Is Cloak Hosting the right choice for your PBN needs? Let’s explore an in-depth review of Cloak Hosting and see where it stands in the market.
Cloak Hosting: An Overview
Cloak Hosting, one of the pioneering entities in the “New Generation” SEO hosting landscape, offers a unique platform that aims to support Private Blog Networks (PBNs) with diverse IP allocations across over 50 global locations. However, the service faces scrutiny over its reputed security vulnerabilities and its peculiar requirement for Facebook login during the signup process.
Features and Offerings
Aiming to provide anonymity in the realm of PBN hosting, Cloak Hosting promises to prevent any discernible footprints across its platforms. Let’s dissect some of the primary features:
- Diverse IPs: Utilizes multiple IPs to offer IP diversity but struggles with name server variety.
- Global Reach: Offers IPs in more than 50 worldwide locations, catering to global PBN needs.
- Support Channels: Includes phone and live chat support for immediate assistance.
Pricing Structure
Cloak Hosting offers several pricing plans, based on the number of IPs you require. Here’s an overview:
| Plan | Price | Number of IPs |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | $47/month | 10 IPs |
| Standard | $237/month | 100 IPs |
While the pricing may appear competitive, it lacks some of the more advanced services offered by competing providers.
Challenges and Concerns
Despite the ambitious concept, Cloak Hosting is often criticized for sticking to older systems and processes that may not keep pace with contemporary SEO hosting demands. Here are some common concerns:
- Uneven IP Distribution: Users have reported instances of identical IPs across different domains, risking Google’s deindexation.
- Security Vulnerabilities: Public disclosures of the entire IP list in previous years underline this weakness.
- Caching Issues: Frequent site downtimes due to caching problems affect reliability.
Customer Experiences
Customer feedback indicates a range of issues that users have faced while using Cloak Hosting:
- Vexing Signup Procedures: The mandatory Facebook login during account setup is viewed as excessively intrusive.
- Weak Transparency: The lack of transparency in revealing server host names raises doubts.
- Frustrating Support: Overcharged bills with no clear itemized invoicing are a recurring lament.
Comparison with Competitor: Easy Blog Networks
For those considering alternatives, Easy Blog Networks (EBN) often emerges as a strong contender in the PBN hosting niche. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Cloak Hosting | Easy Blog Networks |
|---|---|---|
| IP Diversity | Extensive (50+ Locations) | Controlled (18 Providers) |
| 1-Click WordPress Setup | No | Yes |
| Daily Backups | No | Yes |
| Security Audits | No | Yes |
| Pricing (100 Blogs) | $237 | $199 |
EBN offers a more robust infrastructure that includes regular security audits, automatic updates, and transparent vendor affiliations, all at a lower cost.
Final Thoughts
Cloak Hosting’s sheer scale and innovative IP management offer potential benefits, especially for users needing diverse PBN setups. However, its flaws in security protocols, caching reliability, and administrative transparency often overshadow these advantages. It appears only suitable for users who can manage its quirks and are particularly focused on widespread IP diversity over consistent service quality.
In evaluating Cloak Hosting versus other providers like EBN, prospective users should consider current needs for security, ease of management, and value for money before making an informed decision.