an array of web hosting products and packages optimized for different needs, including shared hosting, dedicated hosting, VPS hosting, WordPress hosting, and WooCommerce hosting. However, they are known for their lackluster customer support and slow server response times.
I think it is important to note that all the hosting providers offer their own variation of a custom-built control panel that makes it easy to manage your WordPress site. In my opinion, Kinsta has the the most feature-rich dashboard including analytics, and perfomance analysis tools. If you’re wanting the strongest tools at your fingertips, Kinsta should be your choice. But sometimes you don’t need or want that. I have found that WP Engine and Siteground have the most intuitive dashboards out of all the hosts I have worked with over the years. Of these, I’d say WP Engine is the easiest to use and navigate.
Performance is a critical factor to consider when choosing a web hosting provider. Here’s a breakdown of the performance of each hosting provider:
Kinsta is a premium hosting platform focused solely on providing the best possible managed WordPress hosting services. Leveraging the robust infrastructure of Google Cloud Platform, Kinsta delivers on its promise of superior website performance. HTTP/2 protocol support across all plans further optimizes the loading speed of your websites, enhancing the user experience, and positively impacting your SEO.
Kinsta’s utilization of the latest technologies, including PHP 8.0, Nginx, and LXD containers, demonstrates their commitment to providing the fastest hosting environment. With an impressive average response time of just 200ms, Kinsta consistently outperforms many competitors in the hosting market. If speed and reliability are crucial to your website’s success, Kinsta should undoubtedly be a consideration. kinsta.com
WP Engine is another top-tier managed WordPress hosting provider that values performance. Backed by the Google Cloud Platform, WP Engine ensures the highest level of server reliability and website speed. Like Kinsta, they support HTTP/2, which substantially boosts website loading speeds and enhances SEO performance.
Their proprietary EverCache system adds another layer to their performance prowess, reducing the need for separate caching plugins. WP Engine also excels in response times, clocking an average of 250ms. When it comes to maintaining optimal website performance, WP Engine is a solid contender in the hosting space. wpengine.com
Cloudways provides a unique approach to hosting, allowing users to choose their cloud provider from industry giants, including AWS, Google Cloud, DigitalOcean, Vultr, and Linode. This flexibility ensures you have the option to select a provider that best aligns with your performance needs.
Cloudways employs an optimized stack with ready-to-use caches, including Memcached, Varnish, and Redis, to deliver expedited response times. Advanced caching, combined with CloudwaysCDN, results in websites loading significantly faster, leading to an improved user experience and enhanced SEO performance. cloudways.com
SiteGround offers a hosting service that puts performance at its core. Using the premium Google cloud infrastructure, SiteGround assures website owners of dependable server performance. Their hosting plans come equipped with WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, and Magento, catering to a broad range of website owners.
Independent speed tests indicate an average response time of about 600ms. While this may be higher compared to Kinsta and WP Engine, it’s still considered fast, ensuring a smooth user experience and contributing positively to SEO. The addition of free CDN with all hosting plans also enhances the global reach of your websites, reducing latency and improving load times across different geographical locations. siteground.com
A2 Hosting stands out in the hosting marketplace for its impressive server response times. With speed tests showing an average response time of just 295ms, A2 Hosting prides itself on its performance metrics. This rapid response time is not just beneficial for user experience but is also a significant contributor to better search engine rankings.
Their promise of a 99.9% uptime guarantee ensures your website remains accessible to your users round the clock. A2 Hosting has continuously demonstrated excellent uptime, instilling confidence in their ability to provide a reliable hosting environment. If speed and reliability are high on your list of hosting needs, A2 Hosting is worth considering. a2hosting.com
Although Bluehost has faced criticism for customer support, when it comes to performance, they are known to offer reliable service. They promise a standard 99.9% uptime, ensuring your site remains live and accessible for visitors.
However, while they offer unlimited bandwidth, independent tests have indicated mixed results concerning their server response time. This could potentially affect site load speeds, impacting user experience and SEO performance. Therefore, while Bluehost may be a fit for some websites, it may not be the best choice if high-performance speed is a top priority.
Even though I recommended Bluehost for many years, I no longer recommend them to my clients. They are one of the cheapest solutions though, so if that’s your main concern and you want to sign up, here is the link: bluehost.com
GoDaddy, a recognizable name in the hosting world, guarantees 99.9% uptime, like many other hosting providers. However, independent tests and user reviews suggest occasional slow server response times and unexpected downtimes. This inconsistent performance could negatively impact both user experience and your site’s SEO.
While GoDaddy does offer unlimited bandwidth, it’s subject to their fair usage policy. This means your site’s performance could be affected during high-traffic periods. Thus, despite its well-known brand, GoDaddy’s performance might not be the most reliable compared to other hosting providers in the market. godaddy.com
As someone who’s navigated the often confusing landscape of web hosting pricing, I know how daunting it can be to understand the cost and value behind each option. Together, we’re going to unravel the pricing puzzle of our selected web hosting services – Kinsta, WP Engine, Cloudways, SiteGround, A2 Hosting, Bluehost, and GoDaddy. Each has its unique approach to pricing.
Whether you’re eyeing a high-end plan or seeking something more budget-friendly, I’ll guide you through the ins and outs of what each provider brings to the table.
Ready to dive into the nitty-gritty of the costs? Let’s take a closer look at how your budget aligns with what these hosting platforms can offer, ensuring you make an informed decision that suits both your pocket and your web hosting needs.
*Please note that the pricing information provided here may vary and it is always recommended to visit the official websites of the hosting companies for the most up-to-date and accurate information. Also, keep in mind that many hosting companies offer a discounted introductory offer. I can’t tell you how many of my clients are in sticker shock when the introductory offer expires!
Kinsta is a premium hosting platform focused solely on providing the best possible managed WordPress hosting services. Leveraging the robust infrastructure of Google Cloud Platform, Kinsta delivers on its promise of superior website performance. HTTP/2 protocol support across all plans further optimizes the loading speed of your websites, enhancing the user experience, and positively impacting your SEO.
Kinsta’s utilization of the latest technologies, including PHP 8.0, Nginx, and LXD containers, demonstrates their commitment to providing the fastest hosting environment. With an impressive average response time of just 200ms, Kinsta consistently outperforms many competitors in the hosting market. If speed and reliability are crucial to your website’s success, Kinsta should undoubtedly be a consideration. kinsta.com
WP Engine has five plan categories. If you’re starting your WordPress journey, the Managed Hosting option is a good option — choose from Startup ($24/month), Professional ($47.20/month), Growth ($92/month), or Scale ($232/month). There’s also Custom, which you’ll need to contact WP Engine to learn more about pricing. Each tier increases your number of allowed sites, storage limit, and monthly bandwidth and visits. wpengine.com
Cloudways offers a range of pricing plans, starting from $10 per month to $1,035 per month. Their pricing is based on the cloud provider you choose, such as AWS, Google Cloud, or DigitalOcean, and the resources you need, such as RAM, storage, and bandwidth. coudways.com
SiteGround offers a range of hosting options, including shared hosting, cloud hosting, and enterprise solutions. Their pricing starts from $2.99 per month for shared hosting, $80 per month for cloud hosting, and $400 per month for enterprise hosting. siteground.com
A2 Hosting offers a range of hosting options, including shared hosting, VPS hosting, dedicated hosting, and reseller hosting. Their pricing starts from $2.99 per month for shared hosting, $25 per month for VPS hosting, $99.59 per month for dedicated hosting, and $9.80 per month for reseller hosting. a2hosting.com
Bluehost offers an array of web hosting products and packages optimized for different needs, including shared hosting, dedicated hosting, VPS hosting, WordPress hosting, and WooCommerce hosting. Their pricing starts from $2.75 per month for shared hosting, $79.99 per month for dedicated hosting, $18.99 per month for VPS hosting, $19.95 per month for WordPress hosting, and $12.95 per month for WooCommerce hosting. bluehost.com
GoDaddy offers a range of hosting options, including shared hosting, VPS hosting, dedicated hosting, and WordPress hosting. Their pricing starts from $4.99 per month for shared hosting, $19.99 per month for VPS hosting, $99.99 per month for dedicated hosting, and $6.99 per month for WordPress hosting. godaddy.com
Customer support is an essential factor to consider when choosing a web hosting provider. Here’s a breakdown of the customer support of each hosting provider:
Kinsta’s approach to customer support is a testament to their commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience. Available 24/7, Kinsta’s support team is populated by WordPress experts, ensuring that the person helping you is well-versed in both hosting and WordPress. This is especially beneficial when you’re dealing with more complex WordPress-related queries or issues.
Their multilingual support team can assist you via live chat, providing quick, friendly, and professional help at any time of day. This means no more waiting in long phone queues or waiting for email responses – assistance is just a few clicks away. The quick response times have been praised by many users, helping minimize potential downtime.
In addition, Kinsta’s comprehensive Knowledge Base provides a wealth of articles, tutorials, and guides. Whether you’re a beginner trying to set up your first website or an experienced developer looking for advanced troubleshooting tips, Kinsta’s resources cater to a broad range of needs.
Kinsta also offers a user-friendly, custom-built control panel. It’s designed to make the process of managing your WordPress site easier, from tracking bandwidth, visitor stats, to managing DNS settings. Their attention to the user experience highlights Kinsta’s dedication to providing not just premium hosting but also exceptional customer service.
In conclusion, Kinsta shines brightly in customer support, pairing reliability with a wealth of expertise, providing a safety net for customers who value effective, rapid, and knowledgeable service. kinsta.com
WP Engine’s customer support sets a high standard in the realm of managed WordPress hosting. Their commitment to providing first-class customer service is evident in their 24/7 availability and a comprehensive range of support channels. When you choose WP Engine as your hosting provider, you’re not just receiving a hosting service – you’re partnering with a team of WordPress experts who are ready to help you navigate any challenges you encounter.
Their award-winning support team can be accessed via phone, live chat, or email, ensuring that you can communicate in the way that best suits your needs. WP Engine prides itself on its rapid response times, often solving issues efficiently, thereby minimizing any potential disruptions to your website.
Not only does WP Engine provide immediate help, but their robust online resource center is a treasure trove of WordPress and web hosting knowledge. From beginner-friendly tutorials to in-depth guides for advanced users, their extensive knowledge base is a clear demonstration of WP Engine’s commitment to customer education and self-help.
In addition, WP Engine offers an array of innovative and developer-friendly tools, including SSH access, Git integration, and WP-CLI. These features empower users to manage and optimize their websites, further demonstrating WP Engine’s commitment to equipping their customers with the best tools for success.
In essence, WP Engine’s customer service is more than just support—it’s a partnership. Their commitment to customer success and satisfaction is a beacon in the industry, ensuring you always have access to knowledgeable assistance when you need it. wpengine.com
Cloudways offers 24/7/365 customer support through live chat and an online ticketing system. Their active community and comprehensive knowledge base help answer a plethora of user queries. They also offer additional support through premium add-ons like CloudwaysBot Channels and Premium Support. cloudways.com
SiteGround’s approach to customer support is indicative of their commitment to offering an outstanding user experience. Available 24/7, their customer support team boasts both excellent technical knowledge and a passion for helping customers resolve issues. This ensures that you’re supported by a team that understands hosting inside-out and can guide you through any difficulties you might encounter.
You can reach out to SiteGround’s support team via live chat, phone, or email ticketing, providing a multitude of avenues to seek help. With impressively fast response times, especially noted on their live chat service, help is never far away when you’re hosting with SiteGround. This proactive approach to support minimizes disruption and ensures your website can continue to function optimally.
Moreover, SiteGround offers an extensive Knowledge Base with a wide array of helpful articles, how-to guides, and tutorials. Whether you’re a novice looking to understand the basics of web hosting, or an experienced webmaster seeking advanced troubleshooting tips, SiteGround’s resources have you covered.
SiteGround also offers innovative features such as free email, SSL, CDN, and backups, along with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Their user-friendly cPanel provides a hassle-free experience when managing your hosting, while their custom tools like the WordPress Starter and SG Optimizer plugin streamline your site management and optimization efforts.
In summary, SiteGround delivers a well-rounded, top-notch customer support experience. Their blend of expert support, extensive resources, and user-friendly tools contributes to a service that places user satisfaction and success at the forefront. siteground.com
A2 Hosting firmly believes in providing stellar customer support to their users, and this is clearly demonstrated by their round-the-clock, ‘Guru Crew’ support. Available 24/7, their support team is made up of knowledgeable and friendly staff, always ready to assist with any issues you may encounter. When dealing with A2 Hosting’s support, you’re not only getting assistance, but you’re also gaining access to a team of hosting experts committed to your success.
You can reach the A2 Hosting support team via multiple avenues including live chat, phone, and email ticketing. This accessibility ensures you can get help in the way that best suits your preference and situation. A2 Hosting’s support is known for their swift response times and their commitment to finding resolutions for customers’ queries, thereby minimizing any potential downtime.
Additionally, A2 Hosting offers an extensive knowledge base, packed with helpful articles, tutorials, and guides. From beginners learning the ropes of hosting, to experienced developers looking for advanced insights, A2 Hosting’s resources can be incredibly beneficial.
A2 Hosting also sets itself apart with developer-friendly features and tools. This makes them an excellent choice for new and seasoned developers seeking fast speeds and the flexibility to work with their preferred tools and systems. The hosting environment is further enhanced with their robust security measures and their commitment to providing a 99.9% uptime guarantee.
In conclusion, A2 Hosting’s customer support is a fine example of their commitment to customer satisfaction. Their blend of responsive support, educational resources, and developer-friendly tools work in synergy to provide a comprehensive hosting service that prioritizes customer success. a2hosting.com
While Bluehost is a recognized name in the world of web hosting, its customer service has been a point of contention among its user base. The company offers 24/7 support via phone, live chat, and email ticketing, in line with industry standards. However, the quality and speed of this support are areas that have drawn criticism from users.
One key issue reported by customers is the often lengthy waiting time to receive support, particularly over live chat or phone. This could potentially cause delays and frustration for users who need immediate help to resolve pressing issues. This aspect of Bluehost’s service certainly leaves room for improvement and is something prospective customers should consider when weighing their hosting options.
Despite the critique, Bluehost does provide a reasonably extensive Knowledge Base containing articles and guides on various topics. These resources can prove helpful for users looking to troubleshoot minor issues on their own or those keen to learn more about their hosting service.
In summary, while Bluehost does provide round-the-clock customer support and an array of self-help resources, the overall user experience is tarnished by lengthy response times. It’s a factor that can greatly impact website owners who require prompt, efficient support, and it’s essential to weigh this consideration when choosing a web hosting service. bluehost.com
GoDaddy provides 24/7 customer support, promising users round-the-clock assistance whenever issues arise. Support options include phone and live chat, which, on paper, offers the convenience and immediate assistance that customers would expect from a hosting service.
However, user experiences with GoDaddy’s customer support have been varied. Numerous reviews point towards less-than-stellar customer service, with complaints highlighting long wait times, insufficient technical expertise, and poor problem resolution. Such issues can lead to significant delays and frustrations when you’re in need of immediate assistance, which can be particularly problematic for website owners with limited technical knowledge.
Moreover, some of the critical services like advanced backup and restore options come at an extra cost, which means users have to pay more for security features that other hosting providers often include as standard. This may result in hidden costs and does not contribute positively to the overall user experience.
In summary, while GoDaddy’s hosting service may be sufficient for some, the potential issues with their customer support, coupled with the additional costs for necessary features, make it a less desirable option. It’s important to consider these factors when choosing a hosting provider to ensure you receive not only good performance but also high-quality customer service.
I personally have had hit-or-miss support with GoDaddy. I recently spoke on the phone with someone who was completely rude and snarky to me and this was for a client that paid GoDaddy $20,000 for a premium domain name. I will never ever recommend them to anyone ever. If you are thinking about using GoDaddy, JUST DON’T! godaddy.com
After conducting an in-depth comparison of the features, pricing, performance, and customer support provided by Kinsta, WP Engine, SiteGround, A2 Hosting, Bluehost, Cloudways, and GoDaddy, my recommendations are as follows:
For a premium managed WordPress hosting experience with top-tier performance and stellar customer support, Kinsta emerges as my top choice. Closely following Kinsta is WP Engine, which offers a highly optimized environment specifically for WordPress websites and boasts an exceptional customer service track record.
SiteGround and A2 Hosting both provide solid options, especially for those looking for a balance between cost and performance. SiteGround’s diverse hosting options and excellent customer support are definite strengths, while A2 Hosting impresses with its developer-friendly features and speedy performance.
Cloudways, with its innovative approach to managed cloud hosting and robust performance, provides a unique offering. It’s a strong option for those who require scalable resources and enjoy the flexibility of cloud environments.
On the other end of the spectrum, we have Bluehost and GoDaddy. Despite being popular names in the hosting industry, they unfortunately fall short in certain areas. Bluehost has drawn criticism due to longer wait times for customer support, which can be a crucial aspect for many website owners. But it was the constantly super slow and laggy website experience that really caused me to stop recommending them. Then there is GoDaddy. Oh GoDaddy…. while offering a wide range of services, they do not meet my performance and customer support expectations at all. I always recommend moving a client’s web hosting to another platform.
It’s essential to remember that when choosing a web hosting provider, your specific needs, budget, and technical capability should be the driving factors. I hope that this thorough comparison provides you with valuable insights to make an informed decision that best suits your website hosting requirements.
I don’t work for any of the businesses listed on this page. *Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. If you use my link to make a purchase, I may receive a small referral payment at no extra cost to you. In fact, you might even get a discount!