Overview

Every business in the 21st century setting needs a website at some point to use for online commerce purposes or a personal space to share daily updates. For this, a web hosting that’s flexible, reliable, affordable, and experienced in the field is needed. That’s what HostGator has been for the last decade rising to become one of the popular web hosting providers across various regions in the world. It powers about 8 million websites across the globe boasting hosting packages such reseller, shared, cloud, virtual private server, and dedicated packages. HostGator’s shared hosting package, which is remarkably robust, is the oldest of the pack and its plans remain the most used in 2018.

Background Information

HostGator was founded in 2002 by Brent Oxley who was then a student at Florida Atlantic University. A decade later, Endurance International Group, which owns world’s top ten state-of-the-art web hosting companies, took it under its umbrella growing its popularity exponentially ever since. It enjoys a close working relationship with BlueHost, iPage, JustHost, Fatcow – firms which also happen to be part of the EIG.

HostGator owns two U.S based data centers which are situated in Provo, UT and Houston, TX. In 2012, it launched an office in India aimed at expanding its international reach and brand. The firm also began knitting rapport with tech titans such as Linux and Cisco whose networking infrastructures have permeated the web in great detail.

Our HostGator review will comprehensively inspect its web hosting packages, features, pros & cons, and conclude by answering the frequently asked questions by customers.

Hostgator Features

Performance and Speed

To be honest, the measure of performance on HostGator is relative to the package which the consumer picks. Nevertheless, the provider appears to give the amount of resources that are just optimal for a particular price. Those using Shared Web Hosting receive unmetered bandwidth but it’s not truly unlimited as data caps exist. For instance, no one is allowed to exceed 25% of the allocated system resources which can sometimes be impossible to control when running a website with rapid growth over a short while. But with dedicated, VPS, and cloud hosting, the performance is worthwhile considering the resources are allocated individually to each account.

On speed, HostGator optimizes this with optional inclusion of Content Delivery Networks on every plan. Although it comes with a slight ramp of cost, it improves the load speed of the websites hosted on the provider. Indeed, the greatest beneficiaries of HostGator’s huge array of networking infrastructure are account owners using the cloud technology which is turbo powered to boost performance. Whether you’re on WordPress or normal cloud hosting plans, you’re guaranteed of at least twice the efficiency of the normal allotted resources. And the good thing, the prices are fairly friendly even when working with the defaulting 36-month subscription term.

Control Panel

To power the administration consoles, HostGator utilizes cPanel software. If you’ve used the it before, you’ll certainly agree is it easy to use irrespective of level of web expertise. To better the control panel farther, HostGator includes task organizers, statistics tools, and help links for consumers who seek clarification of items included in it. With their backend panel, you’ll have exclusive access to Raw Log Manager, AWStats, Webalizer, and Error Logs Reporter.

Moreover, HostGator allows users to remain updated on files written by the server over a configurable amount of time. This, in turn, assists in quick identification of malfunctioning web elements and freeing the apportioned storage of junk directories and files. Also, as previously mentioned, account owners in various packages have access to MOJO market where web templates, applications, and scripts can be sourced out.

Another good thing with HostGator is that it comes with a QuickInstall software. This one is not only powerfully reliable, but also supports one-click and automated installations. That combined with the ability to regulate, automate, and manage backups unlocks the true potent of a provider that is keen on data preservation. Whether you’re on shared web host, cloud, or a dedicated server, your data will be mirrored either automatically or on request. Their intuitive control panel gives you total control over what gets stored or deleted.

Support

HostGator has employed over 1000 staff working 24/7 to attend to queries, complaints, and process feedback. The support team can be accessed by chatting them up on the official site, calling the helpline, or sending feedback via the ticket system. Additionally, the company offers how to articles, provides several Frequently Asked Questions pages, and provides external sources for farther reading of a subject. Actually, information regarding the entails of each web hosting package mentioned here is comprehensively covered on their website. This eliminates the need to enquire on minor issues thereby clearing the traffic in the ticket system and ultimately ameliorating assistance.

It’s also pleasing to learn that all the plans in individual packages arrive with a money-back guarantee of 45 days. So, anyone trying out the services of HostGator has ample time to evaluate whether they suffice their needs or not.

On average, HostGator has 99.9% uptime which is quite decent for a company with over 8 million customers aboard. What’s, however, outstanding is the quick attendance to outages and a great strategy to notify clients when maintenance services are about to be undertaken. It’s almost impossible to be caught unawares at least according to the statistics we’ve gathered so far.

Security

From anti-spam removers, DDOS attack detectors, to free periodic loophole scanning, HostGator is quite keen to keep security uptight. Every package plan comes with free secure socket layer (SSL) certificate to encrypt data exchange between the server and the browser. Additionally, the company’s network works under the cover of strong firewalls which are provided on every layer of communication.

For the last five years, DDOS threats have successfully been eliminated on all websites sitting under HostGator by automatically installing UPD flooding filters. Another measure the company takes is giving a clear guideline on securing accounts, creating passwords, and recommending a foolproof antivirus to shield potential attacks. They also promise automatic provision of updates for WordPress users and patches whenever a loophole is identified and resolved.

Extras

Multifaceted Support for Application Hosting

HostGator supports installation and hosting of popular applications spanning from Drupal, phpBB, Wiki, Magento, to Joomla hosting. These platforms are useful in website building, content management systems, creating online stores, and managing a community based forum. With this web host company supporting such applications, it is truly a plus for anyone starting out or already a veteran in the field.

Email Features

HostGator offers unlimited POP3 email accounts with SMTP and webmail access using three powerful platforms namely RoundCube, Horde, and SquirrelMail. Consumers wishing to personalize notifications can activate IMAP for real-time updates on incoming and urgent mails. Other useful tools the firm provides include Mail Autoresponders, Batch Mail Forward, and Mailing List Generators.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Hostgator

Strengths

Quality customer service

HostGator surrounds itself with experts in every field ranging from technical to communication fields. They can be reached via phone calls, live chats, emails, ticket systems, etc.

Excellent uptime record

Although it has 0.4% downtime annually, this web host provider is very reliable on its uptime. Over time, this has increased its popularity while delivering the service needed by most consumers.

Support for E-commerce tools

Besides offering Mojo Marketplace where you can grab almost any ecommerce tool, HostGator provides accredited marketing packages including ZenCart, SugarCRM, and phpCOIN. These are very handy for a quick online store setup.

Flexibility in hosting options

HostGator provides major hosting types ranging from dedicated, VPS, shared, to cloud solutions. It has the plan for both novices and experienced web users with thousands of tools to enhance the experience.

Decent money back guarantee period

Within 45 days, the account owners have enough time to assess their experience and gauge value addition of the plans selected. The compensation is 100% the initial contribution amount with no cancellation fees included.

Numerous discounts

All the pricing plans that HostGator formulates come with a discount relative to the subscription term.

Inclusion of QuickInstall module

Upon registering with them, you can acquire all the tools you need almost effortlessly. Besides, with a few clicks the elements you added will be ready for use thanks to QuickInstall module.

Basic and advanced security features

HostGator provides a wide array of security-enabling tools, scripts, and modules. Even simple amateur websites here are secured with foolproof network layers capable of arresting zero-day threats that can affect performance or stability.

Scaling of allotted resources is instant

Every consumer can limit or upgrade the resources apportioned to their working space. Their control panel software is very versatile and allows consumers to choose features that best suit them.

Lots of freebies

Every hosting plan arrives with a decent amount of freebies ranging from site builders, domain transfer assistants, database creators, storage managers, and bandwidth scalers.

Weaknesses

Even with the high number of positives, HostGator is not perfect. Below are the shortcomings:

Inconsistency in speed

During peak hours, speeds and performance of various servers deteriorates increasing latency which is disadvantageous for budding and established websites. This is particularly problematic for sites running on a shared resource networks.

Delayed Support

Before live chat was introduced, consumers would wait for days before a response was given on issues forwarded. Today, the problem is mainly miscommunication between support staff and customers which delays help.

Reasonable plans’ price at 36-month terms

Most of the packages have their plans payable by default on a 36-month contract which can be costly for anyone trying out HostGator for the first time.

Hostgator FAQs

How does HostGator work?

To begin with, HostGator is a web hosting company dedicated to renting server space and providing computing power to allow consumers to host websites and other online services. To get started, you need to purchase a hosting package of choice, access the cPanel, and from there add or register domain names pointing to your website. You’ll then proceed to set up content either manually or via content management systems such as WordPress. Within 48 hours your website will be on and running just fine.

Which payment methods can I use on HostGator?

The two acceptable means of payment at HostGator are PayPal and use of Credit Card. Note that your credit card must be authorized by your bank to conduct business.

Is Constant Contact part of HostGator?

Not really, Constant Contact and HostGator are under a partnership contract. The firm provides email marketing and an optional addition to mailing services offered by HostGator.

Is HostGator’s money back guarantee legit?

Yes, it’s totally legit as long as your account has adhered to the terms of service specified here. The period within which you can terminate your contract with the firm lasts for 45-days.

Must I have an account to access HostGator’s domain privacy protection?

Yes, you need an account to register, reserve, and protect a domain. Nonetheless, it’s not a must to host your website on HostGator to use domain names acquired from the company.

Can I use WordPress on HostGator?

Sure, WordPress is supported on HostGator with even an optimized hosting package to facilitate its operation. You can easily install it via the control panel and proceed to build a website with it. Whenever updates or quick fixes for vulnerabilities are available, you’ll be notified to install them in to your panel’s configuration.

Any site builders on HostGator or must I build the site myself?

Yes. HostGator features a good number of accredited content management systems namely WordPress, Drupal, Magento, Weebly, Joomla, and many others. Install any or all of these by accessing your control panel.

How can I access the control panel?

After the registration of your account is successful, HostGator sends an email that contains a link to your cPanel. For already established websites, the simplest way to access it is visiting www.yourwebsite.com/cpanel.

Between IMAP and POP3 which one does HostGator use for emails?

Both are applicable in HostGator. Nonetheless, POP3 is quite a popular protocol in email handling due to its simplicity in implementation and usage. IMAP is recommended when working with complex systems and already accustomed to its inner workings.

Are HostGator and BlueHost the same company?

No. Although the two web hosting companies are owned by Endurance International Group, they are not the same companies. Each sells packages at different rates and are based in different data centers. Other companies EIG owns include HomeStead, Typepad, StartLogic, iPage, and iPower. More information is provided here.