- About Web Hosting
- Why Would You Want to Change HostGator?
- Best Alternative WordPress Hosting
- 3 Important Things to Look For
- Conclusion
Looking for HostGator alternatives? Do you want to change hosting providers? In this article, you will help you to find an outstanding alternative web hosting company to HostGator. It also includes information about web hosting services as well.
About Web Hosting
Web hosting refers to the service of providing storage space and access for websites on servers connected to the internet. When you create a website, it needs to be stored on a server so that it can be accessed by visitors from around the world. Web hosting companies offer various types of hosting plans and services to accommodate different website needs.
There are different options for web hosting, if you want to know more about them check out this article.
Why Would You Want to Change HostGator?
HostGator, while once a prominent figure in the website hosting industry, no longer holds the same level of acclaim. Increasing renewal prices and a noticeable decline in customer service quality have prompted many customers to seek alternative hosting providers that better meet their needs.
In this guide, we will talk about the reasons behind the migration from HostGator and outline the key factors to consider when searching for a new hosting provider. We will focus on the top HostGator alternatives, both on cost-effective hosting options as well as premium choices for managed WordPress hosting.
Best Alternative WordPress Hosting
Comparing The Top 6 Alternatives
| Hosting Service | Pricing (with a 1-year plan) | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Hostinger | Starting at $2.99 per month for the 1st year. | 4.6  based on 16,327 reviews |
| 2. SiteGround | Starting at $2.99 per month for the 1st year. | 4.7 based on 11,655 reviews |
| 3. A2 Hosting | Starting at $2.99 per month for the 1st year. | 4.3 based on 2,002 reviews |
| 4. Bluehost | Starting at $2.95 per month for the 1st year. | 3.9  based on 6,484 reviews |
| 5. DreamHost | Starting at $2.95 per month for the 1st year. | 4.7 based on 4,287 reviews |
| 6. InMotion Hosting | Starting at $3.29 per month for the 1st year. | 4.0 based on 740 reviews |
1. Hostinger
Hostinger stands out as a more affordable alternative to HostGator while delivering better hosting quality.
The Premium plan offered by Hostinger costs around the same as HostGator’s basic plan, yet it provides additional benefits such as automatic WordPress updates and backups, a collaboration tool, support for up to 100 hosted websites, and other exclusive perks not available on HostGator.
Hostinger is recognized as one of the fastest shared hosting providers, and this applies globally, not limited to specific regions. Through our tests, we found that websites hosted on Hostinger load quickly from anywhere in the world, surpassing the need for a Content Delivery Network (CDN) typically required to achieve such global performance.
In contrast to HostGator’s two US-based locations, Hostinger boasts an impressive seven data centers. This extensive network allows you to host your website on the server nearest to your target audience, ensuring optimal loading speeds for them.
Pricing of Hostinger
The pricing of Hostinger starts at $2.99 when you first sign up with a 1-year commitment. To get the best deal you should go for a 48-month hosting plan, this way you get 3 months for free. This plan comes with a free domain name and a free SSL certificate for the first year.
Be aware that the renewal price varies based on the duration of your first hosting plan.
2. SiteGround
Over the past 16 years, SiteGround has been dedicated to assisting individuals in creating various types of websites. While their WordPress-specific plans are relatively recent, they offer a plethora of outstanding features. Additionally, their customer service is among the best in the industry, boasting an impressive 99.7% customer satisfaction rate.
Nevertheless, SiteGround does have some limitations. Their WordPress hosting plans do not include a free domain, and the basic WordPress hosting plan has a storage limit of 10GB, which is notably lower than the 50GB provided by DreamHost and BlueHost.
Furthermore, their pricing increases significantly as you move up the plan tiers, which could be problematic if your website’s traffic grows without a proportional increase in revenue.
If your website’s storage needs are modest and you anticipate not exceeding 10GB in the near future or even in the long run, SiteGround is a superb option to consider. However, for larger websites, both Bluehost and DreamHost offer more cost-effective solutions.
Pricing of SiteGround
For the initial term (up to three years), SiteGround’s hosting plans are available at $2.95, $4.99, or $7.99 per month for the committed term.
3. A2 Hosting
A2 Hosting is a leading web hosting provider that offers powerful hosting solutions. By hosting your website on their optimized SwiftServer platform, you can experience lightning-fast page loads with their Turbo Server option, which delivers up to 20 times faster speeds compared to other alternatives.
A2 Hosting caters to various hosting needs, including Shared Hosting, Reseller Hosting, VPS Hosting, and Dedicated Hosting. Rest assured, you can rely on their highly reliable service, backed by a 99.9% Uptime Guarantee.
Additionally, their expert support team, known as the 24/7 Support, is always available to assist you. This service also provides you with a free website builder, so you can create your own site. For the security of your site they also provide free SSL certificates for hosting.
A2 Hosting allows free migrations, whether you are transferring from HostGator or any other hosting provider where your site is currently hosted. Similarly to SiteGround, A2 Hosting provides the option to have WordPress pre-installed on your server, simplifying the setup process.
Pricing of A2 Hosting
If you are just moving to A2 Hosting for the first year the pricing is starting at $2.99 per month with an annual subscription, disadvantage of the low price is that it is only supporting one website. If you want to publish more than one site you must opt for the Drive plan which costs $5.99 per month, with that you can host unlimited websites.
4. Bluehost
Bluehost is a highly regarded and long-standing player in the website hosting industry. They provide a wide range of plans, including three basic WordPress hosting options and their managed WordPress hosting solution, WordPress Pro. Their pricing is competitive and available in multiple currencies.
Notably, Bluehost excels in customer service. Speaking from my own experience as a satisfied long-term Bluehost user, their customer support team is consistently friendly, helpful, and prompt.
For business owners seeking a combination of affordability and quality service, Bluehost stands out as one of the top alternatives to HostGator. If you prioritize accessible and supportive customer support, Bluehost is an excellent choice.
Pricing of Bluehost
Bluehost offers basic WordPress plans at the following monthly rates: $3.95, $5.95, or $6.95 when opting for a three-year plan. Following this initial period, prices increase to $7.99, $10.99, or $14.99 per month for another three-year term. The WordPress Pro plan starts at $19.95 per month.
5. DreamHost
DreamHost provides an extensive selection of features that cater to both novice website builders and experienced developers.
While their control panel may not be as user-friendly as Bluehost’s cPanel, it still allows you to perform all the necessary tasks, including accessing a wide range of security features. Moreover, DreamHost offers ample customization options, supporting multiple programming languages.
For those seeking more advanced hosting solutions, DreamHost also offers managed hosting plans.
For individuals prioritizing security, DreamHost is an outstanding web host choice. Additionally, business owners who lack experience or interest in coding should strongly consider DreamHost. However, if you are switching from HostGator due to unsatisfactory customer service, DreamHost may not be the most suitable alternative for you.
Pricing of DreamHost
DreamHost offers basic WordPress plans at a price of $2.59 per month or $4.95 per month when you commit to a three-year subscription. On the other hand, their managed WordPress plans start at $16.95 per month.
6. InMotion Hosting
InMotion Hosting provides the convenience of having WordPress pre-installed on your website with their dedicated WordPress plans. They also offer free website migrations, allowing you to easily transfer your website from HostGator or any other current hosting provider.
Similar to SiteGround, InMotion Hosting takes care of automatically updating your website, saving you valuable time and effort. They are based in the USA and provide 24/7 support for all customers.
Pricing of InMotion
InMotion Hosting offers affordable plans starting at $3.29 per month (for the first year) if you commit for 1 year. If you want to save more money go for a 3-year-plan to get a price of just $2.29 per month.
3 Important Things to Look for in a Hosting Provider
When transitioning from one web hosting provider to another, the process can be burdensome. Therefore, it is crucial to select a new host that you will remain committed to. To establish a lasting and fruitful partnership with your future web host, consider the following essential features.
1. Customer Support
The aspect of customer service is of utmost importance when selecting a web hosting provider. It is crucial to choose a host that offers exceptional customer support, ensuring prompt and efficient assistance when needed.
Accessibility through various communication channels and the ability to connect with knowledgeable customer service representatives who can swiftly resolve issues are key considerations.
While every hosting provider may claim to offer excellent customer service, it is essential to rely on genuine customer reviews for accurate insights. In the case of the HostGator alternatives I have identified, all of them have garnered positive feedback from real customers regarding their customer service quality.
2. Security
Top-tier website hosting providers employ a range of protocols to ensure the security of your website. These protocols include:
- File Transfer Protocol (FTP): FTP safeguards data transferred from your computer or server, ensuring its integrity during the upload process.
- Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP): SFTP provides enhanced security measures, protecting your website from potential hacker intrusions and unauthorized access.
- Secure Shell Host (SSH): SSH encrypts data transmitted between interconnected computers over the internet, ensuring secure and confidential communication.
Another vital security feature to seek in a web host is anti-DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) software. Anti-DDoS measures help defend your operating system and website against malicious attacks, ensuring uninterrupted availability and performance.
3. Ease of Transfer
The process of migrating your website from HostGator to a new host should be straightforward and user-friendly. The new hosting provider should offer clear and concise instructions on how to initiate the transfer, ensuring a seamless transition. Ideally, they offer free website migration and it should require only a few clicks or steps to complete the transfer.
Furthermore, the new host should provide you with all the necessary resources and tools to facilitate the transfer process. This includes access to essential files, databases, and other components of your website, enabling you to smoothly migrate to the new hosting environment if the need arises.
When considering alternative hosting providers, it is crucial to prioritize those that prioritize simplicity and provide comprehensive assistance for a hassle-free transfer from HostGator, ensuring a smooth transition to your new hosting platform.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while HostGator still offers hosting plans with a range of features and resources, it has faced criticism in various areas. To find better alternatives, several key factors should be considered.
Affordability is important, as many web hosts on the market provide more cost-effective options in the long run. Improved performance is another crucial aspect, as several alternatives outperform HostGator in terms of uptime and overall hosting quality.
Value-added features offered by alternative hosts can enhance website management, performance, and security. Additionally, the availability of diverse data center locations ensures a wider reach for your audience.
Lastly, the quality of customer service should not be overlooked, and seeking hosts that prioritize responsive and knowledgeable support is essential.
By considering these factors, individuals can find hosting alternatives that offer greater value, performance, and overall satisfaction compared to HostGator.
FAQ
Some web hosting providers offer free domain registration as part of their hosting packages, while others may charge for domain registration separately. It depends on the specific hosting provider and the plan you choose.
Customers often consider HostGator alternatives due to concerns such as increasing renewal prices, declining customer service quality, or a desire for better features and performance.
Consider your specific requirements, such as the type of website you have, expected traffic volume, budget, technical expertise, and desired features. Compare the offerings and user reviews of various hosting providers to find the best fit for your needs.
Yes, there are free web hosting services available. These services provide a basic hosting package at no cost, allowing individuals and small projects to get started without investing money upfront. However, it’s important to note that free web hosting services typically come with certain limitations, like advertisements, branding, branded subdomains etc.
