In the bustling world of web hosting, HostMonster presents itself as an unassuming contender that offers fundamental services needed for website hosting. It’s an option that’s neither at the top of the industry nor at the bottom, giving users a decent middle-ground choice for personal or small business websites. This article provides an in-depth look at HostMonster’s offerings to help you decide if it should be your hosting provider of choice.
Shared Hosting Plans
For those who are looking to save on costs, shared hosting presents a reliable entry-level option. HostMonster offers several shared hosting tiers, beginning with a Basic plan at $6.95 per month during the initial billing cycle (after a discount from the regular $12.99). The Basic plan includes 50GB of storage, a free domain name, and the ability to host one website, along with five email accounts. Moving to the Plus plan, priced at $17.99 per month, users receive unlimited websites, bandwidth, and email accounts, alongside enhanced security measures.
Notably, HostMonster does not offer month-to-month payment options. This requires prospective customers to commit to longer billing periods, leaving flexibility desired by many.
VPS and Dedicated Servers
If your website requires more processing power and resources, HostMonster also offers Virtual Private Server (VPS) and dedicated server hosting. VPS plans start from $59.99 per month, offering a more robust option with increased RAM and storage capacities, ranging up to 8GB of RAM and 120GB of storage in their top-tier Ultimate package. Meanwhile, dedicated hosting offers even more power, starting at $169 per month, suitable for big businesses needing extensive resources.
Missing Features and Limitations
While HostMonster covers basics quite effectively, it does not offer specialized options for WordPress, cloud, or reseller hosting. The absence of optimized WordPress hosting is a significant omission, considering the platform’s popularity. Customers are encouraged to look at sister companies like Bluehost for such services.
Site Builder and Security Offerings
HostMonster aids its users with a drag-and-drop functionality through Weebly, a popular website builder. However, this tool is more aligned with beginners rather than experienced web developers. On the security side, HostMonster includes anti-spam tools, hotlink protection, and basic SSL certificates in its offerings, but for advanced protection, users are nudged towards higher-tier packages.
Customer Support Experience
The company boasts efficient customer service with 24/7 support available via chat and phone. However, customer reviews present a mixed picture, with some lauding quick resolution experiences while others report frequent long waits and unsatisfactory resolutions.
User Experiences and Reviews
Feedback from long-term customers of HostMonster showcases a spectrum of experiences. While some emphasize reliability and helpful support staff, others critique the operation’s antiquated infrastructure and occasional service interruptions.
Uptime and Performance
HostMonster’s uptime is on par with industry standards, maintaining a respectable average around 99.96%. While its performance does not surpass that of leading providers, it stands as a stable option for those seeking a balance of reliability and cost.
However, speed remains a weakness, with page load times typically lagging behind more nimble contenders like DreamHost and SiteGround.
Final Thoughts
In summary, HostMonster offers a decent hosting service that suits small to medium-sized websites on a budget. It is ideal for those who prioritize basic functionality and solid uptime without need for advanced features. However, if your priorities include cutting-edge speed, comprehensive WordPress support, or flexible billing, you may need to explore alternatives. As HostMonster fits within the broader Endurance International Group family, potential users may also explore its sister companies for potentially better-suited packages.