HostGator Review: Managed Hosting, Features, Pricing, Server Speed And Uptime Tested

HostGator is a popular web hosting provider with a long-standing presence in the industry. They offer reliable hosting solutions tailored to meet diverse needs. 

This review explores the different types of hosting HostGator offers, along with their pricing and plans. We take a closer look at their hosting plans, including what operating systems they support and their managed services offered. We also examine costs, speed performance and data center locations. We then assess features like control panels, website builders and customer support. Lastly, we shared some HostGator alternatives. Let’s dive into the details.

What Is HostGator?

HostGator is a web hosting company founded in 2002. They have since expanded its services to include a website builder, web design, and search engine optimization. HostGator currently hosts over 2 million websites.

Where Is HostGator Located?

HostGator is headquartered in Austin, Texas. The company’s operations are contained within the United States as this is where its data centers are also based. 

Who Owns HostGator?

HostGator is owned by Endurance International Group (EIG). EIG owns several other well-known hosting brands, including Bluehost, iPage, SiteBuilder, and Domain.com. Their extensive portfolio makes them one of the largest web hosting conglomerates globally.

What Are the Main Benefits of Using HostGator?

There are four main benefits of using HostGator. The first is its wide range of hosting services. The second is its fast server response time. The third is its user-friendly interface. The fourth is unmetered bandwidth across all plans. 

What Are the Possible Drawbacks of Using HostGator?

There are two possible drawbacks of using HostGator. The first is that both their data centers are located in the United States, which is not ideal for users with a global audience. The second is that their upselling of add-on services during the checkout process leads to higher costs than expected if not carefully managed.  

What Are the Types of Hosting Plans Does HostGator Offer?

The 5 types of hosting HostGator offers are Shared Hosting, WordPress Hosting, VPS (Virtual Private Server) Hosting, Dedicated Hosting, and Reseller Hosting. Each type comes in several tiers to cater to the varying resource needs of individuals, businesses, and large enterprises. 

Shared Hosting

Shared hosting is a web hosting solution where multiple websites share the resources of a single server, such as bandwidth and storage. HostGator offers three tiers of shared hosting: Hatchling, Baby, and Business.

The Hatchling plan is their most affordable plan which starts at $3.75 per month. It includes 10 GB of SSD storage and support for hosting up to 10 websites. All plans come with unmetered bandwidth, free SSL certificates, and a free domain for the first year.

WordPress Hosting

WordPress hosting is a type of web hosting specifically optimized for WordPress websites, thereby providing enhanced performance, security, and ease of management. HostGator offers three tiers of WordPress hosting: Baby, Business, and Pro.

The Baby Plan is their entry level plan priced at $3.50 per month. It includes 20 GB of SSD storage, support for up to 20 websites, and unmetered bandwidth. All plans come with pre-installed WordPress, free SSL certificates, and a free domain for the first year.

VPS Hosting

VPS (Virtual Private Server) hosting is a type of web hosting that offers dedicated resources on a shared server. HostGator offers three tiers of VPS hosting: Snappy 2000, Snappy 4000, and Snappy 8000.

The Snappy 2000 plan is their most affordable VPS plan priced at $53.99 per month. It includes 2 vCPU cores, 4 GB DDR5 RAM, and 100 GB of NVMe storage. All VPS plans come with unmetered bandwidth, one dedicated IP address, and free migration services. These plans also feature powerful hardware with AMD EPYC processors and advanced security measures.

Dedicated Hosting

Dedicated hosting is a premium hosting solution where an entire server is dedicated exclusively to your website. This setup offers maximum performance, control, and security. HostGator has three tiers of dedicated hosting: Value, Power, and Enterprise.

The Value plan is their entry-level dedicated plan which starts at $188.79 per month. It includes an 8-core CPU, 32 GB DDR5 RAM, and 1000 GB of NVMe storage. All dedicated hosting plans come with unmetered bandwidth, one dedicated IP address, and free migration services. Users also benefit from powerful AMD EPYC processors and RAID 6 storage configuration.

Reseller Hosting

Reseller hosting allows you to start your own web hosting business by selling HostGator’s hosting services under your brand. HostGator offers three tiers of reseller hosting: Snappy 2000, Snappy 4000, and Snappy 8000.

The Snappy 2000 plan starts at $53.99 per month. It includes 2 vCPU cores, 4 GB DDR5 RAM, and 100 GB of NVMe storage. All plans give you complete control over resource allocation, client services, and billing. HostGator provides the back-end support, including 24/7 customer service, WHM access, and cPanel control for your clients.

Does HostGator Offer Managed Hosting?

Yes, HostGator offers managed hosting across all its hosting plans. Managed hosting is a service where the provider handles many of the technical aspects of server management, including security updates, optimization, and performance monitoring. Their VPS hosting plans without a web hosting control panel come with semi-managed support. This is where the HostGator team helps with any issues to do with hardware, operating system, or basic configurations. All other HostGator plans come with fully-managed support which is where they do their best to assist with almost any issue or configuration request.  

Does HostGator Offer Windows Hosting?

Yes, HostGator offers Windows hosting, but only on their dedicated hosting plans. Windows hosting is a type of hosting that runs on the Windows operating system. It supports Windows-specific technologies like ASP.NET and MSSQL.

Does HostGator Offer Unmetered Bandwidth?

Yes, HostGator offers unmetered bandwidth on all of its hosting plans. This means that there are no set limits on the amount of data transfer allowed. Unmetered bandwidth is especially beneficial for websites that experience fluctuating traffic. 

How Much Does HostGator Cost?

HostGator costs between $3.75 to $391.19 per month depending on the hosting type. Users have the option to pay monthly, annually, biennially, or triennially, depending on the chosen plan.

Shared Hosting – Start from $3.75 /month

WordPress Hosting – Start from $4.50 /month

VPS Hosting – Start from $34.99 /month

Dedicated Servers – Start from $141.19 /month

Reseller Hosting – Start from $34.99 /month

Is It Better to Opt for Monthly or Annual Plans?

It is better to opt for annual plans with HostGator. You save the most by choosing longer periods, such as 3-year plans, which offer discounts of up to 79% off.

What Is HostGator’s Speed Performance Like?

HostGator’s speed performance impressed us and scored an A ranking on our Bitcatcha Server Speed Checker. This tool measures server response times from 10 locations. This helps give a clearer picture on how quickly a website hosted on Hostgator loads from different locations around the world. 

To run the test, we set up a site using HostGator’s Baby Plan and recorded the response times from ten different locations. Here are the results:

HostGator’s servers demonstrated impressive speed, particularly in regions close to their US data centers. The server response time in the US (West and East) was extremely fast, clocking in at 32 ms and 36 ms respectively. 

Response times in more distant regions like São Paulo, Sydney, and Japan were slower but under 205 ms, which is still commendable. They scored a global server response time of 190ms. This metric represents the average server speed across all tested locations. In all, HostGator’s global performance is strong considering they only have two data centers both located in the US. However, they lack dedicated speed features found in some competitors such as NGINX or proprietary caching systems. 

Where Are HostGator’s Data Centers?

HostGator operates two data centers that are both based in the United States. One is located in Houston, Texas, and the other in Provo, Utah. Hostgator does not give you the option to choose your data center location when hosting a website. 

What Is HostGator Uptime Guarantee?

HostGator offers a 99.9% uptime guarantee across all its hosting plans, which means your website is accessible almost all the time. But there is a notable condition. HostGator promises one month of credit if their uptime drops below 99.9%, but their Terms of Service state that the approval of this credit is at HostGator’s sole discretion. This means that HostGator has the option not to honor the guarantee even if uptime falls short. This clause is problematic because it potentially undermines the reliability of the uptime guarantee, which leaves customers uncertain about receiving compensation when service levels dip below expectations.

What Control Panel Does HostGator Provide?

HostGator provides cPanel as the control panel for its hosting services. cPanel is a widely used, user-friendly interface that allows users to manage their hosting accounts, domains, files, databases, and email settings easily. For Windows dedicated hosting, HostGator offers Plesk as the control panel, which is similarly user-friendly and designed for managing Windows-based hosting environments.

How Do I Access the HostGator cPanel?

You can access HostGator’s cPanel through your hosting account dashboard. After logging into your HostGator account, navigate to the “My Accounts” section, where you’ll find a link to cPanel. Clicking on this link takes you directly to your cPanel dashboard.

Does HostGator Provide a Free Website Builder?

Yes, HostGator provides a free website builder. The HostGator Website Builder is designed to be user-friendly, and allows users to create and customize their websites with drag-and-drop functionality. It includes various templates and tools to help you build a professional-looking website without needing extensive technical knowledge.

Does HostGator Provide Free Emails?

Yes, HostGator provides free emails. Each shared hosting plan comes with a limit of 500 outgoing emails per hour per domain. There is also a limit of 30 email checks per hour per IP address. HostGator’s VPS and dedicated server plans remove these restrictions and allow unlimited emails per hour. All email accounts are managed through HostGator’s cPanel.

How Many Databases Can I Host on a HostGator Plan?

You can host unlimited databases on a HostGator plan, but there is a limit of 25 simultaneous MySQL connections per cPanel on shared hosting plans. Sites that exceed this limit encounter a “max_user_connections” error. Users of VPS and dedicated hosting plans have the flexibility to adjust the maximum user connections as needed.

How Many FTP Accounts Can I Host on a HostGator Plan?

You can host unlimited FTP (File Transfer Protocol) accounts on a HostGator plan. This feature provides flexibility for managing access for multiple users or projects. It’s particularly useful for businesses or developers who need to grant separate FTP access to different team members or clients.

Does HostGator Offer 1-Click WordPress Installs?

Yes, HostGator offers 1-click WordPress installs. This feature allows users to install WordPress and start building their website with a few clicks, which is ideal for beginners and those looking to streamline the setup process.

What Customer Support Does HostGator Offer?

HostGator provides 24/7 customer support, but the available channels vary by plan. Support is offered through live chat only on the cheapest plan. Higher tier plans give you access to phone support in addition to live chat. HostGator’s support team is available to assist with everything from technical issues to account management questions. HostGator also offers an extensive online knowledge base with tutorials and guides to help users resolve common issues independently.

Do I Get Free Website Migration?

Yes, HostGator offers free website migration for new accounts on their VPS, dedicated, and higher WordPress plans. This needs to be claimed within 30 days of signup through the HostGator Customer Portal. Those who want site migration for other HostGator plans need to pay a one-time fee of $149.99 for a single WordPress website migration.

What Is HostGator Money Back Guarantee?

HostGator offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on its shared, WordPress, and VPS hosting plans. Note that this policy does not apply to dedicated hosting, domain registration fees, monthly term services, or certain add-on services like SiteLock. 

How to Cancel A HostGator Subscription

To cancel your HostGator subscription, you need to disable the Auto-Renew feature for your hosting plan through the Customer Portal’s Renewal Center. This must be done before your account automatically renews, which occurs 15 days before the renewal date (or 5 days for plans on a 1-month term). Then, contact HostGator’s Support team via phone or online chat to complete the cancellation process. You need to verify your account ownership during this process. Once the cancellation is confirmed, all content associated with your account is permanently deleted. Remember to back up any important data before proceeding.

How to Get A Refund on Hostgator

To get a refund on Hostgator, you need to cancel your hosting plan within the first 30 days of purchase. Once you have canceled your account, contact HostGator’s Support team via phone or chat to process your refund request. Refunds are typically issued to the original payment method. Remember that certain products and services, such as domain registrations and add-ons are not eligible for a refund.

Can I Get Root Access With HostGator?

Yes, you can get root access with HostGator, but it is only available on VPS and dedicated hosting plans. Root access provides you with full administrative control over your server. It allows you to install custom software, configure server settings, and manage your hosting environment at a deeper level. This feature suits more advanced Hostgator users looking for more control over their hosting setup.

Is Python Supported?

Yes, HostGator supports Python on its hosting plans. Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language known for its simplicity and readability. It’s widely used for web development, automation, and data analysis. HostGator’s hosting environment provides the necessary support to develop and deploy Python-based projects.

Is Node.js Supported?

No, HostGator does not currently support Node.js on its hosting plans. Node.js is a runtime environment that allows developers to run JavaScript server-side. This enables the creation of scalable and high-performance web applications. Those who require Node.js hosting need to consider other hosting providers that specialize in Node.js or offer more flexible server environments that support it.

Is HostGator Secure?

Yes, HostGator is secure. HostGator covers essential security tools such as SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificates and backups. Firewalls, DDoS protection, and monitoring services designed to detect and mitigate potential threats are also included. HostGator also offers security add-ons such as SiteLock. These add additional layers of protection against malware for an extra fee. 

Is a Free SSL Certificate Included?

Yes, HostGator includes a free SSL certificate with all of its hosting plans by default. An SSL certificate encrypts data transmitted between your website and its visitors. This provides an essential layer of security and helps build trust with your audience. The free SSL certificate is automatically installed on your site upon purchasing a plan with HostGator.

Do I Get Free Website Backups?

Yes, HostGator provides free daily website backups on its hosting plans. These backups help protect your data in case of accidental deletion or other issues.

Does HostGator Give a Free Domain Name?

Yes, HostGator offers a free domain name for the first year. This offer is available to customers who sign up for a 12, 24, or 36-month Shared or WordPress plan. Standard domain renewal fees apply after the first year.

What Are HostGator Nameservers?

HostGator nameservers are specialized servers that translate domain names into IP addresses. HostGator provides specific nameservers for each hosting account, which are crucial for connecting your domain to your hosting server. For new customers who signed up after November 2023, HostGator nameservers follow the format:

For customers who signed up before November 2023, the nameservers look like:

You’re able to find your specific HostGator nameservers in your Order Confirmation email or within the Server Information section of your Customer Portal.

5 HostGator Alternatives

There are 5 HostGator alternatives worth considering:

Bluehost

Bluehost is a very popular web hosting provider that is officially recommended by WordPress. HostGator offers a variety of hosting options, but Bluehost stands out for its stronger WordPress integration.

GoDaddy

GoDaddy is a well-known domain registrar and web hosting provider with a wide range of services. GoDaddy offers more extensive marketing tools and website building options compared to HostGator, which makes it a versatile choice for users who want an all-in-one solution for their online presence. HostGator offers more types of web hosting.

Hostinger

Hostinger is recognized for its high-quality hosting plans with a strong emphasis on affordability. HostGator provides reliable hosting services, but Hostinger’s global network of data centers and integrated CDN offer superior performance, especially for users with international audiences.

SiteGround

SiteGround is a premium web host known for its excellent customer support and high-performance hosting solutions. They offer more advanced features compared to HostGator, including built-in caching, staging environments, and enhanced security measures. 

A2 Hosting

A2 Hosting is celebrated for its speed-focused hosting solutions and developer-friendly features. While HostGator provides solid hosting services, A2 Hosting excels with its Turbo Servers, which are optimized for faster page loads. A2 Hosting also supports a wide range of development tools, which make it a preferred choice for developers and those who prioritize speed.

Does HostGator Have Any Discounts?

Yes, HostGator offers a variety of discounts to help you save on their hosting services. In addition to coupon codes, HostGator provides introductory discounts of up to 79% off on shared and WordPress plans for new customers. You’re also able to save 20% on domain registrations for select extensions like .com, .org, .net, and .info.

Conclusion: Is HostGator Legit?

Yes, HostGator is legit. Our evaluation shows that HostGator offers solid hosting services with good speed, uptime, and a user-friendly interface. There are still some areas for improvement, such as adding more data centers and enhancing speed features. Nevertheless, HostGator provides good value for money and is a strong choice for those seeking dependable hosting services.