HostGator may be one of the industry's largest and oldest web hosting firms, but they're always improving, with an average uptime of 99.98 percent over the last 24 months.
Their most basic shared hosting plans include unlimited storage, bandwidth, a free domain for the first year, and an SSL certificate. They also have excellent customer support, which connected immediately via live chat and answered each question in a matter of seconds.
Unfortunately, the average page loading times of HostGator let them down (1191ms average). Many extra services, such as backups and surveillance, will be charged separately. Furthermore, once the first term ends, the renewal rates skyrocket.
Here's a full breakdown of our hands-on test, which used Pingdom data to shed light on their results.
We've recently seen a few other hosts offering uptime guarantees, which ensures that all customers profit. Competitors who come out and do this help to lift the industry's bar. Everyone else in the sector is forced to either match their promise and lift the quality level of service, or risk being left behind.
HostGator offers help through a knowledge base, phone, email, and live chat. The last choice is the quickest, taking about 15 seconds to link us to a service representative.
We tried bombarding them with questions and moving from topic to topic, but they never paused. Their employees seem to be competent, well-trained, and pleasant. Overall, it was a positive experience.
3. 45-Day Money-Back Guarantee
HostGator is so confident in their service that they've increased the industry-standard 30-day return policy to 45 days.
That means you can use them for more than a month and still get your money back if there are any problems.
Both shared, reseller, and VPS hosting packages come with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
The only catch is that this excludes HostGator's dedicated servers, operating costs, and custom software installation fees. We discovered that these caveats are fairly popular in the hosting industry after combing through 30+ Terms of Service documents.
If your package included a free domain name, for example, the regular charge of $15.00 for the domain would be deducted from the refund sum.
There are a couple of other points I'd like to make. According to HostGator's terms, they have up to 90 days to issue a refund. Checks, money orders, Western Union fees, and bank wire transfers will not be refunded.
Only new plans or accounts are eligible for refunds. So if you've already signed up for one and are canceling a renewal or a second attempt, you won't get anything back.
Last but not least, foreign currency refunds are calculated using current US dollar exchange rates.
4. Site Security Features Available
The shared hosting plans offered by HostGator are fairly basic. You get plenty for one website but not a lot of extras on top of that.
Fortunately, they do have a few extra security features, such as the ability to track the site with SiteLock. This service will operate on a regular basis, searching for any possible site breaches or hacks and notifying you immediately if one is discovered.
They also have Spam Assassin in their email plans to help you avoid getting spam in the first place.
5. Free Site & cPanel Migrations
If this isn't your first website and you're looking to migrate an existing one, HostGator will help.
You'll have 30 days after signing up to contact them and have them assist you with moving any web archives, databases, scripts, or even a domain name.
This requires a complete cPanel migration. But you're safe if you have multiple web installs (such as subdomains for a single big site).
A single site (or cPanel) migration is provided in all HostGator shared hosting plans. Different plans, such as resellers, would have access to more resources (up to 30).
When compared to other hosts, a single free site migration isn't much. However, it is much less expensive than Bluehost, which charges $150 for moving up to five sites at once.
6. Very User-Friendly for Beginners
HostGator is designed specifically for newbie bloggers and webmasters.
Their website has a wealth of guides, walkthroughs, and other resources to assist you in navigating the perplexing world of DNS and data centers.
They also have extra features for beginners who want to set up a site without having to hire someone to design, create, and run it for them.
Gator by HostGator, their website creator, is one of the best ones we've seen. It includes free hosting and a domain name, so you only need to buy one account to cover all of your needs.
To begin with, the customizable models are all fairly modern, and you can easily customize their appearance by dragging and dropping each function. In addition, you'll get free web analytics and a free SSL certificate to help protect your visitors' personal information (like their physical location).
Gator by HostGator also includes an eCommerce plan, allowing you to set up a fully functional online store with inventory and more without having to worry about payment gateways, plugins, or other complicated technology. It simply works.
Cons of Using HostGator Shared
To be honest, HostGator's consistently high uptime surprised me (in a good way). We really appreciate their uptime guarantee.
Aside from that, there's a lot to like about their operation, thanks to their beginner-friendly style and supportive customer service.
Unfortunately, we ran into a few problems when putting them through their paces. Here are the most serious issues we discovered:
1. Slow Page Speed (Over 1 Second to Load)
For the past year and a half, HostGator's servers have kept our site up and running flawlessly.
The issue is that these servers were also consistently sluggish. Over the last 24 months, their average page loading time has been 1191 milliseconds.
It takes over a second to load text-based content pages that are relatively easy. Imagine what would happen if you crammed thousands of words and hundreds of high-resolution images into these pages. That's not nice.
Slow page loading times have been shown to have a direct effect on the visitors' experience. And it has a knock-on impact on the bottom line as well.
You can speed up your site without switching hosts by doing a few things. However, if your host is chronically late, you'll be fighting a losing battle all the time.
Last 12-month average load times:
2. Lots of Extra Fees for ‘True’ Backups, Gmail, and Malware
HostGator's shared hosting plans are inexpensive, with promotional rates as low as $2.75 a month (for 36 months).
Their most basic package (“Hatchling”) includes a single domain name, one-click installs of common apps such as WordPress, Joomla, and others, unmetered bandwidth, limitless storage, and a free SSL certificate. Basically, all of the essential features for a fully functional website.
HostGator Shared additional services
However, in their default plans, that is about all they offer. When it comes time to log out, all of the 'extras,' such as site backups, Gmail access, SiteLock Monitoring, and SEO software, will cost you extra.
It's frustrating because many of these features are carefully worded on the web, such as "available," to lead you to believe they're included. If you look at the other top hosts we've checked, you'll notice that all of them have these in their simple pricing.
Only when you get to the end of the process when it comes time to enter your billing details, will you know that all of these additional features will cost you extra.
Gmail costs $5 a month or $60 a year per account, which is regular pricing. However, SiteLock will set you back $19.99 per year, CodeGuard will set you back $23.95 per year, and they won't even have several past versions of the site on file in case you run into any issues.
So, although the initial plan appears to be inexpensive at first, it eventually becomes very costly.
3. Industry-Standard Pricing ‘Tricks’
In addition to the additional fees, HostGator employs two pricing strategies that are fairly common in the industry.
The first is when you see a low rate advertised, such as $2.75/month, only to find out that you have to prepay for three years to get it. Otherwise, you'll have to pay $10.95 a month for a single month of service.
But that's just the beginning. Furthermore, when your initial plan expires, HostGator's renewal pricing leaps drastically.
Let's say you decide to lock in the low rate for the next three years. Without a doubt, you'll be getting a decent offer.
When it comes time to renew your plan every three years, the trouble begins. Your monthly rate for the same plan jumps to $6.95 a month (or $250.20 total) at that point, more than double what you just paid for the same service.
They're essentially preying on the fact that after a few years, the chances of you having to switch providers are slim to none. But you're going to be cooped up for a bit (like a cable company or gym membership).
This is something we've seen a lot of other hosts do. That isn't to say that we have to like it.
HostGator Pricing, Hosting Plans & Quick Facts
Shared Hosting: HostGator offers three different shared hosting plans:
The Hatchling plan begins at $2.75 per month. You get one domain name, unlimited storage and disk space, an SSL license, and an unlimited number of subdomains.
This plan starts at $3.95 per month for a baby. It allows you to have an infinite amount of data, bandwidth, and domain names.
This package begins at $5.95 a month for a business plan. It allows you to have an infinite amount of data, bandwidth, and domain names. It includes a free dedicated IP address, SSL, and a toll-free phone number.
- Signup Process: The signup process is simple.
- Credit Card and PayPal are accepted as payment methods.
- Introductory pricing is only applicable for long-term plan transactions, but there are no hidden fees or clauses. Renewal rates would also increase by more than a factor of two. Backups and malware detection, for example, are both additional charges.
- Upsells: There are a lot of upsells.
- Activation of your account will take anywhere between 24 and 48 hours.
- cPanel is the control panel and dashboard.
- Installation of Apps and CMSs (WordPress, Joomla, etc.): They use QuickInstall to make it simple to install common apps and CMSs in just a few measures.
Do We Recommend HostGator Shared?
Not at all.
But not for the reason you would believe.
HostGator's shared hosting has a number of advantages. Over the last year or so, the uptime has significantly increased. Customer service was excellent. It's also user-friendly thanks to the abundance of beginner-friendly options.
However, the sluggish speeds and additional price hikes make it too costly to be deemed a good deal.
We wouldn't recommend it, however, because there is a better choice in the store that actually provides good value.
On paper, HostGator's WordPress Cloud hosting is a little more expensive, but the efficiency is significantly better.
But we suggest looking at that one first because if you factor in the additional fees and price changes, you'll still end up paying the same amount at the end of the day.
Is HostGator reliable?
Yes, HostGator is a trustworthy business. During their transition to Endurance International's infrastructure in 2013, they experienced a well-known outage. But they've been stable since then, with no more outages than can be anticipated in the web hosting industry (even Amazon and Google have outages – the secret is customer communication).
Is HostGator good for WordPress?
Yes, depending on your priorities and exact needs, HostGator is generally fine for WordPress. HostGator provides QuickInstall software and plenty of support for a standard WordPress installation. Their auto-install, on the other hand, installs some uninstallable yet irritating plugins. In comparison to specialists like WP Engine or direct rivals like InMotion, their controlled WordPress hosting plans aren't quite as affordable.
Is HostGator easy to use?
Yes, HostGator is relatively simple to use. They aren't as beginner-friendly as their sister brand, Bluehost, but they do have a redesigned account management panel and a decent onboarding series, as well as a brand new website builder for those who don't want to learn the ins and outs of self-hosting.
Which is better GoDaddy or HostGator?
If you want better long-term pricing, better efficiency, and more DIY support choices, HostGator is a better choice than GoDaddy. If you want to keep it easy with only one web hosting company, if you want deeper discounts, and if you prefer phone help, GoDaddy is better than HostGator. Learn more about the differences between HostGator and GoDaddy.
What is HostGator?
HostGator is a web hosting company that offers WordPress hosting, virtual private server hosting, and dedicated hosting.
What are HostGator’s, top competitors?
Alternatives to HostGator include Google Domains, Namecheap, and Cloudways.
What is HostGator’s best feature?
Support Rating receives the highest rating from reviewers, with a score of 7.6.
Who uses HostGator?
Small Businesses in the Information Technology & Services sector are the most frequent HostGator users.
Is HostGator A good hosting company?
HostGator may be one of the industry's largest and oldest web hosting firms, but they've maintained a decent average uptime of 99.93 percent over the last 12 months. Their most basic shared hosting plans include unlimited storage, bandwidth, a free domain for the first year, and an SSL certificate.
Is HostGator WordPress hosting worth it?
In conclusion, we discovered HostGator to be a dependable and customer-friendly hosting service. Their customer service is among the finest in the industry, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As a result, HostGator has been listed as one of the best WordPress hosting companies. Let's move on to the more technical aspects of our HostGator analysis.
Is HostGator bad?
You can't go wrong with this hosting provider, but we'll tell you what's good and what's bad so you can make the best decision possible. In our testing, HostGator earned 4.7/5 stars, putting it in a near-second position behind Bluehost – so you'll be in good hands.
Who is better than HostGator?
Bluehost, on the other hand, came out on top over HostGator in terms of functionality and value for money. Both are incredibly strong, hosting millions of websites around the world, so whichever one you pick, you'll be in good hands.
Which is better HostGator or Bluehost?
When it comes to stability, Bluehost is marginally better than HostGator. They both provide free SSL certificates, malware removal software, and free website backups, but HostGator's are more limited. When it comes to customer care and assistance, Bluehost and HostGator have tied once again.
Is HostGator cloud fast?
Speed is one of the best features of HostGator Cloud. On Bitcatcha's speed test, HostGator's cloud hosting received an A+. It was especially fast in the United States. (See the bottom of the page for more information.) Uptime and dependability HostGator earned a perfect score for uptime.
Is WordPress free in HostGator?
WordPress is a free and open-source content management system.
When you create your first website, this will help you keep costs down. The only things you'll have to pay for are a domain and hosting.
Is HostGator fast?
HostGator's Cloud hosting is one of the quickest and most efficient web hosting services we've used (read our review here), so it says a lot that the shared web hosting's site load speed is nearly comparable to their cloud hosting!
Which is the best hosting for WordPress?
These are the top 10+ best WordPress hosting services in 2021.
- SiteGround (www.SiteGround.com) Best overall WordPress host ($6.99/mo) …
- Flywheel (getflywheel.com) Great entry-level managed WordPress host ($13/mo) …
- Bluehost (www.Bluehost.com) …
- Hosting (www.Hostinger.com) …
- Kinsta (www.Kinsta.com) …
- WP Engine (www.WPEngine.com)
Is Bluehost better than WordPress?
The first site had an average load time of 603 milliseconds and a second of 1.06 seconds, according to the findings. Although the results are impressive, they do show that Bluehost's most simple hosting plan is faster than WordPress.com's mid-tier plan.
Should I get web hosting or WordPress hosting?
A comparison of web hosting and WordPress hosting. The server setup is the primary distinction between WordPress hosting and regular web hosting. The majority of WordPress hosting plans provide tools that are tailored for the site. For example, your web host might promote features like PHP 7 or more PHP memory...
Why Namecheap is better than GoDaddy?
Namecheap also makes it easier to handle domain names. It is a better option than GoDaddy since it offers free backups and SSL certificates. Although GoDaddy's plans include more room, most users will never use it, so you're better off with Namecheap for service and support.
Can I use Wix with HostGator?
This information is only for Gator Website Builder users. Following the steps outlined below, you can move a WIX-registered domain to your HostGator account. This article will show you how to obtain a transfer key, also known as an EPP code or authorization code, which you will need to transfer funds.
Does HostGator provide staging?
Note that while the staging feature allows you to test the changes, there is no way to automatically push the changes to your live site. This is referred to as site cloning, and it is a feature that HostGator does not currently provide.
Does HostGator sell your information?
You should check your domain record to see what information is available to the public. Not to say Hostgator didn't sell or share anything, but your contact information is most likely public due to the domain information.
Does HostGator use SSD?
Just Hostgator hasn't moved to SSD drives for simple hosting out of all the big web hosts. Many of the other major players, including SiteGround and Bluehost, switched to SSD a long time ago.
Who owns HostGator?
Endurance International Group
What is the best hosting company?
The Top 10 Best Web Hosting Providers
- HostGator – Best for Lean/Minimal Needs.
- A2 Hosting – Fast & Reliable Shared Hosting.
- GreenGeeks – Best Eco-Friendly Hosting.
- WP Engine – Best Managed WordPress Hosting.
- InMotion – Best VPS Hosting.
- SiteGround – Best Customer Service.
- Nexcess – Best for scaling and growth.
What is better than Bluehost?
SiteGround (starting at $14.99) is a better option than Bluehost (starting at $8.99). SiteGround's customer service is more sensitive, their efficiency (speed and uptime) is better, and they have a more comprehensive collection of features (e.g. staging area and speed optimization options). … Bluehost has a larger storage capacity and lower costs.
Which is better Bluehost or GoDaddy?
In general, Bluehost outperforms GoDaddy in our study. Bluehost provides marginally better support and value for money, despite the fact that both are feature-rich and work well. GoDaddy is a great all-in-one solution because of its domain registration and website-building capabilities.
Can you pay for Bluehost monthly?
Bluehost's cheap shared hosting and controlled WordPress hosting do not, unfortunately, have monthly payment options. Bluehost's VPS and dedicated hosting plans, on the other hand, provide month-to-month billing. … We'll also compare monthly and yearly pricing and break down the costs of each package.
Is HostGator cloud?
Why do you use HostGator Cloud Hosting? Domains, hosting, website builder tools, and more are all available via HostGator. Our plans all provide an infinite number of email addresses, bandwidth, and storage.
Why should I use HostGator?
HostGator is one of the most common web hosts in the industry, hosting over 8 million domains. It's a good option for any website owner, with 1-click WordPress installation, a 99.9% uptime guarantee, and 24/7 support. They get a perfect 5 out of 5-star rating from us, and they're number one on our list of the best business hosting providers.
Which cloud hosting service is best?
Best Cloud Hosting Services for 2021
- HostGator– Best cheap cloud web hosting.
- Nexcess – Best cloud hosting for eCommerce sites.
- DreamHost– Best cloud hosting for developers.
- Hostinger – Most bang for your buck.
- A2 Hosting – Fastest cloud web hosting.
- InMotion – Best cloud hosting for small businesses.
Do you have to pay for hosting with WordPress?
WordPress is a free app that you can download and use. You may, however, need WordPress Hosting in order to use WordPress on the site. You can build a free blog on WordPress.com, but be mindful that there are some variations. … Commercial expenses may be incurred. Premium WordPress themes are also known as WordPress themes.
Does HostGator use WordPress org or WordPress com?
This platform is hosted for you and functions similarly to a website builder (for example, HostGator's website builder, Squarespace, Wix, and so on). … First and foremost, since your website is hosted on WordPress.com's network, your domain name will have the wordpress.com URL attached to it.
Can I install WordPress on HostGator?
When you buy a hosting package from HostGator, you can install WordPress with a simple one-click operation. Note: WordPress 7.2 or higher is pre-installed on our optimized WordPress hosting kit.
Does Hostgator use CDN?
Though Cloudflare is used for most Hostgator plans, customers can also use the company's global CDN. Only those who sign up for Hostgator's WordPress hosting plan are eligible.
Why is my Hostgator website slow?
If this is the case, your HostGator server is running slowly. This may be because you're using resource-intensive plugins like WooCommerce or Elementor, which use a lot of server resources. Shared hosting doesn't always have enough server resources to support high CPU plugins.
Does Hostgator use CloudFlare?
“Cloudflare is fully integrated with HostGator's control panel, allowing customers to install it with a single click.”
Which host does Neil Patel use?
Conclusion
- DreamHost – Best option if you want quick and responsive website changes.
- Hostinger – Low-Cost shared hosting options for startups.
- Bluehost – Best for WordPress hosting.
- Nexcess – Best eCommerce hosting.
- HostGator – A most affordable option for startups.
- WP Engine – Best for managed WordPress hosting.
How can I host my website for free?
Best Free Hosting Sites
- WordPress.com. WordPress.com is a popular free hosting platform that offers a unique flavor of WordPress. …
- Wix. Wix is another fully-hosted website builder that offers free website hosting. …
- Weebly. …
- GoDaddy Website Builder. …
- Squarespace. …
- Google Cloud Hosting. …
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Do I have to pay for Bluehost and WordPress?
Is WordPress included with Bluehost? WordPress is included with Bluehost. Our Bluehost account includes a free and easy WordPress installation. However, you'll need that Bluehost account to get your site up and running, since WordPress is just software without a web host!
Is Bluehost hard to use?
In conclusion. Bluehost makes it simple and convenient to set up a website, has an intuitive cPanel interface that's perfect for beginners, offers a wealth of useful features, is generally fast, has dependable servers, and offers some pleasantly surprising security features for a budget-friendly web host.
Is cloud hosting good for WordPress?
When it comes to performance, cloud hosting has the upper hand.
Though WordPress hosting allows you to set resource limits to offer your site breathing room, you never have to worry about cloud hosting. Do you have to pay for the services you use if you use them for more than a month? It's not a problem.
Is WordPress hosting faster than shared hosting?
You want the fastest page load times possible – all things being equal, managed WordPress hosting will load your site faster than shared hosting. If the pace is important to you, you should avoid shared hosting.
Who is the cheapest domain registrar?
7 Best Domain Registrars: Who’s the Cheapest and Should You Use Them?
- Domain.com.
- Bluehost.
- Namecheap.
- Hover.
- GoDaddy.
- SiteGround.
- OVH.
Which is better SiteGround or HostGator?
SiteGround outperforms HostGator, winning eight of our tests to HostGator's six. The speed of SiteGround is 1.5 times faster than that of HostGator. HostGator is significantly less expensive, has better renewal rates, and is just as good for beginners as SiteGround when it comes to WordPress.
Is Wix better than HostGator?
When comparing the website builders Wix, Hostgator, and GoDaddy, it's obvious that Wix has the highest overall score of 9.10, while Hostgator received an 8.40 overall rating. GoDaddy came in third place with an average ranking of 8.20.
Does HostGator have a website builder?
The HostGator Website Builder is a free tool that can be used with any shared hosting package and is very easy to use. It only takes a few minutes to complete the process, and there are no files to download or upload. You can post your changes directly to your website after you've set up your site. Pros: It's quick and easy.
How can I use WordPress without going to live?
The best approach is to:
- Take a backup of your site. There are few good free plugins out there like All-in-One WP Migration and Duplicator.
- Install the site on your local computer. …
- Make all the changes you want on the localhost.
- Once done, take a backup again but this time of localhost, and push it to the live server.
How can I test a WordPress theme without going live?
How to test a WordPress theme for your current website without going live
- Step 1: Back it up (Just like Prince Royce and J-Lo recommend) …
- Step 2: Choose your WordPress theme testing option. …
- Step 3: Install your new theme into WordPress. …
- Step 4: Browse theme options and preview them live.
Can you set up WordPress without a domain?
You can create a free site on a subdomain rather than creating your own domain. To get to your web, users will have to type in something like "yourname.wordpress.com." You won't have to think about a domain or hosting with this. Simply sign up and begin creating your website with a variety of free themes.
Can I change a theme on WordPress?
To do so, go to Appearance » Themes in the WordPress admin panel's left sidebar. To adjust the WordPress theme, hover the mouse cursor over the theme you want to use on this page and then click the Enable button.
How do I update my theme on WordPress?
Simply go to Dashboard >> Appearance >> Themes, choose the new theme, and then press the “Update Now” button to try the upgrade. That's it, as simple as it sounds. Furthermore, when you update a WordPress theme automatically, all previous customizations in the theme will be lost.
Why is Hostinger so cheap?
In reality, Hostinger is one of the most affordable web hosts on the market, and they offer free domain registration. Yes, you do pay for some, but the costs are still reasonable... You can save 82 percent off the retail price and host your website for just $0.99 a month by clicking this page.
Which Web hosting is best for beginners in 2021?
In brief: the best web hosting services in 2021
- Bluehost – the best web hosting for beginners. If you’re a beginner, Bluehost is the best web hosting service to get you started. …
- Hostinger – the best cheap web hosting – up to 80% off. …
- Hostgator – the best-shared web hosting provider.
Is sitelock worth the money?
No, the money you're paying for Sitelock security isn't worth it. It will set you back $2.99 a month. In exchange, they only perform one automated scan every day. You can manually search the website as many times as you want.
Can I pay HostGator monthly?
So, would you pay Hostgator on a monthly basis? In reality, Hostgator allows you to pay on a monthly basis. This is a perfect way to pay if you don't have a lot of money or aren't sure if you want to commit to a full year of hosting.
Is HostGator a free service?
Notes: *: For Linux Shared and Cloud Sites plans, the basic HostGator Website Builder is provided for free. **: The starting monthly price provides a discount for extended billing periods paid in advance, with the maximum discount at 36 months.
Who is better than HostGator?
Bluehost, on the other hand, came out on top over HostGator in terms of functionality and value for money. Both are incredibly strong, hosting millions of websites around the world, so whichever one you pick, you'll be in good hands.
Is HostGator safe to use?
To shield you from hacker attacks, HostGator has built a custom firewall (e.g. DDoS). But they don't say anything about what they do because they don't want to give too much away. They offer free SSL certificates as well as SSH access. An additional paid app (SiteLock) can be added for added protection.
Is WordPress free on HostGator?
WordPress is a free and open-source content management system.
When you create your first website, this will help you keep costs down. The only things you'll have to pay for are a domain and hosting.
How do I install WordPress on Hostgator 2021?
Step 1 – Install WordPress
- Log into your Customer Portal.
- On the Dashboard, you will see the Welcome, (Your Name) section on top.
- Click the Create Website button.
- A new page will appear where you can install WordPress on your primary domain in one click!
- Click Get Started to initiate the installation
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