Crazy Domains hosts over 1.5 million websites, boasting data centers across the southern hemisphere, yet it stands in tough competition with other global hosting giants. But, the burning question for anyone considering this service is whether its features justify the cost, especially with commitments that can stretch up to a decade. Let’s delve into this detailed review to see if Crazy Domains could be the hosting solution for you.
Global Presence and Infrastructure
Crazy Domains has established a network that includes data centers in Australia (Perth and Sydney) and overseas locations like the UK, US, Belgium, India, and Singapore. This infrastructure allows websites to potentially experience faster load times, depending on where visitors access the site.
| Location | Number of Data Centers |
|---|---|
| Australia | 2 |
| UK | 1 |
| US | 1 |
| Belgium | 1 |
| India | 1 |
| Singapore | 1 |
Features and Plans
Crazy Domains offers two main types of shared hosting plans: WordPress hosting and traditional shared hosting that supports various CMS platforms. A striking benefit for WordPress hosting users is the use of one-click installers and automatic updates, ensuring your WordPress site stays current without manual intervention. However, there are notable missing features that might be critical for some users.
Eco-Friendly Hosting
Crazy Domains has taken a step towards making its hosting eco-friendly by utilizing low-power servers, claiming around a 16% reduction in power usage. This might not make it entirely carbon neutral like other providers, but it is a step in a sustainable direction.
Security and Backup Solutions
The hosting provider offers weekly backups with user capabilities to perform manual backups and restores as needed. While competitors may provide daily backups, this feature is often absent in more affordable plans elsewhere as well. Additionally, the security features include a WP Fort Knox plugin designed to detect and alert users of malware, ensuring enhanced security.
Performance Optimization
Crazy Domains incorporates caching technology named Cache Blaster to boost page loading speeds. During tests, website loading times were quite favorable, particularly in the Australian region, showcasing the advantage of their local data centers.
Missing Features and Caveats
Despite its strengths, there are palpable disadvantages. Crazy Domains does not offer free SSL certificates in its basic plans—a feature many competitors include. Without an SSL certificate, your website may not support secure HTTPS connections, affecting user trust and potentially penalizing Google rankings.
No Free Domain
Another downside is the absence of a free domain registration, even for long-term contracts. Instead, users must pay for domain registration separately, which can increase initial setup costs.
Lack of CDN
Crazy Domains also does not include any built-in content delivery network (CDN) options. For websites targeting a global audience, this absence might impact site performance beyond the local region.
Customer Support Experience
The quality and availability of customer support is a mixed bag. While support is available 24/7 through various channels, real-time support can sometimes be inconsistent, primarily due to staffing limitations typical of smaller hosting outfits.
Conclusion: Is Crazy Domains Right for You?
In summary, Crazy Domains has substantial strengths, including impressive speed, ease of setup for WordPress, and adequate security features. However, its value proposition diminishes without free SSL, domain registration, or integrated CDN, making it less competitive for users who prioritize these features. For those with a strong regional focus and a preference for Australian data centers, Crazy Domains could still be a viable option.
Ultimately, potential users must weigh the pros and cons based on specific needs and budget. If comprehensive hosting features are critical, exploring options like Hostinger or VentraIP might be beneficial. Always assess hosting services based on performance, essential features, and support to make the most informed decision.