If you don’t know where to start, finding a web host can be a confusing process. I’ve worked with dozens of hosts over the years, including Media Temple, WP Engine, Bluehost, Dreamhost, GoDaddy, InMotion, Network Solutions, and more. I have found the most important factors are: breath of features, usability of their control panel, and the quality of their customer service. Two companies I’ve relied upon the most are SiteGround and HostGator. Below is a breakdown of how the two hosts compare.
Siteground vs. Hostgator Plan Comparison
| Feature | Siteground | Hostgator |
| Intro Price (applies to the number of years you pay for in advance) | $48 to $144 / year | $33 to $72 / year |
| Regular Price | $144 to $420 / year | $84 to $180 / year |
| Storage | 10 to 30 GB | Unlimited, with restrictions — you can’t store files not directly related to your website |
| Bandwidth | Unmetered | Unmetered |
| Number of Websites You Can Host | One with their most basic plan, otherwise unlimited | One with their most basic plan, otherwise unlimited |
| cPanel Account Control Panel | Yes | Yes |
| Email Accounts | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Secure POP3 / IMAP Email Support | Yes | Yes |
| PHP 7.0+ | Yes | Yes |
| MySQL 5.0.15+ | Yes | Yes |
| Free SSL Certificate | Yes | Yes |
| Tech Support Contact Options | Phone, chat, or ticket | Phone or chat |
| Tech Support Chat Response Time Test (12PM, 8/29/19) | Instant | Instant |
| Automated Daily Backup | Yes, with 30 days of backups stored at a time | No, weekly backups with one week stored at a time |
| Up-Time | 99.9% | 99.9% |
As you can see, the hosts’ plans are very similar. Their main differences are in price, storage, and backups.
My Previous Experience at Hostgator
I used HostGator for two years and was satisfied with their service. Despite their somewhat embarrassing plan terminology, I often recommended a “Hatchling“ or “Baby“ plan to clients. Eventually, however, the lack of professionalism in their site design and some frustrating experiences with their tech-support prompted my search for a new host. I soon discovered SiteGround and initiated a move.
Recommended Website Host: Siteground
It is a time consuming process to change website hosts, but I have not regretted transferring my website and my family members’ websites to SiteGround three years ago. Their user interface is modern and inspires confidence. Their tech-support answers my questions quickly and helps solve any problems that arise. The increased cost compared to the Hostgator plans is worth it for these benefits, as well as the more robust backup schedule. I now regularly recommend SiteGround hosting plans to my clients.
Conclusion
I hope you find this information useful in your search for a website host, and I wish you 99.9% or better uptime! Let me know if you have any questions.