Liquid Web vs StableHost: guide for 2024

Liquid Web vs StableHost: Final verdict

Looking over Liquid Web vs. StableHost, both web hosting services provide distinct advantages to their users based on their needs.

• 
  Liquid Web (Overall grade: 8.7)
  
  excels in managed hosting solutions, offering a range of high-performance hosting types, including cloud and dedicated hosting. With robust uptime guarantees and advanced monitoring systems, it ensures minimal downtime and swift problem resolution. The platform’s high availability features make it ideal for high-traffic and specialized websites. Liquid Web also stands out with its compliance in various regulatory needs, diverse security measures, and exceptional scalability. While it comes at a higher price point, the extensive features and strong customer support justify the investment for businesses looking for reliability and comprehensive solutions.
• 
  StableHost (Overall grade: 6.9)
  
  offers a budget-friendly hosting option with a focus on shared and eCommerce hosting. It provides reliable uptime and clustered hosting to eliminate single points of failure. While it lacks some of the higher-end features and server types of Liquid Web, it compensates with solid performance for smaller projects or users with basic requirements. Its user-friendly interface and various automated tools make it accessible even for those without technical expertise. However, its limited scalability and enterprise-level support might not suit larger, growing businesses. Overall, StableHost is a strong, cost-effective choice for personal sites and small businesses.

Hosting types offered

Both platforms provide a variety of hosting types, each designed to meet the different needs of users.

Although both offer a variety of hosting plans tailored to different needs, in certain cases, one platform may prove to be more suitable.

Detailed comparison

🏆 Winner Liquid Web: Unmatched uptime and availability for seamless online experiences.

Liquid Web stands out with its comprehensive uptime solutions. Offering 100% network and power uptime SLAs, customers can expect an uninterrupted online presence. Their proactive Sonar™ Monitoring and 30-minute hardware SLA ensure swift problem resolution, providing peace of mind. Additionally, Liquid Web’s high availability hosting and managed services minimize downtime, creating a reliable hosting environment.

StableHost also delivers strong performance with a 99.9% uptime guarantee. They ensure reliable service through clustered hosting, which eliminates single points of failure. The company provides rapid response times and a 45-day money-back guarantee, highlighting their commitment to customer satisfaction. Despite these strengths, Liquid Web’s higher uptime guarantee and advanced support systems make it the better choice for maximum reliability.

🏆 Winner:
Liquid Web: Offers a wide range of high-performance hosting options and outstanding customer support.

When evaluating general performance, Liquid Web stands out with its optimized VPS plans using AMD EPYC processors, NVMe or SSD storage, and impressive 10 Gbps network speeds. It offers high availability through multi-server environments and both managed WordPress and WooCommerce hosting with efficient caching methods and CDN. With data centers located globally, Liquid Web ensures minimal latency. On the other hand, StableHost provides SSD drives, unlimited bandwidth, and clustered DNS through its data centers in Phoenix, Chicago, and Amsterdam. It also supports LiteSpeed web servers and automatic node failover.

Website speed

Liquid Web’s website speed is enhanced by AMD EPYC processors, NVMe storage, and a 10 Gbps network. Managed WordPress and WooCommerce hosting include image compression and Cloudflare-powered CDN to further boost performance. In contrast, StableHost leverages customized LiteSpeed, PHP, and MySQL, along with a 200 Gbps network capable of handling traffic spikes efficiently. Both provide solid solutions, but Liquid Web offers slightly better overall speed optimization and traffic management features.

Scalability

Liquid Web supports easy scalability across its VPS, WordPress, WooCommerce, and cloud dedicated servers. It offers auto-scaling for managed WooCommerce hosting during high traffic periods, with dedicated servers boasting up to 128 GB RAM and 16 cores. The scaling process is straightforward with root access provided. On the other hand, StableHost offers automatic IO re-allocation and load balancing but lacks the detailed information on dedicated server options or cost of scaling. Liquid Web’s clear scalability benefits and available options edge it ahead in this area.

🏆 Winner Liquid Web: Offers robust security measures and comprehensive regulatory compliance solutions for sensitive data handling.

Technical security measures:

Liquid Web provides extensive security features including SSL certificates, firewalls, DDoS protection, intrusion detection systems, and web application firewalls. It offers multiple PHP versions to suit various applications. StableHost also provides SSL certificates, VPN services, and daily backups, along with PHP support ranging from 7.x to 8.x. Both providers ensure encrypted data with their SSL offerings. However, Liquid Web’s more advanced protective features, such as real-time DDoS attack protection and the F5 AIP Intrusion Detection System, give it a slight edge.

Operational security measures:

Liquid Web’s operational security includes manned facilities, closed circuit TV security cameras, and electronic perimeter access card systems. It supports real-time monitoring and offers a high-availability network. StableHost, on the other hand, provides 24/7 server monitoring, virus/spam filtering, and security audits with extended penetration testing and VPN services. While both offer robust operational security, Liquid Web’s physical security measures alongside 24/7 on-site support and manned data centers enhance its overall security posture.

Compliance and certifications:

Liquid Web meets various regulatory requirements, including GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI, positioning it as a versatile option across different industries. It holds multiple certifications like SSAE-22 and Safe Harbor Compliance. StableHost complies with GDPR, supports PCI standards, and provides Personal Data Assistance Agreements, but lacks explicit HIPAA compliant services. Liquid Web’s wider range of compliance and certifications makes it more favorable for enterprises with stringent security needs.

🏆 Winner Liquid Web: Offering fully managed, high-performance, and compliant hosting solutions, Liquid Web stands out as the top choice in this comparison.

Both Liquid Web and StableHost provide an array of features designed to cater to diverse hosting needs. Liquid Web excels with its fully managed hosting that includes proactive management, security updates, and 24/7 support. It also offers high availability hosting and compliant solutions like HIPAA and PCI, making it ideal for users with specific regulatory needs. Additionally, Liquid Web supports various hosting environments such as VMware Private Cloud, Managed VPS Hosting, Windows Hosting, and Managed WooCommerce and WordPress Hosting. Tools for website development include access to Plesk and cPanel, which facilitate user-friendly site management experiences. On the other hand, StableHost offers a practical and straightforward setup with unlimited FTP accounts, a site builder through Site.Pro, and Softaculous for easy script installations. It focuses on budget-conscious users needing SSD storage and SSH access at an additional fee.

Key differences emerge in their service configurations. Liquid Web’s dedicated high-availability setup, proactive monitoring, and managed solutions provide an edge for enterprises and websites requiring intensive resources and reliability. StableHost, however, is effective for smaller projects or users seeking a cost-efficient solution with essential features like unlimited MySQL databases and daily backups using R1Soft. This tailored offering ensures that both novice and experienced users can find their suitable match, whether they need high-end managed hosting with Liquid Web or a simplified, budget-friendly option with StableHost.

Both providers support a range of users from beginners to experts with user-friendly website builders and WordPress staging areas. However, in terms of developer tools, both Liquid Web and StableHost offer robust options including SSH access, support for multiple programming languages, and Git for version control, thus appealing to developers looking for advanced capabilities.

Email services:

Liquid Web and StableHost both provide robust email hosting services. Liquid Web includes unlimited email accounts as part of its managed hosting plans, supporting various business needs like custom domains and mail forwarding. StableHost also offers unlimited email accounts, forwards, auto responders, and mailing lists, enhancing versatility in setting up email campaigns. Both providers incorporate virus and spam filtering, but Liquid Web integrates these within its broader security offerings, while StableHost focuses on more standalone, user-friendly email features.

🏆 Winner Liquid Web: Offering extensive managed hosting plans with powerful features suited for businesses of all sizes.

Evaluating the pricing of plans among various hosting providers can be complex due to their differing pricing and renewal strategies. Additionally, certain plans require annual commitments, which adds to the difficulty of making comparisons. The prices listed are based on monthly commitments; plans requiring annual commitments are indicated. Additionally, although some providers offer identical plans for WordPress and shared hosting, we have created separate tables for each to enhance clarity.

When comparing the pricing plans of Liquid Web and StableHost, it’s evident that both providers cater to a range of hosting needs. Liquid Web offers comprehensive managed WooCommerce, WordPress, VPS, and dedicated server hosting with features that scale up significantly at higher tiers. Conversely, StableHost’s plans focus more on affordability, offering cost-effective shared and VPS hosting options with unlimited resources. Liquid Web’s dedicated support and high scalability for businesses handling large traffic volumes stand out, while StableHost’s budget-friendly plans attract smaller projects and personal sites.

Enterprise plans

Liquid Web provides tailored plans with managed security, databases, load balancers, and disaster recovery, ensuring top-tier support for large businesses. StableHost offers competitive reseller and VPS hosting plans that can theoretically be scaled for enterprise needs but lacks the extensive enterprise-focused services that Liquid Web affords. Liquid Web is more suited for businesses looking for dedicated enterprise features.

🏆 Winner Liquid Web: Liquid Web offers user-friendly managed hosting solutions with comprehensive support and resources.

Liquid Web provides a variety of control panels, including InterWorx, Plesk, and WHM/cPanel, making it accessible for both technical and non-technical users. These control panels come with easy-to-use interfaces that streamline server and website management. Additionally, the Managed WordPress Hosting offered by Liquid Web simplifies site management with automatic plugin updates and proactive monitoring. Conversely, StableHost uses cPanel for shared and reseller servers and SolusVM for VPS hosting, both of which are designed to be user-friendly. They also offer Site.Pro Web Builder for those preferring a drag-and-drop interface, appealing to users without coding knowledge.

When it comes to migration tools, Liquid Web sets itself apart with complimentary migrations for new server orders across most hosting control panels like InterWorx, Plesk, and cPanel. This service alleviates the technical burden on users during the migration process. StableHost also facilitates migrations but doesn’t specify whether the service is complimentary, potentially leading to additional costs for the user.

Both hosting providers have strong help center resources. Liquid Web’s Knowledge Base is comprehensive, covering a wide range of topics with articles, tutorials, and step-by-step solutions. They also guarantee rapid initial responses via phone, chat, and helpdesk tickets. StableHost’s Help Center is also extensive, featuring articles and guides on various topics, and offers 24/7 support with a notably quick response time.

The platforms provide extensive knowledge bases filled with guides, how-to articles, and instructional content. Liquid Web offers a wide range of resources alongside 24/7 chat and phone support. StableHost also boasts a detailed help center with an intuitive search function and around-the-clock support via live chat, phone, and ticketing, ensuring comprehensive user support.

🏆 Winner Liquid Web: Liquid Web provides an extensive suite of user management features in Plesk that cater well to various administrative needs.

Liquid Web offers detailed user role management capabilities within Plesk, allowing for the creation, modification, and removal of user accounts in both Service Provider and Power User views. The platform supports four default user roles: Administrator, Webmaster, Application User, and Accountant. This versatility in user roles allows administrators to finely tune permissions and responsibilities. In contrast, StableHost does not provide specific information about user role management, making it challenging to compare directly. Therefore, Liquid Web stands out for its flexibility in defining and managing user roles and permissions.

Liquid Web’s user interface in Plesk is designed for ease of use, providing clear pathways for accessing user management features. In the Service Provider view, user accounts and roles are easily accessible via the Subscriptions page and Users tab. The Power User view simplifies this by presenting a list of user accounts directly from the main menu. The intuitive design ensures administrators can quickly navigate and manage user settings. Unfortunately, the lack of detailed information on StableHost’s user interface for managing user accounts makes it harder to assess its user-friendliness compared to Liquid Web’s Plesk interface.

For managing access control and handling a growing number of users, Liquid Web offers robust tools within Plesk. Administrators can create additional administrator accounts, ensuring effective delegation and streamlined management. The specificity of roles and permissions means each user has clearly defined access, reducing the risk of unauthorized actions. Without detailed insights into StableHost’s capabilities, it’s difficult to judge their effectiveness in this area. Liquid Web’s approach seems more geared towards scalability and efficient user management.

Liquid Web User Roles Table:

🏆 Winner
Liquid Web: Offers the most responsive and dedicated customer support.

Liquid Web provides an extensive customer support system, boasting a 59-second initial response time for phone and chat and a 59-minute initial response guarantee for helpdesk tickets. Their support is available 24/7/365 and includes highly trained, certified technicians, specialized managed hosting advisors, and dedicated account executives. Liquid Web also has a high Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 67, indicating a strong customer satisfaction level.

StableHost offers a simpler support structure with 24/7 technical support and sales and billing support available 9 AM – 5 PM (MST). While it provides phone, email, and live chat support, it lacks the dedicated enterprise support and specialized teams that Liquid Web offers. This limited support structure is reflected in their lower NPS and overall user satisfaction score.

Liquid Web vs StableHost: User feedback

User feedback for the hosting provider is highly polarized. Many long-term customers highlight a significant decline in service quality, stating that the once-excellent customer support and reliability have deteriorated dramatically, causing frequent outages, slower load times, and unresponsive support. These users express frustration over questionable billing practices and ill-informed technical help, urging others to avoid the provider. On the other hand, some users praise the company for its proactive, knowledgeable, and prompt support, emphasizing excellent uptime and reliability. These contrasting reviews suggest a mixed experience, with some users experiencing severe service issues while others remain highly satisfied.

StableHost receives high praise for its reliable performance and excellent customer support, often described as prompt and helpful. Users appreciate its ease of integration, comprehensive setup guides, and rich feature set, making it an ideal choice for both novice and advanced users. While some advanced users find certain functionalities lacking and note higher pricing compared to budget-friendly options, the overall consensus is positive due to its strong uptime and user-friendly interface. The plans are seen as reasonably priced, especially with available discounts, though some users miss the immediate tech support response times of the past.

Liquid Web vs StableHost: FAQ