HostGator Hosting Review
Hi, and welcome to my Hostgator review 2023
Hostgator is one of the world’s largest hosting providers and a well-known host for those who want unlimited access to almost everything. This review will focus on the baby WordPress hosting plan for only 3.50 monthly. It seems like an excellent deal, but the catch is you must pay for 36 months to get the baby plan for $3.5 /m. Since I already use Chemicloud and rocket.net for my sites, I just needed one month, which cost me 12.85/m. So, the longer you sign up, the cheaper it gets—more about their prices in the price overview.
In this test, I will also use my movearoundsite (a site I use for all my testing and reviews and is meant to be a benchmark site).
Key Takeaways:
- HostGator offers an insane number of features.
- They are known to be one of the largest and best-shared host providers.
- You will get a free domain for one year.
- One of the cheapest hosting providers
- One of the cheapest hosting providers
- Seems like they take security seriously. It would be best if you did some security things when you sign in, like PIN code and phone text msg
- They ask promotion questions: “Do you want xxxx, or no thx? Go to my account. Things like that. It isn’t enjoyable if you ask me, but I guess it’s just something they do the first time you log in.
- Hostgator offers a free SSL certificate
So, how is the dashboard?
When logging into your new dashboard, I want to know a couple of things. 1, how can I do backups? 2. How can I set up emails? 3. What kind of control panel do they offer, and how easy is it to navigate?
- So, let’s start with backups. As you can see from the screenshot, I must install some plugins to back up my site. This is something that I find really bad. I want my backups to be handled by hosting providers, and THEN, I can choose to do my backups as a backup of the backup.
2. Setting up email
Setting up email is easy, and it’s a free feature, meaning you get unlimited email and aliases. They use Cpanel for setup, so it’s straightforward. Hostgator mail server information is found quickly, so you will find all the information you need with a few clicks.
3. How can you manage your site
Their dashboard is simple and extremely easy to navigate. You click on the topic you want and get all the information you need. On top of this, they offer you Cpanel, which is included in this package, so when it comes to dashboard and ease of use, its a top score.
Speed test
This is perhaps the most important thing about choosing a web host. A slow site means less chance of ranking high in Google searches, a pain to use and work with, and you have to spend second of your time waiting for things to load.
I have already made a speed test on HostGator since I used it in my WP Rocket plugin review. Here you have the results:
Without WP rocket and using the movearoundsite
This shows us that HostGator is slow but offers Cloudflare CDN. It’s supposed to be free and included, and in my controll panel under advanced, I found this:
Since Cloudflare is not activated by default, I have to click add Cloudflare manually, but then this happened:
I tried many times but could not get it to work. So, I believe Cloudflare is not included in your hosting plan. You have to set it up, and how you do that, I have no clue.
Bonus: as you can see, you can get cloudflare for free from their homepage.
In all my hosting reviews I will optimize the sites with cache plugins. This is the results using the WP rocket plugin
Faster but still slow.
Working on your website hosted with Hostgator
This is a crucial element no one thinks of. Everyone is just looking at the speed test and the score, but you have to work on your site in real life. This means creating content and clicking different menus in your WordPress admin.
After testing and playing around, I felt the HostGator was slow. Loading a page using Elementor takes a few seconds more than I am used to, and I mean, it can take like 5-10 seconds more.
Hostgator WordPress hosting is shared hosting, meaning you must share resources with others. If you end up on servers with websites with traffic or heavy load, your site will suffer. This is the main problem with shared hosting. On the other side, you get loads of free stuff, and it’s incredibly cheap.
Hostgator support
Support for me is about two things. 1, can I get answers to my questions without sending an email or ticket form? 2, how long does it take before I get my questions answered?
I want an answer within 5 minutes. If not, it’s a no-go.
This is what happened when I tried to contact HostGator during my review:
I wouldn’t say I like AI bots; I want to talk to a human and get help without having to click on 55 buttons. So, hostgator failed my support test.
When I tried to cancel my account I had to click buttons and then finally I was able to talk to someone. It took 20 minuts before they mange to help me. zzzz Not good 🙁
Hostgator prices
This is where HostGator shines. As I mentioned, it costs only $3.5 per month if you sign up for 36 months; that’s three years If I have calculated correctly. If you sign up for a year, that might be the most common solution; it’s $5 per month. Still, it’s cheap, so regarding prices, HostGator is one of the best.
Other hosting plans
HostGator also offers a dedicated hosting plan, e-commerce hosting, shared hosting plan (even cheaper than WordPress hosting), and VPS hosting. They also offer a reseller hosting plan, their own version of cloud hosting but not managed WordPress hosting.
I am unsure how good these solutions are, but they offer a big bundle that might save you money. Hostgator offers a free SSL for all their plans,
Hostgator offers 45 days money-back guarantee. (I will ask for my money around since I only created the site for the purpose and making this review. )
Did I get my money back? Status: pending…. (but I will update this once i know)
Conclusion
So what do I think? Well, HostGator is good regarding value for your money. You get lots of stuff for free, so it’s a good host. I don’t recommend them if you only run one site that you focus on. Their plans are also limited regarding websites you can run, and that’s a bit strange.
Chemicloud offers far more and is my prefered shared hosting company where I put sites I am working on. Speed is essential, and sadly, the HostGator Cloudflare setup did not work for me; I am sure this would have increased their speed. So check them out if you would like to read my review of Chemicloud or the other hosting providers we offer reviews of.
Until next time!
Q: What is Hostgator hosting review?
A: This is an honest review of hostgator. Yes, I am an affiliate of them but I always try to be as honest as possible. This review is also based on testing HostGator for myself vs just writing things I find online.
Q: Why should I consider using HostGator?
A: Hostgator is a popular web hosting company known for its reliability, performance, and user-friendly features. If you’re looking for a reliable web host with various hosting options, HostGator could be a suitable choice for your website or online business.
Q: What are the pros of using Hostgator?
A: Hostgator offers a range of hosting plans, including shared hosting, VPS hosting, and dedicated hosting. It also provides a website builder, excellent customer support, and a 99.9% uptime guarantee, making it a favorable option for many users.
### ###
Q: Are there any alternatives to Hostgator?
A: Yes, there are several alternative web hosting providers such as A2 Hosting, InMotion Hosting, and others that offer different hosting plans and features. It’s important to compare the offerings of different providers to find the best fit for your specific needs.
### ###
Q: What are the cons of using Hostgator?
A: Some users have reported issues with customer support response times and occasional performance issues. Additionally, while Hostgator offers a range of hosting options, there may be more specialized providers for specific hosting needs.
### ###
Q: Does Hostgator offer shared hosting plans?
A: Yes, Hostgator provides shared hosting plans that are suitable for individuals and small businesses looking for affordable hosting options. Shared hosting allows multiple websites to share a single server, making it a cost-effective solution.
### ###
Q: Can you provide a review of Hostgator’s web hosting plan for 2023?
A: Hostgator’s web hosting plan for 2023 includes various features such as unlimited bandwidth, free SSL certificate, and a website builder. The plan offers reliable hosting services with a focus on user-friendly features and customer support.
### ###
Q: Is Hostgator a recommended web host?
A: Many users and experts recommend Hostgator for its reliable hosting services, feature-rich plans, and user-friendly interface. However, it’s essential to consider your specific requirements and compare hosting providers to make an informed decision.
### ###
Q: What is the experience of customers with Hostgator?
A: Customers have reported positive experiences with Hostgator, citing its user-friendly interface, reliable performance, and responsive customer support. However, individual experiences may vary, and it’s advisable to research and consider reviews before choosing a web hosting provider.
### ###
Q: What type of web hosting does Hostgator offer?
A: Hostgator offers a range of web hosting options, including shared hosting, VPS hosting, dedicated hosting, and managed WordPress hosting. This allows users to choose a hosting plan that best suits their specific website or application requirements.
Hi, and welcome to my Hostgator review 2023
Hostgator is one of the world’s largest hosting providers and a well-known host for those who want unlimited access to almost everything. This review will focus on the baby WordPress hosting plan for only 3.50 monthly. It seems like an excellent deal, but the catch is you must pay for 36 months to get the baby plan for $3.5 /m. Since I already use Chemicloud and rocket.net for my sites, I just needed one month, which cost me 12.85/m. So, the longer you sign up, the cheaper it gets—more about their prices in the price overview.
In this test, I will also use my movearoundsite (a site I use for all my testing and reviews and is meant to be a benchmark site).
Key Takeaways:
- HostGator offers an insane number of features.
- They are known to be one of the largest and best-shared host providers.
- You will get a free domain for one year.
- One of the cheapest hosting providers
- Seems like they take security seriously. It would be best if you did some security things when you sign in, like PIN code and phone text msg
- They ask promotion questions: “Do you want xxxx, or no thx? Go to my account. Things like that. It isn’t enjoyable if you ask me, but I guess it’s just something they do the first time you log in.
- Hostgator offers a free SSL certificate
So, how is the dashboard?
When logging into your new dashboard, I want to know a couple of things. 1, how can I do backups? 2. How can I set up emails? 3. What kind of control panel do they offer, and how easy is it to navigate?
- So, let’s start with backups. As you can see from the screenshot, I must install some plugins to back up my site. This is something that I find really bad. I want my backups to be handled by hosting providers, and THEN, I can choose to do my backups as a backup of the backup.
2. Setting up email
Setting up email is easy, and it’s a free feature, meaning you get unlimited email and aliases. They use Cpanel for setup, so it’s straightforward. Hostgator mail server information is found quickly, so you will find all the information you need with a few clicks.
3. How can you manage your site
Their dashboard is simple and extremely easy to navigate. You click on the topic you want and get all the information you need. On top of this, they offer you Cpanel, which is included in this package, so when it comes to dashboard and ease of use, its a top score.
Speed test
This is perhaps the most important thing about choosing a web host. A slow site means less chance of ranking high in Google searches, a pain to use and work with, and you have to spend second of your time waiting for things to load.
I have already made a speed test on HostGator since I used it in my WP Rocket plugin review. Here you have the results:
Without WP rocket and using the movearoundsite
This shows us that HostGator is slow but offers Cloudflare CDN. It’s supposed to be free and included, and in my controll panel under advanced, I found this:
Since Cloudflare is not activated by default, I have to click add Cloudflare manually, but then this happened:
I tried many times but could not get it to work. So, I believe Cloudflare is not included in your hosting plan. You have to set it up, and how you do that, I have no clue.
Bonus: as you can see, you can get cloudflare for free from their homepage.
In all my hosting reviews I will optimize the sites with cache plugins. This is the results using the WP rocket plugin
Faster but still slow.
Working on your website hosted with Hostgator
This is a crucial element no one thinks of. Everyone is just looking at the speed test and the score, but you have to work on your site in real life. This means creating content and clicking different menus in your WordPress admin.
After testing and playing around, I felt the HostGator was slow. Loading a page using Elementor takes a few seconds more than I am used to, and I mean, it can take like 5-10 seconds more.
Hostgator WordPress hosting is shared hosting, meaning you must share resources with others. If you end up on servers with websites with traffic or heavy load, your site will suffer. This is the main problem with shared hosting. On the other side, you get loads of free stuff, and it’s incredibly cheap.
Hostgator support
Support for me is about two things. 1, can I get answers to my questions without sending an email or ticket form? 2, how long does it take before I get my questions answered?
I want an answer within 5 minutes. If not, it’s a no-go.
This is what happened when I tried to contact HostGator during my review:
I wouldn’t say I like AI bots; I want to talk to a human and get help without having to click on 55 buttons. So, hostgator failed my support test.
When I tried to cancel my account I had to click buttons and then finally I was able to talk to someone. It took 20 minuts before they mange to help me. zzzz Not good 🙁
Hostgator prices
This is where HostGator shines. As I mentioned, it costs only $3.5 per month if you sign up for 36 months; that’s three years If I have calculated correctly. If you sign up for a year, that might be the most common solution; it’s $5 per month. Still, it’s cheap, so regarding prices, HostGator is one of the best.
Other hosting plans
HostGator also offers a dedicated hosting plan, e-commerce hosting, shared hosting plan (even cheaper than WordPress hosting), and VPS hosting. They also offer a reseller hosting plan, their own version of cloud hosting but not managed WordPress hosting.
I am unsure how good these solutions are, but they offer a big bundle that might save you money. Hostgator offers a free SSL for all their plans,
Hostgator offers 45 days money-back guarantee. (I will ask for my money around since I only created the site for the purpose and making this review. )
Did I get my money back? Status: pending…. (but I will update this once i know)
Conclusion
So what do I think? Well, HostGator is good regarding value for your money. You get lots of stuff for free, so it’s a good host. I don’t recommend them if you only run one site that you focus on. Their plans are also limited regarding websites you can run, and that’s a bit strange.
Chemicloud offers far more and is my prefered shared hosting company where I put sites I am working on. Speed is essential, and sadly, the HostGator Cloudflare setup did not work for me; I am sure this would have increased their speed. So check them out if you would like to read my review of Chemicloud or the other hosting providers we offer reviews of.
Until next time!
Q: What is Hostgator hosting review?
A: This is an honest review of hostgator. Yes, I am an affiliate of them but I always try to be as honest as possible. This review is also based on testing HostGator for myself vs just writing things I find online.
Q: Why should I consider using HostGator?
A: Hostgator is a popular web hosting company known for its reliability, performance, and user-friendly features. If you’re looking for a reliable web host with various hosting options, HostGator could be a suitable choice for your website or online business.
Q: What are the pros of using Hostgator?
A: Hostgator offers a range of hosting plans, including shared hosting, VPS hosting, and dedicated hosting. It also provides a website builder, excellent customer support, and a 99.9% uptime guarantee, making it a favorable option for many users.
### ###
Q: Are there any alternatives to Hostgator?
A: Yes, there are several alternative web hosting providers such as A2 Hosting, InMotion Hosting, and others that offer different hosting plans and features. It’s important to compare the offerings of different providers to find the best fit for your specific needs.
### ###
Q: What are the cons of using Hostgator?
A: Some users have reported issues with customer support response times and occasional performance issues. Additionally, while Hostgator offers a range of hosting options, there may be more specialized providers for specific hosting needs.
### ###
Q: Does Hostgator offer shared hosting plans?
A: Yes, Hostgator provides shared hosting plans that are suitable for individuals and small businesses looking for affordable hosting options. Shared hosting allows multiple websites to share a single server, making it a cost-effective solution.
### ###
Q: Can you provide a review of Hostgator’s web hosting plan for 2023?
A: Hostgator’s web hosting plan for 2023 includes various features such as unlimited bandwidth, free SSL certificate, and a website builder. The plan offers reliable hosting services with a focus on user-friendly features and customer support.
### ###
Q: Is Hostgator a recommended web host?
A: Many users and experts recommend Hostgator for its reliable hosting services, feature-rich plans, and user-friendly interface. However, it’s essential to consider your specific requirements and compare hosting providers to make an informed decision.
### ###
Q: What is the experience of customers with Hostgator?
A: Customers have reported positive experiences with Hostgator, citing its user-friendly interface, reliable performance, and responsive customer support. However, individual experiences may vary, and it’s advisable to research and consider reviews before choosing a web hosting provider.
### ###
Q: What type of web hosting does Hostgator offer?
A: Hostgator offers a range of web hosting options, including shared hosting, VPS hosting, dedicated hosting, and managed WordPress hosting. This allows users to choose a hosting plan that best suits their specific website or application requirements.