Final verdict
iPage vs Network Solutions: Both platforms offer comprehensive website building and hosting services, but they cater to slightly different needs and user preferences.
-
iPage (Overall Grade: 6.1/10)
is a user-friendly platform ideal for small businesses and personal projects. It excels in ease of use, offering a drag-and-drop builder and a variety of templates. iPage also provides robust ecommerce features and competitive pricing, making it a cost-effective choice for long-term projects. However, it may lack some advanced customization options and scalability for larger enterprises. -
Network Solutions (Overall Grade: 5.4/10)
provides a wide range of services, including domain registration, email services, and ecommerce capabilities. It stands out with its advanced design possibilities and a variety of templates. Network Solutions is known for its customer support and comprehensive solutions for small businesses. However, it may fall short in terms of ease of use and modern interface compared to iPage.
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Design functionalities & templates |
7.0 |
7.2 |
|
Ease of use |
7.6 |
6.8 |
|
Ecommerce |
5.7 |
6.3 |
|
Website Editors |
6.8 |
6.3 |
|
Product testing options |
2.5 |
0.5 |
|
Price |
7.3 |
6.4 |
|
Hosting quality |
7.7 |
7.8 |
|
Website speed optimization |
7.4 |
6.7 |
|
Plugins/extensions and integrations |
6.3 |
4.8 |
|
Marketing features |
7.2 |
7.2 |
|
Customer support |
6.9 |
6.6 |
|
Website security |
7.5 |
7.5 |
|
AI capabilities |
3.0 |
1.1 |
|
User Management |
3.2 |
3.2 |
Best for ecommerce
5.7
6.3
Verdict
: Network Solutions edges out iPage for ecommerce, offering slightly better customization and scalability for small to medium-sized businesses.
-
iPage
: iPage is a user-friendly platform ideal for small businesses and personal projects. It offers essential ecommerce features like inventory management, coupon codes, and PayPal integration. However, it may lack advanced customization options and scalability for larger enterprises. When comparing iPage vs Network Solutions, iPage is suitable for simpler online store setups. -
Network Solutions
: Network Solutions provides a more robust set of ecommerce tools, including marketing features, personalized email, and responsive templates. It supports a wider range of payment gateways and offers better product page customization. This makes it a more versatile choice for businesses looking to grow their online presence.
Best for informational & business websites
7.2
7.4
Verdict
: Network Solutions slightly edges out iPage for informational and business websites, thanks to its advanced design possibilities and comprehensive suite of tools.
-
iPage
: iPage is a user-friendly platform that simplifies website creation with its drag-and-drop builder and a variety of templates. It is particularly suitable for small businesses and personal projects. However, while it offers a solid range of features, it may not provide the same level of advanced design capabilities as Network Solutions. Score: 7.2 -
Network Solutions
: Network Solutions offers a robust set of tools and templates that cater to small businesses and individuals. Its platform is designed to create professional-looking websites without coding knowledge, and it includes advanced design features like parallax scrolling and interactive animations. This makes it a strong contender for those looking to establish a comprehensive online presence. Score: 7.4
Detailed comparison
Design functionalities & templates
Design FunctionalitiesRepresents how well each platform allows for creative design and customization of websites.Score Components:
- Template Variety (30%): Range and quality of design templates.
- Customization (30%): Flexibility and options for design alterations.
- User Interface (20%): Ease and intuitiveness of the design process.
- Responsiveness (10%): Adaptability to different devices and screen sizes.
- Innovation (10%): Unique design features and tools.
7.0
7.2
🏆
Winner: Network Solutions.
Although both platforms offer a wide variety of templates and designs, Network Solutions edges out iPage with a slightly higher score and more advanced creative design possibilities.
iPage offers a wide variety of templates and designs, catering to users with diverse needs and preferences. With hundreds of options available, users can easily find a template that suits their specific project or business requirements. These templates are also customizable, allowing for a high degree of personalization.
On the other hand, Network Solutions offers a wide variety of templates and designs tailored to meet the diverse needs of its users. With hundreds of professionally designed templates, users can easily find a style that perfectly matches their vision and brand identity. Moreover, these templates are customizable, allowing for a high degree of personalization.
Network Solutions also offers a range of advanced creative design possibilities to enhance user experience, such as parallax scrolling and interactive animations. Additionally, Network Solutions provides options for custom CSS and HTML, giving designers the freedom to implement bespoke design elements and functionalities beyond the standard templates.
Network Solutions offers a variety of premium templates and designs that are generally considered superior to free templates due to their unique, professional designs, and advanced customization options. These premium templates are crafted to cater to specific business needs, providing a more tailored and sophisticated online presence.
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Ease of use
Ease of useReflects the platform’s overall user-friendliness.Score
Components:
- Learning curve (40%): Quickness and ease of getting started.
- Interface design (30%): Simplicity and intuitiveness of layout.
- User guidance (20%): Quality of tutorials and support.
- Flexibility (10%): Adaptability to various user skills.
7.6
6.8
🏆 Winner: iPage
. Scoring a 7.6, iPage edges out Network Solutions, which scored a 6.8. Both platforms are designed with simplicity in mind, making them accessible for users with varying levels of technical expertise. However, iPage offers a slightly more user-friendly experience, despite some users finding the design options somewhat limited compared to more advanced website builders.
Learning Resources
🏆 Winner: Tie
. Both iPage and Network Solutions offer a variety of high-quality learning resources, including comprehensive knowledge bases, video tutorials, and step-by-step guides. However, the availability of direct, personalized support might vary for iPage, and the availability of in-depth resources for highly advanced or specific customization options might be limited for Network Solutions.
For ecommerce
EcommerceMeasures the platform’s effectiveness in supporting online business activities.Score Components:
- Ecommerce themes and templates (20%): Variety and design of templates.
- Product management (25%): Ease of managing and organizing products.
- Payment options (25%): Variety and convenience of payment methods.
- Ecommerce features (20%): Features for managing an ecommerce store.
- Integration (10%): Compatibility with external e-commerce tools and services.
5.7
6.3
Both iPage and Network Solutions offer a range of ecommerce features suitable for small to medium-sized businesses looking to establish an online store. However, they might not scale well for very large enterprises or those with highly complex ecommerce needs, as their features are more tailored to simpler online store setups.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Ecommerce themes and templates |
5.5 |
6.5 |
|
Product page customization |
5.0 |
6.8 |
|
Payment processing and commissions |
6.0 |
6.0 |
|
POS capabilities |
3.0 |
5.0 |
|
Payment gateways |
6.5 |
7.0 |
|
Product numbers |
4.0 |
6.0 |
|
Additional ecommerce features |
5.5 |
5.5 |
iPage ecommerce features:
- Inventory Management and Tracking
- Coupon Codes and Promotions
- SEO Tools
- PayPal Integration
Network Solutions ecommerce features:
- Marketing Tools
- Personalized Email
- Product Listings
Ecommerce themes & templates
iPage offers a variety of ecommerce-specific templates designed to cater to online stores and businesses. These templates are integrated with features such as shopping carts, product catalogs, and payment processing options to facilitate online transactions. However, users might find some limitations in terms of customization and advanced ecommerce functionalities compared to specialized ecommerce platforms.
On the other hand, Network Solutions offers a variety of ecommerce templates designed to cater to businesses of different sizes and industries. Their templates are crafted to be responsive, ensuring a seamless shopping experience across various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and desktops. The platform provides a range of customizable templates, allowing users to tailor their online stores to their brand’s aesthetics and requirements.
Product page customization
iPage’s website builder offers a range of ecommerce product page customization options, allowing users to design their storefronts with various templates, adjust layouts, and incorporate multimedia elements like images and videos to showcase products. Users can also edit product descriptions, manage inventory, and set up different payment options. However, limitations may include less flexibility in advanced customization or coding for those who require unique, highly tailored functionalities beyond the provided templates and settings.
Network Solutions offers a range of ecommerce product page customization options to enhance the online shopping experience. Users can personalize product descriptions, images, and videos to showcase their items effectively. Additionally, the platform allows for the customization of product options such as size, color, and material, enabling a more interactive and tailored shopping experience for customers.
Payment processing
When it comes to payment processing, iPage supports several payment options for eCommerce, including major gateways like PayPal, Stripe, and others, catering to a wide range of currencies and countries. iPage does not charge commissions for transactions, commissions are charged by the gateways themselves.
Network Solutions’ website builder is designed for online stores, small businesses, and personal websites, offering essential e-commerce features including a built-in shopping cart and support for a wide range of payment options such as PayPal, PayFlow, USA ePay, CyberSource, PlugNPay, making it convenient for businesses to process transactions. Network Solutions does not mention that they charge commissions on transactions, commissions are charged by the gateways themselves.
Website Editors
Website EditorsEvaluates the platforms’ website building and editing capabilities.Score Components:
- Customization tools (40%): Range and power of editing features.
- Editor usability (30%): User experience within the editor.
- Design flexibility (20%): Freedom in layout and design changes.
- Update and maintenance ease (10%): Simplicity of updating and maintaining the site.
6.8
6.3
🏆
Winner: iPage
. iPage, with a score of 6.8, offers a user-friendly website builder editor designed for ease of use. It provides a drag-and-drop interface, allowing users to easily add, remove, and customize elements on their web pages without needing to code. Users can choose from a variety of templates that are responsive and customizable to fit their brand or personal style. Additionally, the editor includes features for adding social media links, integrating e-commerce functionalities, and optimizing for search engines.
Network Solutions’ editor, scoring 6.3, offers a comprehensive suite of tools for website creation and management. It provides an intuitive website editor that allows users to design, edit, and publish their websites without needing advanced technical skills. With a wide array of templates and customization options, users can create professional-looking websites that are responsive and optimized for search engines. However, some users may find the interface a bit outdated and less intuitive compared to more modern website builders.
Mobile editor/app
5.0
0
🏆
Winner: iPage
. Both iPage and Network Solutions do not offer a dedicated mobile editor app. However, iPage allows users to edit their website on a mobile browser, albeit with some limitations. This feature provides users with the flexibility to make changes to their website on the go. On the other hand, Network Solutions does not provide any mobile editing capabilities. Therefore, iPage has a slight advantage in this category.
Product testing options
Product Testing OptionsAssesses the options for trying out platform features before commitment.Score Components:
- Trial quality (40%): Extent and usefulness of the trial or free version.
- Feature accessibility (30%): How many features are available to test.
- Trial duration (20%): Length of the trial period.
- Ease of transition (10%): Smoothness of moving from trial to paid plans.
2.5
0.5
Overall Result
:
iPage Wins
. iPage scores 2.5, while Network Solutions scores only 0.5. Neither iPage nor Network Solutions offer a free version or trial version. However, iPage allows testing of all features during the 30-day refundable period, while Network Solutions only provides access to features after purchasing a plan. Both offer a 30-day money back guarantee, but Network Solutions’ refund process may be difficult in some cases.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Free Plan |
No | No |
|
Trial Duration |
No free trial | No free trial |
|
Testing Premium Features |
All features during refundable period |
Only after purchasing a plan |
|
Money Back Guarantee |
30-day money back guarantee | 30-day money back guarantee (may be difficult to get refunds) |
Price
PriceLooks at the cost-effectiveness and value for money of each platform.Score Components:
- Plan value (40%): What each pricing tier offers.
- Transparency and clarity (30%): Clearness of pricing structures.
- Flexibility of plans (20%): Range of options to suit different budgets.
- Hidden costs (10%): Additional expenses not included in the plan.
7.3
6.4
iPage and Network Solutions offer competitive pricing, but iPage provides a significant discount for annual subscriptions, making it a more cost-effective choice for long-term projects.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
$0-$5 |
No offering at this amount. |
Website ($4.95/month): Easy-to-use website builder, Domain & Domain Privacy: 1 Year Free, Professional Email: 3 Months Free, SSL Certificate: 1 Month Free, 1-hour expert design support. Value for price: 6.5 |
|
$5-$9 |
No offering at this amount. |
Website + Marketing ($7.95/month): Includes all features from the Website plan, Sell services, Appointment scheduling, Social and email marketing, AI copywriting tool (NEW). Value for price: 7.5 |
|
$9-$10 |
No offering at this amount. |
Online Store ($9.95/month): Includes all features from the Website + Marketing plan, Sell products and services, Sell on Facebook & Instagram. Value for price: 8.0 |
|
$10-$20 |
Basic ($15.99/month): Simple website or blog, 1 website, 10 GB SSD, free domain, managed WordPress, free SSL for 1st year. Value for price: 6.5 |
Online Marketplaces ($19.95/month): Includes all features from the Online Store plan, Sell on Amazon, eBay, Etsy, & more. Value for price: 8.5 |
|
$20-$30 |
Choice Plus ($27.99/month): Multiple sites with storage, security, backups, 3 websites, 40 GB SSD, daily backups, domain privacy, malware scanning. Value for price: 7.5 |
No offering at this amount. |
|
$30-$34 |
Online Store ($32.99/month): Online selling with eCommerce tools, 3 websites, 40 GB SSD, store features like unlimited products and secure payments. Value for price: 8.0 |
No offering at this amount. |
|
$34+ |
Pro ($34.99/month): High traffic sites, advanced storage, 5 websites, 100 GB SSD, optimized for high traffic, enhanced security and backups. Value for price: 9.0 |
No offering at this amount. |
location. As a result in rare cases the prices displayed here can differ from the ones you see on their
websites.
Hosting quality
Hosting
qualityExamines the reliability and performance of the hosting solutions.Score Components:
- Uptime (40%): Consistency and reliability of website availability.
- Speed (30%): Loading times and performance.
- Bandwidth and storage (20%): Sufficiency of resources provided.
- Data centers (10%): Quality and distribution of hosting infrastructure.
7.7
7.8
Winner: Network Solutions
. Network Solutions edges out iPage with a 99.99% uptime guarantee and a variety of hosting options, including shared, VPS, and WordPress hosting. iPage, while offering affordable hosting services, lacks an uptime guarantee and has fewer hosting options. Network Solutions’ commitment to uptime reliability and hosting versatility earns it a slightly higher rating.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Do they offer hosting? |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Data Centers: |
2: US, Europe |
Not publicly disclosed |
|
Type of hosting: |
Managed WordPress Hosting |
Shared, VPS, WordPress |
|
Uptime: |
99.9% |
99.99% |
|
Uptime Guarantee: |
No |
Yes, 99.99% |
Website Speed Optimization
Website Speed OptimizationEvaluates optimization of website loading timesScore Components:
- PageSpeed Score (30%): Google’s score indicating performance optimization.
- Loading Time (30%): The average time until a website is fully interactive.
- Mobile Optimization (15%): Optimization effectiveness for mobile devices.
- Resource Optimization (15%): Optimizing images, scripts, and other heavy resources.
- CDN Usage (10%): Use of CDN to enhance speed across geolocations.
7.4
6.7
🏆 Winner: iPage
Both iPage and Network Solutions prioritize website performance and page speed, with iPage focusing on web server optimizations, caching, CDN, database optimization, and SEO optimization, and Network Solutions emphasizing CDN, web caching, image optimization, and SEO optimization. However, iPage has a slight edge when it comes to website speed optimization.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Focus |
Web server optimizations, Caching, CDN, Database optimization, SEO optimization |
CDN, Web Caching, Image Optimization, SEO optimization |
|
Performance Tools |
Google Lighthouse, PageSpeed Insights |
Google PageSpeed Insights Integration |
|
Key Strategies |
Web Server optimizations, Caching, CDN, Database optimization, SEO optimization |
CDN, Web Caching, Image Optimization, SEO optimization |
|
Load Times |
2.6s average |
Varies widely, depending on the optimization hosting type and website complexity |
|
Page Speed Scores Range |
72/100 average |
Varies widely, depending on the optimization hosting type and website complexity |
|
Core Web Vitals Improvement |
Emphasis on LCP, FID, CLS improvements |
Emphasis on LCP, FID, CLS improvements |
iPage, a user-friendly web hosting and site builder platform, offers a range of strategies for website speed optimization, including web server optimizations, caching, CDN, database optimization, and SEO optimization. With an average load time of 2.6 seconds and an average PageSpeed score of 72/100, iPage places a strong emphasis on improving Core Web Vitals, including LCP, FID, and CLS.
On the other hand, Network Solutions, a website builder and hosting service catering to small businesses and individuals, also prioritizes website performance and page speed. The platform focuses on CDN, web caching, image optimization, and SEO optimization as key strategies for speed optimization. However, both load times and PageSpeed scores vary widely, depending on the optimization hosting type and website complexity. Like iPage, Network Solutions also emphasizes improving Core Web Vitals, including LCP, FID, and CLS.
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Plugins and integrations
Plugins and integrationsMeasures the range and effectiveness of additional plugins and integrations.Score Components:
- Variety of options (40%): Range of available add-ons.
- Integration smoothness (30%): Ease of integrating plugins into the site.
- Quality of plugins (20%): Functionality and reliability of the options.
- Custom integration capabilities (10%): Support for custom or third-party integrations.
6.3
4.8
🏆 Winner: iPage.
With a score of 6.3, iPage offers a variety of plugins and extensions, including advanced SEO tools, e-commerce capabilities, and social media integrations. Network Solutions, scoring 4.8, also provides a range of plugins/extensions, but iPage’s wider variety and flexibility give it the edge.
It’s worth noting that both builders offer a range of pricing options for their plugins, allowing users to customize their websites according to their needs and budget.
Marketing Features
Design FunctionalitiesRepresents how well each platform allows for creative design and customization of websites.Score Components:
- Template Variety (30%): Range and quality of design templates.
- Customization (30%): Flexibility and options for design alterations.
- User Interface (20%): Ease and intuitiveness of the design process.
- Responsiveness (10%): Adaptability to different devices and screen sizes.
- Innovation (10%): Unique design features and tools.
7.2
7.2
🏆
Overall Winner: Tie
. Both iPage and Network Solutions offer a comprehensive set of marketing features, including SEO tools, email marketing, blogging, social media integration, analytics and reporting, and ads and promotions. However, the specifics of these features may vary between the two platforms.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
SEO Tools |
|
|
|
Email Marketing |
|
|
|
Blogging |
|
|
|
Social Media Integration |
Integrated social media buttons and features |
Easy linking and social post creation |
|
Analytics and Reporting |
Option to integrate Google Analytics |
Visitor statistics and Google Analytics integration |
|
Ads and Promotions |
Offers SEO, social media integration, email marketing, and promotional discounts |
Includes monetization features such as PPC advertising management for platforms like Google Ads |
Customer Support
Customer supportEvaluates the quality and availability of support options.Score Components:
- Response time (40%): Speed of support responses.
- Support quality (30%): Effectiveness and helpfulness of the support.
- Availability (20%): Range of support channels (phone, chat, email).
- Resource richness (10%): Quality of self-help and educational materials.
6.9
6.6
🏆 Winner: iPage
. In the iPage vs Network Solutions comparison, iPage takes the lead with a customer support score of 6.9. iPage offers 24/7 customer support through phone, email, and live chat, ensuring that users can get assistance at any time. This comprehensive support system is particularly beneficial for users who may need immediate help with their website issues.
Network Solutions also provides 24/7 live chat support, which is a valuable resource for users needing quick assistance. However, with a customer support score of 6.6, it falls slightly behind iPage. While Network Solutions offers a range of services and tools, the limited support channels compared to iPage may impact the overall user experience when it comes to resolving issues promptly.
Security
SecurityLooks at the platforms’ security measures and data protection.Score Components:
- Data protection (40%): Safeguards for user and customer data.
- SSL and encryption (30%): Implementation of secure connections.
- Compliance (20%): Adherence to industry security standards.
- Regular updates (10%): Frequency of security updates and patches.
7.5
7.5
🏆
Winner: Tie
. Both iPage and Network Solutions take security seriously, offering a range of features to protect websites and user data. iPage provides Domain Privacy Protection to shield personal information from being publicly accessible, and SiteLock, a comprehensive security suite designed to protect websites from malware, spam, and hackers. On the other hand, Network Solutions focuses on data encryption, strict security measures at data centers, and careful access controls. They also offer SSL certificates for secure connections, malware scanning and removal, and possibly DDoS protection among other services. Both builders scored 7.5 in security, reflecting their commitment to providing a secure platform for their users.
AI Capabilities
AI capabilitiesMeasures the effectiveness of AI-driven features and tools.Score Components:
- Automation efficiency (40%): Impact of AI on streamlining processes.
- Personalization (30%): AI-driven customization for users or customers.
- AI-Assisted design (20%): Role of AI in website design and functionality.
- Data analysis (10%): Use of AI in interpreting user data and analytics.
3.0
1.1
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
AI-powered Website Builder |
iPage offers an AI-powered website builder |
Network Solutions does not have an AI-powered website builder |
|
AI Ecommerce features |
iPage does not have any AI-powered ecommerce features |
Network Solutions does not have any AI-powered ecommerce features |
|
AI Content Generation |
iPage lacks built-in AI content generation tools |
Network Solutions provides an AI copywriting tool on higher plans |
🏆 Winner: iPage
. iPage, with a score of 3.0, offers an AI-powered website builder, making it easy for users to create and customize their websites without needing extensive technical knowledge. However, it lacks AI content generation tools and AI-powered ecommerce features.
Network Solutions, with a score of 1.1, does not have an AI-powered website builder or ecommerce features, but it does provide an AI copywriting tool on higher plans. The AI capabilities of Network Solutions are limited and more focused on assisting users in setting up their websites efficiently rather than offering advanced AI content generation or sophisticated AI-driven design tools.
User Management
User ManagementAssesses the platforms’ capabilities in managing user roles, permissions, and accessibility.Score Components:
- Role Customization (40%): Flexibility in creating and defining user roles and
permissions. - Ease of Management (30%): User interface and tools for managing users.
- Access Control (20%): Effectiveness of access control measures for different user
levels. - Scalability (10%): Ability to manage a growing number of users efficiently.
3.2
3.2
🏆 Winner: Tie
. Both iPage and Network Solutions offer very limited multi-user functionality and access levels compared to more sophisticated website builder platforms. Neither platform provides specific user roles and access levels, which may limit their suitability for larger teams or more complex projects.
Additional Features
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
SSL Certificate |
|
|
|
Custom Domain |
|
|
|
Free Custom Domain Included |
|
|
|
International Domains |
|
|
|
Mobile Responsive |
|
|
|
Page Speed |
|
|
|
Website Builder Mobile App |
|
|
|
Convert a Website To An App |
|
|
|
Website Analytics |
|
|
|
Multilingual Sites |
|
|
|
Multiple Users |
|
|
User Feedback
iPage, a user-friendly web hosting and site builder platform, offers templates and a drag-and-drop builder to simplify website creation for those without technical expertise. It provides comprehensive services including hosting, domain registration, and e-commerce solutions, targeting small businesses and personal projects. Recently, iPage has partnered with Bluehost, merging their hosting capabilities to offer unified and improved hosting and pricing plans.
User reviews of Network Solutions are mixed, with some praising its prompt customer support and variety of domain management options. However, there are widespread complaints about the platform’s outdated business practices, high costs, and poor customer service. Users often find the website’s layout confusing and report instances of misleading promises regarding refunds. Overall, while Network Solutions has some positive attributes, its drawbacks suggest that users may want to consider alternatives.
The making of this blog
We followed a clear, step-by-step process to write and research this article.
FAQ
Which platform is better for ecommerce, iPage or Network Solutions?
How do iPage and Network Solutions compare in terms of ease of use?
Which platform offers better website speed optimization?
How do the website editors of iPage and Network Solutions compare?
Which platform provides better customer support?
Are there any differences in the hosting quality between iPage and Network Solutions?
What about the security features offered by both platforms?
Do iPage and Network Solutions offer AI capabilities?
Which platform is recommended for users with no coding knowledge?
Can I manage multiple users on both platforms?
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