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.
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Fiona says
Thank you Pavlin I (Site Ground sales person)
great service so far – and thanks for putting up with all my questions!
i have been with current provider for years so a bit hesitant to change but these were recommended to me so all good so far!
Kathy Downs says
Today I migrated 2 websites to Siteground. Migrating is not easy. The Chat support made the process do-able. They were helpful with links and information and even though I talked with them several times they remained helpful and supportive. I think it will be a good relationship.
Chris Healy says
Every time I have a problem with my site, the SiteGround techs solve it quickly and professionally. It really is the best customer service I’ve dealt with anywhere.
Tom says
Just got off the support convo. Amazing support and the best in the business. I love Siteground!
Manuel Andrade says
Great customer support. Awesome!
Ann Castro says
Incredibly helpful support. Complicated issue and I could tell how much he was trying to help me. Very empathic to my plight. Thank you.
MIhai Ionascu says
Miroslav answered all my questions to my complete satisfaction. He didn’t “sweeten” the deal with fake promises and was honest about what my expectations should be. He made a sale today.
João Vitor says
Their support is out of this World, they never let me down and never gaved up, is like if they are my business partners, i swear!
Paying them will save you so much time, that is actually dumb if you go with any other host.
Paola Bertoni says
Really good service. Viktor solved a FTP issue in just a couple of minutes.
Naomi says
I’ve been with Siteground for about 2 years and I’ve never had a problem! Their customer service support is amazing, the prices are fair and I honestly wouldn’t choose anyone else!
Merilin says
The customer support is one of the best ones I received. Always very polite and helpful. Thank you!
Andrew says
Super fast and helpful!!!
Tony Prower says
These guys offer Superb support for wordpress sites. An expert is always available and serious issues are fixed in minutes. I finally feel in control of my website rather than constantly frustrated. That is my experience.
Jason Johnson says
Perfect customer service. Thank you!!!
Shawn Simmons says
sitegrounds support is incredible.
I highly recommend siteground 100% support. Thank you!
Simon H. says
My issue was quickly addressed successfully! I had deleted a subdomain and my files were still available via ftp. I requested my files that can be view via ftp be deleted. It took less than 3 minutes to accomplish my request! Thanks!
Brenda Nicholson says
George T. was so helpful in installing my new domain on Siteground, and so quick! Less than 10 minutes and I was ready to go.
Great job George! Thank you!
Karen Skeens says
So nice to get someone who could immediately recognize the issue, then take quick steps to resolve it.
Boris Marinkov says
They have the best Support service ever!!!!!!
Jane says
Excellent help with my issue on getting let’s encrypt installed. Yahoo. Got it..thanks so much. Great helper.
Ben Richards says
Pavel S was very helpful and asked just the right questions to make sure he fulfilled my request without causing any damage. He was great!
Richard Bennett says
The customer service agent was excellent! Very quick and helpful in responding to my questions. Problem was fixed instantly.
liz windgate says
Nice to chat with someone who is knowledge and communicates well
Thank you!
jacobo mena says
just an amazing response. Very happy to do business with you
Ken says
Possibly the best support experience I’ve ever had with any company. The support tech, Tsacho, instantly understood my problem and proceeded to correct both the issues I had in my CloudFlare settings and in my SiteGround settings. I asked Tsacho what I did wrong and he explained in a way that was very easy for me to follow. I then asked if there was an online procedure I could follow the next time and he actually created a detailed step by step procedure I could follow in the future. WOW! Well above and beyond my expectations. This is the second time I was unexpectedly pleased with SiteGround’s support personnel. But Tsacho was the best!
Coloring India Foundation says
Siteground support is quick, that is the major reason we are hosting on Siteground for more than a year and we have renewed for another 3 years.
Thanks much!
Cindy says
Excellent service and rocket fast! I recommend Site Ground
Lisa Sher says
Nikola rocks! 5 stars!!!
Ron Au says
Received exceptional customer support again today! The quality of support tanked a little bit in the past but still mostly better than many others. Today’s service is worth another 5 star review. The chat support rep was patient and listened to my questions. He then answered all my questions in a clear and useful manner, not just send me documentations links. He also suggested related topics equipping me to better manage and understand their services.
Bora says
Impressive client service: fast, clear and dedicated.
Elana says
Thanks so much for always providing prompt support that always resolves my issue .. great service
Michael Duarte says
Siteground service on chat was excellent.
Wayne Drury says
Great customer service as always. No long waits, and engaging and technically competent people. Thanks, Site-Ground
John Toebes says
I continue to be impressed by SiteGround. They are proactive in keeping my sites secure and provide clear information on what to do when a new security issue arises.
Joseph says
Pavel was awesome! I needed something fairly complicated done and it was done successuflly within 10 minutes.
Noelia Castellon says
Excellent support I’ve resolve my problem in minutes. Thanks Penka
cristina barredo says
Quick response and very efficient, friendly and clear with the all the asnswers.
mathew says
Viktor employeed at Siteground have been excellent and has always been. Big asset to the company.
Paul Held says
Your support continues to amaze me. Best support of any product or vendor I have ever used.
Mohammed Iqbal says
Staying with a leading hosting provider for over a decade and now working with SiteGround, I just can’t explain how wonderfully these people support a customer ! Great job team, Keep it up
Dave Thomson says
I honestly cannot say enough good things about these guys, the are simply AWESOME!!!
Chantal Bakker says
As a new client I had a lot of questions. Your quy at the other end of the chat was amazing. It was really helpful and I am glad I made the trasition.
Emilio Alvarez says
Very efficiente and helpful. Thanks
Monica Curiel says
Nikola was able to help me with all my questions and resolved my issues promptly.
Desiree says
Very helpful. Will purchase with her
Lourenço de Azevedo says
If you want a fast response, emphatic and knowledgeable support team look no more. The speed also from the servers is amazing compared with all the servers I tried so far. I have a LMS and the experience so far has been very positive. Thanks Siteground
John Armstrong says
Diana T. was extremely helpful.
She quickly unravelled my rambling texts and got to the heart of the problem.
She walked me through the process step by step and my request for a domain transfer was successfully submitted.
SiteGround support folks have the patience of a saint – and they know their stuff.
Very pleased to have their expertise on hand 24/7.
Stephanie says
Outstanding customer service! This is why I tell everyone to use Siteground.
Jane Ngigi says
I’m a new kid on the block to Siteground but the sales customer service was phenomenal.
If the rest of the Siteground experience matches the sales customer service, this is the place to be. I cannot say enough good things the sales support.
Thank you.
Jane
Steven B Jackson says
It took seconds for me to get help . I’m so glad I don’t have to wait long !! All questions were answered perfectly. EXTREMELY PLEASED