Siteground is one of the most recommended WordPress hosting companies. They are known for their top-notch customer support, reliable, and fast hosting plans. Their WordPress optimized hosting includes everything you’ll need to create and grow a successful website or blog. Read our complete SiteGround review to find out if SiteGround is the right host for you.
In this detailed SiteGround review, we’ll put their promises to test. These are the areas we will look into:
- Performance: Speed is crucial for the success of any website. How fast will your website load with SiteGround?
- Reliability: Will your website be available 24/7/365 without facing any downtime?
- Customer Support: Can you count on their customer support?
- Features: Do they offer all the features and tools you’ll need to build your website?
- Pricing: How much would it cost you? Are there any SiteGround deals that can save you money?
This is a comprehensive SiteGround review with a detailed analysis of SiteGround’s hosting service. If you don’t want to read the full hosting review, here is the quick scorecard with our verdict right below it.
| SiteGround Review Summary | |
|---|---|
| Performance grade | A+ |
| Average load time | 397 ms |
| Average response time | 123 ms |
| Free domain | Yes |
| Free SSL | Yes |
| 1-click WordPress | Yes |
| Support | Phone / Live Chat / Knowledge base |
| Start with SiteGround | |
Bottom line: We found SiteGround to be noticeably faster and extremely reliable. Their hosting plans are flexible, and their customer support is one of the best in the industry.
That’s why we’ve chosen to recommend SiteGround as one of the best WordPress hosting companies.
Now let’s dive into our detailed SiteGround review so that you can see how we reached that conclusion and decide for yourself.
About SiteGround
Siteground was founded in 2004, and since then, it has grown into one of the most well-known hosting companies.
SiteGround is a holding of companies registered in the USA, UK, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Spain, with data centers on three continents. Today, the company has over 500 employees and hosts over 2,000,000 domains.
Pros and Cons of SiteGround
Each hosting company has its pros and cons. Some advantages can overshadow the disadvantages, but some cons can be a total deal-breaker for your needs.
Before making a decision, you may want to review these SiteGround pros and cons.
Pros
Here are some advantages that make SiteGround one of the top-rated hosting companies in the world.
- Super fast servers: All SiteGround servers are highly optimized for speed. They use the Google Cloud platform for all new customers, which is one of the fastest platforms on the market.
- Top Notch Customer Support: Their customer support is amazing, to say the least. They offer 24/7 phone support, live chat, and ticket-based support.
- Free CDN and SSL They offer an instant setup of Cloudflare’s free CDN and free SSL certificate from Let’s Encrypt.
- Multiple Server Locations They have data centers on three continents. You can choose the location you prefer during signup.
Cons
As we mentioned earlier, there are some downsides to every hosting company. The following are some disadvantages of choosing SiteGround as your host.
- Limited Storage: Their plans come with fixed storage. However, this storage is quite large, and if you are just starting out, you will most likely never need extra storage.
- Higher fee for monthly billing: The hosting service gets expensive if you choose monthly billing. But if you sign up for a longer billing period, then you’ll get a bigger discount and a lower rate. They offer a 30-day money-back guarantee anyway, so it’s a good idea to choose a longer billing period when you sign up.
SiteGround Performance
While price often plays a significant role when choosing a web host, you cannot compromise on performance.
This is why we decided to run our own tests to thoroughly review SiteGround’s performance.
SiteGround Speed Test Results
Speed is one of the most important performance metrics that you should look for. A faster website offers a good user experience and boosts your SEO at the same time.
In fact, a single-second delay can cause a 7% decrease in conversions, 11% fewer page views, and a 16% decrease in customer satisfaction.
We created a WordPress-powered test site on SiteGround and filled it with dummy content for theme development with images.
After that, we used Pingdom’s website speed test tool to run our tests. These were the results we got:
As you can see, our test site loaded in less than a second (417 ms to be precise) with a performance score of 95.
This is incredible, but this website had almost no traffic, so the Pingdom test alone is insufficient.
To test how SiteGround servers would respond to increased traffic, we used a stress testing tool called K6 by Grafana Labs.
This tool gradually sends up to 50 users to see how the server would respond to increased traffic from multiple connections.
You can see the results in the chart below:
The purple line is the number of active virtual users on the site, and the light blue line is the server response time. SiteGround performed consistently throughout the test without any hiccups.
This test shows that if you are looking for a really fast website, then SiteGround can be a perfect choice for you.
One of the reasons why SiteGround performed exceptionally well in these performance tests is because of the recent innovations they’ve added.
Almost all SiteGround servers are now hosted on the Google Cloud Platform. They’ve also added UltraFast PHP and created a custom WordPress plugin for optimization (SG Optimizer), which really puts them in a premium web hosting category.
Typically, websites hosted on shared hosting accounts slow down during top traffic hours. That’s because your site is sharing resources with other websites on that server.
Most shared hosting companies automatically kill the server process if your site is taking too many resources. This causes downtime on your website.
We tested our SiteGround site for the downtime and got 100% uptime result.
SiteGround Server Response Time
Your website’s content has a huge impact on page load time. For example, if you have high-resolution images on a page, then it will significantly increase the overall page load time.
This means that speed test results may not accurately reflect how fast your hosting server really is.
Instead of analyzing page load time alone, we decided to test the actual server response time as well.
To do this, we used a tool called Bitcatcha. It ignores page content and only tests the response time of the server.
Bitcatcha also gives you average loading speed from different global locations. The speed for each location is measured three separate times, and then the results are averaged.
Take a look at the results in the screenshot below.
As you can see, SiteGround is a great choice if your target audience is mostly located in the United States. The server responded in a fraction of a second in the United States.
It responded within less than a second for all locations.
SiteGround also allows you to change your server location and you can choose a data center closer to your target audience for even better response times in that particular region.
SiteGround Hosting Plans and Features
SiteGround offers shared hosting, WordPress hosting, cloud hosting, and dedicated hosting plans. If you are just starting out, then their shared hosting plans would be a perfect fit for your needs. However, your site will eventually grow, and you want to make sure that they have other plans that you can upgrade to.
Let’s check out SiteGround’s hosting plans and their features.
- Shared hosting: Shared hosting is recommended for new websites, bloggers, small business website,s or a startup online store. It is suitable for low-traffic websites as you will be sharing resources with other websites hosted on the server.
- WordPress hosting: This plan is WordPress optimized version of their shared hosting plan. It comes with SiteGround’s in-house WordPress optimizations to improve the performance of your website. See SiteGround WordPress hosting.
- WooCommerce hosting: This plan is a WooCommerce optimized version of their shared hosting plan. It includes SiteGround’s optimizations, which greatly improve the performance of your online store. See SiteGround WooCommerce hosting.
- Cloud hosting: Cloud hosting plans provide a flexible upgrade to a shared hosting solution. It allows you to use resources of cloud architecture, including multiple cores CPU and bandwidth. It is suitable for growing websites, popular blogs, or businesses. It can also be an upgrade over VPS and traditional dedicated servers. See SiteGround Cloud hosting.
WPBeginner website is hosted on SiteGround’s Enterprise hosting infrastructure which is an enhanced version of their Cloud platform for large sites.
Breakdown of SiteGround’s Shared Hosting Plans
SiteGround’s shared hosting options are the best way to build a new website. Their shared hosting packages are available in three levels to match different budgets.
- Startup: This plan is limited to hosting one website. It includes 10 GB disk space and is suitable for hosting a website with 10,000 monthly visitors. You’ll also get all essential features like a 1-click WordPress install, free setup, website transfer, daily backups, built-in caching (SuperCacher), free CDN, free SSL, and more.
- GrowBig: The GrowBig plan lets you host unlimited websites. It comes with 20 GB of disk space and is suitable for hosting websites with 25,000 monthly visits. You’ll get all the features of the Startup plan, plus you’ll get premium features like ultrafast PHP for even faster speed, on-demand backups, an easy staging tool, and the option to add collaborators to your sites.
- GoGeek: GoGeek plan is suitable for eCommerce websites. It can handle websites having 100,000 monthly visitors. In addition to all GrowBig’s features, you’ll get access to priority support, more server resources, advanced features like one-click git repo creation, and the option to manage white-label clients on your sites.
Each Siteground plan comes with faster disk storage, email accounts, support for the Cloudflare free content delivery network, and Let’s Encrypt free SSL certificate.
They also include several popular WordPress plugins like WPForms, OptinMonster, and All in One SEO to help you improve your website rankings.
SiteGround Support and Customer Service
You’ll see high praise for SiteGround’s customer support service everywhere. Their support team is remarkably good at offering quick, helpful, and knowledgeable support to their customers.
Their customer support includes 24/7 phone, live chat, and ticket-based email support. Their phone and live chat response times are almost instant. Email-based tickets get the first response within less than 10 minutes.
For users who prefer to fix things on their own, SiteGround offers an instant AI assistant. Built on top of ChatGPT, this AI is trained to answer SiteGround customer questions.
The helo resource center also includes a massive collection of knowledge base articles.
This includes step-by-step tutorials and troubleshooting guides with screenshots and videos.
Since we use SiteGround to host several of our websites, we can say with confidence that their support staff is very knowledgeable.
Conclusion: Is SiteGround the Right Choice for You?
After reading our detailed SiteGround review, you might be wondering if SiteGround is the best web hosting company for your website.
If you want a fast and reliable web hosting provider with excellent customer support, then SiteGround is perfect for you. They have hosting plans for every budget, and each plan comes with a great set of features.
All their shared hosting plans include SSD storage, site tools, easy setup of Let’s Encrypt free SSL and Cloudflare CDN service, 1-click WordPress installer, and free migration. Built-in security features protect your website against malware, and you can add additional protection by turning on Cloudflare CDN functionality.
If you are just starting a website for the first time, then you will certainly appreciate SiteGround’s customer support.
Ready to get started with SiteGround? Click here to choose your hosting plan today.
SiteGround Coupon
WPBeginner users get an exclusive 70% discount and free SSL with our SiteGround coupon code.
All you have to do is click on this link to purchase. The discount will be applied automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions about SiteGround Hosting
In this detailed SiteGround review, we looked at all aspects of their hosting services. The following are some of the most frequently asked questions about SiteGround that we are asked by our users.
1. Where are SiteGround servers located?
SiteGround servers are located in the United States, Europe, and Singapore. You can choose the server location during sign up.
2. Why choose SiteGround for WordPress hosting?
SiteGround offers a highly optimized WordPress hosting platform. Each plan includes its own in-house security features and WordPress tweaks that boost your WordPress site speed and performance.
You can easily set up a WordPress website with their 1-click WordPress installation. You can also move existing WordPress websites using the SiteGround Migrator plugin.
This is why SiteGround is an officially recommended hosting provider for WordPress users.
3. Does SiteGround support WooCommerce?
SiteGround specializes in WordPress and WooCommerce hosting. If you are building a WooCommerce store, then you can rely on SiteGround’s optimizations for consistent performance and reliability.
They are one of the top WooCommerce hosting providers and make it super easy to start an online store without any special technical skills.
4. Does SiteGround offer a website builder?
No, SiteGround does not offer its own site builder. That’s because they want users to have the option to pick the best website builder for their needs.
This is why they allow you to easily install WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, Magento, Weebly, and many other site builder platforms.
On the SiteGround platform, you can also create unlimited web pages without any restrictions.
5. Does SiteGround offer cPanel hosting?
No, SiteGround no longer offers cPanel hosting. Once cPanel raised its licensing fees, SiteGround decided to remove cPanel hosting and instead built a far superior web hosting control panel for both beginners and advanced users. This allows them to offer managed WordPress hosting-like features without the high costs.
6. Is SiteGround better than Bluehost?
SiteGround and Bluehost used to offer the same features, but with recent innovations, SiteGround has significantly improved its hosting technology.
Regarding overall performance, technology infrastructure, and support quality, SiteGround is better than Bluehost. However, with all this innovation, SiteGround pricing is significantly higher.
So, when it comes to pricing, Bluehost is better than SiteGround because not only is it 50% cheaper, but it also offers a free domain name with each account.
For more details, see our honest comparison of SiteGround vs. Bluehost vs. WP Engine.
7. How does SiteGround compare with other hosting providers?
Readers often ask us how SiteGround compares with GoDaddy, Hostinger, HostGator, GreenGeeks, DreamHost, A2 Hosting, and other web hosting services.
They all used to provide similar features and technology, but over the last year, SiteGround has really stepped up its innovation.
With all the managed WordPress hosting features, Google Cloud infrastructure, and custom performance optimization, SiteGround is now in a class of its own with its premium hosting.
8. Does SiteGround offer a free domain name?
No, SiteGround does not offer a free domain name. You can buy a domain name from another registrar and point it to your SiteGround account or buy one from SiteGround during signup at an additional cost.
9. Can I cancel my SiteGround account and get a refund?
SiteGround offers a 30-day money-back guarantee with all their shared plans. You can try out their services during this period. You are eligible for a refund if you cancel your account during this period. However, domain name registrations are non-refundable.
10. Which SiteGround plan is best for me?
Each SiteGround plan has different server resources. However, if you are just starting out, then their Startup plan would be perfect for that. You can upgrade at any time if you need more resources. Choose your SiteGround plan to get started.
Syed Balkhi says
Hey WPBeginner readers,
Did you know you can win exciting prizes by commenting on WPBeginner?
Every month, our top blog commenters will win HUGE rewards, including premium WordPress plugin licenses and cash prizes.
You can get more details about the contest from here.
Start sharing your thoughts below to stand a chance to win!
Giovanni says
competente precisa, gentile e disponibile oltre che chiara
Nance Briscoe says
I really appreciate all the time THE CHAMP, Teodor A., spent with me in my cowardly requests for help. Thank you SiteGround!
Arthur says
Hurray for Nicoli and Georgi! Excellent effort!!
Tajul Islam says
Excellent experience with her. very kind and helpful. I have me issue solved by her very quickly. Thanks
Captain Al says
Dobrin found a fast and positive way to fix this problem I was having in my website cache. As usual I’m grateful for the help.
Sara says
I’m never tired of saying how great the Siteground support is. Always there, fast, helpful, kind representatives.
Mathis says
Patient, helpful and thorough on his answers
Amanda Martinez says
Excellent as usual. I’m new to Siteground, I have been with Bluehost in the past so I’ve started my new site with your company due to the great things I have heard about your customer service.
So far I can’t fault it
Rahmat Baghdadi says
Real quick, effective. True meaning of Awesome Support.
Rodrigo Martinez Blanco says
I love SiteGround. I moved from Bluehost because I had some issues with them, when I got to SiteGround, what sold me is their customer support. I think this is THE MOST AWESOMEST of the AWESOMEST ( yes, that’s a word now) experiences i’ve had. Their support is worth every single penny you pay for their super amazing hosting. Get your sites moved into SG now, i am a super happy customer.
Anthony says
I have used siteground only two days, but so far I am very happy with their service, the speed of my site and the quality of support they have given.
Rhobin says
Excellent!!!
cybe repa says
Dessy, was very helpful and patient, for an old pensioner, who is disabled with both hands – unfortunately, I do not possess the computer skills to fully follow her advice – and will have to rely on the email transcripts, to cancel my 2 subscriptions until renewing them later in the year, when I return from hospital/surgery – I’m still unclear what to do – But Dessy was very helpful, patient & understanding!
James B says
I had been searching around for different hosting providers and had thought I had made my mind until I spoke with Ervin H. at Siteground. Just how helpful he was with answering my questions and the knowledge of the services he was supporting immediately made my decision.
I’m looking forward to working with Siteground in the future!
TahorSuiJuris says
Site Ground is by far the BEST hosting service.
Ed says
Nikol was patient and addressed every concern with kindness, professionalism and great care for us as a customer. Very much appreciated!
Ed
Steve says
SiteGround have given us a consistently stress-free experience.
I began to hate hosting providers after many years poor service from a variety of smaller providers, and frustrating hidden costs, what feels like purposely confusing UX in the user area and tricky processes that tie you into contracts you don’t need.
SiteGround is very clear and honest about their service offering. Their servers are lightning quick and the proprietary tools, such as their custom WordPress caching, are easy to use and actually work! We’ve transferred our entire client base to SiteGround now and couldn’t be happier.
Barry says
Just had the BEST service from Tsacho! Up and running within minutes of my site being down. Really impressed!
Dimitar Pentchev says
Thank you. Great service.
Betty says
Every time I need help, Siteground Customer Service is amazing. Super fast, super easy and EXTREMELY Helpful!! Always GREAT!!
Sherman says
Great customer service ensure us with her answer. She double check the step when I asked.
Colin says
The online chat function that I used was quick, professional and effective. I couldn’t have asked for more.
Tony W. says
The service here is 5 Star, I have hosted with almost everyone on the planet, they have they best support on any platform I have encountered in 10 years of web.
Gert says
Martin is faster than most of his colleagues who seem to be juggling 20 chats at a time or are distracted any other way. And he is knowledgeable and very friendly. Keep it up!
Clayton Brown says
Although the feature I was seeking was not available, the rep, Lilya was very pleasant. Thanks for hiring proper support staff, SG –
Tony says
Help chat was really useful but Siteground couldn’t help me because they do not register the domain type I wanted
Their options are quite limited when it comes to selection. I wanted a .uk domain but it’s not available through Siteground, yet there are a couple such as .nl!
Kym says
Ivan P. is a great support rep! He answered all my questions and is direct to the point. I hope all reps are like him. Kudos! Now, I’m willing to purchase hosting from SiteGround!
Brian Abendroth says
Martin was a lifesaver, he quickly solved my site access problem and got me back to work! Thanks Martin!
Sandy Flores says
I had a great experience calling customer assistance, very helpful but mainly very patience. Thank YOu!
Patti says
always quick to respond with the correct answers!!
Han sung young says
I am Korean.
I would have had difficulty communicating my problem.
But I received very satisfactory help.
I am very grateful and leave this review.
Rickard says
9/10 stars for this company, they’re great and the best provider I’ve dealt with. Always room for improvement though.
Adrian Koetsenruijter says
Your assistance is great, some of the best service quality I’ve ever seen.
RandyWithers says
Stress free and helpful troubleshooting experience. Thank you!
Ali M says
SiteGround live chat representatives are by far the most helpful support staff I’ve ever encountered. Even when the issue isn’t a SiteGround issue, they’re willing to try and help (and succeed in doing so the majority of the time!) Often times they’ll do the behind-the-scenes work for me, and when I need to do the work myself, they walk me through it, patiently, step-by-step. Worth every penny.
Mohammad ahmad says
Quick Service
Naga Satya Siva Mahesh says
Best hosting service and great customer support.
Wayne Bloxham says
Great help again today, worked out a problem with my theme & i hope i can get resolved with them now
Thanks
James says
Your support staff is absolutely amazing and it is a genuine pleasure to work with them and I just want to say I appreciate them being there and to keep up the good work. Thank you for everything you do.
Karin Carney says
Wonderful service!
Jeffrey Valle says
Very helpful. This is really amazing Customer Service I had experience. Very satisfied. – The Blogger Philippines
Frantzces says
Julian was great thank you!
Colin Gajraj says
SiteGround is the absolute best!
David Corriveau says
Aleksander was very very fast and helpful, no time wasted, straight to the point, thank a lot.
Simone Tringali says
Sorry, I cleared my cache and I lost the chat. All great, anyways. Thank you.
jade waldron says
Really easy and simple to sign up today, thanks
DOUGLAS says
amazing suport …amazinf..thanks Sitegroung
Tarek Shehata says
Quick and efficient
Gary says
extremely knowledgeable and polite. excellent customer support experience.
Roshan says
Just wanted to say stieground is fantastic, the support is incredible and the services is better, i enabled cloudflare free on my account it was so seamless, i mean there is nothing like it.. thank you..