HostGator hosts over 10 million domains and is one of the most popular web hosts in the industry. With 1-click WordPress installation, 99.9% up time guarantee, and 24/7 support, it’s a smart choice for every website owner. We consider them the best web hosting for businesses. They’re offering our readers an exclusive 62% off discount, a free domain name, and free SSL certificate.
HostGator is one of the largest and most popular hosting companies in the world. They offer shared hosting, VPS hosting, dedicated servers, and managed WordPress hosting plans.
Read our detailed HostGator review to find out if HostGator is the right choice for you.
In this detailed HostGator review, we will put their promises through our testing process. Following are the areas we will look into:
If you don’t want to go through all the details, then the following is a quick summary of our HostGator review score with our conclusion below it.
| HostGator Review Summary | |
|---|---|
| Performance grade | A+ |
| Average load time | 1.03 s |
| Average response time | 143.4 ms |
| Free domain | Yes |
| Free SSL | Yes |
| 1-click WordPress | Yes |
| Support | Phone / Live Chat / Knowledge base |
| Start with HostGator | |
Bottom line: Want to skip the details? To summarize, we found HostGator to be a reliable and customer friendly hosting service. Their 24/7 customer support is among the best.
That’s why we’ve added HostGator as one of the best WordPress hosting companies.
Let’s jump to the more detail-oriented parts of our HostGator review. This will help you figure out if HostGator is right for your website.
HostGator was founded in 2002 and grew quickly to become one of the biggest hosting companies in the world. You can credit the monstrous growth to their great shared hosting plans, reliable web hosting, and quality customer service.
Today it is headquartered in Houston, Texas, and hosts over 10 million domains. They have 850+ employees that offer around the clock support and serve businesses of all sizes.
Like every other product and service, each hosting company has its pros and cons. Here are the pros and cons of HostGator that we learned.
Pros
Cons
What would you do if you sign up for a host and find that your website is painfully slow and often disappears? You’d have to switch providers, and this will cost you more money and headache.
That’s why you want to choose a web hosting company that is reliably fast with stable performance record all around. But how would you get this information?
We decided to check HostGator’s performance by running our own tests. Let’s find out how well it performed.
The most important performance indicator is speed. A faster website is good for your users, and it also helps your SEO rankings.
In fact, studies suggest that 1 second delay in page load will cost you 7% fewer conversions, 11% less page views, and a 16% decrease in user satisfaction.
For our detailed HostGator review, we created a test site to find out how fast HostGator really is.
Our test site was powered by WordPress using the default theme. We also imported dummy content for theme development, including images.
After that we used Pingdom website speed testing tool to run the tests. Here are the results:
As you can see, our test site loaded in 1.03 seconds which is great.
However, this is a new website with no traffic at all so speed test alone is not the best way to judge its performance. We wanted to see how it would perform under peak traffic.
To test this we used a tool called K6 (formerly LoadImpact). We used it to send virtual users to a website and gradually increased the number of users on the site up to 100 at once.
You can see the result in the chart below:
The blue line in the chart is page load time and the green line shows the number of users on the site. As you can see, our test site performed really well throughout the test with an average response time of 203 milliseconds.
These results are particularly good for a shared hosting account.
HostGator Uptime Test
Another remarkable thing to be noticed is that our test site didn’t go down during the test.
HostGator Server Response Time
The content of your website significantly affects the page load time. For example, if your website has many images, then it will increase the page load time.
This affects your server’s speed test results. We wanted to see how fast the HostGator server actually responds.
To test this, we used a tool called Bitcatcha. It works differently than other website speed testing tools. Instead of loading the content, it only tests the response time of the server.
Here is how HostGator performed in these tests:
Our HostGator review site performed really well. The server response time remained less than a second. In the United States, it was merely 26 ms.
Overall, this result indicates that your site will load quickly around the world.
HostGator offers a variety of hosting plans. You can choose from shared hosting, VPS hosting, and dedicated servers.
However, their main offering is shared WordPres hosting and this is where most users begin their journey.
Let’s take a look at these plans offered by HostGator.
Breakdown of HostGators’s Shared Hosting Plans
HostGator’s shared hosting plans come in three different levels. All plans include unlimited storage and bandwidth. The main difference is the number of websites you can host.
HostGator Hosting Plan Features
Another thing you would want to look at is the features that you’ll get with each hosting plan. Here is what’s included in each hosting plan offered by HostGator.
With Baby and Business plans you can host multiple websites and domain names under the same hosting account.
HostGator offers one of the best customer services in the industry. This includes 24/7 phone and live chat support as well as ticket-based email support.
Inside your hosting dashboard, you will find their support portal. This portal helps you find quick answers from a knowledgebase of hundreds of articles and video tutorials.
Now that you have read our detailed HostGator review, you are probably thinking if HostGator is right for you?
HostGator offers variety of hosting plans that fit all budgets and requirements. They offer all the tools you will need to build a website.
Over 2 million customers have already trusted HostGator. Whether you are a seasoned Internet pro, or just starting out with your first website, you’ll find every necessary tool to bring your website to the next level.
Ready to get started with HostGator? Click here to select your HostGator plan today.
WPBeginner users get an exclusive 60% OFF with our HostGator coupon code.
All you have to do is click on this link to purchase. The discount will be applied automatically.
We have been answering user questions about WordPress hosting for over a decade now. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about HostGator that we have heard from our users.
1. Is HostGator good for WordPress?
Yes, HostGator is good for WordPress and highly recommended for anyone who wants to start a WordPress website. They have highly optimized platform for WordPress, 1-click WordPress installation, and 24/7 support.
2. Which is better HostGator or Bluehost?
HostGator and Bluehost are both our recommended hosting companies. Bluehost has advantage in overall performance, security, and value for money. HostGator tries to beat that with slightly cheaper hosting plans, 45-day moneyback guarantee, and faster support.
3. Where are HostGator servers located?
HostGator servers are primarily located in Provo, Utah, and Houston, Texas. However, they also use datacenters in other locations.
4. Does HostGator has cPanel dashboard?
Yes, HostGator has cPanel dashboard integrated into their own custom dashboard. You will find the link to cPanel under your website hosting package.
5. Is HostGator good for eCommerce?
Yes, HostGator is good for running an online store using WooCommerce or other eCommerce platforms. However, as your business grows in terms of traffic then you may need to upgrade your hosting plan.
6. Which HostGator plan do I need?
If you only want to start a single website or blog, then you can start with their Hatchling plan. However, we recommend starting with the baby plan as it offers multiple install support. You can always upgrade your hosting plan later if needed. Click here to select your HostGator hosting plan.
Fantastic work hostgator team very happy.
Hi Adam,
Woo! Thanks so much for the great review.
Erinn
Customer Advocate at HostGator
Wonderful customer support
Hi Hasan,
Our support teams are amazing, right? Thanks for the great review!
Erinn
Customer Advocate at HostGator
The site is up and running. We are very pleased with HostGator’s technical support representatives which helped make the launch seamless.
Hi Daniel,
Yea! We’re so glad that our support team has taken good care of you. Thanks for being here and being the best part of the HostGator family.
Erinn
Customer Advocate at HostGator
Been with HostGator since I started my business in 2010. Thanks for always being there and keeping up with the changing times.
Hi Brooke,
We love hearing from our long term customers! Thanks so much for the great review.
Erinn
Customer Advocate at HostGator
I am very glad that my website was restored. The expert that helped me was very patient and professional. Thank you for the quick response and support.
Hi Joyce,
It was truly our pleasure to be of support. Thanks for the great review.
Erinn
Customer Advocate at HostGator
Hostgator helped me to get the website running and problem solve a few settings that were restricting access to my site. I am so far very happy with the support received and the hosting.
Hi Debbie,
We’re glad that we were able to get things worked out for you. Thanks for the great review!
Erinn
Customer Advocate at HostGator
My site is live and working fine and I will refer hostgator for any kind of hosting. Thanks
Hi Syed,
Awe, thanks! Word of mouth referrals are huge. Thanks for the great review.
Erinn
Customer Advocate at HostGator
Smooth service works well
Hi Victor,
Thanks for the great review! We’re glad to hear things are working well for you.
Erinn
Customer Advocate at HostGator
my website is alive and kicking
Hi Liza,
Well that’s great news! We’re so glad things are up and running. Thanks for the review!
Erinn
Customer Advocate at HostGator
Amazing host site.
Hello Aurelio,
We think you’re pretty neat too. Thanks for the great review!
Erinn
Customer Advocate at HostGator
Very happy with the hosting and customer service.
Hi Elaine,
Yea! We’re so happy that you’re happy. Thanks so much for the great review.
Erinn
Customer Advocate at HostGator
HostGator is great. Every time I’ve had to call they help me very quickly and professionally. I would recommend HostGator.
Hi Meghan,
Our support team is amazing, right? Thanks so much for the kind review and for being part of the HostGator family.
Erinn
Customer Advocate at HostGator
As a complete IT novice I was very nervous about switching to hostgator. But c-panel is pretty user-friendly, the web builder is intuitive, and the live customer support has been superb. I have migrated all my organisation’s email accounts and set up a new website in only a couple of weeks. Fantastic!
Hi Dee,
Woohoo! It sounds like everything is going swimmingly. We’re so happy to have you aboard. Thanks for the great review.
Erinn
Customer Advocate at HostGator
Very Smooth Transition from Old Host to Host Gator. Helpful technical support.
Hi Michael,
Smooth migrations are really great! We’re happy that you’re happy. Thanks for the great review.
Erinn
Customer Advocate at HostGator
There was confusion between my original domain name purchase and the purchase of the word press package. I did not understand that the hostgator site editor would not transfer directly into word press. I sought advice from an IT professional to assist with the server settings. I am now developing the website on the word press editor. Hope to be up and running soon!
Hi Wanda,
We’re pleased to hear that things got straightened out for you. Please let us know if we can help you at all. Thanks!
Erinn
Customer Advocate at HostGator
My website was constantly going down due to issues with GoDaddys servers so I switched to Hostgator and have been pleased so far.
Hi Dominic,
Welcome aboard! We’re so happy that things are going well for you. Thanks for the great review.
Erinn
Customer Advocate at HostGator
Very good discounted hosting price for slightly above average server speed. Having no issues or need to contact support. Hoping as time goes on this will be the norm!
Hi Ed,
Our prices are indeed super competitive. We’re glad that you’re finding everything to your liking. Thanks for the great review.
Erinn
Customer Advocate at HostGator
My site is running fine with no problems
Hi Ethan,
That’s what we like to hear! Thanks for the review.
Erinn
Customer Advocate at HostGator
I like the interface. Easy to navigate between sites, but migrating my sites was not easy. Often on chat solving issues. Hope that is over with.
Hi Ash,
Our UX is cool, right? We’re disappointed that your migration wasn’t smooth, but we’re glad to hear that it has now been completed. Thanks so much for sharing your experience with everyone!
Erinn
Customer Advocate at HostGator
I am a retired web designer that had my own business and used HostGator’s services in the past granted its been a long time. Now I just decided to build a basic site for a hobby for some other things I do. So far everything is working great and trying to still learn some of the new tools that have been added in cPanel and things like that. Mainly cause its been 15+ years since I did this and many of the things there now and not there back then. Plus I have non of the programs I had back then so do everything through cPanel.
The support database is great since there has been an answer for every question I have had. Keep up the Great work!
Hi Craig,
Welcome back to the game! We’re so glad you decided to give us another go now that you’ve some time on your hands in retirement. We really appreciate your detailed and thoughtful review.
Erinn
Customer Advocate at HostGator
My site is live and I like the experience with Hostgator. The customer is very nice and I really appreciate it.
Hi Amos,
We’re thrilled to hear things are going well for you and that support is taking good care of you. Thanks for the great review.
Erinn
Customer Advocate at HostGator
good service, since I purchased your services everything going well.., please keep going as this.
Hi Soklim,
We’ll do our best for you and all of our customers. Thanks for the great review.
Erinn
Customer Advocate at HostGator
Hostgator is great.
Hi Rickey,
We think you’re pretty great too. Thanks so much for the review.
Erinn
Customer Advocate at HostGator
Hello,
Yes, my site is live. Everything is ok.
Thanks for your attention!
Daniel Sommerfeld
Hi Brian,
You’re so very welcome. Thank YOU for the great review!
Erinn
Customer Advocate at HostGator